The story of a Perth building which plays a central role in the city’s most celebrated literary connection is told in a new booklet.
After years of research by a group of local amateur historians, ‘The Fair Maid’s House, the story of a building, a trade, a city, and a fair maid’ has been launched.
The 48 page booklet is the work of 10 members of Perth University of the Third Age (U3A). Their interest was sparked by a talk on the renovation of the building before its present occupants – the Royal Scottish Geographical Society – moved into the premises.
The speaker commented that ‘there is a lot we don’t know about the Fair Maid’s House’ which the group of members, with very little experience of local history research, took as a challenge.
Four years later they have published the result of their efforts in the fully illustrated booklet, which has been funded by Perth Common Good Fund.
Starting with a description of Perth in medieval times, it gives a picture of Blackfriars Monastery which occupied a site close to the Fair Maid’s House, and its royal connections. The history of the building is traced from earliest times to the present day and a section of the booklet is given over to The Glover Incorporation of Perth, whose history is closely bound up with the building which for many years was the Glovers Hall.
The booklet also contains an account of Sir Walter Scott’s association with the building. Without Scott’s novel The Fair Maid of Perth the city might never have become known as the Fair City and the building which became associated with the novel and which lays claim to being the oldest surviving secular property in Perth would almost certainly not exist today.
Philip Bryers, who coordinated the work of his U3A colleagues commented: “We didn’t know what we were letting ourselves in for – the task has proved much larger than we anticipated, but we are delighted to have published this addition to the literature on Perth’s attractions.
“The Royal Scottish Geographical Society has a visitor centre in the Fair Maid’s House which is open during the summer months and we hope our booklet will attract many more visitors to come and find out about this fascinating facet of Perth’s history.”
Provost Liz Grant, who launched the booklet, said: “Perth has a fascinating history which has inspired artists and writers throughout the ages.
“I am delighted to support the launch of this booklet developed in the community by the University of the Third Age and supported by Perth Common Good Fund.”
