Alan McIvor

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Born and raised in Thurso, Alan McIvor is the chairperson of Thurso Heritage Society. He has researched and collected memorabilia on all aspects of the town for twenty five years. Through the years he has provided information and archive material for several publications and television documentaries. He is regularly contacted by various archives, libraries and museums assisting them with enquiries about the history of the town and its people.

His large collection includes archive photographs and slides, films, books, documents, paintings, maps, coins and tokens, ornaments, pottery, medals, and oral history recordings.

His collection is kept in archival boxes and albums stored throughout his home in Thurso. His first two old photographs were given to him when a local photographer was clearing out his shop, "that was the start of a hobby which quickly became more like a full time job." He credits his parents, in particular his late father for encouraging him in his interest.

A former voluntary custodian for Old St Peter's Kirk for several years, he published A Guide To Historic Thurso and Memories of Thurso. He assisted in the development of graphic panels for a town historic walk. He helped catalogue the collection for the museum in Thurso and provided information and photographs used for the displays. He has done nearly a hundred talks and presentations for various civic events, local organisations, charities and schools on Thurso's history. He wrote a small column in the Caithness Courier and John O'Groat Journal until suffering from a long term chronic illness.

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