A GRISLY talk on the infamous Annandale Murder attracted a sizeable crowd
Mostly Ghostly hosted the event in Annan retelling the compelling story behind Scotland’s last public execution, as part of Annan the History Town’s winter talks programme.
Over 30 people turned up to hear about the key events in the case of Robert Colvin Smith, a 19-year-old farm labourer from Eaglesfield and the impact and aftermath of his heinous crimes, which shook and scarred the local communities and became a landmark criminal trial.
Smith was found unanimously guilty of the robbery, rape and murder of nine-year-old Thomasina Scott, near Cummertrees, and the attempted murder of Mrs Jane Crichton, a key witness, for fear she could implicate him in Thomasina’s death.
On May 12th 1868, Smith was hanged in front of a subdued crowd at Buccleuch Street Prison in Dumfries, by Thomas Askern, well known for his incompetence as an executioner.
Reflecting on the talk, organiser Kathleen Cronie said: “We were delighted to see so many folk turning out to learn about this very dark event in our region’s history, a subject that was clearly affecting and has already inspired guests to learn more about the story, including the history of local buildings where key events took place, developing a picture of the physical landscape at the time.
“Smith’s death mask, cast by a plasterer named Rushfirth, created much discussion, with guests keen to visit Dumfries Museum to view if first-hand.”
Alison Tagg was in attendance and said she found the talk very intriguing and thanked the team for a “wonderful evening”, while fellow guest Steve Oswald described the experience as: “a most interesting talk, well delivered”.
Award-winning storytellers and local history enthusiasts, Mostly Ghostly, are known for their meticulous research and passion for bringing to life the darker side of Dumfries and Galloway’s history through their range of tours and events.
Kathleen added: “We’re greatly encouraged by the response to our winter talk’s programme, and look forward to welcoming our next speaker, Dr Colin Mackenzie, who will explore some of the fascinating origins behind the place-names of Annan.
“We’d like to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who supported the talk, and to the Reverend David Whiteman and Doreen Whiteman, for hosting us at Annan Old Parish Church Hall.”
