Comments for Portal to the Past Blog

Comment on Another Eaglesham anniversary by Jenny

Jenny — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:30:53 +0000

Dear Neville, I’ve checked through our Hess references, but unfortunately we don’t have any articles from just after WWII about the pitchfork myth – the articles we have that mention it are much more recent (early 1990s). I will email you the details in case they are still of interest. For those who don’t know, it was (and continues to be!) reported that Rudolph Hess was marched back to Floors Farm by a pitchfork-wielding Davy McLean, who worked at Floors. However, Mr. McLean was actually unarmed when he found Hess and helped him back to his cottage. Made up by journalists who wanted to embellish the amazing capture, the pitchfork story was apparently always a source of great embarrassment to him. Best wishes, Jenny.

Comment on Another Eaglesham anniversary by Neville

Neville — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:55:58 +0000

Can anyone give me original references/publications shedding light on the origin of the Hess “pitchfork myth”? I believe there was some correspondence in the Scottish newspapers sometime after WWII which may provide this information.

Comment on John McVicar’s Busby History by Jenny

Jenny — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:08:03 +0000

Dear Alexander
Thanks for your post. Mr McVicar arranged to have three copies of his research printed in four volumes, in order to donate them to three local libraries: Giffnock Library, Busby Library and the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. However, it’s not available as a regular published work for sale. I’m afraid we can’t give out John’s personal contact details, but if you have a particular query about the books or about Busby and your family there, let me know and we will be able to help you. You can email any queries to Giffnock Heritage Centre at localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.
Best wishes, Jenny

Comment on John McVicar’s Busby History by Alexander Sloane

Alexander Sloane — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 07:59:48 +0000

Hello, I am a descendent of Busby and would be very pleased to learn more about this publication. Could you please provide contact details for the author.
I am a keen historian, as our website will show, and continually find treasures in our old sheds and cupboards.
Many thanks,
Alexander Sloane.

Comment on Ancestry Library Edition now available in East Renfrewshire Libraries by Amanda

Amanda — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 10:19:34 +0000

Hi Linda,
Yes, staff at Giffnock Heritage Centre can give you an introduction to Ancestry and get you started. Please contact us at localstudies@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk or 0141 577 3872 and make an appointment to visit.

Comment on Ancestry Library Edition now available in East Renfrewshire Libraries by Linda Menzies

Linda Menzies — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:23:20 +0000

I am interested in finding out more about my late fathers family. However, I have no idea where to start.
Whilst the Ancestry Library sounds excellent, as a can use it in my local library(Busby) is there someone available at Giffnock Heritage Centre during the day to give me guidelines as to how to get started?

Comment on Going to school with John Robertson by William Robertson

William Robertson — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 10:02:54 +0000

I too am a related to John Robertson. I have been aware of his history since 5 years old. In fact, I inherited a model of the Comet that my Grandfather said it was precoius and look after it as it belonged to his ship building engineer and Grandfather John Robertson.

Comment on Going to school with John Robertson by A permanent home for the obelisk at last | Portal to the Past Blog

A permanent home for the obelisk at last | Portal to the Past Blog — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:07:02 +0000

[...] Council and Neilston Primary School for about a year now – I posted last September about my visit to see the pupils and show them the obelisk. The Community Council very generously donated the funds to enable us to purchase a bespoke [...]

Comment on Introducing (3) … John Robertson by A permanent home for the obelisk at last | Portal to the Past Blog

A permanent home for the obelisk at last | Portal to the Past Blog — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 14:03:45 +0000

[...] Library. As outlined previously, this beautiful object commemorates Neilston-born engineer John Robertson, who designed the engine for the Comet steamship, the first vessel in Europe to sail a successful [...]

Comment on Going to school with John Robertson by Keith Robertson from Australia

Keith Robertson from Australia — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:34:02 +0000

Regarding the question asking if silver is heavier than gold.
No. gold is almost twice as heavy as silver. Silver is 10.5 times heavier than water (for the same amount) while gold is 19.3 times heavier. It was a great thrill for me to hold the silver obelisk since I believe that John Robertson is my great, great, great grandfather.