Our Approach
History • Folklore • Photography • Music • Digital StorytellingAbout Cruden Bay Life
Cruden Bay Life is a digital storytelling project inspired by the history, landscapes and folklore of Cruden Bay and the surrounding coast.
Every article begins with a genuine historical subject, local tradition or point of interest. Research is drawn from published sources, archives, maps, newspapers and contemporary accounts before being shaped into an engaging narrative. Along the way we also make use of modern creative tools—including artificial intelligence—to help with research, editing, illustration, music composition and visual presentation.
AI does not replace historical research, editorial judgement or local knowledge. It is one of many tools used to help tell stories in new and engaging ways. Every article is reviewed, edited and curated before publication, and where errors are discovered they are corrected.
Our aim is not to produce academic papers, nor to present ourselves as the definitive authority on local history. Instead, we seek to celebrate the places, people and mysteries of northeast Scotland by combining documented history, folklore and creative interpretation to make these stories accessible to a wider audience.
Sometimes the historical record is incomplete. Sometimes local tradition fills the gaps. We try to distinguish between the two while recognising that many of Scotland’s most enduring stories live somewhere in between.
Why We Tell These Stories
The coastline around Cruden Bay is rich with stories. Some are well documented in historical records, some survive through local tradition, and others exist in the fascinating space between fact, memory and folklore.
For generations, stories have been passed from person to person — sometimes changing slightly with each telling. This is part of what makes local heritage so interesting. The purpose of Cruden Bay Life is not only to record dates and events, but to explore the people, places and moments that shaped the character of this remarkable corner of Scotland.
From castles and shipwrecks to forgotten characters, unusual events and local legends, we aim to keep these stories alive by presenting them in a way that is engaging, accessible and relevant to modern audiences.
History tells us what happened. Storytelling helps us understand why it still matters.
How We Create Our Articles
Every Cruden Bay Life article begins with curiosity.
A story might start with an old photograph, a newspaper clipping, a forgotten place name, a local memory, a historical reference or simply a question waiting to be answered.
From there we gather information from a variety of sources, including:
- historical publications and archives
- old maps and records
- contemporary newspaper reports
- local knowledge and personal memories
- recognised online resources
- academic and heritage organisations
This research is then developed into a narrative designed for a wider audience.
Where records are incomplete, we may explore possibilities or interpretations, but we always aim to respect the difference between documented history and the unanswered questions that make these stories intriguing.
The Role of Modern Creative Tools
Storytelling has always evolved with technology.
Photography changed how we recorded the world. Film changed how we experienced stories. Digital tools changed how we preserved and shared information.
Artificial intelligence is another step in that evolution.
Cruden Bay Life uses AI as a creative assistant — helping with research organisation, editing, visual concepts, image creation and musical inspiration. It allows forgotten stories to be presented in new ways, especially where no photographs, illustrations or recordings exist.
However, AI does not decide what stories are told.
The ideas, research direction, final editing and creative choices remain human. Technology provides the tools; people provide the curiosity, judgement and connection to place.
Images, Music & Creative Interpretation
Many stories featured on Cruden Bay Life come from periods before photography was common, or concern moments where no visual record exists.
To help audiences imagine these events, we create atmospheric artwork inspired by historical descriptions, locations and available evidence. These images are not intended to be exact historical documents, but visual interpretations designed to capture the feeling of a moment in time.
Music is created in the same spirit.
Each composition is designed to provide an emotional connection to the story — whether reflecting mystery, celebration, tragedy or discovery.
Together, words, images and music create a richer way to experience local heritage.
Accuracy, Corrections & Community Knowledge
Local history belongs to everyone.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, historical research is an ongoing process. New information emerges, interpretations change and occasionally mistakes happen.
When errors are identified, we welcome constructive feedback and corrections from readers, researchers and members of the local community.
Cruden Bay Life believes that improving a story is more important than defending an error.
The knowledge held by local residents, historians and enthusiasts is invaluable, and contributions that help preserve the heritage of the area are always encouraged.
Keeping Local Stories Alive
The greatest danger facing many local stories is not that they will be retold differently — it is that they will stop being told at all.
Cruden Bay Life exists to keep these stories moving forward.
By combining historical research, community knowledge, creativity and modern technology, we hope to introduce the heritage of Cruden Bay and northeast Scotland to new audiences.
The tools may be modern.
The stories remain timeless.
