Neighbours from Hell
There are those who might think that the concept of yobbism or poor neighbourliness is a relatively recent phenomenon. Staff in Perth and Kinross Council Archives have, however, come across a letter which would appear to suggest that this sort of problem has been with us for a while. The reproduction below is the text of a letter written from Toftingall School near Golspie in January of 1865:
"Sir,
I have often, since winter commenced, been on the point of making to you the following statement, but I find I cannot delay any longer, as something must be done to put an end to the evils I have to complain of. I allude to the Scholars attending the Free Church School here. It is their practice every night when on their way home from that school to congregate at the end of my house, then run in a body along the pavement past the door making as loud a clattering with their feet as they possibly can, and also howling and yelling all with the intention of annoying my wife who is still confined to bed and is at present in a very weak state, in consequence of a very bad attack of her severe malady about three months ago. All this annoyance , I must allow until they please to go away, or submit to insolence and abusive language to a degree almost incredible. It is not altogether children I have to complain of but those whom one would be naturally inclined to expect something better. The chief actors are the family of William Gunn Tenant, Bardsmarkie, who have always shown symptoms of the greatest animosity towards me and this School during the six years I have had the charge of it and I cannot understand how it happens, as I never yet offended one of them in the least. But, the truth is, I am the only individual in this district who adheres to the established church and considering the spiteful feeling of everyone to that church it is easy to conceive that a teacher, such as I, must pay his account to live a very unhappy life amongst them. By experience I find it so.
I am sure that if Sir Peter was made aware that that house at Spittal was made use of, for such base purposes, that he would make speedy work of it. You may, if you please, forward to him this note. It is indeed time that a final stop were put to such improper conduct and trusting that this notice I have given you will lead to that.
I am Sir,Your servant
Alex Purdie
G.A. Teacher
Toftingall"
The letter is a small part of the Threipland Papers, which have been entrusted to the Council Archive on long-term deposit. The inclusion of this letter is explained by the fact that the Thriepland Family, whose family seat is Fingask Castle, Rait, inherited lands and property in Caithness in the late eighteenth century.
The collection of papers is of immense historical significance is available for consultation in the Council Archive and through the Threiplands People database which is now available online.
There are many thousands of other documents available for consultation in the Archive and staff are always delighted to be able to assist people with serious research, or informal curiosity. Information on the Archive holdings is available in a leaflet which can be downloaded or printed.
