Local history
Introduction
Local studies material documents the history and development of the East Dunbartonshire area, from the earliest times up to the present day.
A wide range of published and unpublished sources are held, including both historical and current information about the local area. The areas covered include Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs, Campsie, Baldernock, Bearsden, and Milngavie.
You can use local studies material to research your local area - towns and villages; streets; buildings; people; events; industries; transport; historic sites; sport and leisure.
Local history information
Find out some fascinating history and stories of the local area - Kirky’s shipbuilding industry (in a landlocked town); the area’s rich Roman history and Antonine Wall; Campsie’s most famous visitor and pioneer balloonist, Vincent Lunardi; why Lenzie was originally named Campsie Junction; the spindly Spider Bridge, for many years a monument to one very heated dispute; Rita (Cowan) Taketsuru, the wife of the Japanese whisky maker; Thomas Muir – the Father of Democracy; the growth of the New Kirk settlement into today’s Bearsden; George Bennie and his revolutionary Railplane; and many more.
Books and pamphlets
Eighteenth century titles to the latest local publications, covering parish, town and village histories, titles covering specific subject areas, biographies, statistical information, and Council report literature.
Maps
Ordnance Survey (OS) map series from the mid-nineteenth century onwards, at various dates and scales, covering parts of the old Counties of Dunbartonshire, Stirlingshire and Lanarkshire. The series includes 1st edition maps c. 1865 and 2nd edition maps c. 1899. A range of other maps and plans (not OS) are also available.
Newspapers and periodicals
Local newspapers from the nineteenth century to the present, covering the whole of East Dunbartonshire, including the Kirkintilloch Herald (1886 - present) and the Milngavie & Bearsden Herald (1901 – present). A small number of periodicals, including articles of local interest, are held.
Photographs
A large collection of photographs give a visual history of all aspects of life in the local area. Around 5000 of these historic photographs have been digitised and can be viewed can be viewed on our online collections catalogue.
Subject information files, news cuttings, ephemera
A wide range of subject related information held in print format, supplementing the local history book collection, reflecting life in East Dunbartonshire, past and present.
Online Information Services
The following online services can be useful for local and family history research: Statistical Accounts of Scotland; ScotlandsPlaces; Ancestry; SCRAN; British Newspaper Archive.
Family History
A range of resources (print, microfilm and online) are available which will assist you with genealogical and family history research, helping you to trace your Scottish ancestry, as well as ancestors further afield.
We offer a free enquiry service, up to 30 minutes research, for anyone who is unable to visit the library. This includes advice and information on conducting your research and help with identifying appropriate resources. We can supply photocopies and scanned images of documents in line with current copyright legislation. Enquiries are welcome in person, by phone or email. For more extensive research you will need to visit the Local Studies Library yourself or use our remote enquiry service.
Many local studies items are on the library catalogue, Indexes and resource guides are available in the library to help you find the information you need. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help you with your research and use of the collections.
How to find us
The main Local Studies collections are held at two locations. Collections relating to the Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs, Campsie and Baldernock areas are kept at Archives & Local Studies, William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch; collections relating to the Bearsden and Milngavie area are kept at Bearsden Library. Smaller collections are held at all other libraries.
Local Studies contact details and opening hours
Bearsden Library
69 Drymen Road
Bearsden
G66 3QT
Telephone: 0141 777 3021
Email: archives@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Monday – Thursday, 10am – 8pm;
Friday & Saturday, 10am – 5pm
William Patrick Library
2 - 4 West High Street
Kirkintilloch
G66 1AD
Telephone: 0141 777 3142
Email: archives@eastdunbarton.gov.uk
Monday – Thursday, 10am – 8pm; Friday & Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Contact details and opening hours for all other libraries can be found on the Venues page
Get help to search
You can use the remote enquiry service to delve into your family history, discover the local history of your area, uncover the history of your house, reminisce about past workplaces, shops, schools or clubs, or to answer a specific question.
