Last month Peter and Big Ted visited the auld fairms of Pitleoch. Here is a scrapbook of oor adventure.
Spring 1842:
New Year 1850:
Summer 1864:
There is a range of ‘transitionality’ from infant to ancient.
August 1868:
Spring 1872:
Big Ted at the original gateway to Lagganallachy Churchyard [this gate is no longer used].
April 1888:
January 1900:
Duff lives
Big Ted suggested
a visit to Strathbraan.
Big Ted wondered about
longevity.
At the ford over the Braan,
just beyond the gate to Ballinloan,
a kindly farmer greeted us.
We explained our madcap adventure –
to chalk letters of longevity
on the ruins of his farm.
The kindly farmer smiled
and together we crossed the Braan.
Ideally we will be unnoticed then gone:
To play this short film please click here or on the image above.
Opening voice: ‘Thinking Aloud’, Radio 4, 15 June 2025 [childhood memories]
Closing voice: Ella Rae to Peter, not long before she died
Song: Speakers corner’ by Suzanne Vega