Tweet
Electric Scotland News
34.6%
The proportion of eight to 18-year-olds who enjoy reading in their spare time - an 8.8 percentage point drop on last year to the lowest figure yet recorded.
Source: National Literacy Trust.
This is partly why I am including more videos on the site.
--------
Our congratulations to Donald Trump for his clean sweep in the US Elections - Popular Vote, Senate and Congress. And of course he does have Scots heritage through his mother.
Hopefully we'll also see the Conservative leader in Canada elected in the coming year.
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...
French lessons
Macron’s centrist coalition has not only led the country to paralysis, but is itself threatened with implosion
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/french-lessons/
Kemi Badenoch crowned new Tory leader after beating rival Robert Jenrick
The contest began after the general election when the Conservative party was trounced at the polls.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/politics/kemi-ba...e-party-leader
Conrad Black: The 'absurd' idea of paying reparations for slavery
It is unjust to expect the Europeans to bear the entire brunt of moral responsibility for that hateful practice
Read more at:
https://archive.is/5LYqF
Elon Musk Storms Town Looking For Bullied Teen. He Steps Out To Face Him & THIS Happens!
When Elon Musk hears about a bullied teen in a small town, he decides to take matters into his own hands. With his larger-than-life presence, Musk storms into town, ready to confront the situation head-on. But as he steps out to face the teen, an unexpected twist unfolds that leaves everyone in shock. What could possibly happen next? The encounter takes a turn that no one could have predicted, leaving the town buzzing and the internet in disbelief. You won’t believe what unfolds in this wild, unexpected showdown
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/djTmDnBplI4?si=r6fMCsFC9HzNmk9x
The EU in the World: Rising to Today’s Challenges or Losing Influence?
As Europeans look nervously towards the outcome of the US presidential election, there is no shortage of articles exploring how a Trump or a Harris presidency will impact on the European Union And, unsurprisingly, with the exception of some of the EU’s far right politicians such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, there is widespread concern at the deep impact a Trump presidency would have.
Read more at:
https://kirstyhughes.substack.com/p/...sing-to-todays
Badenoch wants a battle of ideas - we should wish her well
One week before emerging victorious in the Conservative leadership race, Kemi Badenoch was asked by Sophy Ridge on Sky News whether she wanted to be Prime Minister. I don’t think it’s about wanting to be prime minister, she said, adding, I think it’s not an award. It’s not like winning a competition. It’s actually a very serious job that requires a lot of sacrifice.
Read more ar:
https://www.cityam.com/badenoch-prep...ttle-of-ideas/
Scots are the biggest fans of Donald Trump in western Europe, poll finds
A quarter of adults in Scotland hope that the controversial Republican nominee wins the US presidential election on Tuesday.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...trump-34030680
Come fly with me should be the RAF’s top gun theme
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE operates some of the most sophisticated combat aircraft in the world. The F35 is the current gold standard and the latest version of the Typhoon, the GR4, is a highly capable combat-proven aircraft.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2024/11/co...top-gun-theme/
Why wait on the Defence Review before sorting the biggest problem?
PREVIOUSLY I HAVE described some of the problems faced by the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force. The operative word is some but they share one, crucial problem - they are running out of people.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2024/11/wh...ggest-problem/
Swinney congratulates Trump after backing Harris
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm27z6dq9rgo
Business leaders and drivers hit out as more than 6,000 roadworks ongoing in Scotland
More than 6,000 roadworks will be ongoing across Scotland this week, prompting business leaders and drivers to express frustration at the delays caused by the deteriorating condition of Scotland’s roads.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/more-t...g-in-scotland/
Big changes in the 2024 Budget have led to real anger on UK family farms
In last week's Budget, the new Labour Government introduced revised tax rates for Inheritance Tax. From April 2026, the 100% Agricultural Property relief will only be on the first £1,000,000, after that the rate will be 20%. This video explains why this is going to be so damaging to UK family farms.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/QBbrrusx3Io?si=3-ugvzyG0edtwBRe
Why is Trump so popular?
Donald Trump has won the US presidential election. Many were taken aback by this. They shouldn't have been. Political commentators - particularly in the UK - think about the US in the wrong way. They constantly fail to appreciate just how sick so many American voters are of career politicians.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/why-millions-of-americans-support-trump
What Donald Trump’s Return To The White House Means For CANZUK
The recent election of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States marks a significant development with considerable implications for international alliances, including CANZUK
Read more at:
https://www.canzukinternational.com/...or-canzuk.html
The landscape has changed unimaginably in ten years
Author Dave Broom on new edition of The World Atlas of Whisky
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/the-la...las-of-whisky/
A Conservative revival is coming
Think what you like about Kemi Badenoch, she exudes intellectual self-confidence. As Tory leader, she now has the opportunity to display her qualities. If she is as successful as some predict she will be, within a couple of years she may be widely acclaimed as one of the most exciting political leaders on the planet.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/prepare-for-the-next...ative-revival/
The collapse of Germany's government
On the day Trump was elected, the German coalition government collapsed, condemning the country to a political vacuum that could last for months. This goes to show that even with a US President whose commitment to Nato is dubious, European security is also threatened by the petty politics of EU member states.
Read more at:
https://www.newstatesman.com/interna...nance-minister
Electric Canadian
The Question Answered
Did the Ministry intend to pay Rebels in a letter to His Excellency The Right Honourable The Earl of Elgin and Kincardinsire, K.T., Governor General of British North America, &c. &c. &c. by a Canadian Loyalist (Alex Morris) (1849) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...ered00morr.pdf
A map of the 112 churches that have been vandalized or burned since the residential schools announcement
112 Christian churches in Canada have been vandalized, burned down or desecrated since the announcement of the apparent discovery of graves found near a residential school in Kamloops, BC. (pdf)
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ue%20North.pdf
From Truth Comes Reconciliation
An Assessment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (2nd Edition) edited by Rodney A. Clifton and Mark DeWolf (Nov 2024) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rst/truth2.pdf
Our Heroes in The Great World War
Giving facts and details of Canada’s part in the greatest war in history, compiled by J. H. De Wolfe (1919) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...-World-War.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 3rd day of November 2024 - Saints
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...er-2024-saints
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 3 No. 1 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...ber%201922.pdf
Kimberly Murray’s Final Report Presentation
Open Letter to the Honourable Arif Virani and Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, October 2024 (pdf)
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...inalreport.pdf
Electric Scotland
The Links o' Forth
Or, A parting peep at the Carse O' Stirling, A Plaint, by Hector MacNeil, Esq. (1799) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/...00macnuoft.pdf
Letters of Thomas Erskine of Linlathen
Edited by William Hanna, D.D., LL.D., (fourth edition) (1884) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...mase00ersk.pdf
Scottish Society of Louisville
Got in their November 2024 newsletter which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...ille/index.htm
Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette
Tuesday, the 29th of April, 1919 to do with Air Transport (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...April-1919.pdf
Luinneagan Luaineach
(Random Lyrics) by Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel John MacGregor, M.D. (1897) Preface and some poems in English with the balance in Gaelic.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/gaelic/...-Luaineach.htm
Lorimer
Added a page for this name as I discovered a wee book on the name.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...es/lorimer.htm
Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl of Elgin
Governor of Jamaica, Governor-General of Canada, Envoy to China, Viceroy of India, edited by Theodore Walrond, C.B., with a Preface by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, D.D., Dean of Westminster (1872)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history.../lordelgin.htm
Maj. Tommy Macpherson, the “Kilted Killer”
Who tackled a Panzer division on his own! As a touch of class, would ride around the enemy country side in a black French car with a British flag attached to it. Article by Jack Beckett (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...Macpherson.pdf
The Forester
A Practical Treatise on British Forestry and Arboriculture for Landowners, and Foresters by John Nisbet, in two volumes (1905)
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/agriculture/forester.htm
Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae
The Succession of Ministers in the Church of Scotland from the Reformation in 7 volumes By Hew Scott, D.D. (1950) to which an additional 2 volumes have been added.
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/fasti.htm
The Erskine-Halcro Genealogy
The Ancestors and Descendants of Henry Erskine, Minister of Chirnside, his Wife, Margaret Halcro of Orkney, and their Sons, Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine by Ebebezer Erskine Scott, a Descendant (New Edition Enlarged) (1895) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...en1890scot.pdf
Erskine of Linlathen
Selections and Biography by Henry F. Henderson, M.A., Dundee (1899) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...flindlater.pdf
Summary of the Commonwealth Scottish Regiments
By Kim Stacy (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-Regiments.pdf
Answers for Thomas Erskine of Alloa
Commonly called Lord Erskine, and Mr. John Esrkine of Balgonie, Advocate, pusuers, for themselves, and in name of other heritors upon the river of Forth having right to salmon-fisings (1762) (pdf)
You can read this old document at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...1762-12-16.pdf
Strathconon a Glen of Discovery
A visit to Strathconon Glen in the Scottish Highlands with a brief look at its interesting history.
You can learn more at:
https://electricscotland.com/travel/Strathconon.htm
Lady Victoria Campbell
A Memoir by The Lady Frances Balfour (1911) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...c2nd00balf.pdf
Life and Letters of the Reverend James MacGregor, D.D.
Minister of St. Cuthberts Parish, Edinburgh, one of His Majesty's Chaplains by The Lady Frances Balfour, Author of "Lady Victoria Campbell: A Memoir" (1912) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/l...frev00balf.pdf
Story
Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl of Elgin
Governor of Jamaica, Governor-General of Canada, Envoy to China, Viceroy of India, edited by Theodore Walrond, C.B., with a Preface by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, D.D., Dean of Westminster (1872)
Having been consulted by the family and friends of the late Lord Elgin as to the best mode of giving to the world some record of his life, and having thus contracted a certain responsibility in the work now laid before the public, I have considered it my duty to prefix a few words by way of Preface to the following pages.
On Lord Elgin’s death it was thought that a career intimately connected with so many critical points in the history of the British Empire, and containing in itself so much of intrinsic interest, ought not to be left without an enduring memorial. The need of this was the more felt because Lord Elgin was prevented, by the peculiar circumstances of his public course, from enjoying the familiar recognition to which he would else have been entitled amongst his contemporaries in England. ‘For’ (if I may use the words which I have employed on a former occasion) ‘it is one of the sad consequences of a statesman’s life spent like his in the constant service of his country on arduous foreign missions, that in his own land, in his own circle, almost in his own home, his place is occupied by others, his very face is forgotten; he can maintain no permanent ties with those who rule the opinion, or obtain the mastery, of the day; he has identified himself with no existing party; he has made himself felt in none of those domestic and personal struggles which attract the attention and fix the interest of the many who contribute in large measure to form the public opinion of the time. For twenty years the few intervals of Lord Elgin’s residence in these islands were to be counted not by years, but by months; and the majority of those who might be reckoned amongst his friends and acquaintances, remembered him chiefly as the eager and accomplished Oxford student at Christ Church or at Merton.’
The materials for supplying this blank were, in some respects, abundant. Besides the official despatches and other communications which had passed between himself and the Home Government during his successive absences in Jamaica, Canada, China, and India, he had in the two latter positions kept up a constant correspondence, almost of the nature of a journal, with Lady Elgin, which combines with his reflections on public events the expression of his more personal feelings, and thus reveals not only his own genial and affectionate nature, but also indicates something of that singularly poetic and philosophic turn of mind, that union of grace and power, which, had his course lain in the more tranquil walks of life, would have achieved no mean place amongst English thinkers and writers.
These materials his family, at my suggestion, committed to my friend Mr. Theodore Walrond, whose sound judgment, comprehensive views, and official experience are known to many besides myself, and who seemed not less fitted to act as interpreter to the public at large of such a life and character, because, not having been personally acquainted with Lord Elgin, or connected with any of the public transactions recorded in the following pages, he was able to speak with the sobriety of calm appreciation, rather than the warmth of personal attachment. In this spirit he kindly undertook, in the intervals of constant public occupations, to select from the vast mass of materials placed at his disposal such extracts as most vividly brought out the main features of Lord Elgin’s career, adding such illustrations as could be gleaned from private or published documents or from the remembrance of friends. If the work has unavoidably been delayed beyond the expected term, yet it is hoped that the interest in those great colonial dependencies for which Lord Elgin laboured, has not diminished with the lapse of years. It is believed also that there is no time when it will not be good for his countrymen to have brought before them those statesmanlike gifts which accomplished the successful accommodation of a more varied series of novel and entangled situations than has, perhaps, fallen to the lot of any other public man within our own memory. Especially might be named that rare quality of a strong overruling sense of the justice due from man to man, from nation to nation; that 'combination of speculative and practical ability’ (so wrote one who had deep experience of his mind) which peculiarly fitted him to solve the problem how the subject races of a civilised empire are to be governed; that firm, courageous, and far-sighted confidence in the triumph of those liberal and constitutional principles (in the best sense of the word), which, having secured the greatness of England, were, in his judgment, also applicable, under other forms, to the difficult circumstances of new countries and diverse times.
'It is a singular coincidence,’ said Lord Elgin, in a speech at Benares a few months before his end, 'that three successive Governors-General of India should have stood towards each other in the relationship of contemporary friends. Lord Dalhousie, when named to the government of India, was the youngest man who had ever been appointed to a situation of such high responsibility and trust. Lord Canning was in the prime of life; and I, if I am not already on the decline, am nearer to the verge of it than either of my contemporaries who have preceded me. When I was leaving England for India, Lord Ellenborough, who is now, alas! the only surviving ex-Governor-General, said to me, “You are not a very old man; but, depend upon it, you will find yourself by far the oldest man in India.” To that mournful catalogue was added his own name within the brief space of one year; and now a fourth, not indeed bound to the others by ties of personal or political friendship, but like in energetic discharge of his duties and in the prime of usefulness in which he was cut off, has fallen by a fate yet more untimely.
These tragical incidents invest the high office to which such precious lives have been sacrificed with a new and solemn interest. There is something especially pathetic when the gallant vessel, as it were, goes down within very sight of the harbour, with all its accumulated treasures. But no losses more appeal at the moment to the heart of the country, no careers deserve to be more carefully enshrined in its grateful remembrance.
Arthur P. Stanley.
Dean of Westminster
March 4, 1872.
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history.../lordelgin.htm
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
34.6%
The proportion of eight to 18-year-olds who enjoy reading in their spare time - an 8.8 percentage point drop on last year to the lowest figure yet recorded.
Source: National Literacy Trust.
This is partly why I am including more videos on the site.
--------
Our congratulations to Donald Trump for his clean sweep in the US Elections - Popular Vote, Senate and Congress. And of course he does have Scots heritage through his mother.
Hopefully we'll also see the Conservative leader in Canada elected in the coming year.
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...
French lessons
Macron’s centrist coalition has not only led the country to paralysis, but is itself threatened with implosion
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/french-lessons/
Kemi Badenoch crowned new Tory leader after beating rival Robert Jenrick
The contest began after the general election when the Conservative party was trounced at the polls.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/politics/kemi-ba...e-party-leader
Conrad Black: The 'absurd' idea of paying reparations for slavery
It is unjust to expect the Europeans to bear the entire brunt of moral responsibility for that hateful practice
Read more at:
https://archive.is/5LYqF
Elon Musk Storms Town Looking For Bullied Teen. He Steps Out To Face Him & THIS Happens!
When Elon Musk hears about a bullied teen in a small town, he decides to take matters into his own hands. With his larger-than-life presence, Musk storms into town, ready to confront the situation head-on. But as he steps out to face the teen, an unexpected twist unfolds that leaves everyone in shock. What could possibly happen next? The encounter takes a turn that no one could have predicted, leaving the town buzzing and the internet in disbelief. You won’t believe what unfolds in this wild, unexpected showdown
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/djTmDnBplI4?si=r6fMCsFC9HzNmk9x
The EU in the World: Rising to Today’s Challenges or Losing Influence?
As Europeans look nervously towards the outcome of the US presidential election, there is no shortage of articles exploring how a Trump or a Harris presidency will impact on the European Union And, unsurprisingly, with the exception of some of the EU’s far right politicians such as Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, there is widespread concern at the deep impact a Trump presidency would have.
Read more at:
https://kirstyhughes.substack.com/p/...sing-to-todays
Badenoch wants a battle of ideas - we should wish her well
One week before emerging victorious in the Conservative leadership race, Kemi Badenoch was asked by Sophy Ridge on Sky News whether she wanted to be Prime Minister. I don’t think it’s about wanting to be prime minister, she said, adding, I think it’s not an award. It’s not like winning a competition. It’s actually a very serious job that requires a lot of sacrifice.
Read more ar:
https://www.cityam.com/badenoch-prep...ttle-of-ideas/
Scots are the biggest fans of Donald Trump in western Europe, poll finds
A quarter of adults in Scotland hope that the controversial Republican nominee wins the US presidential election on Tuesday.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...trump-34030680
Come fly with me should be the RAF’s top gun theme
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE operates some of the most sophisticated combat aircraft in the world. The F35 is the current gold standard and the latest version of the Typhoon, the GR4, is a highly capable combat-proven aircraft.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2024/11/co...top-gun-theme/
Why wait on the Defence Review before sorting the biggest problem?
PREVIOUSLY I HAVE described some of the problems faced by the Royal Navy, the Army, and the Royal Air Force. The operative word is some but they share one, crucial problem - they are running out of people.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2024/11/wh...ggest-problem/
Swinney congratulates Trump after backing Harris
Scotland's First Minister John Swinney has congratulated Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential election.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm27z6dq9rgo
Business leaders and drivers hit out as more than 6,000 roadworks ongoing in Scotland
More than 6,000 roadworks will be ongoing across Scotland this week, prompting business leaders and drivers to express frustration at the delays caused by the deteriorating condition of Scotland’s roads.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/more-t...g-in-scotland/
Big changes in the 2024 Budget have led to real anger on UK family farms
In last week's Budget, the new Labour Government introduced revised tax rates for Inheritance Tax. From April 2026, the 100% Agricultural Property relief will only be on the first £1,000,000, after that the rate will be 20%. This video explains why this is going to be so damaging to UK family farms.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/QBbrrusx3Io?si=3-ugvzyG0edtwBRe
Why is Trump so popular?
Donald Trump has won the US presidential election. Many were taken aback by this. They shouldn't have been. Political commentators - particularly in the UK - think about the US in the wrong way. They constantly fail to appreciate just how sick so many American voters are of career politicians.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/why-millions-of-americans-support-trump
What Donald Trump’s Return To The White House Means For CANZUK
The recent election of Donald J. Trump as President of the United States marks a significant development with considerable implications for international alliances, including CANZUK
Read more at:
https://www.canzukinternational.com/...or-canzuk.html
The landscape has changed unimaginably in ten years
Author Dave Broom on new edition of The World Atlas of Whisky
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/the-la...las-of-whisky/
A Conservative revival is coming
Think what you like about Kemi Badenoch, she exudes intellectual self-confidence. As Tory leader, she now has the opportunity to display her qualities. If she is as successful as some predict she will be, within a couple of years she may be widely acclaimed as one of the most exciting political leaders on the planet.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/prepare-for-the-next...ative-revival/
The collapse of Germany's government
On the day Trump was elected, the German coalition government collapsed, condemning the country to a political vacuum that could last for months. This goes to show that even with a US President whose commitment to Nato is dubious, European security is also threatened by the petty politics of EU member states.
Read more at:
https://www.newstatesman.com/interna...nance-minister
Electric Canadian
The Question Answered
Did the Ministry intend to pay Rebels in a letter to His Excellency The Right Honourable The Earl of Elgin and Kincardinsire, K.T., Governor General of British North America, &c. &c. &c. by a Canadian Loyalist (Alex Morris) (1849) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...ered00morr.pdf
A map of the 112 churches that have been vandalized or burned since the residential schools announcement
112 Christian churches in Canada have been vandalized, burned down or desecrated since the announcement of the apparent discovery of graves found near a residential school in Kamloops, BC. (pdf)
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ue%20North.pdf
From Truth Comes Reconciliation
An Assessment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report (2nd Edition) edited by Rodney A. Clifton and Mark DeWolf (Nov 2024) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rst/truth2.pdf
Our Heroes in The Great World War
Giving facts and details of Canada’s part in the greatest war in history, compiled by J. H. De Wolfe (1919) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...-World-War.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 3rd day of November 2024 - Saints
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...er-2024-saints
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 3 No. 1 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...ber%201922.pdf
Kimberly Murray’s Final Report Presentation
Open Letter to the Honourable Arif Virani and Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, October 2024 (pdf)
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...inalreport.pdf
Electric Scotland
The Links o' Forth
Or, A parting peep at the Carse O' Stirling, A Plaint, by Hector MacNeil, Esq. (1799) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/poetry/...00macnuoft.pdf
Letters of Thomas Erskine of Linlathen
Edited by William Hanna, D.D., LL.D., (fourth edition) (1884) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...mase00ersk.pdf
Scottish Society of Louisville
Got in their November 2024 newsletter which you can read at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...ille/index.htm
Fourth Supplement to The London Gazette
Tuesday, the 29th of April, 1919 to do with Air Transport (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...April-1919.pdf
Luinneagan Luaineach
(Random Lyrics) by Surgeon Lieut.-Colonel John MacGregor, M.D. (1897) Preface and some poems in English with the balance in Gaelic.
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/gaelic/...-Luaineach.htm
Lorimer
Added a page for this name as I discovered a wee book on the name.
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...es/lorimer.htm
Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl of Elgin
Governor of Jamaica, Governor-General of Canada, Envoy to China, Viceroy of India, edited by Theodore Walrond, C.B., with a Preface by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, D.D., Dean of Westminster (1872)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history.../lordelgin.htm
Maj. Tommy Macpherson, the “Kilted Killer”
Who tackled a Panzer division on his own! As a touch of class, would ride around the enemy country side in a black French car with a British flag attached to it. Article by Jack Beckett (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...Macpherson.pdf
The Forester
A Practical Treatise on British Forestry and Arboriculture for Landowners, and Foresters by John Nisbet, in two volumes (1905)
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/agriculture/forester.htm
Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae
The Succession of Ministers in the Church of Scotland from the Reformation in 7 volumes By Hew Scott, D.D. (1950) to which an additional 2 volumes have been added.
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/fasti.htm
The Erskine-Halcro Genealogy
The Ancestors and Descendants of Henry Erskine, Minister of Chirnside, his Wife, Margaret Halcro of Orkney, and their Sons, Ebenezer and Ralph Erskine by Ebebezer Erskine Scott, a Descendant (New Edition Enlarged) (1895) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...en1890scot.pdf
Erskine of Linlathen
Selections and Biography by Henry F. Henderson, M.A., Dundee (1899) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...flindlater.pdf
Summary of the Commonwealth Scottish Regiments
By Kim Stacy (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...-Regiments.pdf
Answers for Thomas Erskine of Alloa
Commonly called Lord Erskine, and Mr. John Esrkine of Balgonie, Advocate, pusuers, for themselves, and in name of other heritors upon the river of Forth having right to salmon-fisings (1762) (pdf)
You can read this old document at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...1762-12-16.pdf
Strathconon a Glen of Discovery
A visit to Strathconon Glen in the Scottish Highlands with a brief look at its interesting history.
You can learn more at:
https://electricscotland.com/travel/Strathconon.htm
Lady Victoria Campbell
A Memoir by The Lady Frances Balfour (1911) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...c2nd00balf.pdf
Life and Letters of the Reverend James MacGregor, D.D.
Minister of St. Cuthberts Parish, Edinburgh, one of His Majesty's Chaplains by The Lady Frances Balfour, Author of "Lady Victoria Campbell: A Memoir" (1912) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/l...frev00balf.pdf
Story
Letters and Journals of James, Eighth Earl of Elgin
Governor of Jamaica, Governor-General of Canada, Envoy to China, Viceroy of India, edited by Theodore Walrond, C.B., with a Preface by Arthur Penrhyn Stanley, D.D., Dean of Westminster (1872)
Having been consulted by the family and friends of the late Lord Elgin as to the best mode of giving to the world some record of his life, and having thus contracted a certain responsibility in the work now laid before the public, I have considered it my duty to prefix a few words by way of Preface to the following pages.
On Lord Elgin’s death it was thought that a career intimately connected with so many critical points in the history of the British Empire, and containing in itself so much of intrinsic interest, ought not to be left without an enduring memorial. The need of this was the more felt because Lord Elgin was prevented, by the peculiar circumstances of his public course, from enjoying the familiar recognition to which he would else have been entitled amongst his contemporaries in England. ‘For’ (if I may use the words which I have employed on a former occasion) ‘it is one of the sad consequences of a statesman’s life spent like his in the constant service of his country on arduous foreign missions, that in his own land, in his own circle, almost in his own home, his place is occupied by others, his very face is forgotten; he can maintain no permanent ties with those who rule the opinion, or obtain the mastery, of the day; he has identified himself with no existing party; he has made himself felt in none of those domestic and personal struggles which attract the attention and fix the interest of the many who contribute in large measure to form the public opinion of the time. For twenty years the few intervals of Lord Elgin’s residence in these islands were to be counted not by years, but by months; and the majority of those who might be reckoned amongst his friends and acquaintances, remembered him chiefly as the eager and accomplished Oxford student at Christ Church or at Merton.’
The materials for supplying this blank were, in some respects, abundant. Besides the official despatches and other communications which had passed between himself and the Home Government during his successive absences in Jamaica, Canada, China, and India, he had in the two latter positions kept up a constant correspondence, almost of the nature of a journal, with Lady Elgin, which combines with his reflections on public events the expression of his more personal feelings, and thus reveals not only his own genial and affectionate nature, but also indicates something of that singularly poetic and philosophic turn of mind, that union of grace and power, which, had his course lain in the more tranquil walks of life, would have achieved no mean place amongst English thinkers and writers.
These materials his family, at my suggestion, committed to my friend Mr. Theodore Walrond, whose sound judgment, comprehensive views, and official experience are known to many besides myself, and who seemed not less fitted to act as interpreter to the public at large of such a life and character, because, not having been personally acquainted with Lord Elgin, or connected with any of the public transactions recorded in the following pages, he was able to speak with the sobriety of calm appreciation, rather than the warmth of personal attachment. In this spirit he kindly undertook, in the intervals of constant public occupations, to select from the vast mass of materials placed at his disposal such extracts as most vividly brought out the main features of Lord Elgin’s career, adding such illustrations as could be gleaned from private or published documents or from the remembrance of friends. If the work has unavoidably been delayed beyond the expected term, yet it is hoped that the interest in those great colonial dependencies for which Lord Elgin laboured, has not diminished with the lapse of years. It is believed also that there is no time when it will not be good for his countrymen to have brought before them those statesmanlike gifts which accomplished the successful accommodation of a more varied series of novel and entangled situations than has, perhaps, fallen to the lot of any other public man within our own memory. Especially might be named that rare quality of a strong overruling sense of the justice due from man to man, from nation to nation; that 'combination of speculative and practical ability’ (so wrote one who had deep experience of his mind) which peculiarly fitted him to solve the problem how the subject races of a civilised empire are to be governed; that firm, courageous, and far-sighted confidence in the triumph of those liberal and constitutional principles (in the best sense of the word), which, having secured the greatness of England, were, in his judgment, also applicable, under other forms, to the difficult circumstances of new countries and diverse times.
'It is a singular coincidence,’ said Lord Elgin, in a speech at Benares a few months before his end, 'that three successive Governors-General of India should have stood towards each other in the relationship of contemporary friends. Lord Dalhousie, when named to the government of India, was the youngest man who had ever been appointed to a situation of such high responsibility and trust. Lord Canning was in the prime of life; and I, if I am not already on the decline, am nearer to the verge of it than either of my contemporaries who have preceded me. When I was leaving England for India, Lord Ellenborough, who is now, alas! the only surviving ex-Governor-General, said to me, “You are not a very old man; but, depend upon it, you will find yourself by far the oldest man in India.” To that mournful catalogue was added his own name within the brief space of one year; and now a fourth, not indeed bound to the others by ties of personal or political friendship, but like in energetic discharge of his duties and in the prime of usefulness in which he was cut off, has fallen by a fate yet more untimely.
These tragical incidents invest the high office to which such precious lives have been sacrificed with a new and solemn interest. There is something especially pathetic when the gallant vessel, as it were, goes down within very sight of the harbour, with all its accumulated treasures. But no losses more appeal at the moment to the heart of the country, no careers deserve to be more carefully enshrined in its grateful remembrance.
Arthur P. Stanley.
Dean of Westminster
March 4, 1872.
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history.../lordelgin.htm
END
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair