Archive’s fortyyears ofhistory

Staff at the region’s archives have marked an important milestone over the weekend.

The Perth and Kinross Archive started 40 years ago in the basement of the Sandeman Library.

Now it is housed in purpose-built facilities in Perth’s AK Bell Library.

With over 750 collections and over two million individual items, the archive shows every aspect of Perth and Kinross’ history.

Some of the collections include the Perth Burgh pre-1700 records from the Scottish Record Office, John Smeaton’s kist from the Perth Burgh Bridge Commissioners, the Jacobite Papers, Perth Theatre’s archive, John Pullar dyers and cleaners’ archive and memories from when Perth was awarded city status in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.

To celebrate the archives’ 40th anniversary a month-long programme of activities and events is organised for November.

The celebrations kicked off on Friday with a civic reception in AK Bell Library.

A keynote speech was given by the former keeper of the Records of Scotland George Mackenzie, who spoke on the history of the archive, its place within the local community and its role within the wider archival and research community.

A selection of the staff and volunteers’ favourite documents and treasures from the archive were on display during Friday evening’s reception.

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

“Dating from the 12th century to the present day, the archive is made up of thousands of manuscripts, maps, volumes, photographs, pamphlets, film and sound recordings and it is freely available to anyone interested in exploring their past.

“The provost’s reception on November 2 was a wonderful way to celebrate the archive and bring people together who have contributed to its development of the years: researchers, volunteers, staff, depositors, local people, local heritage groups and many others.”