New A-Z of Elgin's history
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A LOCAL historian has penned a whistle-stop A-Z tour of Elgin – saying that an updated guide to the town is well overdue.
Author Jenny Main has delved into the stories behind both Elgin's ancient relics and buildings and more recent additions in her A-Z of Elgin – Places, People, History, which will be available from September 15.
Jenny has edited the Moray Field Club Bulletin for many years, which she says has given her a greater insight into the history and natural history of the area.
Elgin was the focus of Jenny's three previous photographic books, and she also devoted many hours of research to write Women of Moray, published in 2012.
Born in New Zealand, Jenny has lived in Elgin for most of her life, having moved to England with her mother at the age of two.
Her late husband, George Main, was president of the Moray Society, the charity which runs Elgin Museum.
Jenny said: "I first came to Elgin over 45 years ago, loved the area but didn't discover that my paternal ancestors came from the north-east until many years later. Thirty-three years ago I sustained a damaged back and had to give up my nursing career and my mobility became severely restricted. However, thanks to my late husband's involvement in Elgin Museum, I was able to develop my interest in local history and archaeology.
"In 1996 I answered a call to compose a book of local interest and I was able to use many of the old photographs stored in the museum. Since then, the publishers have asked me to do several other books.
"All the proceeds go to the museum so I feel that although I am unable to join with the physical activities of the volunteers who do such a great job of running the museum and maintaining the amazing collection, I can contribute something. Elgin Museum is run as a registered charity by volunteers and it is an amazing treasure house of Elgin's past – and includes a world-famous geological fossil collection.
"It was a great opportunity to be asked to compile the Elgin A-Z although, due to publishing restraints, I haven't been able to include as much as this fascinating town deserves."
In her latest book Jenny weaves together history of the town's built environment of grand mansions, medieval stonework and Pictish carved stones, with stories of townspeople, tales of ghosts wandering the old closes, and women condemned as witches.
The author also looks into the background of Elgin's more recent developments, including engineering projects.
And Jenny explores the contribution of Elgin's long-established manufacturers which export food, cashmere and whisky around the world.
Jenny will sign copies of her new book at Waterstones in Elgin on Saturday, September 28, between 11am-1pm.
A-Z of Elgin – Places, People, History, priced at £14.99, is illustrated with photographs, published by Amberley Publishing and is available in Kindle, Kobo and iBook formats. For more information email p.dean@amberley-books.com.
