IN BRIEF

Sad and good news come together from Dr. Eleanor Bennet. Her near 90 year old father Jamie Meek Scrimgeour died in March, the last male member of that line of the name. We send sympathy. The good news - she is to be congratulated on her recent graduation as a Doctor.

 

Ex-World War II Flight Lieutenant George Baker. R.A.F..of Ontario, died in January. His wife Margaret was a Scrimgeour and his survivors include seven grandchildren. Sympathy is extended to all the family.

 

Chris Jansz sends a long chatty "Letter from Australia" to Secretary Betty It is so welcome, overseas Council Members keeping in touch this way. Thank you for writing, Chris.

 

Thanks to Helen Scrimgeour, Newport-on-Tay, for kindly supplying names and addresses of three Scrimgeour families in the Blair Atholl Area. All were written to twice, attempting to interest them in the Association and this year's Gathering especially. No luck. But thanks to Helen, and we must all keep trying to recruit members.

We are sorry to record Nan Westons "retiral" as Council Member in Western U.S A. but hasten to add thanks for her liaison over the years. Somehow we must endeavour to involve such willing folks more directly. Letters (yes plural) on this subject, for publication in the Skirmisher, would be warmly welcomed.

A mosaic of the Scrimgeour Crest is to be featured at the entrance to Dudhope Castle. This is entirely thanks to Parks Manager Andrew Child of Dundee City District Council He is responsible for the Castle's surrounds and has already completely transformed the area to the rear of the building with a splendidly landscaped car park. The front, we are certain, will set off the facade admirably when the gardens, now under construction, are established.

 

"Another letter from France" from Cousin Anthony, does not indicate any - reduction in support and encouragement from Claude-Andrew. Many still are his letters but 'another'. takes Andrew's role in this issue. However. we can't resist publishing an abbreviated version of his meeting with our Chief the "Tale of Alexander's Table".

 

The abundance of good wishes & apologies, received annually, despite occasional dips in attendance at Gatherings, has been subject of comment before. Samuel Reynolds of Winnipeg even felt he should explain why his greeting had not been forthcoming for inclusion. This is a record - an apology for not managing to send an apology.

 

An Australian. Chris Pigott. kindly sent excerpts from a Maclagan-Crichton family tree featuring a number of Scrimgeours one of which, on first sight, I believe to be one of my own forebears.

 

The Courier last year carried an article describing V E. Day celebrations in Dundee streets. Beautiful weather allowed outside sit-down meals even using .... .-Mrs Scrimgeour's 30 year 'old ivory damask cloth'. and the same lady's tea-set, subsequently… "stacked away into the display cabinet". Any suggestions who this good lady was?

 

Good to hear again from Howard Scrimgeour, Ontario. Here is a Member who .... "lost contact with the Association around 1977" .. There may be others to welcome back.

 

Ron Scrimgeour, assistant rector at Arbroath Academy, whose duties include careers advice, was given an insight into Fleet Air Arm life during which it was revealed that Wren recruitment was "very buoyant", since the decision that they could be sent to sea.

 

Brian and Vera Scrimgeours' financial plight .... "victims of the system", was recently given almost full page treatment by the Herald (no longer the Glasgow Herald) in spite of being a local Dundee question. Journalism becomes more competitive daily.

 

May '92 Scots Magazine contains correspondence from Dr. J.W F. Scrimgeour (Member) of Thunder Bay. Ontario. His lifelong interest in railways was shared by his Cousin, your Editor. His forte - signalling, mine - locomotives.

 

Several years ago I failed to recruit one Drew Scrimgeour to our number: but a few weeks ago his cousin, Ian Scrimgeour, more enlightened (!) contacted me and intends to join. Thanks to Drew, Ian gained my address. Recruitment is not a speedy process.

 

Dollar Gourmets Guide - vintage edition - features a Scrimgeours of Crieff Ltd. full page advert, below a photo of the celebrated building it reads "Come into the Store that puts the Customer first.... apart from a fine selection of clothes and of styles including drapery, soft furnishings, fancy goods, ladies' and mens' wear. Scrimgeours Crieff Ltd. go all out to make shopping a pleasure, for you the customer. In the pleasant surroundings of the different departments, you are welcome to make your choice in leisure - without fuss or worry. So remember, next time you are out shopping - you are always welcome at Scrimgeours".

 

Members who attended our historic first A.G.M. in Dudhope Castle may recall the name board for this famous shop was on display there. It currently rests in one of the dungeons awaiting hoped for permanent mounting in the Scrimgeour Room.

 

An interesting letter from New South Wales, Bob Scrymgeour, includes newspaper cutting copies of 1890 with details of a coach accident on Loch Lomondside in which Dundee Ex-Convener,John Scrymgeour's wife was killed, and another of his own death a year later. Also enclosed is a copy of the menu of Bob's grandparents golden wedding celebration in Lamb's Hotel in 1908. These will be carefully kept and, eventually, we trust, rest with other such material in Dudhope.

 

Douglas writes .... "While visiting Jersey this summer Barbara and I were interested to see the family name writ large on a memorial tablet to a former minister in St. Columba's Church of Scotland in St. Helier. The Rev. Robert Scrymgeour, born in Linlithgow in 1866, had been minister there for 31 years from 1898 to 1929, prior to his death in 1932. He is described as a lover of letters and of his fellow men a valued preacher and pastor". Any claimants of this worthy ancestor? Letter(s) for publication in next years Skirmisher.

please (Editor)