Thrumster kids learn about Watten's 'father of television' and want his Emmy award sent to Caithness
Thrumster Primary School pupils have been finding out about the great achievements of Watten-born inventor Alexander Bain and would like to see his posthumous Emmy award sent to its "rightful home" in Caithness.
Children from years 5, 6 and 7 were impressed to learn that Bain had invented the electric clock, the fax machine, made valuable contributions to electric telegraphy, and that he was awarded an Emmy, posthumously, on January 8, 2016, for his contribution to the development of television.
One of the class teachers, Eswyl Fell, told the children how the inventor developed the concept of scanning for image transmission, and is often referred to as "the real father of television".
"The Emmy award was given by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for innovation in the broadcast industry and is very prestigious," said Mrs Fell.
"The pupils were disappointed to discover, however, that the award is housed in a museum in Kirkintilloch. Alexander Bain died in a home for the incurables there, a few weeks after having a stroke. There were no known descendants to collect the award, hence the reason the people of Kirkintilloch, laid claim to it, as he is buried there."
Mrs Fell said that the pupils strongly feel that it would be "more meaningful and appropriate" to have the Emmy award based in Caithness, where it would be appreciated by locals and visitors. They have now written to the museum in Kirkintilloch where it is kept to ask if they would consider sending the award up to Caithness.
One pupil wrote: "It would mean the world to us to have this award in Caithness". Another said: "I personally think it should be in the Wick Heritage Centre. I think Alexander Bain would have liked that so the locals could see how well he had done, and to inspire them. Also, to show that even though we live far away from colleges, you can still leave home and do great things."
Other pupils felt it should be in the Watten Hall where one of his electric clocks is housed, and where a memorial to him stands outside the hall. One suggested the Wetherspoon pub in Wick as it is named after the inventor and contains information about his work. One pupil also asked if the Kirkintilloch museum would consider loaning it to Wick Heritage Centre.
The fact that Alexander Bain had always intended to return to Caithness to work his family croft, and that he only lived in Kirkintilloch for less than a month, have "added to the pupils’ case", said Mrs Fell.
A query from one of the pupils regarding the possibility of descendants living abroad, led to one of their teachers carrying out research and discovering that Bain had five children – Elizabeth, Isabella, Barbara, and twin sons Alexander and Henry.
His daughter Isabella Brander, had been a school inspector in India. The Internet provided a great deal of information about her and her work, stating how forward-thinking she was in her teaching methods. She was said to be dedicated and kind, and asked her friends in the UK to send donations of toys, games and Christmas cards for the children in India. Unfortunately, it appears she had no children. Another daughter of Bain went to live in New Zealand, and his twin sons had already predeceased him.
Mrs Fell said: "The pupils would love to discover if there were any living relatives of Alexander Bain and if so would love to hear from them regarding the award. Bain had six brothers and six sisters, so hopefully there could be a chance.
"They would also like to hear the views of the people of Caithness to see if they would like the Emmy award to be based in their county. Their fellow Caithnessian, Alexander Bain, has certainly invoked a deep feeling of pride in the pupils."
Mrs Fell welcomes views on the matter and if anyone has information on living descendants of Alexander Bain they can email her at: eswylfell@googlemail.com