Published: Thursday, 8th May, 2008 09:15
New home for Tranter display
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The Duchess of Hamilton (left), with Joan Earle, committee member of the Nigel Tranter memorial fund, showcase some of the memorabilia from the renowned Scottish author, now housed in Athelstaneford Parish Church.The Duchess had negotiated the transferral of the artefacts when Lennoxlove House was being refurbished.
ARTEFACTS from the life of Nigel Tranter, hailed as Scotland’s greatest storyteller, have been immortalised in a public exhibition in Athelstaneford Parish Church.
Mounted inside the 18th century kirk is a copy of the author’s antique typewriter, original manuscripts, out of print books and other fascinating artefacts including a jotter of doodles from his teenage years.
There is also a handful of sea shells on which Mr Tranter etched small drawings of – his most favourite of interests – castles.
Tranter was a prolific author writing more than 130 titles before his death in 2000, aged 90.
The exhibition was originally housed in Lennoxlove House and later transported to Abbotsford House, the home of Sir Walter Scott, during refurbishment. It was installed, two weeks ago, in the north transept of the church in which he was married on July 11, 1933.
His affection for Athelstaneford was profound and he was instrumental in the inception of the Scottish Flag Trust – responsible for flying the saltire continuously in the kirkyard.
Joan Earle, a member of the memorial fund committee – responsible for the upkeep of the exhibition – said: “He was very fond of this church for it was where he was married. But he was involved in the Scottish Flag Trust and the conversion of the doo’cot which now depicts the Battle of Athelstaneford.
“All of us on the committee think it’s a highly appropriate location for this exhibition.”
Athelstaneford church minister, Rev Dr Kenneth Walker, said he was “absolutely delighted” that the works of such a prestigious author were now being showcased there and hoped to retain the exhibition “in perpetuity”.
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