It is a tradition that has almost died out….but it is not that long ago, that Monday was always known as ‘Washing Day’. The day when a weekly wash of the family clothes and bedding was undertaken. Not any longer, nowadays any day is washing day. But looking of out my office window it is so damp dark and miserable that no washing would have been hung out to dry this Monday.
There are many places in Scotland, particularly along the coast where communal drying lines are still common. This one is at Pennan on the North East Coast of Morayshire. I would imagine, but not sure, that it is a custom that follows in the footsteps of the fishing community where fishing nets were hung out to dry and repair. No doubt the same post were used for nets and clothes.
May be tomorrow will be a better day…..
16th December
© David Oakes 2013
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 