Skullduggery and skirmishes at the Garioch Heritage Society
KEMNAY author Fairley Taylor 'fairly' held her audience spell-bound with her talk to Garioch Heritage society members at the Garioch Heritage centre, Inverurie this week, the first meeting of the group for the new season.
Her subject, the feuding families of the north-east told tales on skullduggery, skirmishes, even murder on an alarming scale.
For instance disagreements between the Forbes and the Gordons led to much bloodshed,cunning subterfuge and regular fights went on, passed down through the families for 100s of years.
This was to be her 10th book but her research has led her into more lurid details of the murky past it has turned into an on-going project which will result in her 11th and 12th books.
She has also rooted out details of the almost hitherto unknown slave trade from Aberdeen to America in the 18th century
Fairley is also well known for her wildlife and nature guided walks and as a herbalist producing very popular and successful lotions and potions.
Vote of thanks was given by Griselda McGregor.
Society chair person Ann-Marie Coleman had some good news to report.
The society has been awarded 4 stars from Visit Scotland.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 11 when the guest will be James Mitchell with a talk on Industrail heritage conservation.
