Footprints on the sand and other stories

About this recording

During the Second World War, Alistair Sutherland was evacuated to the family home of Summerbank, Auckengill.

Alistair recalls a curious incident at the shore at Auckengill. A neighbour discovered footprints in the sand and speculated that someone had come ashore from a boat. Police were called to investigate. Alistair was warned to keep away from the shore, but as soon as his uncle was out of sight, Alistair took the opportunity to make his own investigations.

He also tells the story of his grandfather, in his courting days, taking a shortcut from Freswick to Scoolery to visit his girlfriend. To ensure safety on dark and misty nights, stones were painted white to guide the way.

Alistair followed in his brother's footsteps when he became a student at the Edinburgh School of Art. He was introduced to his brother's friend Bruce and in this recording, he describes some interesting escapades.

Photograph by Chris Aitken