Another busy day - but wearing a different hat.

First thing I was back at the Lighthouse Museum.  Taking down our art works from the walls of the cafe, and then displaying the art work of Isobel Gregory.  A free cup of coffee and testing out some home bakes meant I stayed longer than I should!  (and I was the only artist who had sold a painting).  Yay.


Then it was a change of hats and I metamorphosed into the secretary of the Best Of Banffshire and Buchan Bed and Breakfasts.  (As explained previously although I have retired from being a b&b provider I am still kept on as Hon Sec.) (cos no-one else wants to do it.)


I had arranged for us to visit....Aden Country Park, have lunch in the cafe , then have the Book of Deer Exhibition opened up for us (usually open only at weekends.)




Aden, often referred to as “the jewel in the Buchan crown” has been recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces with a prestigious Green Flag Award. The awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country and Aden impressed the judges with its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.  Late August it also hosts the Pipe Band Competition.  That is when I have my annual spine melt down.  Massed Pipe Bands.  Better than s*x.




Situated in the heart of the park lies a semi-circular farmstead building built around 1800 and a coach house built in 1832. This now houses the award winning Aberdeenshire Farming Museum, containing a Recognised Collection of National Significance awarded by the Scottish Museums Council (SMC).

There is also a Working Farm Musem, everything as done in the 1950s.


It also houses the Book of Deer Project, and exhibition, which was opened up for us today.




The Book of Deer is a tenth century illuminated manuscript from North East Scotland. As the only pre-Norman manuscript from this area known as “former Pictland” it provides us with a unique insight into the early church, culture and society of this period. Amid the Latin text and the Celtic illuminations there can be found the oldest pieces of Gaelic writing to have survived from early Medieval Scotland.

Dont you just love the last one!  Could this be a happy woman!  Or one like me - too much of the mead.


The original manuscript has a chequered history ( lots of kings and archbishops) (werent they always the baddies) of who owned it down the ages, it is currently in Cambridge University.  If you want to know why a Scottish manuscript is in Cambridge University, I suggest you go on to the website, www.bookofdeer.co.uk


What I wasnt expecting, (its good to have friends!) was Derek, a local historian, giving us a tour, explaining the archaeologistic work going on, previous, current and future to establish where the monks that produced the Book of Deer lived.  Derek was dressed as a monk.  I hadnt realised this and when he moved I screamed as I thought he was a carboard cut out, which does actually stand in the doorway.

Derek then walked those who could (some of us drove there, it wasn't  far, but we have hip replacements, knee replacements and me with shot lungs). to the village of Old Deer, this is one amazing ancient village.  And to the Church of Scotland there where there the really interesting bits of buildings which indicate the church is far older than once thought.  In fact pre dating the existence of the Church of Scotland.

So many spooky memorials and grave stones.  Note the skull here, and as someone said , "Is that Yorick?"  and there was only me who said, "I knew him well."  Did they do Shakespeare in Scotland?


And this is a finger sun dial.

Now is not that just awesome?  Stick your finger in the hole and it will tell you what time it is.  Three minutes past your thumb.


Sometimes, dear bloggers, what you have organised for others comes right.  Big sigh of relief and go get a glass of....