History talks and events 11-17 September 2017

Thanks to the vision and determination of Sir Robert Lorimer, architect of the Scottish National War Memorial, those who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I are remembered, as are those who have fallen since. Come and hear the story of the role this remarkable man played in the building of this majestic memorial. Included in the normal admission price

Tuesday, September 12 2017, 10 am - 1 pm

Archaeology of the Garletons

Venue: Athelstaneford

Join East Lothian Council Archaeology Service on a 6km guided walk from Athelstaneford up onto the Garleton ridge to explore the Iron Age hill forts and Barney Vaults. Return to Athelstaneford, visit the Saltire Centre and view the site of the 9th century Battle of Athelstaneford. Bring boots, waterproofs, snack and refreshments. This is a strenuous walk in places, and not recommended for small children. FREE. Booking required.

Tuesday, September 12 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 12 2017, 10.30 am - 3.30 pm

Conservation in Context

Venue: Engine Shed

Following Introduction to Conservation Principles, this one day seminar will explore the recognition of international standards in conservation work and how these have been applied in post-war work in the Scottish context. Discount of 10% is applied when block booking this session and Introduction to Conservation Principles. All teaching materials provided. Catering not included. £48 members, £60 non-members, £44 block booking

Tuesday, September 12 2017, 10:15 - 11:45

U3A Family History Group

Open Session

Venue: Turriff Library, Grange Villa, The Square, Turriff, AB43 5AE

Aberdeenshire Libraries

Tuesday, September 12 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

Old Postcards of Kemnay

Ian Scott

Venue: Kemnay Library, Kendal Road, Kemnay, AB51 5RN

Aberdeenshire Libraries

Tuesday, September 12 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 12 2017, 7 pm

Hunters of the Firths

Kristian L R Pedersen

Venue: Dunbar Town House

Fife Family History Society

A talk by consultant archaeologist Kristian L.R. Pedersen, whose area of research covers the north east of England and south east of Scotland. Kristian will discuss the prehistoric hunters and the research that he is currently doing in the area at this opening talk of the History Society’s new season. FREE. Booking required for non-members as places are limited

Tuesday, September 12 2017, 7.30 pm

NOT in Scotland's People

Bruce Bishop

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, September 12 2017, 7.30 pm

The Boddam Loon

John Dunn

Venue: Buchan Hotel, Ellon

Ellon and District Heritage Society

Entrance £3

Tuesday, September 12 2017, 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm

The Lost Mining Villages of the Doon Valley

Donald Reid

Venue: Masonic Halls, Collier Street, Johnstone

Johnstone Historical Society

Wednesday, September 13 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 13 2017, 2 pm - 3.30 pm

St Andrew’s Church, Kirk Ports, North Berwick: Past, Present & Future

Venue: St Andrew’s Church, North Berwick

Visit this early post-Reformation kirk, learn about its history, and the plans for its preservation. Learn about some of the people commemorated in the graveyard. This event is provided by the Kirk Ports Working Group. FREE. Booking required. Donations to the church preservation fund gratefully received.

Wednesday, September 13 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 13 2017, 4 pm

Tranent High Street History Project

Venue: John Gray Centre

Abertay Historical Society

Behind the Scenes tour of the Archive and Local History Centre and an introduction to resources for researching Tranent High Street including census returns, maps, valuation rolls and photographs. Also the chance to do some hands on research and become involved in a local history project. FREE. Booking required; email history@eastlothian.gov.uk

Wednesday, September 13 2017, 6.30 pm, refreshments available from 6 pm

Flaxopolis: Dundee's trade with Russia and the Baltic

Jeremy Howard, University of St Andrews

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee

Free but donations requested from non-members.

Wednesday, September 13 2017, 7.45 pm

The History of Money

Jim Carmichael

Venue: RAF Club, Ardgowan Square, Greenock

Inverclyde Historical Society

Thursday, September 14 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 14 2017, 1 pm - 2.30 pm

3 Villas, 5 Residences and 7 Muses

Venue: St Andrew’s in the Square, Glasgow

Discover a Thomson villa and 2 villas by other architects, some of Alexander Thomson’s beautiful external detailing of 5 of his residential buildings in Glasgow and where the 7 Glasgow muses are to be found. Free

Thursday, September 14 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 14 2017, 10 am - 4 pm

Are Your Roots in the Borders?

Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP

Thursday, September 14 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm

Their Name Liveth On

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

National Trust for Scotland

Thursday, September 14 2017, 11.30 am

Estate records for family researchers

Ian Riches, NTS Archivist

Venue: Brodie Castle, IV36 2TE

As part of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, National Trust for Scotland Archivist, Ian Riches hosts an introduction to estate records and archives. Ian will look at the different types of records available for those researching their family tree and introduce some archives and ledgers from the Brodie Castle archives. These document tenants, land sales and leases on the Brodie estate. Tickets are £8; Under 18s £3 (Limited availability) Lunch is available in the tearoom for £7 after the talk. Advanced bookings are preferred. Please call on 01309 641371 or email brodiecastle@nts.org.uk

Thursday, September 14 2017, 2 pm

Driver; the Duchesses and Sir Edwin Landseer in the Highlands

Jennifer Melville

Venue: Brodie Castle, IV36 2TE

National Trust for Scotland

As part of the Nairn Book and Arts Festival, Jennifer Melville, current Head of Curational & Conservation Services, National Trust for Scotland and former Head of Art at Aberdeen Art Gallery & Museums, examines the intriguing links between the Brodie and Gordon families, focusing on the famous Victorian artist, Sir Edwin Landseer and his painting of Driver, the favourite dog of George, 5th and Last Duke of Gordon, which now hangs in the library of Brodie Castle. Tickets are £8; Under 18s £3 (Limited availability). Lunch is available in the tearoom for £7 before the talk. Advanced bookings are preferred. Please call 01309 641371 or email brodiecastle@nts.org.uk

Thursday, September 14 2017, 2 pm

Mary Somerville: Self-Taught Woman of Science

Venue: The McDonald Dryburgh Room, Millfield Gardens, Canongate, Jedburgh TD8 6ER

Entry Free. Booking required Illustrated talk by Isabel Gordon Discover how Mary Somerville transformed herself from a young woman with an extremely limited education into a renowned mathematician, best-selling science writer and astronomer who predicted the existence of Neptune. www.liveborders.org.uk (Libraries & Archives)

Thursday, September 14 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 14 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 14 2017, 2.30 pm - 4 pm

Around Gullane With Old Photographs

Venue: Gullane Village

Lanarkshire Family History Society

Join Gullane and Dirleton History Society for a guided walk around the centre of Gullane finding the spots from which old photographs have been taken and observing and discussing the changes which have taken place over time. FREE. Booking required

Thursday, September 14 2017, 7 pm

Admiral Cochrane

Harry Doyle

Venue: GLO Centre, 78 Muir Street, MOTHERWELL. ML1 1BN

Thursday, September 14 2017, 7 pm - 9 pm

Enrolment 100 Years of Gutta-Percha

John Stevenson

Venue: Johnnie Walker Bond, Strand Street Kilmarnock

East Ayrshire Family History Society

Thursday, September 14 2017, 7.30 pm

From Tomnaverie to Old Kinord: two decades of excavation in the north east

Richard Bradley

Venue: MacRobert Hall, The Square, Tarland

Cromar History Group

Richard Bradley is Emeritus Professor of archaeology at the University of Reading. He led the excavation of Tomnaverie in 1999 and three other important excavations in the Howe of Cromar at Walkmill, Hillhead and Old Kinord. He will bring us up to date with the results of his latest research in north-east Scotland.

Friday, September 15 2017, 10 am - 4 pm

Are Your Roots in the Borders?

Venue: Borders Family History Society, 52 Overhaugh, St, Galashiels. TD1 1DP

Friday, September 15 2017, 11 am - 5 pm

History Comes Alive at Traquair

Venue: Traquair, Traquair House, Innerleithen EH44 6PW

Entry £8.80 adult, £4.50 child, £7.80 senior citizen Living history at Traquair A weekend when the past will literally come alive as characters from Traquair’s history re-enact some of the dramatic happenings that took place in this 900 year old castle. As you tour the house you will come across some Scottish royalty, priests living in terror and the ups and downs of family life in the 1700s. There may be even be a chance to find out exactly what happened in 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie visited the house in the autumn of 1745. www.traquair.co.uk

Saturday, September 16 2017

The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh 1547 - Living History and Re-enactment Weekend

Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh

Step back in time to the dramatic year of 1547, when the mighty armies of Scotland and England gave battle to determine who should marry the infant Queen of Scots. With fascinating living history encampments, hands-on activities for all the family, and spectacular battle recreations, this wonderful historical event is not to be missed. See the drama and excitement of Battle of Pinkie Cleugh come to life before your eyes, and discover more about this fascinating period of our history. Supported by East Lothian Council and Event Scotland. For more information and booking visit: www.eastlothianbattles.com

Saturday, September 16 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.

Saturday, September 16 2017, 1.30 pm

The Skirmish Hill Walk

Venue: Melrose Parish Church, Melrose, TD6 9SF

Dumfries and Galloway Family History Society

Entry £3. Free to Trimontium Trust & MHAA This walk leads along the riverbank to the information board located on the corner of the field, known as the Skirmish Hill, where it is said the Battle of Melrose took place on 25 July, 1526. It was here that Walter Scott of Buccleuch led 600 Borderers on horseback in an ambush attack to free the young King James V from the forces of the Earl of Angus and Ker of Cessford. A visit will be made into the grounds of Darnick Tower from where it is said that young James V watched the skirmish. The walk continues uphill to the ‘Turn Again Stone’ where it is said that, in fleeing from the battlefield, a member of Buccleuch’s defeated force, turned and speared to death the pursuing Ker of Cessford. The walk will return downhill to the Parish Church grounds via the village of Darnick.

Saturday, September 16 2017, 1.45 pm for 2.15 pm

A Borders Surname DNA Study

James Irvine

Venue: St Ninian’s Church Hall, Castle Douglas

Saturday, September 16 2017, 10 am - 12 pm

Beginners

Ken Nisbet

Venue: Scottish Genealogy Society Library, 15 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL

Scottish Genealogy Society

Beginners: This module is just what it says - for beginners. Ken Nisbet, who has many years experience in researching family history will take this class.

Saturday, September 16 2017, 10am – 11:30am

Down The Gullane Railway Branch Line with Old Photographs

Explore the Gullane end of the old branch railway line on this guided walk with Gullane and Dirleton History Society. The railway and its history will be brought to life with a number of historic images from the History Society’s archive. There will be an optional extension to the walk of 45 minutes to talk about and see anti-tank blocks, ice-age beach levels and other historic sites. FREE. Booking required

Saturday, September 16 2017, 11 am - 1 pm

Crosshill Historic Guided Walk

Roger Guthrie

Venue: Queens Park Gates, Glasgow

Sir Joseph Paxton designed Queen’s Park with a surrounding area of villas. As built, the area has villas, tenements and schools, many designed by Glasgow architects. Tour with Roger Guthrie looking at a selection of these listed buildings. Free

Saturday, September 16 2017, 11 am - 4 pm

Archaeology Day

Venue: Holyrood Park

National Trust for Scotland

Discover what life was like in the Iron Age by meeting characters from the past and trying out skills from the period. Meet colourful characters, discover some artefacts uncovered within Holyrood and try your hand at being a real life archaeologist. This event is free, please contact the Ranger Service for more information.

Saturday, September 16 2017, 11 am - 4 pm

Treasure Trove at Newhailes

Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh

Free event. Chance discoveries of artefacts by members of the public have the potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of Scotland's past. The role of Treasure Trove is to ensure that finds of cultural significance are protected for the benefit of the nation and preserved in museums across the country. Have you ever found an object(s) whilst out digging, gardening, or through hobbies such as metal detecting? Yes..!? Well now is your chance to bring along your archaeology finds to our drop in session at Newhailes visitor centre. Meet and discuss your treasures with our local expert who will be delighted to unravel their mystery and answer any questions you may have about your objects and the Treasure Trove system itself!

Saturday, September 16 2017, 11 am - 5 pm

History Comes Alive at Traquair

Venue: Traquair, Traquair House, Innerleithen EH44 6PW

Saturday, September 16 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm

Schiltron - Wars of Independence

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh castle was fought over repeatedly during the long Wars of Independence. Come and see how the Scots of this era fought with pikes in schiltrons and have a go yourself. An event for the whole family to get involved in and enjoy. Included in the normal admission price

Saturday, September 16 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

The March of the Jacobite

Venue: Kildrummy Castle

Meet one of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s men as he marches his way across Scotland, and hear his tales of Jacobite bravery, success and failure. Included in the normal admission price.

Saturday, September 16 2017, 12:30 – 1:10 pm

The Cuds in Reel Time: A History of Winton Cinema

Venue: Tranent Town Hall, Church Street

To complement an exhibition on the Fraser Centre, Dr. Hanita Ritchie of John Gray Centre’s Archives & Local History Service will deliver a talk on the history of Winton Cinema. Topics covered include: a history of the building, the start of cinematic entertainment in Tranent, the Codona era, and going to the movies in Tranent. Audience members are also invited to share their movie-going experiences. This will be followed by a tour of the former Winton Cinema before it is redeveloped, by David Orr the director of the Fraser Centre. FREE. Booking required.

Saturday, September 16 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

Dennistoun Heritage Walk

Roger Guthrie

Venue: 1 Annfield Place, Glasgow

Alexander Dennistoun commissioned a grand design from James Salmon for a new middle class suburb. However, as the 19th century ended, pressure to house Glasgow’s influx of workers forced higher population density, creating the community’s extraordinary variety. Led by Roger Guthrie of the Alexander Thomson Society. Meeting point: Duke Street Post Office (1 Annfield Place). Free

Saturday, September 16 2017, 9.30 am - 4 pm

Witchcraft, wights, myths, & authenticity

Venue: Heart of Hawick, Kirkstile, Hawick, TD9 0AE

Entry £9, includes lunch/refreshments A seminar exploring myths and stories of the Scottish Borders and how they have endured, are documented and presented today and throughout history to reflect the theme: Borders – Where People Place and Myth Meet. Speakers include: Dr Simon White, Reader in Romantic and NineteenthCentury Literature at Oxford Brookes University, talking of sharing glimpses of the past via the My Mapping Magic project and Witchcraft and Magic in Literature; Dr David Welsh, lecturer (retired), Northumbria University, and Tom Routledge. Tickets: www.borderevents.com www.liveborders.org.uk (Libraries & Archives)

Sunday, September 17 2017

The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh 1547 - Living History and Re-enactment Weekend

Venue: Newhailes House, Musselburgh

Sunday, September 17 2017, 1 pm - 5 pm

Open Day Langton Parish Church

Venue: Langton Parish Church, Gavinton, Duns, Scottish Borders TD11 3QT

Entry Free. Donations welcome Explore the impressive Grade B listed Langton Parish Church In association with Duns & District Parishes this is a unique opportunity to explore this impressive church, built in 1872 to replace a previous building on the site and designed by the well-known partnership of Brown & Wardrop. Historical and architectural interpretation will be displayed; congregational objects on show; and guided tours of the church and churchyard. Selection of photographs of the demolished Langton House, a Victorian marvel by David Bryce, and rolling presentation on The Rise and Fall of the Breadalbanes. www.dunsanddistrict.org.uk

Sunday, September 17 2017, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm and 2:30 – 4:30 pm

Gosford House Designed Landscape

Gosford is one of the finest late 18th century landscapes in Scotland. Kristina Taylor of The Gardens Trust will conduct a 2 hour guided walk around Gosford Landscape with visits into the Mauso - leum, the Curling House (with a talk by Richard Gillanders on its stone collection and decoration) and the Octagon Room in the house. Plans to restore the landscape will be revealed. FREE. Booking required.

Sunday, September 17 2017, 11 am - 12.30 pm

ATS Walks: Walmer Crescent

Roger Guthrie

Venue: 1 Cessnock Street, Glasgow

Alexander Thomson’s achievements included the the creation of some of Glasgow’s most remarkable housing. Walmer Crecent is a rare survivor of grandeur in an unexpected setting. Led by Roger Guthrie of the Alexander Thomson Society.

Sunday, September 17 2017, 11.15am - 12pm 12.15pm - 1pm 2pm - 2.45pm 3pm - 3.45pm

Schiltron - Wars of Independence

Venue: Edinburgh Castle

Sunday, September 17 2017, 12 pm - 4 pm

Meet the Master Mason

Venue: Dryburgh Abbey

Ever wondered who makes magnificent buildings look the way they do? As part fo the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, meet the man who made it happen- the Master Mason. Learn the tools of his fascinating trade and how his designs were brought to life and still remain after millennia. Included in the normal admission price.

Sunday, September 17 2017, 2 pm - 4 pm

The Trees of Dryburgh Abbey

Venue: Dryburgh Abbey