Steeple discovery opens a window on civic past
OLD documents discovered during renovation work to Inverness Steeple are providing an intriguing glimpse into the past life of the Highland Capital.
The package of rolled-up documents date from 1923 — the year major repairs were last carried out to the city landmark — and include a copy of The Inverness Courier, booklets relating to the Town Council and a collection of calling cards.
The latter-day time capsule was discovered by contractors working on the £550,000 restoration to the grade A-listed building at the corner of Bridge Street and Church Street.
In a fragile and damaged condition, the documents have been passed to Inverness museum and archive staff for further investigation.
Conservation officer Jeanette Pearson said the outer wrapping of the package appeared to be waxed paper tied with sisal string with red parcel wax on one of the knots.
When she unwrapped it, she discovered an Inverness Courier, dated 10th April 1923, two Town Council booklets relating to an ordinary meeting on 9th April and standing orders and 25 calling cards of civic and business leaders, of which 15 are typed or printed while the rest are in-decipherable.
"Although they had been wrapped up tightly, they have got wet," Miss Pearson explained. "They were wrapped in wax paper but it is not like a modern-day capsule."
Care is being taken to ensure they do not dry out too quickly. "They will get very brittle and will start to crumble," she said. "The newspaper, particularly, is of very low-grade paper and in a bad condition."
Consequently, she is currently keeping some items in her freezer at home in a bid to preserve them and prevent them becoming mouldy until a decision is made on what to do with them.
Although the find is not of any great material significance, it has provided a fascinating insight into the area’s past civic life for the city’s present provost Alex Graham, who said the calling card of a predecessor, David Petrie, was discovered.
"According to the Am Baile historical website, Mr Petrie and his wife were strong advocates of temperance and did much to help the cause in Inverness and district which probably explains why there was a business card from the Temperance Hotel included in the time capsule," he said.
"It is interesting that around that time Pharaoh Tutankha-mun’s tomb was unsealed by archaeologist Howard Carter. Perhaps influenced by this world find of historical significance, the Town Council then decided to lay this time capsule down, recording in their own way a small part of history."
Provost Graham is also struck by the costs of the 1923 repairs — £340 — compared with those of the current renovations which are being funded by Inverness Common Good Fund and Historic Scotland.
"It reflects two things, inflation through the passage of time, but also the continued deterioration over the decades of the fabric of the steeple which the council is now having to repair," he said.
"This is a once-in-a-century type of repair. The steeple is an important part of the build heritage of Inverness and although the repairs are costly, it is important we look after it."
The 130ft high steeple is all that remains of a tolbooth building built in 1791 at a cost of £3400.
For more photographs see Friday's Inverness Courier.
