BATTLEGROUND PERTHSHIRE is a concise account of the battles and minor military events that have taken place within the county of Perthshire. Comprising two thousand years of battles, raids, rebellions, sieges, riots, feuds, ambushes and skirmishes, Battleground Perthshire shines the spotlight on the military history of Scotland’s big county. Drawn from extensive primary and secondary sources: archives, eyewitness accounts and official records, it tells the fascinating stories of struggles for wealth, power, freedom and the right to self-determination. This chronicle of Perthshire’s military history stands as an important reminder of some of the events that have marked the development of the Scottish people. It will appeal both to the reader interested in the history of Scotland and to those interested in military history.

Battleground Perthshire can be bought from most bookshops in the Perthshire area: The Watermill at Aberfeldy; Sweet Words at Dunkeld; Waterstones - various stores including Perth; WHSmith - Perth and Pitlochry. And, in Perth Museum, the AK Bell Library, Gloagburn Farm Shop, the Brig Farm Shop by Bridge of Earn. Alternatively, it may be purchased for £7.00 with FREE postage and packing to any UK address {Please email for postage costs for locations outside UK}. Send cheque or postal order (payable to Tippermuir Books) to Tippermuir Books, c/o 3 Graham's Place, King Street, Perth, Perth, PH2 8HZ. It can also be bought through most of the UK online (internet) booksellers.

Spanish Thermopylae: Cypriot Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39 SPANISH THERMOPYLÆ is the story of the fifty-seven Cypriots who served in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39. It is also the story of a war that defined the lives of a generation and whose outcome decided the fate of hundreds of millions of people across the world. Drawing on recently released records from the Comintern Archive in Moscow, Spanish Thermopylae will appeal both to the reader interested in the experiences of the Cypriot volunteers, and to anyone looking for a concise history of the Spanish Civil War. 'This is the first book devoted solely to the contribution made by Cypriots to the cause of democracy and progress in the Spanish Civil War. It bears witness to the injustice committed against humanity by fascism in Spain and the inspirational sacrifices made by a small band of Cypriot volunteers. Spanish Thermopylae is a fitting tribute to them, and the International Brigades.' Demetris Christofias, President of the Republic of Cyprus 'True to the best traditions of their Greek forefathers, the heroes of the Greek War of Independence, the Cypriots rallied to the support of Spanish democracy and independence, realising that a defeat for the Spanish people would have meant world war. On the Spanish battlefields was being decided the fate of Europe and with it that of Cyprus. They recognised fascism as the greatest enemy of humanity and volunteered to help crush it... Many Cypriots lie buried in the Spanish soil fighting fascism. Cyprus is proud of her heroic sons who fell in the anti-fascist cause, but the fight is not over. We fight on until fascism is destroyed from the face of the earth.' Ezekias Papaioannou, Cypriot International Brigades volunteer and General Secretary of AKEL (1949-88) "Before many years have passed, their own countries will feel equally proud of the volunteers. That will be their best and highest reward." Juan Negrín, Prime Minister of the Spanish Republic (1937-39). It is available from www.amazon.co.uk

 

 


HISTORY

William Macdonald Mackenzie - Architect

These notes are based on lectures given by Rhoda Fothergill - they were made by a local resident of Perth - Alan Darling - and have been passed to this website.

W. M. Mackenzie was the son of Alexander Mackenzie, a builder in Scone. William had three brothers and two sisters: William, David, James and Thomas became architects, David in Dundee and James in Liverpool. Thomas was in practice in Elgin and his son was A. Marshall Mackenzie, the architect of Crathie Church and Marischal College, Aberdeen

William M. Mackenzie designed many of the Free Churches - after the Disruption of 1843 including Errol, Glendoick, Meigle and Couper Angus. He was the City Architect of Perth from the 1820s onwards. His office was at 14 Charlotte Street but later at 5 George Street.

W. M. Mackenzie died 15th February 1856 aged 58 years. His business was continued by David Smart in 1858 to develop as Smart, Stewart and Mitchell. Latterly the practice was carried on by Mr James Morison, the architect responsible for the very fine restoration of King James VI Hospital in 1973.

W. M. Mackenzie's work included:

1820 Megginch Castle additions

1824 Congregational Church (Mill Street - Marks and Spencers)

1825 Methven Parish Church additions

1829 Arngask Manse

1831 Cargill Church (Kinnaird Manse)

1832 Kinfauns School

1834 St. Leonard's Church (Lindsay Burns Auctioneer)

1836 County and City Infirmary; Exchange Coffee Rooms (Gillies/Camerons George Street)

1838 Over Kinfauns Farmhouse (Dron Manse)

1839 Liff Church, Angus

1840 Clunie Church; Kinfauns Parish Church alterations

1842 Triumphal Arch for Queen Victoria's Visit (Princes Street)

1844 Old City Hall, Perth (Demolished 1901)

1845 Kinloch Manse

1846 Elcho Castle Farmhouse

1846 Public Baths and Wash Houses, Mill Street

1847 Couper Angus Manse

In 1839/40 he did alterations and restoration work to Perth Burgh Chambers, High Street.

He is buried in Greyfriars Burial Ground.