Hi Sybil, It may not be so far-fetched as it might seem at first sight. Whilst I haven't got any references to local "pirates" as such, I have several references to local "privateers". To paraphrase the dictionary, privateers are government-sponsored pirates. Yet, as far as I can see, the people described as privateers below are pirates in my book. Smuggling was also part of their menu of activities. I have acquired some excerpts from various sources; here's a few extracts: From Aberdeen Journal, Monday, February 5th. 1781 - PRIVATEERING - The spirit of privateering is very brisk on this coast. We are advised of two stout Privateers fitting out at Portsoy harbour and others at Perth, Dundee etc. From Aberdeen Journal, Monday, March 5th 1781: - PRIVATEERING - On the 23rd ult. sailed from Portsoy, on a cruize, the "Neptune" of that port, Captain James Elder, Master. From a manuscript of 1843, by Dr George Greig, Portsoy: - [This is the best reference I have, apart from newspapers. I don't have much more, I certainly don't have the full manuscript and because I was given only these extracts, I'm afraid I don't know where you might find a copy. If you find out, do let me know - it might be a 'good read'!] SMUGGLING IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY ....We find that during the greater part of the last century every merchant in the town and of various places in the neighbourhood became engaged in smuggling..... ....The next merchants of consequence were the Messrs. Robertson who were also deeply engaged in smuggling. [I've mentioned these chaps before on the Moray and/or the Banffshire List!] They were the owners of several vessels and at their own expense fitted out a privateer, the "Neptune" of eight guns to emise against the French and Spaniards. This vessel was commanded by Captain Elder and took several prizes although she turned out a losing speculation to her owners. [Obviously, the goody/baddy situation got blurred at times, because: From Aberdeen Journal, Monday, 14 June 1779: - PORTSOY VESSEL TAKEN BY AMERICAN PRIVATEER - On the 23rd of May the "Neptune" of Portsoy, James Scott, master, on her voyage from the West Highlands to Portsoy was brought to, and taken by the "Independence" of Boston, an armed sloop about 75 tons burden, with 4 carriage guns, 4 swivels, and 12 men. Captain Scott and one of his hands were brought on board the "Independence", and two of the Americans were put on board the "Neptune", with orders to follow their captor. About two miles from the eastermost part of the Isle of Skye the "Neptune" fell astern (two men of her own crew, who were left on board, having resumed the command) and though fired at, got off and is arrived at Portsoy. The two American sailors are lodged in Banff jail. Captain Scott afterwards prevailed on Captain Brown to set him ashore on the mainland of Scotland. The prisoners report that they sailed from Fredricksburgh in Virginia on the 26th. April in company with seven other sloops and two schooners, all loaded with tobacco, and bound for Gottenburgh in Holland. They imagine four of them were taken the next morning as they saw them steering for land, under the stern of a large vessel, supposed to be a British frigate. The above American ship was seen in the Murray Firth a few days ago ; and as it is thought that the rest of the consorts came also north it is hoped that some of our cruisers will fall in with them before they reach their destination. I've got a reference to others of this ilk being taken as slaves (in Algiers), including one George Smith of Portsoy. What times! Regards Howard Geddes