Leopard Magazine
The North-East lost one of its favourite writers last month with the death of Bob Smith, former editor of the Evening Express and author of many’s a fine book – histories, countryside guides and stories – all local bestsellers. We send our sincere condolences to his wife Sheila, and their family.
On a happier note, Aberdeen celebrates the Scotland the What? team being awarded the Freedom of the City. Humour is priceless, and Buff, Steve and George deserve our united thanks for making us laugh, year after year.
I’m so sad to hear of the closure of the Up-Town baths, where I – and so many others Aberdonians – learned to swim… and where I had my nose broken when I was pushed in, but that’s a story for another day.
We’re pleased to see Sandy Fenton back on form this month, regaling us with the life and times of the fairm chiels. Sandy’s latest book, The Food of the Scots, will be reviewed in the summer edition of Leopard.
The Toulmin competition, featured in the March edition, generated 78 short stories. The winner will be announced on 9 May at Kings College, where Sheena Blackhall will read the winning story. Tickets are free, so do come along.
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Recent articles
From the May 2008 edition
Hidden beauties of our North Sea
Staring out across Aberdeen beach, the waves crashing on the shore, the sea a mass of grey-green and swirling white foam, it is hard to imagine that there could be much in the way of life lurking beneath those waves. Yet don a mask and snorkel and another world is revealed, overflowing with a wealth of spectacular marine life.
continued »Filed under: EnvironmentThe fall of Brucklay Castle
Nestled in a thicket of trees just beyond New Deer, Brucklay Castle has stood for over 400 years. Originally called Brock’s Hillock, the castle site was no more than a badger set.
continued »Filed under: Architecture HistoryFrom the April 2008 edition
What Jessie Kesson thought about Skene
Jessie Kesson went from the slums of Elgin, where her mother was a prostitute, to an orphanage, then on to a hard life in service and on the land. Eventually her talent for writing brought her recognition.
continued »Filed under: History PeopleThe end of an era at Barra
One of Aberdeenshire’s most attractive castles reached the end of an era last year with the death of Mrs Mhairi Bogdan, the last of the Ramsay and Irvine families for whom the castle had been home for more than 250 years.
continued »Filed under: People HistoryFrom the March 2008 edition
The love that never dared
Elizabeth Craigmyle – a pupil of the Aberdeen High School for Girls – and Charles Murray were almost exact contemporaries. Their lives and poetry, however, could not have been more different. While Murray’s poems gave an insight into prevailing opinion, Bessie wrote of her love for Maggie Dale, with whom she had what the Victorians called a ‘romantic friendship’.
continued »Filed under: History People