Old Photograph Woman Stranraer Scotland

Old photograph of a woman in Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Around 1600, Stranraer had become the market town for western Wigtownshire. At about this time, Stranraer was reached by a military road built from Dumfries to allow easier access to Portpatrick for transportation of people to Ireland for the Plantation of Ulster. Stranraer became a royal burgh in 1617. The first harbour in Stranraer was built in the middle of the 18th century, with further port development in the 1820s. The arrival of the railway from Dumfries in 1861, which closed in 1965), which gave the shortest journey to/from London, England, established Stranraer as the area's main port. In 1862, the line was extended to serve the harbour directly, and a link to Portpatrick was also opened. In 1877, a rail connection north to Girvan and Glasgow was also established. Stranraer remained the main Scottish port for the Irish ferries for the next 150 years or so. Blog post of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to travel and visit one day.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.

Old Photograph Family Huntly Scotland

Old photograph of a family in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Huntly is the historic home of the Gordon Highlanders regiment which traditionally recruited throughout the North East of Scotland. John Perie VC was born in 1831 in Huntly. he was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He died on 17 September 1874. Huntly was the home town of the writer George MacDonald born 1824, died 1905. Ian Cameron, father of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, was from Glass, Huntly; he was born at Blairmore House. Blog post of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to travel and visit one day.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.

Old Photograph Young Soldier Dundee Scotland

Old photograph of a young soldier in Dundee, Scotland. Blog post of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to travel and visit one day.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.

Old Photograph Large Family Dunfermline Fife Scotland

Old photograph of a large family in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland. The town was first recorded in the 11th century, with the marriage of Malcolm III, King of Scotland, and Saint Margaret at the church in Dunfermline. As his Queen consort, Margaret established a new church dedicated to the Holy Trinity, which evolved into an Abbey under their son, King David I in 1128. Blog post of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to travel and visit one day.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.

Old Photograph Thomas Guthrie Scotland

Old photograph of Thomas Guthrie born 12 July 1803 in Brechin in Angus, Scotland. John was one of the most popular preachers of his day in Scotland, and was associated with many forms of philanthropy, especially temperance and Ragged Schools, of which he was a founder. Guthrie studied at Edinburgh University for both surgery and anatomy, under Dr Robert Knox, but then concentrated on Theology. He was licensed to preach from 1825, and became the Minister of Arbirlot, in Angus in 1830, and then of Old Greyfriars Parish Church, Edinburgh in 1837. In 1840 he planted a new church in Victoria Street called St. John's Parish Church Edinburgh. After the Disruption of 1843 his congregation worshiped for 2 years in the Methodist Hall in Nicholson Square before moving into the purpose built Free St John's, Johnston Terrace, now St Columba's Free Church, in 1845. He possessed of a commanding presence and voice, and a remarkably effective and picturesque style of oratory. He was made Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland in 1862. Other roles included manager of Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, work for the Blind Asylum and work at the Night Refuge. He died in at his house in St. Leonards, Edinburgh in 1873 and was buried in The Grange Cemetery, Edinburgh. His grave is in a commanding position, terminating the main central avenue at its southern end. His will left his copy of the National Covenant to the Free Church. His wife, Anne Burns, born 1810, died 1899, daughter of Reverend James Burns of Brechin, is buried with him. Blog post of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to travel and visit one day.



All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

View the most recent Tour Scotland photographs.