Alford Image Library

Peter Shepherd

Wondered if anyone had any information on the early life of Peter Shepherd, born 1841 at Craigmill Cushnie. How did a farmers son, at that time, get to university and become a Surgeon-Major in the army. He practically invented First Aid but was killed soon after in the Zulu wars. He's my 4x Great Uncle

brae cottage in leochel cushnie

Looking for any information on brae cottage in leochel cushnie my great-great grandparents lived in this cottage in 1911 and would love to hear from anyone who knows anything about the cottage or the family that lived there it was the peters family, James and frances peters and childeren alexander, joseph, lilly,constance and their granddaughter ethel any help would be great.

Reekie Name Alford

I would like to know when the name Reekie first appeared in Alford , Aberdeenshire , I know that there is a Reekie Farm and a Reekie Road , was the farm and road named after a Reekie and who was this person .

The Ogg's from Moss Croft, Tough

Would love know more on the Ogg family who lived in Moss Croft at Tilly Carrie. I am doing some research on behalf of a family friend Graeme Ogg who would love to know all about William Ogg b.1839 and Margaret Findlay b. 1850 family as far as we know they had ten children and they were all raised on the farm steading there. I think it was abandoned in the early 1900's but would be great if anyone could give me some info to pass on to Graeme.

DONALD and EMSLIE FAMILIES

My great-grandfather James Donald (b.Inverurie,1857)married Jean or Jane Emslie (b.Towie 1858) at Gallowhill, Alford in 1880 where my grandfather, also James was born later that year. In 1881, James senior is recorded in the Tullynessle and Forbes census records working as a farm servant at Scotsmill Farm (James Lawson) while his wife and infant son resided in lodgings in Alford. By 1891, he is still working at Scotsmill Farm, resident at Scotsmill Cottage, Tullynessle with a family that now includes his wife Jean/Jane and children James(10) John(8) Agnes(6) Robert(4) and stepson William(13). Other addresses where the family lived during this period are Whitehouse; Upper Fowlis, Leochel Cushnie and Langlands Cottage, Tullynessle. By 1901, James and Jean have moved to St Vigeans, Arbroath where James is employed as a gardener. His stepson William(22) is a ploughman at Strathlunack, Tullynessle and Forbes; James(20) is a tailor in Aberdeen; John(19) is a labourer in Glasgow and Agnes(17) is a domestic servant in Aberdeen. Two sons remained at home, Robert Emslie Donald(14) and George Lawson Donald(9) My great-grandfather died at St Vigeans in 1906 and my great-grandmother died in Montrose in 1939. William Donald lived for the rest of his life in Arbroath while his brother James, my grandfather, returned to Montgarrie, working as a tailor there before setting up business in Summer Street, Aberdeen in 1919. In 1923, he and his wife and young family (my father Robert Emslie and uncles James and Douglas) emigrated to New York, but returned to Holburn Street, Aberdeen in 1928 after a few years in Arbroath. His brother, John was a merchant seaman; Robert emigrated to the USA in 1923 and died in Santa Barbara, California in 1943; George emigrated to the USA in 1910, became a naturalised American citizen in 1924 and died in Santa Clara, California in 1966. Agnes Donald married David James Strachan Scott in 1908 and also emigrated to the USA, and lived in Los Angeles, California. I would be interested in hearing from anybody, particularly any relatives of Jean/Jane Emslie or descendants of James Lawson.

Ferries and Calder Families

Recently came across your interesting website when doing some family history research. My great-grandfather William Ferries, lived in the Kirkton of Tough and latterly at Torries, Tough. My mother tells me he was a tailor who worked from home and that he was one-legged as he had lost a leg due to a farming accident. My research also leads me to believe there was a connection to the Calder family of Whitehouse, Lumphanan. I would be interested to hear from anyone who has a connection or remembers these names.

Neish Family of Fernbank

I am researching my fathers family, his father was Andrew Neish & he was born in 1897, he married Annie Stephen & they had 7 children, I believe the first 4 children were born at Fernbank, Montgarrie. I believe that one of the children died shortly after birth in some kind of accident. Does anybody remember the Neish's ??

140132 W G Anderson

Hello, I have come into possession of a large black metal shipping trunk with this on the lid... 140132 W G Anderson Station Cottage Alford Aberdeenshire. I would be interested in finding any further information about this person or their family.

Forbes Arms Bridge of Alford

I would be very interested to know why my Great Grandparents, John Walker of Westside of Brux and Jane Mackie, were married at the Forbes Arms, Bridge of Alford in 1913. I know they attended Kildrummy Kirk, and my Great Grannie was a School teacher at Kildrummy School.It seems strange that they were therefore married in a Hotel.Hope someone can enlighten me.Many thanks.

Peter Cameron early 1800s

I am researching my roots in Alford and found your really interesting website. I have established that my great, great great grandfather Peter Cameron was a gamekeeper at Haughton. He married a Jean Maitland - not sure of date. He had several children including Peter junior born at Haughton in 1830. But there the trail runs out. Anyone out there know any more.....

I attended a wedding in a kirk at Bridge of Alford in the late 1960s. I can find no mention of a church in Bridge of Alford today. Can anyone tell me whether the kirk has had a change of use, been demolished, or what has happened to it, and what its name was then?

Haggs Farm Breda Alford

Would love to hear from anyone who might have a picture of The Home Farm at Breda before it was modernised. Our 6 x Great Grandfather John Duncan, born in 1763, was Manager there, before he went to Glenforkie Ordiquhill around 1825, with his wife Margaret Skinner.

Blair

Hello, My grandfather was from Boggieshalloch (Tullynessle). The Blair family was a large family. Many of the family members moved to the United States (including my grandfather), Canada, and England but some stayed on in Scotland. We've lost track of the family that stayed on in Scotland. Any relatives out there? My grandfather's name was Frank S. Blair. His brother's names were James, Robert, George, Jack, and his sisters name's were Isabella, Maggie, and Mary.

Birsemore

Would anyone have an old photo of Birsemore Muir of Fowlis. Our family lived there back about 1952 and I attended Craigievar school. The house was just up the road from Jimmy Birse's Shop-where a Eric Robertson used to work. Our family was Jamieson.

MacIntosh

I'm searching for any relatives connected to Lewis Macintosh or Jane Davidson. Jane was the daughter of Jane Farquharson and Alexander Davidson.Lewis was the son of Lewis Macintosh and Catherine Crawford. The families lived around Loechil Cushnie - Confunderland, Little Lynturk Hallhead East Hillside to name a few.

morrison family

Hi i'm looking for any info on elizabeth morrison who was the daughter of charles morrison and may inverarity,elizabeth was born in towie elizabeth was my great great grandmother any help would be greatly appreciated.

whitehaugh house

My father owned the Whitehaugh House from 1975 until 1980 hope to find out more of what is left of it greetings Paul Brantjes

Morrison Family of Lumphanan

I am extremely interested in finding out if the Morrison Family of Lumphanan is related to my Family Line through David Watt and Margaret Murray. They had a daughter Mary, born 1805 Lumphanan, died 1896 Towie. She married a Charles Morrison born 1781 Towie, died 1871 Towie. They had three bairns, David born 1838, Alexander born 1840, Charles 1843-1923 married May Inverarity 1847-1897. If someone could help me with this matter I would be very grateful. Regards Iain Watt

Lyall-Grant

Hi: I am a descendant of David Raitt Lyall-Grant (he was married to Jessie Lyall) he was in the tea importing business with William Brebner. It is my understanding that David Lyall Grant purchased Kingsford in Alford, Aberdeenshire where he & his family spent the summers. I believe David died there. Does anyone have any information on the family or the property. I would love to see some photos

Searching for Sculptor of the carved stones

Hello, I'm Immo from Berlin, Germany, It's a wonderful site with historic and present views of the town and around Alford. We spent beautiful holidays in June in Mill of Brux in Kildrummy nearby. After a visit of the Grampian Transport Museum in Alford I photographed the relief sculptured stones on the old station sqaure in Alford. Can you tell me, where ist the artist and since when the stones are standing there?

The Toughs

My great-great grandfather, William Tough, was the post messenger in Alford and Leochel & Cushnie for over 37 years. He, his wife and several of his eleven children are buried just inside the gates of the West Kirk in Alford. There is one very large and one smaller stone marking their graves. I recently visited the churchyard whilst researching my family tree (not knowing the graves were there). Is the church still in use? (We weren't sure). Does anyone know anything that might be useful or interesting in relation to the family?

Gallowhill School - Muir of Alford

My Great Grandmother taught at the above school. (1851/1861 census) Muir of Alford. Could anyone give me any information on the above school, which I know is now closed? Her Father was William Taggart and mother Penelope, maiden name Farquharson. Many thanks

Dunn/Robertson Families

I would like to get in touch with Herbert MacKenzie, as I think we are related. My Gt,GT,GT,GT Grandparents were Arthur and Martha Dunn, and I am a descendant of their daughter Margaret Robertson and Robert Robertson. I have just recently found this side of my family and would like to learn some more, as I live down in Kent it would be great to get in touch with anyone in the district who could help me. Many thanks Colin.

Tullynessle McKenzies

I am a direct descendent of the McKenzie's that had their family homes at North Warrackston and Boggieshalloch, with my GG Grandparents (Simon McKenzie & Jane Barron) being buried just infront of the main door of Tullynessle Kirk next to the black Forbes gravestone. My particular branch, headed by Alexander Mitchell McKenzie, moved to Tarland between c1915-c1950. If anyone has any information on this family I'd love to get in touch. Sites like this are invaluable, keep up the good work!

Insch Family O Neil Corse

What a wonderful website. I grew up in O Neil Corse but I now live in Aberdeen. I have been looking through the pictures to see if I could find any photographs of the Insch family from Woodside O Neil Corse but nothing yet. I will keep visiting the site to see these lovely old pictures. Well done everyone who contributes to the Alford Image Library.

Gameskeeper on Forbes Estate.

This is fairly recent family history 1950s. My godmother Helen Hardie Graham came to work for the Forbes Estate in the mid-fifties and married the gamekeeper William Wallace around about 1960. A long shot I know, but I wonder if anyone remembers them. When married they lived at Keig, by the bridge.

Interesting site.

My father (Cyril Massie Shepherd) was raised in Alford along with one of his sisters (Stella). Im not sure exactly where they lived, 'though I do know they were raised on the Massie's farm (grandparents?). I believe his father was called Cecil Shepherd and his mother was Mary Massie. I've visited Alford once but apparently the Massie farm is no longer there and has been built over or redeveloped? My fathers older sister (Barbara) I believe lived in Aberdeen with her mother? The only other information I can think of is that my father's uncle on his mothers side (Leslie Massie) was killed in the Great War. I will try to get some photos up of my family if i can get them off my sisters. Great site and on i shall return to.

PETER WATT COACHMAN TO LORD FORBES

I have only recently found this fantastic web-site. I live in Melbourne Australia and have a close family connection with Alford. My great Grandfather Peter Watt was Coachman to Lord Forbes about 1900. The family lived on the Forbes Estate for many years. I visited Scotland in 2005 and a highlight of my visit was spending a night at Forbes Castle, meeting Malcolm and Jinny Forbes and being shown around the estate including places associated with my Watt ancestors. It was a surprise and a thrill to meet a person, also staying overnight at Castle Forbes, who had once lived at Greystone Cottage near the Bridge of Alford. This was the cottage where my grandfather Peter Watt was born. I have other Watt relations currently living in Alford, long time residents Harry and Vida Laird who live in Montgarrie Road. I first met Harry and Vida in 2005 who showed me around Alford. My wife and I visited Scotland and spent a week with Harry and Vida in January 2008. We are looking forward to visiting again early in 2010. It was great to find 2 photographs of Harry on the web-site and also a photograph of the corner shop at Montgarrie Road. I would like to make contact with any people who may have a Watt family connection. Thank You John Bird

James Milne, Sexton, Alford Parish Church c. 1880-1890

My great great grandfather was James Milne born 1809 in Newhills but he is recorded as Sexton of Alford Parish Church on his daughter Elizabeth's marriage certificate in 1861. Elizabeth Milne married John Taylor and they lived at Borrowstoun Brae, Alford where John was a crofter and ag lab. I've tried to find Borrowstoun Brae on a map but no success. Does anyone know exactly where Borrowstoun Brae was? The Taylors and Milnes lived at Borrowstoun Brae from 1860s to 1890s. It would be interesting to know if any Milnes or Taylors from the family still reside in Alford or nearby. Any information would be gratefully received. best wishes from Edinburgh Pat Reid nee Taylor

Descendant of William & Christian (Tawse) Forbes

I appreciate this web site and all the images - thank you. My ancestors, William Forbes, was born in 1787 in Drumfottie, and his wife Christian Tawse was born 29 Mar 1795. They immigrated to the United States in 1837 and purchased land in Ohio which they named, "Vale of Alford" (and the name of the farm lives on today). I would appreciate it if anyone has additional information on my two ancestors. Thank you.

McWilliam family

Hi i was wondering if anyone had any images of the McWilliam family that lived in Montgarrie Craiy-y-Don. My dad was Sandy McWilliam. I would love to see any of my grandmother Barbara McWilliam and or grandfather James Mcwiliam. My uncles are James and Charles My Aunties are Margaret and Barbara Any information no matter how small would be greatly appreciated.

First 1000 Images

It's taken just under 9 months to reach 1000 images on the Alford Image Library Website, all of which will be permanently stored at the Alford Heritage Centre and Museum in addition to being displayed here. A big thank you to all who have contributed photographs and just to say keep them coming....next target 2000!

Whitehaugh House

I am a descendent of Theodore Forbes Leith who owned Whitehaugh House at his death in 1818/19. In his will he refers to his father, without naming him, to ancestoral paintings and to the library which his father had established at the house. I am trying to find out more about the family and would be grateful to anyone who can give me more information about the house or the collections. I see on your site you have a letter about a Garden party held at the house in 1904 by William Forebes Leith, who died a few years later. But I do not know what happened to the house after his death. I hope to hear from someone.....

You Tube Presentation Featuring Gordon's Shop and Staff Over the Years.

For an excellent video presentation put together by Russell Ward, one of the contributors to this site, showing the part that Gordon's has played in Alford life, copy and paste the link below into your web-browser to the You Tube item and comments displayed on the Grampian Life Website: www.grampianlife.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?t=3213

Searching for Simpson, Cameron and Ellis Relatives from Alford and surrounds

I am looking for relatives related to Simpson (was shcoolmaster at Tullynessle in late 1800s,then Leochel Cushnie in around 1900, family came from Leochel Cushnie originally then were in Drumdelgie & Slioch and more), Cameron (who were at Knowehead in about 1920-30s) and Ellis (Edith, John and Royan who returned from Australia around 1946). Many of the pictures are from places I know from my research. Any help would be appreciated! I also have a lot of information on mostly the Simpson family if anyone is looking for such.

the gilberts of sheil cottage and schoolhill

I am trying to trace the family history of the Gilberts who farmed at Sheil and Schoolhill in Locheil cushine.William Alexander Gilbert was my grandfather.His father was Alexander Gilbert who was married to Francis Buchan I belive.I think his father was William Gilbert born 1825 and married to Isobel Emsile in 1860.Any information or photos of them or Sheil and Schoolhill farms would be welcome.Thank you, Ashley Anderson

A Hairst Tae Min' On

Hi Jim, this is a great site and congratulations to all who had the foresight and imagination to set it up. It was just amazing to see my brother Rory in the 1955 Alford secondary 3 photo thanks to Forbes Watt. The comment title is an account of growing up in Alford during the 40's/50's which I've been bashing away at on and off for years but your site has finally inspired me to get on and finish it this year without fail. The image library will be a huge resource and I shall certainly be contributing to it as well as I go along.

Haughton Park

I've only just discovered this really interesting site and, having lived all my life in the Howe, am thoroughly enjoying taking a step back in time! However I am a bit concerned that in some photos and notes Haughton Park appears as Houghton Park. Please give us back the original, proper spelling or the correct pronunciation of the name will disappear!

Relatives of Isabella Shearer

Hello everyone, I'm Jim, one of the editors of this site and I hope you have enjoyed visiting it and rummaging amongst the images here. I need a bit of help. I'm researching the life and work of PM Jimmy McHardy (see dedicated group on this site) and would like to make contact with the present day relatives of his wife, Isabella. Isabella was born in Orkney in 1872. She and Jimmy married in Aberdeen in 1896. She died in 1943. Edith, her daughter was certainly in correspondence with relatives in Orkney on her mother's side between 1945 and 1948. Does anyone know any Shearers from Orkney who might be related? There may also be relatives in Canada.