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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Information from the 1600s that relates to the Tower or the family. There
are sources but I do not know them.
Information about Robert the Bruce in our area. Who worked with him? Any
Shaws?
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