***************************************************************************** This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. ***************************************************************************** A small addition to Fraser's note. North Sutherland Studies, a booklet published by the Scottish Vernacular Buildings Working Group in 1987, includes an article on Robert Garden, an Aberdonian Orcadian who established a string of shops on the north and west coasts of Sutherland in the 1890s, supplied by a small steamer. This was a natural development from the floating shops which I also understand took corn to Orkney to be ground. Garden's baker, Stockan, became a rival, but one can buy Stockan and Garden oatcakes and biscuits - sadly the Garden is but a trading name and the family connection is long gone. See www.stockan-and-gardens.co.uk I am particularly interested in the second story. I assume it post-dates the extension of the franchise to crofters in the mid-1880s. Much will depend on what period we are talking about. In the late 19th century, there were two parties in Sutherland: Tories, (to whom one would add Liberal Unionists), and Home Rule Liberals/Crofter Radicals. The crofters were well organised and politically motivated. However, the position could be difficult for "service voters", shepherds, gamekeepers etc. From newspaper accounts, it appears that both sides engaged in transporting voters to the polling station. However, the evidence is thin and hence my interest. Malcolm Dundee, Scotland -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 23 November 2002 14:55 To: [email protected] Subject: [SUT] Trading in Assynt Hi, Edward, Nothing wrong with your memory! There is a long tradition of Orkney ships trading up and down the west coast of Scotland. My father often mentioned them coming into Loch Broom. They were called FLOATING shops ( accent on floating ), possibly to distinguish them from shops that didn't!! In some west highland communities there are families with Orkadian names whose forebears arrived in connection with the floating shops. It's never mentioned in the local histories "down here ", but I believe there is quite a lot of info to be found in Orkney. Must dig sometime. Regards, Fraser MacKenzie, Sutherland. I have just remembered two stories my grandmother told me as a child which I thought would be of interest, altho' my memory may not be perfect. When she lived in Achmelvich as a child, their local 'supermaket' was a sailing ship that periodically came round the coast to trade (barter I recollect) with the locals. The ship came from Stromness I believe. She said they would trade eggs, chickens, fish, etc for 'luxuries' like tea. Are there any records of this that anyone might know about? Can anyone confirm how accurate this tale might be? A second story I recall, was how the landowner's cart would come round at election time to take the men away to vote, and how they were told who to vote for. Again, any comments or corrections will be most welcome. Regards edward Limpsfield, Surrey ==== SCT-SUTHERLAND Mailing List ==== Please visit our NEW POSH web site at www.sutherlandheritage.com <http://www.sutherlandheritage.com>