Drumlithie

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Drumlithie is a village in the northeast of Scotland[1] in the area known as the Howe o' the Mearns. Situated seven miles south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire, it is affectionately known by locals as 'Skite', although the origin of this name remains disputed.

Previously a weaving village, Drumlithie has a small steeple at its heart which was rung to signal the start and end of the working day. Ask a local what happens to the steeple when it rains and it is sure to raise a smile. Story has it that villagers are so proud of it that they take it in when it rains. These days the only time the bell can be heard ringing round the village is to welcome in the New Year.

Drumlithie is noted for its appearance in the classic Lewis Grassic Gibbon novel, 'Sunset Song', while neighbouring Glenbervie is the final resting place of the great grandparents of famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.

The village school is called Glenbervie Primary, and is attended by local children from the village and surrounding area. Other amenities include a pub, village hall, bowling green and two parks. The larger of the two parks contains a football pitch and tennis court, and serves as the school playing field. It also plays host to the annual Drumlithie Gala, which is held on the second Saturday of June each year. The finale of the gala is the Single vs Married Mens' football match, which is a good humoured, but fiercely contested game.

[edit] Ancient history

Some of the nearest Bronze Age archaeological recoveries are situated somewhat to the north near Stonehaven at the Fetteresso[2] and Spurryhillock sites. Drumlithie is located near the marching course of Roman Legions that may their way north on explorations and invasion of northern Scotland in the first two centuries AD. These marches connected a series of Roman Camps including Stracathro to the south and Raedykes to the north.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ United Kingdom Ordnance Survey Map Landranger 45, Stonehaven and Banchory, 1:50,000 scale, 2004
  2. ^ C.Michael Hogan, Fetteresso Fieldnotes, The Modern Antiquarian (2008)


Coordinates: 56°55′N, 2°21′W