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CONTENTS
Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
Memoir of the Right Reverend John Strachan
The Great Canadian Tour
David Thomson, Explorer
Quest For The Bay
The War of 1812
Solutreans Are Indigenous Americans
500 Nations The Story of Indian Americans
Les Stroud (Survivorman) - Off The Grid
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
Thomas Dykes
Enigma Machine
Leaves from the Journal
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
Lord Charles Neaves
Autumnal Rambles Among The Scottish Mountains
Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association
William Creech
Scottish Philosophy
The Family of John and Janet 'Jessie' (Ross) McLennan of Inverness
Robert Burns
Some old film clips
Dundee Celebrities of the Nineteenth Century
Sir Charles Wyville Thomson
National Borders of Scotland
Riverside Cottage
James Lumsden
John Rae
Bruce and Bannockburn
Clan Leslie International
and finally
Electric Scotland News
No particular news this week other than to say time seems to be moving very quick these days in that it just seems like yesterday I finished the last newsletter and here we are again.
I will make one observation which is nothing to do with Scotland other than coming from a Scot. I have been working on the newsletter for the Grand Priory of Canada of the Knights Templar (OSMTH) which I hope to have a copy for you to read at some point. That is to say that I've completed my part but still waiting on the Grand Prior to send in his report so right now it's some 2 weeks overdue.
That said one of the charitable efforts of the Knights Templar of OSMTH is to help support Christians in the Holy Land. To that end I have been doing some research on the situation in Egypt, Syria, Iran, etc. to help educate the Knights and Dames on the issues involved.
One thing that puzzles me is that NATO countries on the whole want to remove Asad from Syria. However in my own research Asad has always supported the Christians in Syria and other minorities. The revolt in Syria has been led by the Sunni's who are the majority. I find they are the same group that has attacked some 60 churches in Egypt as well as many car bombings of other ethnic groups in Iraq. Their stated aim is to create an Islamic state in Syria.
I thus find it hard to understand why NATO countries, being mainly Christian countries, are so against Asad who not only supports Christians but also gave them a place in the Government of the country.
Anyway... once I get the newsletter published I have a lot more on this issue in there which you can read if you want once it's available.
-----
I did find a book about the Top 12 Golf Courses in Britain and the first six of them are in Scotland. I have decided to ocr this in for the site although I am conscious that over the years all courses go through changes and especially due to the more modern game offering better clubs and balls.
Electric Canadian
Memoir of the Right Reverend John Strachan
First Bishop of Toronto by A. N. Bethune, his successor in the See (1870)
Now up to Chapter 17 so another 7 chapters added this week which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...chan/index.htm
The Great Canadian Tour
A Series of videos taking you around Canada which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...adian_tour.htm
David Thomson
Found a good video about this great map maker and explorer which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran.../chapter16.htm
Quest For The Bay
Quest For The Bay is "living history" series about eight "average people" (7 men and one women) who volunteer to relive an adventure. The epic 1200 kilometer journey by the Hudson's Bay Company fur traders of 1840s from Winnipeg, to the Hudson Bay. You can watch this series at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...nbay/index.htm
The War of 1812
Found a video of the war of 1812 which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist.../chapter19.htm
Solutreans Are Indigenous Americans
A video documentary which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...solutreans.htm
500 Nations The Story of Indian Americans
5 part video plus a couple of others all of which provide a lot of information about Native American peoples. You can watch these at:http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...500nations.htm
Les Stroud (Survivorman) - Off The Grid
Les does quite a few videos about surviving in all kinds of locations in the world but here he is showing how him and his family tried to live off the Grid in Canada. You can view this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...les_stroud.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss in which she provides an article about the debates on Independence with some links to some you can view. Didn't see the Synopsis this week.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
We are on Volume 12 and have now added the October 1914 issue. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume12.htm
In Part 1 we get an interesting article about Scotland and the Spanish Armada. There is also an interesting article on John Barclay. This last one on Barclay is of particular interest as it highlights a problem we don't usually consider and that is the transition from writing in Latin to writing in Scots or English. The article makes a point that a Latin publication of much merit became unknown as we transitioned to English. To me this means that there are likely Latin texts out there that can provide good information but we no longer know of them.
I might add that I am also aware of a 2 volume book about the Scots in France but as it's in French I have been unable to use it on the site other than offer a link to it.
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...
Busk Ye, Busk Ye
Ah, The Poor Shepherd's Mournful Fate
The Brume O' The Cowdenknowes
You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.htm
Thomas Dykes
(1850, Dundonald, Ayrshire - 1916, London, England) Journalist and Author
Added a couple more articles to his "All Round Sport" book.
The First of September
Wronging Reynard
I hope you are enjoying these stories and here is how the story on "The First of September" starts...
HARVEST was early in the year 187-. The cereals had grown well, and been early in the blade, and a scorching sunshine during the dog-days had changed what had been a waving mass of green into a long plain of yellow, in one of the sweetest of Yorkshire vales, in the course of a fortnight. Farmers—the acknowledged champions of grumbling—were grumbling because they had actually nothing to complain about, and stewards met their landlords with smiling faces, which seemed to say, "A little more of this sort of thing and there will be no need for abatements." When people look into the happy, smiling face of Nature they are forced to smile and look happy too; and so they did that year in the little Vale of Beckham, where everyone was cheery, from the village pedagogue, who dismissed his scholars to let them work in the field, down to the little "yokeling" who was just learning his letters, and with whom ever afterwards harvest would be associated with holidays and with pleasure. The hay, too, had been well secured the turnips had escaped the fly, and were a strong-growing and a healthy crop; and the only fear which existed regarding the potatoes was that they might prove too numerous, and that a good price would not be obtainable for them. Matters, these, of small importance to the City man; matters, these, however, of vital interest to the folks of the country. Poor crop, short rent to the landlord; and poor crop, small pittance to the people. Hunger was, no doubt, the first Radical, and he comes to the platform every year yet when short harvests are the cause of empty bellies.
.
It was, therefore, satisfactory to see on all sides, as we drove through the Vale mentioned, the signs of plenty, and that great progress had been made with the work of harvesting. Broad acres of wheat stood in stacks, and broad acres had been bared, the ragged, rough edges of the newly-built cones in the farm- yard showing that all hands about the homestead had been busy in the work of leading. Still, there were a good many acres which had to fall to the reaper, and one could readily see that the newly-flushed coveys would find shelter in many places, where dog and man would not be allowed to follow, for grain must always come under consideration before game, privileged as a sportsman may be to wade through marigolds or swedes. Still, in the cool morning air, in which there was a. slight touch of that early autumn frost which nips the leaves, we could see that there was quite enough of ground bare to allow of our making a fair bag, though it must be said the 1st of September is a little too early for partridge-shooting generally. With a smart rattle downhill, we were soon at the approach which led to the keeper's lodge. We were London sportsmen who held no lease, and therefore his (the keeper's) home in the woodlands was our headquarters. We found him, along with a brace of light lemon-coloured pointers, all in readiness for the day's work.
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 34 puzzle which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma034.htm
The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm
Leaves from the Journal
From our life in the Highlands from 1848 to 1861 (1868)
We've added more chapters to this book...
Expedition to Inchrory 30 Sept. 1859
Ascent of Ben Muich Dhui 7 Oct. 1859
First Great Expedition:—To Glen Fishie and Grantown 4 Sept. 1860
Second Great Expedition:—To Invermarh and Fettercairn 20 Sept. 1861
Expedition to Loch Avon 28 Sept. 1861
Third Great Expedition :—To Glen Fishie, Dalwhinnie, and Blair Athole 8 Oct. 1861
Last Expedition 16 Oct. 1861
These chapters now complete the first book and so we'll now be starting the second and final book.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/leaves/
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
A new book we're starting which we're adding to the foot of our History of Stirlingshire page.
This week I added the chapters on The View from Stirling Castle and The Parish Church.
You can get to this book which we'll be adding to over the next few weeks at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stirlingshire at the foot of the page.
Lord Charles Neaves
Added three more of his poems...
A Song of Proverbs
A Song of Truisms
How to Make a Novel
You can view these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...es_charles.htm
Autumnal Rambles Among The Scottish Mountains
or Pedestrian Tourist's Friend by The Rev. Thomas Grierson, Minister of Kirkbean (1900)
Now have several chapters up from this book...
A Morning Ramble in Glen Rosa in 1844
The Highlands of Galloway.—Merrick, Loch Enoch, &c., in 1846
A Few Days of Recreation in 1848
The Ochils, Alva, &c., in 1849
A Week in Skye in the Autumn of 1849 - Postscript—March, 1850
Moffat and its Mountains, &c., in 1850
A Fortnight on Deeside, Edinburgh, Perth, Glammis, &c.
Kirriemuir, Clova, &c.
Loch Muick, Lochnagar, &c.
Here is how the chapter on "A Morning Ramble in Glen Rosa in 1844" starts...
Some years ago, I sent you, in three letters, an account of "Three Days in Arran.” It may be remembered by some of your readers, that, on the first of these, I was benighted in Glen Rosa, after visiting Goatfell and Glen Sannox, and that upon that occasion I got many severe falls and bruises, owing to the roughness of the ground and the darkness of the night. Having occasion to be in the same most interesting island last week for one night, I resolved, before breakfast next morning, to explore the scene of my former adventures; and having been informed that the communications above alluded to were read with considerable interest, I hope the present may be so also.
I left Mrs Jamieson’s inn betwixt five and six o’clock, and, owing to misdirection, or, more probably, my own blunder, I kept the Goatfell side of the glen (which is neither so direct nor comfortable as the other), till I reached the quarter where mv jeopardy began, about four miles above the village of Brodick. At this place, there is nearly an end to all vegetable productions) with the exception of occasional tufts of heather. I crossed the stream at the upper end of a pool, over which hang the birch and mountain ash, but of such stunted dimensions as to indicate their expiring effort. The pool itself is one of the most tempting to the bather I ever saw, especially on such a morning as was the 3d of July. It is of considerable length and depth, fenced by a perpendicular wall of granite, ten or twelve feet high, and paved with the same substance. At the upper end is a cascade; and the water was as cool and limpid as can be conceived. After indulging in the luxuries <of the bath, I ascended the sharp rocky ridge in a direct line between Goatfell and Ben-Oosh, and was amply recompensed for my exertions. From this ridge, which may be about 1800 feet above the sea-level, you command a full view of the more lofty peaks in the island, comprehending, besides those that have significant Gaelic designations, many "huge nameless rocks,” particularly arresting the attention of the pedestrian. Immediately around you, are Ben-Oosh, Caimnacaillach, Kier-Vohr, Goatfell, &c. These exhibit, when viewed in certain directions, the most fantastic shapes imaginable. Some of the masses of granite resemble prodigious waggons, or hay-stacks; others seem sharp as needles, and rise in regular succession, like the teeth of a saw, or the comb of a cock. Immediately beside and under me, lay a huge excavation, fenced by nearly perpendicular cliffs, much resembling the crater oi an extinct volcano, which I greatly regretted I had not time minutely to explore. The whole scene presented itself under the most favourable circumstances, and was one which I shall never forget.
You can read the rest of this chapter at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter02.htm
You can read the other chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...bles/index.htm
Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association
Got in a copy of their newsletter for October 2013 which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/lifestyle/bmha
William Creech
I came across one of his books, "Edinburgh Fugutive Pieces" so decided to add it to our wee bio about him. It does also contain a longer account of his life.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ch_william.htm
Scottish Philosophy
I added a couple of books on Scottish Philosophy to plug a wee bit of gap in our knowledge. Most of you will have heard of David Hume and Adam Smith but there were lots of other Scotsmen doing important work in this area and so the two books I've added will provide more detail about them.
You can get to these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...philosophy.htm
The Family of John and Janet 'Jessie' (Ross) McLennan of Inverness
Compiled by John Henderson.
John Henderson writes....
While searching on archive.org using the key word 'muckle', I discovered three books of short stories by a man named Malcolm McLennan, v.i.z. 'Peasant Life', (1871), 'Benoni Blake M.D.' (1871) and 'Muckle Jock and Other Stories Of Peasant Life In The North' (1891).
I read the 'tear-jerking' first short story, 'Muckle Jock' from the 1871 book, 'Peasant Life', and admired the author's work immensely, as well as being intrigued by a reader's handwritten annotation on the title page.
And so you can read more on what John found and also the book at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/mclennan.htm
Robert Burns
I added three videos about Robert Burns to our Burns page. You can get to these at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/burns
Some old film clips.
Added a couple of links to collections of old film clips about Scotland. What caught my attention about these is the first collection which starts with girls skipping in the streets. I remembered we'd created a section of the site for "Street Poetry" where visitors had sent in some of the old songs they remembered from their youth and amongst these were some old skipping songs. So I decided to place these videos on the index page of that section which you can get to at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...at/spoetry.htm
Dundee Celebrities of the Nineteenth Century
Being a series of Biographies of Distinguished or Noted Persons connected by Birth, Residence, Official Appointment, or Otherwise, with the Town of Dundee; and who have died during the present century. Compiled by W. Norrie (1873).
You can get to this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...elebrities.htm
Sir Charles Wyville Thomson
Added this famous Naturalist to our Famous Scots section. He was the head of the "Challenger" expedition which was the first attempt at exploring the depths of the world's oceans. I also found a video about him as well so added that to the page.
You can find this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...on_charles.htm
National Borders of Scotland
Got in an update on this paper to reflect the most up to date information. In the event that Scotland votes for independence then this document will be crucial to the negotiations.
You can view this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...nd_borders.htm
Riverside Cottage
I have been looking for this series for a fair time and at long last found it. This is a series of Hugh buying a cottage with some land and trying out self sufficiency. This was a series I very much enjoyed watching in Scotland although it is situated in Dorset in England.
You can get to this series at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/agriculture/index.htm
James Lumsden
A Significant East Lothian Author.
The following information has been gleaned from the 'John Gray Centre' in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, Lumsden's publications, and John Henderson's genealogical research ........
James Lumsden aka 'Samuel Mucklebackit', was the author of several books of poetry, short tales and plays, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Among these are many items in Scots and English about places in East Lothian. Also, if one reads between the lines, these tend to suggest that there is a core of reality around which Mucklebackit's writings relate to incidents in, and aspects from, James Lumsden’s own experiences.
You can read about him at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...sden_james.htm
John Rae
Added this explorer to our Significant Scots page.
I came across this person by reading an article about him in the Scotsman newspaper so did some research and found a fair bit about him. As it happens there was a 6 part video series done about his explorations which I've also added to the page.
You can find this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...r/rae_john.htm
Bruce and Bannockburn
Added a 2 hour video about Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn which you can view at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/bruce
Clan Leslie International
Got a copy of their Aug/Sep 2013 newsletter. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...ters/leslieint
And finally...
Och! La! La!
THE desire for puns in Glasgow has not diminished, it seems.
The French-sounding La Bonne Auberge restaurant has a new children's menu. It's called the "Oui Ones Menu".
-----
Extraordinary!
Some women, only some mark you, have a series of stock questions to ask so that they appear to have an interest in football when they have none at all. Such as when a chap phoned home during the Champions League final and his wife asked: "Are you not watching the football?"
"It's going into extra time," he replied.
"Who's winning?" she asked.
-----
And that's it for now and hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair
Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
Memoir of the Right Reverend John Strachan
The Great Canadian Tour
David Thomson, Explorer
Quest For The Bay
The War of 1812
Solutreans Are Indigenous Americans
500 Nations The Story of Indian Americans
Les Stroud (Survivorman) - Off The Grid
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
Thomas Dykes
Enigma Machine
Leaves from the Journal
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
Lord Charles Neaves
Autumnal Rambles Among The Scottish Mountains
Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association
William Creech
Scottish Philosophy
The Family of John and Janet 'Jessie' (Ross) McLennan of Inverness
Robert Burns
Some old film clips
Dundee Celebrities of the Nineteenth Century
Sir Charles Wyville Thomson
National Borders of Scotland
Riverside Cottage
James Lumsden
John Rae
Bruce and Bannockburn
Clan Leslie International
and finally
Electric Scotland News
No particular news this week other than to say time seems to be moving very quick these days in that it just seems like yesterday I finished the last newsletter and here we are again.
I will make one observation which is nothing to do with Scotland other than coming from a Scot. I have been working on the newsletter for the Grand Priory of Canada of the Knights Templar (OSMTH) which I hope to have a copy for you to read at some point. That is to say that I've completed my part but still waiting on the Grand Prior to send in his report so right now it's some 2 weeks overdue.
That said one of the charitable efforts of the Knights Templar of OSMTH is to help support Christians in the Holy Land. To that end I have been doing some research on the situation in Egypt, Syria, Iran, etc. to help educate the Knights and Dames on the issues involved.
One thing that puzzles me is that NATO countries on the whole want to remove Asad from Syria. However in my own research Asad has always supported the Christians in Syria and other minorities. The revolt in Syria has been led by the Sunni's who are the majority. I find they are the same group that has attacked some 60 churches in Egypt as well as many car bombings of other ethnic groups in Iraq. Their stated aim is to create an Islamic state in Syria.
I thus find it hard to understand why NATO countries, being mainly Christian countries, are so against Asad who not only supports Christians but also gave them a place in the Government of the country.
Anyway... once I get the newsletter published I have a lot more on this issue in there which you can read if you want once it's available.
-----
I did find a book about the Top 12 Golf Courses in Britain and the first six of them are in Scotland. I have decided to ocr this in for the site although I am conscious that over the years all courses go through changes and especially due to the more modern game offering better clubs and balls.
Electric Canadian
Memoir of the Right Reverend John Strachan
First Bishop of Toronto by A. N. Bethune, his successor in the See (1870)
Now up to Chapter 17 so another 7 chapters added this week which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...chan/index.htm
The Great Canadian Tour
A Series of videos taking you around Canada which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...adian_tour.htm
David Thomson
Found a good video about this great map maker and explorer which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran.../chapter16.htm
Quest For The Bay
Quest For The Bay is "living history" series about eight "average people" (7 men and one women) who volunteer to relive an adventure. The epic 1200 kilometer journey by the Hudson's Bay Company fur traders of 1840s from Winnipeg, to the Hudson Bay. You can watch this series at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...nbay/index.htm
The War of 1812
Found a video of the war of 1812 which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist.../chapter19.htm
Solutreans Are Indigenous Americans
A video documentary which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...solutreans.htm
500 Nations The Story of Indian Americans
5 part video plus a couple of others all of which provide a lot of information about Native American peoples. You can watch these at:http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...500nations.htm
Les Stroud (Survivorman) - Off The Grid
Les does quite a few videos about surviving in all kinds of locations in the world but here he is showing how him and his family tried to live off the Grid in Canada. You can view this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...les_stroud.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss in which she provides an article about the debates on Independence with some links to some you can view. Didn't see the Synopsis this week.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
We are on Volume 12 and have now added the October 1914 issue. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume12.htm
In Part 1 we get an interesting article about Scotland and the Spanish Armada. There is also an interesting article on John Barclay. This last one on Barclay is of particular interest as it highlights a problem we don't usually consider and that is the transition from writing in Latin to writing in Scots or English. The article makes a point that a Latin publication of much merit became unknown as we transitioned to English. To me this means that there are likely Latin texts out there that can provide good information but we no longer know of them.
I might add that I am also aware of a 2 volume book about the Scots in France but as it's in French I have been unable to use it on the site other than offer a link to it.
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...
Busk Ye, Busk Ye
Ah, The Poor Shepherd's Mournful Fate
The Brume O' The Cowdenknowes
You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.htm
Thomas Dykes
(1850, Dundonald, Ayrshire - 1916, London, England) Journalist and Author
Added a couple more articles to his "All Round Sport" book.
The First of September
Wronging Reynard
I hope you are enjoying these stories and here is how the story on "The First of September" starts...
HARVEST was early in the year 187-. The cereals had grown well, and been early in the blade, and a scorching sunshine during the dog-days had changed what had been a waving mass of green into a long plain of yellow, in one of the sweetest of Yorkshire vales, in the course of a fortnight. Farmers—the acknowledged champions of grumbling—were grumbling because they had actually nothing to complain about, and stewards met their landlords with smiling faces, which seemed to say, "A little more of this sort of thing and there will be no need for abatements." When people look into the happy, smiling face of Nature they are forced to smile and look happy too; and so they did that year in the little Vale of Beckham, where everyone was cheery, from the village pedagogue, who dismissed his scholars to let them work in the field, down to the little "yokeling" who was just learning his letters, and with whom ever afterwards harvest would be associated with holidays and with pleasure. The hay, too, had been well secured the turnips had escaped the fly, and were a strong-growing and a healthy crop; and the only fear which existed regarding the potatoes was that they might prove too numerous, and that a good price would not be obtainable for them. Matters, these, of small importance to the City man; matters, these, however, of vital interest to the folks of the country. Poor crop, short rent to the landlord; and poor crop, small pittance to the people. Hunger was, no doubt, the first Radical, and he comes to the platform every year yet when short harvests are the cause of empty bellies.
.
It was, therefore, satisfactory to see on all sides, as we drove through the Vale mentioned, the signs of plenty, and that great progress had been made with the work of harvesting. Broad acres of wheat stood in stacks, and broad acres had been bared, the ragged, rough edges of the newly-built cones in the farm- yard showing that all hands about the homestead had been busy in the work of leading. Still, there were a good many acres which had to fall to the reaper, and one could readily see that the newly-flushed coveys would find shelter in many places, where dog and man would not be allowed to follow, for grain must always come under consideration before game, privileged as a sportsman may be to wade through marigolds or swedes. Still, in the cool morning air, in which there was a. slight touch of that early autumn frost which nips the leaves, we could see that there was quite enough of ground bare to allow of our making a fair bag, though it must be said the 1st of September is a little too early for partridge-shooting generally. With a smart rattle downhill, we were soon at the approach which led to the keeper's lodge. We were London sportsmen who held no lease, and therefore his (the keeper's) home in the woodlands was our headquarters. We found him, along with a brace of light lemon-coloured pointers, all in readiness for the day's work.
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 34 puzzle which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma034.htm
The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm
Leaves from the Journal
From our life in the Highlands from 1848 to 1861 (1868)
We've added more chapters to this book...
Expedition to Inchrory 30 Sept. 1859
Ascent of Ben Muich Dhui 7 Oct. 1859
First Great Expedition:—To Glen Fishie and Grantown 4 Sept. 1860
Second Great Expedition:—To Invermarh and Fettercairn 20 Sept. 1861
Expedition to Loch Avon 28 Sept. 1861
Third Great Expedition :—To Glen Fishie, Dalwhinnie, and Blair Athole 8 Oct. 1861
Last Expedition 16 Oct. 1861
These chapters now complete the first book and so we'll now be starting the second and final book.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/leaves/
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
A new book we're starting which we're adding to the foot of our History of Stirlingshire page.
This week I added the chapters on The View from Stirling Castle and The Parish Church.
You can get to this book which we'll be adding to over the next few weeks at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stirlingshire at the foot of the page.
Lord Charles Neaves
Added three more of his poems...
A Song of Proverbs
A Song of Truisms
How to Make a Novel
You can view these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...es_charles.htm
Autumnal Rambles Among The Scottish Mountains
or Pedestrian Tourist's Friend by The Rev. Thomas Grierson, Minister of Kirkbean (1900)
Now have several chapters up from this book...
A Morning Ramble in Glen Rosa in 1844
The Highlands of Galloway.—Merrick, Loch Enoch, &c., in 1846
A Few Days of Recreation in 1848
The Ochils, Alva, &c., in 1849
A Week in Skye in the Autumn of 1849 - Postscript—March, 1850
Moffat and its Mountains, &c., in 1850
A Fortnight on Deeside, Edinburgh, Perth, Glammis, &c.
Kirriemuir, Clova, &c.
Loch Muick, Lochnagar, &c.
Here is how the chapter on "A Morning Ramble in Glen Rosa in 1844" starts...
Some years ago, I sent you, in three letters, an account of "Three Days in Arran.” It may be remembered by some of your readers, that, on the first of these, I was benighted in Glen Rosa, after visiting Goatfell and Glen Sannox, and that upon that occasion I got many severe falls and bruises, owing to the roughness of the ground and the darkness of the night. Having occasion to be in the same most interesting island last week for one night, I resolved, before breakfast next morning, to explore the scene of my former adventures; and having been informed that the communications above alluded to were read with considerable interest, I hope the present may be so also.
I left Mrs Jamieson’s inn betwixt five and six o’clock, and, owing to misdirection, or, more probably, my own blunder, I kept the Goatfell side of the glen (which is neither so direct nor comfortable as the other), till I reached the quarter where mv jeopardy began, about four miles above the village of Brodick. At this place, there is nearly an end to all vegetable productions) with the exception of occasional tufts of heather. I crossed the stream at the upper end of a pool, over which hang the birch and mountain ash, but of such stunted dimensions as to indicate their expiring effort. The pool itself is one of the most tempting to the bather I ever saw, especially on such a morning as was the 3d of July. It is of considerable length and depth, fenced by a perpendicular wall of granite, ten or twelve feet high, and paved with the same substance. At the upper end is a cascade; and the water was as cool and limpid as can be conceived. After indulging in the luxuries <of the bath, I ascended the sharp rocky ridge in a direct line between Goatfell and Ben-Oosh, and was amply recompensed for my exertions. From this ridge, which may be about 1800 feet above the sea-level, you command a full view of the more lofty peaks in the island, comprehending, besides those that have significant Gaelic designations, many "huge nameless rocks,” particularly arresting the attention of the pedestrian. Immediately around you, are Ben-Oosh, Caimnacaillach, Kier-Vohr, Goatfell, &c. These exhibit, when viewed in certain directions, the most fantastic shapes imaginable. Some of the masses of granite resemble prodigious waggons, or hay-stacks; others seem sharp as needles, and rise in regular succession, like the teeth of a saw, or the comb of a cock. Immediately beside and under me, lay a huge excavation, fenced by nearly perpendicular cliffs, much resembling the crater oi an extinct volcano, which I greatly regretted I had not time minutely to explore. The whole scene presented itself under the most favourable circumstances, and was one which I shall never forget.
You can read the rest of this chapter at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../chapter02.htm
You can read the other chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...bles/index.htm
Banffshire Maritime and Heritage Association
Got in a copy of their newsletter for October 2013 which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/lifestyle/bmha
William Creech
I came across one of his books, "Edinburgh Fugutive Pieces" so decided to add it to our wee bio about him. It does also contain a longer account of his life.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ch_william.htm
Scottish Philosophy
I added a couple of books on Scottish Philosophy to plug a wee bit of gap in our knowledge. Most of you will have heard of David Hume and Adam Smith but there were lots of other Scotsmen doing important work in this area and so the two books I've added will provide more detail about them.
You can get to these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...philosophy.htm
The Family of John and Janet 'Jessie' (Ross) McLennan of Inverness
Compiled by John Henderson.
John Henderson writes....
While searching on archive.org using the key word 'muckle', I discovered three books of short stories by a man named Malcolm McLennan, v.i.z. 'Peasant Life', (1871), 'Benoni Blake M.D.' (1871) and 'Muckle Jock and Other Stories Of Peasant Life In The North' (1891).
I read the 'tear-jerking' first short story, 'Muckle Jock' from the 1871 book, 'Peasant Life', and admired the author's work immensely, as well as being intrigued by a reader's handwritten annotation on the title page.
And so you can read more on what John found and also the book at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/mclennan.htm
Robert Burns
I added three videos about Robert Burns to our Burns page. You can get to these at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/burns
Some old film clips.
Added a couple of links to collections of old film clips about Scotland. What caught my attention about these is the first collection which starts with girls skipping in the streets. I remembered we'd created a section of the site for "Street Poetry" where visitors had sent in some of the old songs they remembered from their youth and amongst these were some old skipping songs. So I decided to place these videos on the index page of that section which you can get to at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...at/spoetry.htm
Dundee Celebrities of the Nineteenth Century
Being a series of Biographies of Distinguished or Noted Persons connected by Birth, Residence, Official Appointment, or Otherwise, with the Town of Dundee; and who have died during the present century. Compiled by W. Norrie (1873).
You can get to this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...elebrities.htm
Sir Charles Wyville Thomson
Added this famous Naturalist to our Famous Scots section. He was the head of the "Challenger" expedition which was the first attempt at exploring the depths of the world's oceans. I also found a video about him as well so added that to the page.
You can find this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...on_charles.htm
National Borders of Scotland
Got in an update on this paper to reflect the most up to date information. In the event that Scotland votes for independence then this document will be crucial to the negotiations.
You can view this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...nd_borders.htm
Riverside Cottage
I have been looking for this series for a fair time and at long last found it. This is a series of Hugh buying a cottage with some land and trying out self sufficiency. This was a series I very much enjoyed watching in Scotland although it is situated in Dorset in England.
You can get to this series at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/agriculture/index.htm
James Lumsden
A Significant East Lothian Author.
The following information has been gleaned from the 'John Gray Centre' in Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland, Lumsden's publications, and John Henderson's genealogical research ........
James Lumsden aka 'Samuel Mucklebackit', was the author of several books of poetry, short tales and plays, in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Among these are many items in Scots and English about places in East Lothian. Also, if one reads between the lines, these tend to suggest that there is a core of reality around which Mucklebackit's writings relate to incidents in, and aspects from, James Lumsden’s own experiences.
You can read about him at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...sden_james.htm
John Rae
Added this explorer to our Significant Scots page.
I came across this person by reading an article about him in the Scotsman newspaper so did some research and found a fair bit about him. As it happens there was a 6 part video series done about his explorations which I've also added to the page.
You can find this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...r/rae_john.htm
Bruce and Bannockburn
Added a 2 hour video about Robert the Bruce and Bannockburn which you can view at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/bruce
Clan Leslie International
Got a copy of their Aug/Sep 2013 newsletter. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...ters/leslieint
And finally...
Och! La! La!
THE desire for puns in Glasgow has not diminished, it seems.
The French-sounding La Bonne Auberge restaurant has a new children's menu. It's called the "Oui Ones Menu".
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Extraordinary!
Some women, only some mark you, have a series of stock questions to ask so that they appear to have an interest in football when they have none at all. Such as when a chap phoned home during the Champions League final and his wife asked: "Are you not watching the football?"
"It's going into extra time," he replied.
"Who's winning?" she asked.
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And that's it for now and hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair