Breakfasted at 7 left at 8.15 + motored to Craighill taking Boyack¹ behind². It was a lovely morning + I never saw Ettrick Vale more beautiful. Found Mrs Anderson³ better. Got back at 10.40. Dropped off at foot of Ettrick Road + made some calls. The autumn holiday began today + the town was delightfully quiet. Went over to Viewfield + saw D. [David Graham, co-partner] there. Filled up form for insurance claim for fire⁴. Made out accounts in afternoon. Mrs Mack⁵ had tea in the garden + the girls went down to Elmpark after. They brought up a hedgehog + put it on a dish with a cover for my dinner! This was a fine day, dry + warm.

¹ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

² The Editor assumes that this means she was in the Dickey seat with Dr Muir and his driver in the front

³ Mrs Grace Anderson née Davidson whom Dr Muir attended on 6 August 1920

⁴ Dr Muir had a small fire at his home on 4 August 1920

⁵ Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Was knocked up at 5 to see Mrs Anderson, Craighill¹. Left at 5.35 + got back at 8.20. It had just stopped raining when we started + kept fair all day + sunny till evening when it got duller but no rain. Wind N. Had 7 operations at Viewfield from 10.45 till 2.30, viz 2 hernias; an [illegible] + removal of appendix: a patella bursa + 3 tonsils + adenoids. I felt very tired after + did nothing more till I went across to Viewfield before dinner + down to see Peggy Lockie². Felt my dyspepsia all day. Dora made some first class Hotch Potch³, her first attempt.

¹ John Laidlaw Anderson, shepherd and widower at Craighill, Ettrick, had married Grace L Davidson, his housekeeper it would seem, at Cossarshill, Burnfoot, Ettrick, in March 1919; he is recorded at Craighill on 1920 Valuation Roll

² Margaret ‘Peggy’ Lockie (1903-), power loom weaver, was suffering from Pulmonary Tuberculosis

³ Hotch potch is Scots ‘Hairst bree’ or ‘broo’ (brew), a harvest broth

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Was called up at 1.30 to Mrs Cairney¹, Yair. It was all over when I got there + I got back to bed at 3.30. Did not have breakfast til 10. It poured all day without intermission, sometimes very heavily + it was raining at dark. I saw some town cases walking + sat at accounts in afternoon. Bella² improving a little. Felt some indigestion. Dora + Boyack³ keeping the house going + cheering me with song + music in the evening. David [Graham] was at Deuchar Mill.

¹ Robert Goskirk Cairney, born 5 August 1920, Yair, Caddonfoot

² Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-?1952), Dr Muir’s housekeeper

³ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Lovely morning + fair up till about 2 + then it rained heavily with the wind away to S. Was in the house all day making out accounts, except that I had to go down to Agnes Clapperton¹ between 4 + 5. Several people in at Consultation! David [Graham, co-partner] was in. Dora + Boyack² went to Elmpark + had some Tennis with Barbara + Stewart³ who came to tea. Sent in a notice to Dundas⁴ of a fire at Viewfield which resulted in the destruction of a shelf on which the Steriliser stands.

¹ Perhaps Perhaps Agnes Rutherford Clapperton (c.1853-1923), Tenant Occupier at Claremont, Hillside Terrace, Selkirk [1920 Valuation Roll], daughter of Robert Clapperton and Margaret Clapperton née Rutherford

² Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3rd to 31st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

³ Andrina Henderson ‘Barbara’ Roberts, later Twhigg (1902-1996) and Stewart Muir Roberts (1908-2003), two of Dr Muir’s grandchildren

⁴ Assume William Clayton Dundas (1887-1968), solicitor and County Clerk for Selkirkshire, temp. 1920)

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Breakfasted at Philiphaugh with Sam. Steel¹ + his cousin Alison² at 7.30 + then motored in Sam’s shooting motor to Birkhill. Called at Deuchar Mill for Lizzie Hogg³. With us were Capt. Thomson a friend of Sam’s + his former groomsman. It kept fair till we got to Loch Skeen⁴ + then there were some heavy showers. We did nothing. Thomson + I went up the east side + met the others at the top for lunch. I had 2 small ones + the rest none. Tried the top but I did nothing, Sam got one. It was pretty cold. There was mist most of the day on Bodesbeck + Andrewhinney⁵ but none on our side. Got back to Philiphaugh before 6. Miss Boyack⁶, a friend of Dora’s arrived.

¹ Samuel Strang ‘Sam’ Steel (1882-1961), 1st Baronet, M.P., J.P., T.D., Lord Lieutenant of Selkirk 1948-1958

² It is likely that this refers to the surname Alison but the individual is otherwise unidentified

³ Loch Skene, ENE of Birkhill on the Selkirkshire – Dumfriesshire boundary, grid reference NGR NT171,164; it debouches into the Tail Burn above the Gray Mare’s Tail

⁴ Elizabeth R ‘Lizzie’ Hogg (1888-1984), daughter of Henry Hogg (c.1846-1930), miller at Deuchar Mill, Yarrow, and Christina Hogg née Macdonald

⁵ Bodesbeck Law grid reference NGR NT170,103 and Andrewhinney Hill NT197,138 both on the south side of the Selkirk – Yarrowford – Cappercleuch – Moffat road

⁶ Miss Boyack was a friend of Dora’s who stayed with the Muirs from 3^rd to 31^st August 1920; perhaps they knew one another from wartime nursing (she went on a number of Dr Muir’s calls and assisted on at least one occasion) but she is otherwise unidentified

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Only a few drops of rain in forenoon, otherwise a nice day. David [Graham] returned this morning. He has put on 8lbs! We went over the causes &c. I saw a town list cycling. Bartie¹ improving. Peggy Lockie² still pretty ill. In afternoon got my fishing things sought out + was disgusted to find that moths had been at some of them. Arranged casts + got Jack’s rod. The Patons³, who have been staying at Lauriston⁴, came to tea. Letter from Patrick⁵.

¹ James Bartie (c.1845-1921), chartered engineer, County Road Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector

² Margaret ‘Peggy’ Lockie (1903-), power loom weaver, was suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis

³ Isabella Clementina ‘Isa’ Paton (about 1838-1929) and Marion Agnes Paton (about 1841-1940), the sisters lived in Galashiels but were at Selkirk prior to May 1918

⁴ Mrs Katie Smith née Locke (c.1854-1934), widow, was at Lauriston, Selkirk, 1920 Valuation Roll

⁵ Patrick Rodger Stewart ‘Pat’ Muir (1879-1961), Dr Muir’s only son, living in New Zealand since 1902

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Suffered from skibola¹ + had to use enema

Fine morning, showery in afternoon + evening: pleasant: not much wind S.W. Was called to Mrs Kerr², 32 Heatherlie, a fat Primip aet 29 whom D. has been expecting since the end of June. Delivered her at 3.30 (Chlor[oform] + forceps). Saw Bartie³ twice + found him considerably better. Tom⁴ + his wife there. Sent off wire for Jane in the morning. Ross⁵ away + a Mr McDonald doing locum. Had Mrs Mack to supper. Sam Steel⁷ rang up wanting a day at Loch Skene⁸. I said Sunday might do.

¹ Skibola seems to be the correct reading but the Editor can find no references and would welcome advice

² Agnes Allan Kerr (1920-2007), daughter of Francis William ‘Frank’ Kerr (1886-1968), baker, and Marion Reid Kerr née Thomson (c.1891-1977); her parents had married, 1919, at Mid Calder; Agnes married Alexander Frame Sommerville, 1945, Selkirk, and died 2007 at Dundee

³ James Bartie (c.1845-1921), chartered engineer, County Road Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector, at Alva Cottage, 1920 VR; he married, 1869, St George, Edinburgh, Margaret Lillian Bartie née Hay (c.1843-1918); James died 18 March 1921 at London, aet 76, Wandsworth 1d 428; will, James Bartie, 9 June 1921, surveyor, of Alva Cottage, Ettrickhaugh Road, Selkirk, testate, Selkirk Sheriff Court, SC63/34/48

⁴ Assume Thomas Bartie (1880-), factor, son of James Bartie (see previous footnote) and Margaret Lillian Bartie née Hay, married 1869, St George, Edinburgh; born Edinburgh

⁵ The Reverend Andrew Ross (1871-1942), Church of Scotland minister

⁶ Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk

⁷ Assume Samuel Strang Steel (1882-1961), 1st Baronet, M.P., J.P., T.D., Lord Lieutenant of Selkirk 1948-1958

⁸ Loch Skene, grid reference NGR NT171,164, ENE of Birkhill on the Selkirkshire – Dumfriesshire boundary; it debouches into the Tail Burn above the Gray Mare’s Tail

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

A very nice day + almost no rain, just a slight drizzle about 3. Beautiful evening, calm + mild. Mr Bartie¹ seriously ill. Saw him 3^ce He looked like sinking at 9.30 p.m. cycled in the forenoon there, Sawmill + town. Motored in Straker² to Lilliesleaf + Dryden. Jack, Nancy + all the kids but Jock³ (who is in camp at Barry) came in at 8 after being at the Pictures. Dora⁴ very busy sweeping [and] washing floors + doorsteps + making fair. Sent Bella⁵ + Mrs Mack⁶ some strawberries.

¹ James Bartie (c.1845-1921), chartered engineer, County Road Surveyor and Sanitary Inspector

² Straker Squire or Straker-Squire Ltd., also Brazil, Straker (1901-1927), motor manufacturer – see diary entries for 22 May and 18 June 1920

³ John ‘Jack’ Roberts and Agnes Amelia ‘Nancy’ Roberts née Muir and their children Andrina Henderson ‘Barbara’, Louisa Jane, Stewart Muir and George Edward ‘Tim’ Roberts, the absentee being John ‘Jock’ Roberts (1904-1950), Dr Muir’s eldest grandson

⁴ Andrina Dorothy ‘Dora’ Muir (1882-1978), nurse and Dr Muir’s youngest daughter

⁵ Isabella ‘Bella’ Paulin (1873-?1952), Dr Muir’s housekeeper

⁶ Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

A better day: less wind: more sun + no rain. Tina¹ left at 11 with Mrs Mackintosh². Said goodbye to her at the Station on my way cycling from Ettrickhaugh Road. Went on to Bridgelands + back by Mavisbank. Went to Viewfield. Jane Johnstone³ leaves today + there will only be 4 remaining [?] besides the Taylors⁴, another of whose daughters has arrived. After tea had to go down to see Mr Bartie⁵ + had to help his daughter clean him up + change him . Was in the house from 3 till 5 + Dora [Muir] went out with Barbara⁶. Pulled some lovely roses.

¹ Christina Robertson ‘Tina’ Patrick née Rodger (c.1846-1924), daughter of Peter Rodger (1804-1888), of Selkirk, solicitor and local government official; married David Patrick, solicitor; of Hamilton but at Selkirk, 1901 Census.

² Agnes Mackintosh née Watson, formerly Harper (1859-1946), of Elm Park, Selkirk, aka ‘the Magic Cave’

³ Unidentified

⁴ Unidentified

⁵ James Bartie (c.1845-1921), chartered engineer, county road surveyor and sanitary inspector

⁶ Andrina Henderson ‘Barbara’ Roberts, later Twhigg (1902-1996)

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]

Splendid Strawberry crop; also black currants

Strong S.W. gale with rain from 10 till 12 + showers after 4. It was fair when I cycled down to Bridgelands (Jas. Hardie¹) before breakfast + to Forest Road + Heathpark after. I half expected Pussy Stuart² to come for a run up Ettrick but he made no sign. Started at 10.30 + went to Shielshaugh, Kilsyke, Ramsaycleuch, Crook Cottage, Deuchar Mill + Philiphaugh Saw Mill [and] …haugh Cottages³ getting home at 3.20. Missed meeting of Red Cross. Saw a few cases after tea. Made out I.S. accounts¹.

¹ James Hardie (c.1841-1922), ploughman (retired), was Inhabitant Occupier not rated at Bridgelands Lodge, Galashiels in 1920 Valuation Roll

² ‘Pussy’ Stewart (sometimes Stuart) may conceivably have been the first of Dr Muir’s locums; in July 1917 Dr Muir noted at his 50th Anniversary at Selkirk having sent off Southern Reporters “of the 12 July to my late assistants Stewart, Carter, Caunter, Boucher & Gentles …” – Stewart is the only one as yet unidentified

³ Unidentified

⁴ Unidentified

[Source: Scottish Borders Archives & Local History Service SBA/657/23, Dr J S Muir of Selkirk, medical practitioner, journal for 1920]