THE 'MACLEOD OF GEANIES' SILVER EXHIBITION

SHERIFF DONALD MACLEOD (1745-1834).

 MOST OF THIS SILVER IS ENGRAVED WITH THE MACLEOD OF GEANIES CREST

 ‘A SUN IN HIS SPLENDOUR’,

 WITH THE FAMILY MOTTO

‘LUCEO NON URO’

(I SHINE BUT DO NOT BURN) ABOVE.

“...(his) life has been devoted to the service of the country and (his)…exertions for its improve have been unremitted”

Sir George MacKenzie.

Donald MacLeod of Geanies was typical of the laird class in the Highlands. Trained as an Advocate, he was appointed Sheriff Depute of Ross and Cromarty in 1774.  He was a keen ‘improving’ landlord on his estate at Geanies near Tain and was also interested in the development of roads and bridges in Easter Ross.

Sheriff MacLeod and his family, like many other local lairds at the time amassed a sizeable selection of silver tableware, purchased from local, Edinburgh and London makers.  They tried to keep abreast of fashionable trends of the times, and we can see their tastes changing in the silver they bought – ranging from the typical rococo decoration of the small salvers to the restrained neo-classicism of the tureens and salts.  The MacLeods also seem to have bought replacement pieces to make up for losses in earlier sets.  This collection reflects both the growing formality of eating which took place towards the end of the century and also the importance of material possessions as a mark of status.

The complete collection numbers more than 250 pieces, and was a very generous donation to the National Museums of Scotland by Mr Neill MacLeod, Hampshire, a descendent of Sheriff MacLeod.  It is entirely appropriate that some of it was displayed here, close to where it was first used.

SUTHERLAND MURRAY & KLONDYKE GOLD

More details to follow.

THE 'GALLANT MEN OF TARBAT'

WAR MEMORIAL EXHIBITION

Of particular local interest in 2005 was an exhibition put together by Willie Macrae entitled “The Gallant Men of Tarbat”. This was an account of the backgrounds and service of local men who lost their lives in the Second World War, including some who had emigrated before the outbreak of war. Fully illustrated with photographs, newspaper cuttings and other memorabilia, this exhibition is a wonderful archive for the local community.

RAF TAIN - WARTIME TO PRESENT DAY

A large exhibition of RAF Tain  tells the story of the local airfield from its beginnings as a fighter station in 1941, through the changes and expansion of the Second World War, to its present role as the air-to-ground missile training ground for the RAF, NATO and the USAAF. This beautifully illustrated and informative exhibition has excited great interest, and reminded us of the important  part RAF Tain has played in the history of Europe over the last sixty years.