Book documenting Keith and Strathisla during World War One is launched at local library
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A BOOK documenting an important part of Keith and Strathisla's history has been launched.
Keith and Strathisla During The Great War, written by members of Keith and District Heritage Group, was launched at the town's library on Saturday afternoon.
From 2014 until 2018, a series of monthly articles in The Banffshire Herald from the group recounted life in Keith and Strathisla – and abroad – during World War One.
So popular were the articles that the group decided to make them into a book. Three years and a global pandemic later, that book is now for sale.
"After favourable comments from the public, we decided the research merited being published in book form," said Janice Meldrum, coordinator of Keith and District Heritage Trust.
"Such a lot of people said 'this is really good, maybe you should make it into a book'.
"From 2019 on, it's been a lot of work – there's been a lot of rewriting and proof reading. But we did it and it's published."
Former Banffshire Herald reporter Esther Green wrote the book's foreword and spoke at the launch.
She added: "A huge amount of work has gone into researching and preparing this new book.
"It fills me with great pride to know that The Banffshire Herald, the paper newspaper where I cut my journalistic teeth, has provided a rich seam of information that has informed this publication.
"This book captures the news, views and events of our collective past, giving an insight into the social impact of The Great War.
"Heritage Group members have not only created a great asset for us now, but one that will be easily-accessible for us in the future.
"A huge congratulations to all all Heritage Group members who have been involved in this very worthy effort."
Keith and Strathisla During The Great War is a 299-page account of day-to-day life from 1914 to 1918, with around 100 photographs – the majority of which are local, or of local people.
The book is for sale, from Paterson's Newsagents, Mither Tongue and The Deli, for £15 – which is just under the cost of production.
The launch of the book was attended by around 30 people, including Conservative councillor Donald Gatt and Banffshire's Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Simpson.
Mr Simpson, who is also former deputy head teacher at Keith Grammar School, added: "This is a terrific piece of work and I'm looking forward to dipping into it and finding out more about the area.
"I must add my congratulations to everyone involved. It's fantastic and keeps alive the past."
Keith and District Heritage Trust, started in 1996, has a loyal membership of 30, with the group meeting at Keith Library on the third Saturday of the month at 2pm, between October and March.
