The River Runs Red is a collection of 19 short stories, detailing TRUE crimes that occurred within Highland Perthshire between 1799 – 1951. The collection includes accounts of infamous incidents from the region’s dark past, including murder, robbery, smuggling, terrorism and deception – with a dash of grim humour, and even some supernatural assistance.
Based on two years of extensive research the book brings together some shocking revelations from Highland Perthshire’s lawless past, featuring stories from Dunkeld, Aberfeldy, Pitlochry, Grandtully and Kenmore.
“I always been fascinated with the short story detective fiction of the Victoria era”, said Mark Bridgeman the author of The River Runs Red, “ the likes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allen Poe’s Dupin, and so on, and I’ve tried to bring an element of that adventure style to my book. I’ve tried to write the stories in that style and, I hope, it will really give the reader a chance to immerse themselves in the period, as well as learn some surprising new things about the area.”
Read about Highland Perthshire’s most infamous murder, the conman who sparked an international manhunt, whisky smuggling, the psychic who solved a mystery, the killer who claimed he was thrown off a bridge, and many others!
The River Runs Red is published by Watermill Books, Aberfeldy and is available from The Watermill Bookshop, Aberfeldy, www.aberfeldywatermill.com/shop and other retailers, priced £9.99.
The River Runs Red
Featured Stories
A9 Dualling Updates
Go to downloads
The next A9 Community Group meeting will be on Thursday 30th January at Birnam Arts, 7.30pm. All... Read more
Christingle
Christingle 22nd December 4pm at Little Dunkeld Kirk.
Danny Kelman catches the wonder and joy of the Christmas story... Read more
Titles by Talented Locals - The Birnam Reader
Visit The Birnam Reader in Station Road, Birnam to view/purchase copies of the books or request a special signing.
Opening... Read more
Dunkeld & Birnam Santa Day 14th December 2019
We would like to thank everyone who came along to our fundraising Quiz Night in the Perthshire Arms. We had... Read more
Connect … Linking Asheville, North Carolina, USA and Dunkeld & Birnam
To our Dunkeld and Birnam Twinning Partners:
May you be blessed with vision in these shadow times.
May... Read more
Niel Gow Memorial – Update
The statue of Niel Gow is almost complete! A life-size clay sculpture by artist David Annand will soon be cast... Read more
Regular Columns
Editorial
26-11-2019 Regular Columns
Last year I was down in The Square the afternoon after Santa Day clearing the nativity scene that had been... Read more
Thought for the Month
26-11-2019 Regular Columns
Celebrities on reality television programmes often talk about the ‘J’ word as it has become known. They are referring of... Read more
Notes from a Councillor
26-11-2019 Regular Columns
Due to the calling of a General Election there will be no councillors column in this edition of The Bridge.
Editorial
31-10-2019 Regular Columns
There is much being said and written about the death of the high street. However, our high street seems to... Read more
Notes from a Councillor
31-10-2019 Regular Columns
The Community Investment Fund applications for Strathtay Ward have been considered and the decisions on how this tranche of £25,000... Read more
Editorial
25-09-2019 Regular Columns
Samhuinn. Is that a new word for other people as well as me? I am intrigued to read Loch of... Read more
Thought for the Month
25-09-2019 Regular Columns
When a new minister starts off and looking for a first parish you soon become wise at reading the information... Read more
Notes from a Councillor
25-09-2019 Regular Columns
You can always tell when it is autumn because we tend to get the sunshine that has been missing for... Read more
Editorial
29-08-2019 Regular Columns
Whenever I tell someone that I live in Dunkeld the response is pretty much the same. “What a lovely place”... Read more
Thought for the Month
29-08-2019 Regular Columns
I was recently asked to give a brief outline of Scottish history to some Dutch young people staying in Highland... Read more
Notes from a Councillor
29-08-2019 Regular Columns
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2019 from the Strathtay Action Partnership closed on 21st August at 5.00pm. Hope all applicants... Read more
Editorial
26-06-2019 Regular Columns
Place yourself back in the village one hundred and fifty-five years ago. The Bridge was built, and the Perth Arms... Read more
Thought for the Month
26-06-2019 Regular Columns
One of the privileges of worshipping in a place like Dunkeld Cathedral is that you meet so many visitors from... Read more
Notes from a Councillor
26-06-2019 Regular Columns
The last full Council meeting of the session takes place on Wednesday the 19th of June. Shortly after this meeting... Read more
Editorial
30-05-2019 Regular Columns
OK, here’s a question for those of you with a better memory than me .. which came first – the... Read more
Community News Items
Three Churches Charity Shop
High Street Dunkeld
Open six days a week - Mon to Sat 10am - 4pm
Happy Christmas to our volunteers, d... Read more
The Magic of Christmas at The Royal Scho…
Get into the festive spirit at the Royal School of Dunkeld's Christmas Fair on Thursday 5th December 2019 from 4pm to... Read more
Birnam Arts Christmas Market
Christmas Craft Market on the Mezzanine at Birnam Arts from Wednesday 6th November to Monday 30th December
Open... Read more
Shoe Box Appeal
A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who contributed to the Shoe box appeal for Blythswood again this year and many thanks ... Read more
Christmas at St Marys, Birnam
All members of the community are invited to join us in a traditional service of Lesson and Carols on Christmas Eve at... Read more
January's Messy Church
Sunday 26th January, 3pm in the Duchess Anne.
Why not make it your New Year's resolution to come and see all the... Read more
Men's Breakfast
Every second Wednesday a group of men meets in the Chanonry to start the day with a cooked breakfast together, discus... Read more
House Group
Once a fortnight, on Tuesdays, a fellowship group meets in the Chanonry. We start the evening with a light meal of so... Read more
Carols in the Cathedral
Another regular fixture in Dunkeld on Santa Day is ‘Carols in the Cathedral’ at 4pm. It is a great way to round off a... Read more
Second Hand Toy Sale
This has become a regular event on Santa Day in the Duchess Anne.
Children get a chance to buy good second-hand... Read more
Christmas Offering
Every year at Christmas, the offering from the Watchnight service in the Cathedral goes to a charity chosen by the Ki... Read more
Bereavement Service
Sunday 15th. December at 3pm in Little Dunkeld Kirk - a service of prayer, reflection and remembrance for people deal... Read more
Dalguise Meditation Group
Everyone is welcome who would like to learn to meditate, to consolidate a meditation practice they already have, or s... Read more
Gien a Haund - supporting Older People
Job Opportunity
Exciting opportunity for research into supporting older people at home.
Based in Dunkeld an... Read more
Café Scientifique
This session of meetings continues as follows. The meetings start at 19:15 and everyone is welcome on a firstcome, fi... Read more
Butterstone WI
Butterstone WI hold Whist Drives in Butterstone Hall at 7pm on the first Wednesday most months.
December 4th
Read more
Donation of ‘The Pearl Fisher’ to Natio…
In July 2019 The Reverend Ian Atkinson (pictured) and Miss Patricia Atkinson gifted ‘The Pearl Fisher’ by Niels Molle... Read more
Thank you from Glendelvine School
Glendelvine Primary School and Parent Council would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the year. We hav... Read more
Poppy Appeal Scotland
A big thank you to all those who helped and those who donated to this wonderful result of £2,007 a very good increase... Read more
Support Choices
Support Choices is a project that helps people living in rural Perthshire to get the social care and support they nee... Read more
Community Co-working Space at Lagmhor
All welcome at the Community Co-working Space.
Membership is free. Meeting rooms also available.
Contact: c... Read more
A Huge Thank You To Co-Op
The 3 Churches Charity has received £1374.81 from Co-op as part of their Local Causes program.
We are very grat... Read more
Porridge Smiles all around!
Many thanks to everyone who supported the Mary’s Meals Porridge Breakfast at Birnam Arts on November 16th. As usual, ... Read more
Birnam Library – December 2019
Jump in to Libraries Community Morning:
Birnam Library’s annual Jump in to Libraries community morning held on F... Read more
Dunkeld and Birnam in Bloom
With your help - awards won this year were: -
Beautiful Scotland – Silver gilt – certificate
Take a Pride... Read more
Christmas or Hogmanay with a difference!
Your gift to the World this Christmastime or New Year.
No wrapping paper required-no ribbon or tags, just knowin... Read more
Invitation to Horti Film Show
Invitation to Horti Film Show at Birnam Arts on 16th January 2020, 7.30pm
We are showing an award winning film a... Read more
Community Council Matters
Correspondence with the Community Council can be made via email dbcc.correspondence@gmail.com or dbcc.chair@gmail.com... Read more
GrowBiz – Strength in Numbers
It has been another productive year for GrowBiz during which we have engaged with lots of clients across rural Perth ... Read more
Thoughts at New Year
There are times when alone
I by the square have held
And walk to the Cathedral
When I am in Dunkeld
Scottish Wildlife Trust : Pitlochry and …
Next Talk Info:
Monday 16th December at 7.30 in the Tryst, Church of Scotland, Pitlochry PH16 5EB when Andrew Ba... Read more
December at Loch of the Lowes
It’s December already, how did that happen? The year’s just flown past at Loch of the Lowes!
We can look back on... Read more
Dunkeld and Birnam Water Saving Challeng…
Did you know that by cutting one minute in the shower you could save 2,400 litres of water a year and around £7 on yo... Read more
Community Council News and Minutes
This page contains minutes and other items of interest from the Dunkeld & Birnam Community Council, from January ... Read more
The Field The Summerfest Is Over – It Mu…
One of the many joys of the field is the opportunity to share it with as many local people as possible and to thank o... Read more
One Amazing Gift of Kindness
TWAM, the organisation that helps various African countries by teaching residents and giving them a gift of a tool ki... Read more
Foodbank
Donations to Perth Foodbank can be made any time in a box in the Cathedral. The one in the Duchess Anne is not availa... Read more
Dunkeld’s Lovely Angel
Each time I visit Dunkeld
I always do make time
To visit the lovely angel
She stands serene sublime
Dunkeld & Birnam Community Archive
(Ed: We are delighted to have a bumper contribution from the archives this month. Many apologies to Barbara Davis for... Read more
Dunkeld and Birnam Historical Society Me…
Monday 18th November 7:30pm Birnam Arts
Lady Rachel MacRobert (23 March 1884 – 1 September 1954)
– an asto... Read more
Amulree Country Christmas Fayre
Amulree Country Christmas Fayre on Friday 29th November 2019 from 6.30pm
... Read moreCorbenic Advent Market
Corbenic Camphill Community Advent Market on Saturday 30th November 2019 from 11am to 4pm
West Stormont Woodland Group Update
Working with local people to bring Taymount Wood and Five Mile Wood into Community Ownership. Click link below to dow... Read more
Dunkeld And Birnam - Scotland’s First Wa…
Dunkeld and Birnam has been officially recognised as Scotland’s first water efficient village after collectively savi... Read more
The Dunkeld Deer Management Forum
The aims of the Dunkeld Deer Management Forum (DDMF) are:
To collaborate as responsible professionals in meeti... Read moreClimate Café
Drop in between to the #BigClimateConversation at the Birnam Arts between 10am and 9pm on Tuesday 20th August 2019.Read more
Sport & Active
Dunkeld and Birnam has a wide variety of sport clubs and activity groups which welcome participants of all abilities... Read more
West Stormont Woodland Group - Monthly C…
Working with local people to bring Taymount Wood and Five Mile Wood into Community Ownership. Click on the link to do... Read more
Not Another Tick Box Exercise! Ticks And…
As we move into summer, it is important to be aware of the risk of ticks and transmission of Lyme Disease.
Anec... Read more
What Has Been Going On At The Guide Hall…
Since November a small miracle has been happening at Dunkeld Guide Hall, turning the building into a resource fit for... Read more
Arts News
Birnam Arts Fundraising Events
Quiz Night
The second Quiz Night will be held on Saturday 28th December 2019. £5 per person.
Maximum... Read more
Pitlochry And District Choral Society
Our popular Christmas Concert this year, entitled Peace on Earth, will be held on 2 nights; Sunday 8th and Monday... Read more
The Parish of Dunkeld Handbell Ringers and The Birnam Bells
Ringers enjoyed the massed ringing event in Aberdeen in October. The weather was excellent, sunny and clear and travel instructions... Read more
Dunkeld Cathedral Art Exhibition
The AGM will be held in The Chanonry in Cathedral Street on 29th January at 2.30pm.
All welcome.
This year... Read more
New Book from Flora Shedden
ARAN: recipes and stories from a bakery in the heart of Scotland by Flora Shedden aran (Scottish Gaelic) From the... Read more
The River Runs Red
The River Runs Red is a collection of 19 short stories, detailing TRUE crimes that occurred within Highland Perthshire between... Read more
Join Just Singin’ in Fun Evenings of Song
Now that the days are starting to draw out and there’s a hint of springtime on the horizon, why not... Read more
Do You Have A Broonie Living Near You?
Is there an unsettled spirit roaming your neighbourhood or perhaps a witch performed their dark arts nearby? Have you ever... Read more
A History of Birnam Arts
We’re appealing to all our local community for any memorabilia – stories, photographs, or anything you think might be relevant... Read more
Birnam Arts Events
Birnam Arts has an amazing ongoing programme of one off performances, exhibitions and workshops. Just use the scroll bars to... Read more
Young Roving Reporter
Young Roving Reporter
01-12-2017 Young Roving Reporter
On Tuesday two of our Citizenship Groups, The Eco Explorers and The Outsiders, went to find out about tree felling... Read more
Royal School Of Dunkeld Marks 450 Years
23-02-2017 Young Roving Reporter
The dark February evenings have been brighter than usual for residents of Dunkeld and Birnam. Throughout the month, The Royal... Read more
This term the whole school is learning about tourism in Dunkeld & Birnam
23-09-2014 Young Roving Reporter
The classes are learning in different ways to promote tourism where we live. Nursery, P1, P1/2 and P2/3 are looking... Read more
DANGEROUS CORNER
01-11-2013 Young Roving Reporter
Congratulations to Aidan, this month's winner of a crisp £10 note.
On the road opposite... Read more
Well Done Callum Ross
01-07-2013 Young Roving Reporter
Hi everyone, Rivendell Care Services, Birnam, where my mum works decided to have a prize raffle for Alzheimer Scotland, as its such a great... Read more
Skate Park Update
01-07-2013 Young Roving Reporter
Thanks to everyone who has been supporting the idea of having a skate and bike park in Dunkeld & Birnam... Read more
Ski-ing Trip
08-04-2013 Young Roving Reporter
At the Royal School of Dunkeld all the P6s got to go on a ski-ing trip to Glenshee for two... Read more
Rumor Round Up
08-04-2013 Young Roving Reporter
Some of you will have read my article a while back talking about a possible skate park.
I mentioned about getting... Read more
Dunkeld and Birnam Brownies PGL Trip
25-06-2012 Young Roving Reporter
Dunkeld and Birnam Brownies went on a exciting trip to pgl in Dalguise and stayed for two... Read more
Skate Park?
25-06-2012 Young Roving Reporter
It would be great if a skate park could be built in Dunkeld or Birnam – somewhere we could walk... Read more
Sport & Active
Annual “Robbie” presentation to Royal School of Dunkeld
26-11-2019 Sport & Active
On 30th September the school held a special assembly at which Kate Stansfield, Robbie Melvin’s mum, presented this year’s cheque... Read more
Faskally Parkrun
26-11-2019 Sport & Active
We have recently been given permission to establish a new parkrun for Pitlochry and we have the support of the... Read more
Highland Perthshire Cycling
26-11-2019 Sport & Active
Secures investment for Gravel Trails Project across Highland Perthshire.
Highland Perthshire Cycling is delighted to announce the launch of the... Read more
Recreation Club Votes To Transfer Assets To Sports And Leisure Hub
29-01-2019 Sport & Active
On 13th January 2019 the members of the Dunkeld & Birnam Recreation Club voted by 36 votes to 6 to... Read more
Muckin’ good 2019 Event Programme
29-01-2019 Sport & Active
Muckmedden, Perthshire’s self-styled purveyors of ‘muckin’ good mountain bike events, have announced an exciting line-up for 2019 that includes the... Read more
Ospreys Meet Their Match at the Blairgowrie Festival
25-08-2018 Sport & Active
Veteran rugby team, Dunkeld Ospreys, visited Blairgowrie for their biggest and most enjoyable fixture of the season. This oldies game... Read more
WalkIN’Perthshire
09-05-2018 Sport & Active
If you would like to try Nordic Walking and join our fun friendly Adventure Walks or Workout Walks please contact... Read more
New Basketball Hoop at the Rec Club
09-05-2018 Sport & Active
The new basketball hoop at the Rec Club is getting plenty of use.
The Rec Club are delighted to announce... Read more
The 6th Annual Dunkeld Enduro!
25-01-2018 Sport & Active
In 2018 Highland Perthshire Cycling brings you…
The 6th annual Dunkeld Enduro!
(yes entries are now open!)
We can't... Read more
New Path and Bike Pump Track at Royal School of Dunkeld
01-12-2017 Sport & Active
The school is pleased to announce a very exciting new development in the playground. We have just completed the construction... Read more
Remembering Robbie
27-10-2017 Sport & Active
On Friday 29th September the Royal School of Dunkeld again remembered former pupil Robbie Melvin who died in a tragic... Read more
Dunkeld & Birnam Veteran Football
31-08-2017 Sport & Active
On 18 August, a hearty squad of Dunkeld & Birnam veteran (mostly) footballers headed the short distance for an 11-a-side... Read more
Highland Perthshire Ladies Football Club
01-07-2017 Sport & Active
Highland Perthshire Ladies Football Club welcomes any new players in the area who would like to join us for training... Read more
Dunkeld and Birnam Golf Club Coffee Morning
01-06-2017 Sport & Active
Dunkeld & Birnam Golf Club Coffee Morning
Royal British Legion Halls on Saturday 17th June from 10.00 to 12.00.
Welcome to the Sports Hub!
26-05-2016 Sport & Active
Our aims are simple - but great...
1: To transform the lives of people in the villages and surrounding areas through... Read more
Community Council News
Businesses & Organisations
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