Fair day for the Common Riding, enormous crowds: 100 riders. Jack1 rode beside Provost Crichton2: Tim3 brought up the rear. I had nobody at breakfast. ‘Phoned for Dav.4 as Mrs Malkin5 was not so well + he came at 1. Cycled to Forest Road, Victoria Park, Oakwood (Linton6 a shade better) + Fairnilea. Had quiet afternoon. Dined at Elmpark7. David also there. All the wood on left hand of river at Colin’s Bridge8 cut down.
1 Selkirk Common Riding is held on the Friday following the 2nd Monday in June
2 John Roberts junior ‘Jack’ (1876-1966), mill owner, Provost of Selkirk and Dr Muir’s son-in-law
3 Provost Creighton is not yet identified
4 George Edward ‘Tim’ Roberts (1911-2005), Dr Muir’s grandson, later a mill owner
5 David Charteris ‘Dav.’ Graham (1889-1963), M.B., medical practitioner and Dr Muir’s business partner
6 Jeannie Clark Malkin née Christie who had married Joseph Frank Malkin, motor mechanic and Lance Corporal 246317 Army Service Corps, in 1916 at Selkirk
7 Simon Linton (1836–1921), farmer, of Manor, Peeblesshire and latterly of Oakwood, Selkirk
8 Colin’s Bridge, also known as Carterhaugh Bridge, crosses the Ettrick Water on the south side of the Bowhill Estate, grid reference NGR NT430,266
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
The warmest day yet: no wind + strong sun. Brown patches on Park more apparent: water off all afternoon + evening. Angus Gillan + Margaret1 left at 10.30 en route for somewhere south of Newcastle via Kelso + Wooler. Saw Geo. Brown about light stockings. Cycled in town + to show ground where I saw a woman Smith … Then went on to Ovenscloss + back by Ashybank. Stopped in wood opposite Lindean + had a cigarette. Had call from Miss + Louisa Lockhart2, the latter looking especially nice. Dora3 had Walt. Benzies wife4 to tea. Helen5 + Peter6 went a picnic to Philip[haugh] Cauld. I went by invitation to the Colonial Colour Bussing7 + proposed the vote of thanks.
1 Margaret Douglas Gillan née Ord Mackenzie (1891-1973), daughter of Montague Allan Ord Mackenzie and Frances Gordon ‘Fanny’ Ord Mackenzie née Rennie (and therefore Dr Muir’s niece); she had married, 1917, (James) Angus Gillan (1885–1981), Olympic rower and colonial administrator
2 The Lockharts are not identified
3 Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter
4 The best ‘fit’ is Jean Benzies née Currie [1915, 685/4 806, St Giles], wife of Walter Benzies; though they were living in Edinburgh in 1920 both had a connection with Galashiels
5 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s housekeeper and third daughter
6 Peter Allan is not (yet) identified
7 Selkirk Colonial Society was founded in Canada in 1910 by exiles from the town of Selkirk, Scotland. The Society’s members provide a ‘Golden Banner’ which became a powerful symbol and rallying point for Selkirk’s exiles who return each year in June, from all parts of the world, to attend the Selkirk Common Riding. At each Common Riding a Colonial Standard Bearer is appointed to carry the Golden Banner and is charged to ‘cast’ this flag in Selkirk’s Market Place on Common Riding morning along with Selkirk’s six other appointed Standard Bearers. [See Selkirk Colonial Society and also the records of Selkirk Colonial Society (including the ‘Order Book’ the Society’s earliest book of record) at the Heritage Hub, Hawick, reference SBA/1019/1-4]
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
Much warmer, almost sultry in afternoon + almost no wind. Saw town cases + dressed Mrs Malkin1 + then went to Rosemount, Dunreay, Oakwood, Philiphaugh Stables, Ettrickhaugh Road, Fairnilea + Hospital. Message to a Mrs Smith2 in one of the shows in Victoria Park. Did that, Mrs Robert Leslie3 + And. Brown4 (who is slowly going down) before dinner. Angus Gillan and Margaret5 arrived about 5 motoring from Edinburgh. Mrs Mack6, Nancy and Barbara7 came to dinner. Margaret Gillan very sweet + Angus a tall quiet nice man: an Academy8 boy: friend of Harry Wade9. At 9 o’clock had to go to Ovenscloss to see the French governess.
1 Jeannie Clark Malkin née Christie (1893-1986) had an appendix operation at Viewfield on 12 June
2 Mrs Smith is unidentified but, as a reader kindly pointed out, the shows will have been those in place for the Common Riding, and for Show Sunday in particular, which were then located at Victoria Park but are nowadays (when events can be put on at all) at the Haining
3 Lizzie Davidson Leslie née Douglas (1887-1941), wife of Robert Vair Leslie, warehouseman and tenant at 22 Forest Road, Selkirk
4 Andrew Brown (c.1850-1921), hosiery manufacturer, resident Dunreay, Selkirk
5 Margaret Douglas Gillan née Ord Mackenzie (1891-1973), daughter of Montague Allan Ord Mackenzie and Frances Gordon ‘Fanny’ Ord Mackenzie née Rennie (and therefore Dr Muir’s niece); she had married, 1917, (James) Angus Gillan (1885–1981), Olympic rower and colonial administrator
6 Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk, whose home was known by Dr Muir as ‘the Magic Cave’
7 Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948), Dr Muir’s second daughter and Andrina Henderson ‘Barbara’ Roberts, later Twhigg (1902-1996)
8 Angus Gillan was born at Aberdeen and was educated at Edinburgh Academy and Magdalen College, Oxford
9 Sir Henry ‘Harry’ Wade (1876-1955), PRCSE FRSE DSO CMG, Scottish military and urological surgeon
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
A much nicer day + warm. Had some dyspepsic trouble all night but gradually improved as the day went on. Did not feel up to cycling however so took the car to Faldonside with Peter1: sent Baptie2 round by Lindean + went across the ferry to see Mrs McLauchlan3 at the Station4. Had a very quiet afternoon. Paid 2nd instalment of the M. & G. 1920-21 Income Tax = £95. 10. 35. Helen6, Dora7, Peter, Miss Davidson8 + Mrs Mack9 had a tea pic-nic at the Skeily Brig10 + Dora went with + Nancy11 to the Picture House.
1 Peter Allan is not (yet) identified
2 Thomas Baptie (1860-1929), driver and handyman for Dr Muir
3 Mary McLachlan née Elder, at Abbotsferry Station, Galashiels, the wife of William John McLachlan, ships plater, domicile 7 Hill Street, Greenock
4 Abbotsferry Station was on the N.B.R. Selkirk Branch line at Boleside also Boldside, above the Ettrick Water and opposite Faldonside House, see Ordnance Survey 25 inch Selkirkshire Sheet VIII.10, published 1899
5 M & G was the Muir & Graham co-partnership signed in 1920
6 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper
7 Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter
8 Miss Davidson is not (yet) identified
9 Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk
10 Skeily Brig is not identified
11 Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir (1878-1948), Dr Muir’s second daughter
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
I had one of my curious fits or faints this morng + while standing at the basin feeling rather sick suddenly woke to find myself on the floor
A miserable day of dyspepsia which made the atmospheric coldness much more marked. There were no more than a few drops of rain + it was sunny in the afternoon. N.E. David1 had a confinement2 during the night at Abbotsferry Station3 + looked in at breakfast before going to Ed. [Edinburgh]. I saw some town cases walking + motored to Oakwood + Fairnilea. I thought Mr Linton4 a shade better. Boylan5 was in at tea. I had to get a fire in the dining room in the evening. Ralph Dees6 came + spent the afternoon with Peter7.
1 David Charteris ‘Dav.’ Graham (1889-1963), M.B., medical practitioner and Dr Muir’s business partner
2 Samuel John McLachlan, born 13 June 1921 at Station House, Abbotsford Ferry Station, Galashiels, son of William John McLachlan, ships plater, domicile 7 Hill Street, Greenock, and Mary McLachlan née Elder, married 10 December 1920 at St Giles, Edinburgh
3 Abbotsferry Station was on the N.B.R. Selkirk Branch line at Boleside also Boldside, above the Ettrick Water and opposite Faldonside House, see Ordnance Survey 25 inch Selkirkshire Sheet VIII.10, published 1899
4 Simon Linton (1836–1921), farmer, of Manor, Peeblesshire and latterly of Oakwood, Selkirk
5 John Dun Boylan (1850-1924), civil engineer, acquaintance of Dr Muir, sometime of Shawmount, Selkirk
6 Ralph Andrew Irwin Dees (1913-1988), son of Robert Irwin Dees and Edith Mary Boileau Dees née Henderson; the family had been occupiers at Faldonside since early 1920 but Phyllis Mary Dees his sister had died 2 December 1920 after a prolonged illness, the consequence of a car accident
7 Peter Allan is not (yet) identified
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
One or two slight showers today: less wind + round from N.W. to S.W. + then W. but still cold + unseasonable. I started in the car as it was raining + went to Dunreay + Congregational Manse (Smith1, strained instep) + Malkin2, Linglie View but as it faired I took the bicycle to Fairnilea. Missed the ordination of Elders which took place today. Mrs Malkin (Jean Christy) had symptoms of appendicitis + I asked D.3 to see her. He agreed + operated at Viewfield between 5 + 6. It was very messy as the appendix was full of pus. D. was at Yair + then at Shaws farm. Helen4 + Peter5 lunched at Viewfield + Dora6 had tea there. Sister Waugh7 is back + has her mother with her.
1 The Reverend Richard Smith was Tenant of the Congregational Manse, Russell Place, Selkirk [1921 Valuation Roll, VR007900012-/141, Selkirk Burgh, page 141 of 644]
2 Jeannie Clark Malkin née Christie (1893-1986); the family stayed at Scott Crescent, Selkirk so unless the house was named Linglie View she must have taken ill away from home
3 David Charteris ‘Dav.’ Graham (1889-1963), M.B., medical practitioner and Dr Muir’s business partner
4 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper
5 Peter Allan is not (yet) identified
6 Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter
7 Nurse (or Sister) Waugh is not identified though she has been referred to a number of times in these Diaries
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
A dry day with a fair amount of sunshine but a strong cold N.W. wind. Dust flying. Saw 7 town cases walking + motored (taking Peter1) to Faldonside + Fairnilee. Af + in afternoon cycled to Midlem + Lilliesleaf. Took my tea with me + had it in the Boos Mill field just below Riddell W Lodge2. Stopped at Greenhill height in the shelter of the young plantation + smoked. View very fine. Had an agreeable surprise when I found that Andrew Fairbairn3, Longmoss had paid his bill part of which has been due since 1915. David4 came out in the evening. He has seen Pike5 + found hypodermic marks in his arms.
1 Peter Allan is not (yet) identified
2 Boosmill aka Bowismiln, Lilliesleaf, on the north bank of the Ale Water, grid reference NGR NT507,234
3 Archibald Fairbairn, farmer, was at Lindean, Galashiels, in the area known as Longmoss
4 David Charteris ‘Dav.’ Graham (1889-1963), M.B., medical practitioner and Dr Muir’s business partner
5 Frederick Charles Pike (1883-1921), theatrical agent, who had married Dr Muir’s daughter Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Muir in 1920
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
The gale gradually subsided + wind went round to NW. No rain: quite pleasant + sunny. Saw only the child Shannon1 at Viewfield, Ann Turnbull2 + And. Brown3 + motored to Oakwood, Woodend4 (Maggie Hogg5 is actually 81), Ettrickbridgend to see Bella6 + back to Philiphaugh, Thirladean Lodge + The Nest7. Got home a little after 1 : had a bite + cycled down to the annual meeting of the Div.8 at 3. Good turn out. McLay9, Stevenson’s successor10 there + Lorimer11 , Kelso whom I have not met. I was nominated for the Scottish Comttee + deputy representative after Cullen12. Wade13 gave a lecture on [illegible] + showed how to apply. Thomas14 replied. Came back by Buxton + Dunreay. Helen + Pike15 motored to Faldonside for tea.
1 Four girls with the surname Shannon were born in Selkirkshire between 1909 and 1913: Janet Hounam Shannon (1909-), daughter of Hugh Shannon and Jemima Turnbull who married 1897 at Langholm and Mary Shannon (1910-), Jeannie Shannon (1911-) and Ann Boyd Shannon (1913-), daughters of John Shannon and Katherine Duffy who married 1909 at Selkirk
2 Ann ‘Annie’ Turnbull, woollen darner, had a baby, Mary Margaret Turnbull, on 9 June 1921
3 Andrew Brown (c.1850-1921), hosiery manufacturer, resident Dunreay, Selkirk
5 Margaret ‘Maggie’ Hogg (about 1842-1925) was occupier of a house, garden, stable and land at Woodend, Ettrickbridge, Kirkhope [1921 Valuation Roll, VR011700009-/320 & 322, Selkirk County, pages 320 and 322 of 611]
6 Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-?1952), Dr Muir’s housekeeper
7 The Nest, Caddonfoot, grid reference NGR NT431,353
8 The Scottish Borders counties were the South-Eastern Counties Division of the Edinburgh Branch of the British Medical Association
9 Kenneth McLay (1889-1964), M.D., D.P.H., medical practitioner at Galashiels from about 1921; Chairman of the Borders Board of Management, 1962
10 Nathaniel Stevenson (1864-1937), M.B., C.M., medical practitioner, who had left Galashiels in scandalous circumstances as Dr Muir noted at the time “Stevenson, Gala, has bolted with a married woman. It happened last week + the incident but without names was in the Sat. evening papers.” [Dr Muir’s diary 18 January 1921]
11 James Lorimer (1884-1967), M.B., Ch.B.Ed., medical practitioner at Kelso, resident Neworth, Forestfield, Kelso, 1921 [1921 Valuation Roll, VR011600033-/421, Roxburgh County, page 421 of 993]; later moved to Argyll
12 William Laing Cullen (1861-1921), M.B., medical practitioner, of St Boswells
13 Almost certainly Sir Henry ‘Harry’ Wade (1876-1955), PRCSE FRSE DSO CMG, Scottish military and urological surgeon
14 Dr Thomas is not (yet) identified
15 Jane Henderson Logan ‘Jean’ Pike née Muir (1877-1941), Dr Muir’s eldest daughter and Frederick Charles Pike (1883-1921), theatrical agent, married in 1920
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
Was knocked up at 5 a.m. for Annie Turnbull, R.C. Schoolhouse who had a d. (chloroform + forceps) at 8.401. I came back, dressed + took my breakfast at 9.15. Today was fair but with a strong S.W. gale, clouds of dust + a little rain in evening. Saw some town cases walking + then cycled to Buxton, Faldonside, Thirladean Lodge, Bluecairn + Oakwood. Did not get my tea till 3. Walked to Curror Street after. H. & D.2 went with Mrs Mack3 to a concert by children in Victoria Hall. Letter from Agnes Logan4 wanting rooms here.
1 Mary Margaret Turnbull, born 9 June 1921, at 107 High Street, Selkirk, the daughter of Annie Turnbull, woollen darner
2 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper and Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter
3 Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk
4 Agnes McIver Logan (about 1848-1928), daughter of Alexander Stuart Logan, advocate & Sheriff of Forfarshire and Agnes Logan née Greig, thus Dr Muir’s cousin; died Logie, Stirlingshire
[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/24, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1921]
Glass had fallen a lot + it began to rain about 9.30 + continued steadily + gently until 3 or 4: a fine soaking rain which will do a world of good. So I had to take the car, after being at Dunreay + Viewfield + Faldonside + up by Lindean Heights to Lilliesleaf where I put poroplastic splints1 on Mrs Elliot2. Helen3 had the McCall kids4 to tea with Peter5. Davidson6 of Kelso, driving a palatial Armstrong Siddeley7, called + had tea. He was bringing up the matron of the Cottage Hospital to see her sister Nurse [illegible]8 at Viewfield.
1 Poroplastic splints were made of cotton and wool felt with a cement of shellac or other resin and had the advantages of being light, economic and porous
2 As any student of Roxburghshire would know there are numerous Elliots in Lilliesleaf and it is thus impossible to identify Mrs Elliot
3 Helen Frances ‘Mousey’ Muir (1880-1963), Dr Muir’s third daughter and sometime housekeeper
4 The Reverend James George McCall (1234-1234), rector of St John’s Episcopal Church, was widowed in 1917 when Mabel Lovat Armstrong died in childbirth leaving children Mabel Mona (1911-), John Grice Armstrong (1913-), Alan George (1914-) and Arthur James (1916-).
5 Peter Allan is not identified
6 Samuel Davidson (1871-1958), M.D., of Kelso
7 This would have been Armstrong Siddeley’s first car, a huge six cylinder five litre 30-hp vehicle, see illustration below
Rumbling Clint's Scottish Notes 