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Capitalism still has the X factor
Here at CapX, we saw the power of 'X' long before Elon Musk made it impossible to ignore. X is weird and a bit ugly, but repays a deeper look. X stands for the excitement of the unknown. It hints at vast treasures waiting to be discovered, while promising an encounter with something extraordinary – even unearthly. How could a site that stands for the liberating potential of popular capitalism choose any other name?
Ten years since CapX launched, capitalism still needs its champions. Too many, on both sides of the political aisle, are turning away from the miracles that only free enterprise can achieve. Yet we have never needed those miracles more.
As Britain’s political news is filled with reports of our unsustainable national debt and failing national health service – and as our new Labour government promises to ride to the rescue with higher taxes, rent controls and more red tape for employers – it is easy to feel that Britain is trapped in a vortex of decline with no hope of escape.
We don’t think anything of the sort at CapX. We know that productivity lessons from profit-making businesses could save the public sector £100 billion. That the approach that allows Tesco, Amazon and Netflix to make our lives better can also revolutionise the NHS.
We know too, that capitalism isn’t just the secret to patching up our broken state. Free market solutions can vastly improve everyone’s quality of life. We can get much richer simply by stopping doing stupid, anti-growth things. We can increase housing supply, instead of trying to fix prices. We can even unleash abundant clean energy and become a green tech superpower.
Such an up-wing attitude doesn’t always come easily to conservatives, but it is the path back to power for Britain’s Tories, if they have the vision to take it.
If any waverers need encouragement, they can find it not just in CapX’s articles, but simply by studying the news. Not the bitter news of the present state of Britain, but news of the latest achievements of capitalism – which this week were even more extraordinary than usual.
Chief among these achievements was Elon Musk’s SpaceX live-broadcasting the first-ever private spacewalk. To pull off this astonishing feat, the mission’s crew had to travel further from Earth than any human beings since the Apollo missions. Until this trip, no woman had ever been so far. Now two SpaceX engineers, Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, can claim that distinction. And Musk, notoriously, has his sights set even further. He announced last week that the first SpaceX missions to Mars are planned for 2026
In the same week, OpenAI also released its latest large language model, codenamed ‘Strawberry’: an artificial intelligence capable of performing at PhD-level in physics and mathematics and of spending time reasoning through its responses. Meanwhile, Anduril Industries, a defence startup, announced a new range of cruise missiles 30% cheaper than the rest of the market, designed to be mass-produced at a speed and scale that can counter China’s military buildup.
These are miracles of capitalism, still fresh enough to astonish us with their sudden expansion of human possibility. No doubt in time we will get used to them, and they will join all the capitalist miracles that we take for granted, from pocket-sized supercomputers to clean running water. For now, they should be a warning not to listen to the sceptics and doomers.
We cannot afford to take these staggering achievements for granted. They are fragile: only possible where politics and regulation allow capitalist innovation to flower. This week it emerged how badly Xi Jinping’s authoritarian meddling has throttled China’s private sector, with the number of startups collapsing from 51,302 in 2018 to 1,202 last year – and falling. In Europe, Mario Draghi admitted that EU over-regulation was crushing the life out of the continent’s tech firms. Even arch-Remainer Nick Clegg, now working for Facebook’s Meta, had to admit that ‘the EU risks falling behind [in AI] because of incoherent and complex regulation’ - which is why it will train its models in Brexit Britain.
No country can be complacent. In America, not so long ago, the private sector was seen as a menace to space exploration. In the early 2000s, Dan Brown even wrote a thriller about shady private space firms conspiring to corrupt the final frontier with cynical profiteering. But thanks to a visionary decision by President Obama, capitalism was allowed to prove itself in space. Miracles have, as usual, been the result. SpaceX has already reduced launch costs more than tenfold. Yet even now, the regulator is delaying the launch of SpaceX’s Starship on issues the company describes as ‘from the frivolous to the patently absurd’.
Having slid dangerously far down the road of over-regulation and government interference, Britain stands in need of a few miracles right now. Luckily, as the birthplace of industrial capitalism, and one of the most innovative countries in the world, it knows where to find the growth it needs – if it can summon the political will. Matt Clifford, the chair of the UK’s new blue-sky innovation agency ARIA, has stated that this country can be one of the richest in the world. The question is whether we are still brave enough to seize the opportunity.
Whatever some of its detractors say, capitalism isn’t late: it’s early. With commercial AI in its infancy, and SpaceX heading beyond the moon, we are at the start of an age of wonders, powered by private enterprise. If our politicians don’t keep messing things up, it is not too late for Britain, once again, to shake off its malaise and help build the future.
Marc Sidwell
Editor, CapX
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I note MyHeritage is greatly expanding their French records with new records being added from France.
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I am getting a new cleaning lady this coming Monday so looking forward to seeing how she does. Apparently she'll be coming every three weeks.
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...
Scotland and the EU: Lessons from the Last Decade
By Kirsty Hughes
Read more at:
https://kirstyhughes.substack.com/p/...u-lessons-from
New Google trial is the most significant yet
Earlier this week, a new federal antitrust trial with explosive implications began. Ultimately, it will define how the policy world responds to the economic dominance of Big Tech.
Read more at:
https://unherd.com/newsroom/new-goog...gnificant-yet/
How to save the NHS
Lord Darzi's review into the NHS is damning. Waiting times have worsened and little progress has been made on early cancer diagnoses. Wes Streeting has been clear that it needs reform, but his targets-driven approach won't cut it. What British healthcare needs is more money coming in from the bottom and less from the top.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/at-this-rate-labour-...r-fix-the-nhs/
It's time to go nuclear
In Labour's election manifesto, they seemed committed to embracing nuclear power. But two months into government, Ed Miliband is getting cold feet. This is a mistake: Britain urgently needs energy abundance. Nuclear power could be more than just a means of generating electricity it could be an engine for economic growth.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/britain-needs-energy...-going-nuclear
An Amateur Archaeologist Found a 1,000-Year-Old Ring
A remarkable ring dating back at least a millennium was recently unearthed near the Scottish shore.
Read more at:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/sci...-pictish-ring/
Conrad Black: Churchill was a hero, Tucker Carlson should get better guests
The suggestion Churchill was a 'villain' is rubbish
Read more at:
https://archive.is/HvZ4f
Prince George learns to fly aged 11 as he pilots his first plane
The future King was seen flying above White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead, Berkshire on Friday where his parents came to watch.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/world/prince-geo...is-first-plane
Olaf Scholz on the brink as far-right AfD poised win yet another election in Germany
The AfD has out-performed the governing parties in the last regional elections - now it's fancied to romp to victory in another regional poll.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world...on-afd-polling
The challenges of changing Scotland's economy
By Douglas Fraser
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78580wl23vo
More than 165,000 Scots suffering from long Covid, new report reveals
Findings from the Office for National Statistics found that 168,000 people had long COVID as of March 2024.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/more-th...report-reveals
Justin Trudeau's sinking popularity puts him on shaky ground
In his ninth year as prime minister, Trudeau’s approval rate has plummeted from 63% when he was first elected to 28% in June of this year, according to one poll tracker.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrdrnxp74wo
Tartan-clad walkers out in force as annual Kiltwalk returns to Edinburgh
Thousands of pounds has been raised for charity as walkers took on the Mighty Stride, the Big Stroll and the Wee Wander.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/east-central/tar...s-to-edinburgh
A genuine future for Grangemouth and Scotland
The closure of the Grangemouth refinery, Scotland's biggest industrial site, could be an opportunity to bloom in the green transition rather than an occasion for gloom.
Read more at:
https://davidgow.substack.com/p/a-ge...or-grangemouth
The $43 BILLION Arctic Passage That Will END The Panama & Suez Canals
Global trade is suffering due to both geopolitical and climate-related problems in the Suez and Panama regions. The amount of cargo passing through the Panama and Suez Canals has dropped by more than 33%. Many ships have diverted to longer routes, leading to delivery delays, higher transportation costs, and economic decline. In this context, having a viable alternative to both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal will significantly enhance global trade between nations. Today let’s explore the development of a new trade passage: the Northern Sea Route that could potentially shutdown the Panama and Suez Canals.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/CUdre8FRv4o?si=zivVCv6qY99gKXcW
Why Canada Is Russia’s Biggest Threat
The importance of maritime trade for the global economy can’t be understated. After all, roughly 80% of all goods transported worldwide are transported by sea. That’s why global nations continuously invest in maritime infrastructure, striving to enhance their geopolitical influence by strategically controlling critical maritime routes.
But there’s a single country poised to become a key player in the future of maritime trade - Canada.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/6sdXmT_8f3I?si=hlXC9TGfDZx2Mdoj
Scottish independence is dead, for now
But there is no room for complacency or appeasement
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/scottish-ind...-dead-for-now/
Trump praises amazing woman who tailed golf course gunman
Donald Trump has praised an amazing woman motorist who he said tailed an alleged gunman as he made his getaway after an apparent assassination attempt on the former president on Sunday, leading to a speedy arrest.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw5rk0ewxwo
Scotland takes huge step towards Calum's Law on child restraint
The first move towards a law covering the restraint and seclusion of school children will be taken at the Scottish Parliament later.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xee71nznwo
NHS in Scotland loses 15 million working hours to staff sickness in single year
Labour said workers across the under-pressure health service had been pushed to breaking point at a time one in six Scots are on waiting lists.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...llion-33705676
Electric Canadian
The Parsonage, St. James, Assiniboin, Rupert's Land, June 1st, 1852
Letter written to the Rev. Mr. Gear by W. Taylor which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...upertsland.pdf
Driving in Ontario - Three videos for Senior Drivers...
Ontario Seniors Driving Test 2024 (100 Must Know Questions)
https://youtu.be/GnzQ3hMwBrE?si=O-e6sZzex0cf31G8
Evaluation of Ontario's Enhanced Senior Driver Renewal Program
https://youtu.be/6Yt24oLa2to?si=8TpDR5PsyufJAik9
Ontario senior driver’s licence renewal educational video
https://youtu.be/mWJFDUg-CkY?si=4-MF6Oa3Ls11FPHF
Julia Grace Wales
Canadian academic known for authoring the Wisconsin Plan, a proposal to set up a conference of intellectuals from neutral nations who would work to find a solution for the First World War (pdf)
Learn more about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...GraceWales.pdf
Wake up folks!
The NDP is putting British Columbia’s very existence at risk by Geoffrey Moyse. The hidden radical reconciliation agenda is a threat to the province’s land base and society.
You can read this article at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...akeupfolks.pdf
Portuguese Canadians
Added a page for Portugues Canadians which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/portugal.htm
Backgrounder, Frontier Centre for Public Policy September 2024
Positive Stories about Residential Schools must also be heard By Hymie Rubenstein and James C. McCrae (pdf)
You can read this article at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...P0924_F2-1.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 15th day of September 2024 - Passion
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...r-2024-passion
The Ontario Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games Aug 10 2024
Added a video of this games to the foot of our Scots in Canada page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm
The Rainbow in the North
A short account of the first establishment of Christianity in Rupert's Land by the Church Missionary Society by S. Tucker, author of "South Indian Sketches" (1852) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...00tuckrich.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 2 No. 5 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran.../beaver2_5.pdf
Reconsidering the Legacy of Residential Schools and Aboriginal Adoption
The author of this important take on the legacy of Canada’s Indian residential schools, freely available to all readers, and re-posted with his kind permission is Rick August, a former social policy analyst with the government of Saskatchewan. (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lschools03.htm
Electric Scotland
Tiree
Added a video to our Clan MacLean page to show a visit there by Steve Marsh which you can watch at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/nation/maclean.htm
Scotch Plains
The story of an old Community by Reignette Marsh (1936) (pdf)
You can read this story at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...st00mars_0.pdf
Scotch Sermons
Published in 1880
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/scotchsermons.htm
Chrystal MacMillan
Feminist, Peace Activist, Barrister
You can read about her at:
https://electricscotland.com/history..._MacMillan.htm
Scotch Songs and Ballads
By George MacDonald LL.D. (1893) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/...00macduoft.pdf
The Ecclesiastical Antiquities of the District of Knapdale, Argyllshire, and the Islands of Gigha and Cara
By Capt. T. P. White, R.E., FSAScot (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-and-Gigha.pdf
Rev. John McNeill 1854 – 1933
John McNeill was born on July 7, 1854, in Houston, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Included with information about him is a book of some of his sermons.
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ohnmcneill.htm
Chronica de Mailros
Chronicle of Melrose presented to the members of the Bannantyne Club by Sir John Hay and Alexander Pringle (1835) (pdf) First 20 pages contain the Preface in English but most of the balance of this book is likely unreadable for most readers. Amongst the scanty documents illustrative of the early history of Scotland which have reached us, a distinguished rank is to be assigned to the Chronicle of Melrose.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/p...s_aucta_by.pdf
The History of England in 6 volumes by David Hume
Hume’s History of Liberty by Max Skjönsberg, Assistant Professor of Humanities in the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
You can read this review at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...eview-hume.htm
Hunting in the Highlands of Scotland
An article from the Dublin Penny Journal (1833) (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...inscotland.pdf
Humanitism
The Scientific solution of the social problem by W. A. MacDonald (1890)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifestyle/Humanitism.htm
Hints respecting the State of the Camp at Aberdeen in 1795
With some observations on Encampments in general and an Appendix on the ancient Dress of the Scottish Highlanders by Sir John Sinclair, Bart., Colonel of the Rothsay and Cathness Fencibles (pdf)
You can read this old article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...n-sir_1795.pdf
Alexander Gillies and Adam Smith:
Freemasonry and the Resonance of Self-Love by Eugene Heath (2024) (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-self-love.pdf
Britain and the beginning of Scotland
Sir John Rhŷs Lecture, British Academy, 5 December 2013 by Dauvit Broun (pdf)
You can read this lecture at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cotland_Si.pdf
The History of the Scottish Stage
By John Jackson (1793) (pdf)
You can read this old account at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-john_1793.pdf
An Historical and Genealogical Account of the Bethunes of the Island of Sky
Published in 1893 (pdf)
You can read this account at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...unesofskye.pdf
A History of the Bethune Family
Translated from the French of André du. Chesne, with Additions from Family Records and other available sources together with a sketch of the Faneuil family with whom the Bethunes have been connected in America by Mrs. John A. Weisse (1884) (pdf)
You can read this translation at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ne1884weis.pdf
The Highland Monthly Magazine
Added volume 5.
You can read this issue at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...andmonthly.htm
Highlanders from Home
The contribution of the Highland Society and the Gaelic Society of London to Gaelic culture 1778-1914 by Janice May Fairney (2005) (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/gaelic/...ribution_o.pdf
Story
NEIL MCNEILL OF ARDNAORO8S, J.P.
THE M’NEILLS OF KINTYRE.
From early times the M‘Neills have been numerous and influential in Kintyre. In the clan conflicts which kept this romantic land in a turmoil for so many generations, the M‘Neills are understood not to have allowed much of the excitement to pass their own doors. When claymores were bared to decide a quarrel, depend upon it there was a Gigha, Carskey, or Tirfergus right in the centre of the trouble. They were, as Neil Munro aptly puts it, “bonnie fighters.” It is a pity that the history and traditions connected with these old martial families of the clan have never been written, for they should certainly occupy a prominent place in the annals of the district. But their fame and deeds are not entirely forgotten in their homeland. The story is still told how, when the Campbells and Macdonalds were disputing for the possession of the ancient castle of Dalaruan (now the site of the Castlehill Church, the pulpit of which was, in recent times, filled by an Ardnacross M‘Neill), Hector M‘Neill of Uarskey settled the matter by throwing a sword of Clan Diarmid over the walls, which they must follow to find. And when Elizabeth, Duchess of Argyll, attempted to introduce English sermons into the Highland church in Campbeltown, and came in great state with a numerous retinue to enforce her views, MacNeal of Ugadale met her at the door with a drawn sword, and informed her that, while her sex entitled her to admission into the church, he would take good care that none of her “tail” (followers) would cross the doorstep. So the English Duchess built the Lowland church, and curiously enough, the present popular head of the ancient house of Ugadale and Amide, Captain Hector MacNeal, took an active part in the recent restoration of this interesting old edifice. Thus the centuries meet.
In the Covenanting days everyone in Kintyre had to take sides, the M‘Neills mostly supporting the Marquis of Argyll, and in 1618 Carskey held Kilkerran Castle for the government. But in earlier times they followed the banner of the great Macdonalds, Lords of the Isles. I have handled a small fragile manuscript, a Bond of Manrent and Friendship, signed at Killeonane, 18th July, 1594, between Hector M‘Neill of Carskey, on behalf of his “whole kin and surname,” and Sir James Macdonald of Smerby, son of Angus, Lord of the Isles, which was endorsed by no fewer than eleven gentlemen of the Clan M‘Neill of Kintyre. But in later days, when the targe and dirk had to be put aside for the plough and the scythe, Kintyre was considered by many no suitable place for a man of spirit and energy to live in, so, dazzled by the glamour of the Americas, many of the M‘Neills, led by a Hector M‘Neill, sailed in 1739 for North Carolina, where they expected to find routh of gold and jewels, and such adventure and glory as kept a Highland gentleman in congenial and active occupation. The M‘Neills soon made their neighbours and enemies respect them; but what was their amazement on reaching this remote country, to find a clansman, “Bluff Hector M‘Neill,” from Kintyre, settled there before them, and a man of considerable importance. Without doubt the two Hectors must have had a late ceilidh that night, and Kintyre would not have been out of their thoughts!
M‘Neills of Ardnacross.
Pages might be occupied with old-time tales of this gallant race, but the special intention of this paper is to put on record a brief history of one of the only two ancient landed families of the clan which still hold their possessions in Kintyre. The MacNeals of Ugadale (who still possess the historic “Bruce Brooch”) were dealt with in two early volumes of the Celtic', the other are the M‘Neills of Ardnacross, who, if they do not now follow the profession of arms, do great credit to the old name in commercial and professional circles. Between them they keep the Clan Neill flag still flying in Ceanntir. Ardnacross, or, as it is given in the vernacular, Ard-na-Chroish, which signifies the cross on the promontory, probably derived its name from a Celtic cross erected oyer the grave of a priest, who may have been a member of the great monastic institution at Saddell, founded by Reginald Macdonald of the Isles. It is recorded that in 1647 Ardnacross was in the possession of the Mackays, and an interesting story is told of how young Mackay, a nephew of the famous General Alistair Macdonald, followed his uncle in his campaign in the north in support of Montrose, and fell at the battle of Auldearn in that year.
The exact date when the M‘Neills came into possession of this romantic property seems to be unknown, but in 1752, a deed is signed by Neil M‘Neill of Ardnacross. The Ardnacross family, like the Carskeys, are descended from the M‘Neills of Gigba, chiefs of the clan in Kintyre, who themselves trace their origin to the M‘Neills of Barra, chiefs of the whole clan and race of Neill.
Neil M‘Neill, above referred to, was one of the large family of M‘Neill of Tarbet, Gigha, another member of which, Hector M‘Neill of Drumdrishaig, afterwards acquired the estate of Saddell. Neil was succeeded by his son Captain Gorrie M‘Neill, a large silver bowl, dated 1785, which was presented to the Captain in token of the assistance which he rendered to a ship-wrecked crew on the coast, being still in possession of the family. This head of the house was of a roving disposition, and travelled a great deal abroad. His younger brother, Major Hector M‘Neill, who in 1791 owned the estate, had a distinguished military career in the service of one of the Native Indian Princes. He married a daughter of Donald Campbell of Sunderland, Islay (whose grave may be seen in Kilkerran graveyard, Campbeltown, and had one son, who predeceased him.
It is perhaps interesting to mention that Captain Gorrie M‘Neill had a son Donald, who, moved by the spirit of adventure, went abroad, and was knighted by the Portuguese government, and died in Glasgow as Sir Donald M‘Neill.
On the death of Major M‘Neill, about 1824, the land passed to his nephew, Neil M‘Neill, who was succeeded by his son John, who had been engaged in commercial pursuits, and was a partner in the well known firm of Maclaine, Watson & Co., in Batavia. He married his cousin, Catherine Campbell of Melfort, (a prominent Argyllshire family) and bought the estate of Glenmore in the parish of Kilmelfort, where he died. His family by this marriage predeceased him. He secondly married Agnes Loudon, and had two daughters, the youngest of whom is the present Miss M‘Neill of Glenmore. The estate, being entailed in the male line, passed to the Rev. Hector M‘Neill, who was born in 1807, and educated at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. He was minister of the Hope Street Gaelic Church, Glasgow, and eventually of the Castle Hill Church, Campbeltown. He “came out” at the Disruption in 1843, and was ordained to the Lowland Free Church, Campbeltown, which position he held till 1878, when declining years caused him to retire. He married, in 1847, Mary Jane, only daughter of George MacNeal of Ugadale, D.L., and dying in 1879, was succeeded in Ardnacross by his son George, who, on his decease in 1893, was followed in the ownership of the estate by his brother, Neil M‘Neill, J.P., the present popular proprietor. He was born in 1856, and coming to Glasgow in the early seventies, entered the employment of the well-known firm of Messrs James Watson & Co., Iron and Steel Merchants, of which he eventually became a partner, and is a prominent figure in all circles connected with the trade. In 1883 he went to Swansea to open and manage a branch office of the firm, and remained there till 1894, when he returned to Glasgow. He married in 1886 Marjorie Cameron, daughter of the late Mr. Neil Sinclair, a gentleman who for many years took a deep interest in all matters relating to his native Highlands, and was a leading office-bearer in the various Celtic Societies in this city. Mr. M‘Neill has three sons, Hector Loring, Ian Douglas, and Nigel Lorne, who share their parents’ love for the Highlands. Mr. M‘Neill is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Argyll. He is a conservative in politics, and is a member of the New Club, and Conservative Club, Glasgow, and also a life-member of the Kintyre Club, and the Celtic Society. His recreations are cricket and golfing.
Editor
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you. I note that on Sunday we have the first day of the Fall season.
Alastair
Capitalism still has the X factor
Here at CapX, we saw the power of 'X' long before Elon Musk made it impossible to ignore. X is weird and a bit ugly, but repays a deeper look. X stands for the excitement of the unknown. It hints at vast treasures waiting to be discovered, while promising an encounter with something extraordinary – even unearthly. How could a site that stands for the liberating potential of popular capitalism choose any other name?
Ten years since CapX launched, capitalism still needs its champions. Too many, on both sides of the political aisle, are turning away from the miracles that only free enterprise can achieve. Yet we have never needed those miracles more.
As Britain’s political news is filled with reports of our unsustainable national debt and failing national health service – and as our new Labour government promises to ride to the rescue with higher taxes, rent controls and more red tape for employers – it is easy to feel that Britain is trapped in a vortex of decline with no hope of escape.
We don’t think anything of the sort at CapX. We know that productivity lessons from profit-making businesses could save the public sector £100 billion. That the approach that allows Tesco, Amazon and Netflix to make our lives better can also revolutionise the NHS.
We know too, that capitalism isn’t just the secret to patching up our broken state. Free market solutions can vastly improve everyone’s quality of life. We can get much richer simply by stopping doing stupid, anti-growth things. We can increase housing supply, instead of trying to fix prices. We can even unleash abundant clean energy and become a green tech superpower.
Such an up-wing attitude doesn’t always come easily to conservatives, but it is the path back to power for Britain’s Tories, if they have the vision to take it.
If any waverers need encouragement, they can find it not just in CapX’s articles, but simply by studying the news. Not the bitter news of the present state of Britain, but news of the latest achievements of capitalism – which this week were even more extraordinary than usual.
Chief among these achievements was Elon Musk’s SpaceX live-broadcasting the first-ever private spacewalk. To pull off this astonishing feat, the mission’s crew had to travel further from Earth than any human beings since the Apollo missions. Until this trip, no woman had ever been so far. Now two SpaceX engineers, Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, can claim that distinction. And Musk, notoriously, has his sights set even further. He announced last week that the first SpaceX missions to Mars are planned for 2026
In the same week, OpenAI also released its latest large language model, codenamed ‘Strawberry’: an artificial intelligence capable of performing at PhD-level in physics and mathematics and of spending time reasoning through its responses. Meanwhile, Anduril Industries, a defence startup, announced a new range of cruise missiles 30% cheaper than the rest of the market, designed to be mass-produced at a speed and scale that can counter China’s military buildup.
These are miracles of capitalism, still fresh enough to astonish us with their sudden expansion of human possibility. No doubt in time we will get used to them, and they will join all the capitalist miracles that we take for granted, from pocket-sized supercomputers to clean running water. For now, they should be a warning not to listen to the sceptics and doomers.
We cannot afford to take these staggering achievements for granted. They are fragile: only possible where politics and regulation allow capitalist innovation to flower. This week it emerged how badly Xi Jinping’s authoritarian meddling has throttled China’s private sector, with the number of startups collapsing from 51,302 in 2018 to 1,202 last year – and falling. In Europe, Mario Draghi admitted that EU over-regulation was crushing the life out of the continent’s tech firms. Even arch-Remainer Nick Clegg, now working for Facebook’s Meta, had to admit that ‘the EU risks falling behind [in AI] because of incoherent and complex regulation’ - which is why it will train its models in Brexit Britain.
No country can be complacent. In America, not so long ago, the private sector was seen as a menace to space exploration. In the early 2000s, Dan Brown even wrote a thriller about shady private space firms conspiring to corrupt the final frontier with cynical profiteering. But thanks to a visionary decision by President Obama, capitalism was allowed to prove itself in space. Miracles have, as usual, been the result. SpaceX has already reduced launch costs more than tenfold. Yet even now, the regulator is delaying the launch of SpaceX’s Starship on issues the company describes as ‘from the frivolous to the patently absurd’.
Having slid dangerously far down the road of over-regulation and government interference, Britain stands in need of a few miracles right now. Luckily, as the birthplace of industrial capitalism, and one of the most innovative countries in the world, it knows where to find the growth it needs – if it can summon the political will. Matt Clifford, the chair of the UK’s new blue-sky innovation agency ARIA, has stated that this country can be one of the richest in the world. The question is whether we are still brave enough to seize the opportunity.
Whatever some of its detractors say, capitalism isn’t late: it’s early. With commercial AI in its infancy, and SpaceX heading beyond the moon, we are at the start of an age of wonders, powered by private enterprise. If our politicians don’t keep messing things up, it is not too late for Britain, once again, to shake off its malaise and help build the future.
Marc Sidwell
Editor, CapX
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I note MyHeritage is greatly expanding their French records with new records being added from France.
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I am getting a new cleaning lady this coming Monday so looking forward to seeing how she does. Apparently she'll be coming every three weeks.
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...
Scotland and the EU: Lessons from the Last Decade
By Kirsty Hughes
Read more at:
https://kirstyhughes.substack.com/p/...u-lessons-from
New Google trial is the most significant yet
Earlier this week, a new federal antitrust trial with explosive implications began. Ultimately, it will define how the policy world responds to the economic dominance of Big Tech.
Read more at:
https://unherd.com/newsroom/new-goog...gnificant-yet/
How to save the NHS
Lord Darzi's review into the NHS is damning. Waiting times have worsened and little progress has been made on early cancer diagnoses. Wes Streeting has been clear that it needs reform, but his targets-driven approach won't cut it. What British healthcare needs is more money coming in from the bottom and less from the top.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/at-this-rate-labour-...r-fix-the-nhs/
It's time to go nuclear
In Labour's election manifesto, they seemed committed to embracing nuclear power. But two months into government, Ed Miliband is getting cold feet. This is a mistake: Britain urgently needs energy abundance. Nuclear power could be more than just a means of generating electricity it could be an engine for economic growth.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/britain-needs-energy...-going-nuclear
An Amateur Archaeologist Found a 1,000-Year-Old Ring
A remarkable ring dating back at least a millennium was recently unearthed near the Scottish shore.
Read more at:
https://www.popularmechanics.com/sci...-pictish-ring/
Conrad Black: Churchill was a hero, Tucker Carlson should get better guests
The suggestion Churchill was a 'villain' is rubbish
Read more at:
https://archive.is/HvZ4f
Prince George learns to fly aged 11 as he pilots his first plane
The future King was seen flying above White Waltham Airfield near Maidenhead, Berkshire on Friday where his parents came to watch.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/world/prince-geo...is-first-plane
Olaf Scholz on the brink as far-right AfD poised win yet another election in Germany
The AfD has out-performed the governing parties in the last regional elections - now it's fancied to romp to victory in another regional poll.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world...on-afd-polling
The challenges of changing Scotland's economy
By Douglas Fraser
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78580wl23vo
More than 165,000 Scots suffering from long Covid, new report reveals
Findings from the Office for National Statistics found that 168,000 people had long COVID as of March 2024.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/more-th...report-reveals
Justin Trudeau's sinking popularity puts him on shaky ground
In his ninth year as prime minister, Trudeau’s approval rate has plummeted from 63% when he was first elected to 28% in June of this year, according to one poll tracker.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjrdrnxp74wo
Tartan-clad walkers out in force as annual Kiltwalk returns to Edinburgh
Thousands of pounds has been raised for charity as walkers took on the Mighty Stride, the Big Stroll and the Wee Wander.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/east-central/tar...s-to-edinburgh
A genuine future for Grangemouth and Scotland
The closure of the Grangemouth refinery, Scotland's biggest industrial site, could be an opportunity to bloom in the green transition rather than an occasion for gloom.
Read more at:
https://davidgow.substack.com/p/a-ge...or-grangemouth
The $43 BILLION Arctic Passage That Will END The Panama & Suez Canals
Global trade is suffering due to both geopolitical and climate-related problems in the Suez and Panama regions. The amount of cargo passing through the Panama and Suez Canals has dropped by more than 33%. Many ships have diverted to longer routes, leading to delivery delays, higher transportation costs, and economic decline. In this context, having a viable alternative to both the Panama Canal and the Suez Canal will significantly enhance global trade between nations. Today let’s explore the development of a new trade passage: the Northern Sea Route that could potentially shutdown the Panama and Suez Canals.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/CUdre8FRv4o?si=zivVCv6qY99gKXcW
Why Canada Is Russia’s Biggest Threat
The importance of maritime trade for the global economy can’t be understated. After all, roughly 80% of all goods transported worldwide are transported by sea. That’s why global nations continuously invest in maritime infrastructure, striving to enhance their geopolitical influence by strategically controlling critical maritime routes.
But there’s a single country poised to become a key player in the future of maritime trade - Canada.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/6sdXmT_8f3I?si=hlXC9TGfDZx2Mdoj
Scottish independence is dead, for now
But there is no room for complacency or appeasement
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/scottish-ind...-dead-for-now/
Trump praises amazing woman who tailed golf course gunman
Donald Trump has praised an amazing woman motorist who he said tailed an alleged gunman as he made his getaway after an apparent assassination attempt on the former president on Sunday, leading to a speedy arrest.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpw5rk0ewxwo
Scotland takes huge step towards Calum's Law on child restraint
The first move towards a law covering the restraint and seclusion of school children will be taken at the Scottish Parliament later.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xee71nznwo
NHS in Scotland loses 15 million working hours to staff sickness in single year
Labour said workers across the under-pressure health service had been pushed to breaking point at a time one in six Scots are on waiting lists.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...llion-33705676
Electric Canadian
The Parsonage, St. James, Assiniboin, Rupert's Land, June 1st, 1852
Letter written to the Rev. Mr. Gear by W. Taylor which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...upertsland.pdf
Driving in Ontario - Three videos for Senior Drivers...
Ontario Seniors Driving Test 2024 (100 Must Know Questions)
https://youtu.be/GnzQ3hMwBrE?si=O-e6sZzex0cf31G8
Evaluation of Ontario's Enhanced Senior Driver Renewal Program
https://youtu.be/6Yt24oLa2to?si=8TpDR5PsyufJAik9
Ontario senior driver’s licence renewal educational video
https://youtu.be/mWJFDUg-CkY?si=4-MF6Oa3Ls11FPHF
Julia Grace Wales
Canadian academic known for authoring the Wisconsin Plan, a proposal to set up a conference of intellectuals from neutral nations who would work to find a solution for the First World War (pdf)
Learn more about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...GraceWales.pdf
Wake up folks!
The NDP is putting British Columbia’s very existence at risk by Geoffrey Moyse. The hidden radical reconciliation agenda is a threat to the province’s land base and society.
You can read this article at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...akeupfolks.pdf
Portuguese Canadians
Added a page for Portugues Canadians which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/portugal.htm
Backgrounder, Frontier Centre for Public Policy September 2024
Positive Stories about Residential Schools must also be heard By Hymie Rubenstein and James C. McCrae (pdf)
You can read this article at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...P0924_F2-1.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 15th day of September 2024 - Passion
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...r-2024-passion
The Ontario Fergus Scottish Festival & Highland Games Aug 10 2024
Added a video of this games to the foot of our Scots in Canada page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...land/index.htm
The Rainbow in the North
A short account of the first establishment of Christianity in Rupert's Land by the Church Missionary Society by S. Tucker, author of "South Indian Sketches" (1852) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...00tuckrich.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 2 No. 5 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran.../beaver2_5.pdf
Reconsidering the Legacy of Residential Schools and Aboriginal Adoption
The author of this important take on the legacy of Canada’s Indian residential schools, freely available to all readers, and re-posted with his kind permission is Rick August, a former social policy analyst with the government of Saskatchewan. (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lschools03.htm
Electric Scotland
Tiree
Added a video to our Clan MacLean page to show a visit there by Steve Marsh which you can watch at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/nation/maclean.htm
Scotch Plains
The story of an old Community by Reignette Marsh (1936) (pdf)
You can read this story at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...st00mars_0.pdf
Scotch Sermons
Published in 1880
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/scotchsermons.htm
Chrystal MacMillan
Feminist, Peace Activist, Barrister
You can read about her at:
https://electricscotland.com/history..._MacMillan.htm
Scotch Songs and Ballads
By George MacDonald LL.D. (1893) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/...00macduoft.pdf
The Ecclesiastical Antiquities of the District of Knapdale, Argyllshire, and the Islands of Gigha and Cara
By Capt. T. P. White, R.E., FSAScot (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-and-Gigha.pdf
Rev. John McNeill 1854 – 1933
John McNeill was born on July 7, 1854, in Houston, Renfrewshire, Scotland. Included with information about him is a book of some of his sermons.
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ohnmcneill.htm
Chronica de Mailros
Chronicle of Melrose presented to the members of the Bannantyne Club by Sir John Hay and Alexander Pringle (1835) (pdf) First 20 pages contain the Preface in English but most of the balance of this book is likely unreadable for most readers. Amongst the scanty documents illustrative of the early history of Scotland which have reached us, a distinguished rank is to be assigned to the Chronicle of Melrose.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/p...s_aucta_by.pdf
The History of England in 6 volumes by David Hume
Hume’s History of Liberty by Max Skjönsberg, Assistant Professor of Humanities in the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education at the University of Florida.
You can read this review at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...eview-hume.htm
Hunting in the Highlands of Scotland
An article from the Dublin Penny Journal (1833) (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...inscotland.pdf
Humanitism
The Scientific solution of the social problem by W. A. MacDonald (1890)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifestyle/Humanitism.htm
Hints respecting the State of the Camp at Aberdeen in 1795
With some observations on Encampments in general and an Appendix on the ancient Dress of the Scottish Highlanders by Sir John Sinclair, Bart., Colonel of the Rothsay and Cathness Fencibles (pdf)
You can read this old article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...n-sir_1795.pdf
Alexander Gillies and Adam Smith:
Freemasonry and the Resonance of Self-Love by Eugene Heath (2024) (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-self-love.pdf
Britain and the beginning of Scotland
Sir John Rhŷs Lecture, British Academy, 5 December 2013 by Dauvit Broun (pdf)
You can read this lecture at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...cotland_Si.pdf
The History of the Scottish Stage
By John Jackson (1793) (pdf)
You can read this old account at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-john_1793.pdf
An Historical and Genealogical Account of the Bethunes of the Island of Sky
Published in 1893 (pdf)
You can read this account at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...unesofskye.pdf
A History of the Bethune Family
Translated from the French of André du. Chesne, with Additions from Family Records and other available sources together with a sketch of the Faneuil family with whom the Bethunes have been connected in America by Mrs. John A. Weisse (1884) (pdf)
You can read this translation at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...ne1884weis.pdf
The Highland Monthly Magazine
Added volume 5.
You can read this issue at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...andmonthly.htm
Highlanders from Home
The contribution of the Highland Society and the Gaelic Society of London to Gaelic culture 1778-1914 by Janice May Fairney (2005) (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/gaelic/...ribution_o.pdf
Story
NEIL MCNEILL OF ARDNAORO8S, J.P.
THE M’NEILLS OF KINTYRE.
From early times the M‘Neills have been numerous and influential in Kintyre. In the clan conflicts which kept this romantic land in a turmoil for so many generations, the M‘Neills are understood not to have allowed much of the excitement to pass their own doors. When claymores were bared to decide a quarrel, depend upon it there was a Gigha, Carskey, or Tirfergus right in the centre of the trouble. They were, as Neil Munro aptly puts it, “bonnie fighters.” It is a pity that the history and traditions connected with these old martial families of the clan have never been written, for they should certainly occupy a prominent place in the annals of the district. But their fame and deeds are not entirely forgotten in their homeland. The story is still told how, when the Campbells and Macdonalds were disputing for the possession of the ancient castle of Dalaruan (now the site of the Castlehill Church, the pulpit of which was, in recent times, filled by an Ardnacross M‘Neill), Hector M‘Neill of Uarskey settled the matter by throwing a sword of Clan Diarmid over the walls, which they must follow to find. And when Elizabeth, Duchess of Argyll, attempted to introduce English sermons into the Highland church in Campbeltown, and came in great state with a numerous retinue to enforce her views, MacNeal of Ugadale met her at the door with a drawn sword, and informed her that, while her sex entitled her to admission into the church, he would take good care that none of her “tail” (followers) would cross the doorstep. So the English Duchess built the Lowland church, and curiously enough, the present popular head of the ancient house of Ugadale and Amide, Captain Hector MacNeal, took an active part in the recent restoration of this interesting old edifice. Thus the centuries meet.
In the Covenanting days everyone in Kintyre had to take sides, the M‘Neills mostly supporting the Marquis of Argyll, and in 1618 Carskey held Kilkerran Castle for the government. But in earlier times they followed the banner of the great Macdonalds, Lords of the Isles. I have handled a small fragile manuscript, a Bond of Manrent and Friendship, signed at Killeonane, 18th July, 1594, between Hector M‘Neill of Carskey, on behalf of his “whole kin and surname,” and Sir James Macdonald of Smerby, son of Angus, Lord of the Isles, which was endorsed by no fewer than eleven gentlemen of the Clan M‘Neill of Kintyre. But in later days, when the targe and dirk had to be put aside for the plough and the scythe, Kintyre was considered by many no suitable place for a man of spirit and energy to live in, so, dazzled by the glamour of the Americas, many of the M‘Neills, led by a Hector M‘Neill, sailed in 1739 for North Carolina, where they expected to find routh of gold and jewels, and such adventure and glory as kept a Highland gentleman in congenial and active occupation. The M‘Neills soon made their neighbours and enemies respect them; but what was their amazement on reaching this remote country, to find a clansman, “Bluff Hector M‘Neill,” from Kintyre, settled there before them, and a man of considerable importance. Without doubt the two Hectors must have had a late ceilidh that night, and Kintyre would not have been out of their thoughts!
M‘Neills of Ardnacross.
Pages might be occupied with old-time tales of this gallant race, but the special intention of this paper is to put on record a brief history of one of the only two ancient landed families of the clan which still hold their possessions in Kintyre. The MacNeals of Ugadale (who still possess the historic “Bruce Brooch”) were dealt with in two early volumes of the Celtic', the other are the M‘Neills of Ardnacross, who, if they do not now follow the profession of arms, do great credit to the old name in commercial and professional circles. Between them they keep the Clan Neill flag still flying in Ceanntir. Ardnacross, or, as it is given in the vernacular, Ard-na-Chroish, which signifies the cross on the promontory, probably derived its name from a Celtic cross erected oyer the grave of a priest, who may have been a member of the great monastic institution at Saddell, founded by Reginald Macdonald of the Isles. It is recorded that in 1647 Ardnacross was in the possession of the Mackays, and an interesting story is told of how young Mackay, a nephew of the famous General Alistair Macdonald, followed his uncle in his campaign in the north in support of Montrose, and fell at the battle of Auldearn in that year.
The exact date when the M‘Neills came into possession of this romantic property seems to be unknown, but in 1752, a deed is signed by Neil M‘Neill of Ardnacross. The Ardnacross family, like the Carskeys, are descended from the M‘Neills of Gigba, chiefs of the clan in Kintyre, who themselves trace their origin to the M‘Neills of Barra, chiefs of the whole clan and race of Neill.
Neil M‘Neill, above referred to, was one of the large family of M‘Neill of Tarbet, Gigha, another member of which, Hector M‘Neill of Drumdrishaig, afterwards acquired the estate of Saddell. Neil was succeeded by his son Captain Gorrie M‘Neill, a large silver bowl, dated 1785, which was presented to the Captain in token of the assistance which he rendered to a ship-wrecked crew on the coast, being still in possession of the family. This head of the house was of a roving disposition, and travelled a great deal abroad. His younger brother, Major Hector M‘Neill, who in 1791 owned the estate, had a distinguished military career in the service of one of the Native Indian Princes. He married a daughter of Donald Campbell of Sunderland, Islay (whose grave may be seen in Kilkerran graveyard, Campbeltown, and had one son, who predeceased him.
It is perhaps interesting to mention that Captain Gorrie M‘Neill had a son Donald, who, moved by the spirit of adventure, went abroad, and was knighted by the Portuguese government, and died in Glasgow as Sir Donald M‘Neill.
On the death of Major M‘Neill, about 1824, the land passed to his nephew, Neil M‘Neill, who was succeeded by his son John, who had been engaged in commercial pursuits, and was a partner in the well known firm of Maclaine, Watson & Co., in Batavia. He married his cousin, Catherine Campbell of Melfort, (a prominent Argyllshire family) and bought the estate of Glenmore in the parish of Kilmelfort, where he died. His family by this marriage predeceased him. He secondly married Agnes Loudon, and had two daughters, the youngest of whom is the present Miss M‘Neill of Glenmore. The estate, being entailed in the male line, passed to the Rev. Hector M‘Neill, who was born in 1807, and educated at the Universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. He was minister of the Hope Street Gaelic Church, Glasgow, and eventually of the Castle Hill Church, Campbeltown. He “came out” at the Disruption in 1843, and was ordained to the Lowland Free Church, Campbeltown, which position he held till 1878, when declining years caused him to retire. He married, in 1847, Mary Jane, only daughter of George MacNeal of Ugadale, D.L., and dying in 1879, was succeeded in Ardnacross by his son George, who, on his decease in 1893, was followed in the ownership of the estate by his brother, Neil M‘Neill, J.P., the present popular proprietor. He was born in 1856, and coming to Glasgow in the early seventies, entered the employment of the well-known firm of Messrs James Watson & Co., Iron and Steel Merchants, of which he eventually became a partner, and is a prominent figure in all circles connected with the trade. In 1883 he went to Swansea to open and manage a branch office of the firm, and remained there till 1894, when he returned to Glasgow. He married in 1886 Marjorie Cameron, daughter of the late Mr. Neil Sinclair, a gentleman who for many years took a deep interest in all matters relating to his native Highlands, and was a leading office-bearer in the various Celtic Societies in this city. Mr. M‘Neill has three sons, Hector Loring, Ian Douglas, and Nigel Lorne, who share their parents’ love for the Highlands. Mr. M‘Neill is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Argyll. He is a conservative in politics, and is a member of the New Club, and Conservative Club, Glasgow, and also a life-member of the Kintyre Club, and the Celtic Society. His recreations are cricket and golfing.
Editor
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you. I note that on Sunday we have the first day of the Fall season.
Alastair