Archive is opened up to the public

Perth and Kinross Archive celebrates its 40th anniversary this month with talks, tours, exhibitions and film screenings.

Perth and Kinross archivist Ishbel MacKinnon said:“Perth and Kinross has a rich and fascinating past, much of it documented through its historical records.”

Archive volunteers and staff were asked to select a favourite document from the archive to display during the civic reception on November 2.

It should be something that had special significance to them, or was particularly interesting, important or unusual.

A collection of 57 silk embroidered World War I postcards were what archive assistant Lorna Westwater picked out.

The cards were sent home by Red Cross driver John T Reid to his wife and daughter during the 1914-18 conflict.

As Lorna catalogued this beautiful collection which had been treasured by his family for so many years, she felt as though she got to know John Reid through the messages on the postcards and had great admiration for his stoicism in the face of adversity.

These postcards and other items can be seen on the archive open day at the AK Bell Library on November 17 from 10am-12.30pm, when staff and volunteers invite the public to see behind the scenes and visit the archive strong room.