New England sawmillers in Scotland – Accommodation, stables, stores and mess huts.
The images are courtesy of Rene Knott and Kyle of Sutherland Historical Society. However the writer is uncertain of how the photographs known as the Culeve (Location in Strathcarron) collection were formed and who initially collected them. A similar collection is in the care of the Jenks Library in Acton Massachusetts gifted by Webster Blanchard who was the foreman of New England Mill No 3 team. It is assumed that one of the Americans or more had cameras, took a selection of photographs which were passed to various team members. A local Scottish photographer or press reporter should perhaps not be ruled out as there would have been a ready market for photographs among the New England teams. Any further information on the photographs would be very welcome. Locations are within five miles of Ardgay, Ross-shire.
This is a winter scene of a sawmill workers camp under snow. The location is not known but site appears fairly flat. There may be a roadway in front of the sheds and there are chimneys of a house behind the sheds on the left.
The PDF has another winter scene view and also a summer view looking towards the camera position of the main image. In the distance the flue of the steam engine can just be seen as well as the large sawdust pile.
Could this be a Swordale Wood site (Mathesion Road) on Skibo Estate close to Bonar Bridge?
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Groups: American sawmillers in Scotland 1917, Buildings in Forests, Sawmills, pulp mills, chipboard mills