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To see what we've added to the Electric Scotland site view our What's New page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/whatsnew.htm
To see what we've added to the Electric Canadian site view our What's New page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/whatsnew.htm
For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
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Electric Scotland News
25th Scottish Heritage Weekend schedule jam-packed
Laurinburg, NC – The 25th Charles Bascombe Shaw Memorial Scottish Heritage Weekend is scheduled for April 4 - 6 on the St. Andrews University Campus.
"We wanted to do something special for the 25th anniversary," said Bill Caudill, director of the Scottish Heritage Center and event coordinator. "We've changed the schedule from past years by adding entertainment elements while also maintaining a high level of scholarship from our presenters."
St. Andrews University and its Scottish Heritage Center serve as hosts for this event along with the North Carolina Scottish Heritage Society, The Scotland County Tourism Development Authority, Comfort Inn of Laurinburg and new co-sponsors Our State Magazine.
"This was a great opportunity to join with Our State Magazine for a Live and Learn weekend," Caudill said. "These collaborative events help introduce the opportunity and experience to a broader audience."
The weekend begins on April 4 with registration and check-in from 12:45 to 1:30. After a brief welcome, Dr. Bruce Durie will present his first lecture of the weekend, "Scottish Roots and How to Dig Them Up."
Durie is one of Scotland's premier authorities on genealogical research and has received high acclaim for his teaching, writing and broadcasting on the subject. He is currently Chief Genealogist and Historian for the ancestral specialist MacDonald and Rees, Ltd. He currently teaches regularly for the University of Edinburgh, and previously founded and directed the Postgraduate Program in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. In addition, he is the resident expert on the BBC Radio Scotland series, Digging Up Your Roots. His most recent books, Scottish Genealogy and Understanding Documents for Genealogy and Local History, have been heralded by many as the definitive guides on these subjects.
Dr. Douglas Kelly presents his first lecture, "The Presbyterian Customs and Traditions of Carolina Scots," next. A descendent of Scottish highland families who settled in the Upper Cape Fear region, Kelly is known by many for his extensive preaching career in the Presbyterian Church. In addition, he has pursued a life-long interest in the history and genealogies of the Scottish settlers of our region. He has published numerous books on theological and religious topics, but is perhaps best known by many for his book, Carolina Scots, a comprehensive study of the leading families of the Scottish settlements of the Carolinas. He currently serves as the Richard Jordan Professor of Theology at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte.
A video and performances by members of the St. Andrews University Pipe Band will take place before a reception and the Scottish Heritage Center Awards Banquet.
"This year we are beginning a new traditions of awards to be given at our annual awards banquet," said Caudill. "We will present the Saltire Award to an individual, group or organization which has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation and interpretation of Scottish history and culture. The Pine and Thistle Award will be given to an individual, group, or organization within the Carolinas who have represented the legacy of the Scottish settlers of the Carolinas through their work."
The inaugural recipients are Dr. Michael Newton and the Mill Prong Preservation, Inc., respectively.
Newton will also be a very active part of the weekend as after receiving his award at the banquet he will be the honored guest for a book launching celebration for his new book, The Naughty Little Book of Gaelic: All the Scottish Gaelic You Need to Know to Curse, Swear, Drink, Smoke, and Fool Around. This special event is sponsored by Cape Breton University Press.
Newton is recognized as one of the top scholars of Scottish Studies in the United States at present. Working as Technical Lead in the Digital Humanities Lab at UNC-CH, he has published an abundance of articles on Scottish Gaelic history, culture, music, and literature in recent years.
Saturday begins with Durie's second lecture, "How to Re-Cross the Atlantic: Approaching Problems in Scottish Genealogy Research." A break and video presentation on the Scotland County Highland Games, premier Celtic violinist Jamie Laval will present "An Instrumentalist's Approach to Scottish Dance."
Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 2002 and embarked on a full time touring career which now includes 100 engagements per year. A resident of Tryon, he takes a keen interest in the musical and historical ties that connect his Carolina home with the dispersion of Celtic peoples from their homeland. He has recorded three solo albums to date. His most recent, Murmurs and Drones, won the popular vote for "Best World Traditional Album" in the 2012 Independent Music Awards. His musicality, performing presence and humor have endeared him to his audiences - including a private appearance for Her Majesty the Queen.
After a lunch buffet, Newton will present "The Origins of Scottish Highland Dance Traditions," which will be followed by a dance demonstration and audience participation activity.
A question and answer forum with all the speakers will conclude the symposium elements, although the weekend's activities continue with a Scottish Heritage Center Open House. The day will end with "A Musical Celebration of National Tartan Day," a concert featuring St. Andrews University Pipe Band, fiddler Jamie Laval and accompanist Roger Gold.
"We will close out the weekend with the annual Kirkin' of the Tartans Worship Service at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church," said Caudill. "This colorful Scottish-American tradition includes a display of tartans from the various clans represented throughout the weekend. It will conclude with a lunch. This is the only event of the weekend not covered by registration."
To register for the Kirkin' of the Tartans lunch, send $10 per adult, $5 per child under 12 directly to Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Church Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352. Additional information can be obtained by calling 910--276-0831.
The entire weekend of lectures, a banquet, book launching and concert costs $140 per person. A detailed brochure is available at http://www.sapc.edu/shc/images/2014SHBrochure.pdf. To register, call 910-277-5236 or email rvsp@sapc.edu with Scottish Heritage in the subject line.
About St. Andrews University
At St. Andrews University, a branch of Webber International University, the focus is on classroom teaching, active and collaborative learning, academic advising, enriching experiences, and student-faculty interaction. Both traditional residential students and adult learners have a range of undergraduate liberal arts and sciences majors and the Master of Business Administration degree available to them in a curriculum that is practical in its application and global in its scope. Student success is promoted through academic support programs, and career/job placement services. Generally, 35 states and 8 foreign countries are represented in the diverse student body. There are several academic honor societies, an honors program, an award-winning pipe band, a university press, and both interdisciplinary and international study opportunities.
With a Major in Therapeutic Horsemanship and a Minor in Equine Business Management, the well-known equestrian program is housed in a modern 300-acre facility. And its highly competitive Dressage, Hunt Seat, and Western teams have won many regional and national championships. NAIA men’s and women’s teams compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and track and field; along with men’s baseball and wrestling, and women’s softball and volleyball. Lacrosse competes in the Southeastern Lacrosse Conference, and in both the Men’s and Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associations.
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I notice there is complimentary copy of Celtic Life International magazine Spring 2014 issue available at:
http://www.celticlifeintl.com/spring2014
Electric Canadian
Experiences of a Backwoods Preacher
Facts and Incidents culled from thirty years of Ministerial life by Rev. Joseph H. Hilts, Second Edition (1892).
Now completed this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...oods/index.htm
Summer Suns in the Far West
A Holiday Trip to the Pacific Slope by W. G. Blaikie D.D., LL.D. (1890).
We're now onto the trip through Canada and in the chapter on the Canadian Highlands it starts...
FROM Vancouver we took places in the Canadian Pacific, leaving at noon on a Friday, with the purpose of reaching Banff about midnight on Saturday, and of spending the Sunday there, the most attractive spot in the Canadian Rockies. We had not gone far when we were struck with wonder at the marvels of the railway. It is not possible to conceive a tract of country less adapted for such a road. Along the banks of the Fraser River, and far beyond, it is carried over the wildest and roughest country you can conceive. It is one continuous series of excavations along the sides of mountains, of high trestle bridges over ravines and chasms, tunnels through projecting shoulders of rock, with hardly a chance of any of nature’s levels. And this really goes on for more than six hundred miles, until the prairie is reached, east of the Rockies. The succession of beauty and interest is endless, and the wooded mountains are magnificent. One does not know the grandeur of the British Empire until one has been whirled in the railway across British Columbia. Without disparagement of our Scottish mountainous regions, they must yield the palm to these magnificent stretches of highland scenery. You do not ascend any point as high as Sheppard’s Pass in the Colorado Rockies, of which T have spoken, although you have to “loop’’ the line at one point and get to the watershed by the “circumbendibus” process. The greater part of the six hundred miles is almost without inhabitants, with the exception of those whom the railway itself has brought. And the railway villages are generally very rude and primitive. I believe that to tourists and sportsmen the country is exceedingly attractive, and doubtless it will fill up in many ways as time rolls on.
You can read more of this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...rsun/index.htm
History of the York Rangers
By Captain A. T. Hunter (1913). A new book we're starting.
PREFACE
WE have tried in this volume to link up some of the honorable achievements of militia men of York Comity for a century back and show what the response has been when the bugle sounded or the alarm bell rang. We think we can discern in the men of this county a continuity of character; of deceptive equanimity in time of peace, of alacrity in time of war, of unchangeable faith in the Empire at all times.
We need not pretend that the officers and men of 1912 in the 12th Regiment are the precise lineal descendants of the officers and men of the York Regiments of 1812, any more than the Welsh Fusiliers need show they answer to the same names at roll-call as when they advanced with drums beating at the Battle of Minden. The continuity of a regiment is not at any time very tangible or definite. It is not a genealogy written by a lawyer to secure an estate. It is rather the spirit to undertake similar toils and endnre similar dangers in consideration of being allowed to keep the old glory and the old heroes in dutiful remembrance and to ennllate them if occasion arise.
It is time the histories of all our county regiments were written. Despite a number of charming books in which fragments of our I pper Canadian history have been transcribed by men of scholarly style and antiquarian attainments, the real history of nearly every county is being irremediably lost. This is particularly true of the military history of our counties, which when studied repays the student by glimpses of heroic action and then bailies him with records broken and defaced by callous neglect.
Most of our old county histories and atlases were written on a subscription plan which was unavoidable in a country where the arts of literature and publishing were struggling and precarious vocations. Under such a plan the man wdio could pay for his biography became a personage, while the man who could not was allowed to seek an ignoble grave. This bore hard upon the military veteran who is seldom the most prosperous or provident of men.
We are therefore much indebted to the subscribers and advertisers whose liberality has enabled this sketch to be produced.
A. T. Hunter.
You can read this book at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/york/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Jim Lynch and he has produced a nice we collection of articles.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Alexander Murdoch (1841-1891)
A Scottish Engineer, Poet, Author, Journalist
Added a third book called "Scotch Readings: Humorous and Amusing" and we're breaking this down into individual chapters for you to read. We've added two more chapters, "Lamplichter Davies Love Affair" and "Tammas Thorl's Fottygraphic Experiences" which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
Have continued to work on these magazines from c1840. Here are some of the articles I've culled from the pages this week. I might add that some of the scans are not too clear so I ended up providing them as pdf files.
The Scottish Universities
An article about our Scottish Universities in 1851. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ttish_unis.htm
Memoirs and Adventures of Sir John Hepburn
Knight, Governor of Munich. Mariaul of France under Louis XIII Commander of the Scots Brigade under Gustavus Adolphus, etc. By James Grant. (1851)
We would not raise him from the dead, even if we could. For were he here, standing up in all his grim majesty of martial pomp, we would not sneer at him who in his time did his time’s work faithfully and manfully. Much less would we worship him as a hero; for even his exploits of bravery and endurance cannot raise him to the standard of a hero of our days. Why not, then, let him rest in his foreign grave? Yes, let him rest, but as a lesson to this century, as a proof that all human excellence and all ideas of human excellence are passing away to make room for other excellence and other ideas of excellence, let us try to raise, though it be but for an hour, the shadow of the shadow of Sir John Hepburn.
You can read this article and also read the book at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...hn_hepburn.htm
Wilson's Scottish Archaeology
Antiquanarium and archaeology mean the same thing, but an antiquarian and an archaeologist should not be confounded together as meaning two men of similar pursuits. The difference between them lies in this, that the antiquarian, as hitherto popularly understood in this country, took up a segment of the circle, whilst the archaeologist takes up the whole circumference of the circle. The antiquarian regarded relics as of importance when invested with personal associations; the archaeologist prizes relics when belonging to a remote and unknown period. Thus the antiquarian would hold in highest veneration the sword that beheaded Mary Queen of Scots, and his visitors would probably do the same; whilst a flint axe found in Lochar Moss might lie on a shelf unheeded both by him or his friends. But this flint, although it might only have been the instrument in the hands of a petty chief for decapitating a miserable serf, would be invested with great importance in the estimation of the archaeologist, because it belonged jto that primitive aboriginal period in the history of our country when as yet bronze and iron manufactures were unknown, literature undeveloped, and, mayhap, ere ever Greece and Rome had commenced their conquests.
An interesting article as you can tell from this opening paragraph. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ttish_arch.htm
Church and College in Scotland
The Act of Security passed at the period of the Union between England and Scotland contains the following clause: “And further, for the greater security of the Protestant religion, and of the worship, discipline, and government of the Presbyterian Church, statutes and ordains that the Universities and Colleges of St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh, as now established by law, shall continue within this kingdom for ever; and that in all time coming no professors, principals, regents, masters, or others bearing office in any University, College, or School, within this kingdom, be capable, or be admitted, or allowed to continue in the exercise of their said functions, but such as shall own and acknowledge the civil Government in manner prescribed, or to be prescribed by the acts of Parliament: As also that before or at their admissions they do and shall acknowledge and profess and shall subscribe to the Confession of Faith as the confession of their faith, and that they will practise and conform themselves to the worship presently in use in this Church, and submit themselves to the government and discipline thereof, and never endeavour, directly or indirectly, the prejudice or subversion of the same; and that before the respective Presbyteries of their bounds, by whatsoever gift, presentation, or provision they may be thereto provided.”
You can read this article at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ch_college.htm
Queens of Scotland
I found an article in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine reviewing the first volume of this 8 volume publication. I have added the article and have links to the volumes.
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s_scotland.htm
And that's it from Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for this week.
The Songstresses of Scotland
Added the biography of Lady Anne Barnard (1750 - 1825)
This one can be read at: http://www.electricscotland.com/music/songstresses/
Enigma Machine
Put up puzzle 53 at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma053.htm
Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde
By Archibald Forbes (1895)
We have now completed this book.
You can read this account at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...lord_clyde.htm
Summer at the Lake of Monteith
By P. Dun, Station Master, Port of Monteith (1866).
We are adding more chapters to this book and that includes three chapters about Rob Roy MacGregor which I think you'll enjoy.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eith/index.htm
My Man Sandy
By J. B. Salmond (1919). A new book we're starting.
These sketches are taken from a series written originally for newspaper purposes. Revision of them has made their author keenly conscious of their defects; but Bawbie and Sandy are characters who might be completely spoiled by improvement. The sketches are therefore presented as they were hastily "rubbed-in" for serial publication.
The "foo," "far," "fat," and "fan" of the Angus dialect have been changed into the more classic "hoo," "whaur," and otherwise the sketches remain in the form in which they have gained quite an unexpected popularity amongst Scottish readers both at home and abroad.
This is the sixth edition of this book and was very popular with Scots. It is however a very Scottish book so I'm going to give you a bit from the first chapter to give you a taste of it.
Chapter I. Sandy Swaps his Powney
He's a queer cratur, my man Sandy! He's made, mind an' body o' him, on an original plan a'thegither. He says an' does a' mortal thing on a system o' his ain; Gairner Winton often says that if Sandy had been in the market-gardenin' line, he wudda grown his cabbage wi' the stocks aneth the ground, juist to lat them get the fresh air aboot their ruits. It's juist his wey, you see. I wudna winder to see him some day wi' Donal' yokit i' the tattie-cairt wi' his heid ower the fore-end o't, an' the hurdles o' him whaur his heid shud be. I've heard Sandy say that he had an idea that a horse cud shuve far better than poo; an' when Sandy ance gets an idea intil his heid, there's some beast or body has to suffer for't afore he gets redd o't. If there's a crank wey o' doin' onything Sandy will find it oot. For years he reg'larly flang the stable key ower the gate efter he'd brocht oot Donal' an' the cairt. When he landit hame again, he climbed the gate for the key, an' syne climbed ower again an' opened it frae the ootside. He michta carried the key in his pooch; but onybody cudda dune that! But, as I was sayin', it's juist his wey.
"It's juist the shape original sin's ta'en in Sandy's case," the Gairner said when the Smith an' him were discussin' the subject.
"I dinna ken aboot the sin; but it's original eneuch, there's nae doot aboot that," said the Smith.
There's naebody kens that better than me, for I've haen the teuch end o' forty year o't. But, still an' on, he's my ain man, the only ane ever I had, an' I'll stick up for him, an' till him, while the lamp holds on to burn, as the Psalmist says.
So there's a wee taste and you can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sandy/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
John sent in a new song, Lad O' Logie.
You can read this and listen to the music at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel527.htm
The Remarkable Botanist Physicians
Natural Science in the Age of Empire by Ron McEwen
Dear Alastair,
I would like to offer you an unpublished essay, called “The Remarkable Botanist Physicians” to put on your excellent website. It deals with an historic phenomenon that was overwhelmingly Scottish, but is of international importance. Inexplicably, it seems to have been barely researched on either side of the border.
These medically trained naturalists of the 18th and 19th century were the first body of professional scientists outside of academia. Collectively, they made a huge contribution to natural science, including plant collecting and cataloguing world-wide, the creation of botanic gardens throughout the British Empire, the inter-continental transplanting of economically important crop plants (such as rubber and tea) and the beginnings of the movement to conserve plants and eco-systems.
Apart from their historic importance, the life stories of these remarkable men are stirring tales of courage, endurance and often humanitarianism. I am hoping that my overview of the phenomenon will stimulate more primary research and, possibly, the writing of a popular book on the subject. If you agree to put it on your website, I would suggest the “Agriculture and Wildlife” section would be the most appropriate, as the article will likely be of interest to people who browse this section.
Regards,
Ron McEwen
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/agri...physicians.htm
Lochnagar
A guide book to the area by Alexander Inkson McConnochie. You can find this book at the foot of his page at:http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cconnochie.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns
Globe Inn - 25th January 2011
By Peter Kormylo, Past President
Meeting Peter Kormylo at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies in January of 2013 was, for me, one of the highlights of their annual conference. Since then, Peter and I have communicated from time to time via email and when I recently asked him to send me one of his articles on Robert Burns for our website, he replied promptly and in a couple of days the Immortal Memory below was sitting in my email inbox. Receiving an article so quickly makes a great day in my life. Allow me to tell you a little bit about Peter, an exceptionally remarkable man. He is the son of a Ukrainian prisoner of war and a young Scots lassie. Peter was educated in Annan, Montreal and St. Joseph’s College in Dumfries and is a graduate of Moray House College of Education, Edinburgh and later of the Open University.
He has spent his professional life in education, progressing through the ranks in various posts as teacher, Head Teacher and Education Officer. He is now Senior Education Officer with Education Scotland and is occasionally seen there. He is bi-lingual in Ukrainian and English and has been a lifelong student of the Scots tongue.
Peter’s hobbies include chess, reading, films, poetry and travel. He has kept reasonably fit by building his own homes (including a 16th century Scottish tower house renovation) but now maintains good health by running and casual training in his lifelong interest of karate. He holds a 3rd Dan ranking - although his pal James Haining says Peter is more like a Desperate Dan.
Peter is a Past President of the Burns Howff Club, former Honorary Librarian and Honorary Member, as well as being an honorary member of four other prestigious Burns Clubs. Peter’s interest in Robert Burns is linked to the poet’s radical politics. He lives with his wife Lesley near Ecclefechan in the south of Scotland which Burns once described as “that wicked little village.” Thanks Peter for sending this mini-biography to introduce yourself and for sharing your Immortal Memory with our readers. Please join us again on RBL!. (PK and FRS: 3-6-2014)
You can read this article at: http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives196.htm
We've continued to add chapters to...
Scottish Historical Review at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume17.htm
In the latest issue there is an interesting article about "Clerical Life in Scotland in the Sixteenth century"
The History of Burke and Hare at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/burkehare/ where we've now added chapters 31 to 40.
And Finally...
Roll Up! Roll Up!
When Karen Dunbar was asked what she would bring to the role of Sleeping Beauty in her first panto this year at the King's Theatre, she replied: "Sliced Sausage."
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Stick With It
Fresher university students are already chatting on uni message boards about what awaits them. We read on one online forum of a new student who has confessed that he is worried about fending for himself.
An older, wiser student has replied with the reassuring words:
"I eat quite well - you haven't lived until you've tried raw carrot dipped in chocolate spread."
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com/whatsnew.htm
To see what we've added to the Electric Canadian site view our What's New page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/whatsnew.htm
For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
25th Scottish Heritage Weekend schedule jam-packed
Laurinburg, NC – The 25th Charles Bascombe Shaw Memorial Scottish Heritage Weekend is scheduled for April 4 - 6 on the St. Andrews University Campus.
"We wanted to do something special for the 25th anniversary," said Bill Caudill, director of the Scottish Heritage Center and event coordinator. "We've changed the schedule from past years by adding entertainment elements while also maintaining a high level of scholarship from our presenters."
St. Andrews University and its Scottish Heritage Center serve as hosts for this event along with the North Carolina Scottish Heritage Society, The Scotland County Tourism Development Authority, Comfort Inn of Laurinburg and new co-sponsors Our State Magazine.
"This was a great opportunity to join with Our State Magazine for a Live and Learn weekend," Caudill said. "These collaborative events help introduce the opportunity and experience to a broader audience."
The weekend begins on April 4 with registration and check-in from 12:45 to 1:30. After a brief welcome, Dr. Bruce Durie will present his first lecture of the weekend, "Scottish Roots and How to Dig Them Up."
Durie is one of Scotland's premier authorities on genealogical research and has received high acclaim for his teaching, writing and broadcasting on the subject. He is currently Chief Genealogist and Historian for the ancestral specialist MacDonald and Rees, Ltd. He currently teaches regularly for the University of Edinburgh, and previously founded and directed the Postgraduate Program in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. In addition, he is the resident expert on the BBC Radio Scotland series, Digging Up Your Roots. His most recent books, Scottish Genealogy and Understanding Documents for Genealogy and Local History, have been heralded by many as the definitive guides on these subjects.
Dr. Douglas Kelly presents his first lecture, "The Presbyterian Customs and Traditions of Carolina Scots," next. A descendent of Scottish highland families who settled in the Upper Cape Fear region, Kelly is known by many for his extensive preaching career in the Presbyterian Church. In addition, he has pursued a life-long interest in the history and genealogies of the Scottish settlers of our region. He has published numerous books on theological and religious topics, but is perhaps best known by many for his book, Carolina Scots, a comprehensive study of the leading families of the Scottish settlements of the Carolinas. He currently serves as the Richard Jordan Professor of Theology at the Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte.
A video and performances by members of the St. Andrews University Pipe Band will take place before a reception and the Scottish Heritage Center Awards Banquet.
"This year we are beginning a new traditions of awards to be given at our annual awards banquet," said Caudill. "We will present the Saltire Award to an individual, group or organization which has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation and interpretation of Scottish history and culture. The Pine and Thistle Award will be given to an individual, group, or organization within the Carolinas who have represented the legacy of the Scottish settlers of the Carolinas through their work."
The inaugural recipients are Dr. Michael Newton and the Mill Prong Preservation, Inc., respectively.
Newton will also be a very active part of the weekend as after receiving his award at the banquet he will be the honored guest for a book launching celebration for his new book, The Naughty Little Book of Gaelic: All the Scottish Gaelic You Need to Know to Curse, Swear, Drink, Smoke, and Fool Around. This special event is sponsored by Cape Breton University Press.
Newton is recognized as one of the top scholars of Scottish Studies in the United States at present. Working as Technical Lead in the Digital Humanities Lab at UNC-CH, he has published an abundance of articles on Scottish Gaelic history, culture, music, and literature in recent years.
Saturday begins with Durie's second lecture, "How to Re-Cross the Atlantic: Approaching Problems in Scottish Genealogy Research." A break and video presentation on the Scotland County Highland Games, premier Celtic violinist Jamie Laval will present "An Instrumentalist's Approach to Scottish Dance."
Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 2002 and embarked on a full time touring career which now includes 100 engagements per year. A resident of Tryon, he takes a keen interest in the musical and historical ties that connect his Carolina home with the dispersion of Celtic peoples from their homeland. He has recorded three solo albums to date. His most recent, Murmurs and Drones, won the popular vote for "Best World Traditional Album" in the 2012 Independent Music Awards. His musicality, performing presence and humor have endeared him to his audiences - including a private appearance for Her Majesty the Queen.
After a lunch buffet, Newton will present "The Origins of Scottish Highland Dance Traditions," which will be followed by a dance demonstration and audience participation activity.
A question and answer forum with all the speakers will conclude the symposium elements, although the weekend's activities continue with a Scottish Heritage Center Open House. The day will end with "A Musical Celebration of National Tartan Day," a concert featuring St. Andrews University Pipe Band, fiddler Jamie Laval and accompanist Roger Gold.
"We will close out the weekend with the annual Kirkin' of the Tartans Worship Service at Laurinburg Presbyterian Church," said Caudill. "This colorful Scottish-American tradition includes a display of tartans from the various clans represented throughout the weekend. It will conclude with a lunch. This is the only event of the weekend not covered by registration."
To register for the Kirkin' of the Tartans lunch, send $10 per adult, $5 per child under 12 directly to Laurinburg Presbyterian Church, 600 W. Church Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352. Additional information can be obtained by calling 910--276-0831.
The entire weekend of lectures, a banquet, book launching and concert costs $140 per person. A detailed brochure is available at http://www.sapc.edu/shc/images/2014SHBrochure.pdf. To register, call 910-277-5236 or email rvsp@sapc.edu with Scottish Heritage in the subject line.
About St. Andrews University
At St. Andrews University, a branch of Webber International University, the focus is on classroom teaching, active and collaborative learning, academic advising, enriching experiences, and student-faculty interaction. Both traditional residential students and adult learners have a range of undergraduate liberal arts and sciences majors and the Master of Business Administration degree available to them in a curriculum that is practical in its application and global in its scope. Student success is promoted through academic support programs, and career/job placement services. Generally, 35 states and 8 foreign countries are represented in the diverse student body. There are several academic honor societies, an honors program, an award-winning pipe band, a university press, and both interdisciplinary and international study opportunities.
With a Major in Therapeutic Horsemanship and a Minor in Equine Business Management, the well-known equestrian program is housed in a modern 300-acre facility. And its highly competitive Dressage, Hunt Seat, and Western teams have won many regional and national championships. NAIA men’s and women’s teams compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, swimming, and track and field; along with men’s baseball and wrestling, and women’s softball and volleyball. Lacrosse competes in the Southeastern Lacrosse Conference, and in both the Men’s and Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associations.
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I notice there is complimentary copy of Celtic Life International magazine Spring 2014 issue available at:
http://www.celticlifeintl.com/spring2014
Electric Canadian
Experiences of a Backwoods Preacher
Facts and Incidents culled from thirty years of Ministerial life by Rev. Joseph H. Hilts, Second Edition (1892).
Now completed this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...oods/index.htm
Summer Suns in the Far West
A Holiday Trip to the Pacific Slope by W. G. Blaikie D.D., LL.D. (1890).
We're now onto the trip through Canada and in the chapter on the Canadian Highlands it starts...
FROM Vancouver we took places in the Canadian Pacific, leaving at noon on a Friday, with the purpose of reaching Banff about midnight on Saturday, and of spending the Sunday there, the most attractive spot in the Canadian Rockies. We had not gone far when we were struck with wonder at the marvels of the railway. It is not possible to conceive a tract of country less adapted for such a road. Along the banks of the Fraser River, and far beyond, it is carried over the wildest and roughest country you can conceive. It is one continuous series of excavations along the sides of mountains, of high trestle bridges over ravines and chasms, tunnels through projecting shoulders of rock, with hardly a chance of any of nature’s levels. And this really goes on for more than six hundred miles, until the prairie is reached, east of the Rockies. The succession of beauty and interest is endless, and the wooded mountains are magnificent. One does not know the grandeur of the British Empire until one has been whirled in the railway across British Columbia. Without disparagement of our Scottish mountainous regions, they must yield the palm to these magnificent stretches of highland scenery. You do not ascend any point as high as Sheppard’s Pass in the Colorado Rockies, of which T have spoken, although you have to “loop’’ the line at one point and get to the watershed by the “circumbendibus” process. The greater part of the six hundred miles is almost without inhabitants, with the exception of those whom the railway itself has brought. And the railway villages are generally very rude and primitive. I believe that to tourists and sportsmen the country is exceedingly attractive, and doubtless it will fill up in many ways as time rolls on.
You can read more of this at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...rsun/index.htm
History of the York Rangers
By Captain A. T. Hunter (1913). A new book we're starting.
PREFACE
WE have tried in this volume to link up some of the honorable achievements of militia men of York Comity for a century back and show what the response has been when the bugle sounded or the alarm bell rang. We think we can discern in the men of this county a continuity of character; of deceptive equanimity in time of peace, of alacrity in time of war, of unchangeable faith in the Empire at all times.
We need not pretend that the officers and men of 1912 in the 12th Regiment are the precise lineal descendants of the officers and men of the York Regiments of 1812, any more than the Welsh Fusiliers need show they answer to the same names at roll-call as when they advanced with drums beating at the Battle of Minden. The continuity of a regiment is not at any time very tangible or definite. It is not a genealogy written by a lawyer to secure an estate. It is rather the spirit to undertake similar toils and endnre similar dangers in consideration of being allowed to keep the old glory and the old heroes in dutiful remembrance and to ennllate them if occasion arise.
It is time the histories of all our county regiments were written. Despite a number of charming books in which fragments of our I pper Canadian history have been transcribed by men of scholarly style and antiquarian attainments, the real history of nearly every county is being irremediably lost. This is particularly true of the military history of our counties, which when studied repays the student by glimpses of heroic action and then bailies him with records broken and defaced by callous neglect.
Most of our old county histories and atlases were written on a subscription plan which was unavoidable in a country where the arts of literature and publishing were struggling and precarious vocations. Under such a plan the man wdio could pay for his biography became a personage, while the man who could not was allowed to seek an ignoble grave. This bore hard upon the military veteran who is seldom the most prosperous or provident of men.
We are therefore much indebted to the subscribers and advertisers whose liberality has enabled this sketch to be produced.
A. T. Hunter.
You can read this book at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/york/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Jim Lynch and he has produced a nice we collection of articles.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Alexander Murdoch (1841-1891)
A Scottish Engineer, Poet, Author, Journalist
Added a third book called "Scotch Readings: Humorous and Amusing" and we're breaking this down into individual chapters for you to read. We've added two more chapters, "Lamplichter Davies Love Affair" and "Tammas Thorl's Fottygraphic Experiences" which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Tait's Edinburgh Magazine
Have continued to work on these magazines from c1840. Here are some of the articles I've culled from the pages this week. I might add that some of the scans are not too clear so I ended up providing them as pdf files.
The Scottish Universities
An article about our Scottish Universities in 1851. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ttish_unis.htm
Memoirs and Adventures of Sir John Hepburn
Knight, Governor of Munich. Mariaul of France under Louis XIII Commander of the Scots Brigade under Gustavus Adolphus, etc. By James Grant. (1851)
We would not raise him from the dead, even if we could. For were he here, standing up in all his grim majesty of martial pomp, we would not sneer at him who in his time did his time’s work faithfully and manfully. Much less would we worship him as a hero; for even his exploits of bravery and endurance cannot raise him to the standard of a hero of our days. Why not, then, let him rest in his foreign grave? Yes, let him rest, but as a lesson to this century, as a proof that all human excellence and all ideas of human excellence are passing away to make room for other excellence and other ideas of excellence, let us try to raise, though it be but for an hour, the shadow of the shadow of Sir John Hepburn.
You can read this article and also read the book at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...hn_hepburn.htm
Wilson's Scottish Archaeology
Antiquanarium and archaeology mean the same thing, but an antiquarian and an archaeologist should not be confounded together as meaning two men of similar pursuits. The difference between them lies in this, that the antiquarian, as hitherto popularly understood in this country, took up a segment of the circle, whilst the archaeologist takes up the whole circumference of the circle. The antiquarian regarded relics as of importance when invested with personal associations; the archaeologist prizes relics when belonging to a remote and unknown period. Thus the antiquarian would hold in highest veneration the sword that beheaded Mary Queen of Scots, and his visitors would probably do the same; whilst a flint axe found in Lochar Moss might lie on a shelf unheeded both by him or his friends. But this flint, although it might only have been the instrument in the hands of a petty chief for decapitating a miserable serf, would be invested with great importance in the estimation of the archaeologist, because it belonged jto that primitive aboriginal period in the history of our country when as yet bronze and iron manufactures were unknown, literature undeveloped, and, mayhap, ere ever Greece and Rome had commenced their conquests.
An interesting article as you can tell from this opening paragraph. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ttish_arch.htm
Church and College in Scotland
The Act of Security passed at the period of the Union between England and Scotland contains the following clause: “And further, for the greater security of the Protestant religion, and of the worship, discipline, and government of the Presbyterian Church, statutes and ordains that the Universities and Colleges of St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh, as now established by law, shall continue within this kingdom for ever; and that in all time coming no professors, principals, regents, masters, or others bearing office in any University, College, or School, within this kingdom, be capable, or be admitted, or allowed to continue in the exercise of their said functions, but such as shall own and acknowledge the civil Government in manner prescribed, or to be prescribed by the acts of Parliament: As also that before or at their admissions they do and shall acknowledge and profess and shall subscribe to the Confession of Faith as the confession of their faith, and that they will practise and conform themselves to the worship presently in use in this Church, and submit themselves to the government and discipline thereof, and never endeavour, directly or indirectly, the prejudice or subversion of the same; and that before the respective Presbyteries of their bounds, by whatsoever gift, presentation, or provision they may be thereto provided.”
You can read this article at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ch_college.htm
Queens of Scotland
I found an article in Tait's Edinburgh Magazine reviewing the first volume of this 8 volume publication. I have added the article and have links to the volumes.
You can get to this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s_scotland.htm
And that's it from Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for this week.
The Songstresses of Scotland
Added the biography of Lady Anne Barnard (1750 - 1825)
This one can be read at: http://www.electricscotland.com/music/songstresses/
Enigma Machine
Put up puzzle 53 at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma053.htm
Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde
By Archibald Forbes (1895)
We have now completed this book.
You can read this account at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...lord_clyde.htm
Summer at the Lake of Monteith
By P. Dun, Station Master, Port of Monteith (1866).
We are adding more chapters to this book and that includes three chapters about Rob Roy MacGregor which I think you'll enjoy.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eith/index.htm
My Man Sandy
By J. B. Salmond (1919). A new book we're starting.
These sketches are taken from a series written originally for newspaper purposes. Revision of them has made their author keenly conscious of their defects; but Bawbie and Sandy are characters who might be completely spoiled by improvement. The sketches are therefore presented as they were hastily "rubbed-in" for serial publication.
The "foo," "far," "fat," and "fan" of the Angus dialect have been changed into the more classic "hoo," "whaur," and otherwise the sketches remain in the form in which they have gained quite an unexpected popularity amongst Scottish readers both at home and abroad.
This is the sixth edition of this book and was very popular with Scots. It is however a very Scottish book so I'm going to give you a bit from the first chapter to give you a taste of it.
Chapter I. Sandy Swaps his Powney
He's a queer cratur, my man Sandy! He's made, mind an' body o' him, on an original plan a'thegither. He says an' does a' mortal thing on a system o' his ain; Gairner Winton often says that if Sandy had been in the market-gardenin' line, he wudda grown his cabbage wi' the stocks aneth the ground, juist to lat them get the fresh air aboot their ruits. It's juist his wey, you see. I wudna winder to see him some day wi' Donal' yokit i' the tattie-cairt wi' his heid ower the fore-end o't, an' the hurdles o' him whaur his heid shud be. I've heard Sandy say that he had an idea that a horse cud shuve far better than poo; an' when Sandy ance gets an idea intil his heid, there's some beast or body has to suffer for't afore he gets redd o't. If there's a crank wey o' doin' onything Sandy will find it oot. For years he reg'larly flang the stable key ower the gate efter he'd brocht oot Donal' an' the cairt. When he landit hame again, he climbed the gate for the key, an' syne climbed ower again an' opened it frae the ootside. He michta carried the key in his pooch; but onybody cudda dune that! But, as I was sayin', it's juist his wey.
"It's juist the shape original sin's ta'en in Sandy's case," the Gairner said when the Smith an' him were discussin' the subject.
"I dinna ken aboot the sin; but it's original eneuch, there's nae doot aboot that," said the Smith.
There's naebody kens that better than me, for I've haen the teuch end o' forty year o't. But, still an' on, he's my ain man, the only ane ever I had, an' I'll stick up for him, an' till him, while the lamp holds on to burn, as the Psalmist says.
So there's a wee taste and you can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sandy/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
John sent in a new song, Lad O' Logie.
You can read this and listen to the music at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel527.htm
The Remarkable Botanist Physicians
Natural Science in the Age of Empire by Ron McEwen
Dear Alastair,
I would like to offer you an unpublished essay, called “The Remarkable Botanist Physicians” to put on your excellent website. It deals with an historic phenomenon that was overwhelmingly Scottish, but is of international importance. Inexplicably, it seems to have been barely researched on either side of the border.
These medically trained naturalists of the 18th and 19th century were the first body of professional scientists outside of academia. Collectively, they made a huge contribution to natural science, including plant collecting and cataloguing world-wide, the creation of botanic gardens throughout the British Empire, the inter-continental transplanting of economically important crop plants (such as rubber and tea) and the beginnings of the movement to conserve plants and eco-systems.
Apart from their historic importance, the life stories of these remarkable men are stirring tales of courage, endurance and often humanitarianism. I am hoping that my overview of the phenomenon will stimulate more primary research and, possibly, the writing of a popular book on the subject. If you agree to put it on your website, I would suggest the “Agriculture and Wildlife” section would be the most appropriate, as the article will likely be of interest to people who browse this section.
Regards,
Ron McEwen
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/agri...physicians.htm
Lochnagar
A guide book to the area by Alexander Inkson McConnochie. You can find this book at the foot of his page at:http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cconnochie.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns
Globe Inn - 25th January 2011
By Peter Kormylo, Past President
Meeting Peter Kormylo at the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Robert Burns Studies in January of 2013 was, for me, one of the highlights of their annual conference. Since then, Peter and I have communicated from time to time via email and when I recently asked him to send me one of his articles on Robert Burns for our website, he replied promptly and in a couple of days the Immortal Memory below was sitting in my email inbox. Receiving an article so quickly makes a great day in my life. Allow me to tell you a little bit about Peter, an exceptionally remarkable man. He is the son of a Ukrainian prisoner of war and a young Scots lassie. Peter was educated in Annan, Montreal and St. Joseph’s College in Dumfries and is a graduate of Moray House College of Education, Edinburgh and later of the Open University.
He has spent his professional life in education, progressing through the ranks in various posts as teacher, Head Teacher and Education Officer. He is now Senior Education Officer with Education Scotland and is occasionally seen there. He is bi-lingual in Ukrainian and English and has been a lifelong student of the Scots tongue.
Peter’s hobbies include chess, reading, films, poetry and travel. He has kept reasonably fit by building his own homes (including a 16th century Scottish tower house renovation) but now maintains good health by running and casual training in his lifelong interest of karate. He holds a 3rd Dan ranking - although his pal James Haining says Peter is more like a Desperate Dan.
Peter is a Past President of the Burns Howff Club, former Honorary Librarian and Honorary Member, as well as being an honorary member of four other prestigious Burns Clubs. Peter’s interest in Robert Burns is linked to the poet’s radical politics. He lives with his wife Lesley near Ecclefechan in the south of Scotland which Burns once described as “that wicked little village.” Thanks Peter for sending this mini-biography to introduce yourself and for sharing your Immortal Memory with our readers. Please join us again on RBL!. (PK and FRS: 3-6-2014)
You can read this article at: http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives196.htm
We've continued to add chapters to...
Scottish Historical Review at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume17.htm
In the latest issue there is an interesting article about "Clerical Life in Scotland in the Sixteenth century"
The History of Burke and Hare at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/burkehare/ where we've now added chapters 31 to 40.
And Finally...
Roll Up! Roll Up!
When Karen Dunbar was asked what she would bring to the role of Sleeping Beauty in her first panto this year at the King's Theatre, she replied: "Sliced Sausage."
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Stick With It
Fresher university students are already chatting on uni message boards about what awaits them. We read on one online forum of a new student who has confessed that he is worried about fending for himself.
An older, wiser student has replied with the reassuring words:
"I eat quite well - you haven't lived until you've tried raw carrot dipped in chocolate spread."
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair