Currie Parish Horticultural and Industrial Society

Minute books 1953-1993; accounts 1914-1994; prize winners lists 1947-1972; programmes 1926-2000; photographs 1950-2000

Currie Parish Horticultural and Industrial Society has been in existence since the mid 19th century and is centred on the Society's Annual Show. The exact date of the first show is unknown, although a newspaper cutting from August 1868 declared it a gala day in the district. The show was formally constituted in 1878. The society was suspended for a few years at the beginning of the 20th century as the result of a financial crisis caused by bad weather on show day. A new committee was formed in 1911 to recreate the show, although it could not be held again until 1920 due to the outbreak of World War I. It has been held regularly ever since, except for a break caused by World War II.

The show originally depended on professional gardeners for its success. However, amateurs grew stronger and it became focussed on their efforts. The show has been held at various locations, initially at times in the open air on the Minister's Glebe. After World War I it moved to the Gibson Craig Memorial Hall and in 1962 it relocated to Currie Hill School, where it was held until 2005. Since then it has been held at Balerno High School.

Chronologically by classification scheme.

Access by appointment at the Edinburgh campus.

Donated in 2002 by Currie Parish Horticultural and Industrial Society.

Item level descriptions are available on a database.

Description compiled by Helen Taylor, Archivist, Heriot-Watt University Archive Records Management and Museum service. Based on description compiled by Michael Gallagher.

Copies can be provided for educational and academic purposes. Permission to publish should be obtained in writing from the University Archivist.

Accruals expected

Photographs in the Tweedie Photograph collection HWUA TWP.

The collection is original.