FYI for the Islay list. See my comments below - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Les HORN" <Leshorn@ythanonich.freeserve.co.uk> To: <SCT-ARGYLL-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, February 03, 2006 8:02 AM Subject: [ARGYLL] Re: Argyll & Bute Archivist - Murdo MacDonald Dear Mr McLellan It is with some horror that I have learnt that Argyll & Bute Council do not intend to have a full time Archivist in Lochgilphead after Murdo MacDonald's retirement in March. In view of the upturn in interest world-wide into Genealogy and Family History research I find this to be totally unbelievable. I myself have found Murdo's services to be absolutely invaluable, especially considering (the Duke of) Argyll's reluctance to give access to the Campbell / Argyll Estate records, as I research for others . I only live 60 mls from Lochgilphead. Imagine the problem for our cousins thousands of miles away, in the former Colonies, many of whom are researching ancestors who emigrated from this part of the world. It is vital that we maintain the archives for future generations and I ask that your Council reconsider this rather short sighted decision. Yours Les Horn Chairman Lochaber & North Argyll Family History Group ______________________________________________________ From Sue Visser: For those who have gained knowledge through Murdo's help, perhaps a letter campaign to the Council would help. From personal experience, mailed letters seem to carry more weight than emailed letters. Argll & Bute Council James McLellan, Chief Executive Kilmory, Lochgilphead, PA31 8RT Email: enquiries@argyll-bute.gov.uk but make sure to direct it to James McLellan