History Archives - Page 7 of 20

City Date For Hector: The True Story Of ‘Fighting Mac’

Aberdeen City, Featured, Information No Responses »

Oct 082015

With thanks to Liz Smith.

The Scottish Premiere of Hector, a co-production between Eden Court, Comar and Ed Littlewood Production, opens on Wednesday 21 October at Eden Court, Inverness, followed by an extensive Scottish tour and concludes with two performances at the Ambassadors Theatre, London in December. Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree will host the production on Tuesday October 27.

The play tells the story of a crofter’s son, Hector MacDonald, who became a Knight of the Realm and Queen Victoria’s favourite general.

Kate Nelson directs and Steven Duffy plays Scottish legend and fallen hero Sir Hector MacDonald and features a stellar cast including Gowan Calder, Stevie Hannan, Raj Ghatak, Valentine Hanson and Kevin Lennon.

The Composer and Sound Designer is Pippa Murphy, Artist in Residence at the Scottish Parliament, set design is by Ali Maclaurin and lighting design by Simon Wilkinson.

Based on new and extensive research Hector reveals the true story of “Fighting Mac”, Sir Hector MacDonald, and is an exploration of the elitist English class system, the poisonous influence of rumour and gossip and the devastating power of the global press.

Rising from humble beginnings, MacDonald was the son of a crofter, born and raised on the Black Isle to Gaelic speaking, Presbyterian parents. After briefly working as an apprentice to a draper, he joined the army and rose through the ranks to become an NCO.

As a result of distinguished service during the Second Afghan War he was offered either the Victoria Cross or a commission. Unusually he took the commission and eventually rose to the rank of Major General. He was knighted in 1901. Following his appointment as Commander of Ceylon, allegations of scandalous liaisons surfaced, and he was forced to return home under a cloud.

Sir Hector MacDonald is buried in Edinburgh, as are his wife and son. He did not have a military funeral and despite the efforts of his family to have a private burial, 30,000 people turned out to pay their respects. Today, in Scotland, he is still considered a hero and a statue to commemorate his memory was erected in Dingwall in 1907 and an annual service of thanksgiving and remembrance for his life of is still celebrated in Malbuie, his birth place.

Was he guilty? Or was he the victim of a plot fabricated by an English Establishment to remove a Gaelic-speaking upstart who got above himself? The only way to find out is to book now for an evening packed with suspense, tension and drama.

Hector is a new production of So Great a Crime, originally developed at the Finborough Theatre in 2013

Hector is supported by Creative Scotland

Listings Information:

Eden Court, Inverness

Wednesday 21 October 7.30pm
Tickets: £16/£14
Box Office 01463 234 234
www.eden-court.co.uk

Paisley Arts Centre

Friday 23 October 7.30pm
Tickets: £10/£6 + £1 booking fee
Box Office 0300 300 1210
www.renfrewshireleisure.com/arts

The Brunton, Musselburgh

Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.50/£10.50 Under 18s £7.50
Box Office: 0131 665 2240
www.thebrunton.co.uk

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Tuesday 27 October 7pm
Tickets: £13.20
Box Office 01224 641122
www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/venues/the-lemon-tree

The Kirkgate, Cockermouth

Thursday 29 October 7.30pm
Tickets: £12/£8
Box Office 01900 826448
www.thekirkgate.com

Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy

Friday 30 October 7.30pm
Tickets: £12.50/£10.50
Box Office 01592 583302
www.onfife.com

Birnam Arts, Dunkeld

Wednesday 4 November 7.30pm
£12/£10/£5 U16s
Box Office: 01350 727674
www.birnamarts.com

Woodend Barn, Banchory

Thursday 5 November at 7.30pm
Tickets: from £6.50-£11.00
Box Office 01330 825 431
www.woodendbarn.co.uk

The Byre Theatre, St Andrews

Friday 6 November at 7.30pm
Tickets: £12/£10
Box Office 01334 475000
www.byretheatre.com

Gardyne Theatre, Dundee

Saturday 7 November 7.30pm
Tickets: £12
Box Office 01382 434940
www.gardynetheatre.org.uk

Traverse Theatre, Cambridge Street, Edinburgh

Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 November 7.30pm
Tickets: £16/£13/£8
Box Office 0131 228 1404
www.traverse.co.uk

Druimfin, Tobermory

Saturday 14 November at 7.30pm
Tickets: £10/£8
Box Office: 01688 302211

Astley Hall, Arisaig

Tuesday 17 November 7.30pm
Tickets: £8/£6
01687 450264 & on the door

SEALL@Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, Isle of Skye

Wednesday 18 November at 7.30pm
£12/£5 students
Tickets 01471 844207
www.seall.co.uk

Victory Hall, Benderloch

Thursday 19 November 8pm
Tickets: £9/£7
01631 720498

Innellan Village Hall, by Dunoon

Friday 20 November 8pm
Tickets on the door: £9/£7

Ambassadors Theatre, London

Wednesday 9 December at 2.30pm & 7.30pm
Box Office 08448 112 334

The Saga Of Cove Harbour Continues

Aberdeenshire, Environment 21 Responses »

Sep 252015

By Jim Adam, Cove Fishermen’s Association.

On 25th April 2014, the fishermen of Cove were issued with an ultimatum by Mr Pahled Kolhe via his solicitors, McKinnons, to remove their vessels and all associated equipment from the harbour within 14 days.

Otherwise, as then stated, Mr Kolhe “may then be forced to take legal steps for its removal.”

Needless to say no boats or equipment were removed from the harbour in the intervening period, neither did any court proceedings commence.

In the interim Mr Kolhe changed his solicitors from McKinnons to Stronachs and subsequently contracted two separate site surveys of the harbour area to be carried out, firstly by DM Hall ( their report was never completed) and subsequently by CKD Galbraith. The report from the latter indicated the majority of vessels and equipment supposedly within Kolhe’s property.

On the 26th August 2015, a second ultimatum was issued via Kolhe’s solicitors, Stronachs, stating that the fishermen:

“have no rights or title to store fishing vessels or equipment” on their clients property and

“if these fishing vessels, equipment and winch huts are not removed within 14 days of this date (26th August, 2015) our client will commence court proceedings against your clients to enable him to obtain vacant possession of his land”

In addition to this demand, Kolhe insists in the same letter that there shall be no parking of vehicles in the harbour area otherwise he:

“will have no alternative but to raise proceedings to prevent this.”

To support this view, Kolhe has had a metal sign erected at the entrance to the harbour area, with the wording – “Cove Harbour Private Property”.

Generations of fishermen have worked out of Cove harbour for the best part of 4 hundred years. The harbour was a natural inlet which provided a safe haven for the men to beach their vessels and to land catches as well as provide areas to store, dry and maintain their fishing gear. These activities have been pursued continuously, without hinder, ‘til present,

Within the last 150 years, the harbour has undergone upgrade in the form of two piers being constructed as well as a metalled access road, the latter being funded via donations from the local community and by Kincardineshire council.

The harbour has always been a great attraction for visitors, either simply to take in the fantastic scenery or to pursue recreational activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, photography, rock climbing, fishing, rock pooling, boating, picnics, swimming, to name but a few.

It is therefore somewhat concerning to think that there is an individual attempting to gain “vacant possession” of the majority of the land and shingle beach at the harbour and who seems hell-bent on preventing people from accessing the harbour by car or other vehicle either to carry out their business or simply for recreational purposes.

Who knows what the final outcome will be – but for the time being no boats or equipment are being removed and fishermen will continue to go about their business as usual.

Note: the majority of the boats at the harbour are registered and licenced fishing vessels and people do actually derive a living from their fishing activities, which is now under threat.

To demonstrate your support for the fishermen and for your rights to continue to use Cove harbour, you can post your views and sign the petition on Facebook page ‘Save the fishing boats of Cove harbour‘.

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Motoring Memorabilia For Sale At Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Sep 182015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

Grampian Transport Museum will again be offering motoring enthusiasts the chance to clear out the garage or workshop with this year’s Autumn Autojumble.

The annual event, which takes place on Sunday 27th September, sees traders from across the country converge to sell a wide range of automotive parts, memorabilia, miscellanea and even vehicles.

One vehicle which is to go on display for sale this year is a 1987 Ford Fiesta XR2i which has been part of a key display inside the museum in 2015.

The Fiesta has spent the season next to the museum’s Rover SD1 Vitesse police car. The Rover found fame on the Channel 4 show ‘For the Love of Cars’ when broadcast in April.

Alongside the traditional categories this year’s Jumble has now been extended to include general car boot, trade and craft stalls ensuring there really is something for everyone. As well as providing the opportunity to clear space in the garage or shed, the Autojumble provides the ideal opportunity to find a new winter project.

Gates open to the public at 9am with admission just £3 for adults and children under the age of 16 are admitted free of charge.

The museum will also be offering reduced price admission, meaning visitors can enjoy the 2015 exhibition including the Made in Scotland display or the only Ferrari Enzo on show in Scotland – one of only 400 ever produced!

Anyone who wishes to book a stall can do so for just £12 in advance, which includes 2 complimentary passes to the museum. Entries will be accepted on the day at £15 on a first come, first served basis.

GTM Club Confirmed For World Final At Rockingham.

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Sep 142015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The Grampian Transport Museum (GTM) Young Engineers Club is enjoying another successful season following a podium finish at the Scottish heat of the Greenpower F24 championship.

The race, which took place at East Fortune on Sunday 6th September, saw the Alford team finish both races in 1st place with the Alford Bullet, while the team’s second vehicle – the Alford Spyder – finished in 2nd place.

The Young Engineers Club was formed in 2008 and competes annually in the international Formula 24 (F24) race organised by Greenpower.

Teams race against each other over two 90 minute races with the winner being the team that goes furthest using a standard set of batteries and motor. The team will now compete with both vehicles at the world final, which takes place at Rockingham racing circuit in Northamptonshire, on Sunday 11th October.

The team would like to thank all their supporters and helpers together with their 2015 sponsors which include BP, EnQuest, TAQA, Scots Bearings, Whittaker Engineering and the Rotary Club of Alford and District.

Paul Lawson, vice chairman of the Grampian Transport Museum Trust said:

“The GTM is very proud of the achievements of the Young Engineers Club which is an important element of our educational programme to promote science and technology; we wish the team members and their supporters well for the final in October and thank all our sponsors for their support”

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Annual Motorcycle Event Draws In Over 5,000 Visitors

Aberdeenshire, Information No Responses »

Sep 102015

Museum volunteer Symon Hollingdale with star guest Carl Fogarty

Museum volunteer Symon Hollingdale with the event’s star guest Carl Fogarty

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The 33rd Grampian Motorcycle Convention took place at the Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, on Sunday 6th September. 5259 ‘delegates’ attended, the second biggest crowd in the event’s 33 year history.

Visitors to the event – one of the best of its kind in Britain – enjoyed a day of fantastic entertainment and action. This year the weather was on side too, in stark contrast to the atrocious weather conditions visitors endured in 2014.

Visitors with a driving licence were able to take part in the action, with a free 15 minute session on the ‘Try Trails’ which proved very popular.

Inside the arena there was entertainment, with the On the Edge stunt team, providing demonstrations which combined trails riding, motocross and precision riding. The pursuit and Supermoto races proved as popular as ever, demonstrating speedway style riding skills in front of a packed grandstand.

This year the organisers were delighted to welcome 4 times world Superbike champion and King of the Jungle Carl Fogarty as the Convention’s star guest. Carl proved to be a real hit with the public and was happy to pose for selfies and sign autographs.

The finale of the event came in the form of the Moped Mayhem and with 49 teams signed up, organisers found themselves turning away late entries.

The Grampian Motorcycle Convention is run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club and is a regular fixture in the museum’s busy outdoor programme. The 34th Convention is due to be held on Sunday 4th September 2016.

If Goalposts Could Talk – Inverurie Locos Book Launched

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Sep 102015

As part of the Garioch World of Words Festival, Inverurie Loco Works FC this week hosted the official launch of ‘If Goalposts Could Talk – The Life and Times of Inverurie Loco Works Football Club’. Duncan Harley reports.

Researched and written by club historian David R. Fasken, the 400pp book covers the period from the clubs founding in 1902 right up to the present day.

Three years in the writing, the book includes a foreword by the current Scottish Football Association President and former Loco’s player Alan McRae

Fully illustrated with both GNSR and Loco team photos – many previously unpublished – the book explores the formation of the club – a full year prior to the founding of Aberdeen FC – and reveals the origins of that famous red and black strip.

This social and sporting history authoritatively records the trials and tribulations of a team founded by the railway workers of the Great North of Scotland Railway Company.

From early days as a successful Junior Club through to entry to the Highland League in 2001, the Locos have played uninterrupted at Harlaw Park for well over a century.

Famous past players such as Kintore born, Loco half back and twice Scotland Manager, Andy Beattie take centre place alongside 1920’s local heroes Willie “Winkie” Young and Henry “Corker” Ross.

Fans of the club will relish this book and residents of Inverurie will recognise many of the players and events described.

This is not just another football club history. The matches, the scores and the long journey to Highland League status feature in detail – but alongside these, the author has woven a finely crafted tale of local lads, local pride and local history.

“If Goalposts Could Talk” is essential reading for sports fans everywhere plus anyone interested in the social and industrial history of Scotland, Inverurie and the North East.

If Goalposts Could Talk – By David R. Fasken

Available from local outlets such as Strachans and Gibbs of Inverurie plus the club website at: www.inverurielocoworks.co.uk from 8th September price £20.

The September edition of Leopard Magazine features a full review of the book.

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Forty Years Of The Forties Field

Aberdeen City, Articles, Featured 1 Response »

Sep 072015

By Mike Shepherd.

This month marks the 40th anniversary of first oil from the Forties field in September 1975.

A quick search of the internet and you will find photographs of the Queen inaugurating the Forties field on the 3rd November 1975. But don’t tell her majesty, the Forties field was already in operation by that time.

It wasn’t quite the first oil on stream from the UK side; the Argyll field had been producing since June that year, but given the scale of the Forties development, it was a major event.

The Forties field figures prominently in my new book Oil Strike North Sea which is out next week.

In terms of reserves it is the largest field in the UK North Sea and deserves attention for that alone; but not only that, I was to take a prominent role in its development and this allows me to give a first-hand account of what it takes to operate a North Sea field.

Between 1981 and 1986, I was responsible from the geology side in planning a large number of wells in the oil field. I worked both onshore and offshore. After planning the wells in British Petroleum’s (BP) office in Dyce, working closely with the drilling engineers, I would then go offshore to monitor the reservoir section. Amongst other responsibilities, I would tell the drillers when to stop once we were below the oil pay.

The Forties field wasn’t the first commercial oil field discovered on the UK side, that honour goes to Amoco’s Montrose field which was discovered in 1969. When Amoco discovered oil in the first well, the offshore personnel were astonished. They were looking for gas and had no idea that there was oil in the North Sea. Other companies had come across oil shows in wells before, but had kept this highly secret.

There were no sample jars for oil on the rig, so the first sample of commercial oil in the North Sea was brought onshore in a pickle jar that had been grabbed from the rig’s galley.

Amoco had hired the Sea Quest drilling rig from BP to drill the well and handed it back afterwards. The BP geologists were rather surprised to find that a copy of a log showing that oil had been found had arrived with the rig. It had been accidently left on board.

BP had identified the Forties prospect on their seismic data, a massive dome covering 90 square kilometres. It looked enormous and the unintended gift from Amoco gave them comfort that there could be an oil field there.

Yet the BP management had been most reluctant to drill the prospect and for good reasons too; the oil price had been low since 1950 as a result of the large-scale production from the Middle East and North Africa, and a large offshore field requiring very expensive infrastructure could not be assured to make a profit. On top of that, the engineering capability of providing the infrastructure was an unknown, the oil companies had never ventured into such deep and stormy waters.

One of the reasons BP drilled the discovery well was out of desperation. BP had been thrown out of several countries after the oil had been nationalised and the future of the company was somewhat uncertain at the time. It was only with the Yom Kippur war in 1973, when the oil price quadrupled on the back of OPEC sanctions, was it likely that the North Sea would be a profitable concern.

The Forties field is still producing after forty years, with over 2.7 billion barrels of oil recovered. The current operator Apache is still actively chasing the remaining oil in the field by drilling new wells. The Forties field, like many other fields in the North Sea had not been expected to have produced for as long as they have. It’s a testament to the amazing skills developed in the North Sea that our fields have recovered so much oil.

The book launch for Oil Strike North Sea is at Waterstones in Union Street on Wednesday 9th September at 7pm, all are welcome.

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Motorcycle Convention Returns To Transport Museum

Aberdeenshire, Featured, Information No Responses »

Sep 042015

With thanks to Martyn Smith.

The 33rd Grampian Motorcycle Convention takes place at the Grampian Transport Museum showground this Sunday 6th September.
Having grown from its vintage and classic roots into the museum’s biggest event of the year, the Convention is justifiably recognised as one of the very best motorcycle shows in Britain.

Performing throughout the day will be the On the Edge stunt team – providing a unique mix of precision riding, the skills of a trials rider mixed with those of a freestyle motocross rider.

Using their truck as part of their act, On the Edge are guaranteed to impress with a mix of wheelies on both the front and back wheels, drop offs and vertical 15ft jumps. Their show has to be seen to be believed!

The convention famously introduced Moped Mayhem to Scotland back in 1984 and this year will be no different, with the moped riders ensuring a laugh a minute – all at a top speed of 30mph!

This year the Convention is delighted to welcome 4 times World Superbike champion and current ‘King of the Jungle’ Carl Fogarty as special guest.
Run by the Bon Accord Motorcycle Club the Convention line up is complete with Supermoto Racing on the oval track, demonstrating speedway style riding skills, along with Pursuit Racing demonstrating road bikes racing at high speed. There are also Classic Bike demonstrations including legendary names of the past such as Triumph and Norton.

The latest two-wheeled machines and accessories will be on display at a great trade show and visitors with a current bike license will also be able to get ‘hands on’ with the action, with a free 15 minute lesson on the Try Trials.

With free parking and a FREE Park & Ride service, great food and expert commentary make the Convention a truly special day out and one which enthusiasts regularly travel hundreds of miles to attend.

Gates open at 10am and the arena activities get underway at 11am. Family tickets are available, priced at just £25, admission for adults is £10, children £5 and concessions £7.

Salmond Calls Posthumous Pardon For Scottish Radicals

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Tom Collins, Press Officer, Rt. Hon. Alex Salmond MP MSP

Former First Minister, Alex Salmond MSP (Aberdeenshire East) MP (Gordon) has called for a posthumous pardon for Thomas Muir and his fellow radicals tried and transported for sedition in 1793/94.

Mr Salmond said:

“The exploits of Muir, a pioneer of democratic political reform and Scottish independence, are recognised in the monument at Old Calton Cemetery.

“However, the trumped up charge by the notorious Lord Braxfield of ‘unconscious sedition’ still stands against the names of Muir, Palmer, Skirving, Margarot and Gerrald. It is time to set the record straight”

Mr Salmond delivered the inaugural Thomas Muir lecture at St Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh on Monday (24th August).

He Continued:

“This 250th anniversary of Muir’s birth is an opportunity to re-examine the historical record with a view to pointing the way to a better future for Scotland.

“Robert Burns penned Scots Wha Hae on the day that Muir was tried in late August 1793. Burns wrote to his publisher George Thomson that he had been inspired by Bruce’s struggle for freedom ‘associated with glowing ideas of some other struggles of the same nature not quite so ancient’. That is the clearest possible reference to Muir’s trial and the Friends of the People movement.

“For Burns and for Muir the radical cause of reform and progress was inextricably linked with the national cause in Scotland. So it is for this generation.

“In his speech before the Court of Judiciary, Muir said: ‘Gentlemen, from infancy to this moment I have devoted myself to the cause of the people. It is a good cause – it shall ultimately prevail – it shall finally triumph’.

“His friend William Skirving said from the dock: ‘I know that what has been done these two days will be rejudged’.

“We have the ability to do this in Scotland and we should do it now to reclaim the position of these founders of democracy in Scotland.”

Mr Salmond praised Elaine Henry of Word Power Books in Edinburgh who organised the lecture and Murray Armstrong, author of “The Liberty Tree”, a historical novel, which recounts the story of John Muir and the Friends of John Muir who have campaigned to place this founding father of Scottish democratic reform back to prominence.

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[Aberdeen Voice accepts and welcomes contributions from all sides/angles pertaining to any issue. Views and opinions expressed in any article are entirely those of the writer/contributor, and inclusion in our publication does not constitute support or endorsement of these by Aberdeen Voice as an organisation or any of its team members.]

Bon Accord & St Nicholas Celebrates Birthday In Style

Aberdeen City, Information No Responses »

Aug 282015

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus Mix.

Thousands of shoppers came together at the weekend to celebrate a city centre shopping mall’s 25th birthday.
Bon Accord & St Nicholas celebrated the milestone on Saturday (August 22) with a day of fun filled events that saw staff, both old and new, retailers and visitors step back to the 90s to mark the anniversary.

Visitors flocked to the Bon Accord mall to join in the fun, with a pop-up 90s museum, retro games, competitions, and a throwback to the fashion of the times proving popular.

The party atmosphere continued throughout the weekend, with 90s films and music being played, helping visitors gain a glimpse of what life was like when the centre was opened by Her Majesty the Queen in August, 1990.

This weekend’s Celebrate Aberdeen event also rolled into the centre, with performances from the Tranquillity Wild West re-enactment group, Create Rock Choir, Sweet Adelines barbershop choir and folk singer Iona Fyfe adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Craig Stevenson, manager of Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said:

“We’ve had a fantastic weekend and I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who visited us over the two days. The mall was a buzz of excitement and it was great to see so many help us celebrate our 25th birthday in style.

“The retro arcade games proved really popular with visitors, so much so that we’re keeping them within the mall for the next week. The Celebrate Aberdeen weekend also added something extra to our line-up of activities and there really was something for everyone.

“It’s not every day a shopping centre turns 25 and I think that we’ve definitely managed to mark this milestone in style. Bon Accord & St Nicholas remains at the heart of the city’s retail scene and we’ll look to continue to develop and innovate to ensure that this remains the case in the coming years.

The centre’s celebrations will continue throughout September, with a number of the retro arcade games and parts of the exhibition being present in the mall across the coming weeks. For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com

Bon Accord & St Nicholas are at the heart of Aberdeen city centre’s retail sector, offering 840,000 sq ft of prime space and home to around 100 stores. Scotland’s largest Next, Aberdeen’s only Topshop and Topman standalone store as well as the City’s largest New Look and River Island are among the key retailers.

The centres, which attract an average of 275,000 visitors a week, are owned by BMO Real Estate Partners and managed by specialist retail agency Savills. For further on the centres visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com.

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