On Thursday 4th April 2013, Mr Julian Russell and Dr Michael Turnbull will give a lecture at the Old Medical School in Teviot Place, Edinburgh on the subject of Father Richard Augustine Hay, the celebrated 17th century priest and historian.
Members of the Clan Hay Society will be familiar with Dr Turnbull's work from his contribution to the Clan Hay Journal and he is well known as the author of Rosslyn Chapel Revealed, the definitive work on the development and significance of the historic chapel that came suddenly under the popular spotlight as the setting for the climax of Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code.
Richard Augustine Hay (1661-1735) was the grandson of Sir John Hay of Barra, Lord Clerk Register of Scotland, and a remote descendant of the Hays of Yester. His father died when he was five years old, and his close association with Rosslyn Chapel derives from his mother's remarriage to Sinclair of Rosslyn. Among his many historical works are genealogies of both the Tweeddale Hays and his Sinclair step-family.
Mr Russell is the acknowledged authority on Father Hay and this lecture promises a fascinating insight into the life of an intersting and distinguished kinsman. Entry is free, and it takes place at 5.15 pm in the William Robertson Wing.