A Scottish Family

During the early eighteenth century the Russell family was well known in the farming community of Moray. In following years it was to make a significant contribution to the county especially its capital Elgin. There, the Russells guided public affairs from the early nineteenth century, and reported the goings on in the local paper, The Elgin Courant, which Alexander Russell built up to become an influential and today, a prime source of local history.

The Russells prospered and joined in marriage with another prominent local family when Keturah Merson and Alexander were wed in 1850, From that day to this there has always been a Keturah in the family. Like many Scots, members moved away to live in Peebles and some emigrated to Canada and New Zealand.

Betty Willsher's intricate dissection of her family history is a masterful account of eight generations of Scots living ordinary but interesting lives. Through them we learn a great wealth of local Scottish history which major biographies pass by. From the age of the carriage to that of the computer her eye for historical perspective is equally acute.

It is a compelling and highly readable account.

Reviews:

"Accounts of the first pavement being laid in Elgin, court proceedings and controversial meetings of the council, presbytery and schools are just some the settings around which the rich, and sometimes tragic lives of the family unfold" Sarah Rollo, Press and Journal