The Asylum Mikado

Added by Thornie on 24 August 2021

“I have often seen ‘The Mikado’ played by amateurs, but I do not think I have ever more enjoyed a production than I did at Murthly Asylum last night.” An arresting first sentence: for the location alone. Well, to our eyes perhaps, but readers of the Perthshire Advertiser in F...

Tully-Veolan Claimed

Added on 15 August 2021

Given the way in which he rhapsodised over the Border Country, wild and rugged Highlands, and watery Trossachs, people have often missed that Sir Walter Scott also had a fondness for Perthshire. “The fairest portion” of Scotland is but one of many compliments scattered through The Fair M...

Rohallion

Added on 07 July 2021

The doyenne of early 20th century Scottish poets, Violet Jacob (1863 – 1946) wrote mostly, extensively, of her “ain countrie” – Angus – in the vernacular. Thanks to her peripatetic life as a soldier’s wife, with postings to India, Egypt and South Africa, she also...

Murthly Ha-Ha

Added on 31 March 2021

The planning application for four poultry rearing sheds and associated works on farm land just to the southwest of Murthly village was dismissed in early January. Almost at the top (#2) of the accepted objections was one made by Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust (PKHT). PKHT particularly feared for...

Parsing a Postcard

Added on 04 January 2021

Ever organised a photocall? Having everyone assembled at the right place, on time, with the photographer, is not easy. Even in the age of mobile phones and instant messaging. (Scoring a dry day is always just pot luck.) And here’s one very likely arranged by postcards and telegrams. 1 An elde...

They Cleekhim Here, They Cleikum There . . .

Added on 11 November 2020

The true story of Airntully’s “Cleikim Inn” revolves around this formidable, fictitious, character, Meg Dods. In its edition of 6th April 1854, the Perthshire Advertiser reported the death the previous Friday of a centenarian, Catherine Henderson or Low, in Airntully. Actually 103...