Monthly Archives: June 2014

Poor Law records: applications

The Poor Law (Scotland) Act of 1845 saw a complete reworking of the approach to managing and elevating poverty in Scotland. Parochial Boards, and later Parish Councils, were established to manage the poor in their areas.  Serious record keeping began, … Continue reading

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Friday photo: Poor Law Magazine

These handsome volumes are “The Poor Law and Parochial Board Magazine” held by Stornoway Library. These yearly publications run from 1857-1930 when the poor law system was formally abolished and were aimed at the members of the Parochial Boards and later … Continue reading

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Friday photo: Milling around the grounds

In 1816, the Stewart-Mackenzies built a new water mill in the Castle Grounds in Stornoway for the grinding of corn.  The mill features in a detail of this hand-drawn map of the Burgh of Stornoway made in 1850. On the … Continue reading

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Friday photo: Fishing at Castlebay

We return to the ever lovely Barra for two photos this week. The first shows the view down the main street in Castlebay looking out to the castle and Vatersay in the distance.  I love the line of fishing boats … Continue reading

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