Burghead memories re-visited – July 2011

Brian Bird attended a course at our Moray Sea School in Burghead in 1956 and this summer, decided to take a trip down memory lane and re-visit the site of the school.....

“Now in my 75th year and far removed from the balmy days of my youth I took my wife down Memory Lane to the location of the former Sea School at Burghead.

The School long since demolished and replaced by a housing estate is still remembered in a large photograph on the office wall of the Harbour Master. We were welcomed into his inner sanctum – No computer, email or web facilities here, but on his desk an Imperial Typewriter, still going strong.

No three masted schooner either to grace the harbour berths, just a few small fishing craft.
The village quiet and serene, resplendent and bathed in beautiful sunshine was a treat, especially for the Septuagenarian Outward Bounder.

Climbing up to the Observation Tower brought back memories of the beach where the Cutters lurked and blisters remembered – Oars can be so cruel.

The vision of climbing the rigging on the Prince Louis and ‘dying’ from sea sickness on Dog Watch came flooding back – Oh for a coffee and the Juke Box in the Cafe, no longer there, and the Dance in the Village Hall.

Those were the days to remember in the Village. Today’s welcome was equally rewarding. The Harbour Master, the Pub Staff and the Locals who we chatted to in the street, were all lovely to meet.

The call of the Mountains meant that a trip up Cairn Gorm was a must. A ride far removed from my past exertions which included Ben Macdhui and Cairn Toul, a fair trek from the camp at Loch an Eilean. The Vista from Cairn Gorm was lovely but overcast. It did not deter my search for the mountains of my youth. However, no herd of red deer bounding over them this time.

It was a pleasure to read of the experiences of Nicola Fay of The Tullochan Trust - Well done, young lady!

The age old experiences of Outward Bound still captivate and stimulate our youth. I am conditioning my grandchildren in the hope that they will enjoy the experience.

If there are still other Course 62 1956 members alive and kicking I would love to speak to them – please get in touch.

Brian Bird. Drake Watch.

To read more of Brian's memories from his time at Burghead in 1956, please click here