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CONTENTS
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Electric Scotland News
Electric Scotland Community
The Flag in the Wind
Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
Memoirs of the Jacobites
R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Fighter for Justice
Songs of John Henderson
John's Scottish Sing-Along
Oor Ain Folk
Our New Zealand Cousins (New Book)
James Geikie
History of Loch Kinnord
Robert Burns Lives!
Country Histories
Scottish Historical Review
Electric Scotland News
----------------------
We do have a video this week which you can view at...
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Got in an interesting article about a proposed new monument for New Brunswick in Canada and got a couple of pictures in of what it might look like. Certainly impressive and you can read more about this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/monument.htm
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Lots of articles from the Scottish Historical Review this week which was the main reason for doing the video as I wanted to highlght some really interesting articles which I hope you'll enjoy.
-----
Then in The Flag section I am questioning the way forward for that publication and it's newspaper. I just think as we are now working towards a refurendum on Independence we need to change the way we deal with various questions that haven't yet been dealt with.
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
---------------------------
Well we didn't get very far last weekend as we kept hitting problems that we couldn't fix. So this week we've been downloading patches and other stuff hoping that we'll be in a better position this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed! :-)
You got to view the video on the "Road Rage Cowboy"... hillarious!
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 who is also editor of the Scots Independent Newspaper.
On a purely personal note I do wonder where the Flag is going and where the Scots Independent Newspaper is going. We now have a majority SNP government in Scotland which is something the newspaper has fought for over many years since 1928. Now we are nearing the time when we will get to have a referendum on Independence. It's been a long road but what do we do now to win through to that final goal?
You might say the last hurdle is before us but how do we complete the work? I believe the time is right for the newspaper to tackle the questions it hasn't been prepared to discuss. The best I ever heard for Independence was 40% for, 40% against and 20% undecided.
From discussions I've had over the years two questions keep coming up. Will we retain the Royal Family and will we still be a member of the EU. Despite what many think in the SNP there is still an attraction for the Royal Family so we'd need to know about that before voting. There are many that think we should not be a member of the EU as that in many of our minds means giving up much of the independence we have fought so hard to get.
These are questions, amongst others, we'll need answered before voting and to ignore them is no longer an option. If in doubt vote NO! We have to tackle the legitimate questions that many people have and that's the only way to win Independence for Scotland.
Then as we see actual newspaper sales falling and falling and TV news viewers also dwindling away how do we get the news? I've highlighted Kindle book sales now exceeding actual book sales. Why is there not a Kindle edition of the Scots Independent Newspaper? No Scottish newspaper currently has a Kindle Edition. Why not?
All our political comentators always blame other parties but when it comes to independence that won't wash any longer. That's a really big problem for them as they have been brought up to blame others. But when you are talking about taking your country to independence that's a whole new ball game. So far these commentators have succeeded in persuading 50% of us not to vote. Continuing that trend will not get us independence.
Now is the time to get focussed and start to address real life questions that people have so we're prepared to vote for Independence. I reall hope the Flag and the Scots Independent Newspaper will take a lead in this.
You can get to the Flag at http://www.scotsindependent.org
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...
Invasion of The Jacobites - 1715
Insurrection of The Covenanters - 1666
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
--------------------------------
Added another three poems, "Bonfire at Straloch", "Br-r-r-r!" and "Kilry Ceilidh" which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/rodger.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 "William Maxwell, Earl of Nithisdale"
The account starts...
It is happily remarked by the editor of the Culloden Papers, with regard to the devotion of many of the Highland clans to the exiled family of Stuart, that "it cannot be a subject requiring vindication; nor," adds the writer, "if it raise a glow on the face of their descendants, is it likely to be the blush of shame." The descendants of William Maxwell, Earl of Nithisdale, have reason to. remember, with a proud interest, the determined and heroic affection which rescued their ancestor from prison, no less than the courage and fidelity, which involved their chief in a perilous undertaking, and in a miserable captivity.
The first of that ancient race, who derived their surname from, the Lordship of Maxwell, in the county of Dumfries, was Robert de Maxwell of Carlaverock. who, in 1314, was killed at the battle of Bannockburn. fighting under the banners of King James the Third. From that period until the seventeenth century, the house of Maxwell continued to enjoy signal proofs of royal favour; it was employed in important services and on high missions, extending its power and increasing its possessions by intermarriages with the richest and noblest families in Scotland. An enumeration of the honours and privileges enjoyed by this valiant race will show in how remarkable a degree it was favoured by the Stuarts, and how various and how forcible were the reasons which bound it to serve that generous and beloved race of Scottish monarchs.
Herbert, who succeeded John de Maxwell, was one of the Commissioners sent by Alexander the Second to England, to treat for a marriage with one of the daughters of that crown; and, having concluded the negotiation favourably, was endowed with the office of Lord Great Chamberlain of Scotland, which he held during his life-time, and which was afterwards bestowed on his son.
Eustace de Maxwell, in the time of Robert de Bruce, was among those patriots who adhered to the Scottish King. The Castle of Carlaverock, one of the most ancient possessions of the brave Maxwells, stands a memento, in its noble ruins, of the disinterested loyalty of its owners.
The remains of Carlaverock afford but a slight notion of its former strength. The importance of its situation is, however, undoubted. Situated on the south borders of the Nith, near to Glencapel Quay, it constituted a stronghold for the Scottish noble, who scarcely feared a siege within its walls, and when the army of Edward advanced to invest it, refused to surrender, for the fortress was well furnished," says Grose, "with soldiers, engines, and provisions."
You can read the rest of this long story at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter06.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).
Added three more chapters to this account, "The Machine Age", "Homage to Science", and "Economic Theory and Reality".
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/graham/
songs of John Henderson
-----------------------
John has sent us in several of his songs this week WHich you can read at the foot of his page at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
John's Scottish Sing-Along
--------------------------
Compiled by John Henderson
John sent in a couple of new songs for his section, "The Lovely Glens Of Angus" and "I Canna Leave the Auld Folk" which you can listen to at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...long/index.htm
Oor Ain Folk
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Being memories of Manse Life in the Mearns and a Crack aboot old times by James Inglis (1894)
We have ow completed this book with...
Chapter XVI
'Oor ain Laddies'—What to do with the Boys—David the Boat-builder—An Eventful Career—Alexander the Merchant—An Early Start—Long Hours and Hard Work—A Swarm from the Parent Hive—The Merchant's Distinguished Career: his Character—Robert the Financier—Connection with the Volunteer Movement —My own Career—The Supposed 'Black Sheep'—Tom the Planter: a Cannie, Couthie Bachelor— John the Stadent: his Brilliant Promise and Early Lamented Death—Willie the Banker: his Early Death—George the Minister—Henry 'the Shargar o' the Klekin'—A Typical Family—Colonising Tendencies of the Race—The Old Folks' Letters—Unique Circular Notes—Strange Use for a Tract.
Chapter XVII
Declining Years—Increasing Infirmities—An Assistant and Successor appointed—The Last Sermon—Closing Scenes—His Strong Faith—Considerate to the Last—A Noble Dying Testimony—The End: 'Peace'.
The Humour of the Scot
In this book the author mentions he'd like to write a book about Scottish humour. This is the book which I came across later so thought I'd add it here for you to read. This is a link to the pdf file of the book and you might consider right clicking on the link and downloading it to your computer and in that way you can dip into it as you have the time.
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ainfolk/
Our New Zealand Cousins
-----------------------
By James Inglis (1887)
I mentioned that once we had completed the above book I'd go on to do his other three books of which this is the first.
PREFACE
The first Chapter of this book explains the circumstances under which I undertook the work, and renders a long preface unnecessary.
Being originally written for the Sydney Press, my descriptions, penned as we journeyed, have all the drawbacks incident to hasty composition ; but I have had so many, and so gratifying requests, to have the letters published in book form, by friends, whose good opinion is dear to me, that I feel it would be prudish to refuse. Frankly confessing my shortcomings therefore, I throw myself once more on the merciful consideration of my critics.
Allusions and comparisons, will be found scattered at intervals through the book, which are more peculiarly applicable to Australians, than to the wider circle of readers at home ; but as, I believe, such references may be found to incidentally illus-rate phases of Colonial life, and circumstance, I have deemed it on the whole better to retain them.
Mindful of former criticism, I have honestly tried to "prune my style," and curb my natural exuberance of expression ; but alas ! I am conscious that I have yet much to learn, and that there is great room for improvement in these and other respects.
However, if the reader will accept my pages, as a homely unpretending record of a very delightful trip, through "The Wonderland of the South Pacific," I hope my comments on what we witnessed, and my revelation of the change and progress, effected by twenty years of colonization, may prove both interesting and instructive.
I have tried to describe simply and truthfully what I saw, and what I thought. My most earnest hope is, that what I have written may enkindle in the hearts of our kinsmen in the dear old mother land, who may read this book, a livelier, deeper, and kindlier interest in the fortunes of their loyal and loving Cousins, of Australia and New Zealand.
J.l.
Craigo, Strathfield, Sydney, N.S.W.
May, 1886.
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/nzcousins/
James Geikie
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The Man and The Geologist by Marion I Newbiggin and J S Flett (1917).
We now have up the following chapeter...
Part I.—Life and Letters
Chapter I. Boyhood and Youth, 1839-61
Chapter II. First Years on the Geological Survey, 1862-64
Chapter III. "The Great Ice Age": (1) Years of Preparation, 1865-71
Chapter IV. "The Great Ice Age": (2) Publication, 1872-74
Chapter V. Marriage and Life at Perth, 1875-77
Chapter VI. Last Years on the Survey, 1878-82
Chapter VII. Edinburgh and the Professorship, 1882-88
Chapter VII starts...
Official work in Edinburgh began with the delivery by the new professor of his inaugural address on 27th October 1882, the subject being "The Aims and Methods of Geological Inquiry."
'In early days the class was small, and as the income derived from Sir Roderick Murchison's endowment was supplemented by the students' fees, then paid direct to the professor, their number was an important matter. Further, at the time of the appointment, as for many years later, geology was not compulsory for any degree, and was not even an optional degree for the ordinary course in Arts. This meant that the professor had not a status in the University comparable to that of those of the Arts professors whose courses were compulsory, or of the members of the Medical Faculty. On the other hand, it meant that the students who took the class did so from a genuine interest in the subject. The fact that Prof. Geikie soon acquired much weight in the Senate was due entirely to his strong personality, unassisted, at least at first, by any advantages of position.
The letters of this first winter session are filled, as might be expected, with the business of settling down in Edinburgh, the buying of furniture and carpets, the "grind" of getting up the lectures, and recurring regrets at parting with old friends. A letter to Mr Home, written at the beginning of January 1883, illustrates very clearly the dawning of genuine interest in the new work, still mingled with longings for the old. The following passages may be quoted:—
I was at the office the other day. . . . But how the days flash by. And how the dear old days are gone when you and I and the others used to chaff and make a noise o' winter in that office. It makes me melancholy sometimes when I think of it all. I am Professor in Edinburgh University, but my heart is in the Survey with my old Survey chums. Here are tall hats, black coats, pompous windbags—and in a word, starch and humbug. My boy, I have been caught too old. Had I come here earlier I might have become "respectable" too—but it is too late! However, I get on well with my students who, being young, understand fun and such improvised nonsense as I endeavour to cheer them with. I fancy some of my colleagues would have their hair elevated if they heard me. I like the work much better than I expected, but eh man ! I miss the freedom of the country.
Yu can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter07.htm
The other chapters can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ikie/index.htm
History of Loch Kinnord
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By Rev. J. G. Michie (1877)
We have almost completed this book and have up...
Chapter I. Introductory
Chapter II. Geological Record
Chapter III. Pre-Historic Period
Chapter IV. Pre-Historic Period, to 1000 A.D.
Chapter V. Early Historic Period, to 1335 A.D
Chapter VI. Historic Period, to 1400 A.D.
Chapter VII. Historic Period, to 1630 A.D.
Chapter VIII. Civil War, to 1645 A.D.
Chapter IX. Civil War, to 1647 A.D.
Chapter X. Recent History
In Chapter VI we learn...
While then the national history is occupied in recording a desultory warfare with the English, let us take a glance at the proprietary history of the district in which Loch Kinnord is situated ; for it is presumable, though not certain, that the lords of the manor were also the captains of the chief stronghold.
The earliest proprietors of whom we have any certain knowledge were the Bysets, or Bissets, barons of Aboyne. How long they had enjoyed possession of these lands before their name appears in the old charters cannot now be known; but being of Norman descent it is not probable that they came into Scotland before the reign of David I. (1124-53). And it was likely sometime after this before they became barons of Aboyne. By the year 1242 they had become a very powerful family in Scotland, and the chieftainship seemed to rest in Walter Bisset, Lord of Aboyne. For some time a feud had existed between him and Patrick Galloway, Earl of Athole, who in the same year was burnt in his lodgings in Haddington. Although Walter Bisset proved that at the time of the fire he was entertaining the Queen, Joanna, at his Castle of Aboyne, where she had honoured him with a visit, and whom he had escorted as far as Forfar on her way south, he did not escape the suspicion of having instigated his followers to set fire to the lodgings of Athole. The end of it was that he was obliged to take refuge in England, where the Queen's brother, Henry III., protected him from his enemies in Scotland.
Although they were declared "forfeit," the lands of Aboyne did not pass out of the hands of his family. As we have seen, the charter chest of Aboyne was rifled by Edward I. in 1296, and its contents carried off to England. We can understand why Edward was so anxious to secure these charters. Bisset, in order to be avenged on his Scottish foes, among whom he even included the King, had represented to the English sovereign that the crown of Scotland was a fief of that of England, and that there was evidence of this in the ancient charters. This was just the point that Edward was anxious to establish; and Bisset's own charters were likely to afford the evidence required.
You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter06.htm
The other chapters can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...nord/index.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
-------------------
By Frank Shaw
Robert Burns: A Life in Letters by George Scott Wilkie
In our last article I mentioned a book I planned to review in the near future. To quote Burns, “Now is the Time. Now is the Hour”. I finished reading George Wilkie’s book last night or, more accurately, early this morning. My wife and I are on our annual beach trip on Amelia Island (Florida) with son Scott, his wife Denise and two grandchildren Ian and Stirling. Kids and grandkids have scattered for lunch at T-Ray’s for shrimp (as good as it gets), burgers and hot dogs. Susan and I went to eat early so we could come back and complete this article. All too soon the grandchildren will file back in for bathing suits and their afternoon in the pool and ocean. Who can blame them? The temperature yesterday was 100 degrees. I’m drooped over my laptop trying to describe something that means a lot to me, another book on Burns! Susan has a book in hand waiting for me to finish this so she can work her magic for it to be readable! Correct grammar is not my best friend or my first cousin.
You can read the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives123.htm
Other chapters in this series can be found at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...rank/burns.htm
Country Histories
-----------------
I have been publishing some histories of individual countries to the site. This is in part to compliment each of the countries highlighted in our Scots Diaspora section. The following books have been added...
Netherlands
A History of Spain
Russia from the Varangians to the Bolsheviks
Japan: The Rise of a Modern Power
History of Serbia
Italy, mediaeval and modern: a history
Portugal Old and Young
For more details on these books see http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ntry-Histories
Scottish Historical Review
--------------------------
Have extracted a number of articles this week from old copies of this publication including...
The Distaff Side: a Study in Matrimonial Adventure in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries
The riddle of the Ruthvens and other studies
Address delivered by Mr. Raymond Poincaré, President of the French Republic Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow, 1914-1919 on November 13th 1919
The Fenwick Improvement of Knowledge Society
Peter Hume Brown
Seaforth Highlanders
The Highland Emigration
John of Swinton
Peasant Life in Argyllshire in the end of the Eighteenth century
These are all really interesting accounts and for further information on these articles see http://www.electricscotland.org/show...torical-Review
And finally...
The creativity of the Scots...
Three Scots and three Englishmen are traveling by train to a football match.
At the station, the three Englishmen each buy tickets and watch as the three Scots buy only a single ticket.
"How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asked one of the three Englanders.
"Watch and you'll see," answers one of the Scotsmen.
They all board the train. The Englishmen take their respective seats but all three Scotsmen cram into a toilet and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the tolet door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.
The English saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the match, the Englishmen decide to copy the Scots on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Scots don't buy a ticket at all.
"How are you going to travel without a ticket," asks one perplexed Englishman. "Watch and you'll see," says one of the Scotsmen.
When they board the train the three Englishmen cram into a toilet and the three Scots cram into another one nearby.
The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the Scots leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the Englishmen are hiding.
He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please."
And that's it for now and hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com
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Electric Scotland News
Electric Scotland Community
The Flag in the Wind
Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
Memoirs of the Jacobites
R. B. Cunninghame Graham, Fighter for Justice
Songs of John Henderson
John's Scottish Sing-Along
Oor Ain Folk
Our New Zealand Cousins (New Book)
James Geikie
History of Loch Kinnord
Robert Burns Lives!
Country Histories
Scottish Historical Review
Electric Scotland News
----------------------
We do have a video this week which you can view at...
-----
Got in an interesting article about a proposed new monument for New Brunswick in Canada and got a couple of pictures in of what it might look like. Certainly impressive and you can read more about this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/monument.htm
-----
Lots of articles from the Scottish Historical Review this week which was the main reason for doing the video as I wanted to highlght some really interesting articles which I hope you'll enjoy.
-----
Then in The Flag section I am questioning the way forward for that publication and it's newspaper. I just think as we are now working towards a refurendum on Independence we need to change the way we deal with various questions that haven't yet been dealt with.
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
---------------------------
Well we didn't get very far last weekend as we kept hitting problems that we couldn't fix. So this week we've been downloading patches and other stuff hoping that we'll be in a better position this weekend. Keep your fingers crossed! :-)
You got to view the video on the "Road Rage Cowboy"... hillarious!
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 who is also editor of the Scots Independent Newspaper.
On a purely personal note I do wonder where the Flag is going and where the Scots Independent Newspaper is going. We now have a majority SNP government in Scotland which is something the newspaper has fought for over many years since 1928. Now we are nearing the time when we will get to have a referendum on Independence. It's been a long road but what do we do now to win through to that final goal?
You might say the last hurdle is before us but how do we complete the work? I believe the time is right for the newspaper to tackle the questions it hasn't been prepared to discuss. The best I ever heard for Independence was 40% for, 40% against and 20% undecided.
From discussions I've had over the years two questions keep coming up. Will we retain the Royal Family and will we still be a member of the EU. Despite what many think in the SNP there is still an attraction for the Royal Family so we'd need to know about that before voting. There are many that think we should not be a member of the EU as that in many of our minds means giving up much of the independence we have fought so hard to get.
These are questions, amongst others, we'll need answered before voting and to ignore them is no longer an option. If in doubt vote NO! We have to tackle the legitimate questions that many people have and that's the only way to win Independence for Scotland.
Then as we see actual newspaper sales falling and falling and TV news viewers also dwindling away how do we get the news? I've highlighted Kindle book sales now exceeding actual book sales. Why is there not a Kindle edition of the Scots Independent Newspaper? No Scottish newspaper currently has a Kindle Edition. Why not?
All our political comentators always blame other parties but when it comes to independence that won't wash any longer. That's a really big problem for them as they have been brought up to blame others. But when you are talking about taking your country to independence that's a whole new ball game. So far these commentators have succeeded in persuading 50% of us not to vote. Continuing that trend will not get us independence.
Now is the time to get focussed and start to address real life questions that people have so we're prepared to vote for Independence. I reall hope the Flag and the Scots Independent Newspaper will take a lead in this.
You can get to the Flag at http://www.scotsindependent.org
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...
Invasion of The Jacobites - 1715
Insurrection of The Covenanters - 1666
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/
Poems of George Alexander Rodger
--------------------------------
Added another three poems, "Bonfire at Straloch", "Br-r-r-r!" and "Kilry Ceilidh" which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/rodger.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 "William Maxwell, Earl of Nithisdale"
The account starts...
It is happily remarked by the editor of the Culloden Papers, with regard to the devotion of many of the Highland clans to the exiled family of Stuart, that "it cannot be a subject requiring vindication; nor," adds the writer, "if it raise a glow on the face of their descendants, is it likely to be the blush of shame." The descendants of William Maxwell, Earl of Nithisdale, have reason to. remember, with a proud interest, the determined and heroic affection which rescued their ancestor from prison, no less than the courage and fidelity, which involved their chief in a perilous undertaking, and in a miserable captivity.
The first of that ancient race, who derived their surname from, the Lordship of Maxwell, in the county of Dumfries, was Robert de Maxwell of Carlaverock. who, in 1314, was killed at the battle of Bannockburn. fighting under the banners of King James the Third. From that period until the seventeenth century, the house of Maxwell continued to enjoy signal proofs of royal favour; it was employed in important services and on high missions, extending its power and increasing its possessions by intermarriages with the richest and noblest families in Scotland. An enumeration of the honours and privileges enjoyed by this valiant race will show in how remarkable a degree it was favoured by the Stuarts, and how various and how forcible were the reasons which bound it to serve that generous and beloved race of Scottish monarchs.
Herbert, who succeeded John de Maxwell, was one of the Commissioners sent by Alexander the Second to England, to treat for a marriage with one of the daughters of that crown; and, having concluded the negotiation favourably, was endowed with the office of Lord Great Chamberlain of Scotland, which he held during his life-time, and which was afterwards bestowed on his son.
Eustace de Maxwell, in the time of Robert de Bruce, was among those patriots who adhered to the Scottish King. The Castle of Carlaverock, one of the most ancient possessions of the brave Maxwells, stands a memento, in its noble ruins, of the disinterested loyalty of its owners.
The remains of Carlaverock afford but a slight notion of its former strength. The importance of its situation is, however, undoubted. Situated on the south borders of the Nith, near to Glencapel Quay, it constituted a stronghold for the Scottish noble, who scarcely feared a siege within its walls, and when the army of Edward advanced to invest it, refused to surrender, for the fortress was well furnished," says Grose, "with soldiers, engines, and provisions."
You can read the rest of this long story at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter06.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).
Added three more chapters to this account, "The Machine Age", "Homage to Science", and "Economic Theory and Reality".
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/graham/
songs of John Henderson
-----------------------
John has sent us in several of his songs this week WHich you can read at the foot of his page at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
John's Scottish Sing-Along
--------------------------
Compiled by John Henderson
John sent in a couple of new songs for his section, "The Lovely Glens Of Angus" and "I Canna Leave the Auld Folk" which you can listen to at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...long/index.htm
Oor Ain Folk
------------
Being memories of Manse Life in the Mearns and a Crack aboot old times by James Inglis (1894)
We have ow completed this book with...
Chapter XVI
'Oor ain Laddies'—What to do with the Boys—David the Boat-builder—An Eventful Career—Alexander the Merchant—An Early Start—Long Hours and Hard Work—A Swarm from the Parent Hive—The Merchant's Distinguished Career: his Character—Robert the Financier—Connection with the Volunteer Movement —My own Career—The Supposed 'Black Sheep'—Tom the Planter: a Cannie, Couthie Bachelor— John the Stadent: his Brilliant Promise and Early Lamented Death—Willie the Banker: his Early Death—George the Minister—Henry 'the Shargar o' the Klekin'—A Typical Family—Colonising Tendencies of the Race—The Old Folks' Letters—Unique Circular Notes—Strange Use for a Tract.
Chapter XVII
Declining Years—Increasing Infirmities—An Assistant and Successor appointed—The Last Sermon—Closing Scenes—His Strong Faith—Considerate to the Last—A Noble Dying Testimony—The End: 'Peace'.
The Humour of the Scot
In this book the author mentions he'd like to write a book about Scottish humour. This is the book which I came across later so thought I'd add it here for you to read. This is a link to the pdf file of the book and you might consider right clicking on the link and downloading it to your computer and in that way you can dip into it as you have the time.
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/ainfolk/
Our New Zealand Cousins
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By James Inglis (1887)
I mentioned that once we had completed the above book I'd go on to do his other three books of which this is the first.
PREFACE
The first Chapter of this book explains the circumstances under which I undertook the work, and renders a long preface unnecessary.
Being originally written for the Sydney Press, my descriptions, penned as we journeyed, have all the drawbacks incident to hasty composition ; but I have had so many, and so gratifying requests, to have the letters published in book form, by friends, whose good opinion is dear to me, that I feel it would be prudish to refuse. Frankly confessing my shortcomings therefore, I throw myself once more on the merciful consideration of my critics.
Allusions and comparisons, will be found scattered at intervals through the book, which are more peculiarly applicable to Australians, than to the wider circle of readers at home ; but as, I believe, such references may be found to incidentally illus-rate phases of Colonial life, and circumstance, I have deemed it on the whole better to retain them.
Mindful of former criticism, I have honestly tried to "prune my style," and curb my natural exuberance of expression ; but alas ! I am conscious that I have yet much to learn, and that there is great room for improvement in these and other respects.
However, if the reader will accept my pages, as a homely unpretending record of a very delightful trip, through "The Wonderland of the South Pacific," I hope my comments on what we witnessed, and my revelation of the change and progress, effected by twenty years of colonization, may prove both interesting and instructive.
I have tried to describe simply and truthfully what I saw, and what I thought. My most earnest hope is, that what I have written may enkindle in the hearts of our kinsmen in the dear old mother land, who may read this book, a livelier, deeper, and kindlier interest in the fortunes of their loyal and loving Cousins, of Australia and New Zealand.
J.l.
Craigo, Strathfield, Sydney, N.S.W.
May, 1886.
You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/nzcousins/
James Geikie
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The Man and The Geologist by Marion I Newbiggin and J S Flett (1917).
We now have up the following chapeter...
Part I.—Life and Letters
Chapter I. Boyhood and Youth, 1839-61
Chapter II. First Years on the Geological Survey, 1862-64
Chapter III. "The Great Ice Age": (1) Years of Preparation, 1865-71
Chapter IV. "The Great Ice Age": (2) Publication, 1872-74
Chapter V. Marriage and Life at Perth, 1875-77
Chapter VI. Last Years on the Survey, 1878-82
Chapter VII. Edinburgh and the Professorship, 1882-88
Chapter VII starts...
Official work in Edinburgh began with the delivery by the new professor of his inaugural address on 27th October 1882, the subject being "The Aims and Methods of Geological Inquiry."
'In early days the class was small, and as the income derived from Sir Roderick Murchison's endowment was supplemented by the students' fees, then paid direct to the professor, their number was an important matter. Further, at the time of the appointment, as for many years later, geology was not compulsory for any degree, and was not even an optional degree for the ordinary course in Arts. This meant that the professor had not a status in the University comparable to that of those of the Arts professors whose courses were compulsory, or of the members of the Medical Faculty. On the other hand, it meant that the students who took the class did so from a genuine interest in the subject. The fact that Prof. Geikie soon acquired much weight in the Senate was due entirely to his strong personality, unassisted, at least at first, by any advantages of position.
The letters of this first winter session are filled, as might be expected, with the business of settling down in Edinburgh, the buying of furniture and carpets, the "grind" of getting up the lectures, and recurring regrets at parting with old friends. A letter to Mr Home, written at the beginning of January 1883, illustrates very clearly the dawning of genuine interest in the new work, still mingled with longings for the old. The following passages may be quoted:—
I was at the office the other day. . . . But how the days flash by. And how the dear old days are gone when you and I and the others used to chaff and make a noise o' winter in that office. It makes me melancholy sometimes when I think of it all. I am Professor in Edinburgh University, but my heart is in the Survey with my old Survey chums. Here are tall hats, black coats, pompous windbags—and in a word, starch and humbug. My boy, I have been caught too old. Had I come here earlier I might have become "respectable" too—but it is too late! However, I get on well with my students who, being young, understand fun and such improvised nonsense as I endeavour to cheer them with. I fancy some of my colleagues would have their hair elevated if they heard me. I like the work much better than I expected, but eh man ! I miss the freedom of the country.
Yu can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter07.htm
The other chapters can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ikie/index.htm
History of Loch Kinnord
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By Rev. J. G. Michie (1877)
We have almost completed this book and have up...
Chapter I. Introductory
Chapter II. Geological Record
Chapter III. Pre-Historic Period
Chapter IV. Pre-Historic Period, to 1000 A.D.
Chapter V. Early Historic Period, to 1335 A.D
Chapter VI. Historic Period, to 1400 A.D.
Chapter VII. Historic Period, to 1630 A.D.
Chapter VIII. Civil War, to 1645 A.D.
Chapter IX. Civil War, to 1647 A.D.
Chapter X. Recent History
In Chapter VI we learn...
While then the national history is occupied in recording a desultory warfare with the English, let us take a glance at the proprietary history of the district in which Loch Kinnord is situated ; for it is presumable, though not certain, that the lords of the manor were also the captains of the chief stronghold.
The earliest proprietors of whom we have any certain knowledge were the Bysets, or Bissets, barons of Aboyne. How long they had enjoyed possession of these lands before their name appears in the old charters cannot now be known; but being of Norman descent it is not probable that they came into Scotland before the reign of David I. (1124-53). And it was likely sometime after this before they became barons of Aboyne. By the year 1242 they had become a very powerful family in Scotland, and the chieftainship seemed to rest in Walter Bisset, Lord of Aboyne. For some time a feud had existed between him and Patrick Galloway, Earl of Athole, who in the same year was burnt in his lodgings in Haddington. Although Walter Bisset proved that at the time of the fire he was entertaining the Queen, Joanna, at his Castle of Aboyne, where she had honoured him with a visit, and whom he had escorted as far as Forfar on her way south, he did not escape the suspicion of having instigated his followers to set fire to the lodgings of Athole. The end of it was that he was obliged to take refuge in England, where the Queen's brother, Henry III., protected him from his enemies in Scotland.
Although they were declared "forfeit," the lands of Aboyne did not pass out of the hands of his family. As we have seen, the charter chest of Aboyne was rifled by Edward I. in 1296, and its contents carried off to England. We can understand why Edward was so anxious to secure these charters. Bisset, in order to be avenged on his Scottish foes, among whom he even included the King, had represented to the English sovereign that the crown of Scotland was a fief of that of England, and that there was evidence of this in the ancient charters. This was just the point that Edward was anxious to establish; and Bisset's own charters were likely to afford the evidence required.
You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter06.htm
The other chapters can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...nord/index.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
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By Frank Shaw
Robert Burns: A Life in Letters by George Scott Wilkie
In our last article I mentioned a book I planned to review in the near future. To quote Burns, “Now is the Time. Now is the Hour”. I finished reading George Wilkie’s book last night or, more accurately, early this morning. My wife and I are on our annual beach trip on Amelia Island (Florida) with son Scott, his wife Denise and two grandchildren Ian and Stirling. Kids and grandkids have scattered for lunch at T-Ray’s for shrimp (as good as it gets), burgers and hot dogs. Susan and I went to eat early so we could come back and complete this article. All too soon the grandchildren will file back in for bathing suits and their afternoon in the pool and ocean. Who can blame them? The temperature yesterday was 100 degrees. I’m drooped over my laptop trying to describe something that means a lot to me, another book on Burns! Susan has a book in hand waiting for me to finish this so she can work her magic for it to be readable! Correct grammar is not my best friend or my first cousin.
You can read the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives123.htm
Other chapters in this series can be found at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...rank/burns.htm
Country Histories
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I have been publishing some histories of individual countries to the site. This is in part to compliment each of the countries highlighted in our Scots Diaspora section. The following books have been added...
Netherlands
A History of Spain
Russia from the Varangians to the Bolsheviks
Japan: The Rise of a Modern Power
History of Serbia
Italy, mediaeval and modern: a history
Portugal Old and Young
For more details on these books see http://www.electricscotland.org/show...ntry-Histories
Scottish Historical Review
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Have extracted a number of articles this week from old copies of this publication including...
The Distaff Side: a Study in Matrimonial Adventure in the Fifteenth and Sixteenth Centuries
The riddle of the Ruthvens and other studies
Address delivered by Mr. Raymond Poincaré, President of the French Republic Lord Rector of the University of Glasgow, 1914-1919 on November 13th 1919
The Fenwick Improvement of Knowledge Society
Peter Hume Brown
Seaforth Highlanders
The Highland Emigration
John of Swinton
Peasant Life in Argyllshire in the end of the Eighteenth century
These are all really interesting accounts and for further information on these articles see http://www.electricscotland.org/show...torical-Review
And finally...
The creativity of the Scots...
Three Scots and three Englishmen are traveling by train to a football match.
At the station, the three Englishmen each buy tickets and watch as the three Scots buy only a single ticket.
"How are three people going to travel on only one ticket?" asked one of the three Englanders.
"Watch and you'll see," answers one of the Scotsmen.
They all board the train. The Englishmen take their respective seats but all three Scotsmen cram into a toilet and close the door behind them. Shortly after the train has departed, the conductor comes around collecting tickets. He knocks on the tolet door and says, "Ticket, please." The door opens just a crack and a single arm emerges with a ticket in hand. The conductor takes it and moves on.
The English saw this and agreed it was quite a clever idea. So after the match, the Englishmen decide to copy the Scots on the return trip and save some money. When they get to the station, they buy a single ticket for the return trip. To their astonishment, the Scots don't buy a ticket at all.
"How are you going to travel without a ticket," asks one perplexed Englishman. "Watch and you'll see," says one of the Scotsmen.
When they board the train the three Englishmen cram into a toilet and the three Scots cram into another one nearby.
The train departs. Shortly afterward, one of the Scots leaves his restroom and walks over to the restroom where the Englishmen are hiding.
He knocks on the door and says, "Ticket, please."
And that's it for now and hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com
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