Series 4 > William Melrose in China, 1845-1855

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span of Scottish history. At the same time it is recognised that some periods
and subjects are of more interest to members in general than others. Council
has examined this problem and considered among others the possibility of
producing additional volumes in fields not adequately covered by the basic
programme, and of providing volumes with a deliberate educational
content for use in schools and universities. Although the discussion was
stimulating, no decision was reached on these points, which are in many
ways controversial. At the same time the implications of the Society’s
contract with the Kraus Reprint Corporation for the reprinting of the early
series of publications were examined. In order to have information about
the possible demand by members for specific volumes which may be
reprinted, a questionnaire is being circulated with this Report; it is hoped
that the replies will provide statistics which will enable the Council to
determine its reprint policy either with the Kraus Reprint Corporation or
with any other organisation Council may authorise to reprint the Society’s
out-of-print publications.
During the year the Council was invited by the Scottish Records Advisory
Council to give its opinion, on behalf of historian-users of archives, on the
form a Local Archive Service might take if set up in conjunction with the
proposed new structure of Local Government. A special committee of
Council, under the Chairmanship of Mr D. J. Withrington, examined this
question in some detail and prepared a submission which was received with
gratitude by the Advisory Council.
The Council has noted with regret the death of Sir Thomas Innes of
Leamey, G.C.V.O. As a man with a very wide interest in Scotland’s past,
he loyally supported the Society as a member for almost half a century, and
gave practical service and advice as a member of Council on several occasions
during that period.
Members of Council who retire in rotation at this time are Mrs Rosalind
Mitchison, Mr James Halliday, and Rev. Duncan Shaw. The following
will be proposed to the Annual Meeting for election to the Council:
Professor R. H. Campbell, SheriffP. G. B. McNeill, and Mr W. H. D. Sellar.
During the past year seven members have died, four have resigned, and
five removed from membership for non-payment of subscription; eighteen
new members have joined. The total membership, including 222 libraries, is
now 708, compared with 706 in 1970. The Council is pleased to note that
the level of membership is being maintained, but, for reasons expressed
earlier in this Report, urges all members to encourage their friends to join
the Society.