Simon Taylor of the Aberdour Cultural Association went into the Primary School to tell stories of old Aberdour. The children made tapestry panels that will be displayed as part of a new Aberdour banner. The third is Captain Morgan.
Aberdour harbour was once full of working boats, mainly exporting and coal from the coalmines and stone from the quarries around Aberdour. There were also many fishing boats.
The most famous sailor from Aberdour was a man called William Morgan. He was captain of a boat named Jane and sailed the seas when the British and the French were at war [Napoleonic Wars]. During the war he was given official permission by the British Government to attack and rob French, he was a privateer. Morgan became very rich. When he died in 1815 he left a precious gold cup to St Fillan’s Kirk. It still has the cup, but it’s locked away safely somewhere.
What is good and what is bad? Is it bad to be a Pirate, but good to be a Privateer. If you are bad, can you become good by giving to the church? (Ed)