Paul Bishop, landscape and local history: a life and a legacy

Abstract

ABSTRACT Paul Bishop’s interest in local history was longstanding. As he neared retirement, he expanded his researches into local landscapes and a longheld interest in industrial archaeology. As Paul's desire to minimise his carbon footprint increased, so did his research into the local area where we lived in East Dunbartonshire. As well as using his skills and experience as a geomorphologist, Paul extended his research methods, examining dovecotes, horse gins, ha-has, lime kilns, bleachworks, flax mills, the linen industry and other topics related to his great loves: landscape, mills and local history. Paul went in, waders and all. This piece is designed to trace the origins of Paul’s enthusiasm for local history, to discuss the characteristics of Paul’s involvement in this research area, his collaborations and his significant contribution to local history in Scotland, not only through research but by his service to various groups and bodies involved in Scottish local history. Part of Paul’s legacy is his ability to enthuse and engage people in learning about their local environments. He leaves behind an extensive archive. A more general point is made about personal archives and how we might approach them in order to preserve such materials.