Interviews of Robert Galashan

Biographical interview with Robert Galashan which is primarily about the Clydesdale horse and Shorthorn cattle work done by his father and uncle, who worked for Mr Marshall of A J Marshall, Bridgebank. Robert's father had been born in Alford in Aberdeenshire and Robert remarked that Mr Marshall often brought men down from the north country as they were felt to be good with beef cattle. He talks about how people came from as far as America and Argentina to buy cattle from Mr Marshall and he reflects on the diet and care given to the cattle in order to keep them in tip-top condition. Robert would help with the cattle shows and recalled travelling to the shows with the animals. He also talks about his uncle who was a stud groom for Clydesdale horses and could recall a time when most of the farm work at places like Polmallet and Crivelton were done by horse and cart. Mr Marshall provided a lot of local employment and Robert said that it was a sad day when he passed away.

Robert also recalls that his uncle, Pat Flannigan, was one of the strongest men in the area and a local worthy. Robert's main interest was in mechanical workings and he served his apprenticeship with the Universal Garage in Whithorn. Robert also talks about his childhood at Polmallet and of the countryside round about. He recalled going about on his bike, the interior of the house at Crivelton and going to the saw mill to collect wood chippings for the fire. He also shares some recollections of World War 2, including seeing the mulberry harbours, the blackouts and coping with rationing. Robert thought that people in the country fared better with the availability of local produce but also noted that nobody had much then so you didn't feel the deprivation so much.