Historian to give virtual tour of Sutherland crofting township Gartymore in Timespan talk
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Local historian Esther McDonald is to give a slide presentation on the history and development of the crofting township of Gartymore – or Garsti Mhor, to give it its Gaelic name, writes Audrey Munro.
The talk this Saturday, October 7, is the latest in a series of local heritage events at Timespan Museum and Arts Centre, Helmsdale, and follows her successful talk on Portgower.
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Starting at the mill at the bottom of Portgower Brae, south of Helmsdale, Esther will take her audience on a virtual tour round the township, including the ancient site of the Dun Phail Broch and the medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Inan.
She will look at township families through the generations; individuals such as William Pope, from the 1800s, and their significance to the history of the whole area; and 20th century personalities she herself knew. How many of us remember Scott’s Handloom Weaving?
Esther will also speak about the arrival of those evicted from Kildonan in the 1810s, the formation of the Highland Land League, and World War I.
Esther’s slides come from her own extensive archive, which she has built up over the years with photos from her family, as well as photo from other people, and those she herself has taken of historical buildings and local flora and fauna through the seasons.
So, why does Esther devote so much time to local history?
She says: “It’s my love of history, the people, the places and my family. I was mentored by my mother, the late Elizabeth Fraser, nee Levack, who talked history with me, and so many other locals.
"I want to bring to life the extremely varied history of Gartymore - the people and the places who made up the township.”
Garsti Mhor by Esther McDonald takes place at Timespan on Saturday, October 7, from 11am-1pm.
