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Fascinating story of Duff House at War published

A new book on the war history of an iconic north-east attraction has been published.

"Duff House at War" by Allan Burnett was commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council in 2010.

It was written as part of ongoing research into Duff House's fascinating story during the Second World War.

The five-star visitor attraction at Banff is run by Aberdeenshire Council in partnership with Historic Scotland and the National Galleries of Scotland.

In addition to its permanent collection of paintings and furniture on loan from the National Galleries, there is a regular programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

“Duff House at War” describes another side to the house, with new information on the significant role it played in Britain’s fight against fascism.

It features contributions from several local residents who lived through the war, as well as chapters recording the house’s occupation by Norwegian, Polish and British soldiers, its initial use as an internment and then prisoner of war camp, and the tragic bombing of the house on July 22, 1940.

It contains “A Walking Tour in and around Wartime Banff” to inspire local families and visitors who wish to explore the Second World War history of the area and a useful timeline at the back of the book puts local events in a wider national context.

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The idea for the book came from an inter-generational oral history project and exhibition run by Aberdeenshire Council, held at Duff House in 2009-10.

The project, called “Their Past Your Future”, was funded by Museums Galleries Scotland and the Big Lottery.

It was inspired by an earlier Banffshire schools activity called "What's The War Got To Do With Us?", run by the council’s arts education team at Duff House in 2009.

Aberdeenshire Council's contribution to this national research project can be found online at: www.RememberingScotlandAtWar.org.uk

The project won a “High Commendation” in the category of Educational Initiative at this year’s Museums and Heritage Awards for Excellence.

General Manager of Duff House, Rachel Kennedy, said: “Many people have contributed to this project over the years, especially local residents, whose personal stories have been so important.

“We are very excited about this new book, which examines a key period in the unusual history of this house.

“It pulls together so many different strands of information about the people and events associated with Banff during this difficult time that it makes a significant contribution to local and national history.”

The book is 40 pages long, with colour and black and white photographs, designed by Sue Ritchie of Aberdeenshire Council, with a cover containing original artwork by children from Banff Primary School. It costs £4.99 and is available from the Duff House Shop.

The book is the second publication on the history of the house to be commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council. An earlier book by Maggie Craig, “Footsteps on the Stairs”, was written in 2000 for the Millennium.