Hi lists: I am forwarding a message put out by Les Horn. Ted Larson - List administrator -------- Original Message -------- Subject: {not a subscriber} Re: Argyll and Bute Archives Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 05:29:45 -0700 From: Les HORN <Leshorn@ythanonich.freeserve.co.uk> To: Argyll Rootsweb <sct-argyll-l@rootsweb.com>, Isle of Mull Rootsweb <SCT-ISLEOFMULL-L@rootsweb.com>, islay rootsweb <sct-islay-l@rootsweb.com>, Tiree Rootsweb <sct-arl-tiree-l@rootsweb.com> CC: <Charles.Reppke@argyll-bute.gov.uk> Hi Lists Typing fingers revived - yes I do use more than one. Following on my previous posting. Iain Thornber - the fountain of all knowledge for Morvern -wrote the following to the Oban Times. I think he expresses why we need our archives exactly. 'The Highland Council' could equally be 'Argyll & Bute Council.' - in fact just substitute any council's name. I was appalled to read of a Lochaber Councillor referring to the written history of his area as 'old junk.' If the concept of an archive centre is of stuffy academics poring over huge tomes in badly lit, poky rooms, nothing could be further from the truth. Local record offices are used by historians, teachers and children, visitors searching for genealogical information, who bring considerable wealth to the area, as well as council officials who rely on local records to supply information when building warrants and planning applications are being processed. A very large part of local archive material is unique; it cannot be found anywhere else which is why local authorities, such as The Highland Council, are responsible for ensuring the preservation, effective management and ready use of a historical treasure trove of proven usefulness and immense national importance. Iain Thornber, Knock House, Morvern. .