An Argyll archive adventure
Inveraray History Society breathed a sigh of relief this month when Inveraray Castle archivist Alison Diamond agreed to step in at the last minute to cover a cancellation for the February meeting.
Well aware of the importance of the work in the archives, members were intrigued by how wide ranging her team’s tasks are to conserve such precious documents.
The Argyll Papers are the Duke of Argyll’s family and estates’ archives from as far back as the 13th century.
These records show the strong links with the different monarchies over those years.
Originally kept in barrels to facilitate their being taken around the country on the Dukes’ travels, they have been known to have been stored for many years in Carrick Castle and even, for a while, in a cave near Loch Eck.
The current Duke opened the archives to the public, with the first archivist appointed from 2011-16, after which Alison came into post.
Due to her enthusiasm and commitment, Alison has acquired a large team of volunteers, both working remotely to transcribe documents, and others helping to catalogue and digitise papers in the castle archives.
The castle’s records are a rich historical collection and are estimated to stretch at least a half kilometre in length, with more than 1,100 boxes to date, including personal letters, treaties, maps and official documents in English, Gaelic, Latin, Spanish and other languages. Ideas for further storage are being considered as there are many more papers to be catalogued and stored.
Volunteers inspect the Argyll Papers.
Modern metallic shelves have replaced wooden storage to avoid insect damage, and there has been investment in acid-free boxes and controlling temperatures and humidity for long-term preservation. Lessons were learned from the disastrous effects of two major fires in 1877 and 1975, and a comprehensive disaster plan is now in place.
Conservation plays a crucial role in the archives and documents, including the Mary, Queen of Scots charter, require expertise in repairing, strengthening and preserving such delicate evidence of life as far back as the 12th and 13th centuries.
Digitisation and cataloguing underpin everything that takes place in the archives, preserving important historical information for future generations and helping to speed up response to numerous daily enquiries from academics, historians, researchers, genealogists and other interested parties around the world.
School and group visits to the archives are encouraged, outreach events are held around Argyll, multi-media performances involving schools have been held on Tiree and elsewhere, as well as events and exhibitions in and around the castle.
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Society are now corporate members of the Argyll Papers, which will support the archives in their valuable work and give members the opportunity to join the monthly Zoom presentations on a wide variety of interesting topics.
The society wants to play its part in, as Alison says, “Telling the story for the future”.
Next month’s talk will be given by Ian McNeish, an entertaining speaker, on a Family History of World War II, with some very special documents to show.
It will take place, as usual, in the Church Hall on Tuesday, March 5, at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome (£5).