Pitlochry, Black Castle 1952

Photo ref: P189001

Evacuation - September 3rd 1939 The government decided that mothers and children should be moved to the countryside away from areas at risk from bombing. On the 3rd, parents and children all gathered at their local schools; we went to Saint Joseph’s Primary School. Some parents didn’t accompany their children and they were with teachers. We were all given labels with our name on them, tin mugs ...see more

For anyone remembering Fearnan: At last! A masterfully crafted short history of the beautiful hamlet of Fearnan in the Perthshire Highlands, has been recorded for posterity by Ian McGregor This once vibrant crofters' village nestled on the shores of Loch Tay where I grew up during the war, has been all but passed over and lost in the mists of time. But now it's charm ...see more

My people were tinkers of the road. Power, Riley, Macarthur, O'Connor, Macallister and a few I have no knowledge of. Generations had mended tin, woven baskets, bunched broom and heather, one to sweep the floor the other to scour pots. In 1847 some left Ireland during the famine, with a vast knowledge of forestry and horses. They met and married with Perthshire and Argyllshire tinkers. Black Spout woods ...see more

“I’ll have a very large J&B on the rocks,” the distinguished gentleman gave me his order. “And easy on the rocks,” he added.  I hurried off to the bar and returned with the glass of Scotch.  Dana Andrews looked up and smiled.  “You’re new around here, aren’t you?” he said. “What’s your name?” “Alastair,” I replied. “Do I detect a Scottish accent?” “You do sir,” I replied.   “I’m from Perthshire.” He ...see more