James Gilligan with a dog and cat

James Gilligan with a dog and cat
James Gilligan with a dog and cat
James Gilligan with a dog and cat
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James Gilligan with a dog and cat
James Gilligan, also known as "Cave Jimmy", made his home in the Caiplie Coves. Seen here with his "dumb" (i.e. non-verbal) friends.

Jimmy was born in Aberdeen in 1859. After the death of his parents at a young age, he spent his childhood in an orphanage. With no other prospects, he joined the army with the 92nd Gordon Highlands. His first military outing was in the Second Afghan War under Lord Roberts from 1878 to 1880. Later, he served in the Boer War, in the especially devastating Battle of Majuba Hill in 1881. During the fighting, he sustained leg injuries and a bad head wound, becoming aggressive as a result. He was kicked out of the army after assaulting a corporal, becoming homeless in 1882. After many years wandering in and out of hospitals and institutions, Jimmy came to live in Caiplie Caves in 1909. He was welcomed by the community, often going to a local farmer for blether. He lived in the cave during the outbreak of the First World War, leaving suddenly after the Second World War broke out. It was believed he left due to being a German spy. However, there are records of a man by his name dying in a Salvation Army hospital in 1940 of inflammation of the heart and sepsis.

Jimmy made the best of his situation in the caves, acquiring furnishings and putting wood down on the floors to keep the damp away. He also made himself a small stove and piping for a chimney.
The Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust Ltd
Bk56A p47A
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2022-05-04 10:17:44
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2020-11-20 09:23:34
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