In my lunch break today, I visited the Ewart Library, where I noticed this photograph next to a display case which held a silver trowel and an ornate key.

This is Jessie McKie (1823-1907) who held the distinction of being the only woman to have been granted the Freedom of the Burgh. She was the daughter of a wealthy businessman, and used her money in many philanthropic ways, such as widening the bridge on the main road into town, and building a public baths and washhouse on the Greensands. She was proprietor of the Theatre Royal (Scotland's oldest working theatre, by the way).

Miss McKie also provided the land on which the Ewart Library was built. The trowel was used by her to lay the foundation stone in 1899 and the key in 1904 at the official library opening.

The key was mislaid after the ceremony but turned up many years later, buried in a Dumfries garden.

The cafe was nicely busy today and I enjoyed being back at work. Afterwards, I went to do some food shopping and then treated myself to a sauna. This evening we had a lovely FaceTime with Sarah and Chris who are staying in a cottage in North Yorkshire. Tomorrow they are walking/running a 50 mile LDWA challenge event. What a shame that the weather doesn't look too great :-) The cottage looks fabulous, though.