Archives and Manuscript Catalogue

Correspondence, papers and copies of research documents assembled by Lord James Douglas-Hamilton for the publication of his books 'Motive for a Mission, the Story Behind Rudolf Hess’s Flight to Britain' (1st edition London 1971, 2nd edition Edinburgh 1979 and paperback edition, 1980); 'Air Battle for Malta: The Diaries of a Fighter Pilot', (Edinburgh 1981); and 'Roof of the World: Man’s First Flight Over Everest', (Edinburgh 1983).

At the back of the volume, “A familiar Epistle, addressed to Peter M'Leod, Esq., of Polbeth” by Charles Gray (Edinburgh, 1845) has been bound in.

There are also manuscript verses by A A Ritchie (folio 1), class certificates, 1833-1834, of Charles Gray's son, Charles E Gray, from St Andrews University (folio 3) and a newspaper article, 1845, on Gray's poetry (folio 9).

John MacDougall Hay became minister of Elderslie in 1909, but is best known for his work as a novelist and poet, particularly for his novel 'Gillespie' (London, 1914). He also wrote numerous articles for newspapers and periodicals.

Born in Cults, Dr Anna ('Nan') Shepherd was educated in Aberdeen and became a lecturer in English at Aberdeen College of Education. She wrote poems in Scots and English and three novels as well as articles for magazines and journals.