University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Scope and Contents 'This old lady used to be a housekeeper, stole a sum of money and served a term of imprisonment. She is a bad spoken old thing and a disturber of the peace. She lives alone with a dog in a tumble down one roomed cottage with only a tiny bit of window and practically no furniture. [Male informant] has been trying to get her to move but she won't. Brother a waterwatcher, sister a housekeeper, keeps her in clothes. [Male informant] says she is a silly creature, puts stories about. Very...

Scope and Contents

'This man is a thief, is unhealthy physcially and mentally, has had several fines but not I think any imprisonment. He works as a labourer but is often out of work. Was dismissed from a factory for theft. Wife, big healthy woman, has two illegitimate children and a delicate one to her husband. Several other died of asthma. Housing: Condemned house, one room, very small for 5. Filthy. Inharmonious.'

Scope and Contents

'This man is cunning, stole coal, an aggressive looking man, might have an awful temper. A shepherd.'

Relatives in survey: children 20.65, 20.64, 20.66, wife 20.62

Scope and Contents

'This lad was "wild and woolly" at school, but was reasonable. Not much trouble, good at some subjects, not defective. Stole apples. Now working on father's farm. PC - not very bright. This family "take wee bits of things that don't just belong to them". Difficult family, sullen and dour. Has been in trouble for stealing from a camp.'

Relatives in survey: mother 22.11

Scope and Contents

'Immoral woman, ? stealing. [Female informant] says she is a wild character. Was working in the laundry. Mother said to be a well known prositute. Father said to have gone to pieces after separation, whereabouts unknown. 6 children to all different fathers. Has one room for herself and the children and clients. Fairly clean. Minister says she is soft but bright to speak to, shrewd, no shame. Children are all right.'

Relatives in survey: Children 24.11, 24.10

Scope and Contents

'[Male informant] says this man is a character, steals, should be included. He was an aicraft worker, now a labourer. Big simple soul.'

Relatives in survey: sons 24.16, 24.17, 24.18

Scope and Contents

'Unsatisfactory character, has a reputation for petty thieving, went out a lot dancing and drinking with soldiers. Neglected her children. Father basketmaker. Mother dead, TB. Two rooms fairly clean. She has been a maid for two years and did not steal. Husband killed in war, has married again. Nurse confirms, plausible, generous, quite considerate. Swears. Not married yet. PAO confirms, bad tempered, bad type. No PA.'

Scope and Contents

'This boy was a holy terror at school. He is described as a terrible boy to drink and fight with a filthy tongue. Recently dismissed from farm for being unsatisfactory. Has a police record for theft.'

Relatives in survey: sister 25.31

Scope and Contents

"This man is a bad lot - wily, has a police record for theft. Poaches. Drinks. Home moderately clean. Relationships probably inharmonious."

Scope and Contents

"This man has just finished a sentence for theft. Used to drink a lot but has not been drunk since released. He is not doing anything at present. Mother alive, very old, dear old woman, clean. Housing: dirty, one room and attic (mother has the other half which is clean). Inharmonious."