The clocks went back at the weekend. Suddenly, there are hints of winter in the air, as the last of the autumn leaves fall to the ground. It's dark early and traveling around at night is all going to be more difficult until spring arrives. Like many people, I've been having a moan about this.…
I was walking through George Square in Glasgow the other day. There was a mixture of people, some holding poppy wreaths. I was intrigued as it is a few weeks yet until Armistice Day. I crossed over to take a closer look. On one of the grassy beds in the Square, rows of white wooden…
People have often left Scotland for economic and political reasons. They have sailed to destinations across the globe. Many Scots sailed to the coast of Australia, with the hope of a better life. Scots had been making the long and dangerous voyage to Australia from 1787. Eleven convict ships known as the First Fleet arrived at…
Scottish agricultural changed dramatically in the second half of the nineteenth century. There was a move away from the runrig system with land being enclosed. Farming techniques were improved as the demand for produce increased from urban towns and cities. Many cottars and farmers in the lowlands of Scotland were displaced during this period. People…
What if you could travel back in time to meet a person from the past? Who would you choose? Robert Burns? Marie Antoinette? Florence Nightingale? There is so much written and recorded about these people. It is fairly easy to learn about their lives. What if you wanted to meet one of the millions of…
Scotland's women have particularly important stories to tell but, sadly, many of their voices have been wiped out from history. The experiences of working-class women can teach us much about forbearance. They can also teach us about stoicism and determination. These are qualities developed in circumstances few would wish to endure today. One such woman…
Alexander Gavin was my great granny, Grace Govans’ cousin. This article is about his son, Frederick Charles Gavin MRCVS, DSO, was born on 19th February 1868 at Waterside, Dalmellington. His father was the manager of the Dalmellington Ironworks. Following a remarkable life, Frederick died at the age of eighty-two years in Kloof, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, on 16th October 1950. His life story deserves to be remembered.
Who is the oldest relative you remember? It amazes me that I knew my great granny who was born in 1881. I have such fond memories of the woman I remember as a four year old. She had grey hair tied up in a bun, wore tartan slippers, and sat by the fire in her…
The author reflects on the challenges of tracing female ancestors in family history, exemplified through Catherine Henderson Campbell's life. Catherine faced hardships, including her husband's early death, while raising five children. Despite obstacles, she maintained resilience, became a caretaker, and ultimately led a remarkable life, reflecting the strength of women in history.
My dad died 2017 and with him went so many stories and memories. We shared a lot about his family and childhood. Now that he is gone, there is still so much I would love to ask him. I consider this post a gentle reminder. If you are interested in family history research, start by…
Throwing light on the life of an ancestor can often reveal an experience so different from anything known today. Suffering and poverty were common in the nineteenth century. The life story of my great grand-uncle is shocking, but one that would be shared by so many other miners. His life was indeed one of those…
John Campbell was born in 1827 and lived until 1907. Margaret Blair was born in 1832 and also lived until 1907. They are my 2x great grandparents on my mother's paternal side of the family. He was a miner who worked at the Forth Ironworks near Dunfermline. Most probably, to try to build a better…
I have been researching my family for over twenty years and the more I discover about my ancestors' lives, the more I am grateful for their adventures and struggles that eventually led to the comfortable and privileged life that I can enjoy in the 21st century, even taking into consideration the current carona virus situation…
Walter and Janet Walter Ballantyne Walter Ballantyne, my 2x great granfather, was born in Glen Tanagaidh, Kinlochewe, Gairloch, Ross & Cromarty on 31 May 1860. He was a twin and his brother was called John. By the age of 11 years, in 1871, Walter was living in Newton-Kennedy, Girvan with his family and he was…
46, Mill Street, Ayr 1891 Census - Robert & Sarah The 1891 census shows that Robert and Sarah Ballantyne, my 3x great grandparents, have moved yet again and are now living in the centre of Ayr at 46, Mill Street. Robert is 56 years old and is still a shepherd and Sarah is 59 yeas…
Girvan Harbour 19th Century 1871 Census - Ayrshire Robert and Sarah Ballantyne had moved from Gairloch to Girvan in Ayrshire by the time of the 1871 census. They lived in the part of Girvan called Newton Kennedy, which is near the harbour and traditionally had a boatyard. Robert is a shepherd and is age 36…
Gairloch, north west coast 1861 Census Robert Ballantyne, my 3x great grandfather, 24, is now a shepherd and Sarah, his wife is 27. They have moved to the mainland from the Isle of Lewis and are now living in Gairloch, Wester Ross. After six years of marriage, they have four children: James, age 5 Robert, age…
Early history of the Ballantyne family from Walter Ballantyne born 1796
Siblings Andrew Campbell, my great grandfather, had many brothers and sisters. Tracking down their movements, marriages and families has been quite a task and I've been more successful with some than others. Here is the story of his eldest brother, John F. Campbell. John Campbell married Marion Finnie (1851) on 14th July 1871. Together they…
1923, 23, Gilmour Street, Kilmarnock Barbara As census records end, for the moment, at 1911, it becomes more difficult to track Andrew's family's movements. With help from my mum, Jean Henderson Ballantyne (Campbell) I found a marriage record for Barbara Fulton Campbell from 1923 when she married Joe McCubbin, a bar worker. The Campbell family…
Discovering My Family 