Ailish Sinclair's Blog, page 24
July 30, 2023
The Beauty of Bow Fiddle Rock and Swan Lake
I had hoped it might be sunny on my recent visit to Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural sea arch near Portknockie. It was. Very briefly. Between the car and the benches, the sun shone brightly for a few seconds.
Then the clouds closed over, but the place was still beautiful.
I was reminded of the stunning Swan Lake photos of husband and wife Gillian Murphy and Ethan Stiefel, taken by photographer Fabrizio Ferri below. Overcast, wet weather did not stop beauty there either.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Fabrizio Ferri (@fabrizioferriofficial)
Back at Bow Fiddle Rock, I slipped and slid over recently rained-on pebbles to take my photos.
I stopped to admire red clover on my way back up the cliff. And that was beautiful too.
Sisters at the Edge of the World
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
About Page
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The Beauty of Bow Fiddle Rock and Swan Lake appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 29, 2023
Easter Aquorthies Stone Circle
Easter Aquorthies CircleEaster Aquorthies, also known as East Aquorthies, is sometimes described as a ‘show circle’ and recommended as a good first stone circle to visit. This is due to its near perfect condition and position: all stones are present and upright; the grass always seems to have been manicured to a close shave, and the views of the surrounding countryside are magnificent. It’s also very clearly signposted from the nearby town of Inverurie, making it easy to find and then park in its small car park.
BennachieThe Mither Tap of Bennachie is apparent wherever you walk in and around the circle, looming majestic and large over your shoulder.
The Recumbent StoneThe recumbent stone is unusual in that it has extra supporting stones on the inner side. I wonder what led to this arrangement. Did it fall and crush someone, in Neolithic or Bronze Age times, causing new health and safety measures to be put in place? It is on a slope, so maybe it was just hard to make secure. I hope no one got crushed!
Name OriginThe name is thought to derive from Gaelic and means either ‘field of prayer’ or ‘field of the stone pillar’. Most of the stones are granite but one, below, is red jasper.
Leaving Easter Aquorthies…There are numerous tales of people finding it hard to exit Easter Aquorthies stone circle. Some describe walking away as being like trying to wade through treacle and report feeling as if the circle wants to keep them there. There are also stories of enticing music coming from under the ground.
On the day I visited, I really didn’t want to leave. I would rather have stayed sitting in the sun with my back up against one of the recumbent flankers, staring out over Bennachie.
I knew the next circle on my list to visit was going to be contrastingly tricky to find. And it was. But that’s a post for another day (see Tyrebagger here).
Leave I did, reluctantly, and a little later than planned. I encountered no treacle or music… but I have been left with a strong desire to return. Soon.
All my books feature a stone circle.Sisters at the Edge of the World
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features chosen sisters, fierce warriors, a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance.
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
The Mermaid and the Bear
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story. There’s also six chapters of medieval-style Christmas.
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
Fireflies and Chocolate
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle, and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
“Filled with excitement and suspense…” Historical Novel Society Editor’s Pick
About Page
See my About Page here
UpdatesSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Easter Aquorthies Stone Circle appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 28, 2023
Stone Circles, Henges and a Barrow
It’s no secret that I love stone circles and other old stony places. I visit them. A lot. I hug them. Quite a bit. And I write about them. Aikey Brae, above, is my absolute favourite. The circle in my books is loosely based on this one. I’ve blogged about it here in the snow and here after the trees were felled.
Today I’m sharing some older photos of ancient sites that I’ve not used before, so they may not be too perfect, but I hope they capture the spirit of these special places.
First, I’m going back in time, deep into the family-photo archives, and journeying out of Scotland to Wiltshire in England.
Avebury
The great henge of Avebury, a circle with a village built right in the middle of it, is another of my favourites.
West Kennet and SilburyNearby is West Kennet Long Barrow where I once found a candle burning (very naughty, such things could cause damage):
Across the road from the barrow is the mysterious Silbury Hill.
Aberdeenshire Stone CirclesWe have a nice wee henge in Aberdeenshire too at Broomend of Crichie, and the shape of the stones really remind me of Avebury. As does the fact that there was once an avenue of stones leading to the circle.
And just down the river, in the old graveyard, is the Bass of Inverurie.
The Bass is a natural hill that has been shaped. It’s been home to a Motte and Bailey castle and there have been older worked flint objects found there too.
Did someone create a diminutive complex similar to that of Avebury? I wonder…
Some lovely Pictish stones stand beside the Bass today, un-huggable in their new glass case.
The countryside of the Inverurie area is rich in standing stones and circles too. Easter Aquorthies lies a couple of miles away from the Bass. I’ve blogged about it here.
And, not too far away, is Loanhead of Daviot Recumbent Stone Circle, one that I’m writing about just now as it plays a part in the story of SISTERS.
At Daviot:
Wonderful BlogsThe Wee Writing Lassie asked me 7 intrusive questions! Go to her blog to see them.
Sally Cronin reviewed FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE on her wonderful Smorgasbord Blog Magazine: “This book is well researched, bringing history to life and the writing flows smoothly like hot chocolate as it warms on a cold day. It is a coming of age and love story which will have you holding your breath on occasion as Elizabeth comes to terms with her future.” See the whole review here.
Tyrebagger Circle near AberdeenNewsletterI hope you’ve enjoyed my wee journey into the ancient past. Go here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Books (stone circle included!)
Set in 1st century Scotland, my latest novel, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD, includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance!
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
See the press release here
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Taking place mainly in a fictional castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE was inspired by the kidnapped children and young people of Aberdeen. The story follows the adventures of Elizabeth Manteith from the castle and her determined efforts to get back home. There’s love. There’s derring-dos on the high seas… And there’s chocolate!
See the publisher’s Press Release here
Review from the Historical Novel Society
About Page
Path through crop to Castle Fraser stone circleWriter’s Tip JarThe post Stone Circles, Henges and a Barrow appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 27, 2023
The White Horse on Mormond Hill
History of the White Horse on Mormond HillThe white horse on Mormond Hill in Aberdeenshire can be seen for miles around. Constructed of white quartz, the horse is said to have been built by a Captain Fraser in the 1790s after the Flanders campaign. His own horse was shot from under him in battle and his sergeant offered his mount as replacement and was shot in the process. The white horse is a memorial to Sergeant Henderson.
Visiting the HorseI have visited the horse a few times, by car a long time ago, and also on foot. It’s quite a long walk. From the village of Strichen, you head up Hospital Road and keep going. The road becomes a track which leads to fields. You cross a stile at one point. Then there’s a wee path, and it all gets rather steep.
But it’s worth it. Look at the views!
And. of course, the horse itself:
FolkloreAccording to a local saying, if you turn round three times in the horse’s eye (just visible in the lower right corner of the above photo), your wish will be granted!
The nose.Do be careful if walking on the hill. Parts of it are boggy, and the ground once swallowed a whole tractor.
The aforementioned Captain Fraser is also credited with the hunting lodge on top of the hill, now a ruin.
View from the lodge.A Pirouette and a WishSo, let’s perform a triple pirouette in the eye of the white horse as we make our wish. There’s just time for one more gaze across the countryside while we try to pinpoint which village is which… and then we head back down to earth.
My Latest Novel
From the provocative opening scene to the later dramatic and devastating events of the story, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD is a book that will continually surprise, delight, and sometimes shock the reader. The novel features the beautiful hill of Bennachie, and the stone circles of Aberdeenshire along with the cliffs and caves of Cullykhan Bay.
“Ethereal and spellbinding….” Historical Novel Society
Review from Terry Tyler: “It’s a fabulous story, a real page-turner and so well written. It made me think about the passage and circle of time, of the constancy of the land on which we live and the transient nature of human life. Loved it.” See the whole review here.
Read the article Aberdeenshire in Roman times takes centre stage in author’s latest book from AberdeenLive.
About PageSee my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post The White Horse on Mormond Hill appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 21, 2023
Up on the Roof of Aberdeen Art Gallery
You can now go up on the roof of the newly done-up Aberdeen Art Gallery. It’s quite nice up there among the green domes of the city. That’s the theatre straight ahead and Union Terrace Gardens (also going through the process of change) to the left.
Arriving on the roof of Aberdeen Art GalleryI was relieved to arrive up on the roof during my recent visit. I’d displayed distinctly codger-like tendencies until then. Where were the old marble stairs? Why were there new plastic-covered ones instead? How was that an improvement? And what about the fountain and the thing that used to be in the middle of it?
Works of Art‘The thing’ was on the roof, and I was glad to see it.
Oval Form – TrezionDame Barbara Hepworth
There were other old favourites throughout the gallery too, and photography was allowed everywhere.
Penelope, her milkshake bringing all the boys to the yard:
Penelope and the SuitorsJohn William Waterhouse
A lit-up love poem:
For YouTracey Emin
Then there was a buttery, a local delicacy, a sort of salty, fatty squashed roll. Unfortunately, I did not note the name of the artist.
Visit the official website of Aberdeen Art Gallery.
Kirk of St NicholasThe Kirk of St Nicholas could be seen from the roof of the gallery. I do seem to see it wherever I go in the city.
I wandered down to the kirkyard before leaving Aberdeen. The grass had obviously not been cut all season, giving the place an unkempt and uncared-for feel. There was a poppy, though. And that was beautiful.
People accused of witchcraft were imprisoned in the old steeple of that kirk long ago, as mentioned in THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR.
Taking place mainly in a castle, THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR blends an often overlooked period of history, the Scottish witchcraft accusations, in particular the 1597 Aberdeen witchcraft panic, with a love story.
See the press release here
From the Press and Journal: New book by Fraserburgh author highlights horrific extent of witch trials in Scotland
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Up on the Roof of Aberdeen Art Gallery appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 17, 2023
In Search of Lord Pitsligo’s Cave
Lord PitsligoI’ve written about Lord Pitsligo before, briefly here in a post about his home, Pitsligo Castle, and then in more detail over at The Witch, The Weird and the Wonderful. He’s an intriguing character who hid around the Buchan countryside for three years following the battle of Culloden, for some of the time in a cave which is still referred to as Lord Pitsligo’s Cave.
I had to find it.
Walking to Lord Pitsligo’s CaveA friend and I set off along the coast, heading West from Rosehearty, having read several conflicting accounts of the exact location of the cave. We knew it had been blown up by the home guard in WW2 and the lower entrance made inaccessible. Perhaps the best we would be able to say was that we’d walked near it?
We passed lines of white quartz and rocky plateaus and many craggy cliffs where we stopped and wondered: is this it?
Then: yes! We just knew we’d found the place. Seagulls flew up, angry about us being so close to their nests, but down we went into the bay.
It’s not too easy to discern in my shadowy pictures, but there’s a pile of rubble where the lower entrance would have been and a small opening in the cliff above.
My friend went back on a brighter day and zoomed in on the higher entrance:
We walked further, along to Quarry Head, the site of a 16th century shipwreck (interesting story here), and looked back across the various bays:
It’s a stunning bit of coastline to explore; the cave is about two miles from Rosehearty. Picture below taken on another day just before a thunder storm, note the tiny white sailing boat in the centre:
My BooksMy newest book features another local cave, by Cullykhan Bay.
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
All my booksAll my books are available in paperback and kindle and can be seen on my Amazon Author Page. If you follow me there you should be updated with new releases and any offers or sales.
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my (roughly monthly) newsletter. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always includes some exclusive photos.
Tip JarThe post In Search of Lord Pitsligo’s Cave appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 14, 2023
Music and Words on the Making of Meaning
Music and WordsThe composer Rhodri Williams-Wandoch has created an amazing blend of music and words on the making of meaning. He describes the piece as an intricate and profound improvised invention on a chromatic theme. I’m the second author, a little after 2.20 minutes in, reading an excerpt from SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD entitled On War.
Listen to my dulcet tones (I think I was putting on my ‘posh’ voice) below:
The GardenI wish I could share the sweet scent of the honeysuckle and lavender. The garden has reached its overgrown summer phase. The poor pink bench looks like it’s about to be reclaimed by nature.
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Meanwhile…I return to editing. Down the dungeon steps I go…
About Page
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Music and Words on the Making of Meaning appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
Words and Music on the Making of Meaning
Words and MusicThe composer Rhodri Williams-Wandoch has created an amazing blend of music and words on the making of meaning. He describes the piece as an intricate and profound improvised invention on a chromatic theme. I’m the second author, a little after 2.20 minutes in, reading an excerpt from SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD entitled On War.
Listen to my dulcet tones (I think I was putting on my ‘posh’ voice) below:
The GardenI wish I could share the sweet scent of the honeysuckle and lavender. The garden has reached its overgrown summer phase. The poor pink bench looks like it’s about to be reclaimed by nature.
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Set in 1st century Scotland, SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD includes the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The book features a neurodivergent main character and some rather complicated romance…
“Ethereal and spellbinding…” Historical Novel Society
Read the article Roman Aberdeenshire features in author’s new book from Grampian Online.
Meanwhile…I return to editing. Down the dungeon steps I go…
About Page
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my occasional emails that always include some exclusive photos and news of my writing and life. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Words and Music on the Making of Meaning appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 13, 2023
Contemporary Romance and Historical Fiction
I write contemporary romance and historical fiction, often set in the area of Scotland where I live, Aberdeenshire. My historical novels combine little-known dark events with love stories. There are witches, bears, kidnappers and Romans to be found in them, detailed on the book pages. My contemporary romance is a lot naughtier, though still dark, and coming soon.
I also take a LOT of photos, as is evidenced throughout the site.
Here on the blog, I write about castles, history, stone circles, dance, living with chronic illness, and writing. See my about page here.
Historical Fiction
SISTERS AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD: ancient battle, neurodiversity and forbidden romance.THE MERMAID AND THE BEAR: witchcraft, a stone circle, a castle and a love story.FIREFLIES AND CHOCOLATE: kidnapping, friendship and chocolate.Coming Soon: a Dark and Sexy Contemporary Romance Series
These books are so naughty that I’m worried nobody will be able to look me in the face again after reading them. But not that worried. A Dancer’s Journey is going to be released anyway, and I’m having immense fun working on it just now!
Short blurb for TENDU, the first book in the series.Full blurbs and covers will be revealed in due course along with release dates which will be a month apart. No long waits between books, and no cliffhanger endings either. Each book completes a story, but then there is more. So much more.
Meanwhile, I’ve been writing bits and pieces about these stories, and the background from which they sprang, on the blog. See the posts:
Working Girl: a WordPress Prompt Goes DarkPointe Work and a Red LeotardChosen Sisters: Friendship and DanceA Snaggled, Barbourous PlaceDiabolical and Deranged: Writing and BloodThere’s also this strange little post about what the characters of A Dancer’s Journey get up to when I’m away from the keyboard.
Further Insight into my life and workThe article Researching Historical Fiction: Immersing Oneself in the Past on the Women Writers, Women‘s Books site.10 Mystical and Magical Sites in Aberdeenshire on the official tourism site for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.Doctors and Deadlines: Writing with Chronic IllnessWalking the Witchy Ways of AberdeenA Book Seven Years in the MakingUpdatesSign up to the mailing list for news about my life and writing, and some exclusive photos. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
The post Contemporary Romance and Historical Fiction appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
July 7, 2023
Strained Eyes, Social Media and Summer
Looking at Ox-eye daisies in the meadow, squinting against the sun with my strained eyes…Strained EyesI have strained eyes. I’ve been writing, writing, writing. Or actually, editing, editing, editing. A Dancer’s Journey is progressing. It feels slow, but these books are long, long, long. And emotional. And diabolical and barbarous and sexy and witty and fun. Working on them is actually immense fun. I will miss it when they’re done.
And they will be soon. They are coming, I promise 
Rose and Buddleia in the gardenThreadsI’m on there. Just. Here I am. It will be part of the fediverse, like Mastodon (there too, sometimes).
First post on Threads is the sign for the Mither Tap on Bennachie (the hill features in SISTERS).But for today…I’m closing my strained eyes and putting my feet in the pool in my, very slanting, summer garden.
Historical FictionThese novels feature little-known dark events, romance and a hint of magic.
MERMAID: witchcraft, a stone circle, a castle and a love story. FIREFLIES: kidnapping, friendship and chocolate. SISTERS: ancient battle, neurodiversity and forbidden romance.
See my About Page here
NewsletterGo here to sign up for my (roughly monthly) newsletter. It’s a more intimate space than the blog and always includes some exclusive photos. If you would rather just hear about new books and offers, you can follow my Amazon author page.
Writer’s Tip JarThe post Strained Eyes, Social Media and Summer appeared first on Ailish Sinclair.
