Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 4 - 10 December 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, December 4 2017 Hidden History of Nursery Rhymes Part 2: Old King Cole from the Roman Occupation to Georgian Times Catherine Mills Venue: John Knox Church Hall, High Street, Stewarton Stewarton and District Historical Society Hear about the sinister and dark origins of our traditional nursery rhymes Tuesday, December 5 2017, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Eighteenth Century Scotland Allan Macinnes, Murray Pittock, Chris Whatley Venue: Kelvin Hall, Glasgow This free public programme of talks, interviews and panel discussions (organised by Dr Catriona Macdonald, Scottish History and Dr Stephen Mullen, History, University of Glasgow) hosted in the Kelvin Hall in academic term 2017-18 (in partnership with The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, The Hunterian, UofG Library, Archives and Special Collections) explores the remarkable transformation of Scottish history over the course of the last fifty years; the current challenges faced by the discipline; and leading practitioners’ hopes for the future. The range of speakers in the programme lends this initiative authority and remarkable range: there’s something here for all lovers of Scottish history, and an opportunity to get to know a little better the writers behind the books that have shaped how we understand our past. Indeed, all events will be recorded and hosted online by the University library, establishing a fantastic resource for scholars in the future. Tuesday, December 5 2017, 7.30 pm Made from Textiles; A story of Rouken Glen and Thornliebank
Venue: Fairweather Hall, Barrhead Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6BB A film by Tom and Josette Marchant Wednesday, December 6 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, December 6 2017, 7.30 pm Christmas past and social evening
Venue: Smith Museum and Art Gallery Central Scotland Family History Society Thursday, December 7 2017, 5.30 pm ‘The Scots in 17th century Anglo-Swedish Commerce’ Dr Adam Grimshaw (University of St Andrews) Venue: New Seminar Room, St John’s House, 71 South Street, St Andrews Institute of Scottish Historical Research See here for more details. Thursday, December 7 2017, 7 pm A Travelling Woman’s Memories of the Kingdom Jess Smith Venue: The 252 Memorial Hall, Betson Street, Markinch Free to members and £2 for non members Thursday, December 7 2017, 7.30 pm East Lothian in the early 1950s: Shops and shopping – The Store James Herring Venue: Dirleton Kirk Hall Gullane and Dirleton History Society Gullane’s Co-op shop was original named Tranent Co-operative. James Herring explains why. Thursday, December 7 2017, 7.30 pm Wine, Nibbles and Quiz etc. Christmas Meeting Venue: Portland Church hall, South Beach, Troon Troon & Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, December 7 2017, 7:30 pm Members Evening – A fun night for all
Venue: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Family History Society Friday, December 8 2017, 7.30 pm Perthshire Piping, Past and Present Prof Gary West Venue: Hilton Church, Inverness Friday, December 8 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Perthshire Piping, Past and Present Prof Gary West Venue: Hilton Church, Inverness Saturday, December 9 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Telling Tales: An Introduction to Graveyard Research and Interpretation
Venue: St Ninian’s Graveyard, Stonehouse Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Ever wonder where to find out more information on about a graveyard? Join us on the journey from finding out more, to presenting your findings in an engaging way.
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Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 20 - 27 November 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, November 20 2017, 1 pm - 1.30 pm Reformation Dramas Donald Smith and Sandy Andrew Carr Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Previously Scotland's History Festival From Robin Hood to Mystery Plays and The Satire of the Three Estates. Part of the FREEDOM AND FAITH 1517-2017 series. In the 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 controversial arguments to the church door, Protestantism has had a huge influence on Scotland. This series looks at some of the turning points and conflicts, and then checks our contemporary pulse. Led by storyteller and author, Donald Smith, with Theatre Designer and Museum Interpreter, Sandy Andrew Carr, whose theatre models are on display in John Knox House. Monday, November 20 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm All Mary's Men
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Previously Scotland's History Festival To lose one husband might be careless or unfortunate but to lose three and almost net a fourth seems extravagant. Who were Mary's men, and what went wrong? Part of the FREEDOM AND FAITH 1517-2017 series. Monday, November 20 2017, 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm Coffee, Tea and a PhD : Mark Huggins : A Thousand Years Of Easter
Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival A chance to join some of our brightest young researchers as they bring the freshest research to us. Why not grab a coffee and some delicious cake to hear Mark Huggins. Monday, November 20 2017, 6 pm - 7 pm Tartan Rebels Caroline Young Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Tartan. The favourite of fashionistas as diverse as Queen Victoria, Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier. A badge of rebellion for Jacobites in '45 and Punk Rockers in '76. Scotland gave this iconic fabric to the world - but what is the truth behind the plaid? Caroline Young, co-author of 'Tartan + Tweed' explores the chequered history of tartan from its origins in the Scottish Highlands to its reinvention in contemporary fashion design, music, art and film. Monday, November 20 2017, 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm The Course of History Struan Stevenson Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival Many decisions which have had enormous historical consequences have been made over the dinner table, and have been accompanied (and perhaps influenced) by copious amounts of food and wine. Monday, November 20 2017, 7 pm for 7.30 pm Scottish Italians - Immigrant Families in the 20th Century
Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Monday, November 20 2017, 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm St Peter's, Cardross: Birth, Death and Renewal Diane Watters Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival It has been called both Scotland's best and worst twentieth century building. In 1992, it was listed category A. One of its architects suggested the idea of 'everything being stripped away except the concrete itself - a purely romantic conception of the buildingas beautiful ruin'.And now in 2016, St Peter's is renewed as a cultural space through the work of the arts organisation NVA. Monday, November 20 2017, 8 pm - 9 pm Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas : Scotland and Empire Dr Stephen Mullen (University of Glasgow) Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival Doctor Stephen Mullen (University of Glasgow) argues that from an economic perspective, the British Empire was actually a 'good thing' for many Scots and Scotland overall. The nation became great post-1707 due to the Union, access to the British Empire and the historical connections with New world slavery. Doctor Stephen Mullen lays out an Atlantic world economic argument: connections with the transatlantic slave trade, connections with cotton, sugar and tobacco trades, Scottish involvement in the Caribbean. Tuesday, November 21 2017, 1 pm - 1.30 pm Kings, Demons and Witches Donald Smith and Sandy Andrew Carr Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Why did witchcraft in Scotland become a focus for fear and persecution? Tuesday, November 21 2017, 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm Coffee, tea and a PhD : Iida Saarinen : Making Priests in the 19th century Iida Saarinen Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Iida's PhD research has taken her to explore the lives of priests-to-be, or seminarians, in the nineteenth century. She argues that Scottish Catholic priests, like their counterparts elsewhere, were 'made' rather than simply trained. Tuesday, November 21 2017, 1.30 pm - 3 pm Guided Tour of Dean Village
Venue: The House on Dean Bridge, Randolph Cliff, Edinburgh EH3 7TZ Previously Scotland's History Festival A stroll around the historic milling village, which once fed the City of Edinburgh, where many old buildings still survive. The tour will also describe the changing nature of the Village through the centuries and tell the tales of some of the personalities who once lived here. Tuesday, November 21 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm Wars of Religion Donald Smith and Sandy Andrew Carr Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High St, Edinburgh EH1 1SR, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Despite his personal motto, 'Blessed are the Peacemakers', James VI and I set the scene for a century of bloody conflict. Why was 17th century Scotland so tragically divided and what is the legacy? Tuesday, November 21 2017, 2.30 pm - 3.30 pm Charles Mackie Pat Clark Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival In her wonderful biography 'People, Places And Piazzas: The Life And Art Of Charles Mackie', Pat Clark wrote of Mackie, "His epitaph would reside in the obituaries, memorial exhibition and plaudits in the years immediately following his death. Then he would be largely forgotten, subsumed within a Scottish pantheon dominated by the Glasgow Boys and the Colourists.” Tuesday, November 21 2017, 3.30 pm - 4.30 pm Ways of Seeing : representations of disabled people in visual culture Sasha Callaghan Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Sasha Callaghan of Disability History Scotland explores how the world of visual culture has represented the disabled from the art of William Hogarth to the films of James Bond. What does it mean to be human? How is the body used and represented in visual culture and what is being signaled by artists and film-makers when disabled people are routinely used as ciphers for malign misdeeds and pariah status? Tuesday, November 21 2017, 6.30 pm 'Child Murder by a Nurse Girl’ - The True Story of Agnes Norman in the Press
Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival On Monday the 17th of April, 1871, a court in London convened to hear an inquest to the death of 14-month-old Jessie Jane Beer while in the care of Agnes Norman, a 15-year-old servant girl. As more details were uncovered by the sensationalist press, it appeared that Agnes had a suspicious track record of being around when tragedy struck. In other families she’d worked for, three children, three dogs, one cat, a dozen exotic birds, a parrot, and a number of goldfish had died. Hardly more than a child herself, the case shocked the nation and was widely reported. But who was the real Agnes? Tuesday, November 21 2017, 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm The Myth of British Tuition of the CIA
Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival According to the official historiography of the CIA, American foreign intelligence did not exist before the 1940s. It portrayed that as a terrible crime, but held that a ‘miracle’ came to the rescue in World War II in the shape of tuition from Ian Fleming and other agents of the legendary British intelligence services. Tuesday, November 21 2017, 7 pm - 8 pm Alfred The Great Max Adams Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival At Easter 878AD Alfred, king of the West Saxons, could claim lordship over no more than a few square miles of Somerset marsh. Tuesday, November 21 2017, 8.30 pm - 9.30 pm Ye Jacobites By Name Sarah Fraser and Murray Pittock Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival The word Jacobite has come down to us as short-hand for a romantic, doomed cause. But who were the real Jacobites? What did they stand for? Why does the story of the Bonnie Prince still hold the entire world enthralled, much to the delight of the Visit Scotland? Murray Pittock and Sarah Fraser are your guides to the reality behind the romantic image of the people who stood beside Charles Edward Stuart. Wednesday, November 22 2017, 1 pm - 1.30 pm Unionists and Jacobites Donald Smith and Sandy Andrew Carr Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Previously Scotland's History Festival Explore the Old Town haunts of heroes, spies, sangsters and rebels. Wednesday, November 22 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, November 22 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm Protestant Union, Jacobite Cause
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Previously Scotland's History Festival Why did the 1707 Union of Parliaments not settle Scotland's conflicts? What drove the Jacobite Risings? Wednesday, November 22 2017, 3 pm - 4 pm Growing up in Scotland: A century of childhood Rachel Bell Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Childhood has changed tremendously in the last hundred years. Today most children in Scotland are protected, cosseted and well fed: just over a hundred years ago many of them still worked in factories. Partly based on BBC Scotland's recent series, producer Rachel Bell uses archive film, interview clips and original research to tell the story of some of the big changes in children's lives, and debate whether things have really all improved for the better. Wednesday, November 22 2017, 7 pm The Lords of The Isles
Venue: Bannockburn, FK7 0LJ The Lords of the Isles c1300 - 1500c Encounter the medieval Western Isles and the men who ruled over them. This fascinating new talk is delivered by one of Scotland's leading historians. Discover how this maritime medieval world was politically and culturally different from the rest of Scotland. Be quick, this event will sell out. For tickets please call: 01786 812664 or email: bannockburn2014@nts.org.uk Wednesday, November 22 2017, 7.30 pm Sculpting the Past: Exploring the art and history of George Sutherland and Sons, sculptors, Galashiels Alison Martin Venue: Volunteer Hall, Galashiels Wednesday, November 22 2017, 7.30 pm - 8.30 pm Edinburgh in the Shadows
Venue: The Banshee Labyrinth, 29-35 Niddry St, Edinburgh EH1 1LG Previously Scotland's History Festival What the tourist guides never reveal - stories, tales and poems of drugs, murder, witchcraft, executions and hatchet jobs that reveal the truth behind Edinburgh’s lesser-known miscreants, unfortunates and flawed geniuses. Including Doctor Death, the medical hatchet man with a penchant for poisons and punctures; Jessie King – baby butcher or drunken dupe; George Meikle Kemp, the subject of Scotland’s original and most controversial cold case; and the re-enactment of a 1616 witchcraft trial where the audience decides the veracity of allegations such as a satanic pact and fateful curses, and the truth or guilt of the accused. Wednesday, November 22 2017, 7.30pm Land Legacies: the enduring impact of the First World War on Highland land issues Dr Iain Robertson Venue: Highland Archive Centre, Bught Park, Inverness Highland Family History Society Non-members will be charged £2 Wednesday, November 22 2017, 8 pm - 9 pm Tom Devine in conversation with Kevin McKenna
Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival In a no-holds barred conversation, Kevin McKenna probes Scotland's knighted historian to find out what he thinks of Scotland, her institutions and her education system. There may be some shredded reputations and a few shaken establishment pillars. Come and join two men with big brains and big opinions over a glass of something refreshing as Devine faces McKenna. Thursday, November 23 2017, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm ‘Toleration and State Formation in Scotland, 1702-1712’ Ben Rogers (University of Edinburgh) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, November 23 2017, 5.30 pm ‘Disability, charity and the boundaries of Reformed discipline in early-modern Scotland’ Dr Chris Langley (Newman University, Birmingham) Venue: New Seminar Room, St John’s House, 71 South Street, St Andrews Institute of Scottish Historical Research See here for more details. Thursday, November 23 2017, 7.30 pm People and Water at the Heart of Neolithic Orkney Caroline Wickham-Jones, University of Aberdeen Venue: Blue Room, Town Hall, Ayr Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Saturday, November 25 2017, 10:30am-12:00pm Alford Genealogy Group
Venue: Alford Community Campus Library, Alford Academy, Greystone Road, Alford, AB33 8TY
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 6 - 12 November 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, November 14 2017, 1 pm The Establishment of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain and its Influence on the Ukrainian Diaspora in Scotland Peter Kormylo, University of Glasgow Venue: G16, William Robertson Wing, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh University of Edinburgh Diaspora Studies graduate workshop. For more information see http://edin.ac/1MSzwtw Tuesday, November 14 2017, 10:15 - 11:45 U3A Family History Group Open Session Venue: Turriff Library, Grange Villa, The Square, Turriff, AB43 5AE Tuesday, November 14 2017, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Modern Scotland Callum Brown, Richard Finlay, W. Hamish Fraser Venue: Kelvin Hall, Glasgow This free public programme of talks, interviews and panel discussions (organised by Dr Catriona Macdonald, Scottish History and Dr Stephen Mullen, History, University of Glasgow) hosted in the Kelvin Hall in academic term 2017-18 (in partnership with The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, The Hunterian, UofG Library, Archives and Special Collections) explores the remarkable transformation of Scottish history over the course of the last fifty years; the current challenges faced by the discipline; and leading practitioners’ hopes for the future. The range of speakers in the programme lends this initiative authority and remarkable range: there’s something here for all lovers of Scottish history, and an opportunity to get to know a little better the writers behind the books that have shaped how we understand our past. Indeed, all events will be recorded and hosted online by the University library, establishing a fantastic resource for scholars in the future. Tuesday, November 14 2017, 7.30 pm The Northern Picts Project Dr Gordon Noble Venue: Buchan Hotel, Ellon Ellon and District Heritage Society Entrance £3 Tuesday, November 14 2017, 7.30 pm Court of the Lord Lyon Lord Lyon - Joseph Morrow Venue: Volunteer House (Vonef Centre) in 69 Crossgate Cupar KY15 5AS Tea/coffee and biscuits included. Members entry free - Non members very welcome entry £2 for refreshments. Phone Dave Reid on 01333 350557 for any queries re talks. Tuesday, November 14 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Women in Glasgow in WW1 Fiona Hayes (Glasgow Museums) Venue: Masonic Halls, Collier Street, Johnstone Wednesday, November 15 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, November 15 2017, 7 pm Marks, Meanings & Messages: an Archaeology of Hidden Voices Alex Hale, RCAHMS Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Free to members, £5 for guests. Disabled access and hearing loop Wednesday, November 15 2017, 7.30 pm The Remarkable Life of Mary Lee Milne: Her adventures with the Scottish Women’s Hospital during the Great War Shona Sinclair Venue: Selkirk Parish Church Hall Joint meeting with Selkirk Antiquarian Society Wednesday, November 15 2017, 7.30 pm The Lost Mansions of the Clyde and Renfrewshire Dan Sweeney Venue: Best Western Eglinton Arms Hotel, Eaglesham Members free, non-members £3 at the door Wednesday, November 15 2017, 7.30 pm Scotland and the Spanish Civil War Fraser Raeburn Venue: Chalmers Hall, Linlithgow Bridge West Lothian History and Amenity Society Thursday, November 16 2017, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm ‘Remembering Revolution: The Covenants after 1660’ Dr Neil McIntyre (University of Glasgow) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, November 16 2017, 7.30 pm
TBA Venue: Portland Church hall, South Beach, Troon Troon & Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, November 16 2017, 7.30 pm Dunfermline/Trondheim Connection Gifford Lind 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, November 16 2017, 7.30 pm The Wilkhouse Excavations of May 2019 Warren Baillie and Donald Adamson - Archaeologists, GUARD Archaeology Ltd Venue: Brora Community Centre Thursday, November 16 2017, 7:30 pm The Covenanters in Renfrewshire Dane Love Venue: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Family History Society Friday, November 17 2017, 7.30 pm John Carswell’s Adventure: 450 years of Gaelic in print Mark Wringe Venue: Hilton Church, Inverness Friday, November 17 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm The Flyting
Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Previously Scotland's History Festival A welcome return for this lively showcase for the Scots language. William Dunbar and Walter Kennedy, the two great makars at the court of James IV, squared up to each other for a verbal battering, around 1508. The verse is sublime, the insults are grotesque and the swearing is genuine. This couldn't be more Scottish if it tried. You, the audience, get to judge the winner of this poetic pyrotechnic who goes home victorious? Dunbar? Kennedy? Ultimately, it's the Scots language itself! Friday, November 17 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm John Carswell's Adventure: 450 years of Gaelic in Print Mark Wringe Venue: Hilton Church, Inverness Saturday, November 18 2017, 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm In the footsteps of CK Scott Moncrieff Jean Findlay Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival From the outside an enigma, Scott Moncrieff left a trail of writings that describe a man expert at living a paradoxical life: fervent Catholic convert and homosexual, gregarious party-goer and deeply lonely, interwar spy in Mussolini’s Italy and public man of letters – a man for whom honour was the most abiding principle. He was a decorated war hero, and his letters home are an unusually light take on day-to-day life on the front. Described as ‘offensively brave’, he was severely injured in 1917 and, convalescing in London, became a lynchpin of literary society – friends with Robert Graves and Noel Coward, enemies with Siegfried Sassoon and in love with Wilfred Owen. Saturday, November 18 2017, 2 pm - 3 pm Greedy Queen Annie Gray Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Voracious and adventurous in her tastes, Queen Victoria was head of state during a revolution in how we ate - from the highest tables to the most humble. Bursting with original research, The Greedy Queen considers Britain's most iconic monarch from a new perspective, telling the story of British food along the way. Saturday, November 18 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Canadian Records Neil Menzies Venue: Renfield Saint Stephen's Church Centre Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, November 18 2017, 2.30 pm - 4 pm In The Footsteps of the Enlightenment
Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Join writer and walking enthusiast Stephen Millar, author of Edinburgh’s Hidden Walks, on a wee wonder around Edinburgh’s Old Town and discover the sites of the Scottish Enlightenment. Saturday, November 18 2017, 2.30pm-4.30pm Dominican Blackfriars Alison Cameron Venue: Unitarian Church Centre, 43A Skene Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1RN Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, November 18 2017, 3.30 pm - 4.30 p The Prince Who Would Be King: The Life and Death of Henry Stuart Sarah Fraser Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Henry Stuart, Prince of Wales was once the hope of Britain. Eldest son to James VI of Scotland, James I of England, Henry was the epitome of heroic Renaissance princely virtue, his life set against a period about as rich and momentous as any. A lively, intelligent prince destined for greatness, but dead at only 18. Saturday, November 18 2017, 5 pm - 6 pm Culloden Trevor Royle Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Culloden. The last major battle fought on British soil: a vicious confrontation between Scottish forces supporting the Stuart claim to the throne and forces loyal to the Hanoverian cause. But this wasn't just a conflict between the Scots and the English, the battle was also part of a much larger campaign to protect the British Isles from the growing threat of a French invasion. Saturday, November 18 2017, 7 pm - 8 pm War. What is it good for? Aaron Edwards Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival War has been a perennial feature of human history since ancient times, yet it remains a poorly understood phenomenon. It has done much to shape our world, from overthrowing leaders, establishing international governance, and inspiring social change, to destroying cities, dividing nations and breeding animosity. Saturday, November 18 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Runaway Slaves In Britain Simon Newman and Mara Menzies Venue: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Netherbow Theatre, Royal Mile, Edinburgh Previously Scotland's History Festival Relatively little is known about the enslaved people who lived and died in 18th century Britain. Runaway slaves inadvertently generated records of themselves, when slave-owners placed advertisements in newspapers, describing people who are otherwise all but completely absent from historical records. Saturday, November 18 2017, 8.30 pm - 9.30 pm Scotland : A Century of Nationalism Tommy Sheppard Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival For many, the very real possibility of a sovereign Scotland brought the Independence movement with its hopes, dreams and aspirations into sharp focus for the first time. But what about the history of this ambition? The story of Scottish nationalism is far deeper than the galvanising two year independence campaign of 2012 -2014. Join Tommy Sheppard MP as he explores this rich and sometimes controversial history with Professor Richard Finlay (University of Strathclyde). Sunday, November 19 2017, 1.30 pm - 3 pm GUIDED TOUR OF DEAN CEMETERY
Venue: Dean Cemetery, 63 Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3AT, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Opened in 1846, this is one of the Capital’s early Victorian designed garden cemeteries. It quickly became one of the premier burial grounds of the City, so that many eminent persons chose Dean for their final resting-places. It’s still immaculately maintained by the Dean Cemetery Trust, thus the many fine monuments may be viewed clearly as intended. The tour will introduce you to many of the personalities interred within, including Dr Elsie Inglis and some of the family and friends of Robert Louis Stevenson. Sunday, November 19 2017, 1.45 pm - 2.45 pm Pirates! Dr Eric Graham Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Do you have what it takes to join the crew of a Black Flag pirate? How would you fare on the decks of a cruising 30 gunner looking for prey off the Gold Coast? Can you handle the cut and thrust of the boarding party? Would you have been a Blade of Fortune or a Forced Man? And did they all say 'arrr Jim, lad' (hint: they didn't.) Sunday, November 19 2017, 12.30 pm - 1.30 pm A Very Short Introduction To : Hieroglyphs Penelope Wilson Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX Previously Scotland's History Festival Hieroglyphs were far more than a language. They were an omnipresent and all-powerful force in communicating the messages of ancient Egyptian culture for over three thousand years; used as monumental art, as a means of identifying Egyptianness, and for rarefied communication with the gods. Penelope Wilson explores the cultural significance of the script with an emphasis on previously neglected areas such as cryptography, the continuing decipherment into modern times, and examines the powerful fascination hieroglyphs still hold for us today. Sunday, November 19 2017, 3 pm - 4 pm Castle Hunter David Weinczok Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival David Weinczok hunts castles, and for that Scotland is undoubtedly the place to be. You won't find him at many gold-laden palaces; he's more the ‘windswept ruin atop a seaside crag’ sort of guy. Some of his favourites, however, exist in the realm of fiction and to that end he is now looking at the castles of the big, silver, and video game screens and asking, 'but could it actually keep the bad guys out?' Sunday, November 19 2017, 3 pm - 4 pm Pixelated Pagans: Four Decades of Vikings in Video Game History Christian Cooijmans Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Christian Cooijmans of the School of Scandinavian Studies at the University of Edinburgh looks at the Vikings. Sunday, November 19 2017, 4 pm - 5 pm A Very Short Introduction To The Napoleonic Wars Mike Rapport Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival The Napoleonic Wars have an important place in the history of Europe, leaving their mark on European and world societies in a variety of ways. In many European countries they provided the stimulus for radical social and political change - particularly in Spain, Germany, and Italy - and are frequently viewed in these places as the starting point of their modern histories. Sunday, November 19 2017, 5 pm - 6 pm Ghosts, Skeletons and Koopa Troopas: A Brief History of Baddies in Computer Games Dr Chris Jefferson Venue: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX, UK Previously Scotland's History Festival Anyone will tell you that since the beginning of entertainment history, the baddies have always had the best lines, the smartest gear and the coolest weapons. The computer games industry is no different. Learn the history of the pixelated villains with Dr Chris Jefferson of St Andrews University, and possibly even some tricks to defeat them! Sunday, November 19 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm HAPpening: History in Art Projects Launch
Venue: The Canon's Gait, 232 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DQ Previously Scotland's History Festival Previously… is launching History in Art Projects, a new scheme to encourage the exploration of history through the arts! Our aim is to support artists of all sorts by bringing them into contact with historians looking for new ways to share their research with the world. Through seed funding and matchmaking, we want to help new projects to come to life.
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 6 - 12 November 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, November 6 2017 The Watermills of North Ayrshire Alastair Weir Venue: John Knox Church Hall, High Street, Stewarton Stewarton and District Historical Society Mr Weir has surveyed all of the watermills of North Ayrshire and provides a fascinating history of what was the primary power supply until the advent of the steam engine and was still used into the last century Tuesday, November 7 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm Regular meeting
Venue: Lanthorn Community Education Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Livingston EH54 6JL West Lothian Family History Society Gie's a haun' night - looking at website to help - ScotlandsPeople, Ancestry, Find My Past, Family Search and our own website Tuesday, November 7 2017, 7.30 pm Glasgow: Mapping the City John Moore Venue: Fairweather Hall, Barrhead Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6BB An account of the changing geography of Glasgow from the 1500’s to the present day. Tuesday, November 7 2017, 7.30 pm Stobs Camp: Past, Present and Future Andrew Jepson, Stobs Camp Project Officer, Archaeology Scotland Venue: Lecture Hall, Hawick High School Everybody Welcome. Voluntary Collection. Wednesday, November 8 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, November 8 2017, 6.30 pm, refreshments available from 6 pm Computer art and the influence of D'Arcy Thompson Catherine Mason Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee Free but donations requested from non-members. Wednesday, November 8 2017, 7 pm Bannockburn Lecture Series :The nature of government in the Middle Ages Dauvit Broun & Joanna Tucker (University of Glasgow) Venue: Bannockburn, FK7 0LJ Was life fair and just under a King of Scots? We warmly welcome Dauvit Broun to his first Bannockburn Talk.He will be examining the rise of government in the Middle Ages and discusses life under Royal authority. For further information and ticket reservation call 01786 812664 email bannockburn2014@nts.org.uk Wednesday, November 8 2017, 7.30 pm A–pulling and a-pushing: a railway town at work Jim Summers Venue: Smith Museum and Art Gallery Central Scotland Family History Society Wednesday, November 8 2017, 7.30 pm The Soutra Plateau: Part 1, west of the A68 Henry Borthwick Venue: Volunteer Hall, Galashiels Wednesday, November 8 2017, 7.30 pm Burke and Hare’s Edinburgh Gordon Findlater Venue: Gullane Village Hall Gullane and Dirleton History Society The story of Burke and Hare in the days of body snatching for medical dissection purposes. Wednesday, November 8 2017, 7.45 pm National Amnesia, Sugar & Slaves Anne Williams Venue: RAF Club, Ardgowan Square, Greenock Thursday, November 9 2017, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm ‘“No Love Lost”: The Scots in Ireland under the Union’ Stuart Clark (University of Edinburgh) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, November 9 2017, 5.30 pm ‘Places of memory: The role of locality in 19th and 20th century commemorations of the Wars of Independence’ Ms Laura Harrison (University of Edinburgh) Venue: New Seminar Room, St John’s House, 71 South Street, St Andrews Institute of Scottish Historical Research See here for more details. Thursday, November 9 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm Women Munitions Workers in WW1 Barbara Graham Venue: Johnnie Walker Bond, Strand Street Kilmarnock East Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, November 9 2017, 7.30 pm White, Black and Grey: recent discoveries of medieval friaries
Venue: MacRobert Hall, The Square, Tarland Recent excavations at Robert Gordon’s College in Aberdeen have revealed 30 burials from the medieval Dominican (Black) friary as well as hints at remains of the buildings. This talk will present the latest evidence from this site and look at the other excavated medieval friaries, Franciscan (Grey) and Carmelite (White). Thursday, November 9 2017, 7.30 pm The Lowland Clearances Peter Aitchison & Andrew Cassell, University of Glasgow Venue: Blue Room, Town Hall, Ayr Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Thursday, November 9 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Brains' Trust
Venue: Elie Church Hall Elie & Earlsferry History Society A panel of local experts will try their best to answer your questions on local history. Friday, November 10 2017, 9.15 am - 4.45 pm Putting on the Writs: Scottish Court and Legal Records
Venue: National Records of Scotland, New Register House, Edinburgh Annual conference of the Scottish Records Association. Sessions on Civil and Ecclesiastical Courts, Sheriff and Franchise courts, Burgh Records. Plenary talk by Professor Hector MacQueen. Conference website Saturday, November 11 2017, 10 am - 12 pm WWI Ken Nisbet Venue: Scottish Genealogy Society Library, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL WWI: Ken Nisbet, our resident expert on all things military, will give a more focussed talk than in previous workshops. Saturday, November 11 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Irish records and research: a modern overview Jill Williams, FIGRS Venue: Royal Scots Club, Abercromby Place, Edinburgh Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, November 11 2017, 9 am - 4.45 pm The Inner Forth: New connections for nature, history and people
Venue: Lecture Theatre Cottrell A3, Stirling University Forth Naturalist and Historian 9:00 – 10:00 Registration – Cottrell Lecture Theatre A3 Foyer
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 30 October - 5 November 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, October 30 2017, 7.30 pm A Sense of Africa – the Namibia Experience Duncan Fraser Venue: Millennium Room, Cramond Kirk Hall Monday, October 30 2017, 7.30 pm Robert Duncan Milne (Cupar/USA Author) Barry Sullivan Venue: Age Concern Building, Provost Wynd, Cupar Tuesday, October 31 2017, 1 pm Black Douglas: The Bushranger and the Man Meg Foster, University of New South Wales Venue: G16, William Robertson Wing, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh University of Edinburgh Diaspora Studies graduate workshop. For more information see http://edin.ac/1MSzwtw Tuesday, October 31 2017, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Early Modern Keith Brown, Roger Mason, Ali Cathcart Venue: Kelvin Hall, Glasgow This free public programme of talks, interviews and panel discussions (organised by Dr Catriona Macdonald, Scottish History and Dr Stephen Mullen, History, University of Glasgow) hosted in the Kelvin Hall in academic term 2017-18 (in partnership with The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, The Hunterian, UofG Library, Archives and Special Collections) explores the remarkable transformation of Scottish history over the course of the last fifty years; the current challenges faced by the discipline; and leading practitioners’ hopes for the future. The range of speakers in the programme lends this initiative authority and remarkable range: there’s something here for all lovers of Scottish history, and an opportunity to get to know a little better the writers behind the books that have shaped how we understand our past. Indeed, all events will be recorded and hosted online by the University library, establishing a fantastic resource for scholars in the future. Wednesday, November 1 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. Thursday, November 2 2017, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm ‘The Emergence of a Credit System in Early Modern Scotland’ Dr Gains Murdoch (University of Aberdeen) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, November 2 2017, 7 pm Pilot Training at RAF Montrose in WW1 Daniel Paton Venue: The 252 Memorial Hall, Betson Street, Markinch Free to members and £2 for non members Friday, November 3 2017, 2.30 pm The Vital Role of East Lothian in the Mary Queen of Scots and John Knox Struggle Donald Smith Venue: John Gray Centre Friends of the John Gray Centre How was Mary Queen of Scots’ drama played out in East Lothian? Was it decided there? Storyteller and novelist, Donald Smith, explains the research behind his book Ballad of the Five Marys, challenges popular ideas about Mary, and shows how many of the key players in her tragedy, including James Hepburn, John Knox and Maitland of Lethington, were rooted in East Lothian. Friday, November 3 2017, 3 pm ‘The Scottish Impact on Nineteenth-Century Canada: an Interpretation’ Professor Sir Tom Devine (University of Edinburgh) Venue: Playfair Library, Old College University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Friday, November 3 2017, 7.30 pm Annual Dinner, Beaufort Hotel, 11 Culduthel Road, IV2 4AG, 7.30pm Jo Macdonald Venue: Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA Saturday, November 4 2017, 10 am - 12 pm Irish Records Jill Williams, FIGRS Venue: Scottish Genealogy Society Library, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL Irish Records: an introductory class “Irish records? - They all went up in smoke . . . or did they?” This workshop will be given by Jill Williams, FIGRS, who has many years’ experience researching Irish family history. Saturday, November 4 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Useful Websites
Venue: Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, IV30 1HS Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 23 - 29 October 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, October 24 2017, 1 pm - 1.10 pm Diversity at the Northern limit of the Roman Empire Dr Louisa Campbell, University of Glasgow Venue: Hunterian Museum Gilbert Scott building University of Glasgow G12 8QQ Black History Month www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian /visit/insighttalks/ Tuesday, October 24 2017, 12.30pm - 2.00pm Heads up at Provand’s Lordship: Old Glasgow and the slave trade Dr Anthony Lewis Venue: St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street Glasgow G4 0RH Black History Month This talk by Scottish History Curator Dr. Anthony Lewis will look at stone sculptures, decorative art work and paintings at Provand’s Lordship signifying Glasgow’s historic connections of the transatlantic trade with tobacco, sugar and slavery from the late 1600s onwards. Free Event www.glasgowmuseums.com Wednesday, October 25 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, October 25 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 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! Included in the normal admission price Wednesday, October 25 2017, 6.30 pm - 8 pm Trading Places Stuart Allan, Peter Blom, Tanja Bueltmann, Lidia Krzynowek, Esther Mijers, Iain Watson, David Worthington Venue: National Museum of Scotland Migration is perceived as a uniquely modern phenomenon, but Scotland has a long experience of inward and outward migration, including a history of commercial enterprise in other countries. Join our panel as they discuss Scotland’s commercial diaspora past and present. Wednesday, October 25 2017, 7.30pm 200 years of Black Isle Farmers Alasdair Cameron Venue: Highland Archive Centre, Bught Park, Inverness Highland Family History Society Non-members will be charged £2 Wednesday, October 25 2017, 9 pm Texts and Thomson Scott Abercrombie Venue: Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN The Alexander Thomson Society are pleased to present a rare books event in association with The Mitchell Library. Glasgow architect and director of the Society, Scott Abercrombie, will deliver a talk giving a historical context to the importance of these books in relation to Thomson’s work and other contemporary Glaswegian architects. He will discuss built examples where the influence of these texts can be found in the architecture of Glasgow or where the ideas that they present have influenced the Thomson’s design philosophy. Following this introduction a number of rare editions of these books will be made available for your perusal by The Mitchell Library. Due to the sensitivity of some of these texts the we have had to limit the number of tickets for this event, so book early to avoid disappointment. Free. Thursday, October 26 2017 Current Research on Scottish and International Maritime History
Venue: Mitchell Library North Street, Glasgow, G3 7DN University of Glasgow A one-day conference Thursday, October 26 2017, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm ‘(Super)natural Animals in Early Modern Scotland’ Dr Lizanne Henderson (University of Glasgow) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, October 26 2017, 7.30 pm St. Ninian and the Sea: New Work on Early Christian Whithorn Dr. Adrian Maldonado, University of Glasgow Venue: Blue Room, Town Hall, Ayr Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Friday, October 27 2017, 7.30 pm The Appin Murder Prof Allan MacInnes Venue: Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA Saturday, October 28 2017, 10:30am-12:00pm Alford Genealogy Group
Venue: Alford Community Campus Library, Alford Academy, Greystone Road, Alford, AB33 8TY Saturday, October 28 2017, 2pm Heraldry in Jamaica Duncan Sutherland Venue: Royal Scots Club, Abercromby Place, Edinburgh The Heraldry Society of Scotland Sunday, October 29 2017, 1 pm - 3 pm CRER Walking Tour
Venue: Starting point at Glasgow Cathedral Just off Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0QZ Black History Month Join us on an historical journey through Glasgow’s mercantile past and examine the connections with slavery, tobacco and the abolition movement. See the reality of Glasgow’s role in the enslavement of human beings.The tour will be led by Adebusola Debora Ramsay and Marenka Thompson-Odlum. Sunday, October 29 2017, 1 pm - 4 pm Kinneil House Tours
Venue: Kinneil House Historic Environment Scotland has joined forces with The Friends of Kinneil charity to run a series of free open days in 2017. Once home to the Dukes of Hamilton, you'll get the chance to see inside this impressive mansion, which dates back to the 15th century and boasts some of the best renaissance wall paintings in Scotland.
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 16 - 22 October 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, October 16 2017, 4 pm Slavery, the Middle Passage and Plantations: ‘Minecraft’ software and teaching materials
Venue: University of Glasgow Glasgow G12 8QQ Black History Month We invite you to the launch of ‘Minecraft’ software and associated teaching materials, which have been designed for use by school learners, teachers and others. These materials introduce users to the ships used to carry enslaved Africans to the Caribbean, and then to the towns and plantations in the Caribbean in which they would spend their lives. With introductory remarks by Prof. Sir Geoff Palmer. Free event Email nelson.mundell@glasgow.ac.uk Monday, October 16 2017, 7 pm for 7.30 pm Builders of Edinburgh's New Town
Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Tuesday, October 17 2017, 1 pm The Scottish Cemetery in Kolkata Tom Addyman Venue: G16, William Robertson Wing, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh University of Edinburgh Diaspora Studies graduate workshop. For more information see http://edin.ac/1MSzwtw Tuesday, October 17 2017, 1 pm - 1.10 pm Medals of Haile Selassie’s Patriots and the Liberation of Abyssinia Jesper Ericsson, Curatorial Assistant, The Hunterian Venue: Hunterian Museum Gilbert Scott building University of Glasgow G12 8QQ Black History Month www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian /visit/insighttalks/ Tuesday, October 17 2017, 12.30 pm - 2 pm ‘With angels and dark angels’ - Black depictions of sacred figures in Christian art and devotion Harry Dunlop Venue: St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0RH Black History Month In this talk Learning and Access Curator Harry Dunlop explores different cultural representations of Christ and the Virgin Mary in Christian art. The talk examines the intentions behind the representation of an angel as a Black African in a 1950s stained glass window in nearby Glasgow Cathedral and also explores the symbolic and perhaps subversive representation of the Virgin Mary as the Black Madonna. Free event www.glasgowmuseums.com Wednesday, October 18 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, October 18 2017, 10 am - 12.30 pm Walktober - Historic Plockton Village Tour
Venue: Plockton Visitor Centre Explore the historic planned village of Plockton, dating from 1801 with the Trust ranger. Take a gentle stroll, listen to some stories from the past and get to know the jewel in the Highland crown. The tour visits the main areas of the village, the old pier and pontoons, the Brae with its crofts and ancient trees, the Open Air Church and the War Memorial. Learn about the history of crofting and planned villages in the Highlands, the split in the Church of Scotland and the sailing tradition of Plockton. Wednesday 18th October, 10am - 12.30pm Adults £5, Children free No need to book. For more information phone the Balmacara Estate Office on 01599 566 325 Meet: 10am at Plockton Visitor Centre Bring waterproofs and wear sensible stout footwear. Walk is 1.5 miles/2 km and is relatively flat. Walktober is a week of walks spread across the impressive range of properties under the care of the National Trust for Scotland in Wester Ross. Events will be running at Inverewe, Torridon, Balmacara Estate and Kintail. Experience the unique autumn atmosphere of the Highlands, amongst some of the country’s finest backdrops, and learn from those who know these areas best; the local National Trust for Scotland Rangers. Wednesday, October 18 2017, 2 pm Battle of Killiecrankie
Venue: Killiecrankie Visitor Centre, PH16 5LG The Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 was the first of the Jacobite uprisings. Get to grips with the gory details of this gruesome battle with an interactive battle talk (1 hour) taking place in the woods above Soldier's Leap, followed by a walk to some key battle locations. There will be a display of, and opportunity to handle replica weapons with children's craft activities afterwards outside the Visitor Centre. Meet outside the Visitor Centre in the stone circle. £3 per child £5 per adult. No booking required. For further information please call 01796 473233. Wednesday, October 18 2017, 7.30 pm The History of the Trades House of Glasgow Craig Bryce Venue: Best Western Eglinton Arms Hotel, Eaglesham Members free, non-members £3 at the door Wednesday, October 18 2017, 7.30 pm War and diplomacy on the northern frontier: the impact of the Romans in Scotland Fraser Hunter, National Museums of Scotland Venue: Acredale House, Mid Street, Bathgate West Lothian History and Amenity Society Wednesday, October 18 2017, 7.30 pm Choice Border Ballads from Ettrick and Yarrow Poppy Holden Venue: Volunteer Hall, Galashiels Wednesday, October 18 2017, 9 am Bannockburn Lecture Series: New light on the Brochs of The Forth Valley Dr Murray Cook Venue: Bannockburn, FK7 0LJ While we normally think of brochs as being from the north of Scotland, Stirling and the Forth Valley has a large number of brochs, all of which were constructed in the 1st century BC/AD and many traded with the Romans, taking advantage of the bottleneck at Stirling. The majority were destroyed by fire?..was this the Romans turning on traders following a change of Imperial policy or angry locals burning our quislings? Find out more with Stirling's very own Murray Cook on the 18th October only at The Battle of Bannockburn. Tickets Five pounds with proceeds to the Learning fund Email Bannockburn2014@nts.org.uk or call 01786 812664 Thursday, October 19 2017, 10 am - 2.30 pm Walktober - Inverewe Roundhouse Ramble
Venue: Inverewe Garden & Estate, IV22 2LG Join the Inverewe Roundhouse Ramble for thousands of years of history in just a few hours! Poolewe has a fascinating history dating back to late bronze/early iron age when the earliest settlers began crofting. Inverewe Estate has over 40 points of archaeological interest. This walk will take you to the archaeological remains of our roundhouse and a visit to Trig Point, a WW2 place of interest. It offers splendid coastal views and you will also pass by our resident seal colony. This walk has a couple of steep inclines and is a strenuous walk over uneven terrain and boggy ground so sturdy outdoor shoes are essential. Bring a packed lunch, water, sunscreen, waterproofs and don’t forget your camera! Thursday 19th October, 10am-2.30pm Adults £5, Children £3 Booking Essential For more information or to book a place, please contact: Inverewe Visitor Centre Tel: 01445 781229 Walktober is a week of walks spread across the impressive range of properties under the care of the National Trust for Scotland in Wester Ross. Events will be running at Inverewe, Torridon, Balmacara Estate and Kintail. Experience the unique autumn atmosphere of the Highlands, amongst some of the country’s finest backdrops, and learn from those who know these areas best; the local National Trust for Scotland Rangers. Thursday, October 19 2017, 5.15 pm for 5.30 pm ‘“The few Villainous Countries”: Contesting definitions of the Highlands in Post-Culloden legislation’ Alastair Noble (University of Edinburgh) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, October 19 2017, 5.30 pm ‘#Medieval?: 19th Century Highland Castle Architectural Aesthetics and 21st Century Digital Responses’ Dr Linsey Hunter (University of the Highlands and Islands) Venue: New Seminar Room, St John’s House, 71 South Street, St Andrews Institute of Scottish Historical Research See here for more details. Thursday, October 19 2017, 7.30 pm A Soldier of the Rough Wooing Arran Paul Johnston 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, October 19 2017, 7.30 pm Lest We Forget Morag Sutherland and Ellen Lindsay - Brora Venue: Brora Community Centre Stories behind the Clyne War Memorial Great War names - part 2 Thursday, October 19 2017, 7.30 pm Questions and Answers Members' Night Venue: Portland Church hall, South Beach, Troon Troon & Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, October 19 2017, 7:30 pm Workshop
Venue: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Family History Society Saturday, October 21 2017, 10 am - 12 pm Old Scottish Handwriting Kirsteen Mulhern Venue: Scottish Genealogy Society Library, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL Old Scottish Handwriting: Just when you think it’s great because you have traced your family back into the 17th and 18th Centuries, you suddenly find the writing in the OPRs changes and you can’t read it! Kirsteen Mulhern from the Scottish Records Association will give a Beginners workshop on how to decipher it. Saturday, October 21 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm From Waterside to Waterloo
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Hear the heroic tale of Sergeant Charles Ewart's daring feat to capture the Colours and the Standard of The 45 Regime of Napoleon's Army at the Battle of Waterloo 1815. Included in the normal admission price Saturday, October 21 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm George Square - Slavery & Abolition Dr Michael Morris Venue: Meet outside Glasgow City Chambers George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU Black History Month Glasgow’s George Square was laid out in 1781 and the statues, erected between 1819 and 1902, are designed to celebrate scientists, writers, military figures, politicians and royals. But these sculptures and monuments largely tell a sanitised story of Empire - whether a clean story of trade from the Clyde, or an orderly procession of colonised peoples paying tribute to a monarch. Dr. Michael Morris’s walk and talk looks to highlight a more difficult context and to provide a counter-narrative to this cleaned up history. Join him as he reveals a hidden history of Scotland’s complicated involvement in slavery associated with each and every one of the statues on display. Free event with registration Register at tinyurl.com/crereventbrite Saturday, October 21 2017, 2.30pm-4.30pm Bazaars, Benevolence & Buildings In NE Scotland Douglas Lockhart Venue: Unitarian Church Centre, 43A Skene Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1RN Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, October 21 2017, 7 pm The Witches of Culross Leonard Low Venue: Royal Burgh of Culross, KY12 8JH Learn about the horrific witch trials that took place throughout Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries and particularly about the poor souls in and around Culross. Renowned Fife Author, Leonard Low, will tell the gruesome truth about the lives of many who were accused of Witchcraft.......and he will demonstrate the torture instruments used to extract their confessions. 7pm-9pm Tickets £12 Sunday, October 22 2017, 1 pm - 3 pm CRER Walking Tour
Venue: Starting point at Glasgow Cathedral Just off Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0QZ Black History Month Join us on an historical journey through Glasgow’s mercantile past and examine the connections with slavery, tobacco and the abolition movement. See the reality of Glasgow’s role in the enslavement of human beings.The tour will be led by Adebusola Debora Ramsay and Marenka Thompson-Odlum. Sunday, October 22 2017, 1 pm - 5 pm 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. Tickets can be purchased on the day. £5 adults, £4 concessions, £3 children. Under 5s go free, children must be accompanied by an adult. Sunday, October 22 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm From Waterside to Waterloo
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Hear the heroic tale of Sergeant Charles Ewart's daring feat to capture the Colours and the Standard of The 45 Regime of Napoleon's Army at the Battle of Waterloo 1815. Included in the normal admission price
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 9 - 15 October 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, October 10 2017, 1 pm - 1.10 pm The Food of Empire: A Scot’s Role in Propagating Slave Food Marenka Thompson-Odlum, University of Glasgow Venue: Hunterian Museum Gilbert Scott building University of Glasgow G12 8QQ Black History Month Marenka Thompson-Odlum uses the image of one of our Walter Hood Fitch watercolours to tell the history of bread fruit and its role in the slave trade. www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian /visit/insighttalks/ Tuesday, October 10 2017, 10:15 - 11:45 U3A Family History Group Open Session Venue: Turriff Library, Grange Villa, The Square, Turriff, AB43 5AE Tuesday, October 10 2017, 12.30pm - 2.00pm Heads up at Provand’s Lordship: Old Glasgow and the slave trade Dr Anthony Lewis Venue: St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street Glasgow G4 0RH Black History Month This talk by Scottish History Curator Dr. Anthony Lewis will look at stone sculptures, decorative art work and paintings at Provand’s Lordship signifying Glasgow’s historic connections of the transatlantic trade with tobacco, sugar and slavery from the late 1600s onwards. Free Event www.glasgowmuseums.com Tuesday, October 10 2017, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Medieval Steve Boardman; Dauvit Broun, Stephen Driscoll, Thomas Clancy Venue: Kelvin Hall, Glasgow This free public programme of talks, interviews and panel discussions (organised by Dr Catriona Macdonald, Scottish History and Dr Stephen Mullen, History, University of Glasgow) hosted in the Kelvin Hall in academic term 2017-18 (in partnership with The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, The Hunterian, UofG Library, Archives and Special Collections) explores the remarkable transformation of Scottish history over the course of the last fifty years; the current challenges faced by the discipline; and leading practitioners’ hopes for the future. The range of speakers in the programme lends this initiative authority and remarkable range: there’s something here for all lovers of Scottish history, and an opportunity to get to know a little better the writers behind the books that have shaped how we understand our past. Indeed, all events will be recorded and hosted online by the University library, establishing a fantastic resource for scholars in the future. Tuesday, October 10 2017, 7.30 pm TBA Martin Pucci Venue: Buchan Hotel, Ellon Ellon and District Heritage Society Entrance £3 Tuesday, October 10 2017, 7.30 pm Italians in Fife Norma Alari Venue: Volunteer House (Vonef Centre) in 69 Crossgate Cupar KY15 5AS Tea/coffee and biscuits included. Members entry free - Non members very welcome entry £2 for refreshments. Phone Dave Reid on 01333 350557 for any queries re talks. Tuesday, October 10 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Southern Necropolis Colin Mackie Venue: Masonic Halls, Collier Street, Johnstone Wednesday, October 11 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, October 11 2017, 6.30 pm, refreshments available from 6 pm The British Association's 1867 meeting in Dundee viewed through the prism of legacy Eddie Small, University of Dundee Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee Free but donations requested from non-members. Wednesday, October 11 2017, 7 pm The Death and Life of the Great Lafayette Ian Robertson & Gordon Rutter Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Free to members, £5 for guests. Disabled access and hearing loop Wednesday, October 11 2017, 7.30 pm How to trace your family history: Tracing Quaker ancestors Paul Burton Venue: Smith Museum and Art Gallery Central Scotland Family History Society Wednesday, October 11 2017, 7.45 pm Knights Templar Robbie Fisher Venue: RAF Club, Ardgowan Square, Greenock Thursday, October 12 2017, 7 pm The 1911 census Ken Nisbet Venue: GLO Centre, 78 Muir Street, MOTHERWELL. ML1 1BN Lanarkshire Family History Society Thursday, October 12 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm Carrick Coast - Old Railway, Ayr to Girvan Robert Smillie Venue: Johnnie Walker Bond, Strand Street Kilmarnock East Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, October 12 2017, 7.30 pm The Deeside Line Mike Cooper Venue: MacRobert Hall, The Square, Tarland Mike Cooper is the former picture archivist for the Great North of Scotland Railway Association and is author of the book “The Great North of Scotland Railway -Then and Now”. He will take us on a virtual tour along the railway line from Aberdeen to Ballater. Thursday, October 12 2017, 7.30 pm The Botany of Ailsa Craig Bernard Zonfrillo, Honorary Lecturer, University of Glasgow Venue: Blue Room, Town Hall, Ayr Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society Thursday, October 12 2017, 7.30 pm Working for a living. Terms and conditions from Palmerston to Lloyd George Andrew Ramage Venue: Dirleton Kirk Hall Gullane and Dirleton History Society An old family diary led to fascinating insights into living and working conditions in the late 1800s Thursday, October 12 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Fife Airfields Group Captain Jim Leggat Venue: Elie Church Hall Elie & Earlsferry History Society Group Captain Jim Leggat is an authority on former airfields in general and those in Fife in particular. Jim, who lives in Dunfermline, will be including some interesting stories about the many former airfields in the East Neuk. Friday, October 13 2017, 1 pm - 3 pm Slavery and Scotland: Through the lens of Material Culture
Venue: Gallery of Modern Art, 1 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH Black History Month The talk will explore Scotland’s history with slavery through the material culture of Glasgow’s Museums. These objects’ direct and indirect links to the slave trade will also illuminate Scotland’s role in Empire. Free event with registration Register at tinyurl.com/crereventbrite Friday, October 13 2017, 2 pm - 2.45 pm May her life be perfect
Venue: Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG Black History Month May her life be perfect Ankhesnefer lived in Thebes during ancient Egyptian times. Her name means “may her life be perfect”, yet she died of a sword wound to the head. How did she end up in Glasgow? This tour is aimed at adults, but families with children are welcome to attend. Free event www.glasgowmuseums.com Friday, October 13 2017, 4 pm ‘The Battle of the Forests: The little-known story of the Canadian Forestry Corps in the Scottish Highlands during World War II’ Melynda Jarratt (Fredericton, New Brunswick) Venue: G.14, Doorway 4, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Saturday, October 14 2017, 1 pm Uncovered Stories
Venue: Culloden Battlefield Walk around and discover what was left behind on the moor and the stories they can tell us. This tour will look at the facinating archaeology on the field. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This tour will last approx. 60 minutes. Adult £5, child £4.50, family £12.50 Saturday, October 14 2017, 1 pm - 2.30 pm Salvona the Lion Tamer 100 Years On
Venue: Highland Archive Centre, Bught Park, Inverness Ambrose Salvona, a lion tamer, spent the last years of his life in Inverness. When he died in the Inverness Poorhouse in 1917, his friends organised a march from Inverness Castle to Tomnahurich Cemetery. The march was accompanied by the Salvation Army Band and advertised in the Inverness Courier. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of his death, the Highland Archive Centre is proud to host an afternoon of talks about his fascinating life and family. Free event but bookins are required - to book please telephone 01463 256444 or email archives@highlifehighland.com Saturday, October 14 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Tomb Readers: Throwing New Light on Worn Inscriptions with Digital Photography
Venue: St Patrick’s Churchyard, Dalzell Estate Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Learn how to use Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to take photos capturing a surface’s shape and colour in three dimensions and see the carvings in more detail than has been seen for many years. Saturday, October 14 2017, 11 am Market Knowe guided walk
Venue: Meet at Huntly Wood carpark Free but donations requested from non-members. Saturday, October 14 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Bring along a brick wall
Venue: Elgin Library, Cooper Park, Elgin, IV30 1HS Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Saturday, October 14 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm George Square - Slavery & Abolition Dr Michael Morris Venue: Meet outside Glasgow City Chambers George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU Black History Month Glasgow’s George Square was laid out in 1781 and the statues, erected between 1819 and 1902, are designed to celebrate scientists, writers, military figures, politicians and royals. But these sculptures and monuments largely tell a sanitised story of Empire - whether a clean story of trade from the Clyde, or an orderly procession of colonised peoples paying tribute to a monarch. Dr. Michael Morris’s walk and talk looks to highlight a more difficult context and to provide a counter-narrative to this cleaned up history. Join him as he reveals a hidden history of Scotland’s complicated involvement in slavery associated with each and every one of the statues on display. Free event with registration Register at tinyurl.com/crereventbrite Sunday, October 15 2017, 1 pm - 3 pm CRER Walking Tour
Venue: Starting point at Glasgow Cathedral Just off Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0QZ Black History Month Join us on an historical journey through Glasgow’s mercantile past and examine the connections with slavery, tobacco and the abolition movement. See the reality of Glasgow’s role in the enslavement of human beings.The tour will be led by Adebusola Debora Ramsay and Marenka Thompson-Odlum. Sunday, October 15 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Tomb Readers: Throwing New Light on Worn Inscriptions with Digital Photography
Venue: St Patrick’s Churchyard, Dalzell Estate Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Learn how to use Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to take photos capturing a surface’s shape and colour in three dimensions and see the carvings in more detail than has been seen for many years.
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 2 - 8 October 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, October 2 2017 Ayrshire at War Bob Mcmillan Venue: John Knox Church Hall, High Street, Stewarton Stewarton and District Historical Society Ayrshire's great contribution to wars Tuesday, October 3 2017, 1 pm Glassford's Virginia: Imagining the Scottish Diaspora in the Eighteenth-Century Chesapeake Bay Marenka Thompson-Odlum, University of Glasgow Venue: G16, William Robertson Wing, Old Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh University of Edinburgh Diaspora Studies graduate workshop. For more information see http://edin.ac/1MSzwtw Tuesday, October 3 2017, 1 pm - 1.10 pm Old College Students and the Caribbean, 1700-1838 Dr Stephen Mullen (University of Glasgow) Venue: Hunterian Museum Gilbert Scott building University of Glasgow G12 8QQ Black History Month Dr. Stephen Mullen presents his fascinating new research. www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian /visit/insighttalks/ Tuesday, October 3 2017, 12.30 pm - 2 pm ‘With angels and dark angels’ - Black depictions of sacred figures in Christian art and devotion Harry Dunlop Venue: St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, 2 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0RH Black History Month In this talk Learning and Access Curator Harry Dunlop explores different cultural representations of Christ and the Virgin Mary in Christian art. The talk examines the intentions behind the representation of an angel as a Black African in a 1950s stained glass window in nearby Glasgow Cathedral and also explores the symbolic and perhaps subversive representation of the Virgin Mary as the Black Madonna. Free event www.glasgowmuseums.com Tuesday, October 3 2017, 6 pm Burnswark Hill: insights and implications John Reid Venue: Teviot Lecture Theatre in the Archaeology Department, School of History, Classics and Archaeology, Edinburgh Tuesday, October 3 2017, 7 pm Bannockburn Lecture Series : Be bloody bold and resolute The Real Macbeth Dr Fiona Watson Venue: Bannockburn, FK7 0LJ Does Shakespeare's Macbeth actually resemble the real Scottish King? Dr Fiona Watson explains the true history and just how different the real Macbeth who ruled Scotland between 1040 and 1057 actually was. Tickets 5.00 pounds proceeds to Learning Fund. Further information and tickets from 01786 812664 or email bannockburn2014@nts.org.uk Tuesday, October 3 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm My Walk Through Family History Matt Fry Venue: Lanthorn Community Education Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Livingston EH54 6JL West Lothian Family History Society Tuesday, October 3 2017, 7.30 pm From Dobbie’s Loan to Great Western Road: The history of Gartnavel Hospital and its predecessors Eileen Ross Venue: Fairweather Hall, Barrhead Road, Newton Mearns, G77 6BB Tuesday, October 3 2017, 7.30 pm Roxburghshire John Rogerson Venue: Lecture Hall, Hawick High School Everybody Welcome. Voluntary Collection. Wednesday, October 4 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, October 4 2017, 7.30 pm Opening night, slide show Murray Dickson Venue: Volunteer Hall, Galashiels Thursday, October 5 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 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! Included in the normal admission price Thursday, October 5 2017, 5.15 pm ‘“Advance on us like mad men!”: The Scottish Highland warrior’ Dr Ralph Moffat (Glasgow Museums) Venue: Room 1.434 (Teaching Room 7), Doorway 3, Old Medical School University of Edinburgh Scottish history research seminar. See here for more details. Thursday, October 5 2017, 5.30 pm ‘The Scotching of British History in the 19th century; or, how a Scot (con)founded the Royal Historical Society’ Dr Catriona MacDonald (University of Glasgow) Venue: Arts Lecture Theatre, University of St Andrews Institute of Scottish Historical Research See here for more details. Thursday, October 5 2017, 7 pm The Poor Had No Lawyers Andy Wightman Venue: The 252 Memorial Hall, Betson Street, Markinch Free to members and £2 for non members Friday, October 6 2017, 1 pm - 3 pm What do we really know about Robert Burns and slavery? Professor Gerard Carruthers Venue: Gallery of Modern Art, 1 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AH Black History Month Infamously, Robert Burns intended at one point to ‘work’ on the slave plantations in the West Indies. What can we say about this incident in his biography, and how did slavery feature in his work? This talk also looks at what contemporary Scottish writers have to say about the issue. Presented by Professor Gerard Carruthers. Free event with registration Register at tinyurl.com/crereventbrite Friday, October 6 2017, 2.30 pm - 4 pm Voices Through the Centures
Venue: Highland Archive Centre, Bught Park, Inverness As part of NessBookFest, the Highland Archive Centre will host an afternoon of dramatic monologue readings. Drama students will bring documents in the Highland Archive Centre's collections to life, from a Victorian police occurrence book to a World War Two letter, from a contemporary report about the clearances to a letter describing life in the Caribbean in the 18th century. The readings will be accompanied by a display of the original archives. Free event. For more information please phone 01463 256444 or email archives@highlifehighland.com Saturday, October 7 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Fashion through the Lens: Costume and Photography Valerie Reilly Venue: Renfield Saint Stephen's Church Centre Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society
Upcoming family history talks and events in Scotland, 18 - 24 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. Monday, September 18 2017, 1 pm - 5 pm 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. Tickets can be purchased on the day. £5 adults, £4 concessions, £3 children. Under 5s go free, children must be accompanied by an adult. Monday, September 18 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm Jacobite Secrets
Venue: Edinburgh Castle It wasn’t just men who supported the Jacobite uprisings. Meet a secret Jacobite lady and hear tales of the 1715 and 1745 Risings, and the arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh. The Jacobite cause divided families, including hers. Come along and discover her secrets! Included in the normal admission price Monday, September 18 2017, 7 pm for 7.30 pm Rich Seams: Mining Kirk Sessions & High Court Records for your Scottish Ancestors Margaret Fox Venue: Augustine Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh Tuesday, September 19 2017, 10 am - 3 pm Monteath Mausoleum Heritage Walk
Venue: Depart from Ancrum Village Green, Ancrum Entry Free The Ancrum & District Heritage Society Monteath Mausoleum Heritage Walk will start and finish at Ancrum Village Green. Participants should bring a packed lunch and have suitable clothing and footwear. There will be a talk by Dr Chris Bowles on the Ancrum section of the walk and a talk by David Freeman on Monteath Mausoleum. www.adhs.co.uk Tuesday, September 19 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Are Your Roots in the Borders?
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Entry Free. Booking required Discover your family history. Build your family tree. 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. Research provision in Family and Local History on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the festival. www.bordersfhs.org.uk Tuesday, September 19 2017, 2.30 pm Floors Castle Private Guided Tour
Venue: Floors Castle, Kelso TD5 7SF Entry £13.50 A warm welcome awaits you at Floors Castle, the largest inhabited Castle in Scotland and home of the Duke and Duchess of Roxburghe. Take a private tour of the Castle with one of our experienced Guides. Floors is dramatic and romantic with its pepperpot spires and domes and contains an outstanding collection of fine art including many paintings and tapestries. But its charm as a family home is evident and makes a visit especially enjoyable. Follow the Castle tour with a self-led exploration of the beautiful walled garden and Millennium Garden and view the enchanting summerhouse built in 1867 for Queen Victoria to take tea on her visit. w01573 223333 Tuesday, September 19 2017, 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm Opening Conversation, Semester 1 T C Smout Venue: Kelvin Hall, Glasgow This free public programme of talks, interviews and panel discussions (organised by Dr Catriona Macdonald, Scottish History and Dr Stephen Mullen, History, University of Glasgow) hosted in the Kelvin Hall in academic term 2017-18 (in partnership with The Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies, The Hunterian, UofG Library, Archives and Special Collections) explores the remarkable transformation of Scottish history over the course of the last fifty years; the current challenges faced by the discipline; and leading practitioners’ hopes for the future. The range of speakers in the programme lends this initiative authority and remarkable range: there’s something here for all lovers of Scottish history, and an opportunity to get to know a little better the writers behind the books that have shaped how we understand our past. Indeed, all events will be recorded and hosted online by the University library, establishing a fantastic resource for scholars in the future. Tuesday, September 19 2017, 7 pm England's Rough Wooing
Venue: Hawick Library, North Bridge Street, Hawick TD9 9QT Entry Free. Booking required Illustrated talk by Isabel Gordon England’s Rough Wooing, Henry VIII’s response to the Scots calling off the proposed marriage of their infant Mary Queen of Scots to Prince Edward (later Edward VI). The talk explores the English invasions of Scotland 1544–47, focussing on the Borders area in 1545. www.liveborders.org.uk (Libraries & Archives) Wednesday, September 20 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, September 20 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). Wednesday, September 20 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm Jacobite Secrets
Venue: Edinburgh Castle It wasn’t just men who supported the Jacobite uprisings. Meet a secret Jacobite lady and hear tales of the 1715 and 1745 Risings, and the arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh. The Jacobite cause divided families, including hers. Come along and discover her secrets! Included in the normal admission price Wednesday, September 20 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm Coldingham Priory Open Afternoon
Venue: Coldingham Priory, Eyemouth Road, Coldingham TD14 5NJ Entry Free Friends of Coldingham Priory are hosting four open afternoons to show visitors this remarkable site. Precisely when the Anglian Monastery at Coldingham was established is unclear but Bede recounts that in 660AD Etheldreda, wife of King Ecfrith entered the existing convent of St Aebba. Visited by St Cuthbert and Mary Queen of Scots, sacked by Vikings in 850AD and attacked many times over the centuries by our English neighbours, Coldingham has a rich and varied history and remains a place of worship to this day. Join us and discover more of the fascinating history if this now peaceful spot. Free parking in village car park. www.friendsofcoldinghampriory.co.uk Wednesday, September 20 2017, 7 pm Williamina Paton Fleming: Discoverer of Stars Brian Kelly Venue: Broughty Ferry Library Tickets £2 from Broughty Ferry Library. No ticket, no entry Wednesday, September 20 2017, 7 pm A Nursery For All Sorts Of Vice & Wickedness: Gunsgreen House And Smuggling Around Eyemouth Derek Janes Venue: Eyemouth Library, Manse Road, Eyemouth TD14 5JE Entry Free. Booking required Illustrated talk by Derek Janes Derek Janes, the former Manager of Gunsgreen House, has been researching the history of the House and the smuggling business that paid for it. He will talk about John Nisbet’s activities over a period of some thirty years as the leading merchant-smuggler in Eyemouth and his downfall at the hands of the dominant local merchants Robert and Alexander Robertson. Wednesday, September 20 2017, 7.30 pm The master carpenter and the female engineer: oppression and opportunity in Edward I’s Scotland Fiona Watson Venue: Ecclesmachan Village Hall West Lothian History and Amenity Society Wednesday, September 20 2017, 7.30 pm The Living History of the Caledonian Forests Clifton Bain, Director, IUCN Peatland Programme Venue: Best Western Eglinton Arms Hotel, Eaglesham Members free, non-members £3 at the door Thursday, September 21 2017, 1 pm - 2 pm Ring of Brodgar Walk
Venue: Ring of Brodgar Explore the area around the Ring of Brodgar during a weekly guided walk with a ranger and discover the special significance of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Free, no booking required Thursday, September 21 2017, 1.30 pm Trimontium Walk
Venue: Trimontium Museum, The Ormiston, Melrose TD6 9PN Entry £4 adult, £1 student/pupil, family £10. Refreshments included Depart from the Museum for a guided Walk via Melrose Square, Abbey Street, South side of Abbey, Abbey grounds, Prior’s Walk path through houses, with picturesque views of the Vale of Melrose to Newstead, stonemasons’ village, view of North Eildon, closed road towards Leaderfoot and the three bridges, Leaderfoot Viaduct level embankment, old railway line and circuit of Trimontium Fort to rejoin road from East into Newstead, tea/coffee and comfort stop in Newstead Village Hall at 16.30 and return to Melrose by the original path or by the riverside and the Monks’ Battery Wall at the latest by 17.30. www.trimontium.co.uk Thursday, September 21 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Are Your Roots in the Borders?
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Entry Free. Booking required Discover your family history. Build your family tree. 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. Research provision in Family and Local History on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the festival. www.bordersfhs.org.uk Thursday, September 21 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm Jacobite Secrets
Venue: Edinburgh Castle It wasn’t just men who supported the Jacobite uprisings. Meet a secret Jacobite lady and hear tales of the 1715 and 1745 Risings, and the arrival of Bonnie Prince Charlie in Edinburgh. The Jacobite cause divided families, including hers. Come along and discover her secrets! Included in the normal admission price Thursday, September 21 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, September 21 2017, 2.30 pm Discover Eyemouth Fort Walk and VR Display
Venue: Friends of Eyemouth Fort, Eyemouth Museum, Manse Road, Eyemouth TD14 5JE Entry £3.50 adult, £3 concessions, children free Discover Eyemouth Fort walk and virtual reality display. 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. www.eyemouthmuseum.co.uk Thursday, September 21 2017, 6 pm A Journey Through Scotland's Past: Age of Industry
Venue: Longmore House, Edinburgh Ali Davey, Project Manager, Traditional Skills & Materials, Conservation Directorate, and Mark Watson, Deputy Head of Industrial Heritage, Conservation Directorate, present Scotland's Age of Industry. 'On the early 20th Century blacksmithing firm of Thomas Hadden'. The Edinburgh-based firm Thomas Hadden was a prolific producer of architectural wrought ironwork during the early 20th Century. Their style, with trademark motifs such as birds and berries, was distinctive and perfectly suited to the tastes of Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau designers. This talk looks at their design inspirations and how their style influenced the work they produced for customers. 'Industrial architecture: adaptable resource '. Heritage is about the future, not the past. The best possible use for a building may not have been thought of yet, but the endless variety of options may be confidently tested on robust industrial buildings that resonate with innate meaning and potential for sustainable use. Light refreshments will be available. Event begins at 6pm with last admission at 6.15pm. Latecomers will not be admitted. Booking is essential. If you are a Historic Scotland Member, please bring your membership card to present on arrival with your ticket. Free parking available at Longmore House. Thursday, September 21 2017, 7 pm Bruce’s Legacy: The Stewart Vs Douglas Rivalry Isabel Gordon Venue: Galashiels Library, Lawyers Brae, Galashiels TD1 3JQ Entry Free. Booking required Illustrated talk by Isabel Gordon Two immensely powerful families whose fortunes flourished and waned over the centuries between Robert the Bruce seizing the Scots crown in 1306 and the death of the last Stuart monarch, Queen Anne of Great Britain in 1714. www.liveborders.org.uk (Libraries & Archives) Thursday, September 21 2017, 7.30 pm The Royal Naval Reserve c1859-1939 Dr Ben Thomas Venue: Brora Community Centre The Royal Naval Reserve in the Highlands and Islands, Thursday, September 21 2017, 7.30 pm What Our Ancestors Ate June Wiggins Venue: Portland Church hall, South Beach, Troon Troon & Ayrshire Family History Society Thursday, September 21 2017, 7:30 pm Why Can’t I Find My Ancestors Bruce Bishop Venue: Paisley Museum, High Street, Paisley Renfrewshire Family History Society Friday, September 22 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Are Your Roots in the Borders?
Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP Entry Free. Booking required Discover your family history. Build your family tree. 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. Research provision in Family and Local History on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday throughout the festival. www.bordersfhs.org.uk Friday, September 22 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Uncovering Buried Tombstones
Venue: St Patrick’s Churchyard, Dalzell Estate Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Discover the buried grave stones in St Patrick’s Churchyard by probing for and uncovering the stones. Friday, September 22 2017, 6 pm - 7 pm FoGN: Necropolis Walking Tour
Venue: Glasgow Necropolis These informal and informative tours of the Glasgow Necropolis will be undertaken, weather permitting, as per the dates noted below. The tour guides assigned to each tour are also listed below. The assignations are subject to change. In 2017 as part of the Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson bicentenary celebrations, the Friends will be undertaking Friday Evening Walking Tours with a focus on the architecture in the Necropolis. These tours last approximately one hour. Prior booking is essential, with members of The Friends of the Glasgow Necropolis having priority booking. All other places will be allocated on a first come basis and the meeting point will be provided with every confirmed booking. Please contact glasgownecropolistours@gmail.com with details of the tour that you wish to attend and the number of places that you wish to reserve. Free. Friday, September 22 2017, 7.30 pm The Highlands and Islands Medical Services Committee, 1912 - The Dewar Report Colin Waller Venue: Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA Friday, September 22 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm The Highlands and Islands Medical Services Committee, 1912 - The Dewar Report Colin Waller Venue: Eden Court, Bishops Rd, Inverness IV3 5SA Saturday, September 23 2017, 10 am - 3.30 pm The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Stow Church
Venue: Stow Church, Galashiels Road, Stow TD1 2QX Entry Free. The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Stow 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. In old English, the word ‘Stow’ means a holy or consecrated place. When the Scots conquered Lothian in 1018, the ancient church of St Mary of Wedale passed into the diocese of St Andrews (and hence into Midlothian). Throughout the Middle Ages, it was famous for being one of only three sanctuaries in Scotland where persons could find refuge in times of trial. Refreshments available. www.stowandheriotchurch.org.uk Saturday, September 23 2017, 10 am - 4 pm Uncovering Buried Tombstones
Venue: St Patrick’s Churchyard, Dalzell Estate Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership Discover the buried grave stones in St Patrick’s Churchyard by probing for and uncovering the stones. Saturday, September 23 2017, 10.15 am - 3 pm Cove & Kilcreggan Walking Tour
Venue: Glasgow Central Station Departing Glasgow Central Station at 10.20 Booking required by 26 August to atswalks@hotmail.com All Glasgow walks are from 19:00 – 21:00 and led by Roger Guthrie. All walks cost £5, payable in cash to Roger at the beginning of the walk. Please note, booking is only required for the Cove & Kilcreggan walk. If you have any questions, please email us on info@alexanderthomsonsociety.org.uk. £5. Saturday, September 23 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 23 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 23 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm With Allenby in Palestine - the Fifes at the Gates of Jerusalem
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Plucked from the beaches of Gallipoli, the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry now face a bigger job: pushing the Turkish Empire out of Palestine. Fighting in some of the harshest conditions the British Army have ever endured, the Fifes are faced with a seemingly impossible task by the Prime Minster - capture Jerusalem before Christmas 1917. Included in the normal admission price. Saturday, September 23 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm A Symbol of Power
Venue: Huntly Castle Wealth, power and status describes this elaborate castle that was home to the Gordon family. Join us to find out what happened when the castle was occupied by Presbyterian Covenanters in 1640. This event is included in the Huntly Castle admission price. Saturday, September 23 2017, 2 pm Historic Buildings of Leith Jim Tweedie Venue: City Art Centre, Market Street, Edinburgh Leith located on the Firth of Forth, was for many centuries Scotland’s premier port. In 1833 it became a separate burgh with its own Town Council. It became part of the City of Edinburgh in 1920. This Lecture will give an overview of the fascinating historical buildings of Leith and discuss some of the associated history. Jim Tweedie is Chair of Leith Local History Society. Booking is essential for all lectures. To book contact the City Art Centre reception on 0131 529 3993 Saturday, September 23 2017, 2 pm A Tale of Two Shipwreckss: Victorian Heroes and Villains at Sea Gill Hoffs Venue: Maritime Museum, Irvine Find out about the mysterious shipwrecks of the ‘William & Mary’ and the so-called ‘Victorian Titanic’! Gill Hoffs will discuss the White Star Line’s RMS Tayleur (as seen on BBC’s “Coast”) as well as the subject of her new book The Lost Story of the William & Mary. Discover what caused these disasters, why so many women died on the ‘Victorian Titanic’, and how 200 emigrants came back from the dead in the Bahamas! Tickets £5 Saturday, September 23 2017, 2.30pm-4.30pm Canon Alexander Galloway – "The Renaissance Mannie Fae Inverurie" Prof Ray Mcaleese Venue: Unitarian Church Centre, 43A Skene Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1RN Aberdeen and North East Scotland Family History Society Sunday, September 24 2017, 1 pm - 3.30 pm The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Stow Church
Venue: Stow Church, Galashiels Road, Stow TD1 2QX Entry Free. The Heritage of the Galawater Valley – Stow 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. In old English, the word ‘Stow’ means a holy or consecrated place. When the Scots conquered Lothian in 1018, the ancient church of St Mary of Wedale passed into the diocese of St Andrews (and hence into Midlothian). Throughout the Middle Ages, it was famous for being one of only three sanctuaries in Scotland where persons could find refuge in times of trial. Refreshments available. www.stowandheriotchurch.org.uk Sunday, September 24 2017, 10 am Show And Tell Event With The Border Clansmen
Venue: Philiphaugh Estate, Selkirk TD7 5LX Entry Free The Battle of Philiphaugh – Montrose’s downfall – a ‘show and tell’ event with the Border Clansmen. Appearing as the Tweeddale Foot – a regiment of covenanters that was formed by Francis Scott, 2nd Earl of Buccleuch in 1643. The club will put on a display of attire, arms and tactics from 1645. With marching drill, sword combat and battlefield tours. Come and join us as we bring the history of the Battle of Philiphaugh alive! http://www.salmonviewingcentre.com Sunday, September 24 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm With Allenby in Palestine - the Fifes at the Gates of Jerusalem
Venue: Edinburgh Castle Plucked from the beaches of Gallipoli, the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry now face a bigger job: pushing the Turkish Empire out of Palestine. Fighting in some of the harshest conditions the British Army have ever endured, the Fifes are faced with a seemingly impossible task by the Prime Minster - capture Jerusalem before Christmas 1917. Included in the normal admission price. Sunday, September 24 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm A Symbol of Power
Venue: Huntly Castle Wealth, power and status describes this elaborate castle that was home to the Gordon family. Join us to find out what happened when the castle was occupied by Presbyterian Covenanters in 1640. This event is included in the Huntly Castle admission price. Sunday, September 24 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm The Guardian of Scotland
Venue: St Andrew’s Castle, St Andrews Join Bishop Lamberton and his medieval soldiers to hear the story of how St Andrews Castle swapped hands during the Wars of Independence. This event is included in the St Andrews Castle admission price. Sunday, September 24 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 24 2017, 2 pm for 2.30 pm The Money In Tommy’s Pocket On The Western Front In World War 1 Peter Munro Venue: Ormiston Institute, Market Square, Melrose TD6 9PN Entry Free. Donations welcome A public talk and slide show by Peter Munro about the money soldiers used during World War I, both at home and abroad. Peter will also discuss the cultural difficulties experienced by soldiers, using both primary and secondary sources. Sunday, September 24 2017, 4 pm Stories and Songs Hector Riddell Venue: MacRobert Hall, The Square, Tarland Bothy Ballad Champion Hector Riddell will entertain us with stories from his life in farming and sing some of the bothy ballads for which he is famous. Sunday, September 24 2017, 6 pm Ayrshire’s Lost Villages Dane Love Venue: Harbour Arts Centre, 114-116 Harbour Street, Irvine, KA12 8PZ Dane Love has unearthed fifty villages that no longer exist. Dane talks about many of them and their associated tales from the “rows”, accounts of struggles endured and famous sons. These villages, often found in the most obscure places, were established near to where work was to be found, often in coalmines. Join us and ensure that these lost communities are not forgotten. Tickets £5 |
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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