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Our Story

Factual: History

Communities around Scotland tell the stories that matter to them. With Mark Stephen.

Our Story: Series 1

Our Story: Series 1: Episode 5: The Eastern Cairngorms

Our Story: The Cairngorms

Episode 5

Episode 5: The Eastern Cairngorms

Series 1

The Eastern Cairngorms

BBC Radio Scotland - Our Story, Series 1, The Eastern Cairngorms

Mark Stephen explores the relationship the people of the Cairngorms have with the area.

Mark Stephen hears the stories of the North East's distinctive past, exploring the relationship the people of the Cairngorms have with the area.

The mountains around Upper Deeside were out of bounds for the masses up until the mid twentieth century. Groups of young climbers started exploring Lochnagar, Ben a Bhuird and the Eastern Cairngorms, jumping on the 3.15 Strachans bus from Aberdeen out to Ballater and Braemar on a Saturday afternoon, and returning to the city on a Sunday evening. Because of the long walks in, a particular kind of bothy culture emerged, which continues to this day. Certain characters of the hills like gamekeeper, Bob Scott became famous for their very special sort of hospitality towards young climbers.

One pioneering group of young men in the 1950's decided to build their own Secret Howff in the foothills of Ben a Bhuird, to make accessing the crags in winter easier. The sole survivor of this group, Ashie Brebner, shares his memories of that exciting time, dodging gamekeepers and carrying roofing materials on the bus for the Howff. Mark Stephen joins climber and author, Ian.R Mitchell on a journey to the Secret Howff, which is still standing, and discovers that the whereabouts remain private knowledge. We also hear from composer and mountaineer, Matilda Brown, who has worked with children from Braemar Primary School to create music which reflects their experiences of being out and about within these mountains.

BBC Radio Scotland

Mark Stephen hears the stories of the North East's distinctive past.

Mark Stephen hears the stories of the North East's distinctive past from those who are part of its rich history.

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