A COLLECTOR CALLS

This page tells about American song collector James Madison Carpenter finding and recording songs in Balintore and Shandwick.

J M CARPENTER IN EASTER ROSS

In 1931 American song collector James Madison Carpenter visited and collected old ballads and sea songs in Balintore, Deny, Evanton and Shandwick.
His recordings are now very hard listening, but the lyrics and information about the people who sang to him are invaluable information.
We have learned about some descendants of the singers, and aim to share with them what we are showing here.
Carpenter recorded songs in Balintore, from Alec Vass of 15 Bank St, Alfred Mackay of 15 Shore St, Donald Skinner of 19 Main St, and William Ross of 8 Park St.
He recorded songs in Shandwick from David Vass, Margaret Vass, Hugh Vass, all at 18 New Street.
Below are some of the song words and other information he typed up.
Use the button links here to listen to the 1931 recordings - and see if you can work out what songs are being sung!