Interesting information

[helenbee]

Sorry, this isn't exactly a resource, but something I saw on another forum and which the writer was happy to share with you, as I thought it might be of interest. Not sure where else to post it!

This gentleman had just read Otta Swire's book "The Outer Hebrides and Their Legends" published 1966. Part travelogue, a fascinating and informative read. She also wrote separate volumes on the Inner Hebrides and the Highlands.

She mentioned several items of interest to those hunting ancestors in the Highlands and Islands. Whilst appearing in her book on the Outer Hebrides, she didn't suggest that such events were confined to those islands.

1. As a consequence of the traditional naming pattern (1st son for paternal grandfather, 2nd son for maternal grandfather etc.), if both grandfathers had the same name, then both 1st and 2nd sons would/could have the SAME given name! The 2nd son having a 2nd given name to distinguish them. Otta didn't say whether this also applied to daughters.

2. As a result of many villages being isolated from the nearest Minister's residence, it was common for the local midwife to "baptise" new born children without the event being recorded in church registers. Otta didn't say whether these children were subsequently baptised by the Minister and therefore recorded.

Otta also described an event occurring as recently as 1947. The newly appointed Minister to Skye was approached to baptise a child in a particular village within the Parish. He made it known that he would also baptise any other unbaptised children in that village. When he arrived at the family's cottage, he found it packed with 15 other children needing baptism. Their ages ranged up to 12 yrs old!

3. Siblings ages - Otta recounts an actual example, a rare event admittedly!! An Islander lived to just over 100 years. Present at his funeral were 2 sons, one aged 83 yrs and the other aged 9 yrs!!!!!!! In case you are wondering, yes, by two different wives. The 2nd marriage occurred VERY late in his life.

[Russell]

Hi helen

If this book isn't a resource I don't know what is

Sounds like a fascinating, and informative, read.
Now, how do I get my hands on a copy

Russell

[paddyscar]

Hi Russell:

Seems to be a reprint of one of her books, so likely available at bookstores, but the Mitchell has a copy - Swire, Otta F.
Skye, the island and its legends, Otta F. Swire, foreword by Sir William Tarn, preface by Jim Swire, introduction by Ronald Black
ISBN 1841584797
Birlinn, 2006
Previous ed: 1999

Looks like you'll be spending alot of long evenings this winter at NLS

Swire's books: Inner Hebrides and their legends, Skye: the island and its legends [1952, 1961, 1973] are available through the General Reading Room, George IV Bridge, National Library and stored off site are Highlands and their legends, Outer Hebrides and their legends.

Frances

[Russell]

Hi Frances

Thanks for the additional info like ISBN No. & Publisher.
It sounds like a book I would like to own. My wife would enjoy it too.

Birlinn do imprints when there is sufficient demand to make it worth their while printing a run of the title so they would be my first port of call.

I was able to get Harry Watson's '800 years of history of Cellardyke & Kilrenny' from them. His line of Watsons and mine diverged around 1780 or so.

Thanks again

Russell

[helenbee]

On googling it I found loads of references to it but nobody actually selling it. I've asked the chap who had read it where he bought it, but have just realised he's in Australia, so that won't help us much!

[LesleyB]

Hi Helen
Seem to be copies for sale on abe books, from $5 + P&P
www.abebooks.com
and also on used books on Amazon from £3.55 + P&P
www.amazon.co.uk
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listin ... 683&sr=1-3

- on either site just search for Otta F. Swire
...and see if you end up spending a fortune on either place... it is nothing to do with me! Seriously, it can be a great source of out of print books.

Best wishes
Lesley

[helenbee]

Thanks, Lesley. Of course I'll blame you! Have to blame somebody, don't I?

[LesleyB]

Aye weel, Helen, you'd best get in there quick before Russell beats you to the best bargains!

Best wishes
Lesley

[helenbee]

Just got reply from the chap who posted it in the first place. There are obviously three separate books:

Hi Helen,
I bought my copy online, last year, from Benny Gillies Books in Scotland.
www.bennygillies.co.uk A very good source for fiction and non-fiction relating to the Highlands & Islands.

A quick check of his catalogue drew a blank on all 3 volumes.

But a check on alibris.com came up with sellers in USA & UK. "Outer Hebrides" starting at $AUS 151 !!! I paid $AUS 20!! "Inner Hebrides" from $AUS 12 , and "Highlands" from $AUS 23 . It obviously pays to shop around. You could try placing an order through Benny Gillies or another Scottish 2nd hand/antiquarian bookseller. Good hunting!!

[Ina]

The book is available at:

http://www.whsmith.co.uk/whs/go.asp for seven pounds ninty nine.

Ina