Tay Family History Society

Our latest talk - Left at the Wellgate, the untold story of Mary Petrie Smith, is now online. Members please go to Research Information, Video Talks, links for members, and more to access the link. Others with interest please email us at talks@tayvalleyfhs.org.uk for access. Talk is also linked from our Tay Connect group on Facebook. Registration link for the Q&A is also on the 'Research Information' page and on Tay Connect.

This talk is a fascinating exposition by Jamie Lees, a Canadian writer, designer, producer, and independent historian, of uncovering and telling the story of her ancestor Mary Petrie Smith or Clark - a lass from Arbroath who married in Dundee and who, in 1911, left her two young sons in their pram in front of a pub in Dundee's Wellgate and made her way, via Port Glasgow, to Canada. And Mary's story doesn't end there...

It's a really great example of perseverance by a family historian, who was looking critically at all records and contacting family members - and Jamie has met several 'new' family members in discovering this story. Q&A with Jamie on Monday 26th October, 8.00 p.m. (and remember that the clocks will have just changed).

Remember to register for Q&A - link is on that Research Information page.

Members can read this issue at our Journal Archive. And, a copy will soon be reaching members electronically, or for a few in hard copy. The Table of Contents looks once again very interesting! Here's a message from our Publications team.

'We are delighted to attach the latest Historian issue 135. The theme Crafts and Creativity continues for a final time. We have a couple of articles on that: “Timeless Time Pieces” and “The Thomsons and Scotch Whisky” and we also have the second part of “John Craik” and “Henry Wood Wilson” articles. Our Chair has written yet another interesting article about when we research the details of our ancestors’ death we are also creating a record of their life; which is the aim of Tay Valley FHS.

We do hope that you enjoy reading it and if you have the inclination we always welcome new contributors.

With best wishes,
The Publications Team'

The Mitchell library is aiming to have a month-long display in February 2027 surrounding the 330^th anniversary of the Paisley witch trials and Bargarran manuscript. We are looking to include information about the Witchcraft trials across Scotland as a whole.

If you have an interest in this aspect of history and could provide information, materials or exhibits, please contact -

Fiona Pisacreta - Fiona.Pisacreta@glasgowlife.org.uk

Video talk - 'Left at the Wellgate' - now online!

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