Book celebrates historic Banffshire in Queen's Platinum Jubilee year
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A new book celebrating the historic Banffshire area to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee is set to be launched.
Entitled the The Spirit of Banffshire it features people's stories and memories.
The Banffshire Memories Project was launched in 2020, shortly before the start of lockdown.
Its aim was to collect contributions from people living in historic Banffshire, covering the period of the life and reign of Her Majesty The Queen.
They have been collated into the book which features 150 stories. Topics include memorable events, including royal visits; the workplace; school; extreme weather; childhood and many more.
Contributors were asked to keep their submissions to 200 words to make each tale readable and accessible.
The book was compiled and edited by Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson and Eleanor Gillespie, a postgraduate history student from Elgin, with the support of the Banffshire Field Club.
Mr Simpson said: "People make the place. By reflecting on different aspects of their lives and communities, contributors have given an exciting insight into the last 90 years in historic Banffshire.
"Many have also reflected on the changes that they have witnessed. I am very grateful to all who have shared something of themselves and their memories.
"That The Spirit of Banffshire has been published just now is a fitting way in which the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen can be marked.
"The stories give a wonderful reflection of life in our area throughout the time of her life and reign."
The launch of the book will take place on the train Spirit of Banffshire operated by The Keith and Dufftown Railway on Wednesday, May 11.
The train's seats will be taken by many of the contributors and their guests.
Copies of the book will be available from retailers throughout historic Banffshire and beyond. A full list will be published on www.lordlieutenantbanffshire.co.uk
They will also be able to be posted to people by contacting banffshirememories@gmail.com
