Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to honour the incredible dads in our lives. As we reflect on the importance of paternal love, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone is fortunate enough to experience the joy of a loving father figure. Heartbreaking stories like those of David UrquhartRead more ⟶
Category: Curiosities
A vitriolic attack
Davina Brown and the vitriol attack, 5th December 1924 Davina Brown was in her mid-twenties, slogging away in the jute mills like so many other young women in the 1920s when she met Thomas Crombie. He owned his own cooping business, ooh fancy, cooping is making barrels and casks, but hey, he owned his ownRead more ⟶
Summer holiday with Dad
Under the scorching sun of a sweltering Saturday in July 1889, David Anderson, a 74-year-old retired weaver, found himself amidst the throngs of passengers cramming into the train departing from Perth to Broughty Ferry. Every July, during Perth’s midsummer break, those fortunate enough would flee the town in pursuit of a summer getaway. The allureRead more ⟶
Man scalded to death
This awful incident took place on Walton Street, at the Larchfield Jute Works, the building is now demolished and has been replaced with new housing. Dundee Courier, Monday 18th May 1896 SHOCKING AFFAIR IN DUNDEE. man scalded to death. MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. Yesterday morning a shocking discovery was made at Walton Street Jute Works. Dundee (MessrsRead more ⟶
Nymphs Fighting Over the Spoil
This short tale from the Dundee Courier is about a typical Dundee criminal incident- involving drink, and theiving. In fact, the victim was so drunk he didn’t even realise he’d been robbed at first! Dundee Courier, Sat 5th October 1878 Nymphs Fighting Over the Spoil. Jane Brown and Catherine Chalmers or Morrison were placed atRead more ⟶
Jute
Jute is a coarse fibre from India used to make products like sacking, burlap, twine, and canvas. In the 1830s, it was discovered that treating jute with whale oil, a by-product of Dundee’s whaling industry, made it suitable for spinning. This led to the growth of a significant jute industry in Dundee, providing jobs forRead more ⟶
Riddled Closes Plaques
On our Riddled walking tour, we visit some of the historic closes in Dundee, including Harry Ogilvie’s close and Couttie’s Wynd. If you’ve been out on the tour in the dark, or just didn’t have a chance to read the plaques which tell us about the history of these closes here is all the infoRead more ⟶
Dirty rats in Dundee
When researching for our Riddled tour, we came across one pest more than any other – rats. This wasn’t a problem exclusive to Dundee, but it seems our furry pals have been causing issues for the town for centuries. Picture this: it’s 100 years ago, and Dundee is having a bit of a rat problem.Read more ⟶
A Series of Unfortunate Events
On January 4th 1922, the scene in the Harrison household on 24 Brook Street was probably very similar to many others. William Harrison and his wife were both at home with their two young children, three year old George and eighteen month old Catherine. The fire was roaring and the kettle was boiling up someRead more ⟶
A right pea-souper
Winter usually throws us a few curveballs as she goes; black ice, flooding, burst pipes and even thunder-snow is to be expected in Scotland at this time of year. Danger lurks on every corner and on every (un-gritted) path as we slip and slide our way around. There’s always something you can rely on –Read more ⟶