Interviews of Jock McMaster

Biographical interview with Jock McMaster, a farmer in his late 70s, who has always lived in the Monreith area. His family came to Blairbury farm around 1830, initially as tenant farmers. During this interview Jock talks about the changes he has seen during his life-time, especially in connection with farming and rural employment. He talks about the change-over from horses to tractors, the use of threshing mills and local blacksmiths to outside contractors and the changes in workforce: from large squads of local or Irish workers to current practice.

Other themes covered in this interview include: schooldays; transport; travelling salespeople, mobile shops and other visitors to the farm; footwear and clothing; harvest-time and sheep-clipping time; shops and shopping; Port William as a holiday destination; World War 2; religion; community life; recreation and tourism. Jock also talks about the archaeology found on his farm and his family's connections to the Maxwell family of Monreith estate. Towards the end of the interview there is a discussion about books which have been written about the local area. Jock reflects on the ups and downs he has experienced in farming and says he is optimistic about the future.