Garlieston - Emergence of a Village [ 3.Aug.2008] Garlieston - Emergence of a Village by David Kirkwood which was published in December 2008 is the subject of an article in the August Edition of the Scots Magazine. A Flight too Far; the Story of Elsie McKay [14.Mar.2008] Local historian, Jack Hunter (author of The Loss of the Princess Victoria and The Lost Town of Innermessan) has written a book about the story of Elsie McKay, daughter of the First Earl of Inchcape of Glenapp. In 1928 Elsie lost her life while attempting to fly the Atlantic from east to west along with Captain Hinchliffe. This book (A Flight too Far: The Story of Elsie Mackay of Glenapp) which commerates the 80th Anniversary of her death was published at the end of April 2008 and already there has been considerable interest in this facinating historical event. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy should contact our Secretary.   Tonderghie Copper Mine at Whithorn [18.Dec.2007] The Trust has agreed to help to fund a project of the local Museums Service, The National Museums of Scotland and the Royal Commission to record and investigate the Tonderghie Copper Mine at Whithorn where antiquarian finds have produced ingots of Bronze Age and Iron Age dating.   Bursaries [18.Dec.2007] Each year the Trust gives consideration to granting bursaries to senior pupils of Stranraer Academy and the Douglas Ewart High School who are progressing to university to study history. At this year's Annual General Meeting which was held in May in Stranraer Library, a bursary of £500 was presented to Siobhan Johnston, a pupil at the Douglas Ewart High School.   Future Publications [18.Dec.2007] David Kirkwood, author of Garlieston - Emergence of a Village has carried out a considerable amount of research on the history of the Wigtownshire Constabulary (1838 to 1948). It is expected that the first of two book on this subject will be published towards the end of this year The executive Committee is thrilled to be given permission to publish The History of Kirkmaiden Parish written by William Todd. William Todd was schoolmaster at the old Church of Kirkmaiden for 47 years. He wrote this memoranda - a vast handwritten tome - in 1854 in the 80th year of his life. This record has long been treasured in our area, but has never been published. Our thanks are due to Katie Clachan, Todd's nearest kin, for allowing us to publish his work in full. It is an amazing 19th Century record. Professor John MacQueen author of Place-Names in the Rhinns of Galloway and Luce Valley has completed a book on Place-Names in the Machers of Wigtownshire. The Trust plans to launch this publication at the beginning of September 2008. Other books in the pipe line include the Estates of Wigtownshire by Tom McCreath and the Vernacular Buildings of Wigtown District by John Hume.   Provost's Lamps [22.Jan.2007] Until the closure of Stranraer Old Parish Church in 2005 the former Provost's Lamps were situated at the door of the building in Church Street. A decision was made to relocate them to Stranraer Town Kirk which prior to the union with the Old Parish Church was known as St Andrew's Parish Church. One of our members, Archie Bell, has recently restored the lamps and the Trust has paid for the cost of the materials.    Historical Plaques in Stranraer [21.Jan.2007] As a result of the infinite knowledge of our chairman, Donnie Nelson, the Trust has become involved in creating a series of historical plaques which have been placed in apropriate sites in the town. The Trust agreed to assist with the funding of the plaques, contributing £900, with this sum being matched by Stranraer Common Good Fund.

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