People and places
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Bringing the past to life: here we delve a little deeper into Lumphanan's fascinating history...........
Click on the links below to meet some of the past residents of Lumphanan, learn a little more about how the area was shaped through time and the hard work of past inhabitants.
Over time, we’ll share stories of families or individuals who lived and worked in the Lumphanan area. Farmers who worked their farms all their lives, others who set sail to find a better life the other side of the world. Learn about the Travelling Folk, the “Summer Walkers” who used our tracks as they passed through, telling stories round their camp fires in the evening light on the Church Track (Old Military Road on the Lumphanan Circular walk). There’s also the fascinating history of the Loch of Auchlossan, and many more stories to be recorded before they are forgotten forever. We’ll be shining a light on the past of this parish, with many stories reflecting the greater picture of life through the ages in Aberdeenshire.
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Get involved - what are your living memories and stories of Lumphanan?
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Did you work or travel on the railway or know someone who did? Do you remember Lumphanan floods or the draining of the Loch of Auchlossan in the 1940's? What about the village shops, or galas and dances at the hall? Or buildings that have changed use or long gone? Do you have any old photographs? We’d be delighted if you could share your stories of people, places and events you remember so that we can build a rich patchwork of Lumphanan stories for all to read. Please email us at lumphananpaths@gmail.com.
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Photo credits left to right: 1. Lumphanan Railway workers and 2. Lumphanan Emporium 1937 photographer is A. Morrison, courtesy of Kathleen Massie.
3. Adrian Williams - courtesy of Flora Williams. copyright Aberdeen Journals Inc.; 4. Satan's Den Image from Old Midmar & Cromar by David Jamieson and W. Stewart Wilson, courtesy of Stenlake Publishing Ltd. We are grateful to Lumphanan Heritage Society for photos 1 -3.
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Following on from our article about crofts on Stot Hill, George Lawrie reminisces about his childhood at Cairn Mude farm. This once busy place is now hidden by modern forestry, but sit quietly amongst the ruins and you can imagine the bustle of 14 people living in the tiny farm house, toiling away on the land, trying to make ends meet. Read his story here.
This article includes a copy of David Northford's article 'Fourteeen in a Family' from Grampian Lives: v. 1: Living Through the Twentieth Century in the Small Towns and Settlements of North-East Scotland (Early Lives and Memories 1900-1950) (2010). It is reproduced by kind permission of David's wife Kathleen, and the publisher Lindy Cheyne.
Extract from OS 1:10560 1939-71. Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland https://maps.nls.uk/index.html
Ann Raeburn peels back the cloak of modern forestry to reveal a fascinating insight into to the secrets of Stot Hill, and life around Lumphanan in the early to mid 20th century, through the experiences of George Smith. Read his story here.
Maggie McGregor was a well known lady throughout Deeside, being writer to the local auctioneer, selling livestock and rouping out the contents of farms. She was legendary for standing no nonsense from farmers. Maggie also farmed at Moss-side near the top of the church track in Lumphanan. Here is a delightful insight into this firm but very kind lady.
This article was printed in the Cromar History Group Annual publication “Echoes from Cromar’s Past” 2003. It is reprinted here with the Editor’s full permission. A treasure trove of interesting articles from the “Echoes” can be found and downloaded from https://www.cromarhistorygroup.org.uk/echoes/
Read here about a lost way of life with this account of the Paterson family who lived at Oldtown Croft on a windswept hill by Lumphanan. Full of memories and stories of good times and hard times, and great photos, from Brian and Kenny Paterson. This is the first part of a two-part article covering the years 1957-1965.
Read here about Skweel days and beyond for the Patersons, who lived at Oldtown Croft near Lumphanan. Full of stories and great photos, from Brian and Kenny Paterson. See if you can spot familiar faces in the school photos!
Find out former Lumphanan resident Betty Moir here, and the significance of the Comply (the path which runs eastwards from Milton of Auchenhove to Roadside, just south of the old school) in her life. We may all wonder on the many tales this old track has hidden in its past as we wander along the Comply again!
Read about the last of Scotland’s Traveller Storytellers, Stanley Robertson, and the significance of the Church Track - the Old Military Road and green lane which is still enjoyed by Lumphanan's residents and visitors today.
​Read about Stanley here.
June Armstrong writes about the fascinating objects discovered during archaeological field walking, and what this reveals about Lumphanan's history.
Explore here to read more!