01/06/2009
In the early 1960s, in the course of recording a Dunfermline mill building that was scheduled for demolition, RCAHMS surveyors discovered an incredible collection of over 750 glass plate negatives. Taken between 1880 and 1919, the photographs show Scotland on the brink of major social and economic change. From black houses in the Western Isles and Highland crofts in the shadow of Ben Nevis, to remote castles in Argyll and busy harbour views in Fife, they are a remarkable record of a bygone era.
The photographs are the work of Erskine Beveridge (1851-1920) the owner of a Dunfermline based company that specialised in the production of fine table and bed linen. A wealthy and influential man, Beveridge was an enthusiastic historian and archaeologist and would become one of the finest amateur photographers of his generation. He recognised the power of the camera to record his surroundings and was fascinated with landscapes, boats, buildings and archaeological monuments. His images are not just fine, well composed representations of their subjects, but also convey a sense of what made Scotland’s places meaningful to him. It is this quality which transforms many of his photographs into real works of art.
Published in paperback in May 2014, Wanderings with a Camera in Scotland showcases lavish reproductions of over 170 of Erskine Beveridge’s finest photographs, along with a fascinating biographical introduction by RCAHMS Head of Collections, Lesley Ferguson.
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SC 335940
General view looking down onto chambered cairn.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 336810
View from North. Original mounted photograph annotated by Erskine Beveridge 'Castle Telve, Glenelg, from N'. From RCAHMS Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection MS/36/209.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)
SC 372141
General view from East of Harbour, 2 - 24 Shorehead and Bell Rock Tavern, St Andrews.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 388559
Crail, churchyard. Bruce of Symbister tomb in churchyard.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 388582
View of Crail harbour, Shoregate, from south west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 388583
View of slipway at Crail harbour, Shoregate, from south west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 450960
Photograph of excavation illustrating wheelhouse. Vallay House, home to Erskine Beveridge, is in the distance to the right.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 450961
View of broch from the shore looking along the causeway, Dun Torcuill, Loch An Duin, North Uist. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1897.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 500617
View of St Moluag's Cathedral, Lismore, from South West with four women and a man in the graveyard.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 684175
View of houses in Kentangaval township, Barra.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 695875
General view of the village of Scourie from south.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739193
Crail, Marketgate, Denburn House. Main elevation.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739242
Crail. General view from south west with Golf Hotel in the distance.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739265
Crail, Marketgate, Kirkmay House. Interior view.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739271
Crail, Market Cross. View from south west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739288
Crail. View from north of Marketgate including Tolbooth.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739304
General view, renaissance front in ruinous condition
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740619
General view of Main Street Kilrenny including Parish Kirk
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740648
General view of Lower Largo Harbour with Crusoe Hotel and railway viaduct in the background.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740705
Oronsay Priory, Great Cross. General view from West.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740720
Oronsay Priory, interior. View of cloister arcading.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740727
Oronsay Priory, interior, from the south west. View of grave-slabs lined up along wall.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 742963
Looking along the shore at Port Appin, from south
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 742964
General view of farmstead with house and byre to the left, and a cart-shed to the right.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 742999
Lismore, St Moluag's Cathedral, interior view from west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743154
View of thatched cottage, from the east shore, with Sgurr of Eigg behind
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743164
Lismore, An Sailean, harbour. General view with boats from South.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743178
General view of thatched cottage with spinning wheel.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743218
General view of mill with millstone being re-used as stepping stone.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743245
Tiree, Scarinish, general. General view of houses - Taigh a' Charabhanaich (NL044 043)
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746161
View of Caledonian Canal, Corpach entrance; lock-keepers' houses, store-house, engine-house and paddle-steamer.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746273
General view of Fort William, including pier, from south
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746279
General view looking along shore towards pier.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746289
At the entrance to Glen Nevis. General view including cart.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746497
View of the Ship Inn, Norht Ness, Hoy from the north
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746786
View from SSE showing SSW and ESE fronts of church with part of graveyard in foreground
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746873
General view of thatched barn and windmill with round-ended grain-drying kiln on its gable end. Viewed from the south east.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746888
General view of inn with older thatched building and large peat stack beyond.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746932
View showing blackhouses on Boreray (at NF 8563 8058), taken from the SSW
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747686
View of Harbour and Shore Street, Anstruther Easter, c1885.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747687
View from south west of harbour looking toward 40 - 49 Shore Street with Chalmers Memorial Church in the background.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747688
View from east of 1 and 2 The Esplanade with the Parish Church in the background
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747690
View from east of 1 and 2 The Esplanade with the Parish Church in the background
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747904
Arran, Glen Cloy. General view looking NNW towards Goatfell showing cottage with horse and cart on right.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 748672
Mull, Inchkenneth Chapel. View showing recumbent figure of Sir Allan MacLean.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 748765
View from SSE showing 3-5 Ness Road on left
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 748821
Orkney, Stromness, Dundas Street. View from S showing part of SSW and ESE fronts of number 5 on left with numbers 2-4 on right
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1111849
General view of two large upright stones.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1111893
View into interior of aisled roundhouse, Buaile Risary, North Uist, showing hearth following excavation. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1906.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112033
Site during course of excavation looking in to wheelhouse cells.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112097
View of Dun, Islets and Causeways, Loch Hunder, North Uist. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1901.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112920
View of Corpach Sea Lock and distant view of lock keepers' cottages.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112985
General view of Dun Dornaigil broch. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1899.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113092
View of standing stone with three others in the distance, Machrie Moor, Arran. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1884.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113095
Kinloch Rannoch, MacDonald Arms Hotel. General view of hotel.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113101
Edinburgh, Scott Monument and Princes Street View from east of Scott Monument, also showing the Mound and Castle
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113128
Crichton Castle. Detail of stonework in interior courtyard.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113649
Croft (located at NC 0755 2110) adjacent to Badnaban Bay with Suilven in the distance.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
DP 042686
View of buildings in Courtrai, Flanders, Belgium. Copy of photograph titled 'Flax-steeping, Courtrai'.
© RCAHMS
SC 1115902
General view of the Faichney Monument in its original location. This elaborately carved monument is by John Faichney, a mason and is a memorial to his wife and children. It has now been moved inside.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115904
Bridge of Balgie. General view of bridge.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115945
Iona, St Martin's Cross. General view of East face.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115956
Coll, Breachacha Castle. General view from North-West.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115960
Oronsay Priory. General view of Abbot's Cross.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115961
Ardnastang View of thatched cottages between the road and Loch Sunart.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115962
Hougharry View of blackhouses with man outside.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115965
View of unlocated houses, probably in Newmills, Fife.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
DP 045154
Digital copy of book plate showing Dunfermline Abbey. Inscribed: 'Erskine Beveridge LL.D'.
© RCAHMS
SC 1126578
View of administration block of Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from south east.
© RCAHMS
SC 1129266
Photograph of Jemima Watt (1795-1885), aunt to Erskine Beveridge, probably taken at Keavil House, Fife.
© RCAHMS: Erskine Beveridge (N Maylan Collection)
DP 052695
Wooden box with brass handles used for the storage of glass plate negatives. Originally owned by Erskine Beveridge (1851-1920). Interior of box lid inscribed in pencil 'Newmilns & Valleyfield, Crombie Point, Culross, Kincardine' and contains 81 glass plate negatives.
© RCAHMS
SC 1125520
Charlestown Harbour View of ships in harbour with limekilns in background. Scanned image from glass plate negative. Original envelope annotated by Erskine Beveridge 'Ships at Charlestown'
© RCAHMS: Erskine Beveridge (N Maylan Collection)
SC 1092509
Arran, Lochranza Castle. View from South.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 335940
General view looking down onto chambered cairn.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 336810
View from North. Original mounted photograph annotated by Erskine Beveridge 'Castle Telve, Glenelg, from N'. From RCAHMS Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection MS/36/209.
© Courtesy of HES (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection)
SC 372141
General view from East of Harbour, 2 - 24 Shorehead and Bell Rock Tavern, St Andrews.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 383645
General view of Erskine Beveridge Company warehouse and offices, Dunfermline.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 387090
View of Dreel Burn Mill and rear of buildings on west side of Elizabeth Place.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 388559
Crail, churchyard. Bruce of Symbister tomb in churchyard.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 388582
View of Crail harbour, Shoregate, from south west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 388583
View of slipway at Crail harbour, Shoregate, from south west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 450960
Photograph of excavation illustrating wheelhouse. Vallay House, home to Erskine Beveridge, is in the distance to the right.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 450961
View of broch from the shore looking along the causeway, Dun Torcuill, Loch An Duin, North Uist. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1897.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 500617
View of St Moluag's Cathedral, Lismore, from South West with four women and a man in the graveyard.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 684175
View of houses in Kentangaval township, Barra.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 695875
General view of the village of Scourie from south.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739193
Crail, Marketgate, Denburn House. Main elevation.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739242
Crail. General view from south west with Golf Hotel in the distance.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739265
Crail, Marketgate, Kirkmay House. Interior view.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739271
Crail, Market Cross. View from south west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739288
Crail. View from north of Marketgate including Tolbooth.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 739304
General view, renaissance front in ruinous condition
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740619
General view of Main Street Kilrenny including Parish Kirk
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740631
View from E of St Athernase Parish Church, Leuchars.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740648
General view of Lower Largo Harbour with Crusoe Hotel and railway viaduct in the background.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740705
Oronsay Priory, Great Cross. General view from West.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740720
Oronsay Priory, interior. View of cloister arcading.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 740727
Oronsay Priory, interior, from the south west. View of grave-slabs lined up along wall.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 742963
Looking along the shore at Port Appin, from south
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 742964
General view of farmstead with house and byre to the left, and a cart-shed to the right.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 742999
Lismore, St Moluag's Cathedral, interior view from west.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743154
View of thatched cottage, from the east shore, with Sgurr of Eigg behind
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743164
Lismore, An Sailean, harbour. General view with boats from South.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743178
General view of thatched cottage with spinning wheel.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743218
General view of mill with millstone being re-used as stepping stone.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 743245
Tiree, Scarinish, general. General view of houses - Taigh a' Charabhanaich (NL044 043)
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746125
View of the Ben Nevis Observatory and precipice from a distance. Titled in Beveridge publication as 'Coire Leas and Summit of Ben Nevis'.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746161
View of Caledonian Canal, Corpach entrance; lock-keepers' houses, store-house, engine-house and paddle-steamer.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746273
General view of Fort William, including pier, from south
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746279
General view looking along shore towards pier.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746289
At the entrance to Glen Nevis. General view including cart.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746497
View of the Ship Inn, Norht Ness, Hoy from the north
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746786
View from SSE showing SSW and ESE fronts of church with part of graveyard in foreground
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746873
General view of thatched barn and windmill with round-ended grain-drying kiln on its gable end. Viewed from the south east.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746888
General view of inn with older thatched building and large peat stack beyond.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 746932
View showing blackhouses on Boreray (at NF 8563 8058), taken from the SSW
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747686
View of Harbour and Shore Street, Anstruther Easter, c1885.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747687
View from south west of harbour looking toward 40 - 49 Shore Street with Chalmers Memorial Church in the background.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747688
View from east of 1 and 2 The Esplanade with the Parish Church in the background
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747690
View from east of 1 and 2 The Esplanade with the Parish Church in the background
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747715
General view with boats, from the South West
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747809
Pittenweem, High Street. General view from south west showing church before Rose Window was installed
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 747904
Arran, Glen Cloy. General view looking NNW towards Goatfell showing cottage with horse and cart on right.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 748672
Mull, Inchkenneth Chapel. View showing recumbent figure of Sir Allan MacLean.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 748765
View from SSE showing 3-5 Ness Road on left
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 748821
Orkney, Stromness, Dundas Street. View from S showing part of SSW and ESE fronts of number 5 on left with numbers 2-4 on right
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1111849
General view of two large upright stones.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1111893
View into interior of aisled roundhouse, Buaile Risary, North Uist, showing hearth following excavation. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1906.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112033
Site during course of excavation looking in to wheelhouse cells.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112097
View of Dun, Islets and Causeways, Loch Hunder, North Uist. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1901.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112920
View of Corpach Sea Lock and distant view of lock keepers' cottages.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1112985
General view of Dun Dornaigil broch. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1899.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113092
View of standing stone with three others in the distance, Machrie Moor, Arran. Photographed by Erskine Beveridge in 1884.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113095
Kinloch Rannoch, MacDonald Arms Hotel. General view of hotel.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113101
Edinburgh, Scott Monument and Princes Street View from east of Scott Monument, also showing the Mound and Castle
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113128
Crichton Castle. Detail of stonework in interior courtyard.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1113649
Croft (located at NC 0755 2110) adjacent to Badnaban Bay with Suilven in the distance.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
DP 042682
View of horse-drawn wagons in Idaho, USA. Copy of photograph titled 'In Cottonwood Gulch, near Boise City, Idaho'.
© RCAHMS
DP 042683
View of street in Granville, now Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Copy of photograph titled 'Main Street, Granville'.
© RCAHMS
DP 042686
View of buildings in Courtrai, Flanders, Belgium. Copy of photograph titled 'Flax-steeping, Courtrai'.
© RCAHMS
SC 1115902
General view of the Faichney Monument in its original location. This elaborately carved monument is by John Faichney, a mason and is a memorial to his wife and children. It has now been moved inside.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115904
Bridge of Balgie. General view of bridge.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115945
Iona, St Martin's Cross. General view of East face.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115956
Coll, Breachacha Castle. General view from North-West.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115960
Oronsay Priory. General view of Abbot's Cross.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115961
Ardnastang View of thatched cottages between the road and Loch Sunart.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115962
Hougharry View of blackhouses with man outside.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 1115965
View of unlocated houses, probably in Newmills, Fife.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
DP 045154
Digital copy of book plate showing Dunfermline Abbey. Inscribed: 'Erskine Beveridge LL.D'.
© RCAHMS
SC 1126578
View of administration block of Dunfermline and West Fife Hospital, from south east.
© RCAHMS
SC 1129266
Photograph of Jemima Watt (1795-1885), aunt to Erskine Beveridge, probably taken at Keavil House, Fife.
© RCAHMS: Erskine Beveridge (N Maylan Collection)
DP 052695
Wooden box with brass handles used for the storage of glass plate negatives. Originally owned by Erskine Beveridge (1851-1920). Interior of box lid inscribed in pencil 'Newmilns & Valleyfield, Crombie Point, Culross, Kincardine' and contains 81 glass plate negatives.
© RCAHMS
SC 1125520
Charlestown Harbour View of ships in harbour with limekilns in background. Scanned image from glass plate negative. Original envelope annotated by Erskine Beveridge 'Ships at Charlestown'
© RCAHMS: Erskine Beveridge (N Maylan Collection)
SC 1092509
Arran, Lochranza Castle. View from South.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)
SC 396571
View of East Shore harbour, Pittenweem, with fishing boats.
© Courtesy of HES (Erskine Beveridge Collection)