SAND, SILT, FLINT - TIFTY'S ANNIE

A remote collaboration between two artists in Cornwall and rural Aberdeenshire. Initially based around the notions of parenthood, whilst also considering personal, geographical and political space. Composition naturally began to accommodate responses to the pandemic as the album was written during the COVID19 lockdown of 2020. The first five tracks use only the voice and audio production techniques, field recordings, an impulse response harvested from a cave on the north east coast of Scotland, and radio excerpts, whilst the final track contains additional instrumentation.

FORGLEN ESTATE - FORGLEN'S PLANTINS - FROM THE ALBUM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com The old North East ballad linked with Forglen Estate is known as Forglen’s Plantins or Forglen’s Wood – the word ‘plantins’ is Scots for a small wood. Through its lyrical versus an unknown writer weaves a picture of rural idyll as the backdrop for a tale rich with young love, the heartbreak of separation and the uncertainty of if a lover will remain faithful. While taking in the ‘fresh and fair’ air of the plantins one morning the writer is enjoying the beauty of the woods and lark songs when he comes across two young lovers locked in an embrace by the foot of a tree. The writer’s soft footsteps do not disturb the lovers and as he approaches he overhears the young man confessing to his love that, although he dearly wants to stay, he has no choice but to go away. As he breaks his sad new to his ‘dearest’ he showers her with romantic praise claiming she is ‘sweeter to me than the honey to the bee’ and that her cheeks are like roses and her skin as soft as silk. Despite his professed love, the young man isn't convinced she will stay faithful during his absence. He predicates sleepless nights thinking about her while he is away, but proceeds to compare her love for him to the moon which ‘wanders up and down.’ The ballad concludes with the young man’s assurances that his love for her is much more like the constant sun as he promises to remain true to her while he’s away. Unfortunately, we don't know her reply to both her lover’s praise and accusations, or if the writer was discovered eavesdropping on their conversation. However, we do know that the ballad and the young lovers it depicts have also been ascribed to other places in the North East such as Strichen, twenty miles east of Forglen. Forglen Estate Walk Forglen Estate is one the North East’s best kept secrets and it’s not hard to imagine the ballad’s unknown writer drawing inspiration for his tale of young love from its rural setting and aura of romance. Once you pass through the estate gates it takes no time at all to get lost in the peace of the pathways and trails which gently weave through acres of woodland and alongside the banks of the River Deveron. Originally Forglen belonged to the Ogilvy family through their claim on the Scottish peerage title of Lord Banff. However, following the death of the unmarried William Ogily the 8th Lord Banff in 1803, ownership passed to the Abercromby family through the marriage of the late Lord’s sister. They in turn sold up in the mid 1970s. Today Forglen remains privately owned and a working estate, growing barley for the region’s whiskey industry. Deer, Highland cattle and native birds of prey such as sparrow hawks and buzzards also all call the estate home and could well be spotted during a walk. However, one of the highlights of a visit is the magnificent Forglen House which sits about a mile from the entrance to the estate. Although only built in the early nineteenth century, the house stands on the footprint of a much older building and contains some of the features salvaged from its processor including a stone triple coat of arms which sits on one of its towers. Gothic in feel and style, the mansion was designed by Scottish architect John Smith who is also responsible for much of the architecture of Aberdeen. Although not open to the public, it’s well worth the walk to see it and take in the stunning river views that stretch out in front of the mansion’s wide lawns. Also take time to explore Forglen’s magical, glen garden which is landscaped around a small stream and reached through a gate close to the house. The looped walk through the garden’s rambling peace is about a mile long and features an old stone bridge and wooden benches tucked under the trees, which are perfect to enjoy the sounds of the stream and complete silence beneath it. The trail around the garden can be very slippery in wet weather. Other estate highlights include a Gothic mausoleum built in the mid 19th century. Ultimately, one visit to the estate isn’t enough and once you’ve discovered it’s beauty, like the young lover in the ballad of Forglen’s Plantins, you’ll be sad to leave and look forward to returning. Practical Information Forglen Estate, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, AB53 4JP Forglen Estate is located a couple of mile north west of Turriff. Follow the B9025 as it leads north and then west from the centre of Turriff until you come to the gates of the estate on the right hand side of the road. There is a small road and layby in front of the gates where cars can park. From here pass by the gate house and into the estate. It’s then a straight walk along the track through the woodland to Forglen House. You can either return the way you came or take a circular walk of around three miles around the estate which leads back to the layby by a track which emerges just past it. There is a selection of self-catering holiday cottages as part of the estate which can be booked at https://forglen.scot There are no amenities for visitors at the estate. Shops, cafes and public toilets can all be found at Turriff. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley-Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks. Image with thanks to Isla Goldie Photography

UDNY GREEN - BONNY UDNY - FROM THE ALBUM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com Bonny Udny is one of Aberdeenshire’s favourite ballads and is recorded being sung by a number of North East Scotland’s best known ballad singers including John Strachan. This wistful folk song waxes lyrical on the charms of Udny, a small rural hamlet and home to the singer’s sweetheart. It’s many melancholy verses detail how hard it is for the singer to leave the village and that its pastoral charms along with the charms of their sweetheart are always ‘aye on’ the singer’s mind while they are away. Although well known in Aberdeenshire, other similar ballads exist across the UK detailing similar idyllic villages and lovers that are hard to leave and always yearned to return to. Udny Green Walk The parish of Udny consists of Udny, Udny Station (located on the former railway line to Peterhead and closed in 1979) and Udny Green all of which are a handful of miles east of Oldmeldrum. Serious walkers can explore a stretch of the Formartine and Buchan Way, a mainly flat path that follows the old railway line and stretches for 53 miles through rural Aberdeenshire. Walkers starting at Udny Station can head south through open countryside for around eight miles to reach Dyce, a western suburb of Aberdeen. Or head north for five miles to the small town of Ellen. For less serious walkers, or if time is limited, head to Udny Green whose large tree lined village green is a perfect place to let go of time, simply meander and let children play. The green is surrounded by charming old buildings including the village church and war memorial and a haven of timeless peace. The benches and picnic tables dotted around the green are all tranquil spots to take in Udny’s bonnie charms and maybe even fall in love. Practical Information Walkers joining the Formartine and Buchan Way at Udny Station will find parking there as well as Dyce and Ellen. While street parking is available around Udny Green. Those travelling on public transport can catch the Stagecoach bus 290 than runs between Aberdeen and Methlick and stops at both Udny Station and Udny Green. The Coffee Apothecary (open Monday – Thursday 10am to 4pm and Friday to Sunday 9am to 4pm) east of Udny Green at the junction of the B9000 and B999 serves speciality coffee and simple hearty meals made from as much local produce as possible in rustic surroundings, or head north to nearby Pitmedden for a food store. If time and budget allows, take time to enjoy a dinner to remember at Eat on the Green, a contemporary Scottish themed fine dining restaurant located on the edge of Udny Green in the transformed local pub. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley-Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks. Image with thanks to Isla Goldie Photography

HOSIE'S WELL - THE BALLAD OF JOHN HOSIE - FROM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com The tragic tale of John Hosie and his sweetheart, and bride to be, Jean is embedded in the landscape and folklore of Bennachie. On July 24, 1411 the Battle of Harlaw, nick named “Reid Harlaw” in recognition of its ferocity and sheer amount of bloodshed, was fought at the foot of Bennachie. The battle brought together two Highland forces, one led by the local Earl of Mar who was loyal to Scottish King David the second, and the other by Donald, Lord of the Isles. The conflict was sparked by their competing claims to the Earldon of Ross, a huge region of northern Scotland leading from Skye to Ross and into Inverness. King David confirmed the land belonged to the Earl of Mar, but Donald disagreed and invaded. Both sides suffered heavy losses during the day long battle aimed at settling the conflict, but after no conclusive victory on either side, Donald and what remained of his troops, withdrew back to the Isles in the night. John Hosie fought on the side of the Earl of Mar, but the battle fell on the day before he was due to marry his beloved Jean. John survived the bloodshed, but was taken prisoner by Donald’s retreating forces and marched back to the Isles with them, leaving behind the broken hearted Jean. Folklore tells us that it was years before John escaped the Isles and hot foot it back to Aberdeenshire and Bennachie where he pledged his heart to Jean. However, believing John to be dead, Jean is now engaged to another man. The story passed down tells us that the day John returned to Bennachie, Jean and her new fiancé happened to be out walking on the hill. With echoes of Romeo and Juliet, Jean is so shocked and distraught at the sight of the long lost John she drops dead on the spot. Overcome with grief John dies too and is soon buried on the spot where he fell. Legend tells us his tears flowed up from the earth to create Hosie’s well, and still make up its waters to this day. Bennachie Walk The craggy granite peak of the Mither Tap dominates views of Aberdeenshire and is one of nine summits spread out across the ancient landscape of Bennachie. A popular walk with locals and visitors alike, this former hilltop Pictish fort is riddled with walking trails and folklore, and rewards anyone who ventures up its rocky slopes with long horizon views of the surrounding countryside and coast. The easiest way to reach Hosie’s Well is to follow the Maiden Causeway trail, which leads from the Rowan Tree Car Park to the north of Bennachie, to the summit of the Mither Tap, scooting past the well on the way. The trail kicks off to a steep, narrow start as it leads upwards from the car park quicky into woodland of Scots Pine and Sitka Spruce. Take time to look out for the red squirrels that call this forest home and to take in the birdsong that accompanies the short, uphill walk through the trees. From here you’ll soon emerge into a heather strewn hillside and unfolding views of the Mither Tap ahead. After about half an hour of steady walking, and a mile from the car park, you’ll reach a level area, dotted with rowan and larch trees, that branches off to the right of the Maiden Causeway. This diversion leads to Hosie’s Well nestled deep within the rocks beneath the grassy ground. The well itself isn't big, but is a good place to pause, unpack a picnic and take in the silence of the hillside. Also take time to read the information board detailing the story of the blood-stained Battle of Harlow and the tragic Hosie, whose heartbroken tears are said to feed the well’s clear waters. If you’ve the time and energy, and the weather is on your side, continue up the Maiden Causeway to the Mither Tap summit. The Causeway itself is the stuff of legend and named after a feisty local girl who made a deal with the devil, betting she could bake a batch of oatcakes in less time than it would take him to build a pathway up Bennachie. The views from the top of the Mither Tap are equally legendary and well worth the scramble to the top to take in. Practical Information Bennachie is managed by Forestry and Land Scotland (https://forestryandland.gov.scot) It is accessible all year round. There is no charge to part at Rowan Tree car park, but do park in the designated area and be careful not to block gateways. To reach the car park follow the A96 north from Inverurie for about eight miles. Turn left onto a minor road signposted to ‘Maiden Stone’, just before the turning to Oyne. After about 1⁄2 mile, take a right turn signposted ‘Rowantree Forest Walks’. The car park is about 1⁄2 mile along this road, at grid reference NJ 692 244. The nearest post code is: AB51 5HZ. This is a popular walk and the car park gets busy at weekends and holidays. If you are travelling by public transport the nearest drop off point is Pitcaple villiage which is about two miles from the car park on the A96 and served by buses between Huntly and Aberdeen. For more information see Traveline Scotland. (https://travelinescotland.com) The best option to eating is to bring a picnic and picnic tables with a view are perched on a grassy bank above the car park. These are not accessible for wheelchair users, but the on site toilets, which are open Easter to September, are. Good walking shoes or boots are recommended as some parts of the trail are narrow steep and rocky. The ground can also get muddy after rain and icy in the winter. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks.

A new sound installation by artist Januario Jano is situated across seven sites in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. The public artwork, developed whilst on residency at Deveron Projects, traces (and imagines) the journey of migratory birds, primarily passing through Angola, reaching the north of Scotland. The project began with a focus on Huntly’s infamous swift population and has evolved to include seven migratory birds. Through archive and newly recorded sounds of Common Swifts, Spotted Flycatchers, Red Knots, Common Starlings, Sedge Warblers, Common Terns and House Martins, Januario has composed a complex soundscape that reflects on migration and assimilation of human and non-humans. Moving above geographic borders, a process of assimilation for birds is distinctive from people and plants, and politics, but equally requires hospitality for survival. Habitual in their migration, Swifts return to the exact home (nesting in roofs, under tiles, under eaves and within gables) annually. So methodical in their nature that should the home have been removed, the Swifts will continuously knock themselves against the spot that their nest resided that the impact will often kill them. To what end to we, humans, require the kindness and considerations of others to be at home? The soundscape maps a 45-minute circular path and the sites for each track are marked by seven 'non-native' plants, imbedded into Huntly's landscape: Crocosmia, Pampas Grass, Cotoneaster, Peiris Japonica, Hydrangea, Japanese Maple and Lavender.

GARDENSTOWN - FISHER'S LULLABY - FROM THE ALBUM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING http://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com Lullabies sung by the wives of fishermen are common in the fishing communities of North East Scotland. The women of these tiny coastal villages constantly worried for their husbands while they were out at sea. Singing lullabies was a simple way for them to calm both their children and their worries. The Fisher’s Lullaby is based on the song of the Fisherman’s Wife. In this sad song a worried waiting wife prays with her children for the safety of their father out at sea as she sings them gently to sleep with her bittersweet lullaby. The original version “The Sang O' The Fisherman's Wife" was written by Zetta Sinclair, mother of Scottish singer and former game show host Isla St Claire, who grew up in Buckie on the north Aberdeenshire coast. Zetta was also one of the original founders in the 1960s of the Aberdeen Folk Song Club. Gardenstown Walk The village and harbour of Gardenstown is one a handful of tiny sea facing hamlets that cling to the steep cliffs of coastal Aberdeenshire. All houses face seawards around both the hamlet’s old harbour and the only road that winds its steep way down to the sea. Gardenstown was founded in the early eighteen century and fishing began in its harbour about a hundred years later. Both salmon and herring fleets were once based here and, at the height of the peak the local fishing industry at turn of the nineteenth to twentieth centuries, 92 boats operated from Gardenstown’s tiny harbour. It’s easy to imagine this old sea-soaked village surrounded by steep cliffs full of boats selling their catch of the day and large salmon nets hanging out to dry and to still feel the worry of those waiting at home when the fleet left safe harbour for open sea. Take time on a walk around the old harbour to read the information boards detailing the history of the town’s fishing industry. If you’re visiting on a weekday during the summer drop into the Heritage Centre (open Monday to Friday 2pm-4pm during the summer) to find out more about Gardenstown’s harbour, fishing fleet and old fish wives. If you’ve time for a longer walk, head east along the coastal path to the tiny community of Crovie a few miles along the coast whose main street can only be travelled along by foot. The path is a perfect place for dolphin or bird spotting, but some parts get covered by the high tide. In wild weather it’s best avoided altogether. Practical Information Getting There Two narrow roads lead off the B9031 to Gardenstown, one to the east and the other to the west of the hamlet. Both meet and merge into the B9123 as it makes a steep, twisty, and increasingly narrow, downhill journey to the Gardenstown’s harbour and heart of the village. Parking is located at the harbourside. A local bus service (no 273) runs between Gardenstown, Fraserbourgh to the east and Banff to the west. Toilets & Refreshments Picnic tables and public toilets can both be found at the harbourside. Places to eat include The Garden Arms Hotel (closed on Tuesdays) which dates back to 1743 and also has accommodation - the hotel boasts a visit by Bram Stoker in 1896. Eli’s Crafts, Cakes and Coffee is located close to public parking and champions local produce on their menu – take away also available. Accessibility The roads and lanes around Gardenstown’s harbour are accessible by wheelchair. Text for the Soundwalk researched and written by Lesley-Anne Rose at https://OpenRoadLtd.co.uk , with many thanks. Image with thanks to Isla Goldie Photography

PENNAN VILLAGE - FISHER'S LULLABY - FROM THE ALBUM "SAND, SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING http://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com Lullabies sung by the wives of fishermen are common in the fishing communities of North East Scotland. The women of these tiny coastal villages such as Pennan, Gardenstown and Crovie, constantly worried for their husbands while they were out at sea. Singing lullabies was a simple way for them to calm both their children and their worries. The original version “The Sang O' The Fisherman's Wife" was written by Zetta Sinclair, mother of Scottish singer and former game show host Isla St Claire, who grew up in Buckie on the north Aberdeenshire coast. Zetta was also one of the original founders in the 1960s of the Aberdeen Folk Song Club.

INVERBOYNDIE BEACH - MAGGIE MACHLIN FROM THE ALBUM "SAND SILT, FLINT" BY FIONA SOE PAING https://FionaSoePaing.bandcamp.com The ballad of Maggie Machlin recounts the sad story of a local domestic servant who worked in service for the Manse at Boyndie. According to the song and regional folklore poor Maggie, once favoured by those she worked for, was cast out when she became pregnant by a local dignitary – ‘a Boyndie man of high degree.’ Sadly for Maggie the man of high degree also rejected her and in despair one evening she walked down the water’s edge at Inverboyndie Beach. Here she sat down on a rock and stared out to sea. The ballad tells us that the rock Maggie sat on was bare and covered with spray from the sea. But here Maggie sat from evening until dawn. Sadly, Maggie didn't survive the cold night in this wild, windy spot on the edge of the North Sea and was found dead of exposure the next morning. Inverboyndie Beach Walk Don’t let the sad tale of Maggie Machlin deter you from a walk along this wild bonnie beach situated west of Banff in Boyndie Bay. The sands and sea at Inverboynie are a popular spot for local walkers, surfers, and swimmers who all gravitate here to take in wide views of the North Sea and surrounding gorse covered cliffs. The car park adjacent to the Banff Links Caravan Park is a favourite place to park and from here it’s a short walk to the beach’s golden sands past a large children’s play park. The voices of playing children meet with the sounds of the sea and wind enroute to the beach and form a poignant echo to Maggie’s sad story. Alternatively, park at the east end of the beach and head down to the coastal pathway that leads through a wide expanse of grassland on the edge of the shoreline. The walk from either end of the beach is filled with the smells of grass and seaweed and lined with picnic tables and jaunty beach shelters with striking blue roofs. The far east side of the beach is the more remote spot to find a bare rock to sit on, stare out to sea and remember poor Maggie. From here the coast path carries onto Banff to the east or, from the other end of the beach, along the coast to Whitehalls – a favourite local dolphin watching spot. Practical Information The facilities at the Banff Links Caravan Park (open seasonally from the end of March to early January) include a small shop and public toilets. For a sit down meal head west to The Gallery at Whitehalls, a café and fish restaurant on the edge of the marina, or east to Banff which has a number of places to eat and stay. Those travelling on public transport to Inverboyndie can hop aboard one of a number of bus services that run from Banff, Macduff and Fraserburgh. Soundwalk text researched and written by Lesley Anne Rose at Open Road Ltd, with profound thanks. Image with thanks to Isla Goldie Photography.

A remote collaboration between two artists in Cornwall and rural Aberdeenshire. Initially based around the notions of parenthood, whilst also considering personal, geographical and political space. Composition naturally began to accommodate responses to the pandemic as the album was written during the COVID19 lockdown of 2020. The first five tracks use only the voice and audio production techniques, field recordings, and radio excerpts, whilst the final track contains additional instrumentation.