Tweet
For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
I note inflation is continuing to increase and the following three countries report May figures to be...
Canada 7.7%
UK 9.1%
USA 8.6%
I did check to see what Australia and New Zealand look like but they only report on quarterly figures so wasn't a good comparison but it looked like Australia was doing better.
-------
Orkney by Maggie Toner
Was in touch with this author who has an interesting novel that ties in Orkney and Canada
The book is about Four Brothers living in Orkney, Northern Scotland in the Iron Age who die violent deaths almost simultaneously. This powerful event ties them together through four more lifetimes, set in; Roy Bridge, Scotland; Lismore, Ireland; The Canadian Colonies during the building of the Rideau Canal by Irish and Scottish masons and labourers in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the 20th Century. With each life they support and push each others development. Follow along through time and wonder: Who were you before you were you?
You can read a couple of extracts and learn more about her book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...les/orkney.htm
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
We Need to Talk About Scotland
The Scottish Government has just published (under the headline First Paper in new independence prospectus, the remarkably verbosely titled Building a New Scotland - Independence in the Modern World. Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland? This article is written by Kevin Hague who is to my mind the best source of information on Scottish finances.
Read more at:
https://chokkablog.blogspot.com/2022...-scotland.html
Historical Record Collections added in April and May 2022
MyHeritage are delighted to announce the publication of 1.3 billion historical records in 37 collections from all over the world including: USA, UK, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
Read more at:
https://blog.myheritage.com/2022/06/...-and-may-2022/
The CapX Podcast: Tom Harris on the SNP’s neverendum
You never have too long to wait before the SNP and its leader Nicola Sturgeon are beating the drum for another independence referendum. The dream of separation is the glue that holds an otherwise fractious coalition together, and this week Sturgeon has once again upped the ante by promising a fresh vote next year, come what may.
You can listen to this at:
https://capx.co/the-capx-podcast-tom...nps-neverendum
American retail giant travels to London to scout business partners.
AMERICAN retail giant Walmart is looking to bring UK products to the US in a major boost to Brexit Britain's exports.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...orts-eu-latest
Over-75s urged to get Covid booster jab as cases rise
Over-75s and people at high risk have been urged to get a Covid booster vaccine, amid warnings of a new wave of infections in Scotland.
I got my second booster shot on Monday.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-61857789
Covid-hit nature summit moved from China to Canada
The summit had been repeatedly postponed due to the Covid situation in China
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61871373
Uvalde shooting: Gunman could have been stopped within three minutes
There were enough police on the scene of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting to have stopped the gunman three minutes after he entered the building, Texas's public safety chief has testified. Steven McCraw told a state Senate hearing the police response was an "abject failure".
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61877914
Nearly written off at the age of five
By Garry Hassan in the Scottish Review
Read more at:
https://www.scottishreview.net//GerryHassan621a.html
New report reveals drop in trust in UK journalism
A new report reveals that 46% of people in the UK have actively avoided reading the news as a result of fatigue at excessive Covid-19 and political coverage amid a general drop in trust in journalism.
Read more at:
https://www.scottishreview.net//HamishMackay621a.html
Leaf by leaf, acre by acre, a secret garden blossoms again at Bute’s Mount Stuart
It has lain almost hidden for more than a century but, slowly, gently, is being resurrected.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/mount-stuart/
Vietnam veteran details how his astonishing life led him to the White House before he returns to Scotland after 50 years
The darkness, and the enemies concealed there, press closer, the walls of the tunnel tighten, and beneath the jungles of Vietnam, John Keaveney feels a long way from home.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/the-homecoming/
Royal Highland Show marks 200th anniversary
Crowds are returning to the Royal Highland Show this year as the event celebrates its 200th anniversary. The agricultural show gets under way on Thursday at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...-fife-61900802
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first official portrait released
The portrait, painted by award-winning British portrait artist Jamie Coreth, has gone on display at the University of Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum.
See it at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61907696
Canada MPs given panic buttons as threats increase
Canada's members of parliament will be given panic buttons to call police in an emergency, amid growing harassment, intimidation and threats of violence.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61890453
Electric Canadian
Orkney
A novel by Maggie Toner
Got in a couple of samples from her book about Four Brothers living in Orkney, Northern Scotland in the Iron Age die violent deaths almost simultaneously. This powerful event ties them together through four more lifetimes, set in; Roy Bridge, Scotland; Lismore, Ireland; The Canadian Colonies during the building of the Rideau Canal by Irish and Scottish masons and labourers; and Fredericton, New Brunswick during the 20th Century. With each life they support and push each others development. Follow along through time and wonder: Who were you before you were you?
You can read the samples at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...les/orkney.htm
VIA Rail's Canadian - A Trans-Canada Train Odyssey
(Vancouver to Toronto , March 2022).
Well, it's finally here! For those who have seen my preview video and for those interested who are checking in for the first time... Here is my full-length documentary on "The Canadian" - VIA Rail's Transcontinental passenger train, which runs from Vancouver to Toronto. This was recorded during our scenic land cruise across Canada in March of 2022. Showcasing the breathtaking scenery, and world class service & accommodations to be found aboard VIA Rail Canada's premier passenger train. It's a 95 hour trip condensed into 3hrs 55min - Possibly the longest & most in-depth amateur video documentary of the Canadian on Youtube - Hope you enjoy!
Embedded this 3 hour video at the top of the page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/transport/index.htm
Statement with reference to the Knights Baronets of Nova Scotia
Their creations, privileges, and territorial rights of Property in that Colony (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/canada/...he_Knights.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - Father's Day
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can view this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...g-father-s-day
Smiths Falls | Crossroads: Beyond Boom & Bust
For almost 50 years, Smiths Falls was proudly known as the chocolate capital of Ontario. This is a good documentary about the town which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...smitsfalls.htm
Videos about Saskatchewan
Oil Industry, Speech by Premier, Agriculture, etc.
The videos I put up was due to my research on Rare Earth.
A wee collection of videos which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...wan/videos.htm
The Life of John James Audubon
The Naturalist, edited by his widow with an introduction by Jas. Grant Wilson (1869) (pdf). He spent much time in Canada and Scotland.
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...00auduiala.pdf
Electric Scotland
Beth's Video Talks
June 22nd 2022 - Six types of UK marriages
You can view this talk at: https://electricscotland.com/bnft
The Celtic garland of Gaelic songs and readings
Translation of Gaelic and English songs (third edition) by: Henry Whyte "Fionn" (1920) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/gaelic/celticgarland.pdf
The Border Magazine
Added volume 5 to our collection which you can view at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...r_magazine.htm
Note that the story this week comes from this volume.
Hamewith
By Charles Murray (1911) (pdf).
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/hamewith.pdf
You can also read about Charles Murray at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/charles_murray.htm
Grey Craigs
Or “Auld Lang Syne” by Jean L. Watson (1880) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifestyle/greycraigs.pdf
Hylton Newsletter
Got in the June 2022 issue which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...lton/index.htm
See also Scottish Heritage replies to Professor Peter Hylton...
Great newsletter! What a coincidence - our newsletter for June did a bit on Hadrian's wall! This is a terrific follow-up. Do you mind if I send it out to our members? I attached our June newsletter for your reference. Cheers. Eileen
You can read this issue of their newsletter at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...2022%20JUN.pdf
Prince Charlie’s Pilot -"Donald Macleod"
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/charles/pilot.htm
Story
Humours of a South Country Divine
From Volume 5 of The Scottish Border Magazine
THE Rev. Walter Dunlop, familiarly known as "Watty Dunlop,” was at one time a well-known figure in the South of Scotland. He was gifted with a large measure of shrewdness and what is termed pawkiness. He was also famed as being able to pack a lot of wisdom into witty responses, and was not easily excelled in repartee. Indeed, those who crossed swords with him usually came off second best. Mr. Dunlop was an eccentric preacher, and on exceedingly free and easy terms with his congregation. He had a strong vein of humour, and a happy way of conveying a telling homily in a witty sally. Many of his pawky sayings and many humorous stories about his doings are still to be met with in the south country.
On one occasion Mr Dunlop, while on his round of pastoral visits, arrived at a farm-house, where, shortly after entering, he was asked if he would like anything to eat. He replied that he would take something after he had finished his devotional exercises, adding, “Ye can pit on the frying-pan, and leave the door ajar, and I’ll draw to a close when I hear the ham fizzin’.”
After a hard day’s labour, for Mr Dunlop was ever among his flock, and while he was having a “dinner tea,” he kept praising the ham and hinting that his good wife at home was fond of ham, when his hostess kindly offered to send her one. “It’s unca kind o’ ye,” said the divine, “I’ll no pit ye to sae muckle trouble, I'll just tak’ it hame on the horse afore me.” Accordingly the ham was put into a sack, but some difficulty was experienced in getting it to lie properly. However, his inventive genius was equal to the occasion. “I think, mistress,” he said, “a cheese in the ither end o’ the poke would mak’ a gran’ balance.” The hint was taken, and like another John Gilpin he rode away with his balance true.
Once when offering up prayer in a house in which he was visiting, a peculiar sound was heard to issue from his great-coat pocket. This was afterwards found to have proceeded from a half-choked duck which he had “gotten in a present,” and whose neck, he had been squeezing all the time to prevent it from quacking.
One day while on a visit to the small village of Doweel, and just before entering it, he saw a servant girl trying to drive a herd of swine out of a field of corn where they were doing fearful havoc. Every time she made use of the stick she exclaimed "de’il cheke the swine.” On reaching the other end of the village he was surprised to observe another girl chasing a flock of geese, and shouting the while "'de’il tak’ the geese." "Oh, ma lassie," said the minister, "the de’il canna tak’ yer geese the noo for he’s owre thrang chokin’ swine at the far end o’ the village.” Then he remarked to a villager, “Ye should change the name o' this place frae Doweel to Doill, for wi’ the de’il at the ae end catching geese, an’ chokin’ swine at the ither, it maun be a habitation o’ sin and iniquity.”
Two young fellows on seeing this old-time minister coming down the High Street of Dumfries, thought to have some fun with him. “Have you heard the news, Mr Dunlop,” they said solemnly! “What news,” he inquired. “Oh, that the de’il’s dead.” “Is he?” quoth Mr Dunlop, “then let us pray for twa faitherless bairns.”
On another occasion he was accosted by three conceited wits, with “Good morning, father Abraham,” “Good morning, father Isaac,” and “Good morning, father Jacob,” to which he replied, “I’m neither Abraham, Isaac, nor Jacob, but Saul, the son of Kish, out seeking his father’s asses, and lo I’ve found three of them.”
When conversing with a brother of the cloth, who in a facetious way remarked, “Man, Watty, I believe, after all has been said, that my head could hold two of yours.” “Man, Jamie,” he replied with a pawky smile, “I never thoucht afore that yer heid was sae empty.”
But perhaps the best specimen of Mr Dunlop’s wit is that related of him at the time when the celebrated Edward Irving was lecturing in Annandale. He met a friend who had been to hear the famous preacher, and asked, “Weel, Willie, an’ what did ’e think o’ Irvin’.” “Oh,” answered Willie, “the man’s crack’t.” Putting his hand on the critic’s shoulder, Mr Dunlop, in his own pawky manner said, “Willie, ye’ll often see a licht peepin’ through a crack.’
G. M. R.
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you and according to my calendar we are now officially in Summer.
Alastair
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
I note inflation is continuing to increase and the following three countries report May figures to be...
Canada 7.7%
UK 9.1%
USA 8.6%
I did check to see what Australia and New Zealand look like but they only report on quarterly figures so wasn't a good comparison but it looked like Australia was doing better.
-------
Orkney by Maggie Toner
Was in touch with this author who has an interesting novel that ties in Orkney and Canada
The book is about Four Brothers living in Orkney, Northern Scotland in the Iron Age who die violent deaths almost simultaneously. This powerful event ties them together through four more lifetimes, set in; Roy Bridge, Scotland; Lismore, Ireland; The Canadian Colonies during the building of the Rideau Canal by Irish and Scottish masons and labourers in Fredericton, New Brunswick during the 20th Century. With each life they support and push each others development. Follow along through time and wonder: Who were you before you were you?
You can read a couple of extracts and learn more about her book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...les/orkney.htm
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
We Need to Talk About Scotland
The Scottish Government has just published (under the headline First Paper in new independence prospectus, the remarkably verbosely titled Building a New Scotland - Independence in the Modern World. Wealthier, Happier, Fairer: Why Not Scotland? This article is written by Kevin Hague who is to my mind the best source of information on Scottish finances.
Read more at:
https://chokkablog.blogspot.com/2022...-scotland.html
Historical Record Collections added in April and May 2022
MyHeritage are delighted to announce the publication of 1.3 billion historical records in 37 collections from all over the world including: USA, UK, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, and Ukraine.
Read more at:
https://blog.myheritage.com/2022/06/...-and-may-2022/
The CapX Podcast: Tom Harris on the SNP’s neverendum
You never have too long to wait before the SNP and its leader Nicola Sturgeon are beating the drum for another independence referendum. The dream of separation is the glue that holds an otherwise fractious coalition together, and this week Sturgeon has once again upped the ante by promising a fresh vote next year, come what may.
You can listen to this at:
https://capx.co/the-capx-podcast-tom...nps-neverendum
American retail giant travels to London to scout business partners.
AMERICAN retail giant Walmart is looking to bring UK products to the US in a major boost to Brexit Britain's exports.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/polit...orts-eu-latest
Over-75s urged to get Covid booster jab as cases rise
Over-75s and people at high risk have been urged to get a Covid booster vaccine, amid warnings of a new wave of infections in Scotland.
I got my second booster shot on Monday.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-61857789
Covid-hit nature summit moved from China to Canada
The summit had been repeatedly postponed due to the Covid situation in China
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-61871373
Uvalde shooting: Gunman could have been stopped within three minutes
There were enough police on the scene of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting to have stopped the gunman three minutes after he entered the building, Texas's public safety chief has testified. Steven McCraw told a state Senate hearing the police response was an "abject failure".
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61877914
Nearly written off at the age of five
By Garry Hassan in the Scottish Review
Read more at:
https://www.scottishreview.net//GerryHassan621a.html
New report reveals drop in trust in UK journalism
A new report reveals that 46% of people in the UK have actively avoided reading the news as a result of fatigue at excessive Covid-19 and political coverage amid a general drop in trust in journalism.
Read more at:
https://www.scottishreview.net//HamishMackay621a.html
Leaf by leaf, acre by acre, a secret garden blossoms again at Bute’s Mount Stuart
It has lain almost hidden for more than a century but, slowly, gently, is being resurrected.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/mount-stuart/
Vietnam veteran details how his astonishing life led him to the White House before he returns to Scotland after 50 years
The darkness, and the enemies concealed there, press closer, the walls of the tunnel tighten, and beneath the jungles of Vietnam, John Keaveney feels a long way from home.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/the-homecoming/
Royal Highland Show marks 200th anniversary
Crowds are returning to the Royal Highland Show this year as the event celebrates its 200th anniversary. The agricultural show gets under way on Thursday at the Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston, Edinburgh.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...-fife-61900802
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge's first official portrait released
The portrait, painted by award-winning British portrait artist Jamie Coreth, has gone on display at the University of Cambridge's Fitzwilliam Museum.
See it at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-61907696
Canada MPs given panic buttons as threats increase
Canada's members of parliament will be given panic buttons to call police in an emergency, amid growing harassment, intimidation and threats of violence.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-61890453
Electric Canadian
Orkney
A novel by Maggie Toner
Got in a couple of samples from her book about Four Brothers living in Orkney, Northern Scotland in the Iron Age die violent deaths almost simultaneously. This powerful event ties them together through four more lifetimes, set in; Roy Bridge, Scotland; Lismore, Ireland; The Canadian Colonies during the building of the Rideau Canal by Irish and Scottish masons and labourers; and Fredericton, New Brunswick during the 20th Century. With each life they support and push each others development. Follow along through time and wonder: Who were you before you were you?
You can read the samples at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...les/orkney.htm
VIA Rail's Canadian - A Trans-Canada Train Odyssey
(Vancouver to Toronto , March 2022).
Well, it's finally here! For those who have seen my preview video and for those interested who are checking in for the first time... Here is my full-length documentary on "The Canadian" - VIA Rail's Transcontinental passenger train, which runs from Vancouver to Toronto. This was recorded during our scenic land cruise across Canada in March of 2022. Showcasing the breathtaking scenery, and world class service & accommodations to be found aboard VIA Rail Canada's premier passenger train. It's a 95 hour trip condensed into 3hrs 55min - Possibly the longest & most in-depth amateur video documentary of the Canadian on Youtube - Hope you enjoy!
Embedded this 3 hour video at the top of the page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/transport/index.htm
Statement with reference to the Knights Baronets of Nova Scotia
Their creations, privileges, and territorial rights of Property in that Colony (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/canada/...he_Knights.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - Father's Day
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can view this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...g-father-s-day
Smiths Falls | Crossroads: Beyond Boom & Bust
For almost 50 years, Smiths Falls was proudly known as the chocolate capital of Ontario. This is a good documentary about the town which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...smitsfalls.htm
Videos about Saskatchewan
Oil Industry, Speech by Premier, Agriculture, etc.
The videos I put up was due to my research on Rare Earth.
A wee collection of videos which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...wan/videos.htm
The Life of John James Audubon
The Naturalist, edited by his widow with an introduction by Jas. Grant Wilson (1869) (pdf). He spent much time in Canada and Scotland.
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...00auduiala.pdf
Electric Scotland
Beth's Video Talks
June 22nd 2022 - Six types of UK marriages
You can view this talk at: https://electricscotland.com/bnft
The Celtic garland of Gaelic songs and readings
Translation of Gaelic and English songs (third edition) by: Henry Whyte "Fionn" (1920) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/gaelic/celticgarland.pdf
The Border Magazine
Added volume 5 to our collection which you can view at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...r_magazine.htm
Note that the story this week comes from this volume.
Hamewith
By Charles Murray (1911) (pdf).
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/hamewith.pdf
You can also read about Charles Murray at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/charles_murray.htm
Grey Craigs
Or “Auld Lang Syne” by Jean L. Watson (1880) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifestyle/greycraigs.pdf
Hylton Newsletter
Got in the June 2022 issue which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...lton/index.htm
See also Scottish Heritage replies to Professor Peter Hylton...
Great newsletter! What a coincidence - our newsletter for June did a bit on Hadrian's wall! This is a terrific follow-up. Do you mind if I send it out to our members? I attached our June newsletter for your reference. Cheers. Eileen
You can read this issue of their newsletter at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...2022%20JUN.pdf
Prince Charlie’s Pilot -"Donald Macleod"
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/charles/pilot.htm
Story
Humours of a South Country Divine
From Volume 5 of The Scottish Border Magazine
THE Rev. Walter Dunlop, familiarly known as "Watty Dunlop,” was at one time a well-known figure in the South of Scotland. He was gifted with a large measure of shrewdness and what is termed pawkiness. He was also famed as being able to pack a lot of wisdom into witty responses, and was not easily excelled in repartee. Indeed, those who crossed swords with him usually came off second best. Mr. Dunlop was an eccentric preacher, and on exceedingly free and easy terms with his congregation. He had a strong vein of humour, and a happy way of conveying a telling homily in a witty sally. Many of his pawky sayings and many humorous stories about his doings are still to be met with in the south country.
On one occasion Mr Dunlop, while on his round of pastoral visits, arrived at a farm-house, where, shortly after entering, he was asked if he would like anything to eat. He replied that he would take something after he had finished his devotional exercises, adding, “Ye can pit on the frying-pan, and leave the door ajar, and I’ll draw to a close when I hear the ham fizzin’.”
After a hard day’s labour, for Mr Dunlop was ever among his flock, and while he was having a “dinner tea,” he kept praising the ham and hinting that his good wife at home was fond of ham, when his hostess kindly offered to send her one. “It’s unca kind o’ ye,” said the divine, “I’ll no pit ye to sae muckle trouble, I'll just tak’ it hame on the horse afore me.” Accordingly the ham was put into a sack, but some difficulty was experienced in getting it to lie properly. However, his inventive genius was equal to the occasion. “I think, mistress,” he said, “a cheese in the ither end o’ the poke would mak’ a gran’ balance.” The hint was taken, and like another John Gilpin he rode away with his balance true.
Once when offering up prayer in a house in which he was visiting, a peculiar sound was heard to issue from his great-coat pocket. This was afterwards found to have proceeded from a half-choked duck which he had “gotten in a present,” and whose neck, he had been squeezing all the time to prevent it from quacking.
One day while on a visit to the small village of Doweel, and just before entering it, he saw a servant girl trying to drive a herd of swine out of a field of corn where they were doing fearful havoc. Every time she made use of the stick she exclaimed "de’il cheke the swine.” On reaching the other end of the village he was surprised to observe another girl chasing a flock of geese, and shouting the while "'de’il tak’ the geese." "Oh, ma lassie," said the minister, "the de’il canna tak’ yer geese the noo for he’s owre thrang chokin’ swine at the far end o’ the village.” Then he remarked to a villager, “Ye should change the name o' this place frae Doweel to Doill, for wi’ the de’il at the ae end catching geese, an’ chokin’ swine at the ither, it maun be a habitation o’ sin and iniquity.”
Two young fellows on seeing this old-time minister coming down the High Street of Dumfries, thought to have some fun with him. “Have you heard the news, Mr Dunlop,” they said solemnly! “What news,” he inquired. “Oh, that the de’il’s dead.” “Is he?” quoth Mr Dunlop, “then let us pray for twa faitherless bairns.”
On another occasion he was accosted by three conceited wits, with “Good morning, father Abraham,” “Good morning, father Isaac,” and “Good morning, father Jacob,” to which he replied, “I’m neither Abraham, Isaac, nor Jacob, but Saul, the son of Kish, out seeking his father’s asses, and lo I’ve found three of them.”
When conversing with a brother of the cloth, who in a facetious way remarked, “Man, Watty, I believe, after all has been said, that my head could hold two of yours.” “Man, Jamie,” he replied with a pawky smile, “I never thoucht afore that yer heid was sae empty.”
But perhaps the best specimen of Mr Dunlop’s wit is that related of him at the time when the celebrated Edward Irving was lecturing in Annandale. He met a friend who had been to hear the famous preacher, and asked, “Weel, Willie, an’ what did ’e think o’ Irvin’.” “Oh,” answered Willie, “the man’s crack’t.” Putting his hand on the critic’s shoulder, Mr Dunlop, in his own pawky manner said, “Willie, ye’ll often see a licht peepin’ through a crack.’
G. M. R.
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you and according to my calendar we are now officially in Summer.
Alastair
Comment