Toast to the Old Stones: A Tale from Kinloch

The Fisherman's New Year is a 1968 Scottish film about the fishermen of Kinloch preparing to celebrate the old New Year on the twelfth of January. The new owners of the Firdale Hotel are intent on turning their customers teetotal, so skipper Sandy Hoynes comes up with a plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they can afford. When the Revenue are tipped off, it looks as though Hoynes and Hamish's mercy mission might run aground.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Birlinn General

In the enchanting village of Kinloch, nestled along the stunning Scottish coast, the fishermen were preparing to celebrate the ancient New Year on the twelfth of January, a tradition that had been passed down through generations. Among the excited young fishermen was Hamish, the first mate on the Girl Maggie, who had been invited to this exclusive gathering, usually reserved for the most senior members of Kinloch's fishing community.

Meanwhile, the new owners of the Firdale Hotel, a grand establishment overlooking the picturesque harbor, had a peculiar plan in mind. They were determined to turn their customers teetotal, imposing exorbitant prices on whisky, causing dismay among the locals who had come to enjoy the hearty drinks and lively atmosphere.

Wily skipper Sandy Hoynes, known for his ingenious schemes, came up with a brilliant plan to deliver the spirit to the thirsty villagers at a price they could afford. Through his connections with a local still-man, he arranged for a shipment of whisky to be delivered discreetly to Kinloch.

However, their plans were jeopardized when the Revenue, Scotland's tax authority, received a tip-off about the illegal shipment. The authorities were determined to seize the whisky and bring the smugglers to justice.

As the tension mounted, Hoynes and Hamish found themselves on a mercy mission, trying to deliver the whisky to the villagers before the Revenue could catch them. They navigated through treacherous waters, avoiding patrols and hiding their cargo in secret locations.

But their luck seemed to run out when they encountered a group of Revenue officers on their way to Kinloch. With the officers closing in, Hoynes and Hamish knew they had to act fast. They made a daring escape, using their skills and ingenuity to outsmart their pursuers.

As they reached Kinloch, the villagers were waiting anxiously for the arrival of the whisky. With the help of Sandy Hoynes and Hamish, the shipment was successfully delivered, and the villagers erupted into cheers and celebration.

However, the reappearance of a face from Hoynes's past brought with it a sense of uncertainty. It was a man who had caused Hoynes much trouble in the past, and his return could mean trouble for both Hoynes and Hamish.

As the New Year dawned, the villagers gathered around the Auld Stones, a sacred site where they had performed their rituals and ceremonies for centuries. They prayed for good fortune and prosperity, hoping that the power of the stones would protect them from any harm that might come their way.

As the night wore on, the villagers began to notice strange occurrences around the village. Objects seemed to move on their own, and there was a feeling of unease in the air. Some even claimed to have seen ghostly figures lurking in the shadows.

The villagers were terrified, but they knew that they had to trust in the power of the Auld Stones to protect them. They continued to perform their rituals and ceremonies, hoping that the spirits would hear their pleas and come to their aid.

And indeed, the spirits did respond. The Auld Stones began to glow with a mysterious light, and the villagers felt a sense of peace and reassurance wash over them. They knew that they were protected by the ancient stones, and that they would be able to overcome any obstacle that came their way.

In the end, the smugglers were caught, and the Revenue officers were forced to admit that the power of the Auld Stones was greater than they had ever imagined. The villagers of Kinloch celebrated the New Year with renewed hope and determination, grateful for the protection of the ancient stones and the spirit of their community.

The story of Kinloch and the Auld Stones is a testament to the power of tradition, community, and the supernatural. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, we can find strength and courage in the things that have been passed down through generations. And it reminds us that sometimes, even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of hope and light that can guide us toward a brighter future.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 136 x 205 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781846975943