Leopard Magazine, November
2000
Written by local man, Colin A Milne and published
locally, this book is a magnificently researched work which, among its
many other achievements, traces the economy, social system, migration
trends, development and decline of the small coastal villages between
Stonehaven and Aberdeen.
On first flicking through the book, its numerous
charts, lists and reproduction of historical documents tend to give it
the feel of a textbook or purely academic work, but, on reading through
it, it becomes clear that it is much more than that.
It is full of anecdotal, everyday accounts of the
tragedies and triumphs of daily life on that harsh North East coast over
a couple of centuries. For anyone with an interest in our local past,
local historians, those who live in Torry, Fittie or the Kincardineshire
coastal communities, it is a fascinating read.
The Aberdeen Press & Journal, Saturday, 23 September 2000
Fishing is tough today, but nothing like as harsh an industry as it was in
the 19th century, which is the period in which Colin Milne focuses in Fisherfolk
to Torryfolk.
The problem with Torry today is that it is very hard to get any kind of a
feel for what the community was like all those years ago. Footdee (Fittie),
yes; Torry, no. Aberdeen's city fathers took care of that by allowing the
demolition of the old fishing village to make way for a pipe-storage yard at the
dawn of the North Sea oil.
Colin Milne has dug deep to extract the history of the Blair fishing family
of Cowie, including original reporting in the Stonehaven Journal, Aberdeen
Journal and Aberdeen Herald for example.
I've long held a passion for the history of Britain's fishing industry and
this book provides a number of valuable, fresh insights. Now I also know
far more about Stonehaven and its history that I did before.
This is a book for someone who wants to delve a bit. Happily, it's not
too long, but it is packed with information.
Aberdeen & District Independent, Thursday, 14 September 2000
Fisherfolk to Torryfolk is a new local history book which tells the
fascinating story of the demise of the fishing communities of Kincardineshire
and rise of Torry.
It's been a labour of love for author Colin Milne (47), Technical Services
Manager at Robert Gordon University, who has devoted more than five years
part-time research to the book.
Colin says: "Fisherfolk to Torryfolk is centered around the nineteenth
century and quotes extensively from newspaper reports, books, private and public
papers and a range of personal material allowing the reader to understand the
history, thoughts, customs, hardships and many other aspects of those times
without modern interpretation."
Further Details of Fisherfolk to Torryfolk
The book is available direct by post from the
publishers, C & G Publishing, 5 Broadfold Drive, Bridge of Don,
Aberdeen, AB23 8PJ, Scotland, at a cost of 9.95 stlg 1.20 stlg pp UK, 3.00
stlg pp Worldwide.
SPECIAL OFFER FOR UK
READERS...ORDER TWO OR MORE BOOKS FROM THE PUBLISHERS AND POSTAGE IS FREE!!
Alternatively available to order from any good
bookshop, BookBrain.co.uk or the Aberdeen
& NE Scotland Family History Society. The ANEFHS always have the book
in stock and as a further incentive allow overseas
customers to purchase in their own currency. Full details at their
website above
ISBN 0-9538921-0-7, 194pp, 210 x 148mm, 338g,
paperback
Need to speak to the publishers/author? Contact them
here
