We were very saddened to learn of the recent passing of one of the most important figures in the Chapter House Museum Trust & Dunkeld Community Archive – former volunteer and dedicated researcher Eileen Cox.
Eileen was one of the founder members of the Archive and responsible for much of the local research we have available today. Many years were spent climbing the 42 spiral steps up to the original Archive rooms above the Chapter House in the Cathedral. Being close friends with Alexander Murray Robertson and Helen Jackson, who were both professional researchers, Eileen was responsible for their extensive collections being deposited with us.
One of Eileen’s biggest contributions to the Archive was an amazing rescue mission. Eileen and Brownlie Young were responsible for rescuing the Scottish Horse archive records from a skip when the Scottish Horse museum closed in 1999!
Eileen worked for the Archive as a volunteer until 2019, including the Chair of the management committee for many years. Her retirement was a huge loss, although she did continue to work from home.
Eileen was also a huge part of the Historical Society, being on the committee for many years and organising the graveyard surveys, historical talks, as well as many fantastic trips.
Ruth, our Manager, talks fondly of many years of working with Eileen, and thanks her for the wealth of local knowledge she passed on to her personally.
We send her family and loved ones our deepest sympathies, and feel huge gratitude for the knowledge and passion that Eileen brought to the Archive during her time here.