Original copy of Down to the Sea

Down to the Sea documents life in the Seaboard villages and was made during a project led by local school teacher Jessie MacDonald from Hilton.

Whilst teaching at Hilton of Cadboll Junior Secondary School in 1951-52, Jessie encouraged the secondary pupils of Nigg, Fearn, Portmahomack and the Seaboard Villages to ask their parents, grandparents and other relatives about life in these Seaboard Villages.

The students created a handwritten book with stories and illustrations which was expanded by Jessie over the coming years in order to preserve the life and history of the Seaboard villages. Her sister, Hansie, created the drawings, and the first copies were printed on the school banda machine.

Jessie was an inspiration to many, whether that be in her capacity as a teacher, community leader, Sunday School teacher or mentor – passing on the love of the Arts, crafting and her interest in the social community life.