ABOUT AULD EARLSTON

AULD EARLSTON is a small community heritage group in the Berwickshire village of Earlston in the Scottish Borders.  Set up in 2012 by an enthusiastic group of volunteers, it aims to preserve the history of our community for future generations by  collecting documents and sharing memories and photographs.

Two members of the group were initially asked to give a talk to primary school pupils on what life was like growing up in the  village in the 1950's.  Their talk seemed to be a success and they were asked to speak to other organizations.  Many memories were rekindled and it proved there was a great interest in preserving the heritage of our community.

The project was broadened, local historians consulted  and the group was formed. It was fortunate to  be donated  the rich historical and pictorial information gathered by local historians John and Mary Weatherly,  who had a wealth of documents,  photographs, press cuttings and memorabilia about Earlston.

An appeal to the local community resulted in the Group being inundated with  postcards, photographs and other information which has been  collated, scanned and indexed, with currently over 1800 items in this collection alone.

The Group is always  open to accepting other material with photographs scanned, and where requested,   returned to their owner

Current activities include:
  • An annual slide show and exhibition on a specific theme:  e.g. Remembering the Railway,  Work & Leisure, Horses to Horsepower, and for 2018 Earlston in War and Peace. 
  • Displays on particular themes at local events e.g. Earlston Civic Week, School Open Days and Earlston Community Day.
  • A Sharing Memories project, talking to older residents and recording  their experiences on growing  up in the village.
  • An ongoing project to collect  press cuttings  on Earlston from local newspapers.
  • An associated Facebook page Lost Earlston, featuring old photographs and allowing its followers to share, discuss and learn from Earlston's past. 
      The long-term vision of Auld Earlston is to open a Heritage Room where visitors can come to view the material held. 


      AULD  EARLSTON
      Valuing the History of our Village 
      for Future Generations

      3 comments:

      1. Amazed at number of photos on the site. Very much interested in the Polish presence in the Borders and particularly when Eisenhower visited the 1st Polish Armoured Division. Have seen the photos where Ike gets off train and one where he meets General Maczek. Would like more details on these if possible

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      2. There is a photo with General Eisenhower in close up with General Maczek. Was it taken in Earlston Square. There is some conflicting information that General Eisenhower and General Montogomery were together at the same time in the Borders. I am trying to clear up any confusion.

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