Dear Editor I live in Melbourne, Australia. I am currently researching the history of the Cairns family who lived in Menstrie village from at least 1780 (probably earlier) to at least 1860 (probably later).

My direct ancestors emigrated to Melbourne between 1852 and 1854 and established a pioneering farming community known as ‘Little Scotland’ in southern Victoria in which 36 children were born to 3 families who shared the farm.

The Cairns family was possibly closely aligned with the Drysdale’s, a portion of which also migrated to Victoria and established sheep farming. Janet Thompson (Logie Parish, Alva?) and Janet Cunningham (Carnock Parish) are the surnames of two direct female ancestors I am also interested in researching.

I am interested in trying to find anyone who may be interested to sharing ideas or research on the Cairns family from the Clackmannanshire area, especially Menstrie village and surrounds.

I have collated quite a lot of information to date including documents and photos and the family tree is rapidly expanding. I would be happy to share these with anyone who was interested. Please get in touch using the email address below.

Your sincerely Cameron Cairns camcairns@hotmail.com