Welcome back to the first in the new season of weekly listings of history talks and events being held around Scotland. Highlights this week include the Lanarkshire Family History Society annual fair on Saturday (we'll be putting in an appearance at the Ask the Experts stall from 2 pm), and the start of the Borders Heritage Festival, which runs throughout September.
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 28 August - 3 September 2017 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. Tuesday, August 29 2017, 3 pm Highlight Talk: Scottish Landscape Painters at Pollok House Angus Lyon Venue: Pollok House, Glasgow, G43 1AT This is part of our programme of short walks and talks around the House to highlight certain objects paintings or people within, or connected to, the House. The Talks last around 45 minutes and will be held upstairs in the House on Tuesdays at 3pm between July and August and they are free to visitors; however, normal entry prices apply. Pollok House has a number of landscape paintings by such artists as, John Knox, Horatio McCulloch and Alexander Nasmyth. Angus will talk about the artists and their works on display at Pollok House. Price: FREE, but normal entry prices apply Spaces are limited and if you prefer to book a place call 0141 616 6410 Wednesday, August 30 2017, 10 am - 11 am Standing Stones of Stenness Walk
Venue: Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge Join the Orkney Ranger Service for a free guided tour of our oldest stone circle, and explore the fascinating links with the nearby Neolithic village of Barnhouse. Wednesday, August 30 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm Thomson and the City Mark Baines Venue: The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow As part of our 2017 lecture series, Mark Baines will discuss Alexander Thomson’s urban architecture and his lasting legacy in the city of Glasgow. Free. Thursday, August 31 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm Secrets of Huntly Castle
Venue: Huntly Castle Join one of our guides to hear of the Castle from the Motte and Bailey days to the time of the Tower House. Then on to the refurbishments of the Fourth Earl and First Marquis, concluding with the Castle’s final years. There will be tales of battles won and lost, deaths gruesome, graffiti medieval and modern and carvings intact and defaced. Our local guide will link the Castle to town and district making this a special and memorable experience. This event is included in the Huntly Castle admission price, but booking is essential. Thursday, August 31 2017, 4.30 pm Newhailes Behind the Scenes Tours
Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh Join one of our guides to see rooms not currently shown on the tour at Newhailes and discover their history and some of the conservation issues facing our collection. Tickets Adults: £12.50 Concessions: £9.00 Advanced booking essential either online, in person at our visitor centre or by phone - 0131 653 5599. Friday, September 1 2017, 10 am - 12 pm, 2 pm - 4 pm An Exhibition of Monifeith's Archaeology
Venue: House of Memories, Monifieth Come along and visit the House of Memories where you can view an exhibition of photographs and reproductions of archaeological finds in and around Monifieth, as well as the permanent exhibitions on display. Friday, September 1 2017, 10 am - 6 pm The Archaeology of Angus
Venue: Forfar Library, West High Street, Forfar DD8 1BA A display of archaeological highlights from the county in your local library. Help celebrate the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology by visiting your local library (including mobiles) to see a display of archaeological highlights from the county, featuring some of the best local archaeology told via photographs, text and maps. Normal library opening hours. All ANGUSalive Libraries (including mobiles). Friday, September 1 2017, 2 pm An A-Z of Archaeology Gavin Hunter Venue: Arbroath Library, Gallery 1, Hill Terrace, Arbroath DD11 1AH Come along to an illustrated talk by Gavin Hunter, ANGUSalive’s Local History and Heritage Officer. Get a whistle-stop view of the subject and Angus’ archaeology including some more unusual aspects. Friday, September 1 2017, 2 pm Bowhill Country Estate Talk & Walk
Venue: Bowhill Theatre, Bowhill Country Estate, Bowhill, Selkirk TD7 5ET Entry £6 adult. Includes cream tea Talk and cream tea at beautiful Bowhill. Followed by a walk around the architectural heritage of Bowhill Estate, highlighting the developments and changes to the house in the late Georgian and Victorian periods. www.bowhillhouse.co.uk Friday, September 1 2017, 7 pm Lighting the Borders Jedburgh Castle
Venue: Jedburgh Castle Jail & Museum, Castlegate, Jedburgh TD8 6QD Light Years: A participative site-specific installation by Sue Scowcroft & James Wyness. Light Years explores the deep history of Jedburgh Castle Jail, in particular the human and social heritage of Jedburgh. Visitors are invited to follow a star chart, superimposed on the ground plan of the castle, which maps out twelve locations around the Castle Jail and grounds. At these locations the visitor will find short poetic stories, intimate sharings left behind by people from the past, men and women, young and old, who may have passed through the site. The installation honours the work of the 18th and 19th Century ‘Borders Enlightenment’ scientists who were born or based in Jedburgh. www.liveborders.org.uk Friday, September 1 2017, 7 pm Lighting the Borders Duns Law
Venue: Duns Law via Duns Castle, Duns, TD11 3NW Attendance Free Lantern Parade, Beacon Lighting, Covenanter’s Conventicle, signing of the Covenant & Free Lantern Making Workshop! Join us as the Church bell rings in Duns Market Square for a procession to Duns Law. At the Law there will be a brief presentation on the history of the conventicle and re-enactment. At the end of the conventicle we will light the beacon that will burn for three nights on Duns Law and procession members will be invited to light their lanterns and sign a copy of the Covenant before participating in a Torchlight Procession past the castle on route to the square. Look out for pop-up storytelling along the way! We are particularly grateful to the owners of Duns Castle and their guests for opening up the private driveways exclusively for the procession. Duns Castle lighting will remain visible on Saturday and Sunday evenings from the core path (no vehicle access) going from the Old High School west end past the Geans House up to the west side of the Castle. Make a lantern for Friday’s procession! Free Lantern Making Workshop open to members of the public on Saturday 12 August from 11.00–13.00 and 14.00–17.00 in Duns Parish Church Hall, Church Square, Duns TD11 3DD www.dunscastle.co.uk Friday, September 1 2017, 7 pm Lighting the Borders Neidpath Castle
Venue: Neidpath Castle, Peebles, EH45 8NW Entry £14 adult, £7 child (under 18s) No other concessions Performance at Neidpath Castle by Scottish Vocal Ensemble, Savourna Stevenson & Matt Seattle. The evening begins with Border Piper, Matt Seattle who will pipe the audience into the venue from the rooftop of Neidpath Castle to be followed by site specific performances from the Scottish Vocal Ensemble and Savourna Stevenson, internationally renowned harpist, musician and composer. A varied programme which will explore the unique landscape, literature and culture of the Borders, performed in the dramatic setting of this ancient castle. The programme will include The Dream by Savourna Stevenson inspired by the writing of John Buchan and works that delve into the myth and legend passed down in famous Border Ballads. Tickets: www.borderevents.com Friday, September 1 2017, 7.30 pm Lighting the Borders Newark Castle
Venue: Newark Castle, Bowhill Country Estate, Bowhill, Selkirk, TD7 5ET Torchlight walk to Newark Castle, Bowhill, performances by the Fisher Lassies, pop-up storytelling & torchlight parade. Enjoy a family friendly torchlight walk to Newark Castle, with stories, stops and surprises along the way. The evening begins in the Sunken Garden at Bowhill House, which will be floodlit for the occasion. On the short walk to Newark there will be pop up storytelling followed by a site specific performance from the Fisher Lassies outside the ruined castle. Newark will be lit from within allowing light to flood out of the tumbled down windows and roof space. The parade will return to the Sunken Garden by torchlight. www.bowhillhouse.co.uk Saturday, September 2 2017, 1 pm - 9 pm The Road to Pinkie 1
Venue: Hume Castle, Hume, Greenlaw, Berwickshire TD5 7TR Entry Free. Donations welcome The Road to Pinkie #1 – medieval re-enactment, storytelling, living history & tour. Join us at Hume Castle for a day of living history, storytelling and song! Come and see the Kelso Laddie, Greenlaw Maid and entourage ride in on horseback to open the event at 13.00 followed by an afternoon of re-enactment and living history with the Lothian Levy to include living history camp, drill training, skirmishes and the representation of the castle’s fortunes in the Rough Wooing. See Lady Hume’s surrender on the battlements and the Hume Banner (Marchmont Standard) flaunted for the first time in many centuries! Other highlights include: Archaeological Walk and Tour with Piers Dixon, Hog Roast, Medieval Food, Smailholm Singers, Northumbrian and Scottish Pipers, Poetry, Storytelling and Music. This event is the first of three precursors to the Battle of Pinkie re-enactment. www.humecastle.org Saturday, September 2 2017, 10 am - 3.30 pm The Heritage of the Galawater Valley - Heriot Church
Venue: Heriot Church, Heriot, EH38 5YE Entry Free. Light refreshments will be available The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Heriot Church Stow and Heriot churches have an interesting history, and are pleased to take part in the Borders Heritage Festival by opening their doors to the public and offering tours. Heriot Church and lands belonged to the monks of Newbattle from the early fourteenth century until the Reformation. Bishop de Berneham consecrated a church at Heriot in March 1244, but it is not certain whether this church lay on the same site as the present one. www.stowandheriotchurch.org.uk Saturday, September 2 2017, 10 am - 5 pm An Exhibition of Monifeith's Archaeology
Venue: House of Memories, Monifieth Come along and visit the House of Memories where you can view an exhibition of photographs and reproductions of archaeological finds in and around Monifieth, as well as the permanent exhibitions on display. Saturday, September 2 2017, 10.15 am A Day in Perth
Venue: Perth Station Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland Visit St Ninian’s Episcopal Cathedral for a talk and tour led by Christopher Dingwall, as well as the Fair Maid’s House (now home of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society) and a guided walk. Visits to other buildings are being arranged. Cost £15 Saturday, September 2 2017, 10:30am-4:00pm Family History Day: Art in the Archives
Venue: John Gray Centre East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight This year our Family History Day is inspired by archives as works of art. Our collections include beautiful notarial signatures, renaissance style seals, 16th century manuscript music, textile designs, photographs, drawings and doodlings! Join us for a packed programme of talks, workshops and behind the scenes tours. Find out what inspires an archaeological illustrator, learn more about the artworks held by East Lothian Museum Service, and why not create your own masterpiece inspired by our collections. Includes hands on activities for children and adults. Contact the Archive and Local History team at the John Gray Centre for a full programme: T: 01620 820695 E: history@eastlothian.gov.uk Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am Get into Thomson 1 Moray Place
Venue: 1 Moray Place, Glasgow The Alexander Thomson Society have organised a series of special Thomson residential openings during the first two weekends in September 2017, as part of the ongoing events celebrating Alexander Thomson’s Bicentenary. This has been made possible due the generosity of the owners of the houses involved as listed below. 1 Moray Place 1859-61 (Saturday 2nd, Sunday 10th) Alexander Thomson’s former home, the first house in an exceptional terrace with a revealed painted decorative scheme. Please note only booked visitors will be allowed into the houses and we would request that people arrive promptly to allow the visits to begin at the times indicated (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for each property). Each visit will last slightly less than 1 hour. If you book and are unable to attend it would be very helpful to let Eventbrite know this, to allow your place to be booked by someone else, as the numbers are restricted. Should you wish any further information please contact the Society at info@alexanderthomsonsociety. Booking for all properties opens at 11am Sunday 27 August 2017, tickets will then become available to the general public from 6pm Monday 28 August 2017. Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am Get into Thomson 7 Walmer Crescent
Venue: 7 Walmer Crescent, Glasgow The Alexander Thomson Society have organised a series of special Thomson residential openings during the first two weekends in September 2017, as part of the ongoing events celebrating Alexander Thomson’s Bicentenary. This has been made possible due the generosity of the owners of the houses involved as listed below. 7 Walmer Crescent 1857-62 (Saturday 2nd) Thomson’s fine crescent composed of straight elements with minimal decorative elements, built for John Hood. Please note only booked visitors will be allowed into the houses and we would request that people arrive promptly to allow the visits to begin at the times indicated (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for each property). Each visit will last slightly less than 1 hour. If you book and are unable to attend it would be very helpful to let Eventbrite know this, to allow your place to be booked by someone else, as the numbers are restricted. Should you wish any further information please contact the Society at info@alexanderthomsonsociety. Booking for all properties opens at 11am Sunday 27 August 2017, tickets will then become available to the general public from 6pm Monday 28 August 2017. Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am - 3 pm The Wonders of Whitehill: Searching for Newhailes' Lost Garden
Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh Get involved in our big dig! As part of Archaeology Month, we will be seeking to unearth the lost garden of Newhailes, originally named Whitehill, before the arrival of the Dalrymple family and establishment of the current estate landscaping. Newhailes' former garden design is now hidden under the surface. What survives is simply waiting to be discovered! Located on the front lawn of Newhailes House, join our expert team for a weekend of excavation and start digging up the past! Speak with our experts and find out what we discover. No experience necessary, open to all ages and abilities. All tools will be provided. Please don't forget to wear warm, outdoor clothing and suitable footwear for digging. Dates: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September Time: 11:00 - 15:00 Adult: £4.00 Child: £2:00 Concession: £2.00 Family: £10.00 (2 adults, 2 children) Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am - 5 pm Hospitalfield Autumn Season Open Weekend
Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH Explore the house and grounds, take a tour, listen to a talk at Hospitalfield. Come and spend the day at Hospitalfield this autumn in a special weekend event programmed to coincide with Angus Heritage Week and Doors Open week. This weekend includes a presentation of the artist Hiwa-K's work and is an excellent opportunity to explore the house, sign up for a workshop, listen to a talk, join a tour and have lunch in our cafe. The events programme will include talks, workshops and presentations of artists’ work – the new exhibition will continue until later in September. Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm Secrets of Melrose Abbey Museum
Venue: Melrose Abbey The tour is around half an hour and gives a brief history about the Commentator’s house and then proceeds through the building stopping to look and discuss various artefacts. There are green men, piss pots, inkwells, posset pots, spectacles, heart caskets and much more to be seen. Tours on 2 and 23 September are part of Borders Heritage Festival Included in the normal admission price, but booking is essential. Please call to book. Dogs are permitted at Melrose Abbey, but not within the museum where these tours are delivered (the exception to this is assistance dogs). Saturday, September 2 2017, 11 am, 12 pm, 2 pm Secrets of Melrose Abbey Tour
Venue: Melrose Abbey Entry £6 adult, £3.60 child, £4.80 concession, Free for Historic Scotland members Join us on a guided tour that will give you a brief history about the Commentator’s house and then proceed through the building stopping to look and discuss various artefacts. There are green men, piss pots, inkwells, posset pots, spectacles, heart caskets and much more to be seen. www.historicenvironment.scot/melrose-abbey Saturday, September 2 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm Schiltron - 16th century/renaissance
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh castle is steeped in war. Troops loyal to James V's widow, Marie de Guise held it during the English invasion of the Rough Wooing in 1544, as well as the attacks by the Lords of the Congregation which took place during the reformation in 1560. Throughout 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. Included in the normal admission price Saturday, September 2 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm For his most Britannic Majesty!
Venue: Doune Castle During the Jacobite Rising of 1745 both sides were frantically recruiting soldiers. Meet a soldier of His Majesty’s army and attend a recruitment session, preparing to fight the rebels! Included in normal admission price. Saturday, September 2 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm Siege on the Forth
Venue: Blackness Castle Discover more about Blackness Castle, which guards the Firth of Forth. Join us and Inner Forth Festival as we recreate the rich history of the ship that never sailed. From epic battles and encampments to bird watching from the battlements where you’ll discover more about the ecology of this beautiful place. This event is included in the Blackness Castle admission price. Saturday, September 2 2017, 12.30 pm Belter Blethers: Local Voices Steve Byrne Venue: George Johnston Centre, Tranent East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight Steve Byrne of Local Voices will talk about recording the voices of Tranent folk with a view to starting up a small sound archive project to explore your heritage. The project will be looking for volunteers who themselves could be trained to record the oral history of their fellow Belters. Saturday, September 2 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Tackling your brick wall Mary Evans Venue: Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, IV30 1HS Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, September 2 2017, 5.30 pm Riddell Tower
Venue: Riddell Tower, Riddell Estate, Lilliesleaf, Melrose TD6 9JP 17.30 Illustrated Talk by Alison Martin in Old Laundry House at Riddell – spaces limited 18.30 Guided Walk from Old Laundry House to Tower followed by performance from Riddell Fiddles and a Norman Feast. Riddell Tower, Riddell Estate, Lilliesleaf, Melrose TD6 9JP Entry £13.50 adult, £7 child Norman feast, music from Riddell Fiddles, talk by Alison Martin in Old Laundry House. Come and join us for a magical evening of illuminating surprises at Riddell! A guided stroll through nine centuries of Riddell History will follow an illustrated talk by Alison Martin about her family firm of masons, responsible for many Borders stone carvings and memorials. Some of these you will see as you walk through the Wild Garden from the Mansion House Ruins to the Mausoleum, the General’s Tower and the 12th Century Motte and Bailey Fort of the de Ridale family. A live performance from the Riddell Fiddles together with other attractions will await you at the Fort. The brave will have a chance to test their nerve as they climb the spiral staircase to the top of the 100ft Tower! A Norman Feast of a Hog Roast is included in the ticket price. The evening will culminate in a Torchlight procession back to Riddell House. Spaces very limited, with any profits split between Lilliesleaf School and Liliesleaf Farm Museum, Johannesburg. Tickets: www.borderevents.com www.riddellestate.co.uk Saturday, September 2 2017, 9.30 am - 4.30 pm Local and Family History Show 2017
Venue: Motherwell Concert Hall, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell, ML1 1AB Lanarkshire Family History Society Entry £2, talks £4. http://lfhsshow.weebly.com/ Sunday, September 3 2017, 1 pm - 3.30 pm Celtic Crag
Venue: Holyrood Park Join a Ranger for a guided walk, where we'll delve into the Park's rich Celtic past to uncover the reality behind the myths. Discover the story of the Park’s history from the Stone Age right up to the present day. Free, booking essential Sunday, September 3 2017, 1 pm - 5 pm Dreel Halls/St Nicholas Tower
Venue: Dreel Halls/St Nicholas Tower, High Street West, Anstruther, KY10 3DJ Take a tour of the 16th century Category A listed St Nicholas tower (part of the Dreel Halls complex) and, weather permitting, step out onto the parapet for stunning views over Anstruther and out to the Isle of May. Sunday, September 3 2017, 10 am - 3.30 pm The Heritage of the Galawater Valley - Heriot Church
Venue: Heriot Church, Heriot, EH38 5YE Entry Free. Light refreshments will be available The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Heriot Church Stow and Heriot churches have an interesting history, and are pleased to take part in the Borders Heritage Festival by opening their doors to the public and offering tours. Heriot Church and lands belonged to the monks of Newbattle from the early fourteenth century until the Reformation. Bishop de Berneham consecrated a church at Heriot in March 1244, but it is not certain whether this church lay on the same site as the present one. www.stowandheriotchurch.org.uk Sunday, September 3 2017, 10 am - 5 pm An Exhibition of Monifeith's Archaeology
Venue: House of Memories, Monifieth Come along and visit the House of Memories where you can view an exhibition of photographs and reproductions of archaeological finds in and around Monifieth, as well as the permanent exhibitions on display. Sunday, September 3 2017, 10.15 am Isle of May Lighthouses
Venue: Anstruther Harbour Staff from Scottish Natural Heritage will be on hand to show you the full range of the island’s unique facilities. Discover how, besides its deep religious heritage and its marine wildlife, the Isle of May is unique in spanning the whole history of light houses around Scotland. NOTE: The Ferry is not part of the free element of Doors Open Day Adults £26.00; Child from 3-16 years £13.00; Concessions: Retired/ Students £23.00; Children under 3 free. Book online: www.anstrutherpleasurecruises.co.uk or call 07957585200 Sunday, September 3 2017, 11 am Get into Thomson Holmwood
Venue: Holmwood, Glasgow The Alexander Thomson Society have organised a series of special Thomson residential openings during the first two weekends in September 2017, as part of the ongoing events celebrating Alexander Thomson’s Bicentenary. This has been made possible due the generosity of the owners of the houses involved as listed below. Holmwood 1857-58 (Sunday 3rd) Thomson’s fine villa for James Couper of Cathcart now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, with newly reinstated painted decorative scheme in the Dining Room and Hall. Please note only booked visitors will be allowed into the houses and we would request that people arrive promptly to allow the visits to begin at the times indicated (12pm, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm for each property). Each visit will last slightly less than 1 hour. If you book and are unable to attend it would be very helpful to let Eventbrite know this, to allow your place to be booked by someone else, as the numbers are restricted. Should you wish any further information please contact the Society at info@alexanderthomsonsociety. Booking for all properties opens at 11am Sunday 27 August 2017, tickets will then become available to the general public from 6pm Monday 28 August 2017. Sunday, September 3 2017, 11 am - 3 pm The Wonders of Whitehill: Searching for Newhailes' Lost Garden
Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh Get involved in our big dig! As part of Archaeology Month, we will be seeking to unearth the lost garden of Newhailes, originally named Whitehill, before the arrival of the Dalrymple family and establishment of the current estate landscaping. Newhailes' former garden design is now hidden under the surface. What survives is simply waiting to be discovered! Located on the front lawn of Newhailes House, join our expert team for a weekend of excavation and start digging up the past! Speak with our experts and find out what we discover. No experience necessary, open to all ages and abilities. All tools will be provided. Please don't forget to wear warm, outdoor clothing and suitable footwear for digging. Dates: Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September Time: 11:00 - 15:00 Adult: £4.00 Child: £2:00 Concession: £2.00 Family: £10.00 (2 adults, 2 children) Sunday, September 3 2017, 11 am - 5 pm Hospitalfield Autumn Season Open Weekend
Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH Explore the house and grounds, take a tour, listen to a talk at Hospitalfield. Come and spend the day at Hospitalfield this autumn in a special weekend event programmed to coincide with Angus Heritage Week and Doors Open week. This weekend includes a presentation of the artist Hiwa-K's work and is an excellent opportunity to explore the house, sign up for a workshop, listen to a talk, join a tour and have lunch in our cafe. The events programme will include talks, workshops and presentations of artists’ work – the new exhibition will continue until later in September. Sunday, September 3 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm Schiltron - 16th century/renaissance
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Edinburgh castle is steeped in war. Troops loyal to James V's widow, Marie de Guise held it during the English invasion of the Rough Wooing in 1544, as well as the attacks by the Lords of the Congregation which took place during the reformation in 1560. Throughout 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. Included in the normal admission price Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm The Road to Pinkie 2
Venue: Eyemouth Fort, Eyemouth TD14 5BE Entry Free The Road to Pinkie #2 begins in Eyemouth centre with a reading of Somerset’s Proclamation to the People of Scotland followed by a short stroll along the coastal path to the fort for skirmishes and living history displays. An exhibition and video presentation will be housed in the adjoining holiday park and VR display is available at Eyemouth Museum. Refreshments and facilities served at the adjoining holiday park. A ships lantern will be housed on the site of the fort for three nights. The Lothian Levy will return to Eyemouth Fort the following week to begin a force march in The Road to Pinkie – see 7 September listing www.eyemouthmuseum.co.uk Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm Encampment! East Lothian Military History Day
Venue: Prestongrange Museum, Morison's Haven, Prestonpans, East Lothian, EH32 9RX East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight Step into recreated military camps, try hands on activities for families including archery and themed face painting. Meet Romans, Jacobites and World War One soldiers, plus lots more to be seen on this time travelling day of military history. No booking required; drop-in event. Cost: Recommended £2 donation per family/group Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm Siege on the Forth
Venue: Blackness Castle Discover more about Blackness Castle, which guards the Firth of Forth. Join us and Inner Forth Festival as we recreate the rich history of the ship that never sailed. From epic battles and encampments to bird watching from the battlements where you’ll discover more about the ecology of this beautiful place. This event is included in the Blackness Castle admission price. Sunday, September 3 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm The Bonnie Prince!
Venue: Doune Castle During the Jacobite Rising of 1745 both sides were frantically recruiting soldiers. Meet a Highland soldier of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s army and prepare to fight for the rightful king of Britain! Included in the normal admission price. Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm The Frasers in Exile Graham McNicol Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH Part of Hospitalfield's TRADE Autumn Season open weekend events, this talk is by Graham McNicol who has been a volunteer researcher and tour guide at Hospitalfield House for seven years. The presentation will describe the evidence we have about the lives of Elizabeth Fraser senior and Junior; the two Elizas, when they fled from Hospitalfield House to Elizabeth Senior's brother's home in Warwickshire after her husband John Fraser died. The two women did not feel safe at Hospitalfield House, which was in the control of the trust. This talk is followed by a walk to and tour of the Mortuary Chapel built by Patrick Allan Fraser. Booking for both events is essential. Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm Hailes Castle Knights’ Tour
Venue: Hailes Castle East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight A Douglas Man at Arms and a Hepburn knight will lead this guided tour of Hailes Castle. Hear stories of the siege by Hotspur Percy and the rebel Scots Lord Dunbar Earl of March. There is limited parking at the Castle, but it is accessible by footpath along the river from East Linton, a pleasant 1.5 miles walk. For more information visit www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-aplace/places/hailes-castle or email andrew.spratt@hes.scot FREE. Booking required. Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 3.30 pm Loretto School: Pinkie House and the Chapel
Venue: Loretto School, Musselburgh East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight 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. Suitable for families, although not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required. Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm A Walk Around Medieval Dirleton
East Lothian Archaeology Fortnight This walk will explore the remaining evidence of how Dirleton was established and evolved. A handout showing old maps and plans will be used to help bring the past into focus. Input from participants will be encouraged. This event is provided by Gullane and Dirleton History Society. The walk will be on pavements and mown grassland. Suitable for families, although not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required. Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Stobs Camp Tour & Living History
Venue: Stobs Camp, 4 miles south of Hawick. Meet at the car park area, TD9 9UQ (nearest) Entry Free. Booking required – limited spaces Stobs Camp Tour & Living History. Step back in time to the early 20th century and join Andrew Jepson, Archaeology Scotland’s Stobs Camp Project Officer, as he explores this internationally important First World War site. Hear about the early days of the training camp and visit the practice trenches. Then enter the PoW camp, see the barrack hut and discover what life was like for prisoners 100 years ago. Visit the former cemetery where 46 PoWs were buried and hear about recent excavations. Before leaving enter the bell tent to see artefacts and clothing and chat to the Living History Group ‘Scots in the Great War’. This tour takes place outdoors and will entail walking over uneven ground at times. Stout footwear and outdoor clothing advised. www.stobscamp.org Sunday, September 3 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm The Trees of Dryburgh Abbey
Venue: Dryburgh Abbey Take a guided tour around the beautiful ruins of the abbey and learn about the history, trees and parkland that surround this medieval ruin by the River Tweed. This tour is included in the Dryburgh Abbey admission price. No booking in advance is required. Sunday, September 3 2017, 2.30 pm - 3.40 pm Mortuary Chapel Walk & Tour
Venue: Hospitalfield House, Westway, Arbroath, DD11 2NH During Hospitalfield's TRADE Autumn Season open weekend. take the chance to follow a facilitated walk past several buildings made by Patrick and Elizabeth Allan Fraser, Hospitalfield's last owners, including The Steadings and North Lodge, which concludes at the Mortuary Chapel built as a memorial to Elizabeth Allan Fraser following her death in 1873. 14.30 Departure on foot from Hospitalfield House, route along Westway, past The Steadings, North Lodge, along Arbirlot Road West and East Muirlands Road. 15.10 Arrival at the Mortuary Chapel in Western Cemetery and commencement of Tour (if you are just joining for the tour you can arrive for this time). 15.40 End of visit to Mortuary Chapel. The extraordinary Mortuary Chapel was built by Patrick Allan Fraser after Elizabeth Allan Fraser’s death in 1973, with many of the stone carvers who had worked on Hospitalfield House. Patrick Allan Fraser later gifted it to the people of Arbroath as a non-denominational chapel. During the walk you will hear about the history of the buildings en route. Once at the Mortuary Chapel you will hear about the making of the building and have a chance to explore. You have the option here to book for the walk and Mortuary Chapel tour or just for the Mortuary Chapel tour. Places on both are limited, so booking is essential. The walk is approximately 30 minutes long and will leave from the front door of Hospitalfield House. Please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. The Mortuary Chapel can be viewed from the ground floor but also has steep, spiral stairs to the higher levels. For safety numbers are limited when accessing the higher levels and we ask you to be very careful when navigating the stairs and balconies. This walk is part of the Meander project initiated by Hospitalfield. Sunday, September 3 2017, 6 pm Thirlestane Castle And The Man Who Ruled Scotland
Venue: Thirlestane Castle, Lauder TD2 6RU Entry £12 including a glass of wine. Booking required An evening tour of Thirlestane Castle followed by a talk on one of its most famous residents Take an exclusive guided tour around the beautiful castle to marvel at the state rooms and family collections before a lecture on the Duke of Lauderdale, Secretary of State to Scotland. www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk
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In 1855, Arbroath Parochial Board was considering building a poorhouse: 19th July 1855 The Board of Supervision, a national organisation based in Edinburgh, was responsible for overseeing implementation of the Poor Law Act of 1845. One of its statutory duties was to consider and approve plans for poorhouses. The Board evidently suggested some alterations to the plans: 24th October 1855 Eight days later, the Board met again, and signed off on the plans: 1st November 1855 The subject then seems to be dropped, for the Board of Supervision minutes do not seem to mention Arbroath's proposed poorhouse for quite some time. More than eight years later, though, Alexander Brown and six fellow Arbroath ratepayers write to the Board of Supervision with a complaint that seems a familiar one 150 years later: 10th December 1863 This rebuke from the Board of Supervision seems to have prompted the Parochial Board finally to push on with their plans to build a poorhouse, this time as a Combination Poorhouse in conjunction with St Vigeans parish: 8th September 1864 A week later, after receiving further correspondence from the builders, together with a map of the site, the Board approved of the site: 15th September 1864 Even that was not the end of the matter. It was another five months before the plans were finally approved by the Board, nearly ten years after the initial plans were submitted by the Parochial Board: 9th February 1865 Shortly thereafter, the Arbroath Combination Poorhouse finally opened, some ten years after the plans were first submitted. Sources:
The 14th series of Who Do You Think You Are starts tonight, and as ever there's an interesting line-up of guests set to learn about their ancestry. This year's celebrities are:
Who Do You Think You Are? is on BBC1 tonight at 9 pm. Great news from Scotland's People this morning - 36,000 new records have been added to the website. The records include:
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 22 May - 18 June 2017
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. Thursday, May 25 2017, 7 pm King Robert, the Bruce Dr Fiona Watson Venue: Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, 1-7 Abbot Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7NL Join us for an evening with historian, Dr Fiona Watson on 25th May at 7pm at Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries as she takes us through the life of King Robert – the ‘Bruce’; the King who threw out the rulebook of medieval warfare. Thursday, June 1 2017, 6 pm A Walk Round Kelso Christine Henderson Coldstream and District Local History Society Field trip Thursday, June 1 2017, 7 pm The Scottish Diaspora Billy Kay Venue: Balgonie Castle Free to members and £2 for non members Friday, June 2 2017, 11.00 am The Black Arts behing Turkey Red Dyeing David Harvie Venue: National Mining Memorial Centre, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Dalkeith EH22 4QN National Mining Museum Scotland Saturday, June 3 2017, 10 am - 4 pm South Ayrshire History and Family History Fair
Venue: Walker Halls, Troon, Ayrshire Our Speakers for the day are: Tuesday, June 6 2017, 1 pm - 2 pm Using Film for Local and Family History Research
Venue: National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall, Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena, 1445 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AW Find out how archive film can enhance your family or local history research. Learn about the range of Scottish material preserved by the Moving Image Archive, and discover the wealth of information about the past that films can provide. Workshops last approximately one hour. Monday, June 12 2017, 7 pm for 7.30 pm AGM and Members' Night
Venue: Drummond Community High School, Bellevue Place, Edinburgh Non-members, £2.00. Tuesday, June 13 2017, 7.30 pm AGM and Members night
Venue: Volunteer House (Vonef Centre) in 69 Crossgate Cupar KY15 5AS Thursday, June 15 2017 Annual outing
Renfrewshire Family History Society Thursday, June 15 2017 AGM with Wine & Nibbles
Venue: Portland Church hall Troon & Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, June 15 2017, 7.30 pm Open Night
Venue: Brora Community Centre A selection of the Society's images on display Thursday, June 15 2017, 7.30 pm The Gordonbush Estate Papers: Setting the Archive in Context Dr Annie Tindley and Dr Iain Robertson Venue: The Community Centre Lounge, Brora School, Johnstone Place, Brora Gordonbush in Context: Landed Estates in Sutherland, c. 1890-1945 and Gordonbush in Context, Part II: Looking for the Sutherland Land Rebels, 1918-1939. Admission and refreshments are free Sunday, June 18 2017, 2 pm Charles Mackie: 'The Provost, the painter and the millionaire: the Dunfermline connection.' Pat Clark Venue: Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, 1-7 Abbot Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7NL £2. http://www.onfife.com/whats-on/detail/local-studies-sunday-seminar-charles-clark We've written before about researching graduates, and finding ancestors who went to university in Scotland. The University of St Andrews recently launched a digital biographical register. The database covers almost 12,000 students, and is fully searchable. It is based on Robert N Smart's register, originally published in 2004 in print form. Not only is the new version fully searchable, it includes much information beyond students' time at university. I have strong ancestral connections to East Fife (Ceres, Crail, Abdie and St Andrews), and am also fortunate enough to be a St Andrews' graduate, so naturally I was very interested. I have a copy of James Maitland Anderson's Matriculation Roll (published in 1905), so I was aware that some of my family had studied at Scotland's oldest university. Naturally, I was interested to see if the new register had additional information. I was not disappointed ... My first search was for David Cunningham Graham, something of a black sheep in the family. I knew from the Fasti Ecclesianae that he was minister of Ormiston from 1911 to 1924. The register entry confirmed that he had studied at St Andrews, and showed that he had studied Latin, Greek, Mathematics, English Literature, Chemistry among other subjects, although oddly enough Theology doesn't seem to have been among his studies. Perhaps that might explain why some 20 years after he graduated, he was declared bankrupt while minister at Ormiston, with some suggestion that he might have been a bit too keen on spending other people's money. Another entry that was even more revealing was for David's first cousin once removed, Robert Graham. I knew that Robert had been schoolmaster at Leuchars, but later moved with his family to Glasgow and became an accountant. I'd always assumed that he'd switched jobs to earn more money to raise his growing family. It hadn't occurred to me that he may have had other reasons for his sudden career change, as his register entry shows: So not only do I now know why Robert stopped being a schoolmaster - he clearly didn't have a choice in the matter - I've now got references to some newspaper reports about the circumstances surrounding his departure. A quick check in the Fife Herald for 14 November 1867 leads to the first report: A few days later, the heritors of Leuchars held a meeting, at which there was only one subject up for discussion - the absconding of Robert Graham (Fife Herald 5 Dec 1867): Five weeks later, the Fife Herald carries an advertisement on the front page for a "Roup of household furniture at Leuchars" being held by warrant. Robert's victims clearly didn't wait long to try to reclaim their money. In its 20 February 1868 issue, the Fife Herald reported from the Sheriff Court: Sheriff Court of Fife Fast-forward two months, and Robert's case is heard by the Circuit Court in Perth (Fife Herald, 16 April 1868): Breach of Trust and Embezzlement A quick check of the National Records of Scotland's solemn database reveals that he was indeed declared an outlaw and fugitive on April 13 at Perth. At the time of the 1871 census, his wife Margaret Grant, was living on John Street with three of their children, her sister, and two lodgers. Robert is nowhere to be seen.
He next turns up in the 1881 census, reunited with his wife and two of his children. The family are now living at 9 Ibrox Place, in Govan, and Robert is still at the same address in 1891, although this time without his wife. He was evidently still keen to use his knowledge of maths and numbers generally, as - despite being declared a fugitive for embezzlement - he was working as a book-keeper! When I was applying to university in the mid-1980s, the then Scottish Education Department maintained a register of educational trusts that were available to provide support to prospective students. There were hundreds of such funds, some of them very specific. One of my university friends was given a significant amount of money each year from a variety of these funds, because of his surname and the small town where he was born. Most of these funds derived from bequests left over the years to various good causes. Kirk Session records often contain records of these legacies – often described as mortifications – as they were often tied to specific locales, and the Kirk Session was the obvious group to administer them. Aberdeenshire and the North-East in general are particularly well represented in such legacies, at least in terms of records surviving in the Kirk Session collections. There are a number covering large parts of the region, and many more covering individual parishes. Some legacies were intended to benefit the poor of the parish in the form of poor relief, but in keeping with the traditional Scots respect for education, many were intended to fund education in one form or another. The minutes of one such trust fund can be found among the Kirk Session records of Birse, in Aberdeenshire. [1] These minutes largely consist of details of payments made every six months to “the most indigent of the poor of the parish”, and are a handy source of information about some of the poorest people in this part of the north-east in the early 19th century. They even include a few payments to cover the cost of funerals of paupers, a useful source for genealogists given that the Old Parish Registers for Birse do not include any death or burial records. As is often the case for records of legacies and mortifications, the minutes include a transcript of the original deed or will establishing the fund. In this case, although the minutes begin in 1800, the fund was actually established in the will of Doctor Gilbert Ramsay, written in 1728. Dr Ramsay was an Episcopalian minister, originally from Birse. In 1686, he had arrived in the Caribbean as minister of St Paul’s, in Antigua. [2] By 1689, Dr Ramsay had moved to Barbados, where he became Rector of Christ Church. He remained at Christ Church for nearly forty years, before returning to the UK, “sojourning” in Bath, where he wrote his will. Presumably he was in Bath to partake of the waters, as in his will he writes that he is sick and weak in body, but (thanks to God) of sound and perfect disposition, mind and memory His first legacy is £4800 sterling to the “Corporation of New Aberdeen in North Britain, i.e. to the Provost, Bailiffs, Town Council, and governing members of the same city for the time being”, which is to be used to purchase land “as near to the City of New Aberdeen as can conveniently be purchased”. The proceeds from these lands are to be divided among various good causes. The “yearly Rent, Interest or Income” of £1000 is to be paid as a salary to a Pious, Learned, and well qualified Professor of Hebrew, Arabic and Oriental Languages, in the Marischall College of the said city of New Aberdeen, for the advancement of true learning, to the glory of God and the good of his Church. The second provision is that the proceeds from £2000 (of the £4800 left to the city of Aberdeen) should be used to provide a yearly pension to four hopeful, deserving young scholars, Masters of Arts, students of Divinity, which four students of Divinity conscionably elected I order shall be placed in said Marischal College of New Aberdeen to pursue diligently their Theological Studies there, for the Service of the Church … for the term of three years and no longer. The third provision of Ramsay’s will is a continuation of a Deed initially granted by him in Barbados in 1714, to provide for “four hopeful young men called Bursars, for ever to be educated in the knowledge of the Greek Tongue and Philosophy in the said Marischall College in New Aberdeen, during the space of four years and no longer.” This was to be funded from the proceeds of £800 of the legacy left to the Corporation. Ramsay did not forget his home parish. The “yearly rent, interest or income of five hundred pounds sterling” was to fund a salary to a pious, provident and experienced Schoolmaster well qualified to instruct the youth in the Parish of Birse … the place of my nativity … in the Principles of Religion, to read and write English, and to understand both Greek and Latin Before employing a schoolmaster, the proceeds were to be used to fund “building a schoolhouse in the most convenient place of the said Parish of Birse”. The remaining £500 of the legacy was to be given “to the order of the Reverend Ministers and Elders of the said Parish of Birse … to be forever by them conscionably and impartially distributed yearly among the poor of the said parish of Birse” on the first Monday of January and July each year. Patronage of the foundation was granted to Gilbert’s cousin, Sir Alexander Ramsay, Baronet and Laird of Balmain in Kincardineshire. Various other smaller legacies are given to “the poor Episcopal Clergy of Scotland”, to the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, the Scots Corporation in London, Balliol College, Oxford, and to various family and friends. Another £500 is left to Christ Church, Barbados to educate the poor youth of the parish. Reading all of this, you cannot help but wonder how an Episcopalian minister born in 17th century Aberdeenshire could have accumulated what was, for the time, a substantial sum of money. One clue is given in another provision of his will and my will is that all my slaves except my negroe man Robert here now attending me, be immediately sold after my death by my executor after named to such persons as will use them well tho’ at a cheaper rate than to others and to my said negroe man I give him his freedom from the day of my decease, and I will that he shall be taken care of and sent to Barbadoes at my charge, as soon as may be after my death and that the executors of this my will do pay him five pounds of that country money on his arrival at Barbadoes and likewise order, and appoint that all the money arising by such sale of my negroes shall be applied with the rest of my estate to pay off my legacies. Gilbert had evidently benefited significantly from the proceeds of slavery in Barbados. And his legacy continued to have knock-on benefits for a very long time. The Minute book of the Birse trust only cover the period 1800-1838, but the National Records of Scotland hold files on the Birse Mortification dating from 1886 [3] and 1889 [4] over 160 years after the bequest was made. Even that is not the end of the story: another record held by the NRS shows that it was not until 1961 that the trust fund was wound up.[5] For over 230 years, the people of Aberdeenshire benefited from an endowment established on the basis of profits from slavery. A number of prominent scholars are today attempting to unravel the ramifications of the proceeds of slavery on Scottish society. You have to wonder how many – if any - of the beneficiaries of this foundation were aware of where the money came from to fund their education. Sources:
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 15 - 21 May 2017
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, May 15 2017, 7 pm for 7.30 pm Leith at War Andrew Grant Venue: Drummond Community High School, Bellevue Place, Edinburgh Non-members, £2.00. Wednesday, May 17 2017, 7.30 pm AGM
Venue: Leith Community Education Centre in the New Kirkgate Thursday, May 18 2017 100 yrs of Gutta Percha John Stevenson Venue: Portland Church hall Troon & Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, May 18 2017, 2.30 pm AGM
Venue: Moulin Hall, Moulin North Perthshire Family History Group Visitors £3.00 Thursday, May 18 2017, 6 pm Coupar Angus Abbey and AGM Professor Richard Oram Venue: Soutar Theatre, Perth £5 for non-members Thursday, May 18 2017, 7.30 pm The Photographic Archives Dr Nick Lindsay Venue: Brora Community Centre Thursday, May 18 2017, 7.30 pm AGM Followed by 30 Years of Fife Constabulary George Beattie Venue: Abbey Church Hall, Abbey Park Place, Dunfermline Dunfermline Historical Society Visitors are charged a fee of £2.00 per meeting and are made very welcome. Thursday, May 18 2017, 7.30 pm AGM
Venue: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Family History Society Saturday, May 20 2017, 10 am - 12 pm Kirk Session Records Bruce Bishop Venue: Scottish Genealogy Society Library, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL These records are an invaluable part of researching family history. Held at the National Records of Scotland on Princes Street, they very often contain information not usually found in the usual birth, marriage and death records. Bruce Bishop, who has many years’ experience and a vast knowledge of family history, will show what they contain and how they can help with your research. Sunday, May 21 2017, 2 pm Migration to the Americas from Fife Dr Bruce Durie Venue: Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries, 1-7 Abbot Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7NL £2 charge. http://www.onfife.com/whats-on/detail/local-studies-sunday-seminar-migration-americas-fife# Between Daylight and Hell, Scots who left a stain on American history There is a long tradition of books about the Scottish diaspora across the world. From Thomas Fischer’s books on the Scots in Germany and Prussia to Arthur Herman’s How the Scots Invented the Modern World, many of them adopt a reverential tone, what might be described as the Wha’s Like Us school of thought. In his informative and entertaining book, Iain Lundy takes a very different approach: rather than the Great Man approach, he takes what could be called the Terrible Man (and Woman) approach. Lundy, a journalist by trade, has spent years investigating the dark side of the Scottish-American story – researching Scots behaving badly. So whereas Fischer and others wrote about the excellent service provided by Scottish soldiers abroad, Lundy opens his book with an account of the misdeeds of Adam Stephen, who was court-martialled and cashiered out of Washington’s Continental Army whose drunken incompetence and disobedience resulted in an early friendly-fire incident at the Battle of Germantown. The Roll of Dishonour continues throughout the book: Charles Forbes embezzled millions of dollars from the Veterans Bureau after World War One. There are also killers: Thomas Cream, a notorious poisoner originally from Glasgow; William Stewart, one of the leading figures in the notorious Mountain Meadows Massacre. Sport also gets a mention: Robert Millar, originally from Paisley, was a professional footballer renowned for his Cantona-like temperament. In one game, he punched a fan to the ground, and in 1921 he was suspended for punching fellow Paisley-born Scot Neil Clarke at halftime. In athletics, Jock Semple, organiser of the Boston Marathon merits a mention for the notorious incident when in 1967 Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially enter the race, through an administrative error. Switzer’s boyfriend knocked Semple to the ground when he attempted to stop her running. (Switzer ran the Boston Marathon again earlier this year to mark the 50th anniversary of her first race). The rest of the chapters discuss fraudsters, libellous journalists, ungrateful divas, cruel slave owners and bumbling military officers. As you would expect of a journalist of many years standing, the author is a talented storyteller, and has clearly done his genealogical research (Scotland’s People gets an acknowledgement). The book itself is entertaining, and a useful antidote to much of the often self-congratulatory tone of much of the popular writing on the Scottish diaspora. Clearly well researched, it provides a very interesting alternative perspective on the Scottish diaspora in the USA. Chapters:
Between Daylight and Hell is published by Whittles Publishing and costs £18.99 If you're a publisher or author and would like us to review your history or genealogy book, please get in touch.
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 8 - 14 May 2017
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, May 8 2017, 7.30 pm Alexander 'Greek' Thomson Iain McGillivray Venue: John Knox Church Hall, High Street, Stewarton Stewarton and District Historical Society The eminent Glasgow architect was a Victorian pioneer of sustainable housing. His beautiful buildings, including Holmwood House, the Egyptian Halls on Union Street, and Caledonia Road Church can still be seen. Members £1 Non-members £2. Monday, May 8 2017, 7.30 pm Open Evening
Venue: Luncarty Church Centre West Stormont Historical Society Tuesday, May 9 2017 Outing to Ceres Folk Museum
Tuesday, May 9 2017, 7.30 pm AGM
Venue: Community Room, Largs Library, Allanpark Street, Largs North Ayrshire Family History Society Tuesday, May 9 2017, 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm Green Treasures from the magic mountains- Project JADE on Neolithic Axheads from the Alps Alison Sheridan Venue: Edinburgh Cine and Video Society, 23a Fettes Row, Edinburgh, EH3 6RH Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society Tuesday, May 9 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm The Relief of Malta Alexander Hall Venue: Masonic Halls, Collier Street, Johnstone Wednesday, May 10 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm Family history from medieval charters Dr Alan Borthwick Venue: New Register House, Princes Street, Edinburgh Dr Alan Borthwick (Head of Medieval Records, National Records of Scotland) will talk about how family trees can be created using Scottish medieval documents, like those in the current NRS exhibition 'Scribes and Royal Authority', and how he has used this genealogical data to illuminate his research. Wednesday, May 10 2017, 6.00 pm The Lost World of Rossie Priory: Pioneering Photography Rachel Nordstrom (University of St Andrews) Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee PRECEEDED BY AGM Wednesday, May 10 2017, 7.45 pm AGM and Inside Dumbarton Castle Jean Scollay Venue: RAF Club, Ardgowan Square, Greenock Thursday, May 11 2017, 6.30 pm - 8.30 pm My hands are tied but my tongue is free: Swords with songs and Kinmont Willie Dr Valentina Bold Venue: Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura, The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries, DG2 7SW Dumfries and Galloway Museums and Galleries The talk will be followed by refreshments and an evening opportunity to visit the museum exhibitions. Free but pre-booking is required: please call 01387 253374 to book a place. Thursday, May 11 2017, 7.30 pm Member’s Night and Forum AGM
Venue: The Shawl Gallery, Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Local History Forum Renfrewshire Local History Forum Lectures are open to non-members with no admission charge but a small donation would be appreciated. Thursday, May 11 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm AGM
Venue: Johnnie Walker Bond, Strand Street Kilmarnock East Ayrshire Family History Society Friday, May 12 2017, 7.30 pm The Strathyre Studio of Mary Ramsay, Jessie Wilson, and Margaret Macdonald Heather Jack (Independent arts professional) Venue: German Speaking Church, Chalmers Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1TW |
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