A FORMER Greenock man is trying to trace his niece and nephew and I’ve just had a letter from a lady in Australia who is hoping to contact relatives.

John McCrae, who now lives in Hereford in England, has been blind for many years after contracting an eye disease at the age of 28.

The 64-year-old told me: “I lost touch about 11 years ago with my niece, Margaret Cowan, who lived in Port Glasgow, and my nephew, Sandy Cowan, who lived in Greenock.

“I’m keen to get in touch with them again, and I hope I might be able to do so through the Telegraph.” John lived for a while in Fife before moving to England.

He can be contacted by calling 07460 229199.

Meanwhile, Jennifer Lentell, who lives in Queensland, Australia, is looking for descendants of Gregor Grant, who died on 6 March 1893 at 66 Albert Road, Gourock.

Jennifer is a descendant of Gregor’s sister, Jamesina, who married John McIntosh in Inverness in 1852 and emigrated to Victoria, Australia, with their son Edward in 1853.

She died in 1911 at the age of 91.

Her younger brother Gregor was married to Marion Scott, who passed away in 1915.

The couple had at least three children, including James, Gregor and a daughter believed to have been called Jane.

Gregor junior’s name appears on his father’s death certificate.

He married Agnes Shearer on 27 April 1894 and in 1911 they were known to have had four children — William, three, Marion, 10, Gregor, 12, and Catherine, 15.

Jennifer Lentell would love to hear from readers with knowledge of any of these names.

Her address is 128 Greenwood Street, Wishart 4122, Queensland, Australia.

Alternatively, I am happy to pass a message to her.