Working together to make discoveries

Dear Shaws

Many of our people are active researchers. Often they combine research with holidays to Scotland. I am sometimes asked to suggest research topics, so here is my current list of suggestions:

  1. Wills from Edinburgh (anything that relates to Craigend or to places in close proximity). We know of one very significant will (I will put a copy on the website shortly). There must be others. The National Archives charge a fee for searching and the production of copies. Note that much material is being made available on the internet, and that we need someone to do this work in that way. This is work you can do without leaving home. http://www.nas.gov.uk/ I would not mind reimbursing the cost of documents. This project needs someone who has tenactity. Specialise in becoming an expert on the one website and the one area of enquiry. Be systematic.
  2. Plans or drawings of the Craigend Tower or other structures in the area, around the 1700 and 1800s. There are books that show similar places, but nothing specific on our place.
  3. An amateur survey of Craigend Tower. You can see the stones (I have seen them). We desparately need someone to measure the site and record where each stone is. Might be a two day job. Of all the tasks this seems to be the most vital. The forestry people would possibly assit you if we approached them the right way.
  4. Someone needs to write to the Scotish Parliament and ask them to formally protect our site and bring it to the attention of the forestry company that covers it in destructive pine trees. Like wise to other officials. This is a job for a retired civil servant. Someone who has the knowledge and experience necessary to move offficals.
  5. Information from the 1600s that relates to the Tower or the family. There are sources but I do not know them.
  6. Information about Robert the Bruce in our area. Who worked with him? Any Shaws?
  7. Historical research into the name of the loch Clatteringshaws.

It is appreciated that not everyone is in a position to do this work, but it is of vital interest to a large number of people. If you can contribute in some way, it will be much appreciated. My plan is to provide whatever comes along via this website. As you have probably noticed the website is in constant need of a "tidy-up". My philosophy is to give priority to making things available, rather than making them pretty.

It is appreciated that people are so willing to share their information with the "Shaws Of Kells" website. You never know what significance some wee thing that you write might have in the research, and indeed, life, of others. If you are a Shaw Of Kells, you do know where you stand. This, in several senses of "stand".

Finally, if your travels take you to the Kircudbright Museum, take some flowers to Vivien Dania who works there and thank her for the work she has done for us over the last 6 years. It is the Shaw way. She continues to provide us with material and she has a wealth of knowledge.

Robert Shaw
Papakowhai
Porirua City
New Zealand
Saturday, September 3, 2005

 

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