New Series of Digging Up Your Roots in January 2013

The popular family history programme 'Digging up Your Roots' is set to return to BBC Radio Scotland for a brand new series in the New Year.

It will start at noon on Sunday, 6th January 2013 and continue weekly to 24th February.

As in previous years, podcasts of the programmes will be available.

The presenters are keen to hear from listeners who are also trying to delve into the past.  If you have a family mystery you want solved or have a burning question about the life of an ancestor then let their team of genealogists help!

If you want to get in touch you can write to:
Digging Up your roots, BBC Scotland, Beechgrove Terrace, Aberdeen, AB15 5ZT, Scotland or email Laura Seawright  at diggingupyourrootsATbbc.co.uk

First Official (New) Train on the Waverley Route

I enjoyed myself at the opening of the Border Union Railway Line http://wrha.org.uk (part of the former Waverley Route) at Whitrope Station (in Castleton parish) on Sunday 1st July; accompanied by two friends, one of whom is a son of a former engine-driver on the route.
 

It was an auspicious date, chosen to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Hawick to Carlisle railway line.

The opening was performed by John Lamont, MSP and Madge Elliot .

Although they have about a half-mile of track, the bridge positioned after the first 300 yards hasn't had its certification yet, so the train (a railbus) made two return journeys of 300 yards back and forth for each set of passengers.

I chatted with Ian Crooks, the chairman, during the short journey.

They've made amazing progess since the last time I visited in August, 2009.

Not only have they laid a lot more track, painted carriages, made a nice station, they've also found time to improve the exhibition.
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There's more dates to visit the Waverley Route Heritage Centre at weekends until the end of October, and ride on the train in July and August. Timetable.

It was nice to see several of my ex-colleagues from Scottish Borders Council, two of whom are volunteers, as well as several fellow members of Borders Family History Society.

Gardens Open Glen House Innerleithen

Garden Open Day Glen House Innerleithen

Society members prepare prior to "le deluge"

Garden Open Days are perhaps not renowned crowd pullers especially on damp thundery days in a remote location somewhere in Peeblesshire.

Sunday at Glen House, near Innerleithen however proved the exception - for further information on the house see our pre-event blog dated 25th. June.

 

Without doubt a successful day beyond all expectations.

The reason; perhaps because this was the first time this a particular Garden had been open in 60 years or again perhaps word had got out that Society Secretary, Davina Smart who had done such a grand job at our Jedburgh coffee morning was in charge of catering.

While figures are not to hand at least 300 people turned up on the day and at one point the gates to the grounds had to be closed.

 The whole event was staged to raise funds for various charities and the Society was pleased to assume catering responsibilities and the small team pictured above were literally quite run off their feet, trying and just about managing to cope.

 

We did though manage to promote the Society and explain how we are working on the house archives which should be available for consultation in due course and we like to think we might have influenced a few to join.

Afterwards we were rewarded with a personal conducted tour of the house - not normally open to the public and were able to admire the architecture of David Bryce and Robert Lorimer, particularly perhaps the magnificent ceilings, to absorb the homeliness and intimacy of the house and to appreciate the fine period fittings and so many fine furnishings and paintings.

 Ronald Morrison