COMPLETED - 96 and 98 High Street, Elgin in early 1900s

[specialkg]

In the early 1900s there was a hat makers at 96 and 98 High Street Elgin called Williamson. 

I have the book called The Story of Elgin High Street and Closes  by Mary Byatt.  On page 44 it mentions 96-98 High Street as being the site of the Fife Arms Hotel.  Does anyone know when it closed as a hotel and whether there might be a photo or drawing of it somewhere.  Would the Fife Arms have taken up the space between the two closes or am I going in the wrong direction.

I have a photo of the business taken from the Christmas Northern Scott number of 1910 stating the business had been established in 1857.  The Williamson family are recorded as living at 96 High Street in the 1871 census.

Any help with this would be much appreciated.

Betty

[KirstyG]

There are some useful maps in the National Library of Scotland collections eg.
http://www.nls.uk/maps/townplans/elgin.html


The Fife Arms Hotel is shown at the very left hand edge of the sheet with the Muckle Cross. ( VII.16.2)


The building (96-98) now appears to be a Specsavers.


Kirsty

[specialkg]

Thanks Kirsty for your reply.

I had been on the site you gave me the other day but I was not getting anywhere with it as it kept freezing on me.  With your link I tried it again, thanks.

At least I was in the right area. 

Thanks again.

Betty

[KirstyG]

The NLS map site has been playing up a bit recently, maybe it was down for maintenance.

Kirsty

[stuartroxy]

I had a look at the 1868 map and then had a wander down Fife Arms Close.  As suggested, I think that the site of the Fife Arms Hotel is now part of Specsavers.  The northern part of the close has been closed up and incorporated into the buildings; entry to the High Street is via alternate closes - one of which is now called Fife Arms Close.

Specsavers may have been Williamson's.

stuartroxy

[specialkg]

Thanks for that.

Going by the information in the book I have on the High Street and the map it certainly looks like Williamsons was in between the two closes.

Thanks

Betty

[Joes mum]

Hi, just read your message regarding the High St in Elgin. My 3 x gt grandfather was Alexander Robertson and he was a master baker in the High Street Elgin. Wondered if your book gave any info on this. Would appreciate any help. Is the book still available?
Regards Joe's mum

[stuartroxy]

Joe's Mum,

I've seen the book (relatively) recently for sale in Elgin; I'll have another look next time I'm up the street and I'll drop you a PM.

stuartroxy

[specialkg]

Stuart will probably have sent you a PM by now but if you would like to give me the address in the High Street I will see if it is mentioned.

Although the book might not mention what you are interested in it is a very good read and has some great pictures.  I got my copy of the book from Elgin Library who were selling it at the time. 

Betty