> Hi, I have just been added to this list and wondered if anyone > had information on the HOWRIE/HOURIE family? My maiden name is > HOWRIE and I have been able to trace the family to the Orkneys > back to the 1650s - I haven't got anything like a family tree yet > though and as I am new to all this (and living in Australia) any > snippets of information would be most gratefully received. Howrie/Hourie is pronounced "Hoorie" and probably comes from the West Mainland parish of Evie, possible from the farm of Horry. However, there is/was also a farm called Horrie in inthe East Mainland parish of St Andrews, which is another possible origin for the name. There are still Houries in the islands but only three or four. Hello, When I lived in Shetland 1985-1991 my chemist/pharmacist was called Alan Hourie, who originally came from Stromness, Orkney, as I do. He has a sister called Ethel, but I cannot remember her married name. Their father was Captain John Hourie, who taught me how to recognise many of the planets and stars. Whether Alan, and his wife Greta, are still alive, I don't know, I certainly hope so - they were very kind to me - Greta made the finest tattie soup I have ever tasted! -- Mike Clouston mike@clouston.co.uk http://www.clouston.co.uk/ http://web.ukonline.co.uk/pegwell/