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In reality virtually unforgettable!

Wednesday January 23, 2008

 

 

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20/01/2008
R Strong Eunson
I was wondering if anyone on Fair Isle might have any information on Robert Strong Eunson and his wife Mamie, married in 1855, who's rather tragic tale was told in short by Dale Eunson, Grandson of Robert, in his story, "The Day They Gave Babies Away". Their story was also the subject of a 1957 movie called "All Mine To Give". I would love to have more information on their lives before they left Fair Isle.

Colin McCabe.

12/01/2008
Regarding the Eunsons

I have been trying to trace back  the family tree of my father Jimmy Wood. Although i can for sure go back as far as my Great Grand father Alexander Wood Who married Alice Jane Eunson at Busta in 1905. As far as i can gather, her family were Andrew Eunson (Father), Agnes Wilson (mother), Jerome (brother) Jacobina (sister) and Alice F (adopted sister).

Alexander Wood was a lighthouse keeper who served on many light houses throughout Scotland and the Isles.


Alexander and Alice as far as i can gather had 2 children, Andrew (my grandfather) and John. I think they settled in Arbroath. My Grandfather Andrew was also a lighthouse keeper and he married Jane Alice Mills from the Arbroath area. I think Alexander Wood was a talented Violinist, I know the his son Andrew Wood was. My own father Jimmy Wood was one of the top jazz saxophonist in Edinburgh and Scotland. He dies on September 17
th 2007 aged 71.

If anyone has any information on the Eunson/Wilson family from Busta, i would be greatly appreciated.

Andy Wood

If anyone has information they wish to share,
it can be done through this page (click on link at the top). Alternatively e-mail me and I can put you in contact with the writer.  Dave

04/01/2008
This may possibly be of interest to anyone who is researching the "Irvine"
or "Williamson" line
.
Sandra Braid
writes . . .
I managed to dig up the following information regarding Charlotte Irvine. Charlotte was the wife of James Irvine who lost his life at the time of the Fair Isle Disaster 1897. Shortly after the disaster Charlotte left Fair Isle.

On the 10th August 1890 James Irvine married Charlotte Williamson. James was aged 27 and Charlotte was aged 24.
Charlotte was the daughter of William Williamson and Anderina Stout of Myers, Fair Isle.
James was the son of George Irvine and Elizabeth Cheyne of Stoneybrake.

The 1891  census shows James and Charlotte living with his widowed mother Elizabeth at Stoneybrake;
Elizabeth Irvine, widow aged 70, Knitter, born Shetland.
John Irvine, Son, aged 30, Fisherman, born Fair Isle.
Mary J.Irvine, Daughter in Law, Aged 30, Born Fair Isle.
Elizabeth J.Irvine, Grand-daughter, Aged 5, Born Fair Isle
.
James Irvine, Son, Aged 27, Fisherman, Born Fair Isle
.
Charlotte Irvine, Aged 25, Daughter in Law, Born Fair Isle.

I have traced the births of two children to James and Charlotte. Charles born 1891 and Elizabeth born 1893.
James was missing presumed dead after the Fair Isle disaster in September 1897. His family were unable to register his death with the local registrar as there was no body.

On the 24th November 1897, just over two months after the disaster, Charlottes son Charles died. He was 6 years of age. Cause of death was given as "Water on the Brain" of which he had suffered for 6 years. His Uncle, George Stout registered the death. When writing in the names of Charles parents on the death certificate the registrar has stated Father; James Irvine, Fisherman, Supposed Deceased.

At some point after this, Charlotte and her daughter Elizabeth, along with Charlottes parents and siblings moved to Edinburgh. I found them there on the 1901 census.

1901 Census
15 Sloan Street
Leith
Edinburgh

Wm.Williamson, Aged 59, Painter, Born Fair Isle
Anderina Williamson, Wife,Aged 57,Born Fair Isle

Laurence Williamson, Son, Aged 33,Warehouseman,Born Fair Isle

Wm.Williamson, Son, Aged 22, Tram Conductor, Born Fair Isle
Helen Williamson, Daughter, Aged 15, Scholar, Born Fair Isle
Barbara Williamson, Daughter, Aged 30, Domestic Servant, Born Fair Isle
Anderina Williamson, Daughter, Aged 17, Domestic Servant, Born Fair Isle
Charlotte Irvine, Daughter, Aged 35, Born Fair Isle
Elizabeth Irvine, Grand-daughter, Aged 9, Born Fair Isle

Four of Charlottes sisters are missing from this census;
Robina who would have been 20
Jane who would have been 28
Elizabeth who would have been 25
Anderina who would have been 18

Jane Williamson stayed on Fair Isle and married Jerome Stout. At the time of her death in 1943 she was living at Melville House with her husband who was a retired Sub-Postmaster. She was aged 70 years 8 months.

Charlotte Irvine died in Edinburgh on the 14th May 1948.She was 82 years of age.Her death certificates indicates that she was the widow of James Irvine and she does not appear to have remarried. Cause of death is given as Senility and she died in her home at 16 Ryehill Terrace. Her daughter Elizabeth has registered and signed the death certificate. She has signed herself as Elizabeth Irvine so I presume she never married.

When I entered the name Williamson into the 1901 census for Fair Isle it only gives me one name. Ellen Williamson who is aged 68, single and she lives at Stoneybrake with her nephew George Stout and his family. Her occupation is Knitter. Although she is the aunt of George Stout she is only two years older than him.

Did Charlotte convince her parents and siblings to leave Fair Isle after she lost her husband and son, or did her parents convince her? Were Charlottes brothers the last male Williamsons to leave Fair Isle? Did Charlotte or any of her family return to Fair Isle to visit her sister Jane Stout?

Possibly someone reading this has the answers...............

Sandra Braid


22/12/2007
"In reality not forgotten: Happy Christmas from G-AVUH!"

Hope all is well on Fair Isle: people, animals and birds (and Bird Obs), ferry and cars, wind turbines, airstrip lighthouse, and fire engine. And not forgetting the weather, which I expect is working itself up to its annual crescendo.

We have been thinking about Angela and Darren (at the "Enid Blyton" house as someone called it) and hoping the peat store got finished and well stocked in time.

We have been watching the "Coast" programme enthralled, especially in the light of our own trip, though it would have been nice to see more of your island (though we did catch a quick glimpse of Dave's yellow boots).

We are getting our very own windfarm, at Consiholme - 20 of the biggest possible turbines 2 miles away: we are not convinced! - but at least we managed to get the one next to our runway stopped.

We do look at the website quite regularly to catch up with bits of news and history - and you are definitely not forgotten.

Best wishes to all of you, and to Hughie and Marshall when they come in.

Chris and John


Hi everyone,
I hope everybody had a fantastic 2007. Sorry I did not make it to the island this year as this is the first time since 2001 that I did not spend the season on your island and enjoy your hospitality.

For me, my year has been very different & difficult being back in the towns and cities and having to contend with the heavy traffic, polluted air and the summer floods. The scenery is not all that good down here and I have really been missing the glorious sunsets, The Birdlife, Sheep round ups and off course all of the island get togethers inlcuding the Fair Isle Thursdays, Dances and the Football Matches down at South Light.

I would like to congratulate Jimmy & Florrie Stout on there Ruby Wedding Anniversary and Stewart Thompson for making his 100th Spinning Wheel.

My highlight for this year was going to Southern Israel doing Bird Ringing And Twitching back in March. I Stayed at a eco friendly kabbutz called Lotan just 40 km north of Eilat. The weather was so hot and seeing over 10,000 birds of prey flying north during a single day was incredible. Some of you may still remember my dad, He went to India back in February for 3 weeks performing his dangerous tricks (fire breathing, walking on glass etc) to schools and to Orphanges.

I Really hope to see you all again in the new year. I would love it for all you to get in touch so we can catch up with each other.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Best Wishes
Becki Rosser -
becki1142@hotmail.com


12/09/2007
More Stout Lore
My Great Great Grandfather Thomas Stout (d.o.b 6th May 1827) was born at Teing, on Fair Isle and it appears some of his many descendents later called their house on Westray East Teing . Does any Fair Islander know where Teing was or who else left from it? His son Thomas, my GGrandfather, was born in Westray in 1959 but we don't know when he left Fair Isle. (He had a fair bit of Spanish in him as subsequent descendents have discovered!)
Fiona Cowan
Just to the east of the School, on the other side of the ('Middle') road, is the area/field known as 'Taing'. Going further east - between Taing and the cliffs - is 'East Taing'.   Dave


27/08/2007
Hello to everyone on Fair Isle from Chris, John and G-AVUH!We are finally back home, safe and sound.

After a mad dash round the Orkneys - landing and photo (disgusting: we NEVER do this sort of thing!) at all the islands except North Ronaldsay (which both Kirkwall and Sumburgh insisted it was closed), we crept into Lamb Holm for a soggy night under canvas to be followed by a disgruntled flight home in the miserable weather. However, the seeds of discontent were sown at Inverness when someone told us there was a fly-in on Sollas beach, in brilliant sunshine, so instead of skulking off home we headed west and found the first bit of nice weather since our arrival on Fair Isle. They have been having the summer of a lifetime in the western isles.

A pic of John McLeod follows by separate mail for those who may know him. This colourful character had brought all the gear down for the fly-in on the ferry from Stornoway in a rusty old van, and even fetched petrol for those who needed it. The microlights demonstrated where to land on the beach - I was deeply suspicious since the beaches around us open and swallow up any aircraft who land on them.

We then went on to Mull, which John had never seen, and he'd not met David Howitt who runs the Glenforsa strip, but they soon got stuck into computers, jpegs and card readers! Finally we flew out for pix of Fingal's cave, then back via Oban to refuel and meet another colourful aviation institution, Paul Keegan. Carlisle was a return to weather reality, with an entry into cloud (and rain) a few miles beforehand and let-down just north of the field. Then ironically, we were stranded there the next day in glorious sunshine, because there were gales and a mighty crosswind to the runway back home.

Anyway one way or another we've had a memorable trip, with our stay on Fair Isle possible possible only thanks to the thoroughly professional and versatile team who took care of the aeroplane! I think what struck me most was the contrast between the idyll of the first day, with all the (dare I say it?) "merry peasants" bringing in the hay like you used to see in the old propaganda films, and the survival tactics and weathering of the storm on the next day. And that, I am willing to believe, was only a beginner's storm!

The Cessna is on check now, with quite a bit of work scheduled, so we are grounded for a bit and busy writing diaries and letters. All the best and hope to see you all again one day.

Chris Belton, John Hardy



01/08/2007

Dear Mr Wheeler,
Your name has been given to me as a possible source of information about my paternal grandmothers family who came from the Fair Isle.

My grandfather, JOHN GARDEN, was an engineer on a steamship, based I understand in Aberdeen. who married a NICHOLSON girl shortly after the turn of the century. Unfortunately she died soon after they were married.

John Garden then returned to the Fair Isle and took his late wife's younger sister, ELIZABETH LAURINA JANE NICHOLSON, as his second wife. She bore him three sons : John, James (my father) and Kenneth in 1911, 1913, and 1915. All three were born in Liverpool after the steamship company relocated.

Following the deaths of all the family of my father's generation I am at a loss as to where to find any information at all and wonder, in view of the small number of inhabitants on the Fair Isle, if you would be able to help.

Please accept my apologies for approaching you in this unsolicited manner.

Yours in desperation,
Alexander H. F. Garden
Leeds
Yorkshire

01/08/2007
Hello,
Like a few others I am researching The Stout family
My great grand mother was Elizabeth Stout b 1879. She married my great grand father George Rorie b 1879 in Kirkwall 1899.
Now one of you readers Kathleen Spademan mentioned Margaret Eunson. I know in my tree there is a Barbara Eunson b 1807 who was married to John Stout 1801. Is there any connection?
Any info on the two families would be appreciated.

Regards,
Bryan
bryanrosie02@yahoo.com

30/07/2007
Do Fair Isle Williamsons truly belong to Clan MacLeod?

Our family attended the Scottish Highland Games in Oakbrook, Illinois (suburban Chicago) this summer and spoke with some lovely folks at the Clan MacLeod booth.  The name Williamson is claimed by the clan but their maps didn't go as far north as Fair Isle (!) although they did claim Williamsons from other islands in the vicinity.  Does anyone out there know if Fair Isle Williamsons truly do belong to Clan MacLeod?

Thank you for your assistance
Amy F. Williamson


 

02/07/2007
John Wood Tribute

Dear All,
I was part of the Thistle Camp Volunteer Team back in July 1999 ; when I was an undergrad with the University of Aberdeen, studying Scottish History (island communities mostly).  I had a wonderful time during that work holiday and ever since that trip, I find myself often clicking on the website just to check whats going on and how things are going. 

This morning, I read some sad news about the death of John Wood alias Fireman John.  This prompted me to compose a small note : 

The first time I met John was on Shetland where all the volunteers were grouping together to await the Good Shepherd which would carry us across the sea to Fair Isle.  John was one of the eldest shall we say, and I expected him to behave like an adult.  However, from the very first sight of him, I remember he was the loudest clown among us.  By the time we had boarded the Good Shepherd Johns constant crack of jokes and shouts above the wind and choppy seas began to take its toll on me.  I really thought for a moment we wouldnt get on . Most of the group were feeling quite apprehensive and were all rather quiet, since John was the only one chatting I decided that if I stood next to him for a chat, he wouldnt have to shout as much. 

From that moment he and I got talking, I found him to be immensely funny and extremely good company.  He had me in hysterics for the best part of my Thistle Camp trip.  I was I think 29 years back then, and having John around meant that I did not feel so old.  I had expected most of the group to be around 18 years.  Anyway, when we got to the hut where we were staying, we were left with ready made soup and home baked bread to warm ourselves up with.  Left to our own devices where we would hopefully bond, the room where we were huddled together was rather silent.  John was (having been before) checking into his favourite bed in the boys side of the hut.  Once unpacked, he was back in the room and with his complete chat of nothing and something he had people talking to one another.  He was so much fun. 

Each day, we were given our tasks to hand and split into groups of three or two.  My first day, I ended up with John and I spent the whole time laughing with him.  He was such a funny chap and always cracking jokes, he didnt seem to care what any one thought of him, and he thought being serious was such a waist of time.  He never spoke about his work and I gathered he was modest.  He talked of his wife Janet and the walks they and he did alone in the Lakes. 

Every morning I hoped that I would be with John wood, and I wasnt the only one thinking that.  In the evenings, John and I would think of what to do.  We called on Florrie and Jimmy one night, and met a chap who had been down to the wreck of SS Politician where by he showed us a bottle he had brought up to the surface.  I remember we all laughed in Florries house that night.  Another time, John and I were on shopping duty, we had to walk up to the shop and gather the rations.  We had nothing to carry all our shopping in, so the lady in the shop loaned us her wheelbarrow.  John with his scare-crow hat and overalls, and me in the wheelbarrow with a mountain of toilet roll manoeuvred down the one track lane back to our hut.  The whole island could hear our laughter as John wheeled me along.  The next day rumour had gone round that Carol must have broken her ankle as she was wheeled off in the barrow by John last evening. 

I could go on, and I should have written a diary of that Thistle Camp Trip. 

I hope Janet gets to read this extract as it may make her laugh too.   The whole group thought John was just a bundle of fun and didnt have a care in the world.  We all wanted to be in his team and I am so glad he was on the camp the year I attended. 

I am now married and working as a freelance historical researcher, I married in 2003 and we often sail on the west coast.  It is my ambition one day for my husband and I to sail to Fair Isle where the ever energetic Dave Wheeler runs in and out every 15 minutes to check the weather readings, where Florrie drives about in the old Volvo and where there are so many nice folk and views to be had. 

Like every one who visits the island, we are all drawn back some day ;  when I think of the Fair Isle I not only think of the island and her people but also the group in the hut, especially John Wood. 

Carol Hooper nee Boyd
The Cottage
Utkinton

Cheshire
 


 

20/06/2007
Dear Dave, and everyone on Fair Isle

 

I'm sure you remember I spent time there in spring 2005 gathering data for my MA research. I wanted to tell you that I have finished my studies in University of Helsinki, and thank everyone on Fair Isle for helping in the research.

 

The title of the thesis in the end was based on a quote from your interview Dave; 'Ulan Bator - Doncaster, what's the difference!' - Meaning Creation and Internet use in an Island Community. Based on what (little) I know of everyday life on Fair Isle I tried in the thesis to describe the dynamics of everyday life and to show how the Internet use fits into it. I wanted to explore the relationship between local community and the ways individuals use and conceptualize (Internet) technology. In the thesis I present that even though the Internet makes it possible, or easier, to do many things on the island, it has not changed drastically the everyday life. Also, I have to say I was surprised to learn how common Internet use is on Fair Isle in 2005 when I gathered the household survey 77% of households had Internet access, compared to 48% average in Scotland!

 

The definitions and analysis I provide in the thesis are only one possible ones, using different theories the situation could have been explained quite differently. Also in the end I finished the thesis quite quickly as I got a postgraduate research place in Manchester Metropolitan University. My plans for that research is to continue field work in Shetland, to analyze tourism and the Internet. I hope this will provide me another opportunity to spend time also on Fair Isle!

 

If anyone is interested of my thesis, I'd be delighted to provide a copy of it (electronic or a printed copy), or explain more details of it. My email is (emma-reetta.koivunen@student.mmu.ac.uk) Also, I hope to come and visit this summer, so can tell more of that then. Hope to see you all then!

 

Many greetings,

Emma

Emma-Reetta Koivunen

Postgraduate Research Student
Department of Information and Communications Manchester Metropolitan University


03/06/2007
The world premier of Danish composer, Hans-Henrik Nordstroem's work "Another Kind of Stillness" is to take place on September the 26th in Roskilde, Denmark.

Another Kind of Stillness was composed during some weeks in Fair Isle in summer 2006. It was commissioned by a member of the trio "Embla", the bassoon-player Christina Andersen, living in Torshavn, Faroe Islands. The piece is composed for bassoon and piano and will be performed by Christina Andersen and Berit Juul Rasmussen, piano. The work is reflecting the all-embracing silence on Fair Isle - a silence of another kind than the composer's daily-life silence, living in the Woods in Denmark.

Kind regards to all Fair Isle'rs from
Hans-Henrik Nordstroem
Denmark
www.nordstroem.dk


Photo of Hans-Henrik Nordstroem, Fair Isle, summer 2006, by Stine Smith


15/04/2007

Greetings from Nova Scotia, Canada:  My wife just found your site on Fair Isle and I am having a great time going over it. In particular all the stories about the Stout's. Our family name is not very common here in Canada. My father was Jimmy (James) Stout. (I noted a Jimmy Stout in the story of the aircraft and the lorry.) His father was Peden Stout who was born in Barrhead Scotland and came to Canada when he was 19. His father was William Stout who was a cobbler and poet in Glasgow. His father was Robert Stout who lived on Fair Isle but as has been handed down through the years, is said to have been moved to Scotland by the Government. He apparently was a big man with red hair.

 

I would be interested in knowing if there is anyone on Fair Isle (or

elsewhere) who might have access to records to give us more information about my great, great grandfather and how he might be related to the other Stouts I have been reading about in your email letters and on the web site. Working back from my grandfathers birthday in 1882, Robert Stout would have been born prior to 1840.

 

I have 3 brothers, Peter, Robert and Andrew and my wife Debbie and I have 3 children of our own and one of our pets is a lovely Shetland Sheepdog (Kay-Lee)

 

I was also interested to note the weaving tradition of the island as I am a manager of a plant here in Nova Scotia that uses looms to make woven plastic fabric.

 

My wife is a professional photographer so we both loved the pictures on the site tour. Looks like a beautiful island. Sounds like a retirement destination, a few years down the road.

 

If anyone would like to contact me it is doug.stout@ns.sympatico.ca

 

Cheers from New Scotland...........Doug Stout

 


 

01/03/2007

Dear Sir
I am writing to ask if you or anyone on your island can help me with a family photo with my father in it.  I had it printed in the Orcadian news paper and got one reply and it was from someone who had had a book out of the library called Fair Isle  A Photographic History by George Waterston
Workmen who built the huts at North Haven (1917) and Jean Jones.  Now that I have the book out own loan myself the photo in question is 101 in the book and my father is the one on the left smoking a pipe and holding a big mallet.  It says that it is workmen who built the huts at North Haven (1917) I am interested to know if you have any knowledge about this photo.  The two men at the front look to be in charge of what Enlargement of man with mallet smoking pipe in above imageever company they are working for, or maybe some of the other men might be forbearers of someone on the island. I am a bit puzzled by the photo as my father was born in 1903 and looks a lot older than 14 and I never new of my father being in Fair Isle.  But you never know, as I am the oldest in my family now I am trying to go over the family photos for the younger generation and out of interest for myself and others who new him.  I also noticed at the front of the book in the acknowledgements that this photo was one of the ones that the origin is unknown.

Hope this is not putting you to much bother, but would appreciated any information if any you might have. After looking at the book I quite fancy coming to Fair Isle for a trip.  I will attach the photo and it is under my husbands e-mail address.

Thanking you
Jean Skinner (Rendall)


25/02/2007
I have just finished trawling through your site and am sitting here quite misty eyed. A lot of wonderful memories came flooding back of our time at the south lighthouse in 1973 to 76 .Give our love to all
 
Iain & Norma Paisley.
 
25/02/2007
Hello Dave;
I just thought I would send you a short email to let you know how much I enjoyed the photographs of Fair Isle.
Our public radio here in the states did a story of the people from New York that moved there to run the B&B so I wanted to learn more about the island and people.
A great place to photograph indeed.

Best regards;
Dave Gilmore



21
/02/2007
Mr. Dave:
At first, forgive me for my poor english...
We are a Brasilian Company and, as you can see at www.tricoamaquina.com , we work with knitting teaching; many people, all over Brasil, is just learning to knit with their knitting machine with our books and website
At our website we are trying to explain the knitting love, origin and history. Two weeks ago we finished something about Aran Islands, at Ireland.
 
Now we pretend to show something about Fair Isle: the island, it's features and it's knitting history. Do you have something about this history? Could you help us, Mr. Dave?  Of course we will inform, at our site, the correct "crdit" to your name and address.
 
As you know, Fair Isle is the known name for a special knitting technique; it would be very interesting to show  where, why and how it begans, in Fair Island.
We would like to show some imagens, too, and you have so many fantastics pictures at your site..... may be used?
 
Waitting for your help, I thank you for any help you can give us.
 
Mrs. Iva Laun
TRICOCURSOS
-----------------------------------
www.tricoamaquina.com
www.tricocursos.com.br
 

 

10/02/2007
Any info on this line of Stout family

Hi, my name is Helen, my great great grandmother was Helen Stout, who married Robert Scollay  in 1852 at Westray. Their son Thomas Scollay born 15.02.1855 in bull rapness was my greatgrand father, his fathers birthplace was Westray, mothers Fair Isle. Thomas Scollay died 4th May 1936  Sydney Australia. On b/certificate of Thomas there was one boy living at the time of his birth, would like to hear from anybody else who would have any info on this line of Stout family .

 

Regards Helen Petrie ( email helenpetrie@bigpond.com.au )
 


 

06/02/2007
Researching
Irvines and Mathers

Hello Dave:

My name is Robert Irvine and I live in Ontario Canada.

I was born in Chatham New Brunswick and began researching my ancestors about 2 years ago, and found that my family came from Fair Isle in 1862. They were Irvines and Mathers.  I have linked up with a few distant relatives via the internet and we have shared the information that we have. One common bit of information that eludes us is, who were the individuals that migrated from Fair Isle in 1862?  Do you know  if there is a list available or of anyone who might have this information. 

Anything on this would be greatly appreciated.

Bob Irvine

07/01/2007
Hi Dave,
Happy New Year everyone!

Well, I'm now half way through my current stay in Kenya, so thought it was about time sent you a special Postcard.

On my travels many local people are intrigued by the many similarities between my home on Fair Isle and those areas and communities that I have been visiting over here in Kenya. Many of the issues and challenges that we face are very similar due to our shared geographical remoteness. - In fact, just name an issue and you can have have an immediate meeting of minds and experience...It's fascinating and very humbling and uplifting all at the same time..

When I have time and opportunity I'm managing to update my 'Postcards from Kenya' blogspot whilst I'm away, so if you haven't found it yet, you can catch up with me (& some photo's etc) there (http://www.cci-kenya.blogspot.com)

Hey, it's great to have news of our new neighbours at Burkle and Auld Haa who seem to be having fun experiencing their own new life-adventure on Fair Isle, too.

Looking forward to coming home and seeing everyone again soon...
See you all then,
Warm hugs,
Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Riddiford
Project Facilitator
The CommunityConservation Initiative 
'Linking Projects in Partnership' - Kenya
(CCI-Kenya)
email: cci_kenya@yahoo.co.uk




23/10/2006
Hello Dave,
I am the great granddaughter of Helen Irvine born Aug. 2, 1825 in Fair Isle, Shetland and Joseph Sinclair born in Dunrossness, Shetland. They both immigrated to Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. Their children were Jane, John, Ellen, Jessie and Elizabeth (Libbie) I am the granddaughter of Libbie. If there are any relatives of the above that would like to contact me, my email address is cmha.hastings@bellnet.ca
 
Thanks, Diane Poirier

17/10/2006
Dear Dave,
I am searching for any relatives of John Allison and Ann Stout, both born on Fair Isle in 1802 and 1806 respectively and married at Dunrossness in January 1827.
 
I am descended from John Allison and would like to contact anyone with similar antecedents.
 
Steve Chase 
Sydney Australia
Steve Chase [schase@bigpond.net.au]

29/10/2006
Hello Dave,
Puffin Camp 1 2006As the nights draw in, ones thoughts turn to the thoroughly enjoyable visit made to Fair Isle in June/July as part of the first NTS work camp. The tasks we carried out were great fun and we thank you for your hospitality and for making us so welcome. I hope the fence that Chiara and I repaired is now standing up to the autumn gales, and that your ram has started to regain his new winter coat!

I know that members of our work camp would like to stay informed of issues on the island, and my thoughts turned to the Fair Isle Times. Please would it be possible to scan issues into, say, .pdf format and distribute these by e-mail? I could then forward copies to the other members of our work party. Hopefully this could be much less labour-intensive and green than postal distribution as I believe takes place at present.

Id be interested to hear if this is feasible. Further, if theres anything that you need to be sourced down here in the Midlands then Id be pleased to assist.

Best regards,

Stuart Lamb
Puffin Camp 1/2006


04/10/2006
Hello Dave

Yesterday, I have read the latest news on the Fair Isle homepage. The story of the recent wedding on the island reminded me of my own story.

My wife Iris and I, we married in 2005 on Fair Isle. This was, of course, not an official wedding, neither civil nor religious. You would know this. But it was our own private wedding ceremony. On the 20th of June 2005, we went to Sheep Rock. At least as close as you can get there on Vaasetter. There we stayed during the whole morning, sat there with the whole world in front of us, and told each other all the things that one wants to tell in such a situation. This was our emotional wedding, although the official one was a few weeks later, back home in Switzerland. In the evening we returned to the FIBO, but nobody ever knew, what was happening that day. (see Pic 1)

In order to announce this big event to the whole world, we wrote a message, put it in a bottle and let it go with the currents of the ocean (please excuse the littering). We asked to let us know, whenever somebody should find the bottle. But so far (15 months later), we did not receive an answer.

We wanted to keep the spirit of Fair Isle for our real wedding later that year. So we collected some natural souvenirs, such as sand, little stones, feathers, dried flowers, sheep wool, broken egg shells, a bottle of seawater. This was part of our natural-outdoor wedding ceremony. (see Pic 2, the objects on the table). That way, Fair Isle will be part of our marriage forever and we will re-live that day when we return to the isle the next time.

Thanks to all the islanders for their hospitality and for your excellent work with homepage. I always enjoy reading the latest news.

Sincerely

Andreas

Andreas Boldt
Bern
andreas.boldt@wildark.ch
www.wildark.ch
 


26/05/2005 Looking to contact Robert Irvine from Canada

I'm looking for the Robert Irvine from Canada that e-mailed Lesley re: the Irvines & Leslies of Fair Isle. Lesley sent me his e-mail address and suggested I might like to contact him. I'd love to, but the e-mail address I got was not correct.

 
Robert, if you read this please e-mail me at the following address, I probably have info in the Irvine's of Saint John, NB that might be useful to you.
 
 
Myrna Pearson

05/03/2005 In answer to Kathleen Spademan's query re George Stout

His parents were Andrew Stout & Elizabeth Eunson. Margaret Eunson's parents were Alexander Eunson & Mary Brown.

I have more information on this family if Kathleen would care to e-mail me.

I am researching "Stouts" of Fair Isle & Orkney if anyone else has an interest.

Regards
Pete Thorley
(Thanks for that information Pete.  I've forwarded your e-mail to Kathleen.
Dave)


20/02/2005 Hi from USA (Thistle Camp 2003)

 
The website looks great (as usual) and brings back many happy memories of our Thistle Camp in 2003.  We remember the kindness of all the people living on Fair Isle, the fun we had at the Camp and the great evenings of music. 
 
We are returning to Scotland for another camp in June 2005.  Will be at Ben Lawyers digging up Scotland's past.
  
Keep that runway clear and best wishes to Neil, Jimmy, Elizabeth, etc. and their families.
 
Bob and Christy Carton
Averill Park, New York
 
(Yes we moved from warm Maryland to cold New York.  Guess we were looking for more of that Fair Isle weather!!).
 

09/02/2005 George Stout

Can anyone tell me who was George Stouts father or mother.  This is the George Stout that died in the 1897 disaster.  Any information about Margaret Eunson would be appreciated also.  My husband, Peter Spademan, is their Gt Gt Grandson.  We are one of the family members spread throughout the world, living in New Zealand.  We have some of our cousins names, Moira, Esther, Jean and Evelyn, all of whom live in Canada now.

Regards
Kathleen Spademan


17/01/2005 The Irvines & Leslies of Fair Isle

Hi Lesley --

I saw your letter on the Fair Isle web page and thought I might have something to add.  My great-great grandfather, Adam Williamson, was born on Fair Isle about 1821.   Sometime between 1841 and 1851 he married a Barbara Irvine  -- however I show her mother to be named Helen.  Not sure if she's your Barbara or not -- could there have been a second wife?  By 1861, Adam and Barbara had John (age 10), William (8), Margaret (6) and Oliver (1).  They immigrated to New Brunswick, Canada about 1863.  Oliver, the youngest, was my great-grandfather.  He married Edith Copeland in Canada but raised his large family in Chicago, where I reside.
 
Hope this is of some help to you. 
 
Regards,
Amy Williamson
 

21/11/2004 The Irvines & Leslies of Fair Isle

My great grandfather, Robert Irvine b. 18 March, 1856, and his family
emigrated from Fair Isle in 1862. They settled in New Brunswick, Canada.
Robert was married to a woman by the name of Jane b. 8 October, 1860 (maiden
name unknown). My family believes he is the son of Robert Irvine Sr. who
was likely married to a Grace Chyne. Other children listed for Robert &
Grace are: John, Barbara, Jane & Jennie. If anyone recognizes these names
please contact me.

Yours Truly,
Lesley
bllm@telus.net

p.s. I am saving for my trip already, Fair Isle looks so beautiful!


05/08/2004 Malpas Tractors: warping machine
Hello:
I am friend comes from china, I read the article on /www.fairisle.org.uk/agriculture/baler/baler.html, I am very interested your warping machine of silage bale, could your offer me some technical specification about it?

Best wishes,
Park Huang

(The Fair Isle web pages are certainly widely read!  Dave)


05/08/2004 Thanks for great memories
Hi Dave.
My wife and daughter and me visited Fair Isle in July 2004 on our
boat "Tranquillity", as we sailed from Norway to Shetland and the Orkneys. We were lucky enough to be invited to the concert and party with the
band "Rock, Salt and Nails" and attend the dancing afterwards. I have never
really understood the real reasons for melancholy behind Auld Lang Syne until
the final of that party.
The Fair Isle visit, although it only lasted a bit more than two days remains
our favourite memory form this summer.
My thanks to everyone on Fair Isle for their kind hospitality. We will be back
for certain.
Truls A. Berg


03/08/2004 Letters Page
Dear Dave, 

                  My friend and I had the great privilege of visiting the island in July 2004. I have to say that all the locals friendship and kindness made the holiday very special for me.
 I actually lived on the island for a few years but left 32 years ago and this was my first visit back since then. (better late than never) My father was lighthouse keeper at the North light. Everyone who remembered me and my parents came and spoke to me, it was quite a homecoming.
The football match was an unexpected highlight as we were invited to play, great fun.
We met members of the IVS camp and now keep in touch with some of them, in particular Leona from Prague. They really seemed to enjoy the experience on the island as much as we did.
The welcome at the Bird Observatory was first class, I shall return again for sure.
Unfortunately I did not get the chance to visit you at the weather station but hope to next time.
 
PS     Great website!!!
 
Regards, 
Mark Wylie

03/08/2004 Fair Isle Chairs
Dear Dave
I am forwarding this message and photographs from Stephen Jackson who is Furniture Curator at the Museum Of Scotland. We have chosen to donate the two "kitchen" chairs to the Museum. The photographs of the straw-backed chair show quite a lot of detail. I should be pleased to arrange for further photographs if that would be helpful

Andrew
 

Fair Isle straw-backed chair Fair Isle chair detail Fair Isle chair
Photographs copyright National Museums of Scotland
Stephen writes "This example of the straw-backed chair
is fairly unusual in having been painted to imitate oak, a superior timber.
For any readers who are curious about the freezer reference: we have found that careful freezing at -18 degrees C for about 72 hours within a strong, sealed plastic bag is an excellent means of killing woodworm, carpet beetle and similar insect pests and so we freeze most in-coming organic objects as a preventive measure.

------ Forwarded Message
From: Stephen Jackson
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2004 15:29:59 +0100
To: Andrew Tweedie
Subject: RE: Fair Isle Chairs

Dear Andrew

It would be great if you could discover more about the origins of the chairs and their place in the family home. I attach pictures of the straw-backed chair and two snaps of the donated chairs (just before they went into the freezer). I'm quite confident that the knotting of the Fair Isle chair is of the distinct Fair Isle type using knots derived from net-mending and cotton string in place of the Orcadian sisal string.

Yours, Stephen

Stephen Jackson
Curator of Furniture
National Museums of Scotland


31/07/2004
John and Barbara Wilson

Dear Dave

My great great grandparents were John and Barbara Wilson.  They lived at Taft.
It is my understanding that John built the house there.  I believe that there are commemorative stain glass windows in the local chapel.

My grandparents were Jane Wilson and Tom Irvine, who came to Edinburgh around 1897.

They brought with them some pieces of hand made furniture etc which I have now inherited. I should like to trace the origins of these if I can.

Are you aware of any good sources of information about Taft itself [when it was built etc] or about Fair Isle furniture and artefacts?

Best wishes

Andrew Tweedie

PS My mother is Mollie Macpherson, whose mother was Barbara Irvine. Barbara was born on the Island in 1895, just before her parents emigrated to Edinburgh.


28/07/04
2003 Work Camps

Hi Dave

Just having a look at the website to catch up on the news and evoke happy memories of the camp last August.

On the work camp part of the site there isn't anything for 2003 - we're we all so bad that the island wants to forget about us?

Can't believe its a year since we were with you all having such a good time taking away happy memories.

We are still in touch with Lucy who has been in N Zealand for almost a year now - she's had a great time.

Mike and I both went back to our old jobs after our year out but I will be leaving in 7 weeks to start a degree in nursing at Chester College - very excited but also bit daunting!

Hope the dog is as mad as ever and that the bridge in the garden is still up and working!

Look forward to hearing from you re my question.

Regards
Helen Boothman

Helen, I had noticed that gap - but when I looked back I seem to have very few photographs of the 2003 Camps!  However I've now added a couple.  Who knows but someone reading this might send more!!


28/07/04
Kier Construction
Hi Dave
 
I was surfing the net today and came upon your website. On looking through your super collection of photos, it brought back all the happy memories I had when I was on the island building the North Haven with Kier, of the scenery, the wonderful weather (at times) and certainly not least the friendship shown to all of us who invaded the peace and tranquillity of all the islanders. I hope that the harbour has been a true benefit to the community.
 
I had always promised myself to return bringing my good lady, but she is a bit skittish about boats and almost gets sea sick on the Mersey Ferry. Nevertheless I still intend to make the trip some day.
 
Please given my regards to all who remember us as the madmen at the North Haven.
 
Kind regards,
 
Rodger ( ex. Kier Construction)
 
Rodger Anderson
 
Rodger, you only have to look at the picture on the Home Page and count the number of visiting yachts tied up alongside to see what a difference the work has made!

25/07/04
George Waterston

I really enjoyed the Fair Isle Times special on George Waterston.  What about a more detailed potted history of G.W. for Fair Isle Times and the website?  What did he do work-wise etc.?  Biographical details would be interesting.
 
Lindsey Stout

Perhaps somewhere someone is already writing his biography?


30/06/2004
Missed Fair Isle visit & family history

Dave,
We were a little disappointed when we planned a trip to Fair Isle this year in June and were informed that accommodation was a problem. We ended up going to the Hebrides.
Now that we are back I thought I would plan well ahead for next year to Fair Isle. I have just looked at your web page and thought I might take the liberty to contact you.
We are tracing my wife's family history which goes back to Fair Isle. I wondered if you could let me know if Melville house still exists on the Island ?
My wife's Grandfather was William Anderson who married Jacobina Joan Wilson on 20 June 1908.
William was the son of Thomas Anderson who married Helen Meiklejohn Cant on 31 Dec 1877
Can you point us in the right direction to trace family from this island? We know they lived in Melville House.
 
I hope you don't mind me e-mailing you on this subject.
 
Graeme Pearson
Dunfermline
Fife 

Graeme,
Im also rather disappointed that you were told that accommodation on the Isle was a problem.  May and September can get rather busy during the bird migration season when lots of twitchers descend upon Fair Isle hoping to see a rare migrant the first for Britain is always the hope but Im surprised that you couldnt find anywhere to stay in June.  However, Im sure that you enjoyed you visit to the Hebrides and you do still have the anticipation of a wonderful holiday to come on Fair Isle!


11/06/2004
Hi Dave,
 
Missed your webcamera with picture of current weather while you were on holiday. Welcome back and trust that you had an enjoyable time walking the in North England.
See you in July.
 
All well here
 
Malcolm and Edith

It was a nice break but good to be back.  40 years since I was last in the Yorkshire Dales.  Many changes there - some for the better, a few not so!


09/06/2004
Regarding Hoffmans on Fair Isle
From IGI:
 
Marriage 18 OCT 1809 Canongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
 
Christiana Agnes christened 17 DEC 1810 Saint Mary, Woodbridge, Suffolk, England
 
Robert Milne born 14 MAY 1817, christened 03 JUN 1817 Airlie, Angus, Scotland
 
Isabell born 20 JUN 1819 Airlie, Angus, Scotland
 
John Dimotius Ruperty christened 19 OCT 1821 Canongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
 
Mary Jane christened 01 NOV 1824 Canongate, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
 
Hannah born 03 AUG 1831 Edinburgh Parish, Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland
 
 
If they were living on Fair Isle in 1820-1825 they went doon sooth for the christenings.
 
Hope this is of some assistance,
Chris Johnston
Atlanta, GA  USA


20/01/03
Subject: Re: Hoffmans on Fair Isle
Hello, I wonder if you can help me, I'm trying to trace any details of my ancestors living on Fair Isle circa 1820-1825. The family were John Andrew Hoffman married to Isabella Dickson, at least two of their children were born there - Mary Jane and John Dimotius (strange name), they had five previous children, but I'm unsure where they were born.

The family were later to link up with the Laing-Meason's of Orkney.

Any information or a point in the right direction would be of immense help.

 

Ian


 

06/12/02
Subject: Need website/information for group that played @ your school on June 1, 2002

We were part of the Adventure Canada group that attended a dinner and Ceilidh at your school on June 1, 2002. We greatly enjoyed the dinner as well as the performance of a local Fair Island musical group. It was mentioned that this talented group would be touring parts of North America later this year. We are interested in the name of the group and where they might be appearing. If they have a website, we would be interested in that also. We very much enjoyed the hospitality of the friendly people of Fair Island and bring back many wonderful memories of our visit. We would like to thank and congratulate everyone who had a part in planning and executing this wonderful evening for our group.

Sincerely,
John E. and Dorothy A. Mitchell
Dover, Delaware--USA
 



06/12/02
Dave,

While browsing the letters on the Fair Isle site I noticed a response to
a letter from Fiona Pearson, she mentioned having a copy of the census
from 1841 to 1851. I think that she may be able to help me. My great
grandfather James, and his parents Robert and Grace (Cheyney) emigrated
from Fair Isle about 1850 and settled in eastern Canada.

Would it be possible for you to forward this post to Fiona? or perhaps
you could just post it on your letter site and I can hope for a reply :)

Thanks for the great site, and for your assistance.

Myrna Pearson

 

I was just checking my post of yesterday to you and I think that a last
name might be helpful :) The surname of my great grandfather was
Irvine. This may be of some help :))


25/11/02

Dear Dave,
I have been searching for my roots for several years. My Uncle believed that our family originated on Fair Isle. I would love to claim such a beautiful point of origin, but I seriously doubt it. My question to you is this; Do you know if there is a history of people with the surname of Fair who lived there in the 1700's? My GGGGrandfather was named Amazi Lewis Fair and he was born in America. His Mothers name was Sarah. I don't know her maiden name, nor do I know Amazi's fathers name.
Is there anybody that you could lead me to in order to get some help with this project? Thank you very much for you time. I would love to visit the Isle. The pictures remind me of Flam Norway where we visited my cousin a couple of years ago.
Sarah Fair

I'