Somewhere in Scotland - Inveraray pupils re-enact the town's war experiences
When the Inveraray History Society and guests heard the sombre tones of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announcing “this country is at war with Germany”, everyone knew they would be watching something special.
The performance by Inveraray Primary School, taken from stories in Inveraray Castle archives, was a moving and powerful drama on World War II.
The pupils depicted the evacuation of children into the unknown countryside, places like Inveraray, which for these ‘townies’ was simply “somewhere in Scotland”.
Urgent demands were made on locals to find enough carpenters to construct 600 huts for 5,000 troops within one month.
Amusing scenes followed showing how children entertained themselves, oblivious to the serious nature of troops practising manoeuvres around the town.
The audience was treated to a violin rendition of ’White Cliffs of Dover’ and chanters giving the impression of a pipe band.
Video clips were skilfully intertwined with pupils’ realistic portrayal of the training leading up to D-Day. The evening was rounded off by hearty singing of ’We’ll meet again’.
The performance was part of a project organised by Alison Diamond, the castle archivist and her team.
The history society had been represented by Camayo Stewart and Charlie MacLaren at a questions and answers session held at Inveraray Primary School, where they answered pupils’ well thought out questions about memories of their childhood during the war.
Jim Jepson fascinated the children with various artefacts used by the soldiers, including a gas mask, billy cans, webbing etc.
Local historian Duncan Beaton had taken the pupils on a walk around the town showing them aspects of wartime life and important locations.
The project was made possible thanks to funding by Furnace Community Council and the Clachan Wind Farm Fund (via Inveraray Community Council) and Friends of the Archives, with support from the history society and the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.
The history society will meet again on Tuesday January 7 2025 at 7.30pm in the Church Hall when Neil Owen will speak about ’Royal Air Force Oban 1939-45’. Everyone is welcome, visitors £5.
May we wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
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