The Kintyre Forum

BOOK OF SCOTTISH CONNECTIONS IS LAUNCHED IN ARGYLL

It was a historic day at Kilmartin Museum today (Friday 6th February) when the Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism and the Leader of Argyll and Bute Council launched the national Book of Scottish Connections.

The Book of Scottish Connections will record births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships involving Scottish people that take place outside Scotland. Lolita and David Lavery from Campbeltown were presented with the first ever certificate from the book by Jim Mather MSP, following their marriage in South Africa.

Lolita is originally from Cape Town and moved to Scotland to trace her roots, meeting David in the process. The couple have since set up Kintyre's only 5-star guest house and are expecting triplets in July.

Presenting David and Lolita with a commemorative bottle of Springbank Whisky, which was very kindly donated by the distillery, Council Leader, Councillor Dick Walsh, said: "The Book of Scottish Connections is an extremely important document and to be able to launch it here at Kilmartin is a great honour, especially during this Year of Homecoming Scotland. It is a most fitting location for such an event given the historic significance of Dunadd.

"The book will enable the Scottish Diaspora to establish their link to Scotland in a new public record and to obtain a copy of the entry for commemorative purposes. Although the Book of Scottish Connections will have no legal standing, applications will be rigorously checked to ensure their authenticity and will help generations to come to trace their Scottish roots.

"I am very pleased that the very first entry in the newly created register will feature an Argyll and Bute family. Both David and Lolita were well known to me in their previous working lives before choosing to establish their guest house at Dalnaspidal on the outskirts of Campbeltown.

"Congratulations for the couple who are now looking forward to the birth of triplets later this year and I wish them both well for that exciting event."

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: "I am delighted to visit Kilmartin Museum and mark the Book of Scottish Connections launch here in Argyll and Bute.

“This excellent on-line resource enables people living overseas to register key events back home in Scotland, strengthening the ties that link us. It presents an opportunity in the Year of Homecoming to reconnect with the Scottish Diaspora and encourage people around the world to visit their Scottish homeland.

"This will benefit Scotland in many ways, generating additional tourism and boosting the economy at a time when many are feeling the effects of the global downturn.”

Following the launch, the multi award-winning Kintyre Schools Pipe Band entertained those in attendance.

Mr Lavery said: "It is a wonderful privilege for us to be part of this special event and to be the first entry in the Book of Scottish Connections. We are extremely proud to have been selected. The book enables our marriage to be officially recorded in this country and I am sure it will benefit many generations to come."