THE Rennie's in our family are very much from the farming communities of the North-East of Scotland.

Above right, is pictured Andrew (Andy) Rennie, a very colourful and much-loved character. Born on 21 August 1913, Andy became a Coal Merchant, under the watchful eye of his parents. Well-known around the Woodside area of Aberdeen, he could often be seen in those days with horse-drawn cart and then a motor lorry for carrying his coal. He had a great sense of humour and was a keen boxer. He was in the Merchant Navy on the coal ships that sailed the east coast of Scotland and was at Scapa Flo. Latterly he worked at Stoneywood Paper Mill in Aberdeen.

Andy was brought up by James (Jim) Rennie (born 4 August 1889) and Ann Trail Irvine (born around 1888). Jim was a Farm Servant from Barthol Chapel, who took a keen interest in horses and ploughing.

Jim's parents are James Leslie Rennie, b 21 October 1861 and his wife Barbara Simpson. James farmed or worked at Belnagoak which is near Methlick, in Aberdeenshire.

James' parents were Joseph Rennie, a Master Tailor and Christian Dinnes.

Pictures: Above left: James Leslie Rennie and Barbara Simpson. Above: Old Jim Rennie and his wife Ann Trail Irvine.

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