ALL MEETINGS TAKE PLACE AT 7.30PM IN THE ABOYNE-DINNET CHURCH HALL ON HUNTLY ROAD ABOYNE
HERITAGE SOCIETY PROGRAMME 2026-2027
17 SEPTEMBER 2026 -BRIAN AND DOREEN WOOD-BRAEMAR AND THE DUFF HIGHLANDERS
The Highland Clansmen, comprising the Balmoral Highlanders, the Invercauld Highlanders and the Duff Highlanders from Mar were once a familiar sight marching at the annual Braemar Gathering. They were disbanded in the late 1930s. This talk sets out how the Duff Highlanders were reformed and marched once more in front of the King at the Braemar Gathering in 2025.
15 OCTOBER 2026-LEXIE CONYNGHAM-WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION
Lexie Conyngham is the author of five historical crime novels, including one set in 19th Century Deeside. In this talk she traces her experiences of writing and self-publishing and of carrying out historical research.
19 NOVEMBER 2026-TONI WATT-THE BALLOGIE SOUTER’S WORKSHOP
In 2020 it was discovered that the A Listed Souter’s Workshop in the care of Birse Community Trust was deteriorating. The talk describes the journey to raise funds, to repair and conserve the building. Stories of fascinating people were discovered in the process.
17 DECEMBER 2026 – MARCUS HUMPHREY-THE ROYAL COMPANY OF ARCHERS
This talk explains the functions of the Royal Company of Archers as the Sovereign’s Bodyguard in Scotland. It performs duties at the request of the King at State and Ceremonial occasions. The speaker and his family have strong connections to the Royal Company.
21 JANUARY 2027-GORDON CASELY-THE DEESIDE LINE
The Deeside Line won a place in the hearts of north-east Scotland folk from the day it opened in 1853. Patronised from the start by Queen Victoria, in its heyday it carried more crowned heads of Europe than any other railway in the world. It was a line that ran year- in, year- out, serving communities, tourists and the Royal family in equal measure. The speaker has known the line all his life.
18 FEBRUARY 2027-IAN GROSZ-ABERDEENSHIRE MUSEUMS
This talk will outline the plans for an Aberdeenshire Museum, the focus of the fit out and themes for the collections will be described. Opportunities for local Heritage Societies will be explored.
18 MARCH 2027-MICHAEL FOY-FIFTY YEARS OF ABOYNE ACADEMY
The 50th anniversary of the opening of Aboyne Academy has just passed. This talk will explore how the school and its predecessors developed and the changes in Scottish education over this period.