Hidden gems of NE history are set to sparkle thanks to new project

A new £100,000 project will highlight the northeast’s hidden cultural gems and encourage visitors to venture off the beaten track.

Visit Scotland and Aberdeen University’s Elphinstone Institute have teamed up to collect folklore which will used to create films, podcasts or other media.

The stories of the region will be collected through the creation of a number of oral history “hubs” across Aberdeenshire, which will also train volunteers to compile their history so it can be preserved for future generations.

Project lead Dr FionaJane Brown said: “The people of Aberdeenshire have a very distinctive character, illustrated in their speech, the Doric dialect, their hard work on land and at sea over many centuries, and in their folklore, the stories, songs, traditions and beliefs.

“The latter is often overlooked by historians and inaccessible to visitors.

“This project will help illuminate some of the most fascinating oral history, folklore, and social heritage which can be found in Scotland.

“Once complete, the research will be used to create marketing assets which may include the creation of film, e-books, interactive maps, podcasts, or other media which will bring the stories and the places from which they originate to life.”

It is hoped the project will capitalise on the potential for increased visitor numbers as a result of the North East 250 and Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail.

Dr Thomas McKean, director of the Elphinstone Institute, added: “Our job is to listen to those who know north-east culture best and this great partnership does just that, as we work to promote and celebrate the region.”

Jo Robinson, from VisitScotland, said: “By involving local communities in the project, we hope to receive some great stories and folklore directly from the people.”