ROSEMONDE'S HOARD

I was lent a fascinating collection of Scrimgeour related books, brochures, papers, letters and a photo by Rosemonde Morton on the day of our Gathering at Blair Atholl. Before returning them, a few details and extracts from these documents, I am sure will be of interest. I can put on record, too, thanks for being allowed to borrow them.

The book - 'The Scottish Chiefs' - is an historically based novel centring on Wallace and his henchmen, the Chiefs of the title, one of the principal being Alexander Scrimgeour. The story in parts describes, admittedly part conjecture, much of his close involvement with Wallace's exploits. It is published by Simpkin Marshall, author Jane Porter and not dated. But although a 350 page book, it cost only 3/6 so probably belongs to the thirties. Yellowed newspaper cuttings of the famous Standard Bearer case are between its pages.

A letter dated 1962 to John L. S. Scrimgeour of Detroit has this extract from the Scots Magazine of May that year:

"The days when Dundee was a small city surrounded by rural country are remembered by such names as The Pleasance, at one time part of the gardens of Dudhope Castle. Paradise Road, Rustic Place and Dallfield Walk, which were all parts of the pleasure gardens of the estate of Dallfield which belonged to the Scrymgeours of Dudhope and Chapelshade. These streets have long since ceased to be places of beauty and the original meaning of their names is forgotten."

A copy of The Scottish Guardian December 1937. contains the following two paragraphs. Firstly -

"The James Scrymgeour who was honoured by poetical tribute from McGonagal1 was a well known citizen of Dundee. He was a lay preacher of the Methodist Church and a warm friend of Bishop A P Forbes, whom he regarded with deep veneration. His family have inherited the paternal qualities in larger measure than they themselves would claim.

Ex-Provost George Scrymgeour of Newport and Mr Norval Scrymgeour are notable journalists and Mr Edwin is the former Prohihibitionist M.P, for the city Mr R A Scrymgeour of a later generation, has been chosen as National Government Candidate for Kirkcaldy Burghs."

These, not surprisingly, are Rosemonde's own forebears!

Secondly. and this really says it all .

The Scrymgeour clan are, one might almost say, aboriginal inhabitants of Dundee. Dudhope Castle was long their stronghold. The name, with several variations of spelling, is found in all ranks of society from the Hereditary Standard-Bearer of the King to the humble mill-worker. All share a common pride in a long descent in blood and a high level of achievement in useful service in the community.

Then there is a signed print of the well known oil painting of Edwin Scrymgeour. M.P. for Dundee.

Next, a booklet "The Story of Dudhope Castle" written in 1959 to support the appeal then being made for funds to save it.

Another booklet, published in aid of Dudhope Castle Restoration Fund- "Historic Dundee", by Colin Gibson. This is full of interest covering many celebrated buildings some, alas, no more.

These are all precious publications and it is good to know they are in such safe hands. Thank you, Rosemonde, for allowing us to share these treasures.