History on the Edge

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Factual: History

Professor Iain Hutchison

Anita Anand uncovers hidden stories from recent British history.

Anita Anand goes on the trail of stories from the recent past which have somehow fallen through the cracks of mainstream history.

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History on the Edge: The Tinker Experiment

The Tinker Experiment

BBC Radio 4 - History on the Edge, The Tinker Experiment

Anita Anand travels to Scotland on the trail of a 1940s ‘experiment’ to settle gypsy travellers into society – a story forgotten by mainstream history.

Anita Anand goes on the trail of stories from the recent past  that  have somehow fallen through the cracks of history. 

In this episode, Anita travels to Scotland on the trail of what’s become known as the 'Tinker Experiment’.  Following World War 2, the aim of the authorities, helped by the Church of Scotland, was to get gypsy travellers to leave their nomadic traditions and lives behind for a settled life in mainstream society.  There, they'd have a chance of education for their children who could be removed into care if they didn’t comply with the required  200 days attendance at school. 
  
Anita travels to Bobbin Mill near Pitlochry where, in 1946, the McPhee family and other gypsy travellers were moved into an old wartime hut converted for four families. The accommodation was small and overcrowded for the nine McPhee children and their parents, and was without amenities such as electricity. There was also asbestos in the walls which wasn’t removed until the 1980s. 

At Bobbin Mill, Anita meets Shamus McPhee and three of his sisters who still live on the site. Old holiday chalets have in recent years replaced the hutted accommodation and they now have electricity and running water.  Yet the family still suffer hardship and discrimination despite having been to university and contributed to society.  Prejudice against gypsy travellers runs so deep among the settled community that they've found it difficult to get work if they reveal their background.   And - having fallen between the settled and the nomadic ways of life - none of them has found a life partner or had children.

The McPhees are now seeking an apology from the Scottish Government as they feel their lives have been blighted by the Tinker Experiment. 

Producer: Sara Parker
Executive Producer: Simon Elmes
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