How are your Pigeons?

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Joanna and Clare embrace the hunkering down season in this reading-themed episode. Discover what they're thumbing through right now, their top-rated North-east writers and which titles earn permanent space on their bookshelves.

How Are Your Pigeons? is a podcast series that takes a light-hearted look at life in the North-east of Scotland. Join Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser as they suggest things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views. Listen now.

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EPISODE LINKS

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📖 CURRENT READS

Joanna

• Four thousand weeks by Oliver Burkeman
• The Scottish Nation by Tom Devine
• Things Fall Apart by Chinua Adeche
• Beloved by Toni Morrison

Clare

• Little Addictions by Catherine Gray
• Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty

✍️ LOCAL AUTHORS

• Lewis Grassic Gibbon
• Stuart Macbride
• Nan Shepherd
• Ailish Sinclair

🔎 SOURCING BOOKS

Books 'n' Beans (Aberdeen)

But 'n' Ben Books (Stonehaven)

Oxfam Books & Music Aberdeen

Somerville Books (Rosemount)

⭐ FAVOURITE TITLES

Joanna

• Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
• The Lymond Chronicles by Dorothy Dunnett
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Clare

• Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
• All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
• Emma by Jane Austen

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

This episode, Joanna and Clare talk about the little things they do to lift their respective days. From candles to confectionery, to plates with profanities, there is always something to savour. They also compare local sauna experiences, look ahead to Aberdeenshire Restaurant Week and talk about two new walking trails in the region. Listen now.

How Are Your Pigeons? is a podcast series that takes a look at life in the North-east of Scotland through the perspective of Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser.

They take a look at what's going on in the region, with suggestions of things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

GET IN TOUCH

📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

️ SHOPPING & BROWSING

But n' Ben bookshop

Fugly Plates

Aberdeen Gossip Girls (candle recommendations + more)

📚 READING

Harry Fisher Scottish crime thrillers

📅 FUTURE EVENTS

Aberdeenshire Restaurant Weeks (2-15 November)

Aberdeen Coffee & Cake Week (23-29 November)

🚶 WALKING TRAILS

The Doric Way

James McBey Trail app

🧖 SAUNA EXPERIENCES

Wild Sauna Guide

🎤 CREDITS

Production and editing: Hoolet

Doric voiceover artist: Ian Scott

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

With Halloween approaching, Joanna and Clare delve into the dastardly tales surrounding some of our region's historic properties. Storytelling remains front and centre as they're joined by guest Jill Simpson, who shares a sneak preview of TEDxAberdeen. Listen now.

How Are Your Pigeons? is a podcast series that takes a look at life in the North-east of Scotland through the perspective of Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser.

They take a look at what's going on in the region, with suggestions of things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

GET IN TOUCH: 📧 Email us.

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more?

👻 GHOST STORIES

Ghost stories: haunted places in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Six most haunted places in Aberdeen

The ghost stories of Fyvie Castle

Twice Buried Mary

📜 COMMUNITY HISTORY

Reg Clark Press Photo Archive

📅 FUTURE EVENTS

TEDxAberdeen (24 October)

Halloween in Concert, P &J Live (29 October)

Halloween Walking Tours in Aberdeen (29-31 October)

Candlelight: Halloween Classics, St Machar Catheral (31 October):

The Denburn, author events

👀 WATCH OR READ

Big Little Lies 2

Celebrity Traitors

The Denburn

The Whisper Man:

⭐ CREDITS

Production and editing: Hoolet

Doric voiceover artist: Ian Scott

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Join Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser as they take a lighthearted look at life in the North-east of Scotland. They suggest things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

This episode, Joanna and Clare are joined by volunteer extraordinaire Gayle Thomson. She lifts the lid on the vast variety of volunteering opportunities in the region and shares her top spots for a fly cup. Plus, hear about upcoming events and a new place for ping pong. Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH

📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

🙋‍♀️ VOLUNTEERING

Opportunities in Aberdeen City

Opportunities in Aberdeenshire

📅 FUTURE EVENTS

Climate Week North East 2026 (19 Sept-4 Oct)

☕ EATING & DRINKING

Café Cognito

Filo Coffee House

Five Loaves Café

Greyhope Bay Centre

Mount

Murtle Market

The Bread Maker

🌟 THINGS TO DO

Hazlehead parkrun

SpinLab Table Tennis Centre

🚶‍♀️ WHERE TO WALK

Duthie Park

Fraserburgh beach

Aberdeen beach/Footdee (Fittie)

🎤 CREDITS

Production and editing: Hoolet

Doric voiceover artist: Ian Scott

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Join Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser as they take a lighthearted look at life in the North-east of Scotland. They suggest things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

As the seasons shift, Joanna and Clare discuss what they're looking forward to this autumn, from crisp walks to cosy jumpers. Joanna unveils her league table of tattie-based treats and the two look ahead to Aberdeen's Comedy Festival. Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH

📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

📅 EVENTS

North East Open Studios (12-20 Sept)

12 Angry Men at HMT (15-19 Sept)

Aberdeen Comedy Festival (19 Sept – 4 Oct)

Aberdeen's Official Oktoberfest (25-26 Sept)

▶️ WATCH OR LISTEN

Celebrity Traitors

Wanging On

🍽️ EATING & DRINKING

Nae Just Spuds

Baked at The Tattie Box

Bramble & almond cake

CREDITS

Production and editing: Hoolet

Doric voiceover artist: Ian Scott

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Join Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser as they take a lighthearted look at life in the North-east of Scotland. They suggest things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

As Doors Open Day approaches, Joanna and Clare reveal their top recommendations across the city and shire. Joanna gets her afternoon tea fix in Finzean, while Clare takes a trip aboard the Aberdeen Adventurer. Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH

📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

THINGS TO DO

Aberdeen Adventurer

Our Aberdeen App (iPhone)

Our Aberdeen App (Android)

Aberdeen Walking Tours

Doors Open Day, Aberdeen City

Doors Open Day, Aberdeenshire

EATING & DRINKING

Finzean Estate (afternoon tea)

Maison Castanie

CREDITS

Production and editing: Hoolet

Doric voiceover artist: Ian Scott

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

How Are Your Pigeons? is a podcast series that takes a look at life in the North-east of Scotland through the perspective of Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser.

They take a look at what's going on in the region, with suggestions of things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

This episode, Joanna gets herself in a jam while Clare ruminates about her top things to do in Rosemount. Plus favourite restaurants, forthcoming craft fairs and a former Spice Girl in Aberdeen.

Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH 📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

📅 COMING UP SOON

Aberdeen Restaurant Weeks (24 Aug-6 Sept):

Exclusively Highlands Crathes Castle Market (5-6 Sept):

Aberdeen's Craft & Flea Market (13 Sept):

Ultimate Masterclass Festival (UMF) An Evening with Mel C (15 Oct):

🍽️ EATING & DRINKING

Bistro Verde:

Buchanan Bistro (café beside The Barn at Banchory):

Fennel Restaurant:

The Jewel in the Crown:

Nadarras:

Poldinos:

👀 EXPLORING ROSEMOUNT

Aberdeen Tennis Centre:

Cloudyblue:

Gourmet Cheese Company:

Grounded:

The Bread Maker:

The Owl at Number Two:

SLÕ Café & Studio:

Somerville Books:

Trail guide (including Victoria and Westburn Parks):

🌟 CREDITS

Production and editing: Hoolet

Doric voiceover artist: Ian Scott

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

How Are Your Pigeons? is a podcast series that takes a look at life in the North-east of Scotland through the perspective of Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser.

They take a look at what's going on in the region, with suggestions of things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

This episode, Joanna shares her review of The Odyssey and reveals her go-to source for baking the perfect key lime pie. Clare gets inspired by Mo Farah on the eve of the Aberdeen half marathon. Plus teenage make-up, summer reads and bumper fruit crops.

Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH 📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

🎬 WHAT (AND WHERE) WE'VE BEEN WATCHING

The Odyssey | Official trailer:

The Odyssey in North-east Scotland:

The Odyssey and the Moray coastline:

Recent more female-led tellings of the Odyssey include Madeleine Miller’s Circe: and Margaret Atwood’s Penelopiad.

The Real Mo Farah (documentary):

Montrose Playhouse:

Number 30 Cinema (Huntly):

✨ THINGS TO DO

Cooking and baking with Felicity Cloake:

Ultimate Masterclass Festival (UMF):

Duthie Park & David Welch Winter Gardens:

The Deeside Way (Old Royal Deeside Railway): https://www.deesideway.org/

Aberdeen Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K 2027:

🍽️ EATING & DRINKING

Blether (Cults):

Boxcar Coffee & Yard (Cults):

Park Café (Duthie Park & Hazlehead Park):

📚 READING

The Denburn by John Duncan:

The Truants by Kate Weinberg:

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

Join Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser as they take a lighthearted look at life in the North-east of Scotland. They suggest things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

This episode, Joanna pursues her quest for a perfect night's sleep with a spot of local mattress shopping. Separate visits to the seaside lead to wildlife watching, wild swimming and all the fun of the fair.

Clare heads to her home town of Huntly, sparking a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH

📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

✨ THINGS TO DO

Wildlife watching on the North Pier: https://www.greyhopebay.com/journal/greyhope-bay-and-port-of-aberdeen-launch-north-pier-wildlife-watching-volunteer-initiative

Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve: https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/fowlsheugh

Codona's Amusement Park: https://www.codonas.com/

Huntly Room to Run (including 5K route details): https://www.roomtorun.uk/

Huntly Hairst: https://www.huntlyhairst.co.uk/

🛍️ WHERE WE'VE BEEN SHOPPING/BROWSING

Duncan's of Banchory: https://www.duncansofbanchory.co.uk

Stonehaven Sofa and Bed Centre: https://stonehavenbedcentre.co.uk/

Dreams (and their video): https://www.dreams.co.uk/about-sleepmatch

Bensons for Beds: https://www.bensonsforbeds.co.uk/

🍽️ EATING AND DRINKING

Raemoir Garden Centre: https://www.raemoirgardencentre.co.uk/

Greyhope Bay Centre: https://www.greyhopebay.com/

Dean's of Huntly: https://www.deans.co.uk/

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

How Are Your Pigeons? is a podcast series that takes a look at life in the North-east of Scotland through the perspective of Clare Scott and Joanna Fraser.

They talk about what's going on in the region, with suggestions of things to do, places to try and more, all with a liberal sprinkling of their opinions, thoughts and views.

This episode, they're donning hi-vis as volunteers, exploring Milton of Crathes and banishing back pain with yoga.

Joanna shares her standing desk experience and poses the question: what's the difference between agricultural shows and Highland games?

Listen now.

GET IN TOUCH

📧 Email us: [email protected]

EPISODE LINKS

Keen to know more? Here are links to this episode’s hot topics.

✨ WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO

Gathimba Edwards Foundation (GEF) Safari Series: https://gathimbaedwardsfoundation.org/safari-series/

Royal Highland Show: https://www.royalhighlandshow.org/

Drumtochty Games: https://www.drumtochtyhighlandgames.co.uk/

Crathes Castle parkrun: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/crathescastle/

Milton of Crathes: https://www.leysestate.com/milton-of-crathes/

🧘‍♀️ YOGA

Crathes Castle parkrun: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/crathescastle/

Fiona Bochel Yoga Teacher: https://iyengaryoga.org.uk/teacher/fiona-bochel-23625/

Joe Burn Yoga Teacher: https://iyengaryoga.org.uk/teacher/joe-burn-12143/

Yoga with Adriene: https://www.youtube.com/@yogawithadriene

🍽️ EATING AND DRINKING

Maison Castanie: https://maisoncastanie.com/

Milton Brasserie: https://miltonbrasserie.com/