January is truly the longest month of the year, isn’t it? And it’s still going on. Like the snow: it went on for a bit too. It did rather brighten the dark days of the first half of the month, though.
The loch was misty after that.
BBC Radio 2
Then, one dark and stormy night, I was on the radio! I asked OJ Borg questions about the ancient Scottish fire festival the ‘Burning of the Clavie.’ It was fun, and you can hear it here. I’m 28 minutes in on the Midnight Mastermind feature; the recording will be available for another 28 days.
A couple of days ago two swans appeared on the loch. A sign of good things to come – bright days at least – I’m sure 🙂
Ancient Battle and Forbidden Romance
From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.
Set in 1st century Scotland, the novel includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. There’s a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.
The Waters of Philorth is a small nature reserve near Fraserburgh in Aberdeenshire.
History
The sheltered terrain of the reserve was created by the dunes, which in turn were inadvertently created by man during WW2. Large coils of barbed wire and concrete blocks were laid along the coastline to deter enemy invaders. Over time sand built up on them, plants grew, and the River Philorth changed course.
Let’s walk along beside the river. There’s a gull fishing.
I love the tall grasses.
The scenery grows more and more beach-like as we progress along the riverside path.
washed up fishing netlimpet
Beach
We finally reach the sea, and the town of Fraserburgh is visible in the distance.
We return by the higher dune path through the Waters of Philorth as dark clouds gather above us.
And a Castle!
Exiting onto the main road, leaving just in time to miss the sudden and heavy rainfall, we get a brief glimpse of Cairnbulg Castle through the trees. Read about it on the website of Lady Saltoun, Chief of the name and arms of Fraser.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.
Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.“
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
The Lang Stane (long stone) of Aberdeen is situated close to bustling and busy Union Street. Many places in the city are named after this stone, but most people don’t even know that it’s there. It’s hidden away on the corner of Langstane Place and Dee Street. The Music Hall can be seen in the background of these first two photos.
From Google Street View
History of the Lang Stane
There’s not a lot of documented history on the stone or how it came to be placed in the wall, though I have heard that this event happened in the 1960s. It’s shown as a solitary standing stone on a map from 1746, before Langstane Place was built.
Battles and Boundaries
The Lang Stane may have originally been part of a stone circle. The carved base is consistent with this idea, that anchor shape being common in the stones of Aberdeenshire recumbent circles (see a photo of an uprooted one in this post about the circle on Aikey Brae here). It is also thought to have been used as a boundary marker along with another old and mysterious stone, the Crabstane. Both stones may have borne stony witness to the 1571 Battle of Craibstone between Clans Forbes and Gordon.
Who carved the words on it, or when, I don’t know. But it was very naughty. There is also a faint six-pointed star just below the text, which is interesting but still desecration.
Visiting the Lang Stane
I like to pay the stone a wee visit when I’m in the vicinity, all tucked away and squished into its alcove as it is. There’s no scenic rolling hillsides or lush forests for the Lang Stane as enjoyed by its contemporaries…
The opening scene of FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE takes place in a stone circle, the story then travelling the old cobbled streets of Aberdeen before leaving Scotland’s shores.
There’s a lovely review of the book up on Pink Quill Books here: “This is a love story that transcends colour, race, and class, as Elizabeth grows from being a spoilt lady of the castle to a young woman who fiercely defends her closest friends.“
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE
Torn out of an isolated life in a Scottish castle, Elizabeth embarks on a determined quest to return home. Exhilarating adventures unfold on the high seas, love blossoms, and the chocolate, purchased in Benjamin Franklin’s printing shop, is delicious!
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were kidnapped from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.
The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special Offers
If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
I ran through St Nicholas Kirkyard, the first of the historical ‘witchy ways’, and down and round Correction Wynd, an old medieval lane in Aberdeen, to see this recent street art. I was due to meet people for breakfast, but determined to see the ‘Quine Shrine’ first. The reason being? That first part, on the left, honours those who were persecuted for witchcraft in Aberdeen, and one tile names a few of them, including the three women I chose to write about in The Mermaid and the Bear.
Survey of Scottish Witchcraft
The spellings are different, because spellings weren’t set back then, not like they are today. I chose to go with the way the names are recorded in the Survey Of Scottish Witchcraft from Edinburgh University. It was there that I learned, contrary to popular belief, that only a tiny proportion of those accused were midwives or folk healers; a mere 9 of the 3837 ‘witches’ in Scotland were midwives, and only 141 had some mention of healing in their cases. See the Introduction to Scottish Witchcraft
In my fictional account of these women’s lives, one of them is a midwife and healer, but this is not the reason for the accusations brought against the three quines.
So, with the quine shrine admired and appreciated, on to breakfast:
Turmeric Latte
The Tolbooth
Now fortified, off to gaol we go! It’s difficult to get good pictures in the 17th century Tolbooth, what with it being so dark due to having windows like this:
Let the sunshine pour in! A chain hangs from the wall
Prosecutions for Witchcraft in Aberdeen
I think I did a better job with photos the last time I was there, blogged here. That was when I first read these words:
I remember feeling overcome and distressed by the information, but it was then that I decided I was definitely going to write the book. Here’s that steeple, or its replacement, standing tall against the blue sky:
Back in 1597, there were two large bells in the original steeple. Now there’s an impressive carillon, and it started to play while I was eating my lunchtime chocolate ice cream in the kirkyard. This is not as creepy and strange as it sounds; there are benches and lots of people go there for lunch! I took a short video, so you can hear the bells.
Lunchtime bells
Pinterest
I’ve made a Pinterest board for the book, though it does seem to be rather focussed on the cheerier parts of the story.
If you like castles, Scotland, history, witches, stone circles and Christmas done medieval-style, you might like THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR. There’s also a love story.
The night before Ariel, a sixteen-year-old girl with a deformed hand, starts at the most prestigious dance school in Scotland, her mother tries to kill her.
Torn from a life where she never fitted in, Ariel quickly becomes the focus of a reality TV show. In the castle school, she forms deep friendships and meets Alexander, the best looking boy she’s ever seen. Together, they unravel the mysteries of the castle’s shadows and confront the demons of Ariel’s past.
Can she rise above a lifetime of pain and embrace the possibilities of fame and love that beckon to her?
‘Ariel: Dancing on TV’ is a mesmerising tale of resilience and the pursuit of a brighter future against all odds.
The Dule Tree at Leith Hall is said to have been used as both a gallows and a gibbet in the past. The house dates from the 17th century, so the macabre use of the tree probably does too.
Another Dule Tree Tradition
There is a gentler tradition associated with dule trees. They were possibly used as places of mourning. The word ‘dule’ derives from Gaelic, and means grief.
Me, actually in the tree, trying to take a photo from an interesting angle:
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features chosen sisters, fierce warriors, a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story. There’s 6 chapters of medieval Christmas too.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were kidnapped from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s proper derring-dos on the high seas… and there’s chocolate!
On the 9th day of Snowmas, my true love gave to me… an overnight frost (-12) and a small sprinkling of snow. Seriously. It has snowed on every day of the year so far.
The Tale of Snowmas
At first there were pink skies and a thin covering of snow.
And the odd whiteout.
Young oak trees held on to their leaves as the sky turned darker.
There was more snow, and then a hint of gold appeared on the horizon.
A thaw came one night, but it was quickly quelled. Snow soon coated branches and berries, along with everything else, once more.
A golden sun shone through the forest.
Fiery and bright…
And now it’s a blue, blue, blue Snowmas…
Did you know there was an 18th century child kidnapping ring in Aberdeen?
My novel FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the 600 children and young people who were taken from Aberdeen during the 1740s and sold into indentured servitude in the American Colonies.
Torn out of an isolated life in a Scottish castle, Elizabeth embarks on a determined quest to return home. Exhilarating adventures unfold on the high seas, love blossoms, and the chocolate, purchased in Benjamin Franklin’s printing shop, is delicious!
Off we go to Delgatie Castle in Aberdeenshire to visit the haunted library.
Delgatie Castle History
The castle dates from 1050 and has been added to many times over the centuries. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed there for three days after the Battle of Corrichie in 1562. The Hay family bought the castle fifty years ago to save it from ruin. The castle and estate are now run by a charitable trust.
Past the canons we go…
We walk between unicorns and through the door.
Up the stairs…
The castle is beautifully decorated for Christmas.
There are many, many Christmas trees, and many, many children counting them as part of a quiz.
We pass by beautiful beds:
The bed below has a red-haired ghost of its own, Rohaise; she visits men who dare sleep in the room by themselves!
There are more beautiful Christmas trees…
The Haunted Library
And then, finally, we come to the library door.
It’s lovely in the room, no sign of the ghost today.
Many years ago, a body was found in one of the walls of the library. It was in a crouching position, and it’s now thought this was probably a member of the family who was a monk. He may have hidden in the castle after the Reformation, and was then unable to be openly buried when he died. After his discovery, the ghost was frequently seen and an exorcism took place. A local minister dedicated the final resting place of the body.
There’s a Christmas tree in the library today.
Historical Fiction
My historical novels all involve dark events, romance and a little magic…
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD opens on a snowy winter solstice in 1st century Scotland and includes the ancient battle of Mons Graupius.
“Today’s feature is Ariel: Dancing on TV by Ailish Sinclair, a young adult contemporary romance that blends resilience, first love, and the complicated glare of public attention. Set at a prestigious Scottish dance school housed within a castle, this story opens with a shocking act of betrayal and follows a young girl determined to redefine her future on her own terms.
“Through dance, friendship, and unexpected connection, Ariel explores what it means to be seen—not just by the world, but by yourself.” See the review here on the blog of Gina Rae Mitchell.
The ground is solid, all the ruts and bumps, hard and crunchy under my feet as I climb the hill. And there on the top, small from this angle, is the Witch Stone.
It’s said that ‘witches’ were burned there in the past.
It’s quiet now. Cold. Peaceful.
Ladybirds are hibernating on the Witch Stone today. I hope they survive the season.
Chosen Sisters, Romans and Romance
From the misty hills of ancient Scotland emerges a tale of love, betrayal, and the fight for freedom. Join Morragh in SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD for an unforgettable journey.
Set in the 1st century, the story includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. There’s a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
The Performance: sometimes going home for Christmas is just one huge performance…
When Ariel returns home from dance college, her mother expects her to perform the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy in a pink, sequined tutu in front of many, many party guests. Ariel adjusts the costume and choreography to expose dark truths about her life, but, as it turns out, this is not the biggest performance of the night…
New Books and Special Offers
If you would like to hear about new books and special offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
There was a Christmas Fayre on when I last visited Fyvie Castle in 2023. It was all rather unexpected and enchanting.
Over on Twitter, Andrew Spratt, medieval re-enactor and ‘Man at Arms,’ worked his magic on an image I took on the day. It shows how the castle would have looked in the 15th century.
In the foyer, there was a pile of books. The Green Lady by Sue Lawrence is about the mistreated ghost of Fyvie Castle and is set in the past and the present. The Green Lady is said to have been starved to death by her husband. I made everybody read my endorsement on the back.
Up the stairs we go…
The castle was full of local artists and crafts people selling their wares. I bought some Christmas cards and – surprise, surprise – some chocolate.
The Music Room
Pianist Ronan Malster provided beautiful music. Hear it below:
As I left the castle, someone called, “Ailish! Come on, Ailish!”
I looked round, but it wasn’t me that was being called. There was a small child named Ailish, and she was being encouraged to hurry up by her parents. I felt encouraged too and hurried off to walk round the icy loch.
Historical Fiction
My historical novels all involve dark events, romance and a little magic and snow…
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD opens on a snowy winter solstice in 1st century Scotland and includes the ancient battle of Mons Graupius.
When dance student Amalphia Treadwell embarks on a secret relationship with her charismatic new teacher, she has no idea of the danger that lurks in his school in Scotland.
She’s soon dealing with her boyfriend’s obsessive ex, the strange research taking place at the castle school and her own ever-evolving relationship issues.
Amalphia works hard to be the best dancer she can be, but as tension builds within the old walls of the castle, she begins to wonder if she will ever escape the dank dark of the dungeon…
Dark, witty, sexy and fun, Tendu is a compelling and seductive story of unconventional love, dance and obsession.
It was a grey day when I set out to see the Brig o’ Balgownie in Old Aberdeen. Down a narrow cobbled street I travelled to visit one of Scotland’s oldest bridges.
But then, there was light!
I’m not sure why some of the lights on the bridge were on; maybe it was just such a dark day that they automatically activated. Or maybe they knew I was coming 😉
Anyway, trip-trap, trip-trap, over the bridge I went…
History of the Brig o’ Balgownie
The bridge was completed about 1320 at the behest of Robert the Bruce. It was almost completely rebuilt in 1605 when a fund was set up for its maintenance ‘in perpetuity.’ And, indeed, it remains in good condition today, complete with loops to tie up your horse.
Folklore
Talking of horses, Thomas the Rhymer made a prophecy about the bridge:
“Brig o’ Balgownie, black’s yer wa’;
Wi’ a wife’s ae son, and a meer’s ae foal,
Doon ye shall fa.’”
Translation: when an only child crosses the bridge on a horse that’s a foal and also an only child, it – the bridge – will fall down.
This made Lord Byron nervous about crossing the medieval bridge as a child, but he and his horse, and the bridge, survived.
Hunting High and Low
I wanted a good photo of the bridge taken from beside the river. So, down these steps I trotted:
However, walking along that side of the River Don didn’t provide any view of the bridge at all.
Trip-trap, trip-trap, and down the other side:
I stood in thick, clay-rich mud to take that photo, and then, up the hill I climbed… The more modern Bridge of Don can just be made out through the trees there.
It was tricky to get a proper view back to Balgownie through the foliage, but I eventually did. Ta-da!
The Manteith Collection
Aberdeen’s 1597 witchcraft panic (mermaid) and 18th century kidnappings (fireflies) combine with love and hope in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR & FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE. Christmas features in both books!
