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CONTENTS
Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
The Young Voyageurs
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
Enigma Machine
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
Scotland, Picturesque: Historical: Descriptive
David Herschell Edwards - Modern Poets
Robert Louis Stevenson
Ed Means Column
Iona: A History of the Island
The Story of the Royal Scots
Robert Burns Lives!
Seals
rUK can’t claim continuing state
and finally
Electric Scotland News
We had a problem this week displaying our ScotNews and What's New rss feeds. The company that hosts the translation from rss feed to display it as a web page went out of business. We have found a new method to display them and hope we'll have that installed and running by the time you get this newsletter.
-----
A very personal look at the arguments surrounding the referendum for Scottish independence by an Al Jazeera Correspondent who happens to be a Scot and lives in England.
You can watch this video at
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/...143845856.html
-----
Got tied up this week doing the Grand Priory of Canada December newsletter which is actually quite time consuming. It's now complete and you can view the December issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...terDec2013.pdf
-----
FamilyTreeDNA
They are offering some excellent discounts for the Christmas period so if you were ever going to get your DNA tested this would be a good time to sign up. As well as discounts they are also including a free $100 gift card which would make a nice wee present for someone.
Click here to get more details.
Electric Canadian
The Young Voyageurs
Or Boy Hunters of the North by Captain Mayne Reid. This is a book for younger readers and we'll be adding a chapter per day until complete.
We're now up to Chapter XX and here is a wee bit from Chapter XIX to give you a flavour of how the book is progressing...
Two days after the adventure with the blaireau, the young voyageurs arrived at Cumberland House—one of the most celebrated posts of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The chief factor, who resided there, was a friend of Norman’s father, and of course the youths were received with the warmest hospitality, and entertained during their stay in the best manner the place afforded. They did not make a long stay, however, as they wished to complete their journey before the winter should set in, when canoe-travelling would become impossible. During winter, not only the lakes, but the most rapid rivers of these Northern regions, become frozen up, and remain so for many months. Nearly the whole surface of the earth is buried under deep snow, and travelling can only be done with snow-shoes, or with sledges drawn by dogs. These are the modes practised by the Indians, the Esquimaux, and the few white traders and trappers who have occasion in winter to pass from one point to another of that icy and desolate region.
Travelling under such circumstances is not only difficult and laborious, but is extremely perilous. Food cannot always be obtained—supplies fall short, or become exhausted—game is scarce, or cannot be found at all, as at that season many of the quadrupeds and most of the birds have forsaken the country, and migrated to the South—and whole parties of travellers—even Indians, who can eat anything living or dead, roast or raw—often perish from hunger.
Our travellers were well acquainted with these facts; and being anxious, therefore, to get to the end of their journey before the winter should come down upon them, made all haste to proceed. Of course they obtained a new “outfit” at the Fort; but they took with them only such articles as were absolutely necessary, as they had many portages to make before they could reach the waters of the Mackenzie River. As it required two of the party to carry the canoe, with a few little things besides, all the baggage was comprised in such loads as the others could manage; and of course that was not a great deal, for François was but a lad, and Lucien was far from being in robust health. A light axe, a few cooking utensils, with a small stock of provisions, and of course their guns, formed the bulk of their loads.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion.../voyageurs.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss in which she's provided an article on "It's Glasgow's time to shine".
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
We are on Volume 14 and have now added the April 1917 issue. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume14.htm
There is an interesting article on "The Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons (now the Scots Greys)."
AMONGST a number of papers which lately came into the possession of Colonel F. J. Agnew Wallace, late of the Scots Greys, a collection of letters written in the years immediately before the Union by Lord John Hay, Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons (now the Scots Greys), came to light, and I am indebted to Colonel Wallace for permission to publish a selection of extracts from them. Colonel Wallace is a descendant of the Major Agnew to whom they were written, and it is curious that after so many years the documents should be in the hands of one who had himself commanded the regiment to which they refer. The letters are principally concerned with regimental matters, but Lord John Hay and Major Agnew were personal friends, and after the military affairs are discussed, Lord John fills the paper with social and political news, and as his birth and army rank gave him the intimacy of the prominent men of the time, and as he was writing quite frankly to a trusted correspondent, the letters are often interesting.
Another article is "Alexander Farquharson of Brouchdearg and his Farquharson Genealogies." and of course this would make an interesting read for any Farquharsons out there.
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...
Loch Erroch Side
Ower The Muir Amang The Heather
O Gin My Love Were Yon Red Rose
You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.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 44 puzzle which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma044.htm
The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm
I might add that if you follow the Enigma Machine thread in our Community you can work with others on figuring out each puzzle. You can get to these messages at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...le-amp-Whistle
Hugh posts each new puzzle in there and then by the end of the week will provide the answers and then add the next one. He also gives the odd hint to help you solve the puzzle.
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
You can find this book towards the foot of our History of Stirlingshire page.
Added this week chapters on...
Loch Ard
Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell
The Clear Winding Devon
The chapter about Dollar Glen starts...
ONE of the most pleasant of outings to be had from StirHng is got by taking train to Dollar Station and visiting the pretty little town of Dollar, with its large and handsome and efficient school, the glen behind it — weird and beautiful, awful and enchanting—and the gaunt, grim, ruined fortalice which stands at its top, out of the world as it were, yet close to it, cut off by the rocks and the streams from our every-day life, and set above it in what now-a-days looks like a veritable Land of Beulah. The many streams which leave the Ochils cut for themselves narrow glens, or rather gorges, in the volcanic rock. These gorges abound in waterfalls, and are clad with alders, oaks, and mountain-ashes, while the dripping rocks are draped with many lovely ferns—the lady fern, the beech fern, the oak fern, the hart's-tongue, and the filmy fern being all found, some of them in great abundance. The rarer kinds have, however, of late years become scarce even in these favoured glens, on account of the rapacity of the unthinking visitor; and it is a pleasure to think that the plants which now remain are quite safe, since to acquire them is alike too difficult and too dangerous an undertaking. Of all the gorges which the streams have cut in the southern face of the Ochils, Dollar Glen is the most impressive and the best worthy of a visit. It is only in recent years that it has become possible to explore the wonders of this fairyland. A path was cut along the steep face of the enclosing cliffs, bridges were thrown across the streams, and sights which were either absolutely inaccessible, or which could be reached only by the most agile and venturesome, have now been made open to all
I have been through this glen many times as I spent 7 years at Dollar Academy. When I was in the Scouts this is where we went to learn to make rope bridges, start a fire and cook some food over it, etc. One of those wee hidden gems.
You can get to this book which we'll be adding to over the next few weeks at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stirlingshire
Scotland, Picturesque: Historical: Descriptive
This is a book we're serialising from the author of Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland And of the Border Raids, Forays and Conflicts by John Parker Lawson (1839)
You need to scroll down the page to get to this book where we've now added...
Culzean Castle, Dunure, The Kennedys
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/
David Herschell Edwards
His 16 volumes of modern Scottish Poets is probably the most massive collection of poetry by anyone in the world and it's all about Scots poets which makes it all the more amazing. Each volume portrays around 100 poets and each poet has their own wee biography, a critical assessment and a few examples of their poetry.
Added volume 15.
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ards_david.htm
Robert Louis Stevenson
A weekly serialisation of this intimate two volume biography of Robert Louis Stevenson by his cousin Graham Balfour.
Added this week...
Chapter XIV. South Sea Cruises, The Central Pacific, June 1889 - April 1891
You can read these chapters towards the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lstevenson.htm
Ed Means Column
A current example of how the UK government continues to mishandle Scotland’s finances.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...ans/131208.htm
Iona: A History of the Island
By F. M. M'Neill (1920)
We've now completed this book with these chapters...
Chapter I. Introductory
Chapter II. Scotland before Columba
Chapter III. Columba in Ireland
Chapter IV. Iona
Chapter V. The Celtic Church
Chapter VI. Later History
Chapter VII. The Antiquities
Chapter VIII. Topography
Chapter IX. Conclusion
To give you a flavour of this book Chapter V starts...The Celtic Church established by Columba in Scotland in the sixth century endured until the death of Malcolm Canmore in the eleventh, when it gave place to the Church of Rome; and even after the religious revolution of that period, the Culdees, a body of Celtic ecclesiastics, can be traced down to the fourteenth century.The Venerable Bede, a contemporary and friend of Adamnan, tells us that Columba “left successors distinguished for their great charity, divine love, and strict attention to discipline”. For many generations, indeed, that marching soul led men to great enterprises and successful issues. From Scotland, the Iona missionaries passed to England and the continent of Europe. They it was, along with their brothers from Ireland, who brought Christianity to the greater part of Germany and Switzerland, and even to part of Italy; and their names are known from Iceland to Tarentum. The Convent of Erfurt, which produced Luther, is believed to have been a Celtic foundation, the last to survive in Germany; and at Milan, at St. Gall in Switzerland, and at Wurzburg, there may be seen manuscripts executed by men who had learned penmanship and theology in Iona or her daughter monasteries. The little island became supreme not only over the numerous monasteries created by her sons, but also over the senior foundations in Ireland. In the seventh century, she was at the height of her fame: the centre of a vast area of missionary activity, a renowned theological school, and a seat of learning.there are a few appendices still to add to complete the book.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/iona/index.htm
The Story of the Royal Scots
By Lawrence Weaver.
This week we've added the following chapters...
Chapter I - The Fighting Scots Abroad, 1421-1632
Chapter II - Royal Warrant for Hepburn's Regiment, 1633-1636
Chapter III - Mingled French and English Service, 1636-1683
Chapter IV - The Royal Regiment of Foot and James II, 1684-1689
Chapter V - The Regiment's Service Under William III, 1689-1702
Chapter VI - Marlborough's Campaigns, 1702-1713
Chapter VII - Piping Times of Peace, 1713-1740
In Chapter II we learn...
The story of Hepburn’s valorous campaigns with the 1633 Green Brigade in the wars of Gustavus Adolphus forms a great chapter in the record of the Scots abroad, but so far it has not been the story of a British regiment. Hepburn and his men, like all the Scots who fought on the great Swede’s side, were soldiers of fortune. Mercenary is an ugly name, but in its simple meaning, robbed of unpleasant implications, it expresses their status. They owed no patriotic allegiance to the “Lion of the North,” and Hepburn himself was of the same religion as his foes. The spurs to their gallantry were their love of adventure and the lure of military glory: we do not hear that they grew very rich in that hard employment. “Irregulars” is a fairer sounding and truer name, but this was soon to be changed.On January 26, 1633, Sir John Hepburn received Jan. 26 his new commission from Louis XIII. Now comes a new and important fact which has but lately emerged.After an audience with the French king, Hepburn went to Scotland to collect recruits, but no longer in the old fashion under his own name and relying only on his great reputation as a successful leader.Presumably as the result of negotiations between Charles I and Louis XIII, the Privy Council of Scotland, by warrant dated Edinburgh, April 24, 1633, and given under the King's Authority at Whitehall on the 25th of March, gave order to raise twelve hundred men in Scotland. It is fair, therefore, to regard the regiment as henceforth British, and no less British because it was for many years to fight in the French service.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cots/index.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
No article this week but just wanted to congratulate Frank and his wide Susan on their 40th wedding anniversary which the celebrated by having a week in New York.
Seals
Got in some interesting information on Scottish Seals. The three documents can be found towards the bottom of this page under Seventh and Eighth Emails. It includes what survives of all the United States 18th century seals.
See http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...s/s/stuart.htm
rUK can’t claim continuing state
An article by Brandon Malone along with a couple of comments.
It is inconceivable that Scotland would be expelled from the EU after of a Yes vote, writes Brandon Malone.
This is an interesting article and comments which shows the two side of the story on whether Scotland should be a member of the EU or not.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/131204.htm
And finally...
Soak It
SCOTLAND'S monsoon weather reminds Jack of a colleague recalling his days stationed in Germany with the Scots Guards, and being ordered by the sergeant to go out and water the roses in the flower beds.
"But sergeant," he pointed out. "It's raining."
Confirming that folk in the Army don't always think the same way as others, the sergeant barked back: "So what? You've got raincoats haven't you?"
----
Not My 'Princess'!
Santa time makes me think of the Nativity, and the story of the Dundee woman who on Christmas Eve took her swollen-bellied teenage daughter to the doctor, who immediately diagnosed pregnancy.
The mother protested of course, claiming vehemently that her innocent princess had never so much as kissed a man, to which the golden child nodded confirmation. Just then, the doctor moved to the window and stared out, searchingly, into the sky.
“Is there anything wrong?” asked the mother, the concern evident in her voice.
“No, not really” replied the doctor. “I’m just checking. You know the last time this happened, a bright star appeared in the East.”
-----
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair
Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
The Young Voyageurs
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
Enigma Machine
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
Scotland, Picturesque: Historical: Descriptive
David Herschell Edwards - Modern Poets
Robert Louis Stevenson
Ed Means Column
Iona: A History of the Island
The Story of the Royal Scots
Robert Burns Lives!
Seals
rUK can’t claim continuing state
and finally
Electric Scotland News
We had a problem this week displaying our ScotNews and What's New rss feeds. The company that hosts the translation from rss feed to display it as a web page went out of business. We have found a new method to display them and hope we'll have that installed and running by the time you get this newsletter.
-----
A very personal look at the arguments surrounding the referendum for Scottish independence by an Al Jazeera Correspondent who happens to be a Scot and lives in England.
You can watch this video at
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/...143845856.html
-----
Got tied up this week doing the Grand Priory of Canada December newsletter which is actually quite time consuming. It's now complete and you can view the December issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...terDec2013.pdf
-----
FamilyTreeDNA
They are offering some excellent discounts for the Christmas period so if you were ever going to get your DNA tested this would be a good time to sign up. As well as discounts they are also including a free $100 gift card which would make a nice wee present for someone.
Click here to get more details.
Electric Canadian
The Young Voyageurs
Or Boy Hunters of the North by Captain Mayne Reid. This is a book for younger readers and we'll be adding a chapter per day until complete.
We're now up to Chapter XX and here is a wee bit from Chapter XIX to give you a flavour of how the book is progressing...
Two days after the adventure with the blaireau, the young voyageurs arrived at Cumberland House—one of the most celebrated posts of the Hudson’s Bay Company. The chief factor, who resided there, was a friend of Norman’s father, and of course the youths were received with the warmest hospitality, and entertained during their stay in the best manner the place afforded. They did not make a long stay, however, as they wished to complete their journey before the winter should set in, when canoe-travelling would become impossible. During winter, not only the lakes, but the most rapid rivers of these Northern regions, become frozen up, and remain so for many months. Nearly the whole surface of the earth is buried under deep snow, and travelling can only be done with snow-shoes, or with sledges drawn by dogs. These are the modes practised by the Indians, the Esquimaux, and the few white traders and trappers who have occasion in winter to pass from one point to another of that icy and desolate region.
Travelling under such circumstances is not only difficult and laborious, but is extremely perilous. Food cannot always be obtained—supplies fall short, or become exhausted—game is scarce, or cannot be found at all, as at that season many of the quadrupeds and most of the birds have forsaken the country, and migrated to the South—and whole parties of travellers—even Indians, who can eat anything living or dead, roast or raw—often perish from hunger.
Our travellers were well acquainted with these facts; and being anxious, therefore, to get to the end of their journey before the winter should come down upon them, made all haste to proceed. Of course they obtained a new “outfit” at the Fort; but they took with them only such articles as were absolutely necessary, as they had many portages to make before they could reach the waters of the Mackenzie River. As it required two of the party to carry the canoe, with a few little things besides, all the baggage was comprised in such loads as the others could manage; and of course that was not a great deal, for François was but a lad, and Lucien was far from being in robust health. A light axe, a few cooking utensils, with a small stock of provisions, and of course their guns, formed the bulk of their loads.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion.../voyageurs.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss in which she's provided an article on "It's Glasgow's time to shine".
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
We are on Volume 14 and have now added the April 1917 issue. You can get to this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume14.htm
There is an interesting article on "The Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons (now the Scots Greys)."
AMONGST a number of papers which lately came into the possession of Colonel F. J. Agnew Wallace, late of the Scots Greys, a collection of letters written in the years immediately before the Union by Lord John Hay, Colonel of the Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons (now the Scots Greys), came to light, and I am indebted to Colonel Wallace for permission to publish a selection of extracts from them. Colonel Wallace is a descendant of the Major Agnew to whom they were written, and it is curious that after so many years the documents should be in the hands of one who had himself commanded the regiment to which they refer. The letters are principally concerned with regimental matters, but Lord John Hay and Major Agnew were personal friends, and after the military affairs are discussed, Lord John fills the paper with social and political news, and as his birth and army rank gave him the intimacy of the prominent men of the time, and as he was writing quite frankly to a trusted correspondent, the letters are often interesting.
Another article is "Alexander Farquharson of Brouchdearg and his Farquharson Genealogies." and of course this would make an interesting read for any Farquharsons out there.
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...
Loch Erroch Side
Ower The Muir Amang The Heather
O Gin My Love Were Yon Red Rose
You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.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 44 puzzle which you can get to at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma044.htm
The other puzzles we've already published can be found at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...igma/index.htm
I might add that if you follow the Enigma Machine thread in our Community you can work with others on figuring out each puzzle. You can get to these messages at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...le-amp-Whistle
Hugh posts each new puzzle in there and then by the end of the week will provide the answers and then add the next one. He also gives the odd hint to help you solve the puzzle.
Merchant's Guide to Stirling & District
You can find this book towards the foot of our History of Stirlingshire page.
Added this week chapters on...
Loch Ard
Dollar Glen and Castle Campbell
The Clear Winding Devon
The chapter about Dollar Glen starts...
ONE of the most pleasant of outings to be had from StirHng is got by taking train to Dollar Station and visiting the pretty little town of Dollar, with its large and handsome and efficient school, the glen behind it — weird and beautiful, awful and enchanting—and the gaunt, grim, ruined fortalice which stands at its top, out of the world as it were, yet close to it, cut off by the rocks and the streams from our every-day life, and set above it in what now-a-days looks like a veritable Land of Beulah. The many streams which leave the Ochils cut for themselves narrow glens, or rather gorges, in the volcanic rock. These gorges abound in waterfalls, and are clad with alders, oaks, and mountain-ashes, while the dripping rocks are draped with many lovely ferns—the lady fern, the beech fern, the oak fern, the hart's-tongue, and the filmy fern being all found, some of them in great abundance. The rarer kinds have, however, of late years become scarce even in these favoured glens, on account of the rapacity of the unthinking visitor; and it is a pleasure to think that the plants which now remain are quite safe, since to acquire them is alike too difficult and too dangerous an undertaking. Of all the gorges which the streams have cut in the southern face of the Ochils, Dollar Glen is the most impressive and the best worthy of a visit. It is only in recent years that it has become possible to explore the wonders of this fairyland. A path was cut along the steep face of the enclosing cliffs, bridges were thrown across the streams, and sights which were either absolutely inaccessible, or which could be reached only by the most agile and venturesome, have now been made open to all
I have been through this glen many times as I spent 7 years at Dollar Academy. When I was in the Scouts this is where we went to learn to make rope bridges, start a fire and cook some food over it, etc. One of those wee hidden gems.
You can get to this book which we'll be adding to over the next few weeks at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stirlingshire
Scotland, Picturesque: Historical: Descriptive
This is a book we're serialising from the author of Historical Tales of the Wars of Scotland And of the Border Raids, Forays and Conflicts by John Parker Lawson (1839)
You need to scroll down the page to get to this book where we've now added...
Culzean Castle, Dunure, The Kennedys
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/wars/
David Herschell Edwards
His 16 volumes of modern Scottish Poets is probably the most massive collection of poetry by anyone in the world and it's all about Scots poets which makes it all the more amazing. Each volume portrays around 100 poets and each poet has their own wee biography, a critical assessment and a few examples of their poetry.
Added volume 15.
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ards_david.htm
Robert Louis Stevenson
A weekly serialisation of this intimate two volume biography of Robert Louis Stevenson by his cousin Graham Balfour.
Added this week...
Chapter XIV. South Sea Cruises, The Central Pacific, June 1889 - April 1891
You can read these chapters towards the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lstevenson.htm
Ed Means Column
A current example of how the UK government continues to mishandle Scotland’s finances.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...ans/131208.htm
Iona: A History of the Island
By F. M. M'Neill (1920)
We've now completed this book with these chapters...
Chapter I. Introductory
Chapter II. Scotland before Columba
Chapter III. Columba in Ireland
Chapter IV. Iona
Chapter V. The Celtic Church
Chapter VI. Later History
Chapter VII. The Antiquities
Chapter VIII. Topography
Chapter IX. Conclusion
To give you a flavour of this book Chapter V starts...The Celtic Church established by Columba in Scotland in the sixth century endured until the death of Malcolm Canmore in the eleventh, when it gave place to the Church of Rome; and even after the religious revolution of that period, the Culdees, a body of Celtic ecclesiastics, can be traced down to the fourteenth century.The Venerable Bede, a contemporary and friend of Adamnan, tells us that Columba “left successors distinguished for their great charity, divine love, and strict attention to discipline”. For many generations, indeed, that marching soul led men to great enterprises and successful issues. From Scotland, the Iona missionaries passed to England and the continent of Europe. They it was, along with their brothers from Ireland, who brought Christianity to the greater part of Germany and Switzerland, and even to part of Italy; and their names are known from Iceland to Tarentum. The Convent of Erfurt, which produced Luther, is believed to have been a Celtic foundation, the last to survive in Germany; and at Milan, at St. Gall in Switzerland, and at Wurzburg, there may be seen manuscripts executed by men who had learned penmanship and theology in Iona or her daughter monasteries. The little island became supreme not only over the numerous monasteries created by her sons, but also over the senior foundations in Ireland. In the seventh century, she was at the height of her fame: the centre of a vast area of missionary activity, a renowned theological school, and a seat of learning.there are a few appendices still to add to complete the book.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/iona/index.htm
The Story of the Royal Scots
By Lawrence Weaver.
This week we've added the following chapters...
Chapter I - The Fighting Scots Abroad, 1421-1632
Chapter II - Royal Warrant for Hepburn's Regiment, 1633-1636
Chapter III - Mingled French and English Service, 1636-1683
Chapter IV - The Royal Regiment of Foot and James II, 1684-1689
Chapter V - The Regiment's Service Under William III, 1689-1702
Chapter VI - Marlborough's Campaigns, 1702-1713
Chapter VII - Piping Times of Peace, 1713-1740
In Chapter II we learn...
The story of Hepburn’s valorous campaigns with the 1633 Green Brigade in the wars of Gustavus Adolphus forms a great chapter in the record of the Scots abroad, but so far it has not been the story of a British regiment. Hepburn and his men, like all the Scots who fought on the great Swede’s side, were soldiers of fortune. Mercenary is an ugly name, but in its simple meaning, robbed of unpleasant implications, it expresses their status. They owed no patriotic allegiance to the “Lion of the North,” and Hepburn himself was of the same religion as his foes. The spurs to their gallantry were their love of adventure and the lure of military glory: we do not hear that they grew very rich in that hard employment. “Irregulars” is a fairer sounding and truer name, but this was soon to be changed.On January 26, 1633, Sir John Hepburn received Jan. 26 his new commission from Louis XIII. Now comes a new and important fact which has but lately emerged.After an audience with the French king, Hepburn went to Scotland to collect recruits, but no longer in the old fashion under his own name and relying only on his great reputation as a successful leader.Presumably as the result of negotiations between Charles I and Louis XIII, the Privy Council of Scotland, by warrant dated Edinburgh, April 24, 1633, and given under the King's Authority at Whitehall on the 25th of March, gave order to raise twelve hundred men in Scotland. It is fair, therefore, to regard the regiment as henceforth British, and no less British because it was for many years to fight in the French service.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cots/index.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
No article this week but just wanted to congratulate Frank and his wide Susan on their 40th wedding anniversary which the celebrated by having a week in New York.
Seals
Got in some interesting information on Scottish Seals. The three documents can be found towards the bottom of this page under Seventh and Eighth Emails. It includes what survives of all the United States 18th century seals.
See http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...s/s/stuart.htm
rUK can’t claim continuing state
An article by Brandon Malone along with a couple of comments.
It is inconceivable that Scotland would be expelled from the EU after of a Yes vote, writes Brandon Malone.
This is an interesting article and comments which shows the two side of the story on whether Scotland should be a member of the EU or not.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/131204.htm
And finally...
Soak It
SCOTLAND'S monsoon weather reminds Jack of a colleague recalling his days stationed in Germany with the Scots Guards, and being ordered by the sergeant to go out and water the roses in the flower beds.
"But sergeant," he pointed out. "It's raining."
Confirming that folk in the Army don't always think the same way as others, the sergeant barked back: "So what? You've got raincoats haven't you?"
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Not My 'Princess'!
Santa time makes me think of the Nativity, and the story of the Dundee woman who on Christmas Eve took her swollen-bellied teenage daughter to the doctor, who immediately diagnosed pregnancy.
The mother protested of course, claiming vehemently that her innocent princess had never so much as kissed a man, to which the golden child nodded confirmation. Just then, the doctor moved to the window and stared out, searchingly, into the sky.
“Is there anything wrong?” asked the mother, the concern evident in her voice.
“No, not really” replied the doctor. “I’m just checking. You know the last time this happened, a bright star appeared in the East.”
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And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair