People
William Beveridge and Dunfermline
Did you know…
…about the Dunfermline links of the author of the Beveridge Report?
In “Sir William Beveridge“, Jean Barclay describes the family links between one of the founders of the modern welfare state and his second cousin the Dunfermline industrialist and archaeologist Erskine Beveridge, including a visit in 1919 by Sir William to his cousin’s house on the island of Vallay, off North Uist.
The Rev. Ralph Erskine
There is a statue of an 18th Century minister outside the former church in Queen Anne St. and it has been there since 1849. Who is it of, and why was he commemorated like this? In “Rev. RALPH ERSKINE (1685-1752) – SECESSIONIST MINISTER” George Robertson answers these questions and explains some of the complex church politics of the time, between the turbulence of the earlier 17th Century religious strife and the better known, later, Disruption.
Hills Laundry
George Beattie continues his series on Dunfermline’s industrial and commercial past with another 20th Century history, this time of the laundry company Hills of Fife. George has included a large number of photographs and an interview, conducted in 2009, with a former employee, Jenny Ferguson, who worked for Hills between 1928 and 1942.
Provost Moodie’s Little Troubles
Did You Know…
About Provost Moodie’s Little Troubles?
In “Provost James Moodie” Jean Barclay tells of of the “interesting and energetic” life of an early 19th Century Provost of Dunfermline, after whom Moodie Street is named. Provost Moodie achieved many things but also found himself in trouble with the Church more than once.
John Jackson, Coachbuilders
In John Jackson and Sons, Coachbuilders, George Beattie continues his series on Dunfermline’s industrial and commercial past, this time with the history of a 20th Century firm. The article includes a fascinating selection of photographs of the staff, premises and some of the vehicles the company built.