Elspeth Wilson, originally from Ardersier, will present her book on 19th-century village life.
This project started as a history course in the 1980s. The course was about Scottish history, and Elspeth researched Ardersier, finding it very interesting.
She studied old records in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Cawdor Estate let her see their archives, and the estate received a copy. Elspeth thought the local material was incredible.
She wished she had more research time as her kids were young then. After her thesis, Earl Cawdor got a copy which went to a library. Elspeth left the project alone for a while.
She picked it up again recently, and it expanded rapidly. A coworker helped convert it to digital form. Another person edited and published it, and photos and material got added.
Elspeth is delighted the book is finished. The library has an old copy, but this one is easier to read. The project renewed her sense of belonging.
Elspeth will share her book with local groups, including the genealogy society and libraries. The book shows daily life in Ardersier.
She focused on poor houses and women’s conditions, as life was very hard, especially for women. Some women were pregnant by soldiers at Fort George.
The book’s conclusion explores the powerful patriarchy. Society greatly favored men in those days.