Appeal for info on lost sister

Alistair Neil • Published 5 Nov 2009 14:14

Pensioner siblings look to Irvine in search of family

TWO sisters who were re-united by an Irvine history centre are now appealing for help in finding a THIRD sister.

Ruby Allison, 73, and Shirley Greener, 65, met for the first time earlier this year after Shirley visited the Local and Family History Centre at Glasgow Vennel to trace her family's roots.

But further research has now dramatically uncovered a third sister - June Thomson - who is believed to be living in the Ayrshire area.

This week an emotional Ruby, who lives in Paisley, said: "In April I was just a lonesome sole but now I have two sisters. I can't believe it."

Shirley originally travelled to Irvine from her home in Chichester, Sussex, to find out more about her late mum, Margaret McColm.

When she searched through the genealogy service's records Shirley discovered she had an older half sister. It emerged Ruby had remained in Scotland when her mother moved south, before having Shirley.

Following the discovery the sisters had an emotional reunion and now, despite Shirley's ill health, they talk on the phone every night.

And the revelation of a third sister means June, 75, has now become the centre of their investigation.

Research has uncovered she married a fireman, Thomas Thomson, who died on May 10, 1988. Together they had two sons, George, 52, and Thomas, 56.

Ruby added: "June probably doesn't know about us and we don't know that much about her.

"What we do know is she has two sons and had a house in the Ayr area until at least two years ago. It was a shock to find out about her but it would be great if we could track her down."

Their story is one of the most successful to come out of the North Ayrshire Council run Local and Family History Centre, which has enabled a number of people to uncover their ancestry.

Librarian Jill McColl said: "Of those who have tried to gain a better understanding of their ancestry, many have found the effort has more than paid off."

Staff carry out the genealogy service by appointment on Tuesday afternoons and Thursday mornings.

Anyone who may have information about June Thomson can contact the Times and we will pass on any details to Ruby and Shirley.

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