Professor John Finlay recently spoke to BBC Radio Scotland about his archival work on the lost letters of George Craig of Gala. The letters of the 19th century Borders lawyer were discovered in 2015. Professor Finlay has been archiving the letters, which shed light on life and customs in the Scottish borders between 1821 and 1840. 

As part of his research, Professor Finlay has developed a blog to present the letters written by Craig and his contemporaries, and provide supporting commentary. The work is part of an ESRC Impact Acceleration Account project, in conjunction with Scottish Borders Archives, to make Craig a better-known figure and to recognise his formative influence on the area.  

Professor Finlay's book on George Craig will be published in 2023. 

 

Further links

BBC news article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-63545719 

Professor Finlay on BBC Scotland Borders discussing the discovery of the letters (Wednesday 9 November; from 2:54): https://soundcloud.com/user-252230255 

Border telegraph article: https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23113789.long-lost-letters-found-galashiels-office-history-lesson/ 

Explore the UofG George Craig of Gala blog posts: https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/law/research/themes/legalhistoryatglasgow/engagement/georgecraigofgala/  

First published: 15 November 2022

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