Drumearn House Restoration

Drumearn House stands as a stunning Victorian villa in the Ross District of Comrie, expertly designed by the esteemed architectural firm Andrew Heiton Sr. and Son for the Drummond Family, with its original design completed in 1856. The house underwent a significant westward expansion in 1870, including the addition of the campanile tower.

The rich history of Drumearn House is intricately intertwined with Comrie’s legacy as a pioneer in seismology. In 1874, the groundbreaking Earthquake House was established on the grounds to monitor seismic activity along the Highland Fault Line, making it the first facility of its kind in the world.

In 1950, the Boothby Family acquired Drumearn, and twenty years later, Brigadier Beecher took ownership. During the 1980s, Abbeyfield transformed the property into respite accommodation for the elderly, and it thrived for over twenty years, with its summer ‘strawberry tea’ event becoming a beloved highlight of the Comrie social calendar.

In 2007, Drumearn changed hands once more, with the new owner determined to restore it to a private residence. Unfortunately, that ambitious project was left unfinished, leading to years of neglect that resulted in significant deterioration of both the interior and exterior.

Now, the current owners have taken charge, having acquired the property last year. They are passionately committed to an ambitious restoration project to revitalize Drumearn and restore it to its former glory. You can follow their inspiring progress on their website: https://www.drumearnhouse.com/

 

‘The Red Duchess’ by Amy Gray

Katherine Stewart-Murray, the Duchess of Atholl—affectionately known as ‘Kitty’—stands as a pioneering figure in Scottish history as its first female Member of Parliament (MP) after the franchise was extended to women. In the 1923 General Election, having ironically opposed women’s suffrage, she won the former Kinross and Western Perthshire constituency for the Unionist Party, unseating the Liberals. She would represent Strathearn as part of this constituency.

Kitty not only held her ground but also expanded her influence in the subsequent election, defeating the Labour candidate by a substantial majority. Her tenure continued until the 1938 by-election, during which she ran as an Independent after abandoning the Conservative Whip in 1935, ultimately losing a close race to the Unionist candidate, William McNair Snadden.

Kitty’s courageous and vocal opposition to authoritarianism, particularly against the fascist regimes of Germany and Italy and the totalitarianism of the Soviet Union, gave rise to her nickname, ‘Red Duchess.’ She was unafraid to stand alongside socialists in the fight for freedom and democracy, showcasing her commitment to progressive values.

Historian Amy Gray has recently shed light on Kitty’s remarkable life with her new biography, ‘Red Duchess‘ inspiring a new generation to appreciate this trailblazing leader’s legacy.

If you’re looking for in-depth insights, don’t miss Theo Clarke’s interview with Amy Gray on the ‘A Thread of One’s Own’ podcast. Check out the link here!

 

 

 

 

Rob McInroy Creative Writing Workshop and Book Launch

A creative writing workshop in Strathearn Arts on Thursday 20 November 7.30 – 9.30 to consider using local history, geography, environment and memories to stimulate your writing. No experience necessary. A nice, informal introduction to creative writing.
The launch of Barvick Falls, set entirely in Crieff in 1939, will take place at Crieff and Strathearn Museum on Sunday 23 November 2.30 pm – 3.45 pm.

Museum open for Christmas Light switch on – 29th November

The museum is closed for winter; however, we will open for the Christmas lights switch-on from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, November 29th.

Rob Roy Statue Installed

Crieff Community Trust are developing a sculpture trail in and around Crieff. They held a Sculpture Day in James Square and this statue of Rob Roy MacGregor was created. We are proud to give it a home by the Museum entrance.

The legend that was Robert McGregor (c.1671–1734) ran a lucrative protection racket and had complete control over the other cattle raiders in Argyll, Stirling and Perth. Famously, one night during the Tryst in 1714, he and his men defied the presence of Government troops in Crieff to toast “the King across the water” and sing Jacobite songs next to the Merkat Cross before making good their escape. The Merkat Cross, or Drummond Cross, is now situated inside the Museum.

Timeline Frieze

David Campbell has completed his renovation of the Ann MacIntosh Room in the museum. This includes new lighting and picture hanging system and a fantastic timeline showing the development and history of Strathearn from the earliest peoples to the present day. The room also houses this year’s exhibition on the Jacobites in Strathearn.

Jess Smith Book Talk

The wonderful Jess Smith, author, storyteller and advocate for the Traveller community, gave a talk on Tuesday night in aid of Crieff and Strathearn Museum. Jess read stories from her new book, Button Bog, and enthralled the audience with historical tales, enthusing us all to delve further in to our history. Thank you, Jess and all who came along and took part in the raffle. Button Bog is available to buy in the museum shop.

VE Day Guide Visit

1st Crieff Guides visited the museum on the evening of VE Day. Museum volunteer, Jean Sinclair, gave a tour of the Women at War exhibition and discussed the vital role women played in the war effort. The Guides then shared the many ways their association contributed, such as collecting berries and making jam, before walking to Macrosty Park to take part in the lighting of a beacon.

Jock Recruits Jacobites

Jacobite Jock visited the museum in early May and met some enthusiastic new recruits, including singer Paul Clarky Clark. Jock regaled us with music and stories, a fitting enhancement to our “Jacobites in Strathearn” exhibition. There was even a quiz with some lucky winners taking home a replica coin and even a bottle of whisky!

 

We Are Hiring

The Museum is hiring a Museum Manager. Click here for details.