The Scottish Local History Forum is the umbrella organisation for all individuals, both amateur and professionals, and organisations interested in the discovery, use and exploitation of local history in Scotland. It publishes an informative journal, Scottish Local History, three times a year, with articles of local history research, book reviews and news. It organises an annual conference in the autumn and other occasional conferences. It campaigns on behalf of local history, edits occasional reference works, and generally keeps those involved in local history in touch with Scottish activities. Membership is available to individuals or organisations. Members receive copies of the journal and individual members can attend the conference at a discounted rate.

The 2003 annual conference explored the theme of "Scottish Childhoods". The papers ranged from "Childhood in early modern Scotland" where evidence was gleaned from portraits and paintings of children, a fascinating talk on the late 19th and early 20th century practice of sending children in care homes to Canada and Australia, learning and teaching on St Kilda and the provision of care for Scottish children after 1948. The day concluded with a short film on Childhood from the Scottish Film and Television Archive. It was agreed that this was a particularly interesting conference which was well attended by members.

April 2004 will see the appearance of issue 60 of our journal, Scottish Local History. Included in this landmark edition will be summaries of 3 conference talks, information on how two member societies were recently involved in major historical initiatives, and an index of articles from issue 51 onwards. It is also hoped to bring members news of the local history scene in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Submission of articles for future journals on any aspect of Scottish local history are welcomed, and should be sent to Doris Williamson, c/o Scottish History, School of History and Classics, University of Edinburgh, 17 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh EH8 9LN.
E-mail contact : doris.williamson@lineone.net

The categories of membership are : individual (£14 per year); organisation (£17 per year), organisation with 2 copies of the Journal (£19 per year); and students or registered unemployed (£5 per year).