Fringe by the Sea 02-11 August 

Ailsa Fortune: Saving The Elgin Marbles – The Local Connection

Ailsa Fortune presented by North Berwick & District Probus
Tuesday 6th August, 2019
North Berwick Library
12pm

Saving The Elgin Marbles – The Local Connection

In 1799, Mary Nisbet of Dirleton, accomplished, pretty and rich, married the ‘incomparable’ Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin. It had all the ingredients of a glittering match ‒ but the reality was very different.

Author and historian, Ailsa Fortune will uncover the compelling story of Mary’s involvement with the removal of the ancient marble carvings from the Parthenon and the scandal of her divorce from Lord Elgin.

Ailsa Fortune lives in North Berwick and writes regularly for several publications. She has written on a variety of topics, 18th & 19th century social history, travel and local events. East Lothian Life has published a series of her articles on Forgotten Houses of East Lothian. She has written material for BBC Scotland Education and produced an archive on the Union Canal. Her book, British State and People1865-1915, a political and social history of Britain, was published by Nelson Thorne in 2009. Ailsa lectures on many of her topics, including The Nisbets of Archerfield and Lorimer's East Lothian.

For more information on Fringe By the Sea, click here.

Founded in 2008, Fringe by the Sea is operated and run by Fringe by the Sea Ltd, a not-for-profit organisation. It is only through the incredible support of numerous community volunteers and organisations as well as passionate sponsors that the festival is able to succeed. The festival is managed by a team headed up by Directors Niall Middleton and Rory Steel and General Manager Jackie Shuttleworth.