An Evening Chatting About Historic Maps From Across Dumfries & Galloway

On 22^nd of February, the Dumfries Archival Mapping Project and the Galloway Glens Scheme are bringing together a whole host of mapping enthusiasts to look at a range of maps in different ways.

The Dumfries Archival Mapping Project (DAMP) was set up to encourage the study of historic maps, primarily pre-ordnance survey estate maps from across the region. Both in an appreciation of the maps themselves but also to consider what they can tell us about our changing landscape. As maps are identified, they are often then uploaded onto the National Library of Scotland Mapping website, an excellent tool which allows users to zoom in and slide between the past and the present. The work of DAMP to find and upload these maps has given Dumfries & Galloway a mapping resource which is the envy of the rest of the country!

The Event on 22^nd of February, entitled ‘Amorous Couples, Place Names and Steampunk’, looks at a series of historic maps through a number of different angles. Speakers include Chris Fleet from National Library of Scotland, Geologist Alan Gibbs and Graham Roberts, the ex-archivist for the region – with a whole host of others.

Book your free online ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/amorous-couples-place-names-and-steampunk-tickets-255186869797. The evening starts at 7.30pm and is scheduled to finish at 9pm.

The Event is being delivered with the support of the Galloway Glens Scheme. Project Officer, Nick Chisholm, said:

Maps contain pure information, normally unadulterated by opinion. However, opinion provides colour to the maps. DAMP evenings are always full of tasty tit bits, debate, ideas and opinions. The only issue may be stopping them before midnight! The 22^nd will be a fun time with maps fully technicoloured by skilled raconteurs.

In response, DAMP’s Archie McConnel adds:

“Hmmm…it is not so much a matter of opinion on maps but the fact that everybody views a map in a different way due to their own background knowledge and experience. It is not surprising then that if you put an archivist, a forester, a health worker, a cartographic expert, a geologist, and a sawmiller in the same room they will view things in different ways! The hope is that members of the audience will develop their own ways of looking.  This is the art of looking at a map…it is what you make of it and how it leads you on!“

The Galloway Glens Scheme is an initiative of the Council’s Environment Team, primarily funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with support from a range of partners including the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere.

To see our recent video outlining the work of the DAMP project to date, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jd3X8G_MvBM