Projects

                                                    VIKING PROJECT 2004

An exciting project for 2004. For years it has been believed that the Fisher Folk of Nairn were descended from the Viking Invaders. The late Hugh Wilson, a much loved and principal teacher of history at Nairn Academy believed this to be the fact and as youngsters we were brought up in this theory. Was it true? Well science can now prove it through DNA focusing on the male line. Alan Barron, one of our Directors and volunteer has taken on the mantle to prove it. He is presently in charge of this Museum project and we are presently applying for funding from a number of organizations and individuals. So far a number of local people have pledged financial support and an application to the Davidson Trust has been successful. This type of project does not come cheap and can only be done through the male direct line. The numbers of  Mains, Ralphs, Barrons, Storms etc. male line are getting few and far between therefore the sooner this project can begin the better.

SHOCKS ALL ROUND WHEN THE RESULTS CAME IN: THE FISHER FOLK WERE ALL DESCENDED FROM BASQUES PROBABLY NORTHERN SPAIN/SOUTH FRANCE. THIS WAS QUITE A REVELATION AS WRITTEN AND AURAL LOCAL HISTORY POINTED TO A NORDIC ANCESTRY.  ONLY TWO PEOPLE OUT OF THE 22 TESTED WERE OF NORSE ORIGINS.   RUMOURS THAT THE FISHERFOLK WERE ONION SELLERS  ARE UNFOUNDED!

FULL REPORT TO FOLLOW LATER

We are currently digitizing our photographic collection, a long task but when it is complete the public will have access to view all the photographs in our collection.

The photographs are being scanned by Alan Barron one of our volunteers. Alan, a local man with Fishertown connection, has a collection of hundreds of old postcards of Nairn and District( there's even one of Clephanton crossroads!)

Do you have any old photographs of Nairn or events in Nairn you do not want or are willing to lend to the museum for scanning please contact our manager.

Remember a event  becomes history after the event and a part of Nairn's Story.

Alan has produced a book featuring old views of Nairn and two books by David Ellen are now in stock

 Old Nairn by Alan Barron

If you want to see photos of Nairn try Des Scholes web site

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