Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 19 - 25 September 2016
Note that there may be a small charge for some of these events, and some may be for members only. We will be publishing lists of upcoming talks and events regularly - if you are organising a talk or event relating to Scottish genealogy or history, please let us know and we will be happy to add your events to our list. Monday, September 19 2016, 10.00am – 12.30pm Hillforts to Mansions: A walk through the Grand Architecture of the North Berwick countryside
East Lothian Council Archaeology Service To help celebrate Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, join the council’s Archaeology Service for a guided walk from North Berwick Law to the Balgone Estate, and explore the history and changing architecture of some of the ‘Grand Designs’ of the past! The walk takes in a section of the John Muir Way, woodland paths and some quiet country roads. Booking required. Free. email bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk Monday, September 19 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Queens of the Castle
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Find out about two of Scotland’s most famous queens from a lady of their households. Marie de Guise was regent and her daughter Mary, was Queen of Scots in her own right and both left their mark on the Castle’s history. Hear their intertwined and exciting stories. Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=a5067744-2fa2-4077-9d0d-a5fd00ee68fe Monday, September 19 2016, 12:00-4.30pm Biggar Gasworks Steam Days
Venue: Biggar Gaswork Museum For upwards of 130 years – from 1839 to 1973 – Biggar Gasworks made coal-gas for the town and surrounding district. It was one of the first small-town gasworks to open in Scotland, and among the last to close. It is the only preserved gasworks left in Scotland. Not long afterwards, it passed into State care, to be preserved as a lasting reminder of an industry that provided so much benefit to all the country’s citizens. During the 'Steam Days' the boiler will be operating and driving various items of steam driven machines associated with gas production and distribution. Ticket price Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=9d089e53-9386-4959-a5bc-a602009d2e3b Monday, September 19 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Conservation in Action
Venue: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP Come and see Conservation in Action as we clean three 18th century paintings throughout August and September. Take a peek behind-the-scenes to see how paintings are cleaned at the historic tower. We'll conserve three paintings by Alloa-born 18th Century painter David Allan. Monday, September 19 2016, 2:00-3:00m Introduction to Ancestry
Venue: Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN Glasgow Life Glasgow Libraries offers FREE access to Ancestry Library Edition to library members in all its libraries. Special Collections can help you explore the world’s biggest genealogical database and get you on track for building your family history. Suitable for beginners Ticket price Free Booking: Places are limited for all our Family History workshops. Please book your place by calling 0141 287 2999 or asking at the Granville Street Reception desk. Website: http://events.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/introduction-to-ancestry Monday, September 19 2016, 6 pm - 8 pm Get started with your family history
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Come with an idea of what you want to discover and bring your earliest family birth, marriage, death certificate or more certificates, if possible. Monday, September 19 2016, 7 pm for 7.30 pm East Lothian Poor Law Records Fran Woodrow, archivist Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Non-members welcome from whom a small donation would be appreciated. Monday, September 19 2016, 7.30 pm Glasgow’s Lost Houses and Mansions Dan Sweeney Venue: Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow Glasgow & West of Scotland Family History Society Monday, September 19 2016, 7:00pm Walk the Wall: Polmont Woods
Venue: Woods car park, Smiddy Brae, Polmont Join archaeologist Geoff Bailey and one of Falkirk Council’s Rangers for a trek around the Antonine Wall in Polmont Woods. The walk will end with a search for bats! Meet at 7 p.m. at Woods car park, Smiddy Brae, Polmont. Free, but please book places in advance. Call 01324 504950 or email rangers@falkirk.gov.uk to book your places. Wear waterproof clothes and bring a torch. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. Organised by Falkirk Council and Falkirk Community Trust. Ticket price Free Booking: Call 01324 504950 or email rangers@falkirk.gov.uk to book your places Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Monday, September 19 2016, 7-9 pm East Lothian Poor Law Records
Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Monday, September 19 2016, All Day Rediscovering Stirling’s Lost Broch
Venue: Stirling, Clifford Road, Westerlands House Stirling Council Help us rediscover Stirling lost broch, first identified by Scotland’s first female archaeologist, Christian MacLagan in the 19th century and then lost…join us in the hunt for it! Places extremely limited and must be booked contact Murray Cook for more details cookm@stirling.gov.uk Ticket price Free Booking: Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk Tuesday, September 20 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Are your roots in the Borders ? Discover your family history or build your family tree
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Build your family tree. Knock down a 'brick wall'. Explore your family history primarily in the Border counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire) of Scotland, though we'll still try to help you if your roots are elsewhere. Tuesday, September 20 2016, 10:15am-3:45pm Life in the Border 1914-1919 Exhibition
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society A fascinating exhibition about life in the Scottish Borders during World War I and afterwards. The exhibition is a joint venture between BFHS and Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of WWI Project Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk/ Tuesday, September 20 2016, 2:00pm Talk: Whatever happened to the Antonine Wall?
Venue: Bo’ness Library, Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness Exploring the post-Roman use of the monument. Rather than become a barrier, the Antonine Wall became a spine of communications across central Scotland. A monastery and village were set up at Kinneil, Bo’ness.Thane’s Hall was established at Callendar Park, Falkirk. The Wall site also saw the establishment of the town of Falkirk itself (which celebrates the monument on its coat of arms). Historian Geoff Bailey will explain all in this free afternoon talk. No need to book, just turn up. Organised by The Friends of Kinneil in association with Falkirk Community Trust. At Bo’ness Library, Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, from 2 p.m. The Friends will be selling teas and coffees and snacks at this event – however, admission is free. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Ticket price Free Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Tuesday, September 20 2016, 7 pm - 8 pm The Fabric of Scotland's Heritage Moses Jenkins, Historic Environment Scotland Venue: Am Fasgadh Collection, Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore Free public lecture Tuesday, September 20 2016, 7.00 pm Metal Detecting Roy Scott Venue: Ancrum Village Hall Ancrum and District Heritage Society Admission £2 Tuesday, September 20 2016, 7:00-9:00pm Local Heritage Quiz with Eyemouth Museum Trust and Friends of Eyemouth Fort
Venue: Oblò Bar & Bistro, 18-20 Harbour Road, Eyemouth, TD14 5HU Join us in Oblò Bar & Bistro in Eyemouth for a night of brain teasing history and fun! Put your team of 5 together, start researching local history and come along for a great night, whilst helping to raise money for Eyemouth Museum Trust and Friends of Eyemouth Fort. www.eyemouthmuseum.org www.eyemouthfort.org Ticket price £2 Wednesday, September 21 2016, 1 pm - 2 pm Stirling’s Archaeological Highlights from 2015/16 Dr Murray Cook Venue: Smith Museum, Dumbarton Road, Stirling, FK8 2RQ Stirling Council Join Dr Murray Cook, Stirling Council’s Archaeologist in a review of recent archaeological discoveries across Stirling: from Romans and Celts to Vikings, Monks and Grave Robbers! Free entry, no booking required, though donations to the Smith appreciated! Wednesday, September 21 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Wednesday, September 21 2016, 10:00am Community Archaeology
Venue: Easter Carmuirs Primary School in Camelon Parents and pupils at Easter Carmuirs Primary School in Camelon take part in a community dig to find traces of the Roman temporary camp in the area. From around 10 a.m. If you’d like to join the dig (even just for a short time) contact Geoff Bailey at Falkirk Community Trust in advance: geoff.bailey@falkirkcommunitytrust.org Ticket price Free Booking: If you’d like to join the dig (even just for a short time) contact Geoff Bailey at Falkirk Community Trust in advance: geoff.bailey@falkirkcommunitytrust.org Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Wednesday, September 21 2016, 10:00am Standing Stones of Stenness and Barnhouse Village Walk
Venue: Standing Stones of Stenness Join the Ranger Service for a guided tour of our oldest stone circle and explore the fascinating links with the nearby Neolithic village of Barnhouse. Ticket price Free Booking: No booking required. For more information call 01856 841 732 or email orkneyrangers@hes.scot Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/events Wednesday, September 21 2016, 10:30-11:15am Storytime event for Pre-school Children
Venue: Falkirk Library, Hope Street, Falkirk, FK1 5AU. There will be Roman-themed stories and craft activities. Free, just turn up. No booking required. Falkirk Library will also be hosting a seven foot centurion model during the Week. Take a selfie with a centurion and tweet it to @BigRomanWeek and @LibFalkirk … Or send it to us: info@kinneil.org.uk Ticket price Free Booking: Call the Library on 01324 506800. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Wednesday, September 21 2016, 11 am - 3.30 pm Pennymuir / Woden Law - Roman and Iron Age Borders Walk Chris Bowles Venue: Towford bridge TD8 6NH Join Scottish Borders Council archaeologist Chris Bowles and visit the atmospheric remains of the Roman camps at Pennymuir, march up Roman Dere Street and visit the Iron Age stronghold of Woden Law, return along Dere Street and through the well-preserved remains of an ancient way of life. 11-3.30pm. Park and Meet at Towford bridge TD8 6NH. FREE. Bring packed lunch for this 7 km, 5 Miles, 250 metre total climb. Wednesday, September 21 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Women of Independence
Venue: Edinburgh Castle War is traditionally a male domain but during the Wars of Independence, women were among some of Bruce’s strongest and bravest supporters. Some suffered for their loyalty and others rose to the challenge. Hear about the role they played and how the castle fared during this bloody and brutal time. Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=537eb5d9-4b51-44b6-9135-a5fd00f7cec0 Wednesday, September 21 2016, 11:15am; 12:00pm; 12:45pm; 1:30pm; 2:30pm; 3:15pm; and 4:00pm Scotland’s National Hero
Venue: The National Wallace Monument Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s National Hero – who he was, where he came from, and how he fought to free the people of Scotland from oppression. Ticket price Admission Prices: Adults: £9.99, Children £6.25 Website: http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/scotlands-national-hero/ Wednesday, September 21 2016, 2 pm Helen B Cruikshank – Poet and member of the 20th Century Scottish Writers’ Renaissance Sheila Mann Venue: Monifieth Community Cabin, South Union Street, DD5 4JG Monifieth Local History Society Wednesday, September 21 2016, 2 pm - 4 pm Local and family history drop-in
Venue: Giffnock Library East Renfrewshire's Heritage Collection Have you hit a family history brick wall? Do you need help with local history research? Or would you just like advice on using the heritage resources at Giffnock and Barrhead Libraries? Pop along to our local & family history drop-in where the local studies librarian will be on hand to point you in the right direction. Wednesday, September 21 2016, 7 pm - 9 pm Ceramic Industries of the Forth: Recent Research and Finds George Haggarty Venue: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP Inner Forth Landscape Initiative This evening's talk will focus on the numerous ceramic industries once found along the shores of the Forth. What made the Forth such a good location for ceramics? What sort of archaeological finds have there been? And what can they tell us about the area's heritage? Wednesday, September 21 2016, 7.30 pm Recent Archaelogical Work in Falkirk Geoff Bailey Venue: Falkirk Trinity Church Join a free talk about the latest excavations and research on the Antonine Wall. Hosted by Falkirk Local History Society. At the Trinity Church (the former Falkirk Old Parish Church) in the heart of Falkirk town centre, from 7.30 p.m. No need to book; just turn up. Wednesday, September 21 2016, 7.30 pm Textile Mills in the Borders Douglas Coltman Venue: Selkirk Parish Church Hall Selkirkshire Antiquarian Society Annual Membership £6 per year. Non member £2 per event. For enquiries about the meetings or the Antiquarian Society please contact Jamie McIntyre jmcintyre@borderscollege.ac.uk Wednesday, September 21 2016, 7.30 pm East Kilbride, Scotland's First New Town Bill Niven Venue: Best Western Eglinton Arms Hotel, Eaglesham Non-members welcome, £3 on the door Wednesday, September 21 2016, 7.30 pm The Bank of Scotland in the Community Amanda Noble Venue: Ecclesmachan Village Hall West Lothian History and Amenity Society This will be a joint meeting with the West Lothian Family History Society and will take the form of a social evening with home baking and clootie dumpling. Thursday, September 22 2016, 1:00pm Ring of Brodgar Walk
Venue: Ring of Brodgar Explore the area around the Ring of Brodgar during our guided walk with a ranger and find out the special significance of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Ticket price Free Booking: No booking required. For more information call 01856 841 732 or email orkneyrangers@hes.scot Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/events Thursday, September 22 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Thursday, September 22 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Are your roots in the Borders ? Discover your family history or build your family tree
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Build your family tree. Knock down a 'brick wall'. Explore your family history primarily in the Border counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire) of Scotland, though we'll still try to help you if your roots are elsewhere. Thursday, September 22 2016, 10:15am-3:45pm Life in the Border 1914-1919 Exhibition
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society A fascinating exhibition about life in the Scottish Borders during World War I and afterwards. The exhibition is a joint venture between BFHS and Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of WWI Project Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk/ Thursday, September 22 2016, 10:30am-1:00pm Museum of Banff Open Days
Venue: Banff Library AB45 1AE Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. The Banff Institution was dissolved in 1875 and the collections passed to Banff Town Council. The present museum and library building were built in 1902. Banff Preservation and Heritage Society currently run the Museum in partnership with Aberdeenshire Museums Service. The Museum is on Banff High Street, in the same building as Banff Library. The postocde is AB45 1AE. The exhibits show a vast range of interesting artefacts from the Celtic period up to the modern day. They reflect life in Banffshire and show some stunning examples of our historical past in Banff and Macduff. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bphsmob.org.uk/ Thursday, September 22 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Women of Independence
Venue: Edinburgh Castle War is traditionally a male domain but during the Wars of Independence, women were among some of Bruce’s strongest and bravest supporters. Some suffered for their loyalty and others rose to the challenge. Hear about the role they played and how the castle fared during this bloody and brutal time. Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=537eb5d9-4b51-44b6-9135-a5fd00f7cec0 Thursday, September 22 2016, 2.30 pm - 5 pm Discover Eyemouth Fort
Venue: Eyemouth Museum, Manse Road, Eyemouth, TD14 5JE Discover the fascinating history of Eyemouth’s 16th century fort. Friends of Eyemouth Fort will take you for an escorted walk followed by a museum visit where you can experience the Borders’ only virtual reality room. Inside, you’ll be transported to the fort as it was in the 16th century. Great fun for all the family. Thursday, September 22 2016, 2:00-3:30pm Castle Paintings Tour
Venue: Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park, Brodick, Isle of Arran KA27 8HY Join us at Brodick Castle for a specialist tour on the paintings and the stories behind them. Every picture tells a story and our paintings tour unveils a host of tales using Brodick's collections and their artists as a framework. Ticket price £6 Booking: For further information please call 01770 302202 Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Brodick-Castle-Garden-and-Country-Park/Castle-Paintings-Tour/ Thursday, September 22 2016, 2:00-4:00pm Irish Family History Advice Sessions
Venue: Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN Glasgow Life Need advice on researching your Irish family history? Book a 20 minute session with an archivist for advice on advancing your Irish family history research. Ticket price Free Booking: Places are limited for all our Family History workshops. Please book your place by calling 0141 287 2999 or asking at the Granville Street Reception desk. Website: http://events.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/15/irish-family-history-advice-sessions Thursday, September 22 2016, 4:00-4:45pm Roman Chatterbooks Event
Venue: Larbert Library, 22 Hallam Rd, Stenhousemuir, Larbert FK5 3BF. Children aged 7-12 years can enjoy this Roman-themed craft and storytelling session. From 4 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. At Larbert Library, 22 Hallam Rd, Stenhousemuir, Larbert FK5 3BF. Telephone 01324 503590. Free, just turn up. No booking required.www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Ticket price Free Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Thursday, September 22 2016, 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Tasting Through Time: Free Cookery Course
Venue: 55 Victoria Street Larkhall ML9 2BW Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Join the FREE Tasting Through Time Cookery Course! From 6 - 8 pm in Larkhall we will be testing out recipes from the past and learning a little bit about culinary history and archaeology. Join us in exploring the culinary history of the apple! How was it enjoyed throughout history, from the Roman period to today? This cookery course focuses on experimenting with historic recipes from multiple time periods, giving participants an opportunity to try flavours from the past and learn a little bit about how societies hundreds of years ago enjoyed food and how those foods impacted their lives. Have fun taste-testing recipes through time, all of which include the most famous of Clyde Valley produce! - See more at: http://www.clydeandavonvalley.org/events/item/tasting-through-time-free-cookery-course-copy-2-copy Thursday, September 22 2016, 6.30 pm 1916 – The Turning Point Mike Taylor Venue: Sandeman Room, AK Bell Library £5 for non-members Thursday, September 22 2016, 6.30 pm - 8 pm Smugglers, Spies and Stolen Plum Pies: or, The Darker Side of Alloa's Trade in the 18th Century
Venue: Alloa Inner Forth Landscape Initiative This evening will see a performance of a brand new, bespoke play about the smuggling and trading shenanigans around Alloa in the 18th century. Meet Walter Grosset, the unpopular Customs Collector; the Earl of Mar (or 'Bobbing John'); and a 'flash-mob' of Jacobites. This play is based on original historical research by IFLI volunteer, Ian Middleton, and will be written and performed by The Walking Theatre Company, ably assisted by pupils from Alloa Academy. Thursday, September 22 2016, 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm The Archaeology of the Manor Valley Trevor Cowie Venue: Chambers Institution, High Street, Peebles EH45 8AG Archaeologist Trevor Cowie will give a talk entitled ‘The Archaeology of Manor Valley’ highlighting prehistoric finds from the valley which will be on display. Free but please book in advance by phoning 01721 724820 or email csawers@liveborders1.org.uk Thursday, September 22 2016, 7.45 pm The Glasgow Empire and its Stars Bob Bain Venue: Drymen Village Hall, Main Street, Drymen, Glasgow, G63 0BP Drymen & District Local History Society Thursday, September 22 2016, 7:00pm Roman Night
Venue: Corbie Inn, Corbiehall, Bo’ness, EH51 0AS Enjoy a three-course Italian meal for just £17.50 a head. At the Corbie Inn, Corbiehall, Bo’ness, EH51 0AS, from 7 p.m. Book via the venue, tel. 01506 825307. The meal will be followed by a talk by Dr Lyn Wilson, one of the key experts involved in the Scottish Ten project, which has been digitally scanning the Antonine Wall. Ticket price £17.50 per head Booking: Book via the venue, tel. 01506 825307 Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Friday, September 23 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Friday, September 23 2016, 10 am - 1 pm Cumbernauld to Auchinstarry Walk
Venue: St. Mungos Church, 4 St Mungo's Rd, Cumbernauld, Glasgow G67 1QP North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services This is a one-way 6 mile walk to Auchinstarry with a free mini bus back to Cumbernauld. The route follows back roads and countryside paths that are reasonably well surfaced. There will be some great views across the Kelvin Valley to the Campsies as we cross the Antonine Wall on Croy Hill. Friday, September 23 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Are your roots in the Borders ? Discover your family history or build your family tree
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Build your family tree. Knock down a 'brick wall'. Explore your family history primarily in the Border counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire) of Scotland, though we'll still try to help you if your roots are elsewhere. Friday, September 23 2016, 10.30 am - 12 pm Orbiston House and the Greenlink Walk
Venue: Strathclyde Country Park, 366 Hamilton Rd, Motherwell ML1 3ED North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services This is a 3½ mile circular woodland walk along part of the South Calder Water. From the Roman Fort to the Orbiston Estate people have lived at the confluence of the South Calder Water and the River Clyde for nearly two thousand years. The rivers no longer meet and the area is now part of Scotland’s biggest Country Park but history has left its mark if you know where to look Friday, September 23 2016, 10:15am-3:45pm Life in the Border 1914-1919 Exhibition
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society A fascinating exhibition about life in the Scottish Borders during World War I and afterwards. The exhibition is a joint venture between BFHS and Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of WWI Project Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk/ Friday, September 23 2016, 10:30am-1:00pm Museum of Banff Open Days
Venue: Banff Library AB45 1AE Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. The Banff Institution was dissolved in 1875 and the collections passed to Banff Town Council. The present museum and library building were built in 1902. Banff Preservation and Heritage Society currently run the Museum in partnership with Aberdeenshire Museums Service. The Museum is on Banff High Street, in the same building as Banff Library. The postocde is AB45 1AE. The exhibits show a vast range of interesting artefacts from the Celtic period up to the modern day. They reflect life in Banffshire and show some stunning examples of our historical past in Banff and Macduff. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bphsmob.org.uk/ Friday, September 23 2016, 11:00am-12:30pm Brodick Castle Secrets Tour
Venue: Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park Come along to the castle and join the Secrets Tour. We will tell you a few things that the 'ordinary visitor' does not get to know, and let you see things that you would not usually see. A more in depth look at various castle tales, places and objects. Ticket price £8 Booking: For further information please call 01770 302202 Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Brodick-Castle-Garden-and-Country-Park/Brodick-Castle-Secrets-Tour/ Friday, September 23 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Conservation in Action
Venue: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP Come and see Conservation in Action as we clean three 18th century paintings throughout August and September. Take a peek behind-the-scenes to see how paintings are cleaned at the historic tower. We'll conserve three paintings by Alloa-born 18th Century painter David Allan. Friday, September 23 2016, 2 pm - 3.30 pm Greenhead Gander Walk
Venue: Creamery Road car park, off Stewarton Street, between Waterloo and Wishaw North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services Join us for an enjoyable 2 mile stroll around this popular Local Nature Reserve. Greenhead Moss is a wonderful place for a relaxing wildlife walk. We will discover the old secrets that connect to peat, forestry, coal and covenanters, hear about the Dutch connection and a tale of murder, mystery and the supernatural! Friday, September 23 2016, 2 pm - 4 pm Close Encounters - Discover Dunbar: Summer Foot Tours
Venue: Sparkly Frog boutique, 92 High St, Dunbar The Dunbar Trades Association in conjunction with Local Historian Roy Pugh bring you FREE history tours of Dunbar, every friday afternoon throughout summer. This is a unique opportunity to find out more about the history of the town and ask any questions you have always wondered about. Friday, September 23 2016, 7:00pm Roman Cooking
Venue: t. Mary’s Church Hall, off Linlithgow Road, Bo’ness, EH51 0DP Chef John Crouch, seen on Robson Green’s “Tales from Northumberland”, cooks up some authentic Roman food. There will also be some modern day nibbles. From 7 p.m. St. Mary’s Church Hall, off Linlithgow Road, Bo’ness, EH51 0DP. No need to book, just turn up. Admission will be free (although attendees are asked to give a small donation at the door to The Friends of Kinneil to cover costs.) Organised by The Friends of Kinneil. http://www.kinneil.org.uk Ticket price Free Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Friday, September 23 2016, 7:30-10:30 Neu! Reekie! Celts
Venue: National Museum of Scotland Charlotte Church will headline an evening of Celtic-influenced music, poetry, film, animation, drama and dance at the National Museum of Scotland, devised by ‘Scotland’s favourite avant-garde noisemakers’ Neu! Reekie! With Liz Lochhead, Scotland's much loved poet and former Makar, plus Scots indie popsters Ette, this one-off event to bring the Museum’s much acclaimed Celts exhibition to a close Ticket price Cost: £18/£20 Booking: Call 0300 123 6789 or book online at www.nms.ac.uk/neureekie, age 18+ Website: http://nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/neu-reekie/ Saturday, September 24 2016, 1 pm - 5 pm Cramond Heritage
Venue: The Maltings, 2 Riverside, Cramond, Edinburgh, EH4 6NY ANCIENT SKILLS WORKSHOPS : Sort and identify excavation finds. Learn to write using 2000-year old methods Saturday, September 24 2016, 1.45 pm The Lord Lyon King of Arms. The office of the Lord Lyon
Venue: St Ninian's Church Hall, Castle Douglas Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society Coffee and tea will be served at 1.45 p.m. meetings start 2.15 p.m Saturday, September 24 2016, 1:00-4:00pm Roman Cookery at Kinneil
Venue: Kinneil Museum, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness, EH51 0PR Roman cookery expert John Crouch cooks up some Roman food for visitors. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinneil Museum, Kinneil Estate, Bo’ness, EH51 0PR. Free. No need to book, just turn up. Organised by The Friends of Kinneil. http://www.kinneil.org.uk/attractions Ticket price Free Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Saturday, September 24 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Saturday, September 24 2016, 10 am - 1.30 pm Teachers and Trainee Teachers in Archaeology
Venue: Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh You are invited to our free training and networking event. Archaeology Scotland will support you in bringing the past alive in your classroom. We will help you to use archaeology, history and heritage to deliver Curriculum for Excellence. Our training will help you: Saturday, September 24 2016, 10 am - 1.30 pm Training Day
Venue: Learning Centre, National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF Archaeology Scotland will support you in bringing the past alive in your classroom. We will help you to use archaeology, history and heritage to deliver Curriculum for Excellence. Saturday, September 24 2016, 10 am - 4 pm The Tower Blocks of Cumbernauld
Venue: Cumbernauld Community Enterprise Centre, Brown Street, Cumbernauld, G67 1AA University of Edinburgh On the Saturday 24 September 2016, the University of Edinburgh’s Tower Block Project are hosting a free exhibition on the social and architectural history of Cumbernauld. Memories Roadshow Bring along old family photos taken in Cumbernauld or the surrounding area and share your memories of growing up in the town with Scotland's Urban Past (SUP). We will digitise any photographs for you and your contributions will help to create a full record of Cumbernauld's local history in the National Archive of the Historic Environment and the Tower Block Project's image archive. All physical images are returned on the day after being scanned. Exhibition The exhibition itself will look at Cumbernauld from it’s inception, as the result of mass overcrowding in Glasgow, and the vision of Cumbernauld as a New Town and a site of opportunity for residents and businesses alike. Using photographs, advertising material, letters and plans from the 1950s through to the 1990s, visitors can explore the ways in which the town was envisioned and run by the Cumbernauld Development Corporation, as well as shaped and experienced by those who made the move there. The exhibition will pay special attention to the work of Brian Miller, Cumbernauld’s town artist from 1962, and the public art which he created, much of which has now disappeared. Exploring Cumbernauld Cumbernauld resident Jean O’Reilly will also be running free guided social history walks, which will leave from Cumbernauld Community Enterprise Centre throughout the day. Over the weekend of the 24 - 25 September, the flats above Cumbernauld shopping centre will also be open to the public for the first time in decades, giving visitors a rare glimpse at the housing intended for Cumbernauld's elite. Saturday, September 24 2016, 10 am - 4 pm William Wallace Guardian of Scotland- Medieval Camp, Procession and Lecture
Venue: The Haining Estate, Selkirk. TD7 5LR Wallace Procession from the Haining to the Auld Kirk 12noon. Lectures on Selkirk’s Archaeology, Wallace and the Wars of Independence by Dr Chris Bowles and Dr Fiona Watson, The Haining 2-4pm. Booking for lectures essential, contact selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk. Join our medieval camp at the Haining and follow the procession of Scottish Lords to Selkirk Auld Parish Kirk to witness the re-enactment of Wallace being made Guardian of Scotland in 1297! There’s a strong belief and some evidence that Wallace was made Guardian of Scotland by the Scottish nobility on this very spot. Join us as we relive this unique moment in Scotland’s history. Saturday, September 24 2016, 10.30 am - 12.45 pm Guided Walk at Higgins Neuk, Airth
Venue: We’ll meet at the site, on the south side of the Clackmannanshire bridge where the pedestrian footpath starts and visit the site of the former Royal Dockyard. Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion If you're interested in learning about the environmental and cultural history of the landscape at Higgins Neuk; help out the investigation by volunteering! This event is a follow up from the information evening on the Higgins Neuk project on the 15th of September. Saturday, September 24 2016, 10:00am - 4:00pm Trinity House Family Weekend
Venue: Trinity House Throughout the weekend we will be providing object handling sessions, quizzes and a free stained glass craft activity for visitors young and old. There will be opportunities to meet our painting conservators and find out more about the work we do to our significant painting collections, view a brand-new video about the history of Trinity House and take a self-led tour of the collections using your mobile phone or tablet. 2016 is a special year for Trinity House as it is the bi-centenary of the Georgian building and, fittingly in this year of Architecture, Innovation and Design, we have a temporary exhibition for visitors to enjoy about 200 years of Trinity House and its place in Leith. Ticket price Free Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=fe198111-62cd-42b9-9a6e-a65500ffe868 Saturday, September 24 2016, 10:00am-4:00pm William Wallace Guardian of Scotland: Medieval Camp, Procession and Lecture
Venue: The Haining Estate, Selkirk. TD7 5LR Wallace Procession from the Haining to the Auld Kirk 12noon. Lectures on Selkirk’s Archaeology, Wallace and the Wars of Independence by Dr Chris Bowles and Dr Fiona Watson, The Haining 2-4pm. Booking for lectures essential, contact selkirkcars@scotborders.gov.uk. Join our medieval camp at the Haining and follow the procession of Scottish Lords to Selkirk Auld Parish Kirk to witness the re-enactment of Wallace being made Guardian of Scotland in 1297! There’s a strong belief and some evidence that Wallace was made Guardian of Scotland by the Scottish nobility on this very spot. Join us as we relive this unique moment in Scotland’s history. Ticket price Free Website: https://www.facebook.com/bordersheritagefestival Saturday, September 24 2016, 10:30-11:30am Roman Chatterbooks Event
Venue: Bonnybridge Library, Bridge St, Bonnybridge FK4 1AD Roman-themed craft and storytelling session, suitable for children aged 7-12 years. Free. No booking required. At Bonnybridge Library, Bridge St, Bonnybridge FK4 1AD, from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Contact Bonnybridge Library on 01324 503295. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Ticket price Free Booking: Contact Bonnybridge Library on 01324 503295.www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Saturday, September 24 2016, 10:30-11:30am Big Roman Week Craft Session
Venue: Bo’ness Library, Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, EH51 0AH Fun event for children aged 5-10 years. At Bo’ness Library, Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, EH51 0AH, from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Tickets, priced £2 each, are available from the venue. Contact Bo’ness Library on 01506 778520 or email: bonesslibrary@falkirkcommunitytrust.org www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Ticket price £2 Booking: Contact Bo’ness Library on 01506 778520 or email: bonesslibrary@falkirkcommunitytrust.orgwww.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Saturday, September 24 2016, 10:30am-1:00pm Museum of Banff Open Days
Venue: Banff Library AB45 1AE Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. The Banff Institution was dissolved in 1875 and the collections passed to Banff Town Council. The present museum and library building were built in 1902. Banff Preservation and Heritage Society currently run the Museum in partnership with Aberdeenshire Museums Service. The Museum is on Banff High Street, in the same building as Banff Library. The postocde is AB45 1AE. The exhibits show a vast range of interesting artefacts from the Celtic period up to the modern day. They reflect life in Banffshire and show some stunning examples of our historical past in Banff and Macduff. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bphsmob.org.uk/ Saturday, September 24 2016, 11 am - 4 pm Holyrood Heritage Hunters
Venue: Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, EH8 8DX Visit the Palace and become a Holyrood Heritage Hunter. Follow a family trail to learn about the archaeology of the grounds and visit the family room for archaeology themed activities. Celebrate Scottish Archaeology month this September at the Palace. Uncover the past with a range of archaeology themed activities including a family trail around the Palace grounds and drop into the family room to identify some finds and solves clues. During your visit make a piece of treasure inspired by the objects found on site. Saturday, September 24 2016, 11.00 am - 3.00 pm Three Lochs Ramble Walk
Venue: Aldi Car Park, High Street, Airdrie. 20 High St, Airdrie ML6 0DT North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services This is an 8 mile one-way walk with free mini-bus transport to the start and a lift back to Airdrie at the end of the walk. Saturday, September 24 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Their Name Liveth
Venue: Edinburgh Castle The fighting is over by a decade and the Scottish War Memorial is open for the first time. Hear the true stories of two veterans- a soldier and a nurse- as they recount their very different tales of service across four years of war and many battlefields and continents. Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=99d24c22-3232-4eab-a714-a5fe00b14d16 Saturday, September 24 2016, 11:15am; 12:00pm; 12:45pm; 1:30pm; 2:30pm; 3:15pm; and 4:00pm Tales from the Battlefield
Venue: The National Wallace Monument Travel back in time to one of the most dramatic periods in Scottish History, when Stirling was at the centre of all the action, during our live performances with costumed actors! The Battle of Stirling Bridge is over – and a soldier, abandoned and left for dead, makes his way into the woods. Lost and disoriented, he meets another fighter – then discovers he is on the enemy’s side! What will happen, and what do they talk about, before the injured soldier heads off – to make his way home? Ticket price Admission Prices: Adults: £9.99, Children £6.26 Saturday, September 24 2016, 12.00 pm - 4 pm Open Days at Cousland Smiddy
Venue: 31 Hadfast Road, Cousland, Dalkeith, Midlothian, Scotland. EH22 2NZ In by-gone days, in its heyday, the Smiddy was at the centre of the village’s working and social life. It was much frequented by locals and visitors. The smiddy remains at the heart of the village as a work-base for a rural craft and home to a heritage hub for the local community. Stop by on our Open Days to learn more about the Smiddy complex Saturday, September 24 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Conservation in Action
Venue: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP Come and see Conservation in Action as we clean three 18th century paintings throughout August and September. Take a peek behind-the-scenes to see how paintings are cleaned at the historic tower. We'll conserve three paintings by Alloa-born 18th Century painter David Allan. Saturday, September 24 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Holding the Key to Scotland
Venue: Stirling Castle The year is 1651 and Stirling Castle is the focus of English military activity in Scotland after the Scots field army marched into England under Charles II. Led by General Monck, Cromwell’s army laid siege to and forced the surrender of the castle. Meet the defenders and hear the roar of their cannon. Watch the surgeon as he tries to keep people alive and experience life in the castle while it's under siege. Ticket price Entry to this event is included in the Stirling Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=94bef361-bef9-402a-8cd3-a5b600eb5447 Saturday, September 24 2016, 12:30-4:00pm Souper Walk
Venue: Palacerigg Visitor Centre, Palacerigg Country Park,, Cumbernauld, G67 3HU North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services Join us on a 3½ mile evening walk around Palacerigg Country Park with some hot soup to finish. A walk around the tracks of Palacerigg as the sun sets is a great time to see the wildlife that likes to stay hidden during the day such as bats and deer. Passing by moors, fields, the golf course and Fannyside Loch the view is ever changing and of course Palacerigg’s farm animal collection will be there as an added attraction. Venue: Meet at Palacerigg Visitor Centre, Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld. Special requirements: Booking is essential. The route is mostly on surfaced paths but good outdoor footwear is recommended. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=32425 Saturday, September 24 2016, 2 pm An Introduction to The Thisle Stall Plates Leslie Hodgson, FHSS Venue: Royal Scots Club, Abercromby Place, Edinburgh The Heraldry Society of Scotland Saturday, September 24 2016, 2 pm - 3.45 pm Coal and Kestrels Walk
Venue: Hawthorn Ave, Newmains, Wishaw, ML2 9AJ North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services This is a 1½ mile walk on the reclaimed land between Crindledyke and Newmains. Only 100 years ago this area was at the Industrial heart of Scotland with thousands of people employed in coal, clay and iron ore mining. Today this old shale bing has been reclaimed by nature and is used for recreation. We will see this at first hand and get some great views from the top beside the story poles designed by local schools. Saturday, September 24 2016, 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm Viking Raiders
Venue: Scottish Fisheries Museum, St Ayles, Harbourhead, Anstruther, Fife KY10 3AB Did you know that in 875 AD the Vikings attacked a community of monks living on the Isle of May just off the coast of Anstruther? Join us at the museum as we use archaeological evidence to learn more about the Vikings and their activities as raiders and traders. Help us to decipher Viking runes, build a fleet of longships and plan a raid on the monastery at Lindisfarne! Ages 7-12; £3 per person. For bookings and enquiries call 01333 310628 or email enquiries@scotfishmuseum.org. Saturday, September 24 2016, 7:00-8:00pm Cromarty Ghost Walk
Venue: Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage & Museum Walk in the company of ghosts ... or at least ghost tales. Join a Cromarty Ghost Walk with chilling tales from Hugh Miller and others retold by your costumed Ghost Guide. Ghost walks start at 7pm from outside Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage in Church Street, Cromarty on Saturdays in July, August and September. The walks are led by Timemasters' costumed Ghost Guide Duncan Cook and last approximately 1 hour, so wear comfortable shoes. There is a minimum age of 15 years. Advanced booking essential, contact duncan@timemasters.co.uk or millermuseum@nts.org.uk Or by telephoning 01381-600-245 for details. Ticket price £5 Booking: For further information please call 01381 600245 Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Hugh-Millers-Birthplace-Cottage-and-Museum/Cromarty-Ghost-Walk/ Saturday, September 24 2016, 7:00pm Manor Meanderings
Venue: Manor Valley Trevor Cowie and members of Peebles Archaeological Society will lead a walk in Manor Valley. This is a unique opportunity to discover the research, excavations and findings that the team have uncovered. For details and booking please contact 01721 724820 or email csawers@liveborders1.org.uk. Ticket price Free Website: https://www.scotborders.gov.uk/directory_record/10711/tweeddale_museum_and_gallery Saturday, September 24 2016, 9:30am-4:30pm Doors Open Day at John Sinclair House
Venue: John Sinclair House Come along and take advantage of our full programme of events. From a series of talks from expert staff to exhibitions and explore our resources in the Public Research Room. Ticket price Free Booking: For more information call 0131 662 1456 Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/events Saturday, September 24 2016, All Day Doors Open Day at the National Museums Collection Centre
Venue: National Museums Collection Centre, 242 West Granton Road, Granton Go behind the scenes on a tour of our state-of-the-art collections research centre for Scottish History and Archaeology and Natural Sciences at Granton, Edinburgh. On this guided tour you’ll visit the new research facility for our Natural Sciences collection, home to over 10 million specimens, and learn about how we care for our internationally important collections. Part of Edinburgh Doors Open Day, organised by The Cockburn Association. Ticket price Booking: For times and booking details visit www.nms.ac.uk/doorsopenday Website: www.nms.ac.uk/doorsopenday Sunday, September 25 2016, 1 pm - 5 pm Cramond Heritage
Venue: The Maltings, 2 Riverside, Cramond, Edinburgh, EH4 6NY ANCIENT SKILLS WORKSHOPS : Sort and identify excavation finds. Learn to write using 2000-year old methods Sunday, September 25 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Sunday, September 25 2016, 10:00-11:30am Cambusnethan Woodlands and the Clyde Walkway
Venue: Watersports Centre, 366 Hamilton Rd, Motherwell ML1 3ED North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services This is a one-way 6½ mile walk with a free mini bus taking us to the start. We will get dropped off near Castlehill at Gowkthrapple and walk through the ancient woodlands of Cambusnethan Local Nature Reserve before joining the Clyde Walkway and following the river all the way back to Strathclyde Country Park . Venue: Meet at the Watersports Centre, Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell. Special requirements: Booking is essential as places on the mini-bus are limited. Some of the route is unsurfaced and uneven so good outdoor footwear is required. We will be stopping for a break so a snack and drink are recommended. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=32425 Sunday, September 25 2016, 10:00am - 4:00pm Trinity House Family Weekend
Venue: Trinity House Throughout the weekend we will be providing object handling sessions, quizzes and a free stained glass craft activity for visitors young and old. There will be opportunities to meet our painting conservators and find out more about the work we do to our significant painting collections, view a brand-new video about the history of Trinity House and take a self-led tour of the collections using your mobile phone or tablet. 2016 is a special year for Trinity House as it is the bi-centenary of the Georgian building and, fittingly in this year of Architecture, Innovation and Design, we have a temporary exhibition for visitors to enjoy about 200 years of Trinity House and its place in Leith. Ticket price Free Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=fe198111-62cd-42b9-9a6e-a65500ffe868 Sunday, September 25 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Bolts and Bodkins
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow. Learn about different types of arrowheads and how arrow wounds were treated. Get dressed for battle and join the garrison! Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=f4e0b6b1-2455-4cda-b4fe-a4ed00db88d3 Sunday, September 25 2016, 11:15am; 12:00pm; 12:45pm; 1:30pm; 2:30pm; 3:15pm; and 4:00pm Tales from the Battlefield
Venue: The National Wallace Monument Travel back in time to one of the most dramatic periods in Scottish History, when Stirling was at the centre of all the action, during our live performances with costumed actors! The Battle of Stirling Bridge is over – and a soldier, abandoned and left for dead, makes his way into the woods. Lost and disoriented, he meets another fighter – then discovers he is on the enemy’s side! What will happen, and what do they talk about, before the injured soldier heads off – to make his way home? Ticket price Admission Prices: Adults: £9.99, Children £6.26 Sunday, September 25 2016, 12.00 pm - 4 pm Day at the Museum - See Behind the Scenes
Venue: Eyemouth Museum & Tourist, Information Centre. Auld Kirk, Manse Road, Eyemouth. TD14 5JE Visit us on any Sunday in September to get an exclusive guided look behind the scenes to see how items in our collection are acquisitioned, stored and displayed. Find out more about our historic Eyemouth Fort through our brilliant 3D visual reality room and from local experts on hand to share their knowledge and inside information! www.eyemouthmuseum.org www.eyemouthfort.org Sunday, September 25 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Holding the Key to Scotland
Venue: Stirling Castle The year is 1651 and Stirling Castle is the focus of English military activity in Scotland after the Scots field army marched into England under Charles II. Led by General Monck, Cromwell’s army laid siege to and forced the surrender of the castle. Meet the defenders and hear the roar of their cannon. Watch the surgeon as he tries to keep people alive and experience life in the castle while it's under siege. Ticket price Entry to this event is included in the Stirling Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=94bef361-bef9-402a-8cd3-a5b600eb5447 Sunday, September 25 2016, 2.00 pm Ken the Horse - Hawick's 1514 Memorial Ian Landels Venue: Corn Exchange & Ormiston Institute, Market Square, Melrose, TD6 9PN Borders Family History Society The memorial commemorates a skirmish between the youths of Hawick where they routed the the English army at Hornshole, and captured the Bishop of Hexham’s flag. Sunday, September 25 2016, 2:00-3:30pm Fire and brimstone
Venue: West Benhar Road car park, nr Shotts. Grid reference NS 890 636 North Lanarkshire Council Regeneration and Environmental Services This is a quiet 2½ mile loop onto Benhar Moss to the Peden Stone local monument. Discover the mysterious memorial to Alexander ‘the prophet’ Peden, who according to tradition, preached to the local Covenanters in this area. The Peden Stone is the only cast iron Covenanters memorial in Scotland. Venue: West Benhar Road car park, nr Shotts. Grid reference NS 890 636 Special requirements: Booking is essential. The route is mostly level or undulating on tracks and grassy trails and there can be muddy puddles after heavy rain. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=32425 Sunday, September 25 2016, 2:00pm Walk the Wall: From the Castlecary Roman Fort to Dullatur
Venue: Castlecary Fort Site Join archaeologist Geoff Bailey as he leads a guided walk along the line of the Antonine Wall: leaving the site of Castlecary Roman Fort, near the village of Allandale, heading towards the village of Castlecary in North Lanarkshire. The walk will go along the World Heritage Site, through the Westerwood Golf Course, and on to Dullatur. Returning by the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath. The round trip will be around 9 miles. This is a more demanding walk, over rough ground; it is not suitable for small children or those with walking difficulties. No need to book, just turn up. Meet at the Castlecary Fort Site at 2 p.m. http://www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/heritage Ticket price Free Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Sunday, September 25 2016, 9:30am-4:30pm Doors Open Day at John Sinclair House
Venue: John Sinclair House Come along and take advantage of our full programme of events. From a series of talks from expert staff to exhibitions and explore our resources in the Public Research Room. Ticket price Free Booking: For more information call 0131 662 1456 Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/events Sunday, September 25 2016, All Day Doors Open Day at the National Museums Collection Centre
Venue: National Museums Collection Centre, 242 West Granton Road, Granton Go behind the scenes on a tour of our state-of-the-art collections research centre for Scottish History and Archaeology and Natural Sciences at Granton, Edinburgh. On this guided tour you’ll visit the new research facility for our Natural Sciences collection, home to over 10 million specimens, and learn about how we care for our internationally important collections. Part of Edinburgh Doors Open Day, organised by The Cockburn Association. Ticket price Booking: For times and booking details visit www.nms.ac.uk/doorsopenday Website: www.nms.ac.uk/doorsopenday
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Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 12 - 18 Sep 2016
Note that there may be a small charge for some of these events, and some may be for members only. We will be publishing lists of upcoming talks and events regularly - if you are organising a talk or event relating to Scottish genealogy or history, please let us know and we will be happy to add your events to our list. Monday, September 12 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Bolts and Bodkins
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow. Learn about different types of arrowheads and how arrow wounds were treated. Get dressed for battle and join the garrison! Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=f4e0b6b1-2455-4cda-b4fe-a4ed00db88d3 Monday, September 12 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Conservation in Action
Venue: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP Come and see Conservation in Action as we clean three 18th century paintings throughout August and September. Take a peek behind-the-scenes to see how paintings are cleaned at the historic tower. We'll conserve three paintings by Alloa-born 18th Century painter David Allan. Monday, September 12 2016, 6 pm - 8 pm Get started with your family history
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Come with an idea of what you want to discover and bring your earliest family birth, marriage, death certificate or more certificates, if possible. Monday, September 12 2016, 7 pm for 7.30 pm The Briggers who Built the Forth Rail Bridge Frank Hay Venue: Drummond Community High School, Bellevue Place, Edinburgh Non-members, £2.00. Monday, September 12 2016, 7.30 pm Summer Finds
Venue: Partick Burgh Hall, room 1, 3-9a Burgh Hall Street, Glasgow, G11 5LN Monday, September 12 2016, 7:00-8:15pm Glenmorangie Annual Lecture: Mouthpiece of the Gods
Venue: National Museum of Scotland Join musician John Kenny, alongside silversmith John Creed and curator Dr Fraser Hunter as they discuss the Carnyx at The Glenmorangie Annual Lecture. Discover how this animal-headed Celtic horn was discovered, forgotten and eventually reconstructed in an event that is part recital, part lecture and part detective story. Supported by The Glenmorangie Company. Ticket price Cost: £6, £5 Members and Concessions Booking: Call 0300 123 6789 or book online atwww.nms.ac.uk/Scotland, age 18+. Website: http://nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/glenmorangie-annual-lecture/ Tuesday, September 13 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Are your roots in the Borders ? Discover your family history or build your family tree
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Build your family tree. Knock down a 'brick wall'. Explore your family history primarily in the Border counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire) of Scotland, though we'll still try to help you if your roots are elsewhere. Tuesday, September 13 2016, 10.15 - 11.45 am U3A Family History Group
Venue: Turriff Library, Grange Villa, The Square, Turriff, AB43 5AE For further details, please contact Turriff Library. Tuesday, September 13 2016, 10:15am-3:45pm Life in the Border 1914-1919 Exhibition
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society A fascinating exhibition about life in the Scottish Borders during World War I and afterwards. The exhibition is a joint venture between BFHS and Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of WWI Project Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk/ Tuesday, September 13 2016, 12.00 pm - 4 pm Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society Open Day
Venue: East Wemyss Primary School, School Wynd, East Wemyss, Kirkcaldy, KY1 4RN Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society Save Wemyss Ancient Caves Society (SWACS) was established in 1986 to promote and preserve a series of unique caves and their ancient Pictish carvings. SWACS also manage a nearby Environmental Centre and museum in the basement of East Wemyss Primary School, with an array of social, industrial and environmental artefacts and specimens. Access is free on Open Days. See www.wemysscaves.org or SWACS Facebook pages for fuller details. Tuesday, September 13 2016, 2:30-3:45pm Library Resources for Family History
Venue: Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN Glasgow Life Come along and learn more about our print and online library resources for family history. Suitable for Family History beginners. Ticket price Free Booking: Places are limited for all our Family History workshops. Please book your place by calling 0141 287 2999 or asking at the Granville Street Reception desk. Website: http://events.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/25/library-resources-for-family-history Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7 pm Eyemouth’s 16th Century Fort - Back on the Map
Venue: Dunbar Town House East Lothian Council Archaeology Service After years of neglect, awareness of the historical importance of Eyemouth Fort has been raised, thanks to the work of Eyemouth’s Community Council, local residents and the Scottish Borders Council Archaeology Service. After linking up with the S.C.A.P.E. team and working with local schools, a new ‘Friends’ group continues to promote what is one of the best examples of a Trace Italienne Fort in the country. Chairwoman Fiona Glover will discuss the project at this opening talk of the History Society’s new season. Booking required for non-members as places are limited. Free. email bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7 pm - 9 pm Eyemouth's 16th Century Fort - Back on the Map
Venue: Dunbar Town House, High St, Dunbar EH42 1ER After years of neglect, awareness of the historical importance of Eyemouth Fort has been raised, thanks to the work of Eyemouth’s Community Council, local residents and the Scottish Borders Council Archaeology Service. After linking up with the S.C.A.P.E. team and working with local schools, a new ‘Friends’ group continues to promote what is one of the best examples of a Trace Italienne Fort in the country. Chairwoman Fiona Glover will discuss the project at this opening talk of the History Society’s new season. Booking required. Call 01620 827408 email bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7 pm for 7.30 pm Social Fibre: the Story of Craigo Mills Mark Chalmers Venue: Montrose Museum, Panmure Place, Montrose DD10 8HE Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society £3 for non-members Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7.30 pm Lost Villages of Ayrshire Dane Love Venue: Largs Library Community Room North Ayrshire Family History Society Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7.30 pm 1868 the Golden Year Edward Small Venue: Volunteer House (Vonef Centre) in 69 Crossgate Cupar KY15 5AS Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7.30 pm Coinage of Scotland 1136-1716 Douglas Nicol Venue: Buchan Hotel, Ellon Ellon and District Heritage Society Entrance £3 Tuesday, September 13 2016, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Postscript to the Past: Lost Houses of Renfrewshire Dan Sweeney Venue: Masonic Halls, Collier Street, Johnstone Wednesday, September 14 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Wednesday, September 14 2016, 1:30-4:00pm Historical Land Rover Safari
Venue: Glencoe & Dalness Exploring the most famous point in Glencoe’s history, this safari will transport you to many of the key sites and unravel the true history of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692. Ticket price Adult : £ 20.00Child : £ 10.00 Booking: For further information please call 01855 811307 or glencoe@nts.org.uk Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Glencoe-and-Dalness/Historical-Land-Rover-Safari/ Wednesday, September 14 2016, 10 am - 12 pm Ask a Curator
Venue: On Twitter and at The McManus, Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA Have you ever had a burning question you wanted to ask about the Museum? Now's your chance! If you're on Twitter join us an pose your question to staff @McManusDundee using #AskACurator Wednesday, September 14 2016, 10:00am Standing Stones of Stenness and Barnhouse Village Walk
Venue: Standing Stones of Stenness Join the Ranger Service for a guided tour of our oldest stone circle and explore the fascinating links with the nearby Neolithic village of Barnhouse. Ticket price Free Booking: No booking required. For more information call 01856 841 732 or email orkneyrangers@hes.scot Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/events Wednesday, September 14 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Bolts and Bodkins
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow. Learn about different types of arrowheads and how arrow wounds were treated. Get dressed for battle and join the garrison! Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=f4e0b6b1-2455-4cda-b4fe-a4ed00db88d3 Wednesday, September 14 2016, 11:15am; 12:00pm; 12:45pm; 1:30pm; 2:30pm; 3:15pm; and 4:00pm Scotland’s National Hero
Venue: The National Wallace Monument Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s National Hero – who he was, where he came from, and how he fought to free the people of Scotland from oppression. Ticket price Admission Prices: Adults: £9.99, Children £6.25 Website: http://www.nationalwallacemonument.com/ht_event/scotlands-national-hero/ Wednesday, September 14 2016, 6.30 pm Jessie Jordan: Hitler’s Spy in Dundee Andrew Jeffrey Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee Wednesday, September 14 2016, 7.30 pm The Changing Roles of West Dunbartonshire Women Throughout the Second World War (1939-1945) Project
Venue: Concord Community Centre (next to the Denny Theatre), Dumbarton, G82 1LJ The project is being coordinated by the West Dunbartonshire Women's History Group to research and commemorate the role of women throughout World War Two, at the end of the war and its aftermath. Wednesday, September 14 2016, 7.45 pm The Easter Rising 1916 Sean Kavanagh Venue: RAF Club, Ardgowan Square, Greenock Thursday, September 15 2016, 1 pm - 1.30 pm A Lunchtime Gallery Tour: Reflections on the Celts
Venue: The McManus, Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA A curator's tour of the Iron Age objects from our own collection, as well as spectacular mirrors on loan from National Museums Scotland and The British Museum. FREE: booking essential on (01382) 307200 Thursday, September 15 2016, 1:00pm Ring of Brodgar Walk
Venue: Ring of Brodgar Explore the area around the Ring of Brodgar during our guided walk with a ranger and find out the special significance of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Ticket price Free Booking: No booking required. For more information call 01856 841 732 or email orkneyrangers@hes.scot Website: www.historicenvironment.scot/events Thursday, September 15 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Thursday, September 15 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Are your roots in the Borders ? Discover your family history or build your family tree
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Build your family tree. Knock down a 'brick wall'. Explore your family history primarily in the Border counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire) of Scotland, though we'll still try to help you if your roots are elsewhere. Thursday, September 15 2016, 10.30 am - 12 pm A walk around old photographs of Gullane
East Lothian Council Archaeology Service Join Gullane and Dirleton History Society for a guided walk around the centre of Gullane finding the spots from which old photographs have been taken and observing and discussing the changes which have taken place over time. Booking required. Free. email bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk Thursday, September 15 2016, 10:15am-3:45pm Life in the Border 1914-1919 Exhibition
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society A fascinating exhibition about life in the Scottish Borders during World War I and afterwards. The exhibition is a joint venture between BFHS and Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of WWI Project Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk/ Thursday, September 15 2016, 10:30am-1:00pm Museum of Banff Open Days
Venue: Banff Library AB45 1AE Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. The Banff Institution was dissolved in 1875 and the collections passed to Banff Town Council. The present museum and library building were built in 1902. Banff Preservation and Heritage Society currently run the Museum in partnership with Aberdeenshire Museums Service. The Museum is on Banff High Street, in the same building as Banff Library. The postocde is AB45 1AE. The exhibits show a vast range of interesting artefacts from the Celtic period up to the modern day. They reflect life in Banffshire and show some stunning examples of our historical past in Banff and Macduff. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bphsmob.org.uk/ Thursday, September 15 2016, 11.15am-12:00pm, 12.15-1:00pm, 2:00-2.45pm, 3:00-3.45pm Bolts and Bodkins
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Join castle archer Rusty Bodkins for an explanation of how the Scots used the medieval longbow and crossbow. Learn about different types of arrowheads and how arrow wounds were treated. Get dressed for battle and join the garrison! Ticket price This performance is included in the Edinburgh Castle admission price. Booking: events@hes.scot, 0131 668 8885 Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/event/?eventId=f4e0b6b1-2455-4cda-b4fe-a4ed00db88d3 Thursday, September 15 2016, 2:00-4:00pm Archive Sources for Family History
Venue: Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN Glasgow Life A friendly introduction to the unique sources in the Archives for family history research by one of the City Archivists. Suitable for Family History beginners. Ticket price Free Booking: Places are limited for all our Family History workshops. Please book your place by calling 0141 287 2999 or asking at the Granville Street Reception desk. Website: http://events.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/19/archive-sources-for-family-history Thursday, September 15 2016, 6.30 pm - 8 pm Higgins Neuk Information Event
Venue: Airth community centre, 10 Main St, Airth, Falkirk FK2 8JJ Scottish Coastal Archaeology and the Problem of Erosion If you're interested in learning about the environmental and cultural history of the landscape at Higgins Neuk then come along to this event to learn more about the project. ; help out the investigation by volunteering! This event will be followed up with a guided walk of the site on the 24th of September. You can come to either event or both. Thursday, September 15 2016, 6.30 pm - 8 pm The Cartographic Riches of Estate Planning Before the Ordnance Survey
Venue: Annan Museum, Bank Street, Annan DG12 6AA Dumfries and Galloway Museums and Galleries The maps and estate plans of Annandale eloquently describe changes in the local landscape through the 18th century. They map accurately what was present. Often embellished by calligraphy, they capture the ambience of a past landscape in a way that words fail to. Looking at these maps may be the nearest that we can come to time travel! Admission is free. Booking is required. Light refreshments will be served. Please telephone Annan Museum on 01461 201384 to reserve a place. Thursday, September 15 2016, 7 pm The Last Miners of Ayrshire's Doon Valley Donald L Reid Venue: Rothesay House, Cumnock Donald L Reid – presents his best-selling book The Last Miners of Ayrshire's Doon Valley. If you love Ayrshire and particularly the Doon Valley, this book is a 'must have.' Some of the mining reminiscences would make you weep as you read about lads as young as 13 dying in the coal mines in 1906. Thursday, September 15 2016, 7 pm - 8 pm Three Towers Tour 3: St Ninian’s Kirk
Venue: St Ninian’s Old Kirk, Kirk Wynd, Stirling, FK7 9AY Stirling Council A rare chance to explore St Ninian’s Old Church Yard from ancient Celtic Christianity to Bonnie Prince Charlie! Booking essential, contact Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk Thursday, September 15 2016, 7.30 pm Walking Tours on Wheels Les Fernie Venue: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Family History Society Thursday, September 15 2016, 7.30 pm Open Night
Coldstream and District Local History Society Presentation of Old Coldstream photos and finger buffet Friday, September 16 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Friday, September 16 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Are your roots in the Borders ? Discover your family history or build your family tree
Venue: 52 Overhaugh St, Galashiels, TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society Build your family tree. Knock down a 'brick wall'. Explore your family history primarily in the Border counties (Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire and Selkirkshire) of Scotland, though we'll still try to help you if your roots are elsewhere. Friday, September 16 2016, 10.30 am - 1.30 pm History by Bike with Stirling Cycle Hub
Venue: Stirling Cycle Hub Inner Forth Landscape Initiative A chance to explore the fascinating history of the Inner Forth area by bike with Stirling Cycle Hub and IFLI. The ride will start from Stirling Cycle Hub, heading out on the north side of the river to Clackmannan Tower, then on to the ruins of Kennetpans Distillery. We'll then cross the river and follow quiet roads and tracks back to Cambuskenneth Abbey, all in the company of IFLI's Cultural heritage Officer Kirsty McAlister, who wlll be telling us some of the amazing stories behind these historic buildings. Friday, September 16 2016, 10:15am-3:45pm Life in the Border 1914-1919 Exhibition
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Borders Family History Society A fascinating exhibition about life in the Scottish Borders during World War I and afterwards. The exhibition is a joint venture between BFHS and Saving and Sharing Scottish Borders Stories of WWI Project Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bordersfhs.org.uk/ Friday, September 16 2016, 10:30am-1:00pm Museum of Banff Open Days
Venue: Banff Library AB45 1AE Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. The Banff Institution was dissolved in 1875 and the collections passed to Banff Town Council. The present museum and library building were built in 1902. Banff Preservation and Heritage Society currently run the Museum in partnership with Aberdeenshire Museums Service. The Museum is on Banff High Street, in the same building as Banff Library. The postocde is AB45 1AE. The exhibits show a vast range of interesting artefacts from the Celtic period up to the modern day. They reflect life in Banffshire and show some stunning examples of our historical past in Banff and Macduff. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bphsmob.org.uk/ Friday, September 16 2016, 11:00am-12:30pm Brodick Castle Secrets Tour
Venue: Brodick Castle, Garden & Country Park Come along to the castle and join the Secrets Tour. We will tell you a few things that the 'ordinary visitor' does not get to know, and let you see things that you would not usually see. A more in depth look at various castle tales, places and objects. Ticket price £8 Booking: For further information please call 01770 302202 Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Brodick-Castle-Garden-and-Country-Park/Brodick-Castle-Secrets-Tour/ Friday, September 16 2016, 2 pm - 4 pm Close Encounters - Discover Dunbar: Summer Foot Tours
Venue: Sparkly Frog boutique, 92 High St, Dunbar The Dunbar Trades Association in conjunction with Local Historian Roy Pugh bring you FREE history tours of Dunbar, every friday afternoon throughout summer. This is a unique opportunity to find out more about the history of the town and ask any questions you have always wondered about. Friday, September 16 2016, 7.30 pm The Red Duchess? Katherine Murray, Duchess of Atholl,Scotlands First Woman MP James Anderson, Archivist, Blair Castle Venue: Aytoun Hall, High Street, Auchterarder Auchterarder and District Local History Association Friday, September 16 2016, All Day Rediscovering Stirling’s Lost Broch
Venue: Stirling, Clifford Road, Westerlands House Stirling Council Help us rediscover Stirling lost broch, first identified by Scotland’s first female archaeologist, Christian MacLagan in the 19th century and then lost…join us in the hunt for it! Places extremely limited and must be booked contact Murray Cook for more details cookm@stirling.gov.uk Ticket price Free Booking: Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk Saturday, September 17 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Saturday, September 17 2016, 1:30- 2:30pm Chatter Books Author Visit: Keith Brumpton
Venue: Grangemouth Library, Bo’ness Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8AG Keith Brumpton, the author of the hilarious Rome and Away series of children’s books, goes “Roman” in the district and ends up in Grangemouth. This great event is suitable for children aged 7-12 years. Ticket price Free Booking: Contact the library on 01324 504690. Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Saturday, September 17 2016, 10 am - 12 pm Beginners Class Ken Nisbet Venue: Scottish Genealogy Society Library, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL This module is just what it says - for beginners. Ken Nisbet, who has many years experience in researching family history will take this class. Saturday, September 17 2016, 10 am - 2 pm Community Heritage Conference 2016
Venue: Argyllshire Gathering Hall, Oban PA34 5NZ Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference celebrates public archaeology, showcases community-led projects across Scotland and supports people as they explore their connection to the past. The event is open to anyone with an interest in history, heritage or archaeology, and includes excellent talks, interactive workshops, inspirational displays and stimulating networking opportunities. Saturday, September 17 2016, 10 am - 4 pm Mythical Creatures Christina Donald and Mike Sedakat Venue: Collections Unit, on Barrack Street, Dundee, DD1 1PG Drop into the building's magnificent Lower Rotunda to learn about creatures from Celtic mythology with our curators Christina Donald and Mike Sedakat, and animal bone specialist Catherine Smith. Part of Door Open Days. Saturday, September 17 2016, 10 am - 5 pm The Kessock Ferry Exhibition
Venue: North Kessock Village Hall North Kessock & District Local History Society Old photographs & historic records, films, tea room, raffle, children's corner and much, much more. All Welcome … All Welcome, Free Entry Saturday, September 17 2016, 10 am - 5 pm Scotland's Community Heritage Conference
Venue: Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Breadalbane Street, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5NZ Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference celebrates public archaeology, showcases community-led projects across Scotland and supports people as they explore their connection to the past. The event is open to anyone with an interest in history, heritage or archaeology, and includes excellent talks, interactive workshops, inspirational displays and stimulating networking opportunities. Full details at http://scotlandsurbanpast.org.uk/event/scotlands-community-heritage-conference-oban Saturday, September 17 2016, 10:00-12:30pm Heritage Coffee Morning
Venue: Austin’s Bakery on South St Elgin As part of Doors Open Day Moray, we are delighted to hold a coffee morning in Moray Bridge Club. The Bridge Club was, until the 1960’s, the cafe / restaurant of Austin’s Bakery on South St Elgin. The rooms are exactly as they were at that time. Ticket price Free Booking: Phone: 01343 543675 Email: curator@elginmuseum.org.uk Website: http://elginmuseum.org.uk/whats-on-2/ Saturday, September 17 2016, 10:00am-15:30pm Moredun Top Family Fun Day
Venue: Moncreiffe Hill, Tay Car Park AOC Archaeology Group Join us for a day of fun at the fort! From the Tay Car Park follow the trail to investigate the past in our pop up museum, build some dens, get creative with woodland art, visit the excavation and then have a go at digging. Please be prepared for all weather, and wear sturdy footwear for the walk to the site. All activities are on a drop in basis. The last hillfort tour is at 3pm. For more information contact: Lisa Snedden Tel: 01738 475267 lisa.snedden@pkht.org.uk Ticket price Free Booking: Lindsey Gibb, Linsdey.Gibb@pkht.org.uk, 01738 477086 Website: www.taylp.org Saturday, September 17 2016, 10:00am-16:00pm Dig Langside
Venue: Langside Parish Church, Ledard Road, G42 9QU Langside Community Heritage This is a free and child friendly community event, with hands-on digging etc, suitable for all ages and abilities. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket price Free Saturday, September 17 2016, 10:30am-1:00pm Museum of Banff Open Days
Venue: Banff Library AB45 1AE Banff Preservation and Heritage Society Banff Museum was founded in 1828 as the museum of the Banff Institution and is the oldest museum in Scotland north of Perth. The Banff Institution was dissolved in 1875 and the collections passed to Banff Town Council. The present museum and library building were built in 1902. Banff Preservation and Heritage Society currently run the Museum in partnership with Aberdeenshire Museums Service. The Museum is on Banff High Street, in the same building as Banff Library. The postocde is AB45 1AE. The exhibits show a vast range of interesting artefacts from the Celtic period up to the modern day. They reflect life in Banffshire and show some stunning examples of our historical past in Banff and Macduff. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.bphsmob.org.uk/ Saturday, September 17 2016, 11 am - 3.30 pm Along the Don at Kildrummy
Venue: Meet at lay-by with picnic tables on A97 at Kildrummy, AB33 8QT, Grind reference NJ470178 Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service Explore the natural and cultural heritage of this part of Donside, including historic Kildrummy Kirkyard and enjoy scenic views over the river on this guided walk. Suitable for adults & accompanied children aged 8+ able to walk about 6.5 miles mainly on tracks & quiet roads with gradual ascent/descent. Bring suitable outdoor clothing including waterproofs, stout footwear + food/drink. Event organised by Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service for Scottish Archaeology Month in support of Scotland’s Year of Innovation, Architecture & Design. Booking required. Saturday, September 17 2016, 11 am - 4 pm Renaissance Schiltron
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh castle is steeped in war. Troops loyal to James Vs widow, Marie de Guise held it during the English invasion of the Rough Wooing in 1544 and during attacks by the Lords of the Congregation during the reformation in 1560, nearby Leith being besieged instead given Edinburgh’s formidable strength. During the Marian Civil War following Mary Queen of Scots forced abdication it was held by her supporters during the “Lang siege” of 1573. Come and see how the Scots of this era fought with pikes in schiltrons and have a go yourself. An event for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy. Saturday, September 17 2016, 11.00 am - 4.00 pm Memories of Broadford Works
Venue: Town and County Hall, Town House, Broad Street, Aberdeen AB10 1AQ Aberdeen City and Shire Archives The day will include: 'The absent Richards and Maberly mystery': a talk on the early owners of the Broadford Works by Mark Watson, Historic Environment Scotland (talk between 14:00 and 14:45) Exhibition of materials from Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives, Aberdeen City Museums & Galleries, and Aberdeen Journals’ photograph archive Screening footage of the Broadford Works in its heyday from the National Library of Scotland’s Moving Image Archive collections Children's activities If you worked at Richards and would like to contribute to the event there will be an opportunity to add your memories to a plan of the site, sign up for an oral history interview and bring along any mementoes you have of your time at Broadford Works to add to the archive’s collection. For further information, or if you would like to take part in an interview but cannot attend the event, please contact Katy at archives@aberdeencity.gov.uk or on 01224 481775. Saturday, September 17 2016, 11:00am-12:00pm Chatter Books Author Visit: Keith Brumpton
Venue: Meadowbank Library, Stevenson Avenue, Polmont, FK2 0GU. Keith Brumpton is the author of the hilarious “Rome and Away” series of children’s books. The books are based in ancient Britain and surround a mystery gang trying to sabotage the Gladiator Games. It’s down to Antonius Pantonius, private detective, and his side-kick, Cora Decorum, to go undercover and track down the culprits. Hear more about the books and meet the author at this fun free event, repeated in Grangemouth later. For children aged 7-12 years. Ticket price Free Booking: Contact Meadowbank on 01324 503870.www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Saturday, September 17 2016, 11:15am; 12:00pm; 12:45pm; 1:30pm; 2:30pm; 3:15pm; and 4:00pm Tales from the Battlefield
Venue: The National Wallace Monument Travel back in time to one of the most dramatic periods in Scottish History, when Stirling was at the centre of all the action, during our live performances with costumed actors! The Battle of Stirling Bridge is over – and a soldier, abandoned and left for dead, makes his way into the woods. Lost and disoriented, he meets another fighter – then discovers he is on the enemy’s side! What will happen, and what do they talk about, before the injured soldier heads off – to make his way home? Ticket price Admission Prices: Adults: £9.99, Children £6.26 Saturday, September 17 2016, 12 pm - 4 pm Estate Walk - the Designed Landscape
Venue: Abbotsford, Melrose TD6 9BQ Go on an extensive estate walk with our specialist guides to explore Scott’s designed landscape and its archaeology. This tour is part of the Borders Heritage Festival and Melrose Paths, so take this special opportunity to see the estate from a new perspective and listen to our knowledgeable guides' stories. The tour meeting point is at the Abbotsford Visitor Centre, with the tour starting at 12 noon and lasting until 16:00. Due to the extensive nature of this walk, it is recommended to wear suitable clothing and bring a packed lunch. Saturday, September 17 2016, 12:00-4:00pm Conservation in Action
Venue: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP Come and see Conservation in Action as we clean three 18th century paintings throughout August and September. Take a peek behind-the-scenes to see how paintings are cleaned at the historic tower. We'll conserve three paintings by Alloa-born 18th Century painter David Allan. Saturday, September 17 2016, 2 pm and 3 pm East Linton’s Agricultural, Horticultural and Artistic Heritage
Venue: The Stables, Prestonkirk Church East Linton East Lothian Council Archaeology Service Learn about East Linton’s agricultural, horticultural and artistic heritage with a talk and visit to Prestonkirk graveyard. Meet at The Stables at Prestonkirk where teas will be available and there will be an exhibition on the work of the Horticultural Society in East Linton. This event is organised by the East Linton Horticultural Society and East Lothian Antiquarian and Field Naturalists’ Society. No booking required. Free. Saturday, September 17 2016, 2.00 pm Ancestral Breakthroughs
Venue: Manchester Central Library Anglo-Scottish Family History Society Saturday, September 17 2016, 2.30pm-4.30pm Aberdeen's Lost Mansions David Miller Venue: Unitarian Church Centre Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, September 17 2016, 6 pm - 7 pm The Romans in Dumfries and Galloway Rebecca Jones Venue: St Ninian’s Hall, Isle of Whithorn Friends of Ninian and Whithorn The lecture is free and open to all. Bookings may be made for supper after the lecture, at £20.00 per head, with Jane Murray, Secretary to The Friends, Auchenmalg House, Auchenmalg, Glenluce, Wigtownshire, DG8 0JS Tel: 01581 500 205; email: murraydervaird@btinternet.com Saturday, September 17 2016, 7:00-8:00pm Cromarty Ghost Walk
Venue: Hugh Miller's Birthplace Cottage & Museum Walk in the company of ghosts ... or at least ghost tales. Join a Cromarty Ghost Walk with chilling tales from Hugh Miller and others retold by your costumed Ghost Guide. Ghost walks start at 7pm from outside Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage in Church Street, Cromarty on Saturdays in July, August and September. The walks are led by Timemasters' costumed Ghost Guide Duncan Cook and last approximately 1 hour, so wear comfortable shoes. There is a minimum age of 15 years. Advanced booking essential, contact duncan@timemasters.co.uk or millermuseum@nts.org.uk Or by telephoning 01381-600-245 for details. Ticket price £5 Booking: For further information please call 01381 600245 Website: http://www.nts.org.uk/Events/Hugh-Millers-Birthplace-Cottage-and-Museum/Cromarty-Ghost-Walk/ Saturday, September 17 2016, All Day Rediscovering Stirling’s Lost Broch
Venue: Stirling, Clifford Road, Westerlands House Stirling Council Help us rediscover Stirling lost broch, first identified by Scotland’s first female archaeologist, Christian MacLagan in the 19th century and then lost…join us in the hunt for it! Places extremely limited and must be booked contact Murray Cook for more details cookm@stirling.gov.uk Ticket price Free Booking: Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk Saturday, September 17 2016, All Day Big Roman Day at Kinneil
Venue: Kinneil House Historic Kinneil House, built next to the Antonine Wall, is open for free tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. (last admission 3.30 p.m.) There will also be a family fun day in the surrounding Kinneil Estate, including a Roman encampment starring the Antonine Guard re-enactment group, dressing up for children, orchard and craft events. Kinneil Museum will also be open. Free, just turn up (children must be accompanied by an adult). Use the postcode EH51 0PR. The Friends of Kinneil, Historic Environment Scotland, Falkirk Community Trust and partners. http://www.kinneil.org.uk (Part of Doors Open Days in Falkirk district http://j.mp/dod-falkirk) Get updates at www.facebook.com/kinneil and www.twitter.com/kinneil Ticket price Free Booking: info@bigromanweek.org.uk Website: http://www.kinneil.org.uk/ Sunday, September 18 2016, 1:00pm-5:00pm Alyth Museum Open Days
Venue: Alyth Museum, Commercial Street, Alyth, PH11 8AF Alyth is a small rural Perthshire village overlooking the countryside of Strathmore. This is an area rich in farming, which is an inspiration and resource for the museum collection. Ground floor display Alyth. Enjoy a wealth of pictures and objects reflecting life as it was in and around Alyth. Don't miss the brilliant exhibition about the work of local Blairgowrie photographers, D Wilson Laing. Ticket price Free Website: http://www.pkc.gov.uk/article/6474/Alyth-Museum Sunday, September 18 2016, 10 am - 12 pm Mysteries of Medieval Morham
East Lothian Council Archaeology Service Now a quiet picturesque hamlet, Morham was once an important place associated with some of the great events and people of Scotland’s past. Join East Lothian Council Archaeology Service for a guided walk to explore the hidden history of the village. Booking required. Free. email bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk Sunday, September 18 2016, 10:30 -1:00pm The Antonine Wall Community Conference
Venue: Hippodrome Cinema, Hope Street, Bo’ness, EH51 0AA Community representatives join Roman experts for a conference about the World Heritage Site. Key speakers include leading Roman expert Dr David Breeze, formerly of Historic Scotland, and National Museums of Scotland’s Dr Fraser Hunter. At Hippodrome Cinema, Hope Street, Bo’ness, EH51 0AA. Conference begins at 10.30 a.m. and ends at 1 p.m. sharp. Doors open at 10 a.m. The café pod will be open to sell food and drinks. The conference is free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance through the link below. Organised by The Friends of Kinneil in association with Falkirk Council and Falkirk Community Trust. Book FREE places at the conference here. Problems? Call 01506 823714. Ticket price Free Booking: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antonine-wall-community-conference-tickets-27083847517 Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antonine-wall-community-conference-tickets-27083847517 Sunday, September 18 2016, 10:30am-12:00pm Make it at the Museum: Cardboard Machines
Venue: National Museum of Scotland, Learning centre, Level 4 Cut, fold, punch and glue to create a marvellous mechanism then use cams, cranks and levers to bring your machine to life. Ticket price Cost: £10/£8 Booking: Call 0300 123 6789 or book online at www.nms.ac.uk/scotland Website: http://nms.ac.uk/national-museum-of-scotland/whats-on/make-it-cardboard-machines/ Sunday, September 18 2016, 11 am - 3 pm Active Archaeology
Venue: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh Discover what life was like in the Iron Age by meeting characters from the past and trying out skills from the period. Meet colourful characters, discover some artefacts uncovered within Holyrood and try your hand at being a real life archaeologist. Sunday, September 18 2016, 11 am - 4 pm Renaissance Schiltron
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh castle is steeped in war. Troops loyal to James Vs widow, Marie de Guise held it during the English invasion of the Rough Wooing in 1544 and during attacks by the Lords of the Congregation during the reformation in 1560, nearby Leith being besieged instead given Edinburgh’s formidable strength. During the Marian Civil War following Mary Queen of Scots forced abdication it was held by her supporters during the “Lang siege” of 1573. Come and see how the Scots of this era fought with pikes in schiltrons and have a go yourself. An event for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy. Sunday, September 18 2016, 11:15am; 12:00pm; 12:45pm; 1:30pm; 2:30pm; 3:15pm; and 4:00pm Tales from the Battlefield
Venue: The National Wallace Monument Travel back in time to one of the most dramatic periods in Scottish History, when Stirling was at the centre of all the action, during our live performances with costumed actors! The Battle of Stirling Bridge is over – and a soldier, abandoned and left for dead, makes his way into the woods. Lost and disoriented, he meets another fighter – then discovers he is on the enemy’s side! What will happen, and what do they talk about, before the injured soldier heads off – to make his way home? Ticket price Admission Prices: Adults: £9.99, Children £6.26 Sunday, September 18 2016, 12.00 pm - 4 pm Day at the Museum - See Behind the Scenes
Venue: Eyemouth Museum & Tourist, Information Centre. Auld Kirk, Manse Road, Eyemouth. TD14 5JE Visit us on any Sunday in September to get an exclusive guided look behind the scenes to see how items in our collection are acquisitioned, stored and displayed. Find out more about our historic Eyemouth Fort through our brilliant 3D visual reality room and from local experts on hand to share their knowledge and inside information! www.eyemouthmuseum.org www.eyemouthfort.org Sunday, September 18 2016, 2 pm - 4 pm Tour of Pinkie House & Chapel
Venue: Loretto School, Musselburgh Musselburgh Conservation Society The tour will include the exterior and interior of Pinkie House, with its fine grounds, plaster ceilings and painted gallery and the interior of Loretto Chapel, with its fine organ, memorials and large stained glass windows. The tour is provided by Musselburgh Conservation Society. Booking required. Free. email bookings@eastlothian.gov.uk Sunday, September 18 2016, 2:00pm Walk the Wall: Bo'ness to Kinneil Roman Fortlet
Venue: Bo’ness Library at Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, EH51 0AH Join archaeologist Geoff Bailey as he leads a walk from Bo’ness town centre, along the John Muir Way, to Kinneil’s Roman Fortlet (via Kinneil Museum). Leaves outside Bo’ness Library at Scotland’s Close, Bo’ness, EH51 0AH at 2 p.m. Around 2.5 miles each way. Free. No need to book, just turn up. Organised by Falkirk Community Trust in association with The Friends of Kinneil. www.kinneil.org.uk Ticket price Free Website: https://bigromanweek.wordpress.com/events/ Sunday, September 18 2016, 7 pm - 8.30 pm Archaeology of the Ken Valley Andrew Nicholson Venue: Gordon Memorial Hall, St Ninians’ Castle Douglas, DG7 1EX Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership Andrew Nicholson, Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Archaeologist and local history enthusiast, has been packing out venues across the region with his easily accessible and informative introductions to archaeology. In association with the Galloway Glens Scheme, Andrew will be giving an overview of the Archaeology of the Ken Valley and what this tells us about human settlement through the ages. A whistle-stop tour of the last 8,000 years, this will be of appeal to anyone with an interest in archaeology or simply the history of the area. Sunday, September 18 2016, 7:00-8:30pm Archaeology of the Ken Valley
Venue: Gordon Memorial Hall, St Ninians’ Castle Douglas, DG7 1EX Dumfries and Galloway Council Andrew Nicholson, the Council’s Archaeologist, will be giving an overview of the Archaeology of the Ken Valley and what this tells us about human settlement through the ages. A whistle-stop tour of the last 8,000 years, this will be of appeal to anyone with an interest in archaeology or simply the history of the area. Ticket price Free Booking: Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership, 01387 273984 Website: http://www.gallowayglens.org/ Sunday, September 18 2016, All Day Rediscovering Stirling’s Lost Broch
Venue: Stirling, Clifford Road, Westerlands House Stirling Council Help us rediscover Stirling lost broch, first identified by Scotland’s first female archaeologist, Christian MacLagan in the 19th century and then lost…join us in the hunt for it! Places extremely limited and must be booked contact Murray Cook for more details cookm@stirling.gov.uk Ticket price Free Booking: Murray Cook cookm@stirling.gov.uk We've just received an email from Scotland's People: Last month we contacted you to let you know that our website would be unavailable from Wednesday 7 September 2016 until Monday 12 September 2016. We are writing to let you know that this site downtime has now been postponed to a future date. We will confirm the new dates as soon as possible. Looks like the relaunch of the website might have been delayed. Presumably this is as a result of issues detected during testing (which has been going on for some months). Better to iron out problems during the testing phase than after the relaunch.
We're looking forward to the relaunched site as some interesting new features are due to be added. Hopefully the new site won't be delayed too much. We've written before about the 1845 Act for The Amendment and better Administration of the Laws Relating to the relief of the Poor in Scotland, which as the name suggests changed the way in which Poor Laws operated in Scotland. As well as formalising on a statutory basis the operation of what would over time evolve into the modern benefits system we know today, the Poor Law (Scotland) Act 1845, as it is often referred, led to the establishment of Parochial Boards in each of the parishes of Scotland. This laid the foundations for the established of local, civil government in Scotland. Under the 1845 Act, Parochial Boards were responsible for administering poor relief. Parochial Boards would meet regularly to consider the state of Poors Funds in their parish, and to discuss applications for relief. Poor relief was paid by Parochial Boards, which were always keen to minimise their expenditure. Liability was determined by the long-established - and often contentious - system of settlement. While in theory the rules of settlement were relatively clear, there was always room for disputes between Parochial Boards keen to avoid spending their limited resources. As with Kirk Sessions determined to find someone to pay for illegitimate children, it was all about the money. In most instances, determining the parish of settlement of a pauper or applicant for relief was fairly straightforward - after all, most people didn't move around all that much. That was not, however, always true, as the case of George Thomson shows. The first time we come across George is in the Treasurer's Accounts of Drumoak parish, in Aberdeenshire: 1847, June 13 Three weeks later, he's mentioned again: 1847, July 4 Another three weeks later, he's mentioned in less happy circumstances 1847, July 25 George has died, and his widow is now in receipt of parochial aid. Another three weeks passes, and George is no longer mentioned by name Friday 13 August 1847 In order to qualify for parochial relief under the 1845 Act, George would have had to apply to the Parochial Board, satisfying them that he was in genuine need, and that he was settled in the parish. At first, the Parochial Board minute is not particularly interesting: Church of Drumoak 13 August 1847 However, the detail provided by George in his account is remarkable: That George Thomson, late husband of Ann Gillespie, was born at Little Mill of Cairney, that his father George Thomson is still alive and is resident at Foggy-Moss in said Parish. That he left his father’s when 13 years of age to be servant to Joseph Horne in Netherton of Cairney, with whom he resided six months; that he then went to serve John Christie in Busswarney in the Parish of Cairney, where he resided 2 ½ years; that he afterwards was in the service of Isaac Robertson, Banks of Cairney, 6 months; that he then went to Alexander Christie, Gangdurnas, parish of Cairney, with whom he resided 6 months; and thence to Charles Bruce in Broadland of Cairney, whom he served six months. That he then removed from his native Parish and entered the service of James Pirie, Culithie of Gartly, with whom he remained for 2 ½ years; that he afterwards went to the Revd Mr Leslie, assistant to the Minister of Rathven, where he remained 6 months; that he then went to James McCulloch, Cleffes in the parish of Grange, and continued with him 6 months; that he thence went to work with a contractor in whose service he worked in different parishes for short periods, and then removed to Fyvie for 6 or 8 weeks, and then to the parish of Belhelvie where he resided with a William McDonald for about 15 months; that he then resided six months with William Stronach carpenter in the parish of Nigg; that he thence removed to the parish of Fordoun and lived with Deacon Bruce innkeeper, Auchinblae about a month; that he then resided with Peter Laing in Banchory Ternan a month, and went to Kincardine O’Neil, where he lodged in the house of William Cooper for about six months. That he then removed to Banchory Ternan and was married 20 June 1840 to Ann Gillespie. That from Martinmas 1841 to the month of September 42 he earned his livelihood by working at Countesswells in the Parish of Peterculter or Banchory Devenick, visiting his family every Saturday night and continuing with them till Monday morning, as long as they resided in Banchory Ternan. That on the 7th of June 1842 his wife and family removed from said Parish of Banchory Ternan to this parish (Drumoak), he himself continuing to earn his livelihood at Countesswells, residing first in the house of Archibald Leslie and then in that of Alexander Watt, crofters in Loanhead of Countesswells. That he continued as before visiting his family every Saturday night and continuing with them until Monday morning till the month of September 1842 when he took up his regular residence in this parish, and resided till his death on 11th July 1847. Clearly George moved around quite a lot. Based on this declaration, the Board decided that they were not liable for relief payments: The Board taking the matter under consideration were of opinion that his widow and family had no claim upon this parish, but that Cairney was the parish of settlement, and instructed the Inspector to forward a statement of the case to the Inspector of said parish of Cairney. Although the Board did not believe they were liable, they continued to make payments to Ann, as we can see if we return again to the Treasurer's accounts: 1847 Octr 3 Seven weeks aliment to Widow Thomson, £1 1s The day after making this last payment, the Board met again to consider this case. Ann offered some more information about her circumstances: Drumoak 24 February 1848 While the Board waits for a response from the Inspector at Cairney, they continue to pay George's widow Ann: 1848, March 26 By 4 weeks aliment to Widow Thomson, 12s They didn't have to wait too long for a response Drumoak 12 May 1848 Apparently the Inspector at Cairney is not keen to pay for Ann's maintenance either. Meanwhile, the bills continue to mount for Drumoak 1848 July 30 By Widow Thomson’s 8 weeks aliment, £1 4s Five months later, the Board meets again Drumoak 31 Oct 1848 Cairney Parochial Board decide to call Drumoak's bluff, refusing outright to pay anything. Drumoak respond by calling in the lawyers, and going to court. In the meantime, they continue to pay Ann 1848 Finally, two and a half years after George initially applied for temporary relief, a resolution of sorts is achieved in court: Drumoak 31st January 1850 The treasurer of Drumoak records the payment received from the lawyers 1850 Jany 31 Now that liability has been established on the park of Cairney, the Parochial Board are perfectly happy to continue making payments to Ann 1850 Feby 10 By cash to Wid Thomson 4 weeks aliment, 12s Having initially denied liability, Cairney Parochial Board accept the court ruling, and reimburse Drumoak 1850 July 14, Received advances made to Wid Thomson by this Session on account of the Parish of Cairney, £3 15s 9d As well as providing an extraordinary amount of information about the working life of George Thomson, and the domestic arrangements of his family both while he is alive and after he dies, these entries also give a good illustration of how the system of poor relief operated in Scotland after the reforms of 1845.
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Old ScottishGenealogy and Family History - A mix of our news, curious and intriguing discoveries. Research hints and resources to grow your family tree in Scotland from our team. Archives
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