Stirling Author Draws Inspiration from Children’s Home Life for New Novel
A talented writer from Stirling has found inspiration in the history of a local children’s home for her latest novel. Elaine Whiteford’s newest book, ‘The Rescue Sisters’, delves into the lives of young people at Whinwell Children’s Home in a story set in 1900 in both Stirling and Quebec. The novel explores themes of child rescue and migration against the backdrop of historical drama.
Elaine discovered that between the late 1800s and 1927, approximately 150 destitute children were sent from Whinwell to Canada and Australia. She explained, “Child migration was government policy for almost a hundred years from 1860, aiming to provide children with opportunities they might not have had otherwise.” ‘The Rescue Sisters’ narrates the experiences of children being sent abroad, siblings being separated, and women striving to do what is right in an era where they were considered second-class citizens. The story covers themes of blackmail, kidnap, and hidden secrets.
Having attended local schools and universities, Elaine has a Master of Letters in Creative Writing from Stirling University. Her research for the novel involved delving into the archives of Whinwell and studying extensive literature on child migration. While the characters and storylines are fictional, they are rooted in real historical contexts, incorporating references to actual places and events.
Stirling serves as the primary setting for the novel, with several local landmarks making appearances throughout the story. Elaine shared her excitement about setting a novel in her hometown, revelling in the experience of envisioning familiar places like the castle and Old Cemetery populated by characters from 1900. Additionally, her interest in women’s social history from the late Victorian and Edwardian periods is evident in her portrayal of female characters in the novel.
Whinwell Children’s Home, founded by Annie Knight Croall in the late 19th century, played a crucial role in housing neglected and orphaned children in Stirling. Many children under the care of Whinwell were part of emigration schemes, sent to Canada and Australia to start anew. While some thrived in their new environments, others faced harsh conditions, akin to slave labour on farms.
‘The Rescue Sisters’ is now available in both ebook and paperback formats, offering readers a glimpse into the historical context of child migration and the challenges faced by young people in the early 20th century. The novel sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of Stirling’s past and highlights the resilience of individuals in the face of adversity.
In summary, Elaine Whiteford’s novel ‘The Rescue Sisters’ intricately weaves together fictional narratives with real historical events, offering readers a captivating story based on the experiences of children at Whinwell Children’s Home. Through meticulous research and a passion for local history, Elaine brings to life a tale of courage, separation, and hope set against the backdrop of a bygone era.