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                  Bernera Museum

                  Bernera Museum (Urras Eachraidh Sgire Bhearnaraidh) is operated on behalf of Bernera Historical Society (Comunn Eachraidh Sgire Bhearnaraidh) and is an independent, voluntary run local museum with a collection of archives for the island of Bernera on the west coast of the Isle of Lewis. As well as being fully accredited we are also a registered charity. 

                  The Historical Society was set up in 1991 to record and preserve archives include genealogical and crofting records back to the mid nineteenth century, with a large supporting collection of photographs of local people and families as well as life on the island.  

                  Our museum tells the story of the long history of Bernera through story boards and photographic display and our archives hold many stories relating to the island, often told by local people. 

                  We have a collection of Late Scottish Iron Age artefacts which were uncovered during an archaeological dig at the Iron Age Village found in 1996 at Bosta Beach on Bernera. We also operate the Iron Age House at Bosta, which is an exact replica of one of the five houses excavated during the dig. 

                  The museum and Iron Age House were built as a direct response to the Iron Age finds at Bosta. Once the dig was completed the Historical Society were told that the then museum room was unsuitable to keep such important artefacts in. Therefore the community banded together to fundraise for a purpose built museum room attached to the community centre which opened in 2000. At the same time, with the dig site being covered over to preserve it for possible future archaeological investigation, the community wanted to do something to show that what had been found here was so important. As the houses found were unique, being two room stone wall built structures dated to the Late Scottish Iron Age at 700AD, with a remarkable level of preservation since the stone work was all below ground level and quickly covered then the village was abandoned, it was decided that an exact replica of one of the houses based on the archaeologists drawings, photos and measurements should be built and opened to the public so that people could see and learn about where the Iron Age people of Bernera lived without having to use their imagination. The Iron Age House was also opened in 2000 and each summer season is open to the public with a guide giving talks on the construction of the house, the way we think the people would have lived and about what we have found out about the use of the house over the years. 

                  This story of a small local community determined to keep important archaeological finds and inform the public of what was discovered on their island shows what can be achieved when a community comes together.

                  Bernera Museum. Bernera Community Centre, Breaclete, Bernera, Isla of Lewis, HS2 9LT 

                  https://berneramuseum.wixsite.com/website 

                  Contact: berneramuseum1@gmail.com

                  For more information, view Bernera Museum repository page

                  Community Stories – Community Archives project

                  Scottish Council on Archives (SCA) is currently undertaking a two-year project to support the development and accessibility of community archives in Scotland. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

                  The Community Stories – Community Archives project aims to help community groups across Scotland who have amazing archival material with cataloguing, preserving and managing these collections. Alongside this, the project recognises that Scotland’s history belongs to everyone and aims to give groups the opportunity to consider how they might engage and expand their audiences through guidance in inclusive practice. In delivering online and offline workshops, one-to-one training with professional archivists, and with support from diversity experts, we hope to help enrich and improve access to community archives.  

                  The project will generate case studies and resources that will be published online for existing and future groups, building on SCA’s community archives toolkit. 

                  In-person workshops: So far, 3 workshops have been held in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth. Our team of archivists delivered training in cataloguing, preservation, archive engagement and volunteer management. The Diverse Heritage Team at Scottish Civic Trust and Roots Scotland Project at West of Scotland Regional Equalities Council led sessions focussed on creating inclusive heritage events through partnership and co-creation, as well as discussing some of the challenges faced by minority ethnic groups in accessing heritage. These workshops also provided community groups the opportunity to come together and hear about the challenges and successes of other groups. Future dates and locations to be confirmed!

                  Online archive skill sessions: Archive skills sessions were delivered online via Zoom in October 2024 and February/March 2025. These 1-hour sessions included a presentation delivered by a professional archivist followed by a Q&A session. Topics included cataloguing, preservation, archive outreach and copyright & legal matters. More sessions are set to take place in June. You can find out more information and book a place on Eventbrite.

                  1:1 group support: As well as general in-person and online training, the project will deliver bespoke 1:1 support to community groups focused on cataloguing and managing archive collections.

                  Your Scottish Archives: A key part of the project is the facility to upload catalogues to Your Scottish Archives. Scottish Council on Archives can provide support at any stage in the process and are happy to discuss this with your community group in more detail. Get in touch with the team at your@scottisharchives.org.uk

                   

                  Get involved! 

                  If you are part of a community group interested in training in cataloguing or managing your collection, please get in touch with Grania Diver at g.diver@scottisharchives.org.uk  

                  Keep an eye out for details of upcoming events on SCA’s Eventbrite page and social media channels or contact g.diver@scottisharchives.org.uk to be added to the project mailing list.

                  All events are free to attend thanks to generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  

                   

                  Cockburn Association

                  The Cockburn Association was founded in 1875 to promote and encourage the care and conservation of Edinburgh’s unique architectural and landscape heritage.  

                  The Association is one of the oldest conservation, planning and architectural advocacy organisations in the world.  It takes its name from Lord Cockburn (1779-1854), a renown Scottish lawyer, judge and literary figure, who can claim to be one of Scotland’s first conservationists.  His 1849 publication A Letter to the Lord Provost on the Best Ways of Spoiling the Beauty of Edinburgh provided the inspiration to establish a popular organisation and it remains as relevant today as when it was first penned.

                  The Cockburn Association’s objectives are to promote and encourage:  

                  1. the maintenance, improvement and promotion of the amenity of the City of Edinburgh and its neighbourhood;
                  2. the protection, preservation and conservation of the City’s landscape and historic and architectural heritage.

                  From the outset, the Association’s ambitions have been forward-looking.  At its inaugural meeting in 1875, it expressed its initial objectives as creating publicly accessible green spaces for recreation; reducing air and water pollution; regulating and improving building standards and preserving the best of the city’s existing architecture treasures. 

                  Today, its concerns range from conservation of the city’s architectural heritage, to the liberalization of planning and other regulatory systems guiding good development, and to the commodification of civic spaces and overtourism.   

                  Archive Access and Management 

                  The Cockburn Association’s Archive Collections provide a rich resource on heritage, amenity and development issues and history.  They include: 

                  • The official Archive records of the Association including records of its governing Council and Committees, correspondence, Annual Reports, newsletters and other publications. 
                  • A valuable collection of photographs, plans, submissions and other documents relating to specific policy and development casework, ranging from architectural proposals to major public policy initiatives and issues in which the Association has been involved over the years.  
                  • Substantial Boxes including collection of pamphlets, reports, publications and other materials relating to planning in Edinburgh. 

                  Cataloguing and partial digitisation of the archives collections is currently in progress. This forms part of the 150th anniversary activities over the course of 2025-26, with the intention of publishing on-line core material such as Annual Reports, Newsletters and Minutes of meetings.  

                  Materials can be accessed by researchers by appointment at the Cockburn’s premises in Edinburgh. Digital or print copies may also be provided for relevant materials, subject to a fee and subject to any copyright or other restrictions.  

                  The Cockburn Association

                  Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street 

                  Edinburgh  EH1 1SR 

                  T: (44)131-557-8686 

                  www.cockburnassociation.org.uk 

                  archives@cockburnassociation.org.uk 

                  For more information, view Cockburn Association repository page

                  Your Scottish Archives online Q&A: Thursday 20th March

                  Join us for an opportunity to discuss Your Scottish Archives, the online portal designed to enhance access to Scotland’s rich archival collections.

                  Date: Thursday 20th March 2025

                  Time: 10:00-11:00am, via Zoom

                  Developed by the Scottish Council on Archives in collaboration with Archives Hub, Your Scottish Archives will improve how users discover and engage with Scotland’s archives. The portal will improve the level of access to archive collections available to current and potential users; provide more opportunities for engagement both physically and virtually; and includes resources for members of the public, historians, researchers and genealogists who wish to interact with, understand and use Scotland’s archives.

                  This webinar is aimed at organisations based in Scotland who are interested in contributing descriptions of their archive collections to Your Scottish Archives. We can cover questions on cataloguing requirements, contributor workflows and anything else that might be useful if you are thinking about getting involved!

                  Why attend this session?

                  • Learn how your archive service can become a contributor
                  • Understand the process of contributing and updating your data
                  • Ask the team your questions

                  Sign up via Eventbrite

                  Your Scottish Archives Day: Your Scottish Archives portal

                  Do you want to make your collections searchable on one consolidated site and join over 100 archives across Scotland participating in Your Scottish Archives? Or do you just want to find out more about the project and hear more about Scottish archives?

                  Join the Archives & Records Association on Friday 28th of February at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow and be introduced to the YSA Portal.

                  The event will include speakers from various institutions who have made their collections available on the portal, as well as speakers from the Scottish Council on Archives who will introduce the project and explain how you can get started making your collections available on the portal.

                  There will then be time for attendees to discuss their experiences with sharing their archive collections, followed by time for refreshments and networking, and an opportunity to view a selection of items from Glasgow City Archives.

                  Confirmed Speakers:

                  • John Pelan, Scottish Council on Archives
                  • Barbara McLean, Glasgow City Archives
                  • Harvey Kaplan, Scottish Jewish Archives Centre
                  • Grania Diver, Scottish Council on Archives

                  Schedule:
                  09:30 – Registration
                  10:00 – event start, introduction
                  10:30 – speakers
                  11:30 – coffee break
                  12:00 – speakers
                  13:00 – conclusion to speakers, time for discussion, lunch and networking
                  14:00 – event close

                  Booking costs: ARA members free and Non members £5

                  Bookings will close on Friday 21st February at 5pm.

                  If you have any questions about this event please contact us at arascotland@archives.org.uk

                  Find out more and book via Eventbrite.

                  YSA is live!

                  The new Your Scottish Archives portal was launched on Tuesday 10th December 2024, at the SCA Annual Conference in Stirling.

                  Your Scottish Archives is a unique project to gather and make available worldwide, through a dynamic online portal, catalogue descriptions from archives across Scotland, including local authority, health, business and community archives, and records of under-represented groups. This major new resource is managed by the Scottish Council on Archives (SCA) partnering with Jisc/Archives Hub. It will build capacity amongst archive holders and develop skills, particularly amongst local communities, making an enormous contribution to the wider heritage sector by improving access to Scotland’s documented past.

                  Your Scottish Archives (YSA) currently display catalogue entries from over sixty Scottish repositories, including local authority, universities, heritage organisations and community groups. It is packed with guidance, links and resources for all users of online archive, both experienced and new.

                  This is phase one of the site. Phase two in spring 2025 will include improved hierarchical display of records and search functionality. As the site grows, we hope more repositories will contribute catalogues descriptions.

                  For all comments and questions please email your@scottisharchives.org.uk

                  Call for Applications: A Year in the Life of a Community Archive 2025

                  person with blue vinyl gloves handling document with more documents lying on table

                  Would you like to be archive of the year featured on the Scottish Council on Archives website?

                   

                  It’s an opportunity to highlight the work that you do, all your activities, the challenges you face and the opportunities you capture.

                  Take a look at this year’s archive that we have followed: the Museum of Scottish Railways Archive.

                   

                  What’s involved:

                  • monthly blogs
                  • photographs and/or videos
                  • time commitment of approximately an hour a week (more at the beginning while we set things up)

                   

                  What you will gain:

                  • develop your relationship with SCA
                  • access to opportunities through our networks
                  • able to promote the work you have been doing to the wider sector

                   

                  You must be based in Scotland to apply.

                  If you are interested please fill out our short application survey.

                  Your Scottish Archives to be launched at SCA Annual Conference

                  The SCA Annual Conference on 10th December 2024, Building Evidence will explore how archives and records support engagement with, conservation of, and research into Scotland’s historic environment. The event will be structured around the three priority areas of Our Past, Our Future – The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment:

                  1. Delivering the transition to net zero
                  2. Empowering resilient and inclusive communities and places
                  3. Building a wellbeing economy

                  In addition to these key themes, Building Evidence will shine a spotlight on the urgent need for a national strategy for archives and records in Scotland, ensuring their preservation and relevance for future generations.

                  The new Your Scottish Archives portal will be launched at the conference.

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                  MS 458 The Alexander Low collection

                  Most of us have some old family photos, letters or documents tucked away in a drawer or in the attic, but how many of us have over 20 boxes relating to eight families, dating back to 1723? Alexander JS Low did and decided to give them to us, University of Dundee Archive Services. The bonus is that Alex was a photojournalist and also donated the slides and prints of assignments that saw him travel across the globe in the 1960s and ‘70s.
                  Alex’s international career is echoed in his family records. Originating in Kirriemuir and Dundee, descendants married into families from France and Ireland as well as the UK, with members trading in places like Mexico and Singapore. Their letters, journals, sketches, photographs, financial and legal papers not only reflect their cosmopolitan backgrounds and lifestyles, but also detail their personal achievements and difficulties.  

                  The letters are particularly revealing; young Kenneth Low (b 1902) regularly wrote home with news of life at his school, often asking for help with his sums, and for news of his brother Gerald, reported missing at the start of WW1. Their father’s correspondence includes letters of concern and then condolence from relatives and friends when Gerald’s death was confirmed.  

                  Another ancestor, Dr AJ Halley (1823-1875), was bedevilled by financial problems. He writes to his elderly father, the Sardinian consul in Madeira, worrying that ’you do not take exercise enough, you should go about more’, but also about his ‘money difficulties’, a theme which continued throughout his life. The West family correspondence reveal the mental health issues of son George (1875-1951) throughout his army career in England, Africa and Russia, and his eventual death in Holloway Sanatorium. Alex himself wrote to his parents describing his photo assignments in India and across Argentina – which he was keen to leave for the USA. 

                  The families’ artworks are also of special interest. The oldest in the collection is a small, annotated water colour of a battle at Naples, given in 1810 to James Chabot (1779-1850), a merchant in Malta, with a description of the battle.  

                  But the more usual kind of artwork can be found in Eliza Hally’s (fl 1835-1840) scrapbook album which contains handwritten verses and illustrations of flora and fauna mostly done while she was living in Madeira with her husband.  

                  Chabot’s daughter married into the Low family, who were particularly talented and produced watercolours and sketches of scenes around their homes and of their travels.  

                  Gerald Low’s (1895-1914) talent stretched from scenic watercolour sketches to cartoons, recording scenes around his home and while on holiday. He was evidently drawing from an early age and his cartoon suggests Gerald had a sense of humour.

                  Despite their liking of the pencil and brush, the Low family also embraced photography early, and the collection holds several daguerreotypes and ambrotypes featuring family members.  Luckily, most of the photographs in the collection are titled, so we can often trace a life from birth, through school and across adulthood, gaining insights into relationships. 

                   AG Low (1853-1936) was a particularly enthusiastic photographer, and passed his passion to his sons, especially to AH Low (1892-1974), who introduced the basic techniques to his own son, Alex. Unsurprisingly perhaps, Alex grew up to be such a successful photojournalist, the first picture editor and staff photographer of the new colour supplement, the Weekend Telegraph. 

                  Discover more about the Alexander Low collection