If you’re into local history, here’s a quirky event you may want to check out: next Saturday 19 September, there will be free, costumed guided tours around Dunfermline’s Heritage Quarter as part of a series of events marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of George Lauder.

Lauder, the uncle of Andrew Carnegie and the man credited with instilling in the young Carnegie his life-long love of history, was one of the most significant figures in Dunfermline’s history. For many years, he tried to persuade the ratepayers of Dunfermline to build a college that would provide training in much needed technical skills. He eventually had to turn to his nephew Andrew Carnegie in Pittsburgh for the money to build Lauder College, founded in 1899. Lauder also campaigned for a piped water supply to Dunfermline at a time when most people still relied on wells. His scheme to bring two million gallons of fresh water a day from the Ochil Hills is still in operation to this day.

The walks, which will start and finish at the Carnegie Birthplace Museum, are led by Roger Pickering of ‘Forth Pilgrim’ who is looking forward to taking people around the places associated with Lauder:

“I will be taking the part of Lauder himself and will be accompanied by the young Andrew Carnegie and my ‘son’ George Lauder Jr, also in costume. The hour long walk is suitable for all ages and we look forward to telling the story of this great man.”

Walks start at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. Places are free but require to be booked in advance by emailing office@forthpilgrim.org or telephoning 07748736042. This event is sponsored by the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust.