Reminiscences – Barrowsgate

Mairry in Haste

Dec 16, 1943

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A cautionary tale. After a gap of eighteen months, this was Barrowsgate’s only newspaper column in 1943 and marked the end of his writing career. It would be a further six years before any further articles were published or broadcast, and these would all be rehashes of earlier works. [Note: I am seeking a better…

Nae Like the Aul Days

Jun 5, 1941

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate reflects on changing times around this time of year. Note: The start of this piece is the same as an early Bittie from six years previously.

Cushies Mystery Sheltie

Mar 24, 1941

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Cushie loads up his pony and cart with potatoes that he can sell in Kildronan and buy himself some drinks with the proceeds. After several hours’ drinking and well-lubricated, he calls for his pony so he can journey home. He is confused when he sees his pony as it doesn’t look quite right

Frostit tae a Stan’still

Feb 8, 1940

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

With snow and ice hitting Buchan, Barrowsgate remembers the winter of 1894, which was even worse. Context: January 1940 was the coldest month on record for almost 50 years, and would ultimately become the second coldest January of the 20th century. The icy weather continued throughout February 1940.

Lookin’ Back

Aug 17, 1939

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate recalls an old ploughman, Tosh who gave as good as he got.

Happy Days

Dec 31, 1937

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

As another year ends, Barrowsgate reminisces about the tricks he used to play on people at Hogmanay.

Leeks an’ Recollections

Sep 10, 1937

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in Bitties Fae Barrowsgate, Observations, Writings

While picking leeks, Barrowsgate recalls the time when Cork Farquhar from Kilmaur got drunk in Kildronan and lost all the leeks he had been given.

The Day We Haud

Dec 24, 1936

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in Observations, Writings

Barrowsgate is fond of the Scottish customs and traditions around New Year and remembers the children in his village would go knocking at Hogmanay for presents.