Banff Castle’s Banffshire at War display set to shine spotlight on local World War II tales
Some lesser-known stories from the days of World War II are taking centre stage at a new exhibition.
Based at Banff Castle and due to run throughout the month of May, the display will seek to explore the local impact of the war, bringing to light some of Banffshire’s lesser-known stories - including a remarkable whisky-related incident that echoes the spirit of Whisky Galore.
Banffshire at War will also draw attention to some of the dramatic and unexpected events that took place in the area during the conflict.
One of the most striking episodes is the bombing of the Banff Distillery at Inverboyndie in 1941, which caused significant structural damage and a flood of raw spirit into the local burn. A volunteer firefighter’s ill-judged attempt to collect the whisky in his helmet led to an arrest and court appearance, while reports of inebriated cattle wandering the fields only added to the story’s notoriety.
The exhibition also explores the broader wartime experience in the region - including RAF Banff Strike Wing, wartime rationing, acts of community resilience and even spies along the coast.
The exhibition has been developed through a partnership between Banff Castle, the Friends of Duff House, and the Banff Preservation & Heritage Society Museum of Banff.
Jo Edwards, Project Officer at Banff Castle, said: “This exhibition is the result of a genuine community partnership.
“Working with the Friends of Duff House and the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Museum of Banff has allowed us to bring together important local research and stories. It’s a powerful reminder of how deeply the war touched even small communities along the Banffshire coast and how people came together in response.”
Opening times for the display are: Tuesday 1.30pm-4pm; Wednesday 1pm-4pm; Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm; Saturday 12 noon-4pm; Closed Sunday and Monday.
The exhibition is part of a wider community VE Day programme, which includes: Exhibition - Duff House 1939-1945: Some of the Many Lives of Duff House; Museum of Banff display of wartime artefacts; Schools creative writing and art competitions; Screening of Casablanca at Banff Castle; Film showings of RAF Banff Strike Wing at Banff Castle; Banff Castle VE & Community Showcase Day - A day of 1940s-inspired celebration on Saturday, May 10 with live music, dancing, vintage vehicles, community spirit and much more; A talk by John Cameron sharing his boyhood memories of wartime life in Gamrie in partnership with The Tuesday Talks.
