Live Life Aberdeenshire Conversations

Listen to Alistair Lawrie, as he introduces you to the written work of David Ogston.  This is the first in a triology of podcasts about this local author born in Ellon in 1943, who sadly passed away in 2008.  Alistair celebrates David's books, White Stone Country and Dry Stone Days that were about growing up in Buchan, and Grey Stone Zion about his student life in Aberdeen in the 60's.  The books were beautifully written in Doric and although out of print, Live Life Aberdeenshire library members can borrow these tiles from the catalogue.  

Listen to Alistair read an excerpt from the first of David Ogston's triology, White Stone Country that is written in Doric.  This book tells the tale of what it was like growing up as a young boy in Buchan.  In this excerpt David writes about his knowledge of local geography and North East towns and harsh winters that included coping with wellies and burst pipes!  

Rejoice in the Doric language with Mearns Writers as part of the Across the Grain Festival.  They share a collection of their original work in the format of stories and poetry that are sad, nostalgic, witty and lyrical.  This beautiful podcast is a celebration of their recently published book titled Grey Granite Red Earth. 

In the final episode, young people imagine a Doric future, interview renowned north east writer Sheena Blackhall and some Doric-speaking robotic seagulls! Produced by Ten Feet Tall Theatre for Live Life Aberdeenshire.

Back with the young folk as they share poetry, skits, quizzes and interviews with spoken word artist Jo Gilbert and writer-storyteller Jackie Ross, exploring the use of Doric today. Produced by Ten Feet Tall Theatre for Live Life Aberdeenshire.

A light-hearted look at the history of Doric, created and presented by young people in the north east, with comedy time travel, quizzes and an interview with Simon Gall from the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen. Produced by Ten Feet Tall Theatre for Live Life Aberdeenshire.

Listen to Ella, a local young person, share her understanding of people from the past who lived in our farming and fishing communities. This includes a look into the social, cultural and economic influences that shaped these communities, and how the Doric language and traditional music, such as Bothy Ballads was and is still used, to express thoughts and feelings through word, voice and music.  

Listen to Alistair read an excerpt from the 3rd volume of David Ogston's autobiography Grey Stone Zion written in Doric.  This book is set in the late 60's when David was studying a degree in Divinity at Aberdeen University.  David writes about his experience when he had to stand for the first time in front of a congregation including dealing with questions during the children's address.  Although this book is out of print, you can still borrow a copy from Live Life Aberdeenshire libraries.  

Listen to Jackie, a Live Life Aberdeenshire librarian, interview historical crime author Shona MacLean. Shona provides a snapshot of what she has been working on over the last year, also ideas for a future Alexander Seaton story, and a potential spin off book for a key character in her Damien Seeker series. Shona also shares with us what she is currently reading, and why James Robertson is one of her favourite authors.

A ghost story for our adult listeners!  Listen to Mearns Writer, Alistair Lawrie, recite a ghost story he translated into Doric from the book titled Scottish Ghost Stories written by Elliot O'Donnell, published in the early 20th century.  The story, set in Great Western Road, Aberdeen shares the experience of a young man, along with his dog Scottie, who spent the night in the cellar of an old house that he had heard was haunted!