Aikey Fair originated in a packman drying his wares on the b...

Original Track ID

SA1972.218.A5

Original Tape ID

SA1972.218_orig

Summary

Aikey Fair originated in a packman drying his wares on the broom bushes.

A packman who was selling drapery round the doors was crossing a river using stepping stones. He slipped and fell in, pack and all. There were fine broom bushes on Aikey Brae, so the packman spread out his wares to dry there. People saw them and bought everything he had. He came back the following year, with equal success. Subsequently more and more traders joined him and Aikey Fair was established. It became a horse market and place for settling accounts. Other fairs in the North-East are mentioned. Lucy Stewart says she is only going by old folks' stories, because since she settled in Fetterangus at fifteen she has hardly been anywhere. She was first at Aikey Fair in 1918 and not again until 1928. She has not been there often.

Recording Location

Item Location

Language

English, Scots

Genre

Story Information

Collection

SoSS

Source Type

Reel to reel

Audio Quality

Good