Arieh Smith, infamous for his language skills, learns Doric.
A surprising and thrilling way to start 2025
It’s not unusual for Jacqueline van den Akker, Director of Grampian Escapes & Tours, to receive occasional emails from social media influencers interested in collaborations. However, one recent inquiry stood out: a message from Arieh Smith, better known as @xiaomanyc, an American YouTuber celebrated for his multilingual videos showcasing diverse cultures.
Arieh had a unique request: he wanted to create a video about Doric, the rich dialect of Northeast Scotland, and wondered if we could help. Naturally, we saw this as an exciting opportunity and, with the rest of the team, set out to make it happen.
We are fortunate to have Jamie Robertson as guide on our team, a passionate advocate for Doric and a proud Northeast native. Jamie took the lead in crafting an itinerary and worked closely with Arieh over several weeks, providing online language training to help him prepare for his journey.
After much anticipation, it was finally time for Arieh to travel from New York to Aberdeenshire. Despite his visit coinciding with one of our bracing January cold snaps, the dramatic winter landscapes added a touch of magic to the experience.
Exploring Aberdeenshire
The primary goal of Arieh’s visit was to immerse himself in Doric by engaging with locals. Time was tight, with just a day and a half to pack in as much as possible.
Arieh’s adventure began in Aberdeen, where Alex Duncan introduced him to the city’s iconic landmarks and the grandeur of its granite architecture. From there, they journeyed to Stonehaven and Dunnottar Castle, offering a glimpse into the region’s history and beauty.
The next day, Jamie guided Arieh along the Gamrie & Buchan Coast for a deeper dive into Doric culture. Their first stop was Gardenstown, where at the local Heritage Centre, John (Heritage Centre Volunteer) & Ashley (Gamrie Gift Company) provided insights into the stunning coastal scenery and the fishing industry’s legacy. Next, a visit to Down on the Farm near Rosehearty delighted Arieh with a close encounter with Highland cows, courtesy of Carole and Matthew Short.
Speaking Doric with the Locals
As Arieh’s confidence with Doric grew, it was time to put his skills to the test. Where better to practice than in a pub? At the Balaclava Bar in Fraserburgh, friendly locals engaged Arieh in conversation, accompanied by a wee dram for good measure.
The day continued with a restorative lunch of fish and chips at the Dolphin Cafe in Peterhead, followed by a visit to local craft brewery Brew Toon to sample their wares. Arieh also enjoyed classic Scottish sweets from Bon Bon before rounding off the day with a chat with Jamie’s granda, George, who shared homemade toffee and stories.
A Memorable Experience
By the end of his whirlwind visit, Arieh was thoroughly enchanted by Aberdeenshire. He expressed a wish to return with his young family to explore the region further. He remarked on the warmth of the people, the richness of the culture, and the charm of a lesser-known part of Scotland that is all the better for its authenticity.
Follow our adventures and watch the video Arieh produced during his visit to Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. See how he got on with Doric and the wonderful people he met along the way. We are proud to have shared a piece of our home with Arieh and cannot wait to welcome him—and others inspired by his journey—back to the Northeast of Scotland.
Watch the Adventure
Grampian Escapes & Tours invites everyone to watch Arieh’s video documenting his time in Aberdeenshire, showcasing his journey to learn Doric and his interactions with the wonderful people he met. The video captures the essence of the Northeast and highlights why Aberdeenshire is a must-visit destination.
