Pirates at Rattray, Aberdeenshire

[gordon s]

Does anyone know of any references to pirates, ship wreckers or smugglers operating from Rattray?

I've heard lots of stories about pirates and ship wreckers there but so far I have not found any concrete proof other than for smuggling.

But there's no smoke without a fire so I'm sure there must have been a historical basis for the stories.

Any information gratefully received.

[Beemaster]

Hi Gordon S, a fellow Aberdeenshire history nut I see! Presumably you have seen/read the book on Aberdeenshire coastal wrecks.....I'm sure I saw such in the shops not long ago, I will go away and check author and title. I remember a programme on TV two or three years ago making reference to pirate/slaver raids happening throughout the British Isles, so presumably Aberdeenshire was not exempt from this? Some of these raiders were apparently Arab.

[gordon s]

I've had some feedback on possible pirate activity in the area. Based on that I've asked around and tapped into local folklore on the subject. The old graveyard at St Fergus is know by locals as the "Pirate's Graveyard". The graveyard still has gravestones going back to at least 1721 and the remains of the old church can be seen. This was closed and moved to a new site in 1616.

I didn't have much time to go round all the stones. Does anyone have knowledge of any relevant inscriptions?