The Orkney Image Library
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1916
My grandad Robert Gillespie in WW1.
His mother was a Russell from Cannigal, St Ola.
He grew up on Rousay and then the family moved first to Garson and then the Watering House, Longhope. He married Katherine Brass from Wyre and they lived at the Glebe, Longhope
Grandad lived from 1900 to 1967 and granny from 1900 to 1991.
Picture added on 12 February 2010 at 10:36
Beryl, I had forgotten that your Grandfather was in the Great War. I must have known this but Bob was never one to speak of himself, as you know we grew up next farm to 'Bob o the Glebe'.He was such a fine helpful man who could make anything from what lay around. I can remember all that he made at the Glebe, he built a barn mill to his own design, I mind the tattie digger he made from a reaper, and so much more, a truly talanted man who I had the greatest respect for. Thank you Beryl for jogging me brain intae action and remembering 'Owld Bob o the Glebe' as there was also young Bob o the Glebe. Any photos o him in uniform- I know he was a Paramedic in WW II and had a hard time, he experenced a grim side of war that we will never know about thank god.
Added by John Budge on 13 February 2010
Beryl! I've been told that your Grandfather was a first cousin of Harry Russell,senior, Cannigal Farm,St.Ola. Added by Phil Brough.
Added by Phil Brough on 15 February 2010
Thankyou for putting this one on beryl, what a fine photo. As John said I believe great-grandad was a lovely man by the many stories i've heard, it would be lovely if there were also photos of my grandad, also, as John said he was a paramedic My dad has his documents from the war and they are fascinating to read, sadly i never met either my great-grandad or grandad, so i love to hear the 'stories'!!
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Added by Sarah Kirkness on 18 February 2010
Hoy and Walls
