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CONTENTS
Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
The Men of the Last Frontier
Oakville, Ontario
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
The Scottish Naturalist
Thomas Dykes
Enigma Machine
Songs from John Henderson
Beauties of Dr. John Moore
The Scottish Fairy Book
Braemar Highlands
Robert Burns Lives!
Leaves from the Journal (New Book)
The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 1661 - 1678
Plant Lore, Legends and Lyrics
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Christina McKelvie's Column
John Forfar, a Significant Scot
and finally
Electric Scotland News
I've joined the COSCA Communications Group which was created to see how they can better develop communications to help Clan Societies and to encourage more people to go to Scotland for Clan Gatherings.
I have suggested that three questionnaires should be developed (1) Survey of Clan Society Members (2) General Survey of people attending Highland Games and other Scottish events. (3) A survey of local Scots in Scotland to ascertain their views of clans.
I feel that we can't start to decide how to proceed until we have good knowledge of our target market which we don't currently have.
I also feel this survey, which should aim at getting 100,000 respondents, should also engage both VisitScotland and Scottish Development International so that questions can be asked that might benefit these organisations as well.
So we'll see how this develops.
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Next week I'll be starting the book about Ardenmohr, Among the Hills, A Record of Scenery and Sports in the Highlands of Scotland by Samuel Abbott (1876)
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I continue to add the odd article to our Scots Independence section where I feel it adds to the overall debate. Some papers in there are also sometimes updated to reflect new information. I would hope that as the referendum gets nearer that those in Scotland that have a vote will take time to read all these papers.
I am waiting on an update paper on Scotland's Borders to reflect new legislation in 2012 and 2013 and will get that up when it arrives.
I have recently added three papers/articles...
Jim Gallagher: Referendum comes down to money
Rising to a challenge to make a positive case for the Union, Jim Gallagher looks at Scotland’s trade and the impact it has on the country’s economy. Scotsman 27th Aug 2013.
Also
Alex Massie: Time to think big on independence
THE independence debate should be about something grander than the details of constitutional process – it should be about what kind of a nation we aspire to be, writes Alex Massie. Article from the Scotsman 12th July 2013
Both these articles can be read at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/debate.htm
Sterling zone plan flawed
THE SNP’s plan for Scotland to share a sterling zone with the rest of the UK after independence has been dealt a serious blow after one of the country’s leading bankers warned it is perhaps fundamentally flawed. Article from the Scotsman 29th August 2013. You can read this article at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...l_services.htm
You can get to the Independence section at: http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/index.htm
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As you might know I am personally very much against Scotland being a member of the EU and I got in a communication from an expert in the Fishing Industry. In summary this is what he said...
The fishing industry in Scotland comprises a significant proportion of the United Kingdom fishing industry. A recent inquiry by the Royal Society of Edinburgh found fishing to be of much greater social, economic and cultural importance to Scotland than it is relative to the rest of the UK. Scotland has just under 8.6% of the UK population but lands at its ports over 60% of the total catch in the UK.
Many of these are ports in relatively remote communities such as Fraserburgh, Kinlochbervie or Lerwick, which are scattered along an extensive coastline and which, for centuries, have looked to fishing as the main source of employment. Restrictions imposed under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) affect all European fishing fleets, but they have proved particularly severe in recent years for the demersal or whitefish sector (boats mainly fishing for cod, haddock and whiting) of the Scottish fishing industry.
However as a direct result of being in the EU the Scottish Fishing Industry has lost some 100,000 jobs, which in turn means we have lost some £2 billion in annual revenue and as one person put it...
To summarise, - our fishing sector is much more severely depleted than we thought. We have a pelagic (mackerel) fleet of just 24 ships most of which are owned and run by greedy crooks with criminal records of misreporting and lying about catches and landings of many millions of pounds.
The once famed demersal (white fish) fleet is composed now of a few score of mainly under ten metre vessels, and its access to our coastal fishing areas is being sorely diminished by SNP sell-out to green organisations who are gradually getting control of key local fishing grounds by means of a series of legal MPAs - Marine Protected Areas.
Our prawn fleet (now earning more than the demersal boats), is in dire economic straits and struggling to survive financially. As I said many times before, - their biggest costs are not the vessels or their equipment, but two pieces of paper. - namely their licenses and their quota allocations. And our iniquitous quota trade system is seeing a steady accumulation of fishing entitlement by the powerful and wealthy - even the banks now own piles of quota, - taken off boats that slipped into debt or bankruptcy. This affects both the demersal and prawn fleets. (The pelagic boats are unaffected since not a single one of their greedy multi-millionaire owners would ever offer quota for sale).
We still have "carpet slipper" skippers; - retired fishers who got or bought quota many years ago, and now lease some of it short term to other unfortunate fishers who are struggling to get access to fish stocks.
Beyond all that, - take a look around our ports and you can see the devastation wreaked on the basic framework of the industry, in the derelict boatyards and marine workshops, and the former net chandlers now turned into touristy shops to serve the yachting fraternity. As our fishing boats have vanished, their place in our harbours has been filled up by yachts. Then there is the loss of our skilled boat-builders and engineers with the closure of their premises. The few still around now work in the oil industry.
In the face of all that I just could not draft a positive fishing policy for the future. And I see no sign that current SNP policy would change things much, - even given independence. If we had a Scottish version of UKIP, it might agree, - but we don't. The infection and misdirection of the SDA does not bode well.
What I would strongly recommend (given independence), - would be: recovery of our grounds lost to the EU; - scrapping of the quota system to put all fish stocks under national ownership and control in close partnership with local ports and fleets; - curtailing the MPAs and keeping the green organisations at arms length; - and international fishery cooperation agreements with each of the non-EU fishing states like Iceland, Norway, Faroe, Russia, etc.
However I am pretty sure that no one in any position of power would listen to such ideas.
As one poet once said (I think G K Chesterton) - "I tell you naught for your comfort, - yea not for your hearts desire, - save that the sky grows darker yet and the sea rises higher".
After reading that I just can't understand why the SNP are so determined to be a member of the EU that caused such devastation of our Fishing Industry and they now have control over all Scottish waters right up to our beaches. So if they can do that to our Fishing Industry what might they do to our off-shore energy industry?
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I might add that every day I add stories to our ScotNews Feed on our site index page. Within that you'll also find regular articles on Independence. Here is a wee selection of some of the most recent news items...
Electric Canadian
The Men of the Last Frontier
By Grey Owl (1932)
A fair bit of discussion on this book in our newsletter forum. I've since added a short video about him along with a full movie. However it seems the movie did not do a very good job of portraying Grey Owl so that's now been taken off the page. You can see the movie if you wish by searching for Grey Owl on YouTube.
Now up to Chapter 4 of the book which you can read at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...es/greyowl.htm
Oakville, Ontario
Have now added part of the book about Oakville in Ontario which was the largest port but was eventually overtaken by Toronto. You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...o/oakville.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss. Alison Thewliss has been a Councillor for the Calton Ward in Glasgow since 2007, and a member of the SNP since she was at school. She is a former Convener of Young Scots for Independence. Alison lives in Glasgow with her husband Joe and son Alexander (or 'toddler nat' to those following on twitter @alisonthewliss).
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
We are on Volume 10 and have now added the July 1913 issue. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume10.htm
There is an article in this issue about four Representative Documents that tell the story of Scotland. This is an interesting read.
Also an other article on Thomas Blacklock...
TO his contemporaries Thomas Blacklock, the blind poet, seemed a figure of considerable importance. David Hume spoke with great respect of his talents, and Samuel Johnson was glad to become personally acquainted with him. In a rare book on 'Living Authors ' published in London three years before Blacklock's death, he is allotted almost as much space as his countryman, Robert Burns, and about half as much as the chief English poet of the time, William Cowper. The name of Blacklock is still a household word in Scotland: but he owes his enduring fame, not to his formal verse, which has few admirers now, but to the fact that he was the first literary man of established reputation who recognised the genius of Burns. Blacklock was born at Annan in 1721.
We do as it happens have a couple of pages about him on the site and you can use our site search engine to locate them.
You can read the previous issues at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/review/
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
This book is by Robert Chambers who is famous for collecting old Scottish Songs.
Added another three songs...
Bessy Bell and Mary Gray
The Last Time I Came O're The Muir
The Young Laird and Edinburgh Katie
You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.htm
The Scottish Naturalist
I added Volume 4 - 1877/1878 and Volume 5 - 1879/1880
You can get to these volumes at: http://www.electricscotland.com/nature/naturalist.htm
Thomas Dykes
(1850, Dundonald, Ayrshire - 1916, London, England) Journalist and Author
Added a couple more articles...
Our Opening Day on the Moors
’Tween the Flags
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...kes_thomas.htm
Enigma Machine
This is where we are publishing this set of puzzles created by Doug Ross which can now be found in Doctor's Surgeries, Old Folks Homes, etc.
Added Enigma Machine 29 puzzle which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma029.htm
The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm
Songs from John Henderson
John has sent us in another song "Days O' Lang Syne" which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel509.htm
His other songs can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
Beauties of Dr. John Moore
Selected from the moral, philosophical, and miscellaneous works of that esteemed author, to which are added, a new biographical and critical account of the doctor and his writings, and notes, historical, classical, and explanatory.
Added Pages 253 to 301. The book is available at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...moore_john.htm
The Scottish Fairy Book
By Elizabeth W. Grierson (1918)
This week we've added more stories...
The Fox and the Wolf
Katherine Crackernuts
Times to Sneeze
The Well o’ the World’s End
Farquhar MacNeill
Peerifool
Birthdays
Glossary
And this now completes this book.
You can get to these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../fairybook.htm
Braemar Highlands
Their Tales, Traditions and History by Elizabeth Taylor (1869)
We're now completed Part the Fourth which now completes this book.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/braemar
Robert Burns Lives!
Compiled by Frank Shaw
Two Tales of 'Tam O' Shanter' by Sarah M. Dunnigan and Gerard Carruthers
Today is treat day! Our article focuses on a look at Burns and women as presented by the University of Edinburgh’s Dr. Sarah Dunnigan and Dr. Gerard Carruthers of Glasgow University. While I cannot promise “dueling banjos”, I can promise “dueling perspectives” from our guest writers. While this article first appeared in the popular magazine Southfield’s: Six Point Two in 2000, its message is as fresh and modern as the most recently published book on display today in your local book store.
I wish to thank Sarah and Gerry for allowing Robert Burns Lives! to showcase their masterpiece of masculinity and femininity in the days of Burns with a look through current eyes and thought. It is a fun, modern piece of writing. Enjoy!
My thanks also go to Dr. Richard Price for his gracious assistance with the article. Dr. Price was one of the editors of Southfields in 2000. He gave valuable advice regarding “first publication rights” and assisted in attempts to find artist Donald MacLeod whose art appears on the front of the magazine. If any of our readers know how to contact Donald MacLeod and are willing to get in touch with me, I will email him for permission to use his art with the article. They go hand in hand!
Additionally, I would like to thank my “boss” Alastair McIntyre for taking time from a very busy schedule to work his magic and convert this article into a text file (whatever that is!) from a PDF one. Otherwise, this interesting and intriguing piece would still be sitting on my back burner where it has dwelt far too long.
A lot of time “things happen” when an article is being prepared and readied for the publishing date and this was no exception. The end note references completely disappeared, never more to surface. Poof, here one minute and gone the next! My son Scott was able to reinsert them, so a big thank-you goes to Scott who insisted I not mention his input (which I haven’t since this was a printed not verbal conversation). He has always been there to help me when needed.
And, it is time to say thanks again to the most indispensible person working on Robert Burns Lives! She has done so quietly behind the scenes each time a chapter is published – my wife and best friend for nearly 40 years - Susan. She has proofed and corrected 178 chapters on Robert Burns Lives! and she has done the same for 73 book reviews, chats with authors, and other various articles by me in A Highlander and His Books. Without her, there would be no Burns web site on ElectricScotland. She learned something in high school that I did not excel in while a student in high school, college, or graduate school – English, grammar, sentence construction and spelling. She has corrected every introduction and article I have written over the years, as well as those of some authors who, like me, would have been embarrassed without her help of which they were unaware.
Till next time! (FRS: 8.28.13)
You can read this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives179.htm
Other articles in this series can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...rank/burns.htm
Leaves from the Journal
From our life in the Highlands from 1848 to 1861 (1868)
The circumstances which have led to the publication of this Volume are, briefly, these.
During one of the Editor’s official visits to Balmoral, her Majesty very kindly allowed him to see several extracts from her journal, relating to excursions in the Highlands of Scotland. He was much interested by them; and expressed the interest which he felt. It then occurred to her Majesty that these extracts, referring, as they did, to some of the happiest hours of her life, might be made into a book, to be printed privately, for presentation to members of the Royal Family and her Majesty’s intimate friends; especially to those who had accompanied and attended her in these tours.
It was then suggested to her Majesty by some persons, among them a near and dear relative of the Queen, and afterwards by the Editor, that this work, if made known to others, would be very interesting to them as well as to the Royal Family and to her Majesty’s intimate friends. The Queen, however, said, that she had no skill whatever in authorship; that these were, for the most part, mere homely accounts of excursions near home; and that she felt extremely reluctant to publish anything written by herself.
To this the Editor respectfully replied, that, if printed at all, however limited the impression, and however careful the selection of persons to whom copies might be given, some portions of the volume, or quite as probably incorrect representations of its contents, might find their way into the public journals. It would therefore, he thought, be better at once to place the volume within the reach of her Majesty’s subjects, who would, no doubt, derive from it pleasure similar to that which it had afforded to the Editor himself. Moreover, it would be very gratifying to her subjects, who had always shown a sincere and ready sympathy with the personal joys and sorrows of their Sovereign,—to be allowed to know how her rare moments of leisure were passed in her Highland home, when every joy was heightened, and every care and sorrow diminished, by the loving companionship of the Prince Consort. With his memory the scenes to which this volume refers would always be associated. Upon these considerations her Majesty eventually consented to its publication.
While the book was being printed, the Editor suggested that it would gain in interest if other extracts were added to it, describing her Majesty’s progresses in England, Ireland, and the Channel Islands.
The Queen was pleased to assent; and the additions were accordingly made.
It will easily be seen that this little work does not make any pretension to be more than such a record of the impressions received by the Royal Author in the course of these journeys, as might hereafter serve to recall to her own mind the scenes and circumstances which had been the source of so much pleasure. All references to political questions, or to the affairs of Government, have, for obvious reasons, been studiously omitted. The book is mainly confined to the natural expressions of a mind rejoicing in the beauties of nature, and throwing itself, with a delight rendered keener by the rarity of its opportunities, into the enjoyment of a life removed, for the moment, from the pressure of public cares.
It would not be becoming in the Editor to dwell largely upon the merits of this work. He may, however, allude to the picturesque descriptions of scenery in which the work abounds; to the simplicity of diction throughout it; and to the perfect faithfulness of narration which is one of its chief characteristics; for in every page the writer describes what she thinks and feels, rather than what she might be expected to think and feel.
Moreover, he may point out the willingness to be pleased, upon which so much of the enjoyment of any tour depends : and also the exceeding kindliness of feeling—the gratitude even—with which the Royal Tourists recognize any attention paid to them, or any manifestation of the cordial attachment felt towards them, by any of her Majesty’s subjects, from the highest to the humblest, whom they happen to meet with in the course of their journeys.
The Editor thinks that he should not be doing justice to the Royal Author’s book—not doing what, if it were any other person’s work which was entrusted to his editing, he should do—if he were to forbear giving utterance to the thoughts which occurred to him in reference to the notes to the Volume.
These notes, besides indicating that peculiar memory for persons, and that recognition of personal attachment, which have been very noticeable in our Sovereigns, illustrate, in a striking manner, the Patriarchal feeling (if one may apply such a word as “patriarchal” to a lady) which is so strong in the present occupant of the Throne. Perhaps there is no person in these realms who takes a more deep and abiding interest in the welfare of the household committed to his charge than our gracious Queen does in hers, or who feels more keenly what are the reciprocal duties of masters and servants.
Nor does any one wish more ardently than her Majesty, that there should be no abrupt severance of class from class, but rather a gradual blending together of all classes,—caused by a full community of interests, a constant interchange of good offices, and a kindly respect felt and expressed by each class to all its brethren in the great brotherhood that forms a nation.
Those whose duty it has been to attend upon the Queen in matters of business, must have noticed that her Majesty, as a person well versed in the conduct of affairs, is wont to keep closely to the point at issue, and to speak of nothing but what is directly connected with the matter before her. But whenever there is an exception to this rule, it arises from her Majesty’s anxious desire to make some inquiry about the welfare of her subjects—to express her sympathy with this man’s sorrow, or on that man's bereavement—to ask what is the latest intelligence about this disaster, or that suffering, and what can be done to remedy or assuage it—thus showing, unconsciously, that she is, indeed, the Mother of her People, taking the deepest interest in all that concerns them, without respect of persons, from the highest to the lowest.
The Editor thinks that one point of interest which will incidentally be disclosed by this publication, is the aspect of the Court in these our times. What would not the historian give to have similar materials within his reach, when writing about the reigns of the great Queen Elizabeth or the good Queen Anne? There is always something in the present which has the appearance of being trivial and prosaic; but the future historian will delight in having details before him furnished by this book and by the Life of the Prince Consort, which will enable him fully to describe the reign of Victoria, and justly to appreciate the private life of a Sovereign whose public life will enter so largely into the annals of the nineteenth century.
One more remark the Editor cannot refrain from making; namely, that it is evident that her Majesty never takes for granted the services and attentions which are rendered to her, and which we all know would be rendered to her from dutiful respect and regard, but views them as especial kindnesses shown to herself, and to which she makes no claim whatever from her exalted position as a Sovereign.
This latter trait, very characteristic of the Royal Author, gives, throughout, an additional charm to the book, which, on that account alone, and apart even from its many other merits, will, the Editor doubts not, be gratefully and affectionately welcomed by the public.
London,
January, 1868.
Not only am I doing this book but will also be doing the second book "More leaves from my journal". Also on this index page of the book I have embedded videos about Young Queen Victoria, one on Victoria & Albert which is a two part video and also one on Balmoral.
You can get to all this at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/leaves/
The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 1661 - 1678
Edited by W. G. Scott-Moncrieff
It seems to me that a short sketch of the administration of Criminal Law in Scotland in former times would not be out of place by way of introduction to this curious collection of trials now presented to the members of the Scottish History Society. To those acquainted with our modem criminal courts, superior and inferior, with their well-defined jurisdictions and relative position towards each other, there seems something like chaos when their attention is turned to any such criminal record as the one before us. It deals with a period, when, although the Court of Session had been over a century in existence, the Court of Justiciary was still in the future, when mere local authorities possessed powers of startling magnitude, and the interference of the Scottish Privy Council in the administration of justice was a matter of daily occurrence. We know nothing now of justice deputes, of serious crimes being dealt with by municipal magistrates, or of special commissioners being nominated to try particular offences. Again, nothing is better known to us in the present day than our carefully developed system of public prosecution, whether by Crown counsel or by procurator fiscal, a system which works over the whole country, and deals with both small and great offences, and one of which it may be said that we, as Scotsmen, are justly proud. But in the seventeenth century we find, alongside of State prosecutions, private prosecutions, and those at which both public and private interests were represented.
That is how the very long and interesting Introduction starts and the rest of it can read on the page. I have then added a link to a pdf version of the book should you wish to download it.
You can get to this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...justiciary.htm
Plant Lore, Legends and Lyrics
By Richard Folkard (1892)
Preface
HAVING, some few years ago, been associated in the conduct of a journal devoted to horticulture, I amassed for literary purposes much of the material made use of in the present volume. Upon the discontinuance of the journal, I resolved to classify and arrange the plant lore thus accumulated, with a view to its subsequent publication, and I have since been enabled to enrich the collection with much Continental and Indian lore (which I believe is quite unknown to the great majority of English readers) from the vast store to be found in Signor De Gubernatis’ volumes on plant tradition, a French edition of which appeared two years ago, under the title of La MytJiologie des Plantes. To render the present work comprehensive and at the same time easy of reference, I have divided the volume into two sections, the first of which is, in point of fact, a digest of the second; and I have endeavoured to enhance its interest by introducing some few reproductions of curious illustrations pertaining to the subjects treated of. Whilst preferring no claim for anything beyond the exercise of considerable industry, I would state that great care and attention has been paid to the revision of the work, and that as I am both author and printer of my book, I am debarred in that dual capacity from even palliating my mistakes by describing them as "errors of the press." In tendering my acknowledgments to Prof. De Gubernatis and other authors I have consulted on the various branches of my subject, I would draw attention to the annexed list of the principal works to which reference is made in these pages.
RICHARD FOLKARD, Jun.
You can download this book in pdf format at: http://www.electricscotland.com/natu...t_folklore.htm
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in section 2 of the September 2013 issue. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
The first story in section 2 is about "Ashcraft Participates in Normandy beach Statue Unveiling honoring Piper Bill Millin" which makes a grand read.
Christina McKelvie's Column
Got in her column for 23rd August 2013.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/130823.htm
You can read her other entries at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lvie/index.htm
John Forfar, a Significant Scot
Professor John Forfar, who had died aged 96, was medical officer of 47 (Royal Marines) Commando, and won an Immediate MC for rescuing the wounded under fire at the capture of Walcheren; he went on to have a distinguished career as a paediatrician.
You can read more about him at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...orfar_john.htm
And finally...
I couldn't help but quote one of the messages in our Electric Scotland community from "Glegalass" and hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did...
Diet Dog Food
“Yesterday I was at my local Woolworths store buying a large bag of My Dog dog food for my loyal pet and was in the checkout queue when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
What did she think I had an elephant?
So, since I’m retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog. I was starting the Dog Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn’t, because I ended up in hospital last time, but I’d lost 10 kilograms before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with My Dog nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in queue was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked me if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off the kerb to sniff an Irish Setter’s arse and a car hit me.
I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. I’m now banned from Woolworths.
Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of daft things to say.
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And that's it for now and hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair
Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
The Men of the Last Frontier
Oakville, Ontario
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
The Scottish Naturalist
Thomas Dykes
Enigma Machine
Songs from John Henderson
Beauties of Dr. John Moore
The Scottish Fairy Book
Braemar Highlands
Robert Burns Lives!
Leaves from the Journal (New Book)
The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 1661 - 1678
Plant Lore, Legends and Lyrics
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Christina McKelvie's Column
John Forfar, a Significant Scot
and finally
Electric Scotland News
I've joined the COSCA Communications Group which was created to see how they can better develop communications to help Clan Societies and to encourage more people to go to Scotland for Clan Gatherings.
I have suggested that three questionnaires should be developed (1) Survey of Clan Society Members (2) General Survey of people attending Highland Games and other Scottish events. (3) A survey of local Scots in Scotland to ascertain their views of clans.
I feel that we can't start to decide how to proceed until we have good knowledge of our target market which we don't currently have.
I also feel this survey, which should aim at getting 100,000 respondents, should also engage both VisitScotland and Scottish Development International so that questions can be asked that might benefit these organisations as well.
So we'll see how this develops.
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Next week I'll be starting the book about Ardenmohr, Among the Hills, A Record of Scenery and Sports in the Highlands of Scotland by Samuel Abbott (1876)
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I continue to add the odd article to our Scots Independence section where I feel it adds to the overall debate. Some papers in there are also sometimes updated to reflect new information. I would hope that as the referendum gets nearer that those in Scotland that have a vote will take time to read all these papers.
I am waiting on an update paper on Scotland's Borders to reflect new legislation in 2012 and 2013 and will get that up when it arrives.
I have recently added three papers/articles...
Jim Gallagher: Referendum comes down to money
Rising to a challenge to make a positive case for the Union, Jim Gallagher looks at Scotland’s trade and the impact it has on the country’s economy. Scotsman 27th Aug 2013.
Also
Alex Massie: Time to think big on independence
THE independence debate should be about something grander than the details of constitutional process – it should be about what kind of a nation we aspire to be, writes Alex Massie. Article from the Scotsman 12th July 2013
Both these articles can be read at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/debate.htm
Sterling zone plan flawed
THE SNP’s plan for Scotland to share a sterling zone with the rest of the UK after independence has been dealt a serious blow after one of the country’s leading bankers warned it is perhaps fundamentally flawed. Article from the Scotsman 29th August 2013. You can read this article at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...l_services.htm
You can get to the Independence section at: http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/index.htm
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As you might know I am personally very much against Scotland being a member of the EU and I got in a communication from an expert in the Fishing Industry. In summary this is what he said...
The fishing industry in Scotland comprises a significant proportion of the United Kingdom fishing industry. A recent inquiry by the Royal Society of Edinburgh found fishing to be of much greater social, economic and cultural importance to Scotland than it is relative to the rest of the UK. Scotland has just under 8.6% of the UK population but lands at its ports over 60% of the total catch in the UK.
Many of these are ports in relatively remote communities such as Fraserburgh, Kinlochbervie or Lerwick, which are scattered along an extensive coastline and which, for centuries, have looked to fishing as the main source of employment. Restrictions imposed under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) affect all European fishing fleets, but they have proved particularly severe in recent years for the demersal or whitefish sector (boats mainly fishing for cod, haddock and whiting) of the Scottish fishing industry.
However as a direct result of being in the EU the Scottish Fishing Industry has lost some 100,000 jobs, which in turn means we have lost some £2 billion in annual revenue and as one person put it...
To summarise, - our fishing sector is much more severely depleted than we thought. We have a pelagic (mackerel) fleet of just 24 ships most of which are owned and run by greedy crooks with criminal records of misreporting and lying about catches and landings of many millions of pounds.
The once famed demersal (white fish) fleet is composed now of a few score of mainly under ten metre vessels, and its access to our coastal fishing areas is being sorely diminished by SNP sell-out to green organisations who are gradually getting control of key local fishing grounds by means of a series of legal MPAs - Marine Protected Areas.
Our prawn fleet (now earning more than the demersal boats), is in dire economic straits and struggling to survive financially. As I said many times before, - their biggest costs are not the vessels or their equipment, but two pieces of paper. - namely their licenses and their quota allocations. And our iniquitous quota trade system is seeing a steady accumulation of fishing entitlement by the powerful and wealthy - even the banks now own piles of quota, - taken off boats that slipped into debt or bankruptcy. This affects both the demersal and prawn fleets. (The pelagic boats are unaffected since not a single one of their greedy multi-millionaire owners would ever offer quota for sale).
We still have "carpet slipper" skippers; - retired fishers who got or bought quota many years ago, and now lease some of it short term to other unfortunate fishers who are struggling to get access to fish stocks.
Beyond all that, - take a look around our ports and you can see the devastation wreaked on the basic framework of the industry, in the derelict boatyards and marine workshops, and the former net chandlers now turned into touristy shops to serve the yachting fraternity. As our fishing boats have vanished, their place in our harbours has been filled up by yachts. Then there is the loss of our skilled boat-builders and engineers with the closure of their premises. The few still around now work in the oil industry.
In the face of all that I just could not draft a positive fishing policy for the future. And I see no sign that current SNP policy would change things much, - even given independence. If we had a Scottish version of UKIP, it might agree, - but we don't. The infection and misdirection of the SDA does not bode well.
What I would strongly recommend (given independence), - would be: recovery of our grounds lost to the EU; - scrapping of the quota system to put all fish stocks under national ownership and control in close partnership with local ports and fleets; - curtailing the MPAs and keeping the green organisations at arms length; - and international fishery cooperation agreements with each of the non-EU fishing states like Iceland, Norway, Faroe, Russia, etc.
However I am pretty sure that no one in any position of power would listen to such ideas.
As one poet once said (I think G K Chesterton) - "I tell you naught for your comfort, - yea not for your hearts desire, - save that the sky grows darker yet and the sea rises higher".
After reading that I just can't understand why the SNP are so determined to be a member of the EU that caused such devastation of our Fishing Industry and they now have control over all Scottish waters right up to our beaches. So if they can do that to our Fishing Industry what might they do to our off-shore energy industry?
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I might add that every day I add stories to our ScotNews Feed on our site index page. Within that you'll also find regular articles on Independence. Here is a wee selection of some of the most recent news items...
- Audit Scotland warning over further college cuts
August 28, 2013 11:00:16 pm
Scotland's college merger programme will have to find more savings in the face of continued funding cuts, the public spending watchdog has warned. - A good Democracy?
August 28, 2013 10:57:50 pm
The Electoral Reform Society Scotland has outlined a series of recommendations stemming from members of the public who participated in their 13-month Democracy Max inquiry. These ideas are aimed at improving Scottish democracy in the context of the independence referendum. - Scots encouraged to pick wild berries
August 28, 2013 10:55:33 pm
SCOTS should get out into the countryside and pick wild berries after this year?s warm summer produced a bumper crop of fruit in the nation's hedgerows and forests. - New survey reveals Scots habits, loves, and hates
August 28, 2013 10:52:54 pm
A TYPICAL adult in Scotland is increasingly irritated by the antisocial behaviour of animals, ever more reliant on the internet and less likely than in previous years to smoke or play golf. - Scottish independence: Sterling zone plan flawed
August 28, 2013 10:29:36 pm
THE SNP?s plan for Scotland to share a sterling zone with the rest of the UK after independence has been dealt a serious blow after one of the country's leading bankers warned it is perhaps fundamentally flawed. - Iron Age roundhouse revealed in Borders dig
August 27, 2013 11:17:46 pm
A team of archaeologists working in the Scottish Borders has discovered a late Iron Age roundhouse and a range of artefacts around it.
Electric Canadian
The Men of the Last Frontier
By Grey Owl (1932)
A fair bit of discussion on this book in our newsletter forum. I've since added a short video about him along with a full movie. However it seems the movie did not do a very good job of portraying Grey Owl so that's now been taken off the page. You can see the movie if you wish by searching for Grey Owl on YouTube.
Now up to Chapter 4 of the book which you can read at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...es/greyowl.htm
Oakville, Ontario
Have now added part of the book about Oakville in Ontario which was the largest port but was eventually overtaken by Toronto. You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...o/oakville.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss. Alison Thewliss has been a Councillor for the Calton Ward in Glasgow since 2007, and a member of the SNP since she was at school. She is a former Convener of Young Scots for Independence. Alison lives in Glasgow with her husband Joe and son Alexander (or 'toddler nat' to those following on twitter @alisonthewliss).
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
We are on Volume 10 and have now added the July 1913 issue. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume10.htm
There is an article in this issue about four Representative Documents that tell the story of Scotland. This is an interesting read.
Also an other article on Thomas Blacklock...
TO his contemporaries Thomas Blacklock, the blind poet, seemed a figure of considerable importance. David Hume spoke with great respect of his talents, and Samuel Johnson was glad to become personally acquainted with him. In a rare book on 'Living Authors ' published in London three years before Blacklock's death, he is allotted almost as much space as his countryman, Robert Burns, and about half as much as the chief English poet of the time, William Cowper. The name of Blacklock is still a household word in Scotland: but he owes his enduring fame, not to his formal verse, which has few admirers now, but to the fact that he was the first literary man of established reputation who recognised the genius of Burns. Blacklock was born at Annan in 1721.
We do as it happens have a couple of pages about him on the site and you can use our site search engine to locate them.
You can read the previous issues at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/review/
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
This book is by Robert Chambers who is famous for collecting old Scottish Songs.
Added another three songs...
Bessy Bell and Mary Gray
The Last Time I Came O're The Muir
The Young Laird and Edinburgh Katie
You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.htm
The Scottish Naturalist
I added Volume 4 - 1877/1878 and Volume 5 - 1879/1880
You can get to these volumes at: http://www.electricscotland.com/nature/naturalist.htm
Thomas Dykes
(1850, Dundonald, Ayrshire - 1916, London, England) Journalist and Author
Added a couple more articles...
Our Opening Day on the Moors
’Tween the Flags
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...kes_thomas.htm
Enigma Machine
This is where we are publishing this set of puzzles created by Doug Ross which can now be found in Doctor's Surgeries, Old Folks Homes, etc.
Added Enigma Machine 29 puzzle which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma029.htm
The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm
Songs from John Henderson
John has sent us in another song "Days O' Lang Syne" which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel509.htm
His other songs can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
Beauties of Dr. John Moore
Selected from the moral, philosophical, and miscellaneous works of that esteemed author, to which are added, a new biographical and critical account of the doctor and his writings, and notes, historical, classical, and explanatory.
Added Pages 253 to 301. The book is available at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...moore_john.htm
The Scottish Fairy Book
By Elizabeth W. Grierson (1918)
This week we've added more stories...
The Fox and the Wolf
Katherine Crackernuts
Times to Sneeze
The Well o’ the World’s End
Farquhar MacNeill
Peerifool
Birthdays
Glossary
And this now completes this book.
You can get to these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../fairybook.htm
Braemar Highlands
Their Tales, Traditions and History by Elizabeth Taylor (1869)
We're now completed Part the Fourth which now completes this book.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/braemar
Robert Burns Lives!
Compiled by Frank Shaw
Two Tales of 'Tam O' Shanter' by Sarah M. Dunnigan and Gerard Carruthers
Today is treat day! Our article focuses on a look at Burns and women as presented by the University of Edinburgh’s Dr. Sarah Dunnigan and Dr. Gerard Carruthers of Glasgow University. While I cannot promise “dueling banjos”, I can promise “dueling perspectives” from our guest writers. While this article first appeared in the popular magazine Southfield’s: Six Point Two in 2000, its message is as fresh and modern as the most recently published book on display today in your local book store.
I wish to thank Sarah and Gerry for allowing Robert Burns Lives! to showcase their masterpiece of masculinity and femininity in the days of Burns with a look through current eyes and thought. It is a fun, modern piece of writing. Enjoy!
My thanks also go to Dr. Richard Price for his gracious assistance with the article. Dr. Price was one of the editors of Southfields in 2000. He gave valuable advice regarding “first publication rights” and assisted in attempts to find artist Donald MacLeod whose art appears on the front of the magazine. If any of our readers know how to contact Donald MacLeod and are willing to get in touch with me, I will email him for permission to use his art with the article. They go hand in hand!
Additionally, I would like to thank my “boss” Alastair McIntyre for taking time from a very busy schedule to work his magic and convert this article into a text file (whatever that is!) from a PDF one. Otherwise, this interesting and intriguing piece would still be sitting on my back burner where it has dwelt far too long.
A lot of time “things happen” when an article is being prepared and readied for the publishing date and this was no exception. The end note references completely disappeared, never more to surface. Poof, here one minute and gone the next! My son Scott was able to reinsert them, so a big thank-you goes to Scott who insisted I not mention his input (which I haven’t since this was a printed not verbal conversation). He has always been there to help me when needed.
And, it is time to say thanks again to the most indispensible person working on Robert Burns Lives! She has done so quietly behind the scenes each time a chapter is published – my wife and best friend for nearly 40 years - Susan. She has proofed and corrected 178 chapters on Robert Burns Lives! and she has done the same for 73 book reviews, chats with authors, and other various articles by me in A Highlander and His Books. Without her, there would be no Burns web site on ElectricScotland. She learned something in high school that I did not excel in while a student in high school, college, or graduate school – English, grammar, sentence construction and spelling. She has corrected every introduction and article I have written over the years, as well as those of some authors who, like me, would have been embarrassed without her help of which they were unaware.
Till next time! (FRS: 8.28.13)
You can read this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives179.htm
Other articles in this series can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...rank/burns.htm
Leaves from the Journal
From our life in the Highlands from 1848 to 1861 (1868)
The circumstances which have led to the publication of this Volume are, briefly, these.
During one of the Editor’s official visits to Balmoral, her Majesty very kindly allowed him to see several extracts from her journal, relating to excursions in the Highlands of Scotland. He was much interested by them; and expressed the interest which he felt. It then occurred to her Majesty that these extracts, referring, as they did, to some of the happiest hours of her life, might be made into a book, to be printed privately, for presentation to members of the Royal Family and her Majesty’s intimate friends; especially to those who had accompanied and attended her in these tours.
It was then suggested to her Majesty by some persons, among them a near and dear relative of the Queen, and afterwards by the Editor, that this work, if made known to others, would be very interesting to them as well as to the Royal Family and to her Majesty’s intimate friends. The Queen, however, said, that she had no skill whatever in authorship; that these were, for the most part, mere homely accounts of excursions near home; and that she felt extremely reluctant to publish anything written by herself.
To this the Editor respectfully replied, that, if printed at all, however limited the impression, and however careful the selection of persons to whom copies might be given, some portions of the volume, or quite as probably incorrect representations of its contents, might find their way into the public journals. It would therefore, he thought, be better at once to place the volume within the reach of her Majesty’s subjects, who would, no doubt, derive from it pleasure similar to that which it had afforded to the Editor himself. Moreover, it would be very gratifying to her subjects, who had always shown a sincere and ready sympathy with the personal joys and sorrows of their Sovereign,—to be allowed to know how her rare moments of leisure were passed in her Highland home, when every joy was heightened, and every care and sorrow diminished, by the loving companionship of the Prince Consort. With his memory the scenes to which this volume refers would always be associated. Upon these considerations her Majesty eventually consented to its publication.
While the book was being printed, the Editor suggested that it would gain in interest if other extracts were added to it, describing her Majesty’s progresses in England, Ireland, and the Channel Islands.
The Queen was pleased to assent; and the additions were accordingly made.
It will easily be seen that this little work does not make any pretension to be more than such a record of the impressions received by the Royal Author in the course of these journeys, as might hereafter serve to recall to her own mind the scenes and circumstances which had been the source of so much pleasure. All references to political questions, or to the affairs of Government, have, for obvious reasons, been studiously omitted. The book is mainly confined to the natural expressions of a mind rejoicing in the beauties of nature, and throwing itself, with a delight rendered keener by the rarity of its opportunities, into the enjoyment of a life removed, for the moment, from the pressure of public cares.
It would not be becoming in the Editor to dwell largely upon the merits of this work. He may, however, allude to the picturesque descriptions of scenery in which the work abounds; to the simplicity of diction throughout it; and to the perfect faithfulness of narration which is one of its chief characteristics; for in every page the writer describes what she thinks and feels, rather than what she might be expected to think and feel.
Moreover, he may point out the willingness to be pleased, upon which so much of the enjoyment of any tour depends : and also the exceeding kindliness of feeling—the gratitude even—with which the Royal Tourists recognize any attention paid to them, or any manifestation of the cordial attachment felt towards them, by any of her Majesty’s subjects, from the highest to the humblest, whom they happen to meet with in the course of their journeys.
The Editor thinks that he should not be doing justice to the Royal Author’s book—not doing what, if it were any other person’s work which was entrusted to his editing, he should do—if he were to forbear giving utterance to the thoughts which occurred to him in reference to the notes to the Volume.
These notes, besides indicating that peculiar memory for persons, and that recognition of personal attachment, which have been very noticeable in our Sovereigns, illustrate, in a striking manner, the Patriarchal feeling (if one may apply such a word as “patriarchal” to a lady) which is so strong in the present occupant of the Throne. Perhaps there is no person in these realms who takes a more deep and abiding interest in the welfare of the household committed to his charge than our gracious Queen does in hers, or who feels more keenly what are the reciprocal duties of masters and servants.
Nor does any one wish more ardently than her Majesty, that there should be no abrupt severance of class from class, but rather a gradual blending together of all classes,—caused by a full community of interests, a constant interchange of good offices, and a kindly respect felt and expressed by each class to all its brethren in the great brotherhood that forms a nation.
Those whose duty it has been to attend upon the Queen in matters of business, must have noticed that her Majesty, as a person well versed in the conduct of affairs, is wont to keep closely to the point at issue, and to speak of nothing but what is directly connected with the matter before her. But whenever there is an exception to this rule, it arises from her Majesty’s anxious desire to make some inquiry about the welfare of her subjects—to express her sympathy with this man’s sorrow, or on that man's bereavement—to ask what is the latest intelligence about this disaster, or that suffering, and what can be done to remedy or assuage it—thus showing, unconsciously, that she is, indeed, the Mother of her People, taking the deepest interest in all that concerns them, without respect of persons, from the highest to the lowest.
The Editor thinks that one point of interest which will incidentally be disclosed by this publication, is the aspect of the Court in these our times. What would not the historian give to have similar materials within his reach, when writing about the reigns of the great Queen Elizabeth or the good Queen Anne? There is always something in the present which has the appearance of being trivial and prosaic; but the future historian will delight in having details before him furnished by this book and by the Life of the Prince Consort, which will enable him fully to describe the reign of Victoria, and justly to appreciate the private life of a Sovereign whose public life will enter so largely into the annals of the nineteenth century.
One more remark the Editor cannot refrain from making; namely, that it is evident that her Majesty never takes for granted the services and attentions which are rendered to her, and which we all know would be rendered to her from dutiful respect and regard, but views them as especial kindnesses shown to herself, and to which she makes no claim whatever from her exalted position as a Sovereign.
This latter trait, very characteristic of the Royal Author, gives, throughout, an additional charm to the book, which, on that account alone, and apart even from its many other merits, will, the Editor doubts not, be gratefully and affectionately welcomed by the public.
London,
January, 1868.
Not only am I doing this book but will also be doing the second book "More leaves from my journal". Also on this index page of the book I have embedded videos about Young Queen Victoria, one on Victoria & Albert which is a two part video and also one on Balmoral.
You can get to all this at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/leaves/
The Records of the Proceedings of the Justiciary Court 1661 - 1678
Edited by W. G. Scott-Moncrieff
It seems to me that a short sketch of the administration of Criminal Law in Scotland in former times would not be out of place by way of introduction to this curious collection of trials now presented to the members of the Scottish History Society. To those acquainted with our modem criminal courts, superior and inferior, with their well-defined jurisdictions and relative position towards each other, there seems something like chaos when their attention is turned to any such criminal record as the one before us. It deals with a period, when, although the Court of Session had been over a century in existence, the Court of Justiciary was still in the future, when mere local authorities possessed powers of startling magnitude, and the interference of the Scottish Privy Council in the administration of justice was a matter of daily occurrence. We know nothing now of justice deputes, of serious crimes being dealt with by municipal magistrates, or of special commissioners being nominated to try particular offences. Again, nothing is better known to us in the present day than our carefully developed system of public prosecution, whether by Crown counsel or by procurator fiscal, a system which works over the whole country, and deals with both small and great offences, and one of which it may be said that we, as Scotsmen, are justly proud. But in the seventeenth century we find, alongside of State prosecutions, private prosecutions, and those at which both public and private interests were represented.
That is how the very long and interesting Introduction starts and the rest of it can read on the page. I have then added a link to a pdf version of the book should you wish to download it.
You can get to this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...justiciary.htm
Plant Lore, Legends and Lyrics
By Richard Folkard (1892)
Preface
HAVING, some few years ago, been associated in the conduct of a journal devoted to horticulture, I amassed for literary purposes much of the material made use of in the present volume. Upon the discontinuance of the journal, I resolved to classify and arrange the plant lore thus accumulated, with a view to its subsequent publication, and I have since been enabled to enrich the collection with much Continental and Indian lore (which I believe is quite unknown to the great majority of English readers) from the vast store to be found in Signor De Gubernatis’ volumes on plant tradition, a French edition of which appeared two years ago, under the title of La MytJiologie des Plantes. To render the present work comprehensive and at the same time easy of reference, I have divided the volume into two sections, the first of which is, in point of fact, a digest of the second; and I have endeavoured to enhance its interest by introducing some few reproductions of curious illustrations pertaining to the subjects treated of. Whilst preferring no claim for anything beyond the exercise of considerable industry, I would state that great care and attention has been paid to the revision of the work, and that as I am both author and printer of my book, I am debarred in that dual capacity from even palliating my mistakes by describing them as "errors of the press." In tendering my acknowledgments to Prof. De Gubernatis and other authors I have consulted on the various branches of my subject, I would draw attention to the annexed list of the principal works to which reference is made in these pages.
RICHARD FOLKARD, Jun.
You can download this book in pdf format at: http://www.electricscotland.com/natu...t_folklore.htm
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in section 2 of the September 2013 issue. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
The first story in section 2 is about "Ashcraft Participates in Normandy beach Statue Unveiling honoring Piper Bill Millin" which makes a grand read.
Christina McKelvie's Column
Got in her column for 23rd August 2013.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/130823.htm
You can read her other entries at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lvie/index.htm
John Forfar, a Significant Scot
Professor John Forfar, who had died aged 96, was medical officer of 47 (Royal Marines) Commando, and won an Immediate MC for rescuing the wounded under fire at the capture of Walcheren; he went on to have a distinguished career as a paediatrician.
You can read more about him at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...orfar_john.htm
And finally...
I couldn't help but quote one of the messages in our Electric Scotland community from "Glegalass" and hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did...
Diet Dog Food
“Yesterday I was at my local Woolworths store buying a large bag of My Dog dog food for my loyal pet and was in the checkout queue when a woman behind me asked if I had a dog.
What did she think I had an elephant?
So, since I’m retired and have little to do, on impulse I told her that no, I didn’t have a dog. I was starting the Dog Diet again. I added that I probably shouldn’t, because I ended up in hospital last time, but I’d lost 10 kilograms before I woke up in intensive care with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.
I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and that the way that it works is to load your pockets with My Dog nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so it works well and I was going to try it again. (I have to mention here that practically everyone in queue was now enthralled with my story.)
Horrified, she asked me if I ended up in intensive care because the dog food poisoned me. I told her no, I stepped off the kerb to sniff an Irish Setter’s arse and a car hit me.
I thought the guy behind her was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard. I’m now banned from Woolworths.
Better watch what you ask retired people. They have all the time in the world to think of daft things to say.
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And that's it for now and hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair