Tales from Braemore & Swein Asleifson - a Northern Pirate

In the winter evenings, before television, people in Caithness would gather in each other's homes for informal gatherings known as ceilidhs, where they would spend the night in conversation around the firesides. The news of the day was discussed, as well as other topics of interest, and the storytellers would come into their own. Robert Gunn has selected a number of these tales and historical events with links to or origins in Caithness, providing a fascinating read and a few surprises. The book also includes stories such as The Prisoner's Leap, which raised debate as to whether it was possible to jump the gorge at Crageneath, and Alexander Gunn's recollections of his schooldays at Badbea, which will be an eye-opener for many. Swein Asleifson, a northern pirate, was also a powerful man of his time, commanding fear from the people, respect from Earls, and admiration from Kings.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 144 pages
\n Publication date: 14 December 2018
\n Publisher: Whittles Publishing
\n

In the heart of the northern winter, when the nights were long and the days were cold, the people of Caithness would gather in each other's homes, forming intimate gatherings known as ceilidhs. Around the warm firesides, they would spend hours engaging in lively conversations, discussing the events of the day and delving into the rich tapestry of their heritage. The storytellers, always eager to captivate their audiences, would emerge from the shadows, weaving tales of long ago that transported listeners to distant lands and times.

One such story that captured the imagination of the people was The Prisoner's Leap, a tale that told of a daring escape from a treacherous gorge at Crageneath. While the conversation often debated the feasibility of such a feat, it was agreed that the distance between the two rocks at the gorge was much less than it was believed to be. Another intriguing tale was the story of Earl of Orkney, who was believed to have been killed in the battle of Leodibest. According to legend, one of the stones near the road marked his grave, a silent witness to the bravery of the man who had fought for his country.

Alexander Gunn's recollections of his schooldays at Badbea were equally captivating. He spoke of the harsh realities that the children who lived there had to endure, including poverty, hunger, and the constant threat of disease. Despite the hardships, the children were resilient and resourceful, finding ways to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

One of the most remarkable figures from Caithness's history was Swein Asleifson, a northern pirate who roamed the seas, plundering ships and terrorizing coastal towns. Born to a Norse governor, Swein followed a life of adventure and violence, traveling as far south as Wales and the Scilly Isles. He became one of the most powerful men of his time, commanding fear from the people, respect from Earls, and admiration from Kings.

This book, "Tales from Caithness: Stories of Long Ago and Historical Events with Links to or Origins in Caithness," is a testament to the rich heritage and storytelling tradition of the people of Caithness. It brings together a collection of tales and historical events that have been carefully selected by Robert Gunn, a passionate historian and storyteller himself. Through his words, readers are transported back to the days of yore, where the stories of the past come alive and evoke a sense of wonder and awe.

Whether you are a resident of Caithness or a curious outsider, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the fascinating history and culture of this beautiful region. It is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the people who have called Caithness home for generations, and a reminder of the power of storytelling to connect us to our past and inspire us to our future.

\n Weight: 270g\n
Dimension: 216 x 153 x 8 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781849952767\n \n