An investigation by pupils into two historical figures with strong roots in the Mearns has unearthed a wealth of local treasures.
Bervie, Auchenblae, Glenbervie, Gourdon and Catterline primary schools have joined forces with Mearns Heritage Services to research Inverbervie-born Hercules Linton and Robert Burns’s ancestors in the area.
Linton was designer of the Cutty Sark, which was once the fastest sea clipper in the world.
Working in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Council museums service, a number of historical artefacts have come to light as part of the school project.
The most breathtaking of the items is the provost’s chain of office for Inverbervie, displayed in a leather sculpted case along with attached letters of provenance.
The item measures about 42in and was described by project director of Mearns Heritage Services, Dave Ramsay as a “wonderful example of craftsmanship and officialdom”.
An attached letter shows that the chain was crafted by Dundee goldsmith, James Ramsay, in 1914 for £75.
Meanwhile, a diploma, dating from 1874, in favour of William Petrie, who was admitted by the Town Council of Inverbervie as a burgess, has been unveiled.
His information was processed by Robert Burnes, a relation of Scotland’s bard, Robbie Burns -whose father hailed from Dunnottar.
A copy of a 19th-century nomination form for municipal elections, the same that would have been used to nominate Linton as a local councillor, has also been discovered.
And a set of three 19th-century wooden bowls, designed for holding change at Inverbervie Post Office, have emerged into the light.
Mr Ramsay added: “This will be a privilege for all school pupils involved, to gain a glimpse into the past official heritage of Inverbervie.
“It is a pity there is no museum or public display space in Inverbervie, where these treasures would have their rightful place in the rich heritage of the burgh, and portray that community sense of civic pride.”
