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Electric Scotland News
Armed forces take a lead in this weeks newsletter with a truly interesting account of Canada's place in the world war of 1914-18 which you can get to in our Electric Canadian section. Canada's Sons and Great Britain in the World War
Also in our Electric Scotland section you get an account of Historical Records of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in two volumes from which I took our story for this week.
--------
Been warm this week in Chatham and my air conditioning isn't working in my car which makes travel a touch uncomfortable... but hey I was driving cars when we didn't have any air conditioning and I remember talking to my older sales people when they told me they didn't even have heaters!!!
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
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 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.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Conrad Black: Netanyahu vaporizes the nonsense surrounding Israel's war with Hamas
Israeli prime minister's speech to Congress was one of the most significant in an important forum in some years
Read more at:
https://archive.is/71sto
Pierre Argues With CTV Reporter
Pierre Poilievre argues back and forth with CTV reporter for regurgitating "Government Talking Points" as well gives a speech on rising crime in Canada.
Watch this at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ6K8fnBI3A
Former Jasper Park official SPEAKS OUT against Parks Canada leadership
Former senior planner at Parks Canada Peter Scholz joins Harrison Faulkner on the latest episode of The Faulkner Show to discuss the devastating wildfires in Jasper National Park last week. While the left wants you to believe climate change is the cause for the wildfires, Scholz pins the blame on Parks Canada senior leadership and Justin Trudeau’s Environment Minister for failing to clean up the national parks and implementing enough fire prevention strategies.
Watch this at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l7RXI3o9eg
Scotland's birth total falls to lowest recorded level
Last year there were 45,935 live births, a 2% fall on 2022 and the lowest total since records began in 1855, according to National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckvgwzvk790o
How old is too old?
As life expectancy extends, older people face a dilemma about when is the best time to give up on working
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/how-ol...hen-to-retire/
Large rise in people living alone in Scotland - census
The number of people living alone in Scotland has increased by more than 100,000 since 2011, according to new figures from the census. The latest release of data from the 2022 census shows there were 2,509,300 households in Scotland, up 5.8% on a decade earlier. The increase was mostly due to a 106,700 increase in single-person households - up 13.0%.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/number-...e-census-shows
St Andrews rector removed from role after Gaza 'genocide' email
St Andrews University's rector has been removed from her role on the university court in a row over comments she made on the Israel-Gaza war. Stella Maris sent an email to all students referring to "genocidal attacks" by the Israeli government, shortly after she was elected in October.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cye0rj48kg5o
Robert the Bruce 3D model 'most realistic ever produced'
A 3D model of Scottish king Robert the Bruce's head has been unveiled to mark the 750th anniversary of his birth. The reconstruction, which is on display at Dunfermline Abbey, is described as the most realistic ever produced.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx023de3vkqo
Troubled Boeing names new boss for 'next chapter'
Boeing has named an aerospace industry veteran and engineer as its new chief executive as the troubled plane-maker looks for a turnaround.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp38gvz6r4xo
Electric Canadian
Mackenzie's Own Narrative of the Late Rebellion
With illustrations and notes, critical and explanatory, exhibiting the only true account of what took place at the memorable siege of Toronto in the month of December 1837 (1838) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nnar00mack.pdf
Canada's Sons and Great Britain in the World War
A complete and authentic history of the commanding part played by Canada and the British Empire in the World's Greatest War by Col. George G. Nasmith, C.M.G., Canadian Expeditionary Force, with an Introduction by Gen. Sir Arthur Currie, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Commander of the Canadian Army Corps (1919)
Really interesting account which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/canadassons.htm
Address
Delivered at the Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society, by His Excellency Sir William MacGregor, G.C.M.G., C.B., etc., St. John’s, Newfoundland, 26th March, 1908 (pdf)
You can read this address at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...lr-society.pdf
Canadian War Memorials Paintings Exhibition
1920 New Series The Last Phase (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...emor00nich.pdf
Royal Military College of Canada
Added the 1957 edition which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...arycollege.htm
In the Land of the Moose, the Bear, and the Beaver
Adventures in the forests of the Athabasca by Achilles Daunt (1885) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...ebea00daun.pdf
The three trappers
a story of adventure in the wilds of Canada by Achilles Daunt (1893) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...00daunuoft.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 28th day of July 2024 - Perceptions
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...24-perceptions
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 1 No. 6 (1921) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...vol1issue6.pdf
Electric Scotland
Montrose
Added a new video to the foot of our Montrose page which you can watch at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/montrose/index.htm
Historical Records of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
In two volumes (1909)
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ighlanders.htm
The Highland Monthly Magazine
A Magazine forming a Centre of literary Brotherhood for Scoto-Celtic people both at Home and Abroad Edited by Duncan Campbell, Editor of the “Northern Chronicle,” and Alexander MacBain, M.A., FSAScot.
Added volume 2 which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...andmonthly.htm
Highland Dress, Arms and Ornament
By Lord Archibald Campbell (1899) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...nd_reduced.pdf
The Chinese Empire
A General & Missionary Survey Edited by Marshall Broomhall, B.A., Editorial Secretary, China Inland Mission With Preface by The Right Hon. Sir Ernest Satow, G.C.M.G., H.M. Minister at Peking 1900-1906 (1907) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...en1907broo.pdf
This Little Pamphlet
Is dedicated to the memory of a most lovable, amiable, and accomplished man, who died beloved by all who ever had the good fortune to meet him, Prince Leopold George Duncan Albert, Duke of Albany. He died in the noontide of life, a loss to the nation, to rich and poor alike. He cared much for things Scottish and connected with the Highlands; therefore, in the words of the Laureate— “These to his memory, “Since he held them dear.”, Archibald Campbell (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00campgoog.pdf
Remarks on Dr. Samuel Johnson’s Journey to the Hebrides
In which are contained, Observations on the Antiquities, Language, Genius, and Manners of the Highlanders of Scotland, by The Rev. Donald M'Nicol, A.M., Minister of Lismore in Argyleshire (1779) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...onald_1779.pdf
Donald Macfarlane of Gigha
A Biographical Sketch by Sydney Smith (1925)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/d...macfarlane.htm
Argyllshire Galleys
Some typical examples from tomb slabs and crosses by Lord Archibald Campbell (1906) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00campuoft.pdf
John Archibald Campbell
Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court 1853-1861 by Henry G. Connor, LL.D. (1920) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00connrich.pdf
Across Chryse
Being the narrative of a journey of exploration through the South China Border Lands from Canton to Mandalay by Archibald R. Colquhoun, Executive Engineer, Indian Public Works in two volumes (third edition) (1883)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...rosschryse.htm
Ancient Scottish Poems
Never before in print but now published from the MS collection of Sir Richard Maitland of Lethington, Knight, Lord Privy Seal of Scotland, and a Senator of the College of Justice comprising pieces written from about 1420 till 1586 with large notes and a glossary in two volumes
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/ancient.htm
Story
Historical Records of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
“Horse Guards, October 1804.
“Dear Colonel,—I am directed to request that you will state, for the information of the Adjutant-General, your private opinion as to the expediency of abolishing the kilt in Highland regiments, and substituting in lieu thereof the tartan trews, which have been represented to the Commander-in-Chief, from respectable authority, as an article now become acceptable to your countrymen, easier to be provided, and better calculated to preserve the health and promote the comfort of the men on service.
“I take this opportunity, by General Calvert’s directions, to inform you that His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief cannot approve of any distinction in the buttons of the two battalions of the 79th Regiment. Your request, in regard to the title of your regiment, His Royal Highness will submit to the King.—I have the honour to be, sir, &c.,
“(Signed) Henry Thorpe.
“To Colonel Alan Cameron.”
To this letter Colonel Cameron sent the following characteristic reply:—
“Glasgow, 27th October 1804.
“Sir,—On my return hither some days ago from Stirling I received your letter of the 13th inst. (by General Calvert’s orders) respecting the propriety of an alteration of the mode in clothing Highland regiments, in reply to which I beg to state, freely and fully, my sentiments upon that subject, without a particle of prejudice in either way, but merely founded on facts applicable to these corps—at least as far as I am capable, from thirty years’ experience, twenty years of which have been upon actual service in all climates, with the description of men in question, which independent of being myself a Highlander, and well knowing all the convenience and inconvenience of our native garb in the field and otherwise, and perhaps, also, aware of the probable source and clashing motives from which the suggestion now under consideration originally arose. I have to observe, progressively, that in course of the late war several gentlemen proposed to raise Highland regiments—some for general service, but chiefly for home defence; but most of these corps were called upon from all quarters, and thereby adulterated by every description of men, that rendered them anything but real Highlanders, or even Scotchmen (which is not strictly synonymous); and the colonels themselves being generally unacquainted with the language and habits of Highlanders, while prejudiced in favour of, and accustomed to wear, breeches, consequently adverse to that free congenial circulation of that pure wholesome air (as an exhilarating native bracer) which has hitherto so peculiarly benefited the Highlander for activity and all the other necessary qualities of a soldier, whether for hardship upon scanty fare, readiness in accoutring or making forced marches,—besides the exclusive advantage, when halted, of drenching his kilt in the next brook, as well as washing his limbs, and drying both, as it were, by constant fanning, without injury to either, but, on the contrary, feeling clean and comfortable; whilst the buffoon tartan pantaloon, with its fringed frippery (as some mongrel Highlanders would have it), sticking w’et and dirty to the skin, is not very easily pulled off, and less so to get on again in case of alarm or any other hurry, and all this time absorbing both wet and dirt, followed by rheumatism and fevers, which alternately make great havoc in hot and cold climates; while it consists with knowledge, that the Highlander in his native garb always appeared more cleanly, and maintained better health in both climates, than those who wore even the thick cloth pantaloon. Independent of these circumstances, I feel no hesitation in saying that the proposed alteration must have proceeded from a whimsical idea, more than from the real comfort of the Highland soldier, and a wish to lay aside that national martial garb, the very sight of which has, upon many occasions, struck the enemy with terror and confusion, and now metamorphose the Highlander from his real characteristic appearance and comfort in an odious incompatible dress, to which it will, in my opinion, be difficult to reconcile him, as a poignant grievance to and a galling reflection upon Highland corps, as levelling that martial distinction by which they have been hitherto noticed and respected,—and from my own experience, I feel well founded in saying that if anything was wanted to aid the rack-renting Highland landlord in destroying that source which has hitherto proved so fruitful in keeping up Highland corps, it will be that of abolishing their native garb, which His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief and the Adjutant-General may rest assured will prove a complete death-warrant to the recruiting service in that respect; but I sincerely hope His Royal Highness will never acquiesce in so painful and degrading an idea (come from whatever quarter it may) as to strip us of our native garb (admitted hitherto our regimental uniform), and stuff us in a harlequin tartan pantaloon, which, composed of the usual quality that continues as at present worn, useful and becoming for twelve months, will not endure six weeks’ fair wear as a pantaloon, and when patched makes a horrible appearance; besides that, the necessary quantity to serve decently throughout the year would become extremely expensive, but, above all, take away completely the appearance and conceit of a Highland soldier, in which case I would rather see him stuffed in breeches and abolish the distinction altogether.—I have the honour to be, sir, &c.,
"(Signed) Alan Cameron.
“To Henry Thorpe, Esq.”
This ridiculous proposal to abolish the kilt was then dropped.
The above was taken from the volumes listed above in our Electric Scotland section.
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
Armed forces take a lead in this weeks newsletter with a truly interesting account of Canada's place in the world war of 1914-18 which you can get to in our Electric Canadian section. Canada's Sons and Great Britain in the World War
Also in our Electric Scotland section you get an account of Historical Records of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders in two volumes from which I took our story for this week.
--------
Been warm this week in Chatham and my air conditioning isn't working in my car which makes travel a touch uncomfortable... but hey I was driving cars when we didn't have any air conditioning and I remember talking to my older sales people when they told me they didn't even have heaters!!!
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
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 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.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Conrad Black: Netanyahu vaporizes the nonsense surrounding Israel's war with Hamas
Israeli prime minister's speech to Congress was one of the most significant in an important forum in some years
Read more at:
https://archive.is/71sto
Pierre Argues With CTV Reporter
Pierre Poilievre argues back and forth with CTV reporter for regurgitating "Government Talking Points" as well gives a speech on rising crime in Canada.
Watch this at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZ6K8fnBI3A
Former Jasper Park official SPEAKS OUT against Parks Canada leadership
Former senior planner at Parks Canada Peter Scholz joins Harrison Faulkner on the latest episode of The Faulkner Show to discuss the devastating wildfires in Jasper National Park last week. While the left wants you to believe climate change is the cause for the wildfires, Scholz pins the blame on Parks Canada senior leadership and Justin Trudeau’s Environment Minister for failing to clean up the national parks and implementing enough fire prevention strategies.
Watch this at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l7RXI3o9eg
Scotland's birth total falls to lowest recorded level
Last year there were 45,935 live births, a 2% fall on 2022 and the lowest total since records began in 1855, according to National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckvgwzvk790o
How old is too old?
As life expectancy extends, older people face a dilemma about when is the best time to give up on working
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/how-ol...hen-to-retire/
Large rise in people living alone in Scotland - census
The number of people living alone in Scotland has increased by more than 100,000 since 2011, according to new figures from the census. The latest release of data from the 2022 census shows there were 2,509,300 households in Scotland, up 5.8% on a decade earlier. The increase was mostly due to a 106,700 increase in single-person households - up 13.0%.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/number-...e-census-shows
St Andrews rector removed from role after Gaza 'genocide' email
St Andrews University's rector has been removed from her role on the university court in a row over comments she made on the Israel-Gaza war. Stella Maris sent an email to all students referring to "genocidal attacks" by the Israeli government, shortly after she was elected in October.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cye0rj48kg5o
Robert the Bruce 3D model 'most realistic ever produced'
A 3D model of Scottish king Robert the Bruce's head has been unveiled to mark the 750th anniversary of his birth. The reconstruction, which is on display at Dunfermline Abbey, is described as the most realistic ever produced.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx023de3vkqo
Troubled Boeing names new boss for 'next chapter'
Boeing has named an aerospace industry veteran and engineer as its new chief executive as the troubled plane-maker looks for a turnaround.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp38gvz6r4xo
Electric Canadian
Mackenzie's Own Narrative of the Late Rebellion
With illustrations and notes, critical and explanatory, exhibiting the only true account of what took place at the memorable siege of Toronto in the month of December 1837 (1838) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nnar00mack.pdf
Canada's Sons and Great Britain in the World War
A complete and authentic history of the commanding part played by Canada and the British Empire in the World's Greatest War by Col. George G. Nasmith, C.M.G., Canadian Expeditionary Force, with an Introduction by Gen. Sir Arthur Currie, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Commander of the Canadian Army Corps (1919)
Really interesting account which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/canadassons.htm
Address
Delivered at the Meeting of the British and Foreign Bible Society, by His Excellency Sir William MacGregor, G.C.M.G., C.B., etc., St. John’s, Newfoundland, 26th March, 1908 (pdf)
You can read this address at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...lr-society.pdf
Canadian War Memorials Paintings Exhibition
1920 New Series The Last Phase (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...emor00nich.pdf
Royal Military College of Canada
Added the 1957 edition which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...arycollege.htm
In the Land of the Moose, the Bear, and the Beaver
Adventures in the forests of the Athabasca by Achilles Daunt (1885) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...ebea00daun.pdf
The three trappers
a story of adventure in the wilds of Canada by Achilles Daunt (1893) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...00daunuoft.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 28th day of July 2024 - Perceptions
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...24-perceptions
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 1 No. 6 (1921) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...vol1issue6.pdf
Electric Scotland
Montrose
Added a new video to the foot of our Montrose page which you can watch at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/montrose/index.htm
Historical Records of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
In two volumes (1909)
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ighlanders.htm
The Highland Monthly Magazine
A Magazine forming a Centre of literary Brotherhood for Scoto-Celtic people both at Home and Abroad Edited by Duncan Campbell, Editor of the “Northern Chronicle,” and Alexander MacBain, M.A., FSAScot.
Added volume 2 which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...andmonthly.htm
Highland Dress, Arms and Ornament
By Lord Archibald Campbell (1899) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...nd_reduced.pdf
The Chinese Empire
A General & Missionary Survey Edited by Marshall Broomhall, B.A., Editorial Secretary, China Inland Mission With Preface by The Right Hon. Sir Ernest Satow, G.C.M.G., H.M. Minister at Peking 1900-1906 (1907) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...en1907broo.pdf
This Little Pamphlet
Is dedicated to the memory of a most lovable, amiable, and accomplished man, who died beloved by all who ever had the good fortune to meet him, Prince Leopold George Duncan Albert, Duke of Albany. He died in the noontide of life, a loss to the nation, to rich and poor alike. He cared much for things Scottish and connected with the Highlands; therefore, in the words of the Laureate— “These to his memory, “Since he held them dear.”, Archibald Campbell (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00campgoog.pdf
Remarks on Dr. Samuel Johnson’s Journey to the Hebrides
In which are contained, Observations on the Antiquities, Language, Genius, and Manners of the Highlanders of Scotland, by The Rev. Donald M'Nicol, A.M., Minister of Lismore in Argyleshire (1779) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...onald_1779.pdf
Donald Macfarlane of Gigha
A Biographical Sketch by Sydney Smith (1925)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/d...macfarlane.htm
Argyllshire Galleys
Some typical examples from tomb slabs and crosses by Lord Archibald Campbell (1906) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00campuoft.pdf
John Archibald Campbell
Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court 1853-1861 by Henry G. Connor, LL.D. (1920) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00connrich.pdf
Across Chryse
Being the narrative of a journey of exploration through the South China Border Lands from Canton to Mandalay by Archibald R. Colquhoun, Executive Engineer, Indian Public Works in two volumes (third edition) (1883)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...rosschryse.htm
Ancient Scottish Poems
Never before in print but now published from the MS collection of Sir Richard Maitland of Lethington, Knight, Lord Privy Seal of Scotland, and a Senator of the College of Justice comprising pieces written from about 1420 till 1586 with large notes and a glossary in two volumes
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/ancient.htm
Story
Historical Records of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders
“Horse Guards, October 1804.
“Dear Colonel,—I am directed to request that you will state, for the information of the Adjutant-General, your private opinion as to the expediency of abolishing the kilt in Highland regiments, and substituting in lieu thereof the tartan trews, which have been represented to the Commander-in-Chief, from respectable authority, as an article now become acceptable to your countrymen, easier to be provided, and better calculated to preserve the health and promote the comfort of the men on service.
“I take this opportunity, by General Calvert’s directions, to inform you that His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief cannot approve of any distinction in the buttons of the two battalions of the 79th Regiment. Your request, in regard to the title of your regiment, His Royal Highness will submit to the King.—I have the honour to be, sir, &c.,
“(Signed) Henry Thorpe.
“To Colonel Alan Cameron.”
To this letter Colonel Cameron sent the following characteristic reply:—
“Glasgow, 27th October 1804.
“Sir,—On my return hither some days ago from Stirling I received your letter of the 13th inst. (by General Calvert’s orders) respecting the propriety of an alteration of the mode in clothing Highland regiments, in reply to which I beg to state, freely and fully, my sentiments upon that subject, without a particle of prejudice in either way, but merely founded on facts applicable to these corps—at least as far as I am capable, from thirty years’ experience, twenty years of which have been upon actual service in all climates, with the description of men in question, which independent of being myself a Highlander, and well knowing all the convenience and inconvenience of our native garb in the field and otherwise, and perhaps, also, aware of the probable source and clashing motives from which the suggestion now under consideration originally arose. I have to observe, progressively, that in course of the late war several gentlemen proposed to raise Highland regiments—some for general service, but chiefly for home defence; but most of these corps were called upon from all quarters, and thereby adulterated by every description of men, that rendered them anything but real Highlanders, or even Scotchmen (which is not strictly synonymous); and the colonels themselves being generally unacquainted with the language and habits of Highlanders, while prejudiced in favour of, and accustomed to wear, breeches, consequently adverse to that free congenial circulation of that pure wholesome air (as an exhilarating native bracer) which has hitherto so peculiarly benefited the Highlander for activity and all the other necessary qualities of a soldier, whether for hardship upon scanty fare, readiness in accoutring or making forced marches,—besides the exclusive advantage, when halted, of drenching his kilt in the next brook, as well as washing his limbs, and drying both, as it were, by constant fanning, without injury to either, but, on the contrary, feeling clean and comfortable; whilst the buffoon tartan pantaloon, with its fringed frippery (as some mongrel Highlanders would have it), sticking w’et and dirty to the skin, is not very easily pulled off, and less so to get on again in case of alarm or any other hurry, and all this time absorbing both wet and dirt, followed by rheumatism and fevers, which alternately make great havoc in hot and cold climates; while it consists with knowledge, that the Highlander in his native garb always appeared more cleanly, and maintained better health in both climates, than those who wore even the thick cloth pantaloon. Independent of these circumstances, I feel no hesitation in saying that the proposed alteration must have proceeded from a whimsical idea, more than from the real comfort of the Highland soldier, and a wish to lay aside that national martial garb, the very sight of which has, upon many occasions, struck the enemy with terror and confusion, and now metamorphose the Highlander from his real characteristic appearance and comfort in an odious incompatible dress, to which it will, in my opinion, be difficult to reconcile him, as a poignant grievance to and a galling reflection upon Highland corps, as levelling that martial distinction by which they have been hitherto noticed and respected,—and from my own experience, I feel well founded in saying that if anything was wanted to aid the rack-renting Highland landlord in destroying that source which has hitherto proved so fruitful in keeping up Highland corps, it will be that of abolishing their native garb, which His Royal Highness the Commander-in-Chief and the Adjutant-General may rest assured will prove a complete death-warrant to the recruiting service in that respect; but I sincerely hope His Royal Highness will never acquiesce in so painful and degrading an idea (come from whatever quarter it may) as to strip us of our native garb (admitted hitherto our regimental uniform), and stuff us in a harlequin tartan pantaloon, which, composed of the usual quality that continues as at present worn, useful and becoming for twelve months, will not endure six weeks’ fair wear as a pantaloon, and when patched makes a horrible appearance; besides that, the necessary quantity to serve decently throughout the year would become extremely expensive, but, above all, take away completely the appearance and conceit of a Highland soldier, in which case I would rather see him stuffed in breeches and abolish the distinction altogether.—I have the honour to be, sir, &c.,
"(Signed) Alan Cameron.
“To Henry Thorpe, Esq.”
This ridiculous proposal to abolish the kilt was then dropped.
The above was taken from the volumes listed above in our Electric Scotland section.
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair