News: Shirley Manson is our next Famous Scot

Shirley is the subject of the third in the series of 'Famous Scots' exhibitions on the theme of ancestry which is running throughout Homecoming Scotland 2009, Shirley was accompanied to the exhibition by members of her family including her father, Dr Mitchell Manson, pictured here with Shirley.

Dr Manson has a long standing interest in genealogy and is a great collector of old family photographs. The exhibition features many of these hidden gems. Some of them were even a surprise to Shirley.

You can come and find out about her roots in the Shetland Islands and the story of her mother Muriel's two families (adopted and natural). Muriel was put up for adoption when her unmarried mother was working as a governess for a wealthy family at Borrobol in Sutherland. Family stories record that the father, Hugh, was a butler at Dunrobin Castle for the Duke of Sutherland. The exhibition also features the story of a grandfather who flew as a Royal Flying Corps wireless operator in the First World War.

Shirley Manson's family history can be seen at New Register House, part of the ScotlandsPeople Centre, until 17 July, Monday – Friday, 9.00 – 4.30. There are also special evening openings – see website for details.

For more information about the 'Famous Scots' exhibition please visit the ScotlandsPeople hub website (link on left side of this page).