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Electric Scotland News
TNG is a powerful way to manage and display your family tree on your own website, without the hundreds of HTML pages you get with other programs. All you need is a website, your data and TNG!
Learn more about this program at:
https://lythgoes.net/genealogy/software.php
---------
Unique Cottages
A long time advertiser on our site who offer great self catering cottages in Scotland. Visit their site and use their site search engine to locate the right cottage for your family holiday.
Visit them at:
https://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/
--------
Sorry to say that Americans don't seem to be the favourite people these days with President Trump applying Tariffs to most countries around the globe. I do confess that I don't see how this will help the American people as it's just going to add to inflation with increases in prices on most goods. Also energy security is likely to be compromised as countries will look to sell to other markets. And rare earth minerals and others will likely be in short supply to the American market.
In Canada there is already some fight back going on about Canada being the 51st State. I am documenting this in "My Canadian Experience" with a number of videos from YouTube telling the story.
You can get to this at:
https://electriccanadian.com/canada_add18.htm
--------
What Are Tariffs?
President Donald Trump has begun his second term with a raft of tariff threats to bolster his immigration priorities, support local industries, and compete with China. Here’s how these taxes work and how they’ve been used historically.
Read this article at:
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-are-tariffs
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 one of 'best places in the world' to launch start-up tech business
Scotland has been named one of the "best places in the world" for start-up tech businesses by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, with the Scottish Government's Techscaler programme singled out.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/s...world-34633363
Reform Majority?
Farage's party are breaking records.
Read more at:
https://www.heaver.news/p/reform-majority
Poilievre's Conservatives SURGE to Records! Shocking Regional Poll Results Revealed!
The excitement is building for Canada's federal election in 2025, and the latest polls have revealed some surprising trends! In today's video, we'll take a deep dive into the latest polling data, discuss the expected seat distributions and provide an in-depth analysis of how each party is performing in the provinces. Enjoy watching
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/BmiDjMFAGhk?si=h6ykgax8rBk3R6EC
How Canada Can Benefit From Tariffs
In this video, we break down the real cost of tariffs from skyrocketing consumer prices to the unexpected job losses and gains. We explore how trade wars reshaped U.S. - Canada relations, Canada’s surprising wins, and the missed opportunities that could turn Canada into a global economic powerhouse. Can Canada finally step out of the U.S.’s shadow? Is this the wake-up call we needed?
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/ekuVZmdoiFw?si=vzG9qJk4wAyKSTxl
Canada Just Opened a Backdoor for China Unleashes New Oil Trade Route to Bypass the U.S.
Washington thought Canada would hesitate. They assumed negotiations, slow diplomacy, maybe even concessions. Instead, Canada did the unthinkable cutting a direct path to China, bypassing the US entirely. For years, the US had a chokehold on Canada’s energy exports. Almost every drop of crude flowed south. Now? That grip is slipping.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/yz_t3rOKqj4?si=YhBBQkRjc7Dzx4D6
Mind-Blowing Facts About Canada You Need to Know!
Canada is full of surprises! From its mind-blowing geography to bizarre traditions and record-breaking achievements, this country is anything but ordinary. Did you know Canada has the longest coastline in the world?
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/9400nAl2gs0?si=E67vV7SHbUdDWWCT
Poilievre wants to take back the Canadian Arctic
WATCH: As threats from China and Russia escalate in Canada’s Arctic north, and the damage to the economy from the Carney-Trudeau Liberals, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre outlines his plan for a better future.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/qknqnef6FwA?si=ncR5tZl9VydqX72M
Conrad Black: Time to toughen up, Canada
We have, as a country, been so circumspect in our behaviour that we are not accustomed to disapproval
Read more at:
https://archive.is/6cyud
UK must respect Trump's mandate, new ambassador to US Mandelson tells BBC
Lord Mandelson said the UK would not necessarily agree with every detail of Trump's agenda, but added: "We have to respect and understand what drives him, what his mandate is to do, and how his allies need to adjust sometimes."
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8j5n3z7epo
Scottish economy has surged up the UK league table
Scotland last month surged up the league table of UK nations and regions in terms of the performance of its private sector economy as the pace of decline of activity eased greatly to be only marginal, a survey shows.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/jNJxb#selection-1853.3-1853.219
Farewell to the King: football pays an emotional tribute to the great Denis Law
IT was a sign of how much Denis Law was admired by the world of football that even some fans of Real Madrid paid their final respects to him today.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/gUmuQ
Europe Opens Its Doors to Canada - US Gas Exports Just Took a Serious Hit
Europe’s energy strategy has long followed familiar patterns relying on Russian gas pipelines and American LNG to meet its growing demands. That changed overnight. Europe is quietly exploring a significant LNG deal with Canada one that’s already creating waves in global energy markets and reshaping future trade routes. For Europe, it’s a move toward energy security and diversification. For Canada, a game-changing opportunity. And for the U.S.? A serious wake-up call. This isn’t just about LNG. It’s about reshaping global energy politics.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/_2JGdT6JTpE?si=bYqCZ56uztny_DH5
Japan and China Jointly Dump US Treasuries Threatening The US Economy
China and Japan just decided to hit the US where it hurts the most... China just convinced Japan to dump treasury bonds.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/Fg6t9ZJw-2M?si=_6WG_L_KgnTk2eWb
Scotland's oldest fish and chip shop that still serves up delicious suppers
The retro fish and chip restaurant and takeaway in Glasgow is celebrating its 150th birthday this year after opening in 1875.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotla...-shop-34651232
Hegseth sets out hard line on European defence and Nato
European nations must provide the "overwhelming" share of funding for Ukraine, the new US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said, as he signalled a drastic shift in Washington's position on the war.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0pz3er37jo
Trump offers Putin a way back in from the cold
In many ways Putin has already got what he wants - the chance to negotiate directly with the United States on Ukraine, possibly over the heads of Kyiv and Europe - as well as the opportunity to put himself at the top table of international politics.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8ed3nk3n6ro
Value of Scottish salmon exports hits record high, figures show
Sales totalled £844 million last year, with France the most prolific purchaser of Scottish salmon after spending £462 million.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/value-o...h-figures-show
Electric Canadian
The Anglo-American Magazine
Added Volume 4 which includes an article on "Had Britain the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Transvaal?" By John Stuart Buchan, Q. C. Also an article about "Romantic Muskoka in Northern Ontario. Also articles about The Australian Commonwealth's First Governor-General and also an article about Hawaii and yet another article on Roosevelt. Also "The True Motif of Russo-American Diplomacy" by O. A. Howland, Q. C. Also, How Certain Hebrews wandered to Britain by Rev. M. W. Spencer, A.M.
You can read this excellent publication at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...loamerican.htm
The World's Work
Added volume 6 where they discuss President Roosevelt and his signing of the Panama Canal Act.
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...worldswork.htm
Life of Marriet Beecher Stowe
Compiled from Her Letters and Journals by her son, Charles Edward Stowe (1891) (pdf)
You can read about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...T2-EYO-891.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 9th day of February 2025 - Re-Starts
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...2025-re-starts
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 4 No. 4 (pdf)
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...nuary-1924.pdf
Electric Scotland
The Old Red Sandstone; or New Walks in an Old field
To which is appended a series of geological papers read before the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh by Hugh Miller, LL.D. (1865) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...10millgoog.pdf
Explore Aberdeen's Tall Ships Heritage
Added this link to the foot of our Aberdeen Shipbuilders page.
You can go to this at:
https://www.aberdeenline200.org/
Ullapool
Added a video to our picture page for Ullapool.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/pictures/ross/set20.htm
The Historic Episcopate
In the Columbian Church and in the Diocese of Moray with other Scottish Ecclesiastical Annals by The Rev. John Archibald, M.A. (1893) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/h...ban-church.pdf
Gilbert of Moray, Bishop of Caithness
By Rev. Archibald B. Scott, B.D. (pdf)
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/Gilbert-of-Moray.pdf
A Forgotten Aberdeenshire Monastry and The Cathedrals of Moray and Caithness
By W. Douglas Simpson. M.A. (1922) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/f...rdee00simp.pdf
A Description of the Island of Hirta
Communicated also by Sir Robert Moray (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...land-Hirta.pdf
The Christian's Companion in Solitude
With an Introductory Essay by the Rev. David Young, Perth (1827) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/c...00unkngoog.pdf
The Aged Christian's Companion
Containing a Variety of Essays, adapted to the improvement, consolation, and encouragement of persons advanced in life by the Rev. John Stanford, D. D. with a memoir of the author (fourth edition) (1855) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/a...nsco00stan.pdf
A Memoir of Lady Anna MacKenzie
Countess of Balcarres and afterwards of Argyll 1621-1706 by Alexander, Lord Lindsay, Master of Crawford and Balcarres (1868) (pdf)
You can read this memoir at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00crawgoog.pdf
A History of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Caithness
By the Rev. J. B. Craven, D.D., Rector of St. Olaf's Church, Kirkwall (1908) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/a...00cravgoog.pdf
Moray Manuscripts
Not readable by almost all but added so you can see what it looks like (pdf)
It's a hand written text but I doubt anyone will be able to read it but you can try at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...anuscripts.pdf
Evidence taken by Her Majesty's Commissioners of Inquiry
Into the conditions of the Crofters and Cottars in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, presented to both Houses of Parliament by command of Her Majesty in 1883 in five volumes
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/evidence.htm
Myths of Northern Lands
Narrated with special reference to literature and art by H. A. Gueber (1923) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...nl0000unse.pdf
Men and Deeds
By John Buchan (1936) (pdf). Includes information on Julius Caesar, The Massacre of Glencoe, Gordon at Khartoum, Montrose and Leadership, Lord Rosebury and The Kirk in Scotland.
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/pdf/menanddeeds..pdf
Introduction: A Century of Disorder and Transformation—Scotland 1550–1650
By Sarah Dunnigan, University of Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ewan, University of Guelph (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...rder_and_T.pdf
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide
2024-25 (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/busines...stem-guide.pdf
Story
THE SCOTO-IRISH RACE
[The following interesting note has been sent us by Mr. W. H. Gregg, St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A., which we have pleasure in printing.—Editor.]
Extract frotn the Address of Governor William M‘Kinley, later President of the United States, to “The Scoto-Irish Society of America,” at their Fifth Annual Congress, at Springfield, Ohio, May 11th, 1893. Governor M‘Kinley said in part:—
“With the conflicting theories of those who delve into the musty past, we need to trouble ourselves but little. The Scotch-Irishman comes of mighty stock— that we know—descending from those who would fight, who could die, but never surrender. Celt and Saxon in him are combined, after each has been tempered and refined. The Celt made his stand as a racial individuality in the extremities of Western Europe. Hence he issued forth as a colonist and missionary. Taking up his abode in the Lowlands of Scotland, he became subject to Angle-Saxon influence. The blood of the North Britons mingled with that of the Celt from the Green Isle, and with that of the ancient Pict. The result of this commingling of blood and local environment was the Lowland Scot, even then possessing characteristics distinct from the Highlander and the Irish Celt. The Lowlander re-crossed the narrow sea to Ulster. His going marked an epoch in the history of civilisation. The tragic history of Ireland has been for centuries food for racial hate. In this land, at least, however, the irremediable past should not be a matter for quarrel, for who of us can say that naught of wrong tarnishes the history of his race?
Scot though the Ulsterman is proud to call himself, yet is he also re-transplanted Celt.”
Rev. MACKINTOSH MACKAY, LL.D.
[By Fionn.]
This well-known author and divine was born in the parish of Eddrachilis, Sutherlandshire, in 1793. Having passed through his usual course, he was licensed to preach in 1823. In the year 1825 he was appointed minister of Laggan parish, where he remained till 1832, when he was appointed minister of the united parishes of Dunoon and Kilmun. Such was his success there that he soon had the Dunoon church enlarged, Kilmodan erected into a separate parish, and two mission churches appointed—one at Toward and the other at Araentinny. It was while here that he edited the worts of Rob Donn, the Sutherlandshire bard, which were published in 1829. He supplied a biography of the bard, which has given rise to much controversy. At the Disruption in 1843 he gave up one of the best livings in the Church of Scotland and joined the Dissenting party. Between 1844 and 1847 he spent much of his time visiting the Highlands and Islands in the yacht “Breadalbane", preaching to the people, and at the same time writing for and editing the Gaelic organ of the Free Church—An Fhianuis. Of this publication 37 parts appeared, dating from 1845 to 1850.
During the distress in the Highlands in 1846-7-8, consequent on the failure of the potatoe crop, he brought the condition of his fellow Highlanders before the General Assembly of the Free Church, with the result that upwards of £15,000 was collected for their relief. He also did much in the way of providing bursaries for Highland students, and with the assistance of the Ladies’ Society of the Free Church he had a number of schools established in remote parts of the Highlands and Islands. In 1849 Dr. Mackintosh Mackay was appointed Moderator of the Free Church. Some years afterwards he visited Australia where he helped divided Presbyterians to unite. On his return to this country he was called to Tarbert, Harris, where he had a manse and school erected, but finding his strength unequal to the task of ministering to such a charge, he relinquished the living. He died in 1873. Dr. Mackay’s abilities as a Gaelic scholar are well known. It was he who completed the Highland Society Dictionary, which was published in 1828. His share in this great work is referred to in the following terms in the “Introduction”:— “In its progress through the press it has been superintended and corrected by the Rev. Mackintosh Mackay, now minister of Laggan, and it is only just to add that in its present form the Gaelic Dictionary is much indebted to his philological acuteness and learning, which have greatly contributed to render it more accurate and complete.”
When at Laggan he had the honour of instructing in Gaelic Dr. W. F. Skene, the author of “Celtic Scotland.” In 1872 he wrote for Mr. William Mackenzie, of Glasgow, a “History of the Church” in Gaelic, and prepared for the press with great care and scholarship the “Scots Worthies”—“Eachdraidh nam Fiiighanach Albannach ”—translated into Gaelic by Dr. Macgillivray—a native of Mull. He also translated a number of hymns into Gaelic, which he published in a little collection called “The Treasure.” Dr. Mackintosh Mackay was undoubtedly one of the most accomplished Gaelic scholars of his day.
The Late Rev. DONALD SAGE MACKAY, D.D., LL.D.,
Minister of the Fifth Avenue Collegiate Church, Nev York, U.S.A. by Mac aoidh.
The Rev. Dr. Sage Mackay, whose untimely death has been recently noticed in most of our newspapers, is a true son of the Highlands, and so forms a worthy representative in our gallery of notable Highlanders. He was born, indeed, in Glasgow, in Monteith Row, opposite the Green, but his ancestry goes back to the plains of Caithness and the hills of Ross-shire. His father was the Rev. W. Murray Mackay, of Young Street Free Church (or United Free Church now), in the heart of the Calton of Glasgow. He came from the parish of Watten in Caithness—one of a strong family who made their way in divinity, medicine and agriculture in every part of the globe. A devoted pastor, the Rev. W. Murray Mackay was known as the widow’s friend in the East End. No nobler . minister of the poor ever worked in Glasgow, and his funeral was a sight to behold.
On his mother’s side, Dr. Mackay came of an illustrious Highland line. His grandfather was the Rev. Donald Sage, of Resolis, in Ross-shire, one of the most intellectual preachers the Highlands ever produced. His Memorabilia Domestica not only evinces exquisite literary taste, but is a perfect mine of antiquarian research, a quarry for many a lecture on the Highlands. Ian Maclaren said of it, he found no book more useful in preparing his lecture on “The Highlands.” Mr. Sage’s grandfather was the famous Eneas Sage of Lochcarron—a muscular Christian, who began his ministry by successfully wrestling with the village blacksmith of the then cock-fighting, Sabtath-breaking Highlanders, and when he had laid him on the grass, finished by saying, “Now, Donald, in return for this, you go and drive all these people into the church, and I’ll preach to them!”
Dr. Mackay was thus a born preacher—if heredity means anything—and indeed he began it when he was six years old, by addressing a barnful of villagers in his grandfather’s parish at Resolis. For a while, however, he was attracted to the law, and served his apprenticeship in an office in Glasgow. While tnere, he came to the knowledge of his gifts as a speaker. He had joined the Glasgow Parliamentary Debating Society, which met then in the Christian Institute. Donald Mackay rose one night to speak—an unknown lad from a back bench. His speech was a revelation! It was marked at once as the utterance of a perfect orator. Promotion was rapid: next night he was made Postmaster General, and spoke from the Treasury Bench!
Partly this consciousness of his gifts of speech, and partly religious reasons, led him shortly after to give up the law and devote himself to the ministry. He took his Divinity classes in Edinburgh at the New College, and in his first year there, began to preach. It may interest Highland readers to know that the place where he preached his first sermon was Ardclach, in Nairnshire. He was spending his summer holidays at Nairn, and, supply suddenly failing, an appeal was made to hin) to fill the breach. He had no time to write a sermon, having only a busy Saturday in which to put together his notes. The result was, he preached his first sermon extempore. It was for him a wise choice. Had he read at the first, he might have continued to do so, and so clipped his message of one half of its power; for, without discussing the vexed question of read versus spoken sermons, there can be no doubt that for him the best method was to preach from the MSS. of the heart. A born orator, with a natural flow of choice language, and a voice combining tenderness and power, it was a pleasure to hear him speak alone, without regard to the matter. But Dr. Mackay was far from being a mere speaker: he had a fresh and original mind, and had the rare power of being a favourite both with the learned and the unlearned, the student and the peasant.
After license, he acted as assistant for a few months in Edinburgh; but a man of his gifts could ^not long remain uncalled, and in the autumn he was unanimously elected by the Fraserburgh Free Church—his first and only “vacancy.” He was, however, far from well at the time. The strain of his work at the Hall, in which he had taken a distinguished place, combined with his preaching, had told upon him, and, fearing the climate and work of the north-east of Scotland, he declined the call, and went to America instead “on a visit.” That visit, like Isaac Watts’ visit to Sir Thomas Abney, proved “for a life-time.” He accepted first an invitation to a church in Vermont, and there fell in love with her who became his devoted wife—Miss Helen Smith, daughter of one of the Governors of the State. That settled his future life. America does not suffer fools gladly, but she loves wise men. She soon took the young preacher to her heart, and bound him by the ties of mutual love. After many calls, Dr. Mackay accepted one to the North Reformed Church, Newark, where in five years he doubled the membership, and packed the building so that every Sabbath night seats had to be placed in the passages.
Finally, in 1899, he was called to the Fifth Avenue Collegiate Church, a magnificent pile nearly opposite St. Patrick’s Cathedral. There he soon attracted one of the most wealthy and influential congregations in the world. President Roosevelt was a member, Russell Sage, the millionaire, another. Miss Gould, the daughter of the famous financier, and herself a noble philantropist, a third. Nor was Dr. Mackay afraid to speak boldly and fearlessly to these people. He carried the Mackay motto “ Manu Forti ” into his message, and even during one winter astonished the wealthy west enders by bringing to his pulpit men from the slums to tell the story of their conversion to God. “Dr. Mackay,” said a New York paper, “is distinctively a men’s preacher, and is eagerly sought after by the leading colleges. Students and business men alike are drawn to him. He believes his creed but does not believe it to be the full measure of Christianity.” His sermons tingled with life and were never dry. Often they were reported in the papers, and after the death of John Hall and the removal of Van Dyke to a professor’s chair, he became one of the leading, if not the leading intellectual force in the New York pulpit.
Dr. Mackay received many honours. In 1895 he received the honorary degree of D.D., and in 1905 that of LL.D. Two years ago he was made Moderator of his church—one of the youngest men that ever sat in that seat. But the pace he was living at was too much for any man. A nervous breakdown was the result, and though last year his people collected £3500 and gave him a year’s holiday, the rest came too late, and after a weary search in one place after another for health, he returned home last month only to die.
But though his life was short—barely forty-five—it was well and nobly lived, and he has left behind him in the land of his adoption a memory which many of its sons will not willingly let die.
Though he loved America, he never forgot his fatherland, and especially the Highlands. One of his children lies buried under the shadow of Ben Wyvis, and often he expressed the hope that, after his life-work was over, he might return to bonnie Scotland, to lay his bones beside his beloved child, surrounded by the glorious mountains under whose shadow his ancestors had so nobly lived.
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
PS Our newsletter archives can always be found at:
https://electricscotland.com/newsletter/index.htm
TNG is a powerful way to manage and display your family tree on your own website, without the hundreds of HTML pages you get with other programs. All you need is a website, your data and TNG!
Learn more about this program at:
https://lythgoes.net/genealogy/software.php
---------
Unique Cottages
A long time advertiser on our site who offer great self catering cottages in Scotland. Visit their site and use their site search engine to locate the right cottage for your family holiday.
Visit them at:
https://www.unique-cottages.co.uk/
--------
Sorry to say that Americans don't seem to be the favourite people these days with President Trump applying Tariffs to most countries around the globe. I do confess that I don't see how this will help the American people as it's just going to add to inflation with increases in prices on most goods. Also energy security is likely to be compromised as countries will look to sell to other markets. And rare earth minerals and others will likely be in short supply to the American market.
In Canada there is already some fight back going on about Canada being the 51st State. I am documenting this in "My Canadian Experience" with a number of videos from YouTube telling the story.
You can get to this at:
https://electriccanadian.com/canada_add18.htm
--------
What Are Tariffs?
President Donald Trump has begun his second term with a raft of tariff threats to bolster his immigration priorities, support local industries, and compete with China. Here’s how these taxes work and how they’ve been used historically.
Read this article at:
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-are-tariffs
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 one of 'best places in the world' to launch start-up tech business
Scotland has been named one of the "best places in the world" for start-up tech businesses by Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, with the Scottish Government's Techscaler programme singled out.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/s...world-34633363
Reform Majority?
Farage's party are breaking records.
Read more at:
https://www.heaver.news/p/reform-majority
Poilievre's Conservatives SURGE to Records! Shocking Regional Poll Results Revealed!
The excitement is building for Canada's federal election in 2025, and the latest polls have revealed some surprising trends! In today's video, we'll take a deep dive into the latest polling data, discuss the expected seat distributions and provide an in-depth analysis of how each party is performing in the provinces. Enjoy watching
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/BmiDjMFAGhk?si=h6ykgax8rBk3R6EC
How Canada Can Benefit From Tariffs
In this video, we break down the real cost of tariffs from skyrocketing consumer prices to the unexpected job losses and gains. We explore how trade wars reshaped U.S. - Canada relations, Canada’s surprising wins, and the missed opportunities that could turn Canada into a global economic powerhouse. Can Canada finally step out of the U.S.’s shadow? Is this the wake-up call we needed?
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/ekuVZmdoiFw?si=vzG9qJk4wAyKSTxl
Canada Just Opened a Backdoor for China Unleashes New Oil Trade Route to Bypass the U.S.
Washington thought Canada would hesitate. They assumed negotiations, slow diplomacy, maybe even concessions. Instead, Canada did the unthinkable cutting a direct path to China, bypassing the US entirely. For years, the US had a chokehold on Canada’s energy exports. Almost every drop of crude flowed south. Now? That grip is slipping.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/yz_t3rOKqj4?si=YhBBQkRjc7Dzx4D6
Mind-Blowing Facts About Canada You Need to Know!
Canada is full of surprises! From its mind-blowing geography to bizarre traditions and record-breaking achievements, this country is anything but ordinary. Did you know Canada has the longest coastline in the world?
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/9400nAl2gs0?si=E67vV7SHbUdDWWCT
Poilievre wants to take back the Canadian Arctic
WATCH: As threats from China and Russia escalate in Canada’s Arctic north, and the damage to the economy from the Carney-Trudeau Liberals, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre outlines his plan for a better future.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/qknqnef6FwA?si=ncR5tZl9VydqX72M
Conrad Black: Time to toughen up, Canada
We have, as a country, been so circumspect in our behaviour that we are not accustomed to disapproval
Read more at:
https://archive.is/6cyud
UK must respect Trump's mandate, new ambassador to US Mandelson tells BBC
Lord Mandelson said the UK would not necessarily agree with every detail of Trump's agenda, but added: "We have to respect and understand what drives him, what his mandate is to do, and how his allies need to adjust sometimes."
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce8j5n3z7epo
Scottish economy has surged up the UK league table
Scotland last month surged up the league table of UK nations and regions in terms of the performance of its private sector economy as the pace of decline of activity eased greatly to be only marginal, a survey shows.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/jNJxb#selection-1853.3-1853.219
Farewell to the King: football pays an emotional tribute to the great Denis Law
IT was a sign of how much Denis Law was admired by the world of football that even some fans of Real Madrid paid their final respects to him today.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/gUmuQ
Europe Opens Its Doors to Canada - US Gas Exports Just Took a Serious Hit
Europe’s energy strategy has long followed familiar patterns relying on Russian gas pipelines and American LNG to meet its growing demands. That changed overnight. Europe is quietly exploring a significant LNG deal with Canada one that’s already creating waves in global energy markets and reshaping future trade routes. For Europe, it’s a move toward energy security and diversification. For Canada, a game-changing opportunity. And for the U.S.? A serious wake-up call. This isn’t just about LNG. It’s about reshaping global energy politics.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/_2JGdT6JTpE?si=bYqCZ56uztny_DH5
Japan and China Jointly Dump US Treasuries Threatening The US Economy
China and Japan just decided to hit the US where it hurts the most... China just convinced Japan to dump treasury bonds.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/Fg6t9ZJw-2M?si=_6WG_L_KgnTk2eWb
Scotland's oldest fish and chip shop that still serves up delicious suppers
The retro fish and chip restaurant and takeaway in Glasgow is celebrating its 150th birthday this year after opening in 1875.
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/scotla...-shop-34651232
Hegseth sets out hard line on European defence and Nato
European nations must provide the "overwhelming" share of funding for Ukraine, the new US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has said, as he signalled a drastic shift in Washington's position on the war.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy0pz3er37jo
Trump offers Putin a way back in from the cold
In many ways Putin has already got what he wants - the chance to negotiate directly with the United States on Ukraine, possibly over the heads of Kyiv and Europe - as well as the opportunity to put himself at the top table of international politics.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8ed3nk3n6ro
Value of Scottish salmon exports hits record high, figures show
Sales totalled £844 million last year, with France the most prolific purchaser of Scottish salmon after spending £462 million.
Read more at:
https://news.stv.tv/scotland/value-o...h-figures-show
Electric Canadian
The Anglo-American Magazine
Added Volume 4 which includes an article on "Had Britain the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the Transvaal?" By John Stuart Buchan, Q. C. Also an article about "Romantic Muskoka in Northern Ontario. Also articles about The Australian Commonwealth's First Governor-General and also an article about Hawaii and yet another article on Roosevelt. Also "The True Motif of Russo-American Diplomacy" by O. A. Howland, Q. C. Also, How Certain Hebrews wandered to Britain by Rev. M. W. Spencer, A.M.
You can read this excellent publication at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...loamerican.htm
The World's Work
Added volume 6 where they discuss President Roosevelt and his signing of the Panama Canal Act.
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...worldswork.htm
Life of Marriet Beecher Stowe
Compiled from Her Letters and Journals by her son, Charles Edward Stowe (1891) (pdf)
You can read about her at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...T2-EYO-891.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 9th day of February 2025 - Re-Starts
By the Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...2025-re-starts
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 4 No. 4 (pdf)
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...nuary-1924.pdf
Electric Scotland
The Old Red Sandstone; or New Walks in an Old field
To which is appended a series of geological papers read before the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh by Hugh Miller, LL.D. (1865) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...10millgoog.pdf
Explore Aberdeen's Tall Ships Heritage
Added this link to the foot of our Aberdeen Shipbuilders page.
You can go to this at:
https://www.aberdeenline200.org/
Ullapool
Added a video to our picture page for Ullapool.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/pictures/ross/set20.htm
The Historic Episcopate
In the Columbian Church and in the Diocese of Moray with other Scottish Ecclesiastical Annals by The Rev. John Archibald, M.A. (1893) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/h...ban-church.pdf
Gilbert of Moray, Bishop of Caithness
By Rev. Archibald B. Scott, B.D. (pdf)
You can read about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/Gilbert-of-Moray.pdf
A Forgotten Aberdeenshire Monastry and The Cathedrals of Moray and Caithness
By W. Douglas Simpson. M.A. (1922) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/f...rdee00simp.pdf
A Description of the Island of Hirta
Communicated also by Sir Robert Moray (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...land-Hirta.pdf
The Christian's Companion in Solitude
With an Introductory Essay by the Rev. David Young, Perth (1827) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/c...00unkngoog.pdf
The Aged Christian's Companion
Containing a Variety of Essays, adapted to the improvement, consolation, and encouragement of persons advanced in life by the Rev. John Stanford, D. D. with a memoir of the author (fourth edition) (1855) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/a...nsco00stan.pdf
A Memoir of Lady Anna MacKenzie
Countess of Balcarres and afterwards of Argyll 1621-1706 by Alexander, Lord Lindsay, Master of Crawford and Balcarres (1868) (pdf)
You can read this memoir at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00crawgoog.pdf
A History of the Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Caithness
By the Rev. J. B. Craven, D.D., Rector of St. Olaf's Church, Kirkwall (1908) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/a...00cravgoog.pdf
Moray Manuscripts
Not readable by almost all but added so you can see what it looks like (pdf)
It's a hand written text but I doubt anyone will be able to read it but you can try at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...anuscripts.pdf
Evidence taken by Her Majesty's Commissioners of Inquiry
Into the conditions of the Crofters and Cottars in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, presented to both Houses of Parliament by command of Her Majesty in 1883 in five volumes
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/evidence.htm
Myths of Northern Lands
Narrated with special reference to literature and art by H. A. Gueber (1923) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...nl0000unse.pdf
Men and Deeds
By John Buchan (1936) (pdf). Includes information on Julius Caesar, The Massacre of Glencoe, Gordon at Khartoum, Montrose and Leadership, Lord Rosebury and The Kirk in Scotland.
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/books/pdf/menanddeeds..pdf
Introduction: A Century of Disorder and Transformation—Scotland 1550–1650
By Sarah Dunnigan, University of Edinburgh and Elizabeth Ewan, University of Guelph (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...rder_and_T.pdf
Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide
2024-25 (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/busines...stem-guide.pdf
Story
THE SCOTO-IRISH RACE
[The following interesting note has been sent us by Mr. W. H. Gregg, St. Louis, Mo., U.S.A., which we have pleasure in printing.—Editor.]
Extract frotn the Address of Governor William M‘Kinley, later President of the United States, to “The Scoto-Irish Society of America,” at their Fifth Annual Congress, at Springfield, Ohio, May 11th, 1893. Governor M‘Kinley said in part:—
“With the conflicting theories of those who delve into the musty past, we need to trouble ourselves but little. The Scotch-Irishman comes of mighty stock— that we know—descending from those who would fight, who could die, but never surrender. Celt and Saxon in him are combined, after each has been tempered and refined. The Celt made his stand as a racial individuality in the extremities of Western Europe. Hence he issued forth as a colonist and missionary. Taking up his abode in the Lowlands of Scotland, he became subject to Angle-Saxon influence. The blood of the North Britons mingled with that of the Celt from the Green Isle, and with that of the ancient Pict. The result of this commingling of blood and local environment was the Lowland Scot, even then possessing characteristics distinct from the Highlander and the Irish Celt. The Lowlander re-crossed the narrow sea to Ulster. His going marked an epoch in the history of civilisation. The tragic history of Ireland has been for centuries food for racial hate. In this land, at least, however, the irremediable past should not be a matter for quarrel, for who of us can say that naught of wrong tarnishes the history of his race?
Scot though the Ulsterman is proud to call himself, yet is he also re-transplanted Celt.”
Rev. MACKINTOSH MACKAY, LL.D.
[By Fionn.]
This well-known author and divine was born in the parish of Eddrachilis, Sutherlandshire, in 1793. Having passed through his usual course, he was licensed to preach in 1823. In the year 1825 he was appointed minister of Laggan parish, where he remained till 1832, when he was appointed minister of the united parishes of Dunoon and Kilmun. Such was his success there that he soon had the Dunoon church enlarged, Kilmodan erected into a separate parish, and two mission churches appointed—one at Toward and the other at Araentinny. It was while here that he edited the worts of Rob Donn, the Sutherlandshire bard, which were published in 1829. He supplied a biography of the bard, which has given rise to much controversy. At the Disruption in 1843 he gave up one of the best livings in the Church of Scotland and joined the Dissenting party. Between 1844 and 1847 he spent much of his time visiting the Highlands and Islands in the yacht “Breadalbane", preaching to the people, and at the same time writing for and editing the Gaelic organ of the Free Church—An Fhianuis. Of this publication 37 parts appeared, dating from 1845 to 1850.
During the distress in the Highlands in 1846-7-8, consequent on the failure of the potatoe crop, he brought the condition of his fellow Highlanders before the General Assembly of the Free Church, with the result that upwards of £15,000 was collected for their relief. He also did much in the way of providing bursaries for Highland students, and with the assistance of the Ladies’ Society of the Free Church he had a number of schools established in remote parts of the Highlands and Islands. In 1849 Dr. Mackintosh Mackay was appointed Moderator of the Free Church. Some years afterwards he visited Australia where he helped divided Presbyterians to unite. On his return to this country he was called to Tarbert, Harris, where he had a manse and school erected, but finding his strength unequal to the task of ministering to such a charge, he relinquished the living. He died in 1873. Dr. Mackay’s abilities as a Gaelic scholar are well known. It was he who completed the Highland Society Dictionary, which was published in 1828. His share in this great work is referred to in the following terms in the “Introduction”:— “In its progress through the press it has been superintended and corrected by the Rev. Mackintosh Mackay, now minister of Laggan, and it is only just to add that in its present form the Gaelic Dictionary is much indebted to his philological acuteness and learning, which have greatly contributed to render it more accurate and complete.”
When at Laggan he had the honour of instructing in Gaelic Dr. W. F. Skene, the author of “Celtic Scotland.” In 1872 he wrote for Mr. William Mackenzie, of Glasgow, a “History of the Church” in Gaelic, and prepared for the press with great care and scholarship the “Scots Worthies”—“Eachdraidh nam Fiiighanach Albannach ”—translated into Gaelic by Dr. Macgillivray—a native of Mull. He also translated a number of hymns into Gaelic, which he published in a little collection called “The Treasure.” Dr. Mackintosh Mackay was undoubtedly one of the most accomplished Gaelic scholars of his day.
The Late Rev. DONALD SAGE MACKAY, D.D., LL.D.,
Minister of the Fifth Avenue Collegiate Church, Nev York, U.S.A. by Mac aoidh.
The Rev. Dr. Sage Mackay, whose untimely death has been recently noticed in most of our newspapers, is a true son of the Highlands, and so forms a worthy representative in our gallery of notable Highlanders. He was born, indeed, in Glasgow, in Monteith Row, opposite the Green, but his ancestry goes back to the plains of Caithness and the hills of Ross-shire. His father was the Rev. W. Murray Mackay, of Young Street Free Church (or United Free Church now), in the heart of the Calton of Glasgow. He came from the parish of Watten in Caithness—one of a strong family who made their way in divinity, medicine and agriculture in every part of the globe. A devoted pastor, the Rev. W. Murray Mackay was known as the widow’s friend in the East End. No nobler . minister of the poor ever worked in Glasgow, and his funeral was a sight to behold.
On his mother’s side, Dr. Mackay came of an illustrious Highland line. His grandfather was the Rev. Donald Sage, of Resolis, in Ross-shire, one of the most intellectual preachers the Highlands ever produced. His Memorabilia Domestica not only evinces exquisite literary taste, but is a perfect mine of antiquarian research, a quarry for many a lecture on the Highlands. Ian Maclaren said of it, he found no book more useful in preparing his lecture on “The Highlands.” Mr. Sage’s grandfather was the famous Eneas Sage of Lochcarron—a muscular Christian, who began his ministry by successfully wrestling with the village blacksmith of the then cock-fighting, Sabtath-breaking Highlanders, and when he had laid him on the grass, finished by saying, “Now, Donald, in return for this, you go and drive all these people into the church, and I’ll preach to them!”
Dr. Mackay was thus a born preacher—if heredity means anything—and indeed he began it when he was six years old, by addressing a barnful of villagers in his grandfather’s parish at Resolis. For a while, however, he was attracted to the law, and served his apprenticeship in an office in Glasgow. While tnere, he came to the knowledge of his gifts as a speaker. He had joined the Glasgow Parliamentary Debating Society, which met then in the Christian Institute. Donald Mackay rose one night to speak—an unknown lad from a back bench. His speech was a revelation! It was marked at once as the utterance of a perfect orator. Promotion was rapid: next night he was made Postmaster General, and spoke from the Treasury Bench!
Partly this consciousness of his gifts of speech, and partly religious reasons, led him shortly after to give up the law and devote himself to the ministry. He took his Divinity classes in Edinburgh at the New College, and in his first year there, began to preach. It may interest Highland readers to know that the place where he preached his first sermon was Ardclach, in Nairnshire. He was spending his summer holidays at Nairn, and, supply suddenly failing, an appeal was made to hin) to fill the breach. He had no time to write a sermon, having only a busy Saturday in which to put together his notes. The result was, he preached his first sermon extempore. It was for him a wise choice. Had he read at the first, he might have continued to do so, and so clipped his message of one half of its power; for, without discussing the vexed question of read versus spoken sermons, there can be no doubt that for him the best method was to preach from the MSS. of the heart. A born orator, with a natural flow of choice language, and a voice combining tenderness and power, it was a pleasure to hear him speak alone, without regard to the matter. But Dr. Mackay was far from being a mere speaker: he had a fresh and original mind, and had the rare power of being a favourite both with the learned and the unlearned, the student and the peasant.
After license, he acted as assistant for a few months in Edinburgh; but a man of his gifts could ^not long remain uncalled, and in the autumn he was unanimously elected by the Fraserburgh Free Church—his first and only “vacancy.” He was, however, far from well at the time. The strain of his work at the Hall, in which he had taken a distinguished place, combined with his preaching, had told upon him, and, fearing the climate and work of the north-east of Scotland, he declined the call, and went to America instead “on a visit.” That visit, like Isaac Watts’ visit to Sir Thomas Abney, proved “for a life-time.” He accepted first an invitation to a church in Vermont, and there fell in love with her who became his devoted wife—Miss Helen Smith, daughter of one of the Governors of the State. That settled his future life. America does not suffer fools gladly, but she loves wise men. She soon took the young preacher to her heart, and bound him by the ties of mutual love. After many calls, Dr. Mackay accepted one to the North Reformed Church, Newark, where in five years he doubled the membership, and packed the building so that every Sabbath night seats had to be placed in the passages.
Finally, in 1899, he was called to the Fifth Avenue Collegiate Church, a magnificent pile nearly opposite St. Patrick’s Cathedral. There he soon attracted one of the most wealthy and influential congregations in the world. President Roosevelt was a member, Russell Sage, the millionaire, another. Miss Gould, the daughter of the famous financier, and herself a noble philantropist, a third. Nor was Dr. Mackay afraid to speak boldly and fearlessly to these people. He carried the Mackay motto “ Manu Forti ” into his message, and even during one winter astonished the wealthy west enders by bringing to his pulpit men from the slums to tell the story of their conversion to God. “Dr. Mackay,” said a New York paper, “is distinctively a men’s preacher, and is eagerly sought after by the leading colleges. Students and business men alike are drawn to him. He believes his creed but does not believe it to be the full measure of Christianity.” His sermons tingled with life and were never dry. Often they were reported in the papers, and after the death of John Hall and the removal of Van Dyke to a professor’s chair, he became one of the leading, if not the leading intellectual force in the New York pulpit.
Dr. Mackay received many honours. In 1895 he received the honorary degree of D.D., and in 1905 that of LL.D. Two years ago he was made Moderator of his church—one of the youngest men that ever sat in that seat. But the pace he was living at was too much for any man. A nervous breakdown was the result, and though last year his people collected £3500 and gave him a year’s holiday, the rest came too late, and after a weary search in one place after another for health, he returned home last month only to die.
But though his life was short—barely forty-five—it was well and nobly lived, and he has left behind him in the land of his adoption a memory which many of its sons will not willingly let die.
Though he loved America, he never forgot his fatherland, and especially the Highlands. One of his children lies buried under the shadow of Ben Wyvis, and often he expressed the hope that, after his life-work was over, he might return to bonnie Scotland, to lay his bones beside his beloved child, surrounded by the glorious mountains under whose shadow his ancestors had so nobly lived.
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
PS Our newsletter archives can always be found at:
https://electricscotland.com/newsletter/index.htm