Bench honours Peninver antiquarian Frances Hood

Although the occasion was organised at regrettably short notice, there was an impressive turnout.

Committee members were joined by many of Frances’s friends, of whom Janet Logan, Anne Morrans and Linda Peacock spoke feelingly of their long friendship with her.

A nurse by profession, Frances was originally from Strathaven, Lanarkshire, but spent the greater part of her life in Peninver, where she raised her three sons, Harry, Allan and the late Iain.

Her wide-ranging interests included local history, genealogy, natural history and writing, but archaeology was her greatest passion and her achievements in that field were recognised in 2003 when she was elected to the Council of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

The bench is situated on the grounds of Peninver Sands Holiday Park, with the agreement of proprietor Edward McCallum. 

It stands within sight of Frances’s former home in the village and looks out over Kilbrannan Sound, a view with which Frances was familiar for more than 50 years. 

The plaque affixed to the bench reads: “In memory of Frances Hood (1936-2024) / Antiquarian and Archaeologist / Placed here by FOCM & KANHS.”

Angus Martin of the Friends of Campbeltown Museum and the Kintyre Antiquarian and Natural History Society said: “Ironically, as one of the attendees recalled, Frances used to wish for a bench she could rest on while walking her dogs on the beach.

“She has been greatly missed by her many friends, but the bench will serve as a resting place for remembering her and for enjoying the beauty of the views.”