Dr Lachlan Grant of Ballachulish c.1870-1945
10 October 2011
Dr Lachlan Grant c.1900 ©National Museums of Scotland
Dr Lachlan Grant of Ballachulish: a one day history workshop
Summary report
We are delighted to report that the one day history workshop held in Ballachulish on Saturday 10th September was a great success. Turnout among the community was excellent – indeed, we were fully subscribed for places – and initial feedback suggests that the event was much appreciated and stimulated interest for future work.
The day began with six short papers given by academics covering all aspects of political, social and medical life in the western Highlands in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. These were designed to stimulate ideas for the second part of the day: the discussion workshops. These were organised thematically, led by a facilitator, and asked participants what areas of historical research they would like to see explored further.
We were also delighted to have representatives and a small exhibition from the Glencoe and Lorn Folk Museum along on the day; they put on display items from Dr Lachlan Grant’s medical instrument collection, which added further interest.
In terms of future work to come from the day, following the suggestions made at the workshop, we will:
1. Set up and run an ‘Oral History workshop’ in the area, so that locals can start their own interviewing and recording;
2. Set up a database (online) that will hold details of all the local history societies and the details of historians who would be willing to give papers and presentations locally. Additionally, a lot of support was given to the idea of digitising and making available online primary sources from the period, for example, the evidence given to various government commissions, photographs etc;
3. Set up a mailing list of the participants and academics interested so that good lines of communication are maintained and consultation can be carried forward.
Any more details can be found by getting in touch with Dr Annie Tindley, GCU at:
Annemarie.tindley@gcu.ac.uk
view online (Programme booklet)
Dr Annie Tindley at the Shinty Pavillion, Ballachulish.
