Tweet
CONTENTS
--------
Electric Scotland News
Electric Scotland Community
The Flag in the Wind and Christina McKelvie
Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland
Kay's Edinburgh Portraits
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
William and Louisa Anderson
The History of Fettercairn
Memoirs of the Jacobites
R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Fighter for Justice
songs of John Henderson
John's Scottish Singalong
Rattray's Seiks
Robert Burns Lives!
Lots of Articles
The Berry papers; being the correspondence hitherto unpublished of Mary and Agnes Berry
David Laing
A History of Emigration from the United Kingdom to North America 1763 to 1912
Stirling Castle
William Barclay
Intellectual Influences of Scotland on the Continent
The Clan Campbell
Letters of the Papal Legate in Scotland, 1543
Scotch Dress
Clan Ross of Canada
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Oor Ain Folk (New Book)
Alastair's Videos
Electric Scotland News
----------------------
A new departure this week as I've produced a "video newsletter!" Mind you it's just me talking so no fancy stuff. I also did the video on Tuesday as it happens so I won't have mentioned some of the content I've added since. However if you were to prefer this format then I'd likely do this each Thursday so I'm bang up to date.
I've still produced this text newsletter as that way I can give you the links to the various content. To be frank I haven't a clue as to whether you'll like this format or indeed have the time to watch the video as it is 32 minutes 57 seconds in length.
It has of course occured to me that I can just talk about things and you can go to the What's New page to pick up the links. I have as it happens added "What's New" to the drop down menu in this community under the EScortland menu. That will take you directly to our What's New page on ElectricScotland.com
And so this is a time when I would really value your feedback...
So... how do you like this format? WOuld you prefer the text version. WOuld you prefer the video verson. Or would you want both versions? And as you lot aren't normally very communicative I've added a poll to this message which will let you select your options...
I prefer the Video format
I prefer the Text format
I would prefer both Video and Text
And hopefully you might complete that even if you don't want to send me a message although I'd love to get your comments.
So having said all that you can now watch the video below...
-----
As you'll know and especially if you read last weeks newsletter I continue to try and obtain company profiles and this week "Tartan Twist" sent one in. They produce fashion jewellry. You can read about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/busi...rtan_twist.htm
I remember the other week a Scottish Shop in Quebec emailed me to ask if I knew of any Scottish manufacturers that they might be able to do some business with so this might be one such company.
-----
I did quite a few articles from the Scottish Review and the Scottish Historical Review this week for which see more below under "Lots of Aticles". Some of these articles are just that... but a few are book reviews which made an interesting read and in these cases I have also found a pdf file of the book so have included it on the page should you wish to read it.
-----
For those that enjoy Football (Soccer) you might enjoy the article in Newsnet Scotland with the heading... "Barcelona, the best team ever … and it’s all thanks to Scotland" in which you read...
Barcelona’s European success was orchestrated by one Lionel Messi, the pint sized Argentinian wizard weaved his magical spells as we watched mesmerised. However few will realise that Mr Messi is a legacy of another Scotsman who took the game of football to Argentina.
In 1872 Alexander Watson Hutton arrived in Buenos Aires and established the game despite fierce opposition; rugby had been the favoured European sport until Hutton’s arrival. The Scot, who in 1893 established the Argentinian football association, is to this day acknowledged as 'the father of Argentinian football'. The AAFL is the 9th oldest football association in the world. The first team to win the Argentinian league title consisted entirely of Scots as did the runners up.
Towards the end of his life Hutton’s Argentinian hosts acknowledged his role in giving football to the nation with a match at the national stadium. At half time a huge flag was brought onto the pitch in his honour. Ever the gentleman, Hutton declined to inform his hosts that the giant St George’s cross they were parading was not the flag of his own Scotland but was instead the flag of England.
So, Saturday’s result wasn’t just a victory for Barcelona it was also a victory for the Scots who invented the passing game and for the Scotsman who brought the game to Argentina.
Lots more snippets about the game which You can read in this article at http://www.newsnetscotland.com/scott...barcelona.html
ABOUT THE STORIES
-----------------
Some of the stories in here are just parts of a larger story so do check out the site for the full versions. You can always find the link in our "What's New" section in our site menu and at http://www.electricscotland.com/rss/whatsnew.php
Electric Scotland Community
---------------------------
We had more material in on the Child migrants. Some great new music videos and a range of other topics.
Our community can be viewed at http://www.electricscotland.org but of course if you are reading this you're already in it :-)
THE FLAG IN THE WIND
--------------------
This weeks issue is now available compiled by Jim Lynch. A bit shorter than is usual from Jim so guess he's still to get over the fact that the SNP won a majority <grin>
You can get to the Flag at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Also got in Christina McKelvie's account of her winning her seat and becoming the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...2011winner.htm
And I did email her on the night to pass on congratulations from her loyal fans at Electric Scoland.
Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland
----------------------------------------
And of the Border Raids, Forays and Conflicts by John Parker Lawson (1839). This is a new publication we're starting on which is in 4 volumes. We intend to post up 2 or 3 stories each week until complete.
This week we've added...
Battle Of Killiecrankie - 1689 which concludes volume 2 and The Culdees which starts volume 3
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/
Kay's Edinburgh Portraits
-------------------------
A Series of Anecdotal Biographies chiefly of Scotchmen, Mostly by James Paterson and Edited by James Maidment (1885)
This week we have added...
Lord Panmure
Lord Eldin, of the Court of Session
Archibald Fletcher, Esq., Advocate
Robert Jamieson, Professor of Natural History
Archibald Campbell, City Officer
And this completes this publication and I hope you've enjoyed all these wee biographies.
The entries can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/kays/index.htm
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
--------------------------------
Added another three poems, "Alyth Show", "The Storm" and "Congratulations" which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/rodger.htm
William and Louisa Anderson
---------------------------
A record of their Life and Work in Jamaica and Old Calabar by William Markwick (1897)
This week we've added the following chapters...
Chapter 16
Struggle against Substitutionary Punishment
Chapter 17
Labours, 1862-1865
Chapter 18
Labours and Conflicts, 1866-1867
Chapter 19
A New Church on the Mission Hill
Chapter 20
Refugee Widows—Duke Town at War with Okoyong
Chapter 21
The Diffusion of the Gospel and of Ardent Spirits
Chapter 22
Customs New and Old—The Year of Losses, 1870
In chapter 19 we learn...
Mr. Anderson's Journal during the early part of 1868 is chiefly given to the describing of the erection of the new church on the Mission Hill:—
Sabbath, Jan. 5, 1868.—The year has opened on our work promisingly, though the vexation of the king and several of the gentlemen about the steps taken by me for the protection of life does not seem at all abated.
Monday 6.—Glad to see the Moultau on her way up the river, seeing that she brings with her our long-desired and needed new church.
Thursday, 9.—Very busy day getting up new church from ship to hill. All the river gentlemen exceedingly kind and obliging in the loan of longboats and Krumen.
Wednesday, 29.—Laying the foundation of our new church. Captain White presided at the ceremony, and placed one of the corner pillars in proper position. Mr. Lewis and I both engaged in prayer—I before the placing of the pillar, and Mr. L. afterward.
Monday, Feb. 10.—The roof of the new church finished at four p.m. Felt thankful when I saw the last carpenter reach the ground in safety.
Tuesday, Feb. 11.—Glad to learn that the twenty puncheons have been duly paid to the Consul by the natives. This is one of the best lessons they have ever got.
Saturday, 29.—The work begun on January 29th was finished a week ago; the new church was erected; all that remained was the finishing of the painting. That was finished in the beginning of the week, and all is dry now, and all is quite ready to receive a congregation tomorrow. One kind river gentleman lends us seats for about 100, and we have put planks in such a way as will accommodate as many more. We all feel deeply indebted to river gentlemen for the loan of Krumen, carpenters, and painters. We are under very special obligations to Captain White for his daily superintendence and labour during the whole time of the erection of the. building. But for his deep interest and unceasing vigilance, the work would not have been completed either so speedily or so well. For all kind friends who have aided us in the work, I present the prayer of Paul for Onesiphorus: "The Lord grant that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day."
Sabbath, March 1.—A day to be remembered by us. Held the usual Efik service this morning in the old church —now to be designated the schoolhouse. Went to town and held usual meetings there. At 4.15 p.m. a large congregation—that is, for Duke Town—assembled in the new church. All the seats provided yesterday were occupied, and it was needful to extemporise a considerable number more. The floor also had its complement of squatters. I had sent a verbal message to our friend Bishop Crowther, at Bonny, intimating that I should be glad to have him preach the opening sermon; but he did not hear of my message (if he heard of it at all) till it was too late. I expressed to several friends my readiness to ask any brother in the Mission to preach on the occasion, should it be specially desired by members of the congregation; but the feeling was that I was the person on whom the service seemed naturally to devolve. I spoke a few words in Efik at the close. The collection, in English money, was upwards of £12. It was afterwards made up to about £13, 13s., besides 8 brass rods, about 100 black coppers, and 2 teaspoons.
The service was altogether a happy one. I was glad to learn that some of our oldest and most experienced members felt it to be the happiest they had ever attended in this country. Some of them felt that the Spirit of the Lord was with us of a truth, and that our earnest prayer, "Fill this house with Thy glory," had been heard and answered. All our river friends, as well as natives, are delighted with the appearance and the accommodation of the edifice. The only drawback, both to appearance and comfort, is the want of glass in the window-sashes. That privation will not be so much felt, however, while the dry weather continues. We all feel a deep debt of gratitude to the Mission Board for their great kindness in procuring for us and^ forwarding to us our much-prized sanctuary.
You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...derson3-19.htm
You can read all the chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rson/index.htm
The History of Fettercairn
--------------------------
A Parish in the County of Kincardine by Archd. Cowie Cameron (1899)
Added more chapters this week...
Part fourtb.— Antiquities: Buildings, Ancient and Modern
Here is a bit from Chapter XXV.—Beadles and Kirk Officers
FOLLOWING the subject of Churches and Churchyards, some account may be given of the successive holders of the office which combines the duties of beadle, bellman and gravedigger.
In former times the beadle had many duties to perform, including some that are not now required. Besides fulfilling the duties of the beadle of the present day, he had to attend the minister at parochial visitations, and summon culprits of all kinds to undergo church discipline. He had also to cry or advertise sales and give other notices at the church door after divine service; to walk in front of funeral processions and ring a hand-bell; to keep dogs out of church, and if they happened to get in, to put them out as best he could. This he usually managed with a clip like a smith's tongs, which he kept to catch them. His multifarious duties led him to be regarded as the best newsmonger in the parish.
The first beadle in Fettercairn of whom there is any record was an Andrew Low, who, according to a minute of Presbytery at Fordoun in June, 1702, was chosen to be their officer for the ensuing six months, with 7s. (Scots) from each member. The next was James Stephen, who appears, in 1723, among others that borrowed Kirk Session funds. Besides his fees as sexton, he got 2s. 6d. every year for shoes to do the digging. Most ordinary people then went barefooted. His money emoluments were 2d. from each church collection, and half of each groat charged for his ringing of the hand-bell at funerals. The bell then in use was the gift of a Kobert Valentine, Denstrath. At that time it was also part of the beadle's duty to go once a year to Fordoun for a loan of the tablecloths and cups for the communion, as the Kirk Session had no cloths of their own till 1727, and no cups till 1788. The communion tables were not fixtures, but were erected as occasion required. The same James Stephen was one of the kirk officers in the county who compeared " At Stone-hyve the 30th day of May, 1748 years, before Sir William Ogilvie of Barras, Justice of the Peace," to depone that they did affix to the church doors a summons by the commander of His Majesty's forces in Scotland, ordering " The hail persons in their respective parishes to deliver up their arms and warlike weapons to him at Laurencekirk, upon the 27th day of said month of May, 1748."
You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter25.htm
You can read all the other chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...airn/index.htm
Memoirs of the Jacobites
------------------------
Of 1715 and 1745 by Mrs Thomson (1845) in 3 volumes. We intend to add a chapter a week until complete.
I've now added the second chapter of this publication on James Radcliffe, Earl of Derwentwater.
The account starts...
In the vale of Hexham, on the summit of a steep hill, clothed with wood, and washed at its base by a rivulet, called the Devil's Water, stand the ruins of Dilstone Castle. A bridge of a single arch forms the approach to the castle or mansion; the stream, then mingling its rapid waters with those of the Tyne, rushes over rocks into a deep dell embowered with trees, above a hundred feet in height, and casting a deep gloom over the sounding waters beneath their branches.
Through the arch of the bridge, a mill, an object ever associated with peace and plenty, is seen; and, beyond, it, the eye rests upon the bare, dilapidated walls of the castle. Its halls, its stairs, its painted chambers, may still be traced; its broken towers command a view of romantic beauty; but all around it is desolate and ruined, like, the once proud and honoured family who dwelt beneath its roof.
This was once the favourite abode of the Ratcliffes, or Radclilfes, supposed to be a branch of the Radcliffes in Lancashire,from whom were, it is said, descended the Earls of Sussex, who became the owners of Dilstone in the days of Queen Elizabeth.
During several generations after the Conquest, a family of the name of Devilstone was in possession of Dilstone, until the time of Henry the Third. The estates then passed to many different owners; the Tynedales, the Crafters, the Claxtons, were successively the masters of the castle; and it was not, according to some accounts, until the tenth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, that it first owned for its lord one of that unfortunate race to whom it finally belonged, until escheated to the Crown. But certain historians have asserted that, so early as the reign of Henry the Sixth, Dilstone was the seat of Sir Nicholas Radcliffe.| At this period, too, other estates were added to those already enjoyed by the Radcliffes. Sir Nicholas married the heiress of Sir John De Derwentwater, to whom had belonged, for several centuries, the manors of Castlerigg and Keswick, and who, since the time of Edward the First, had enjoyed great consideration in the county of Cumberland. This alliance with the Derwentwater family, although it brought to the Radcliffe the possession of a territory, which, for its beauty and value, monarchs might envy, did not for many years, entice thern to a removal to the mansion of Castlerigg. That old dwelling-place, a gloomy fortress, among "storm-shaken mountains and howling wildernesses," was far less commodious than the castle at Dilstone, then in great fame from the flourishing monastery which reared its head in the Yale of Hexham. Castlerigg, heing, eventually, abandoned by the Radecliffes, went utterly to decay; the materials of the old manor-house are supposed to have been employed in forming a new residence on Lord's Island, iu Keswick Lake; and the estate was divided into tenancies, which, in process of time, were in-franchised. The ancient demesne of the De Derwentwaters has now passed into the hands of the Trustees of Greenwich Hospital, and the oaks of the park which skirts the lake have of late years supplied much valuable timber.
You can read the rest of this very long story at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter03.htm
You can read the other chapters as we get them up at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/jacobites
R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Fighter for Justice
---------------------------------------------
An Appreciation of his Social and Religious Outlook by Ian M. Fraser (2002).
We've added the chapter on Democracy and Alternatives. The chapter starts...
Out of a rare insight into his friend's character, W. H. Hudson wrote:
"Certainly you are unique among English writers and your singularity is most evident when you write of the people of other races because of the union in you of two rare qualities - intense individuality, and detachment, which enables you to identify yourself with those who are most unlike us".
This capacity for implication and detachment, for seeing individuals and societies with a direct, personal vision, without the cataract of class or national prejudice, is an important clue to the understanding of Cunninghame Graham. He is able to speak for peoples and classes, alien in their convictions and modes of life, as if he were one of themselves: and to do this when these convictions stand in contradiction to one another as well as to our western manner of living. He will not burke the truth as he sees it merely for the sake of uniformity.
Democracy in the form which was accepted in Victorian Britain in the last quarter of the nineteenth century was but one social framework for a people's life among those he knew. In Scotland's breathing past, the clan system had demonstrated the virtue of lands held in common, and a personal relationship set up between chief and clansmen as of a father to a family.
In his South American wanderings he had come across the derelict churches and townships of the Jesuit missions, whose history he later described in "A Vanished Arcadia." There he found traces of paternalistic organisation of life, the Indians accepting some form of "thought - suggested representation" - which he ruefully claims would be an advantage if a fair method of applying it to County Councils in his own day could be found!
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/graham/
songs of John Henderson
-----------------------
John has sent us in another two of his songs...
Youth's Happy Days in Stirling, Scotland at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel389.htm
Rise An Sheen at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel388.htm
A Widda's Willieway 1861 A.D. at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel390.htm
All of John's songs can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
John's Scottish Singalong
-------------------------
This week we've added...
M'Ginty's Meal an' Ale at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...ng/page115.htm
The Lum Hat Wantin' The Croon at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...ng/page114.htm
Kate Dalrymple at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...ng/page113.htm
All of John's collection can be found at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...rson/singalong
Rattray's Seiks
---------------
I noted that I failed to give you the url last week to read this so here it is now...
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rays_seiks.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
-------------------
Edited by Frank Shaw
THis week Frank has entiled his article, "This and That" and it can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives121.htm
Lots of Articles
================
I've continued my work on going through the old Scottish Review and the Scottish Historical Review and so have added a number of articles this week...
The Berry papers; being the correspondence hitherto unpublished of Mary and Agnes Berry
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An interesting part of our history. To those interested in Horace Walpole's circle the names of his 'twin wives' are ever green, and Mr. Melville's book will be welcomed as telling more about these attractive ladies of Scottish bourgeois descent, who became so notable for over sixty years in London Society, and whose salon included everyone of note who was fortunate enough to be invited to it.
You can read the review and the book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/berry.htm
David Laing
-----------
Antiquary and Bibliographer.
DAVID LAING was born in Edinburgh on 8th May, 1793, and died there on i8th October, 1878, in his eighty-sixth year. He was one of the most eminent Scotsmen of his time, and probably did more than any other single man to elucidate the history and literature of Scotland and to settle them on sure foundations. 'He was,' says Professor Masson, writing in 1874, 'easily the prince of living authorities in all matters of Scottish history and biography.' 'The early literary history of his native country,' says Dr. John Alexander Smith, 'together with its ecclesiastical history since the period of the Reformation and the history of Scottish art were his special spheres of research, and in these departments he may be said to have stood almost alone.'
We have an excellent article about him and also a biography which can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...aing_david.htm
A History of Emigration from the United Kingdom to North America 1763 to 1912
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A THESIS for the D.Sc. Degree in Economics in the University of London, this work is instructive and worth reading. The most interesting parts to us are Chapters I. and II., the Preliminary Survey 1763-1815 and the Historical Survey 1815-1912, and it is astonishing to find how much of America after 1763 was peopled by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...emigration.htm
Stirling Castle
---------------
I found an interesting review of this book about Stirling Castle and have also found a pdf version of the book for you to download.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/stirling.htm
William Barclay
---------------
THE writings of William Barclay possess qualities which warrant an attempt to draw them from the dust heap of political controversy. Though he left Scotland in early manhood and, so far as is known, never saw it again, he always retained a loyal enthusiasm for his native country.
You can read about him at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ay_william.htm
Intellectual Influences of Scotland on the Continent
----------------------------------------------------
Another interesting article I picked up from the Scottish Historical Review.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../influence.htm
The Clan Campbell
-----------------
Abstracts of Entries relating to Campbells in the Sheriff Court Books of Argyll at Inveraray. Prepared and edited by Rev. Henry Paton.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...campbell3l.htm
Letters of the Papal Legate in Scotland, 1543
---------------------------------------------
An interesting account from the Scottish Historical Review of a period that is quite complex in history.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/papal.htm
Scotch Dress
------------
Found this illustration in an old magazine which you can see at http://www.electricscotland.com/life...otch_dress.htm
Clan Ross of Canada
-------------------
Got in a copy of their Spring 2011 newsletter which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...wsletters/ross
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
-----------------------------
The June edition is now available which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
Oor Ain Folk
------------
Being memories of Manse Life in the Mearns and a Crack aboot old times by James Inglis (1894)
In this book James Inglis tells us about the village and area where he grew up. He was a son of the manse and so being at the heart of village life his accounts are very interesting.
We intend to do another three books after this by him as he went out into the world and worked in India, Australia and New Zealand and he has books on all three countries which are an interesting commentary on these times.
Here is the Preface for this book which also went into a second edition...
I WAS in hopes that this book would have been published about the time of the Disruption Jubilee Celebrations of last year, but when it was nearly finished I met with a sudden and serious accident, which for months compelled me to give up all active mental and physical exertion. My father was one of the heroes of the Disruption movement, and the main motif of this book is to show what he did and suffered in those stirring times 'for conscience' sake,' I have used part of the pamphlet which he himself began to write, but never finished, and which he wished to leave to his sons and friends as a record and vindication of the active part he took in that memorable conflict. Other fragmentary materials have reached me from time to time, from various sources, and I have endeavoured to weave these into a connected and readable narrative; and it appeals primarily to all who, by descent or sympathy, take a personal interest in the history of that splendid struggle for liberty of conscience and freedom of action in regard to church government, which is known as 'The Disruption of 1843.'
I am hopeful, however, that my book may appeal to a wider circle of readers, namely, all who are interested in the old homely rural life of Scotland. I have tried to give glimpses and sketches of many of the quaint customs, the curious oddities of style and dress, the old-fashioned habitudes of thought, and the strongly-marked individualities of the older generation, which are fast vanishing before the breath of so-called modern progress. I humbly trust that my descriptions of the glen, the village, and country town life; the school games and schoolboy rhymes, the rural industries, the queer characters, the humorous episodes, the peculiar institutions, the intellectual and religious outlook of the older generation, etc. etc.,—may interest the general reader, and form an acceptable contribution to the deeply-interesting volume of Scottish history reminiscence and portraiture which has been enriched by such masters of the craft as Gait, Scott, Dean Ramsay, Barrie, Crockett, George MacDonald, and many others.
With such I do not seek to class myself, for I have found the demands of my own large business as a merchant, and my pretty active participation in the public life of Australia, almost more than enough to tax my energy and industry to the full. Indeed, I increasingly find that political and commercial pursuits are becoming more and more incompatible with the exercise of the literary faculty, so that I am keenly conscious of the literary defects of this volume. I have had to work at it amid distractions that at times proved almost overwhelming, and which more than once have forced me to suspend my task altogether.
In sorting my twenty years' collection of materials, I have had to set aside a multitude of stories of Scottish wit and humour, most of which I do not think have ever been printed. This collection is now almost ready for the press, and if the reception given to the present book be as encouraging as I am told by partial friends I may venture to expect, then my original collection of 'Mair Scotch Stories' may shortly be published.
To my genial friend, Professor M'Callum, of Sydney University, I must express my thanks for many a pleasant word of kindly encouragement.
JAMES INGLIS.
'Craigo,' Strathfield, N.S.W.,
1st July 1893.
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ainfolk/
Alastaair's Videos
------------------
I did two videos this week... one is "Promoting Scotland" which was my open letter to the Government of Scotland which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.org/show...tland#post4776
I just feel that the Scottish Government should be taking a lead in promoting Scotland in the online industry and so this video was an attempt to point out what was going wrong and what they should consider to rectify the position.
The other video was about the "Scots Diaspora" which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.org/show...Scots-Diaspora
This video was just to explain a little more about the Scots Diaspora. It was really meant for local Scots in Scotland as we in the Diaspora know about us but it just seems to me that local Scots have little idea who we are.
And finally...
Generosity
A dying man gathered his Lawyer, Doctor and Minister at his bed side and handed each of them an envelope containing £25,000 in cash. He made them each promise that after his death and during his repose, they would place the three envelopes in his coffin. He told them that he wanted to have enough money to enjoy the next life. A week later the man died. At the wake, the Lawyer and Doctor and Minister, each concealed an envelope in the coffin and bid their old client and friend farewell. By chance, these three met several months later. Soon the Minister, feeling guilty, blurted out a confession saying that there was only £10,000 in the envelope he placed in the coffin. He felt, rather than waste all the money, he would send it to a Mission in South America. He asked for their forgiveness. The Doctor, moved by the gentle Minister's sincerity, confessed that he too had kept some of the money for a worthy medical charity. The envelope, he admitted, had only £8000 in it. He said, he too could not bring himself to waste the money so frivolously when it could be used to benefit others. By this time the Lawyer appeared to be seething with self-righteous outrage. He expressed his deep disappointment in the behaviour of two of his oldest and most trusted friends.
"I am the only one who kept his promise to our dying friend. I want you both to know that the envelope I placed in the coffin contained the full amount. Indeed, my envelope contained my personal cheque for the entire £25,000.
And that's it for now and hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com
--------
Electric Scotland News
Electric Scotland Community
The Flag in the Wind and Christina McKelvie
Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland
Kay's Edinburgh Portraits
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
William and Louisa Anderson
The History of Fettercairn
Memoirs of the Jacobites
R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Fighter for Justice
songs of John Henderson
John's Scottish Singalong
Rattray's Seiks
Robert Burns Lives!
Lots of Articles
The Berry papers; being the correspondence hitherto unpublished of Mary and Agnes Berry
David Laing
A History of Emigration from the United Kingdom to North America 1763 to 1912
Stirling Castle
William Barclay
Intellectual Influences of Scotland on the Continent
The Clan Campbell
Letters of the Papal Legate in Scotland, 1543
Scotch Dress
Clan Ross of Canada
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Oor Ain Folk (New Book)
Alastair's Videos
Electric Scotland News
----------------------
A new departure this week as I've produced a "video newsletter!" Mind you it's just me talking so no fancy stuff. I also did the video on Tuesday as it happens so I won't have mentioned some of the content I've added since. However if you were to prefer this format then I'd likely do this each Thursday so I'm bang up to date.
I've still produced this text newsletter as that way I can give you the links to the various content. To be frank I haven't a clue as to whether you'll like this format or indeed have the time to watch the video as it is 32 minutes 57 seconds in length.
It has of course occured to me that I can just talk about things and you can go to the What's New page to pick up the links. I have as it happens added "What's New" to the drop down menu in this community under the EScortland menu. That will take you directly to our What's New page on ElectricScotland.com
And so this is a time when I would really value your feedback...
So... how do you like this format? WOuld you prefer the text version. WOuld you prefer the video verson. Or would you want both versions? And as you lot aren't normally very communicative I've added a poll to this message which will let you select your options...
I prefer the Video format
I prefer the Text format
I would prefer both Video and Text
And hopefully you might complete that even if you don't want to send me a message although I'd love to get your comments.
So having said all that you can now watch the video below...
-----
As you'll know and especially if you read last weeks newsletter I continue to try and obtain company profiles and this week "Tartan Twist" sent one in. They produce fashion jewellry. You can read about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/busi...rtan_twist.htm
I remember the other week a Scottish Shop in Quebec emailed me to ask if I knew of any Scottish manufacturers that they might be able to do some business with so this might be one such company.
-----
I did quite a few articles from the Scottish Review and the Scottish Historical Review this week for which see more below under "Lots of Aticles". Some of these articles are just that... but a few are book reviews which made an interesting read and in these cases I have also found a pdf file of the book so have included it on the page should you wish to read it.
-----
For those that enjoy Football (Soccer) you might enjoy the article in Newsnet Scotland with the heading... "Barcelona, the best team ever … and it’s all thanks to Scotland" in which you read...
Barcelona’s European success was orchestrated by one Lionel Messi, the pint sized Argentinian wizard weaved his magical spells as we watched mesmerised. However few will realise that Mr Messi is a legacy of another Scotsman who took the game of football to Argentina.
In 1872 Alexander Watson Hutton arrived in Buenos Aires and established the game despite fierce opposition; rugby had been the favoured European sport until Hutton’s arrival. The Scot, who in 1893 established the Argentinian football association, is to this day acknowledged as 'the father of Argentinian football'. The AAFL is the 9th oldest football association in the world. The first team to win the Argentinian league title consisted entirely of Scots as did the runners up.
Towards the end of his life Hutton’s Argentinian hosts acknowledged his role in giving football to the nation with a match at the national stadium. At half time a huge flag was brought onto the pitch in his honour. Ever the gentleman, Hutton declined to inform his hosts that the giant St George’s cross they were parading was not the flag of his own Scotland but was instead the flag of England.
So, Saturday’s result wasn’t just a victory for Barcelona it was also a victory for the Scots who invented the passing game and for the Scotsman who brought the game to Argentina.
Lots more snippets about the game which You can read in this article at http://www.newsnetscotland.com/scott...barcelona.html
ABOUT THE STORIES
-----------------
Some of the stories in here are just parts of a larger story so do check out the site for the full versions. You can always find the link in our "What's New" section in our site menu and at http://www.electricscotland.com/rss/whatsnew.php
Electric Scotland Community
---------------------------
We had more material in on the Child migrants. Some great new music videos and a range of other topics.
Our community can be viewed at http://www.electricscotland.org but of course if you are reading this you're already in it :-)
THE FLAG IN THE WIND
--------------------
This weeks issue is now available compiled by Jim Lynch. A bit shorter than is usual from Jim so guess he's still to get over the fact that the SNP won a majority <grin>
You can get to the Flag at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Also got in Christina McKelvie's account of her winning her seat and becoming the MSP for Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...2011winner.htm
And I did email her on the night to pass on congratulations from her loyal fans at Electric Scoland.
Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland
----------------------------------------
And of the Border Raids, Forays and Conflicts by John Parker Lawson (1839). This is a new publication we're starting on which is in 4 volumes. We intend to post up 2 or 3 stories each week until complete.
This week we've added...
Battle Of Killiecrankie - 1689 which concludes volume 2 and The Culdees which starts volume 3
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/
Kay's Edinburgh Portraits
-------------------------
A Series of Anecdotal Biographies chiefly of Scotchmen, Mostly by James Paterson and Edited by James Maidment (1885)
This week we have added...
Lord Panmure
Lord Eldin, of the Court of Session
Archibald Fletcher, Esq., Advocate
Robert Jamieson, Professor of Natural History
Archibald Campbell, City Officer
And this completes this publication and I hope you've enjoyed all these wee biographies.
The entries can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/kays/index.htm
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
--------------------------------
Added another three poems, "Alyth Show", "The Storm" and "Congratulations" which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/rodger.htm
William and Louisa Anderson
---------------------------
A record of their Life and Work in Jamaica and Old Calabar by William Markwick (1897)
This week we've added the following chapters...
Chapter 16
Struggle against Substitutionary Punishment
Chapter 17
Labours, 1862-1865
Chapter 18
Labours and Conflicts, 1866-1867
Chapter 19
A New Church on the Mission Hill
Chapter 20
Refugee Widows—Duke Town at War with Okoyong
Chapter 21
The Diffusion of the Gospel and of Ardent Spirits
Chapter 22
Customs New and Old—The Year of Losses, 1870
In chapter 19 we learn...
Mr. Anderson's Journal during the early part of 1868 is chiefly given to the describing of the erection of the new church on the Mission Hill:—
Sabbath, Jan. 5, 1868.—The year has opened on our work promisingly, though the vexation of the king and several of the gentlemen about the steps taken by me for the protection of life does not seem at all abated.
Monday 6.—Glad to see the Moultau on her way up the river, seeing that she brings with her our long-desired and needed new church.
Thursday, 9.—Very busy day getting up new church from ship to hill. All the river gentlemen exceedingly kind and obliging in the loan of longboats and Krumen.
Wednesday, 29.—Laying the foundation of our new church. Captain White presided at the ceremony, and placed one of the corner pillars in proper position. Mr. Lewis and I both engaged in prayer—I before the placing of the pillar, and Mr. L. afterward.
Monday, Feb. 10.—The roof of the new church finished at four p.m. Felt thankful when I saw the last carpenter reach the ground in safety.
Tuesday, Feb. 11.—Glad to learn that the twenty puncheons have been duly paid to the Consul by the natives. This is one of the best lessons they have ever got.
Saturday, 29.—The work begun on January 29th was finished a week ago; the new church was erected; all that remained was the finishing of the painting. That was finished in the beginning of the week, and all is dry now, and all is quite ready to receive a congregation tomorrow. One kind river gentleman lends us seats for about 100, and we have put planks in such a way as will accommodate as many more. We all feel deeply indebted to river gentlemen for the loan of Krumen, carpenters, and painters. We are under very special obligations to Captain White for his daily superintendence and labour during the whole time of the erection of the. building. But for his deep interest and unceasing vigilance, the work would not have been completed either so speedily or so well. For all kind friends who have aided us in the work, I present the prayer of Paul for Onesiphorus: "The Lord grant that they may find mercy of the Lord in that day."
Sabbath, March 1.—A day to be remembered by us. Held the usual Efik service this morning in the old church —now to be designated the schoolhouse. Went to town and held usual meetings there. At 4.15 p.m. a large congregation—that is, for Duke Town—assembled in the new church. All the seats provided yesterday were occupied, and it was needful to extemporise a considerable number more. The floor also had its complement of squatters. I had sent a verbal message to our friend Bishop Crowther, at Bonny, intimating that I should be glad to have him preach the opening sermon; but he did not hear of my message (if he heard of it at all) till it was too late. I expressed to several friends my readiness to ask any brother in the Mission to preach on the occasion, should it be specially desired by members of the congregation; but the feeling was that I was the person on whom the service seemed naturally to devolve. I spoke a few words in Efik at the close. The collection, in English money, was upwards of £12. It was afterwards made up to about £13, 13s., besides 8 brass rods, about 100 black coppers, and 2 teaspoons.
The service was altogether a happy one. I was glad to learn that some of our oldest and most experienced members felt it to be the happiest they had ever attended in this country. Some of them felt that the Spirit of the Lord was with us of a truth, and that our earnest prayer, "Fill this house with Thy glory," had been heard and answered. All our river friends, as well as natives, are delighted with the appearance and the accommodation of the edifice. The only drawback, both to appearance and comfort, is the want of glass in the window-sashes. That privation will not be so much felt, however, while the dry weather continues. We all feel a deep debt of gratitude to the Mission Board for their great kindness in procuring for us and^ forwarding to us our much-prized sanctuary.
You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...derson3-19.htm
You can read all the chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rson/index.htm
The History of Fettercairn
--------------------------
A Parish in the County of Kincardine by Archd. Cowie Cameron (1899)
Added more chapters this week...
Part fourtb.— Antiquities: Buildings, Ancient and Modern
Here is a bit from Chapter XXV.—Beadles and Kirk Officers
FOLLOWING the subject of Churches and Churchyards, some account may be given of the successive holders of the office which combines the duties of beadle, bellman and gravedigger.
In former times the beadle had many duties to perform, including some that are not now required. Besides fulfilling the duties of the beadle of the present day, he had to attend the minister at parochial visitations, and summon culprits of all kinds to undergo church discipline. He had also to cry or advertise sales and give other notices at the church door after divine service; to walk in front of funeral processions and ring a hand-bell; to keep dogs out of church, and if they happened to get in, to put them out as best he could. This he usually managed with a clip like a smith's tongs, which he kept to catch them. His multifarious duties led him to be regarded as the best newsmonger in the parish.
The first beadle in Fettercairn of whom there is any record was an Andrew Low, who, according to a minute of Presbytery at Fordoun in June, 1702, was chosen to be their officer for the ensuing six months, with 7s. (Scots) from each member. The next was James Stephen, who appears, in 1723, among others that borrowed Kirk Session funds. Besides his fees as sexton, he got 2s. 6d. every year for shoes to do the digging. Most ordinary people then went barefooted. His money emoluments were 2d. from each church collection, and half of each groat charged for his ringing of the hand-bell at funerals. The bell then in use was the gift of a Kobert Valentine, Denstrath. At that time it was also part of the beadle's duty to go once a year to Fordoun for a loan of the tablecloths and cups for the communion, as the Kirk Session had no cloths of their own till 1727, and no cups till 1788. The communion tables were not fixtures, but were erected as occasion required. The same James Stephen was one of the kirk officers in the county who compeared " At Stone-hyve the 30th day of May, 1748 years, before Sir William Ogilvie of Barras, Justice of the Peace," to depone that they did affix to the church doors a summons by the commander of His Majesty's forces in Scotland, ordering " The hail persons in their respective parishes to deliver up their arms and warlike weapons to him at Laurencekirk, upon the 27th day of said month of May, 1748."
You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter25.htm
You can read all the other chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...airn/index.htm
Memoirs of the Jacobites
------------------------
Of 1715 and 1745 by Mrs Thomson (1845) in 3 volumes. We intend to add a chapter a week until complete.
I've now added the second chapter of this publication on James Radcliffe, Earl of Derwentwater.
The account starts...
In the vale of Hexham, on the summit of a steep hill, clothed with wood, and washed at its base by a rivulet, called the Devil's Water, stand the ruins of Dilstone Castle. A bridge of a single arch forms the approach to the castle or mansion; the stream, then mingling its rapid waters with those of the Tyne, rushes over rocks into a deep dell embowered with trees, above a hundred feet in height, and casting a deep gloom over the sounding waters beneath their branches.
Through the arch of the bridge, a mill, an object ever associated with peace and plenty, is seen; and, beyond, it, the eye rests upon the bare, dilapidated walls of the castle. Its halls, its stairs, its painted chambers, may still be traced; its broken towers command a view of romantic beauty; but all around it is desolate and ruined, like, the once proud and honoured family who dwelt beneath its roof.
This was once the favourite abode of the Ratcliffes, or Radclilfes, supposed to be a branch of the Radcliffes in Lancashire,from whom were, it is said, descended the Earls of Sussex, who became the owners of Dilstone in the days of Queen Elizabeth.
During several generations after the Conquest, a family of the name of Devilstone was in possession of Dilstone, until the time of Henry the Third. The estates then passed to many different owners; the Tynedales, the Crafters, the Claxtons, were successively the masters of the castle; and it was not, according to some accounts, until the tenth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, that it first owned for its lord one of that unfortunate race to whom it finally belonged, until escheated to the Crown. But certain historians have asserted that, so early as the reign of Henry the Sixth, Dilstone was the seat of Sir Nicholas Radcliffe.| At this period, too, other estates were added to those already enjoyed by the Radcliffes. Sir Nicholas married the heiress of Sir John De Derwentwater, to whom had belonged, for several centuries, the manors of Castlerigg and Keswick, and who, since the time of Edward the First, had enjoyed great consideration in the county of Cumberland. This alliance with the Derwentwater family, although it brought to the Radcliffe the possession of a territory, which, for its beauty and value, monarchs might envy, did not for many years, entice thern to a removal to the mansion of Castlerigg. That old dwelling-place, a gloomy fortress, among "storm-shaken mountains and howling wildernesses," was far less commodious than the castle at Dilstone, then in great fame from the flourishing monastery which reared its head in the Yale of Hexham. Castlerigg, heing, eventually, abandoned by the Radecliffes, went utterly to decay; the materials of the old manor-house are supposed to have been employed in forming a new residence on Lord's Island, iu Keswick Lake; and the estate was divided into tenancies, which, in process of time, were in-franchised. The ancient demesne of the De Derwentwaters has now passed into the hands of the Trustees of Greenwich Hospital, and the oaks of the park which skirts the lake have of late years supplied much valuable timber.
You can read the rest of this very long story at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter03.htm
You can read the other chapters as we get them up at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/jacobites
R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Fighter for Justice
---------------------------------------------
An Appreciation of his Social and Religious Outlook by Ian M. Fraser (2002).
We've added the chapter on Democracy and Alternatives. The chapter starts...
Out of a rare insight into his friend's character, W. H. Hudson wrote:
"Certainly you are unique among English writers and your singularity is most evident when you write of the people of other races because of the union in you of two rare qualities - intense individuality, and detachment, which enables you to identify yourself with those who are most unlike us".
This capacity for implication and detachment, for seeing individuals and societies with a direct, personal vision, without the cataract of class or national prejudice, is an important clue to the understanding of Cunninghame Graham. He is able to speak for peoples and classes, alien in their convictions and modes of life, as if he were one of themselves: and to do this when these convictions stand in contradiction to one another as well as to our western manner of living. He will not burke the truth as he sees it merely for the sake of uniformity.
Democracy in the form which was accepted in Victorian Britain in the last quarter of the nineteenth century was but one social framework for a people's life among those he knew. In Scotland's breathing past, the clan system had demonstrated the virtue of lands held in common, and a personal relationship set up between chief and clansmen as of a father to a family.
In his South American wanderings he had come across the derelict churches and townships of the Jesuit missions, whose history he later described in "A Vanished Arcadia." There he found traces of paternalistic organisation of life, the Indians accepting some form of "thought - suggested representation" - which he ruefully claims would be an advantage if a fair method of applying it to County Councils in his own day could be found!
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/graham/
songs of John Henderson
-----------------------
John has sent us in another two of his songs...
Youth's Happy Days in Stirling, Scotland at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel389.htm
Rise An Sheen at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel388.htm
A Widda's Willieway 1861 A.D. at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel390.htm
All of John's songs can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
John's Scottish Singalong
-------------------------
This week we've added...
M'Ginty's Meal an' Ale at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...ng/page115.htm
The Lum Hat Wantin' The Croon at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...ng/page114.htm
Kate Dalrymple at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...ng/page113.htm
All of John's collection can be found at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...rson/singalong
Rattray's Seiks
---------------
I noted that I failed to give you the url last week to read this so here it is now...
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...rays_seiks.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
-------------------
Edited by Frank Shaw
THis week Frank has entiled his article, "This and That" and it can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives121.htm
Lots of Articles
================
I've continued my work on going through the old Scottish Review and the Scottish Historical Review and so have added a number of articles this week...
The Berry papers; being the correspondence hitherto unpublished of Mary and Agnes Berry
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
An interesting part of our history. To those interested in Horace Walpole's circle the names of his 'twin wives' are ever green, and Mr. Melville's book will be welcomed as telling more about these attractive ladies of Scottish bourgeois descent, who became so notable for over sixty years in London Society, and whose salon included everyone of note who was fortunate enough to be invited to it.
You can read the review and the book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/berry.htm
David Laing
-----------
Antiquary and Bibliographer.
DAVID LAING was born in Edinburgh on 8th May, 1793, and died there on i8th October, 1878, in his eighty-sixth year. He was one of the most eminent Scotsmen of his time, and probably did more than any other single man to elucidate the history and literature of Scotland and to settle them on sure foundations. 'He was,' says Professor Masson, writing in 1874, 'easily the prince of living authorities in all matters of Scottish history and biography.' 'The early literary history of his native country,' says Dr. John Alexander Smith, 'together with its ecclesiastical history since the period of the Reformation and the history of Scottish art were his special spheres of research, and in these departments he may be said to have stood almost alone.'
We have an excellent article about him and also a biography which can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...aing_david.htm
A History of Emigration from the United Kingdom to North America 1763 to 1912
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A THESIS for the D.Sc. Degree in Economics in the University of London, this work is instructive and worth reading. The most interesting parts to us are Chapters I. and II., the Preliminary Survey 1763-1815 and the Historical Survey 1815-1912, and it is astonishing to find how much of America after 1763 was peopled by immigrants from Ireland and Scotland.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...emigration.htm
Stirling Castle
---------------
I found an interesting review of this book about Stirling Castle and have also found a pdf version of the book for you to download.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/stirling.htm
William Barclay
---------------
THE writings of William Barclay possess qualities which warrant an attempt to draw them from the dust heap of political controversy. Though he left Scotland in early manhood and, so far as is known, never saw it again, he always retained a loyal enthusiasm for his native country.
You can read about him at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ay_william.htm
Intellectual Influences of Scotland on the Continent
----------------------------------------------------
Another interesting article I picked up from the Scottish Historical Review.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../influence.htm
The Clan Campbell
-----------------
Abstracts of Entries relating to Campbells in the Sheriff Court Books of Argyll at Inveraray. Prepared and edited by Rev. Henry Paton.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...campbell3l.htm
Letters of the Papal Legate in Scotland, 1543
---------------------------------------------
An interesting account from the Scottish Historical Review of a period that is quite complex in history.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/papal.htm
Scotch Dress
------------
Found this illustration in an old magazine which you can see at http://www.electricscotland.com/life...otch_dress.htm
Clan Ross of Canada
-------------------
Got in a copy of their Spring 2011 newsletter which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...wsletters/ross
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
-----------------------------
The June edition is now available which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
Oor Ain Folk
------------
Being memories of Manse Life in the Mearns and a Crack aboot old times by James Inglis (1894)
In this book James Inglis tells us about the village and area where he grew up. He was a son of the manse and so being at the heart of village life his accounts are very interesting.
We intend to do another three books after this by him as he went out into the world and worked in India, Australia and New Zealand and he has books on all three countries which are an interesting commentary on these times.
Here is the Preface for this book which also went into a second edition...
I WAS in hopes that this book would have been published about the time of the Disruption Jubilee Celebrations of last year, but when it was nearly finished I met with a sudden and serious accident, which for months compelled me to give up all active mental and physical exertion. My father was one of the heroes of the Disruption movement, and the main motif of this book is to show what he did and suffered in those stirring times 'for conscience' sake,' I have used part of the pamphlet which he himself began to write, but never finished, and which he wished to leave to his sons and friends as a record and vindication of the active part he took in that memorable conflict. Other fragmentary materials have reached me from time to time, from various sources, and I have endeavoured to weave these into a connected and readable narrative; and it appeals primarily to all who, by descent or sympathy, take a personal interest in the history of that splendid struggle for liberty of conscience and freedom of action in regard to church government, which is known as 'The Disruption of 1843.'
I am hopeful, however, that my book may appeal to a wider circle of readers, namely, all who are interested in the old homely rural life of Scotland. I have tried to give glimpses and sketches of many of the quaint customs, the curious oddities of style and dress, the old-fashioned habitudes of thought, and the strongly-marked individualities of the older generation, which are fast vanishing before the breath of so-called modern progress. I humbly trust that my descriptions of the glen, the village, and country town life; the school games and schoolboy rhymes, the rural industries, the queer characters, the humorous episodes, the peculiar institutions, the intellectual and religious outlook of the older generation, etc. etc.,—may interest the general reader, and form an acceptable contribution to the deeply-interesting volume of Scottish history reminiscence and portraiture which has been enriched by such masters of the craft as Gait, Scott, Dean Ramsay, Barrie, Crockett, George MacDonald, and many others.
With such I do not seek to class myself, for I have found the demands of my own large business as a merchant, and my pretty active participation in the public life of Australia, almost more than enough to tax my energy and industry to the full. Indeed, I increasingly find that political and commercial pursuits are becoming more and more incompatible with the exercise of the literary faculty, so that I am keenly conscious of the literary defects of this volume. I have had to work at it amid distractions that at times proved almost overwhelming, and which more than once have forced me to suspend my task altogether.
In sorting my twenty years' collection of materials, I have had to set aside a multitude of stories of Scottish wit and humour, most of which I do not think have ever been printed. This collection is now almost ready for the press, and if the reception given to the present book be as encouraging as I am told by partial friends I may venture to expect, then my original collection of 'Mair Scotch Stories' may shortly be published.
To my genial friend, Professor M'Callum, of Sydney University, I must express my thanks for many a pleasant word of kindly encouragement.
JAMES INGLIS.
'Craigo,' Strathfield, N.S.W.,
1st July 1893.
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ainfolk/
Alastaair's Videos
------------------
I did two videos this week... one is "Promoting Scotland" which was my open letter to the Government of Scotland which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.org/show...tland#post4776
I just feel that the Scottish Government should be taking a lead in promoting Scotland in the online industry and so this video was an attempt to point out what was going wrong and what they should consider to rectify the position.
The other video was about the "Scots Diaspora" which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.org/show...Scots-Diaspora
This video was just to explain a little more about the Scots Diaspora. It was really meant for local Scots in Scotland as we in the Diaspora know about us but it just seems to me that local Scots have little idea who we are.
And finally...
Generosity
A dying man gathered his Lawyer, Doctor and Minister at his bed side and handed each of them an envelope containing £25,000 in cash. He made them each promise that after his death and during his repose, they would place the three envelopes in his coffin. He told them that he wanted to have enough money to enjoy the next life. A week later the man died. At the wake, the Lawyer and Doctor and Minister, each concealed an envelope in the coffin and bid their old client and friend farewell. By chance, these three met several months later. Soon the Minister, feeling guilty, blurted out a confession saying that there was only £10,000 in the envelope he placed in the coffin. He felt, rather than waste all the money, he would send it to a Mission in South America. He asked for their forgiveness. The Doctor, moved by the gentle Minister's sincerity, confessed that he too had kept some of the money for a worthy medical charity. The envelope, he admitted, had only £8000 in it. He said, he too could not bring himself to waste the money so frivolously when it could be used to benefit others. By this time the Lawyer appeared to be seething with self-righteous outrage. He expressed his deep disappointment in the behaviour of two of his oldest and most trusted friends.
"I am the only one who kept his promise to our dying friend. I want you both to know that the envelope I placed in the coffin contained the full amount. Indeed, my envelope contained my personal cheque for the entire £25,000.
And that's it for now and hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com
Comment