Caithness sporting trophy found in Edinburgh vaults
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AN appeal has gone out for information about a Caithness sporting trophy dating back almost 100 years which was discovered in the vaults of a luxury jewellery business in Edinburgh.
The matter has been brought to light by Murray Gunn of Stockport, Cheshire, who has Caithness family connections.
In a letter to the John O’Groat Journal he explained that his son-in-law, Jonathan Payne, was last year appointed as manager director of Edinburgh jewellers Hamilton & Inches.
“Stocktaking in their vaults they found an old and very tarnished silver cup,” Mr Gunn wrote.
It was identified as the Charles Swanson Cup, apparently awarded to the winners of an annual tug-of-war challenge between Thurso and Wick from 1923 to 1933.
Now Mr Gunn and Mr Payne are keen to find out more and have it returned, if possible.
In his letter, Mr Gunn writes:
"Last year my son-in-law, Jonathan Payne, was appointed manager director of Edinburgh jewellers Hamilton & Inches.
"Stocktaking in their vaults they found an old and very tarnished silver cup. Identified as the Charles Swanson Cup, it appears that it was a challenge cup for tug of war between Thurso and Wick and awarded annually from 1923 to 1933.
"Jonathan, and Hamilton & Inches, are keen to find out more about this trophy and possibly why it has ended up in their vault.
"Once cleaned up, their only goal would be to have it repatriated to the appropriate 'owner' or museum.
"Although domiciled in Cheshire, my father was born at Achalone and I have a personal interest with many relatives residing in Caithness.
"I would hope that you and your readers might be able to throw some light on the history of this trophy."
Murray Gunn's address is 10 Victoria Way, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 1DE (0161 915 6717; ben.gunn@sky.com)
