The last 70 years have been a time of great change throughout the world. No less so than here in historic Banffshire. Those more senior in years have lived through these changes. The Banffshire Memories project aims to collect stories from this area. These will illustrate life as it was, the changes that affected our area or perhaps special events. Here are some examples of the topics that might form the basis of the stories:

Special family occasions (e.g. births, weddings and deaths)
Festivals and community events (e.g. Christmas, local fairs or shows)
School life
Workplace
Family life
Sporting or social activities
Events linked to national or international events (e.g. WW2, death of George VI or coronation of Queen Elizabeth)
Extreme weather (e.g. storms)
Special achievements by local groups

All stories submitted will be added to a website that will be available to the public including schools for local history studies, family tree research or general interest. Several of the entries will also be selected to be printed as a book. This will be published to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign and a copy will be presented to her. Copies will also be sold in shops and tourist venues across historic Banffshire. Any profits will go to local charities.

View the Banffshire Memories Project on Youtube

The Spirit of Banffshire by Andrew Simpson & Eleanor Gillespie

The historic county of Banffshire lies on the coast of the Moray Firth, east of the River Spey, and stretches south to the high Cairngorm mountains. Famous for traditional fishing villages dotted along its rugged coastline, the rich lands to the south support thriving communities based on farming, distilling, and forestry. The spectacular landscape lures many tourists to the area. The spirit and identity of Banffshire continues in the hearts and minds of those who live within its old boundaries.

To celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM The Queen, The Spirit of Banffshire has been compiled by the Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, Andrew Simpson, and Eleanor Gillespie. Her Majesty accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, first visited the County in 1961. This was the beginning of many Royal visits over the years.

The Lord-Lieutenant's invitation to members of the Banffshire community to record their memories received a massive response. The vivid and lively stories provide a picture of Banffshire and its people over the years.

The book is priced at £12 + £2.50 UK shipping only

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How to send us a Story
Entries can be submitted either from your own memory or on behalf of someone else. When preparing stories please note that entries should be no more than 200 words in length. Some people may have already have written down their memories, if so here is an opportunity to share stories with a wider audience.

You are welcome to provide more than one story. If you do, please submit on separate forms.

Entries should either be submitted using the "Add a Story" form on the website, or, download the Story Form and post to:
Banffshire Memories Project, 10 Wood Street, Banff AB45 1JX

Click here to start Add a Story on the website
Click here to Download the Story Form PDF

The deadline date for stories is Friday 28th May 2021.

Further details and hints about how to collect stories can be found at: www.lordlieutenantbanffshire.co.uk