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Scotland (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Scotland => Argyllshire => Topic started by: RootsChat on Wednesday 09 July 03 13:25 BST (UK)
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Argyll and Bute Council Archives,
Manse Brae,
Lochgilphead,
Argyll. PA 31 8QU
Tel. 01546 604120
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Has anyone ever been there?
What did you find?
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I tried to go there last year but because the former archivist had retired I was told it was mostly closed and would need to send in a request. I recommend you get in touch with them directly as their site was not clear about the closure and depending where you live it can be a long way to go.
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Thank you. I have heard, over the years, from two completely different sources, one going back about 15 or 20 years, that the archivist knew everything. He had it all in his head, and knew the stories of all the families in the area! I feared he might not be there by the time I got there, and I guess it's true!
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He retired (http://www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/content/news/general/0079?a=0)last year unfortunately.
He was very knowledgeable, I rang to ask about a Japanese war grave in Lochgilphead and he was able to answer my question straight away from memory!
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Does anyone know if he's still there? I think I might have his name somewhere, but not sure. When you've devoted your whole life to something like he has, you might still want to help out on a voluntary basis, or write a book or whatever.
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Sadly for us, Murdo retired last year, he is a very nice, kind and helpful gentleman. He pops in quite a lot to the office at Lochgilphead but as far as I know he doesn't help out on an unpaid basis. If going there it would be best to contact the Archives Office before hand, as it is quite a journey. I did hear that someone had taken his place but I can't be sure. Glasgow City Archives does have some Argyll stuff, including the index of surviving Poor Relief claims, mostly Campbletown, Islay and Inverarary.
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Thank you for that. Yes, that's the name I was told about; now that you mention it, I remember.
Nice to know he's still around.
If anyone knows how to contact him, or his full name, please send me a PM. I know that someone in my family worked with him about 15 years ago. It would be nice just to meet him; it seems like he's a legend in his own time! I have the sense that my predecessor may have exhausted what was knowable, but I am not sure, as techniques are different now. I would like to at least see the farms in question, which I have found on the modern OS.
It certainly is remote! I looked into getting there once on a previous trip and decided against it. As I recall, it was one bus a day that went there, maybe less than that, and it wasn't at all clear to me where I would be let off, or what I would do if I somehow missed the bus on the way back, or how I would get around once I got there! So I decided to put it off until I had some company, and probably a car. But that meant that I missed Murdo, alas.
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I stopped in at the Archives in July and there was an archivist who replaced Murdo. They have some good estate records there that helped me out with families in North Knapdale. Lochgilphead has bus service from Glasgow on the route to Campbellton, and is a nice compact little town. Another good place to try in Glasgow is the Mitchell Library.
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I stopped in at the Archives in July and there was an archivist who replaced Murdo. They have some good estate records there that helped me out with families in North Knapdale. Lochgilphead has bus service from Glasgow on the route to Campbellton, and is a nice compact little town. Another good place to try in Glasgow is the Mitchell Library.
The council offices are just outside the town, for anyone going by bus.
By the way, there is an interesting old burial ground near the council offices at Kilmory Castle. It is not very obvious and not marked on the 1:50000 map but is at NR 865 864.
I would recommend the Grey Gull hotel in Ardrishaig to anyone going there. Cancel that, it has changed hands and seems to have got more expensive.
Martin Briscoe
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Just as a general post of information. I have contacted the Archives with a query dating back to 1890 and I have had an answer by e mail from a lady called Marina who has taken the time to find out and give me information on Patrick Ryaan telling me that he was buried on 12th May 1890 in Kilkerran Cemetary giving me the plot number and the name of the person who owned the plot being one Archie Johnstone of the Royal Hotel. Patrick Ryan was a Battery Sergeant Major with the Garrison Royal Artillery Southern Divison. An Irish man in Scotland.
This information received was more than adequate from the questions I asked and extremely helpful, it came within a couple of days. I still have more information to find, but can certainly recommend this route.
Puck
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Went to Archives in Lochgilphead in August this year. Lady in charge also works p/t for housing,(its in housing office) she was nice but inexperienced. Very cramped room with stuff all over the place.
Urgent need for these precious archives to be better organized.
:'(
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Went to Archives in Lochgilphead in August this year. Lady in charge also works p/t for housing,(its in housing office) she was nice but inexperienced. Very cramped room with stuff all over the place.
Urgent need for these precious archives to be better organized.
:'(
It is quite sad that Highland Council is putting a lot of money and effort into their archives but Argyll & Bute seem to be going backwards.
Martin Briscoe
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Hi
A question. Would it be the Lochgilphead Archives I'd need to contact for Strathlachlan's OPRs?
The surnames I'm looking for are McKellar and McFarlane (both of which are plentiful in Argyllshire around the early 1800s). I just want to make sure this is the place before I try and do any more.
I have records from Scotland's People but am now at stage I need some more local info to try and tie these folks together due to the 'popularity' of the two surnames.
Thanks
Ann
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Hi
A question. Would it be the Lochgilphead Archives I'd need to contact for Strathlachlan's OPRs?
The surnames I'm looking for are McKellar and McFarlane (both of which are plentiful in Argyllshire around the early 1800s). I just want to make sure this is the place before I try and do any more.
I have records from Scotland's People but am now at stage I need some more local info to try and tie these folks together due to the 'popularity' of the two surnames.
Thanks
Ann
I don't know if they are kept by the local archive or somewhere like the National Archive of Scotland (http://www.nas.gov.uk/). Try sending an EMail, even if they don't hold them, they might know where to look.
The archive catalogues are online at Scottish Archive Network (http://www.scan.org.uk/).
MB
Sorry thought it was a new question, did not realise that just been split!
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Thanks Martin
Tried locals - not even a whisper of a reply by email. Did ring a few times and no reply but could have been lunch/break whatever.
Given up for now! Will be up that way in spring all being well and go in person. Least if they're not in is a nice drive!
Not sure why topic split exactly but am sure Bob has his reasons.
Anyway thanks for your reply Martin!
Best Wishes
Ann