2009: A Sinclair Odyssey – Talks

2009: A Sinclair Odyssey – Talks
Caithness Horizons, Thurso,
Sunday 21st March, 11.30am

A day devoted to four talks by
Malcolm Caithness and Celia MacDougall in the morning and Paul Humphreys
and Barbara Hiddleston in the afternoon.

	‘Introduction’, Malcolm CaithnessThe Rt. Hon. Earl of Caithness introduces the subject with a talk about Sinclair Girnigoe Castle and the recent archaeological excavation and consolidation work. The passion and dedication that Malcolm has poured into rescuing the Castle is self evident and the new information being uncovered about the Castle should make for fascinating listening.
	‘Caithness – Cultural Connections’, Celia McDougall Celia will discuss language influences on names and places in Caithness, with particular reference to Gaelic and Norse culture. As a former Geography teacher, Celia has always been interested in this topic which is currently much in the public domain.
	‘Historic rural settlement in Caithness – in search of the medieval’, Paul Humphreys Paul will be talking on the subject of rural settlement in Caithness, and the archaeological evidence. Historic rural settlement relates to the archaeology of the ordinary people of Scotland; how and where they lived. Medieval examples of their houses are hard to find – where might be a good place to search?
	‘Sinclair Portraits Identified’, Barbara Hiddleston As Historian for the Castle of Mey, Barabara has long been interested in the Sinclair family which have been a part of Caithness history for many years. Barbara will be talking about portraits of the Sinclairs to be found around the County and showing them.