News
2024/25 Programme
The season got off to a great start on September 21st when local historian and long-time AHS committee member Neill Malcolm shared some Appin tales from the Dewar Manuscripts. These turned out to be quite gruesome in detail but a fascinating look into past history of the Appin area. Neill and a dedicated group of volunteers have been working for many years transcribing and translating this huge volume of work into a form ready for re-publication over years to come.
In October we were treated to an enthusiastic, informative and enjoyable look at 'Scotland Beneath the Surface', by author L Bruce Keith. Based on his book of the same title, Bruce talked of many varied wonders beneath Scotland's soil, both natural and manmade.
A packed and enthusiastic audience enjoyed Stuart Carmichael's talk in November when he shared stories and images of Appin of Old. There was a huge amount of interest in his stories and defintiely scope for more talks in the future.
In December we had a good turnout for our AGM. Long-term Chairman Iain McNicol has sadly decided to stand down from his position as Chair due to ill health, but will stay on the Committee. All present wished him well in his continuing treatment and look forward to welcoming him back to meetings when he is able. The remaining committee members were all voted back on and we are delighted to be joined by Issy Silkowski for the next year. The business of the day was followed by a short talk by Becky Coope and Neill Malcolm on the history of salmon netting in Cuil Bay. This formed an introduction to 'Catching the Tide' – a short film made by Colin MacPherson when he visited Sandy MacLachlan of Duror talking about his life as a third generation salmon netter in Cuil Bay. The film was followed by a welcome cup of warm Scandinavian gloggi and festive nibbles which was enjoyed by all!
For our first talk of the New Year, Alistair McDermott treated us to a second batch of fascinating stories of Scots who had an impact on Spanish history. Alistair's enthusiasm for the subject was clear as he led us through extraodinary tales of characters from the 1600s on. With more material still available, including suggestions of suitable candidates from the floor, there may be another talk on this topic.
In February we were treated to a wonderfully passionate talk by Ailsa Clarke on Scotland's suffragettes and suffragists. Much of the detail, unknown by many of us, of what these brave women suffered was quite harrowing, but compelling listening.
We rounded off the season with a fascinating update from Bob Hay on the digs at the Glebe on Lismore. He told us that more than 1500 items were unearthed at the site and these are now being evaluated by a team at the National Museum of Scotland.
Shortly after the January meeting, the eagerly awaited second editon of the 'bumper' AppinArchived magazine arrived from the printer. Copies of this have been distributed free to all members. Copies of the new edition and edition 1 are available in the shops in the village or by post (see Publications for details).
We are well on the way to securing the programme for the 2025/26 season, so please watch out for confirmation of those talks.
As always, if anyone would like to become actively invloved in the Society, either as a member, contributor to the newsletter, or future speaker, please get in touch. The Society survives on the dedication and input of members of Appin community!
