Known locally as Skite, Drumlithie was established to supply workers to farming and other industries. There were so many hand weavers in Drumlithie that in 1777 Drumlithie’s landmark bell tower was built to regulate their working hours. Drumlithie folk were said to be so proud of their bell tower that a legend grew up that residents took the bell tower inside when it was raining.

Farming does not require the same level of employees as it did in generations past but many locals still find employment in local food processing industry in Drumlithie and nearby Glenbervie home of one of the world’s few pure bred Aberdeen Angus herds.

Drumlithie was home to the Burns family for many generations until Robbie’s father William moved the family to Ayrshire.

Kinneff is a modest village but played a significant role in Scottish history. Dunnotar castle just south of Stonehaven housed the Scottish Crown, Sword and Sceptre and as such was a target of constant attacks during the 16 th century. In 1651 Cromwell’s army took the castle but were disappointed to find none of the Scottish Regalia. Mrs Grainger, wife of Kinneff Minister James Grainger had smuggled the jewels under her clothes. Legend has it that General Morgan helped the “pregnant” woman onto her horse. The legend may be some way from the truth but the Scottish Regalia did find its way to the Kinneff Kirk yard and the Rev Grainger was rewarded for his part in safeguarding the Scottish treasures.