Diaries of the Reids of Peasehill, Fife

The diaries contain notes by David Reid senior, of weather and farming neighbours, 1855 to 1856, and notes by David Reid junior, of school, farm and St. Andrews University, 1873 to 1883.

Peacehill (or Peasehill) lies close to Wormit and the railway line approach to the Tay Rail Bridge on the south bank of the River Tay in Fife. The history of the Reid association in the area has its roots in the farming career of David Reid (1769-1882) who was the tenant of Cruivie after farming at Todhall. Cruivie lies around 4 miles south east of Peacehill, midway between the communities of Kilmany and Balmullo, Fife. His eldest son Alexander Reid (1818-1882) then farmed at Cruivie and also at Priorletham and Little Kinnear, and his younger son David Reid (1820-1884) became tenant of Peacehill. At Cruivie farming was continued by Alexander's son David Reid (1860-1917), then by J. D. Graeme Reid. At Peacehill the Reid association continued with David Reid (1865-1933). The brothers of this younger David Reid, Frank Reid (1869-1902) and George Reid (1871-1964), became Ministers of the Church of Scotland.

Generally open for consultation to bona fide researchers, but please contact repository for details in advance.

The Accessions Index contains the date 280769, for the diary material acquired July 1969.

Important finding aids generally are: the alphabetical Index to Manuscripts held at Edinburgh University Library, Special Collections and Archives, consisting of typed slips in sheaf binders and to which additions were made until 1987; and the Index to Accessions Since 1987.

Check the local Indexes for details of any additions.