Interviews of John Barr

Biographical interview with John Barr a farmer whose father had owned Auchneel Farm since 1920 and which John himself ran until he retired. This interview considers change over time, particularly in farming and the local Stranraer community and commercial sector. John recalls the shops and businesses from his childhood, naming many businesses and their function. He talks about the Irish potato squads and the move to using local people after the War which, for a time at least, saved some of the people living on the farm.

John also reflects on the number of businesses and crafts which have disappeared as farming has changed and business has evolved. Cobblers, tinsmiths, saddlers and millwrights were all common at one time, while local grain merchants provided employment for many local people. Towards the end of the interview, John talks about when his father first came to Auchneel, in 1920 and wonders what the future holds for farming.