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Electric Scotland News
Not a great many articles this week as I took time out to ocr in the book on John Hepburn and also to scan in pages from the Book of Scottish Anecdote of which more below.
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Tartan Day on Ellis Island to Feature a Weekend of Champions
Visitors to Ellis Island during the Tartan Day celebrations will not only be treated to a fascinating new exhibition entitled, “Scots in the American West,” they’ll also be enjoying performances by two champion musicians.
The Clan Currie Society is delighted to announce that 2013 US National Scottish Harp Champion, Haley Hewitt will be performing on Ellis Island on Friday, March 28 as part of the exhibition’s grand opening. Haley will also be performing in the NY Tartan Week Tattoo on Saturday, April 5.
On Saturday, March 29, Scottish fiddler Calum Pasqua performs with his band NY Brogue. Pasqua holds some of the most preeminent titles in the field including, the Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Champion (held each year at Blair Castle) and the Aboyne Highland Games championship - making him one of Scotland’s top fiddle champs – as well as winner of the prestigious New England Fiddle Championship.
Hewitt and Pasqua join an outstanding roster of Scottish performers on Ellis Island including the New York Celtic Dancers, the Rampant Lion Pipe Band, the NYC Harp Orchestra and John the Kilted Juggler.
As always, admission is free.
Join us for a great Scottish weekend on Ellis Island as we open NY Tartan Week and find out why we have been branded as the largest Tartan Day event in the world.
For the most complete listing of NY Tartan Week events, visit www.tartanweek.com
About Haley Hewitt
Haley Hewitt spent two years in Glasgow, Scotland obtaining her Master's degree in Scottish harp. She loves to play new music, collaborate with other musicians, and perform on both pedal and lever harp.
She holds a Master's degree in Scottish Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she studied under Corrina Hewat, and a Bachelors Degree in Pedal Harp Performance from the Hartt School of Music in the studio of Rebecca Flannery.
As a pedal harpist she has played in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings extensively, including performances at Carnegie and Benaroya Halls. As a traditional musician, she has presented programs featuring the music of modern Scottish harpers and fiddlers, and looks forward to the release of her debut recording in 2013.
Hewitt was born and raised in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She started taking harp lessons with Pat Larkin from West Springfield, and then went to the Hartt School in Connecticut to study with Rebecca Flannery and obtain her Bachelor's Degree in Pedal Harp Performance. After graduating, Hewitt went to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to complete her Master's Degree in Scottish Music, studying under Scottish harper, Corrina Hewat.
About Calum Pasqua
Calum Pasqua is a Scottish fiddler from Brooklyn, NY. As a youth, he studied classical violin technique, Scottish fiddle music and highland bagpipes. He began dancing with his Scots mother and accompanied her to many Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) dances. Calum was awarded full scholarship to study violin with Eliot Chapo, former concert master of the New York Philharmonic at the Florida State University School of Music. He performed in various orchestras in the southeast all the while playing fiddle in pubs and for dances.
Calum currently resides on Long Island where he is Director of Strings at Hewlett High School, a Grammy Top 100 school for music programs. In 2007, Calum was the very first American to be invited to compete in the Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Competition at Blair Castle where he earned 1st place along with an invitation to return and defend the title in October 2008. He is also a winner of the New England fiddle championship, the United States National Scottish Fiddle Competition and the Aboyne prize given by the Marquis of Huntley. He has performed in the ensemble, The Parcel of Rogues with Susie Petrov, piano and Dan Houghton, bagpipes. Together they seek to convey to audiences the essential beauty and power of Scottish music. With Petrov, he has recorded a series of duets entitled, “In Conversation.”
More recently, Calum has formed the popular Celtic band known as NY Brogue. The band was a huge success when they appeared at Clan Currie’s “Tartan Day at the South Street Seaport” in 2013. Their latest CD entitled, “Live from the Poor Mouth” was released earlier this year.
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Moving on, a book by Andy Anderson and Ronnie Morrison
So far, the currency debate has been conducted on the assumption that Scotland would want to retain Sterling. That means you also keep the present failed and corrupt banking system which every few years triggers a financial crisis and disrupts the economy.
Between crises the banks serve the interests of the bankers first and the people a very poor second. Today the currency is the banking system and the level of debate must be raised to recognize this.
“Moving On” describes why we need to reform the banks and details precisely how this could be implemented under the Constitution of an independent Scotland.
Only when this option is set out in detail does it become apparent how the National Debt can be capped, unemployment banished, public services and healthcare affordable and pensions secured.
If an independent Scotland is to achieve its economic potential it must break the shackles of debt upon which the City of London thrives and the rest of the country pays the price.
These decisions will be made by the first Sovereign government of Scotland following the 2016 election. It will be made irrespective of the political complexion of that government and with or without the agreement of Westminster.
Without the SNP there would be no devolution, no referendum. For that the SNP deserves our National gratitude for perseverance and achievement.
BUT
To win independence without the option of financial independence would be a hollow victory. So in his Foreword to this exciting new book, Dennis Canavan writes -
“.. Independence should not mean a continuation of the same failed policies which have made the UK the fourth most unequal society in the developed world. Independence is an opportunity for a fresh start and that means fresh thinking. In that respect, Andy Anderson and Ronnie Morrison make a very valuable contribution to the current debate, drawing on important lessons from the past, and offering hope for a brighter future…..”
(Dennis Canavan is a former Independent MSP and Chairman Advisory Board of Yes Scotland, and The campaign for a Yes vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum.)
Thinking outside the money box. Set aside minor distractions like transaction costs and sharing the public debt. The real problem is unaccountable financial markets which dictate government policy and paralyse the real economy.
Moving On provides an in depth analysis of shadow banking and an entirely fresh approach as to how Scotland should grasp this opportunity to break its dominance. Moving On does not flinch from exposing fraud and corruption and unusually it provides a Constitutional blue print for the practical alternative.
You can get a copy of this book at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moving-Andy-...moving+on+andy
Electric Canadian
History of the York Rangers
By Captain A. T. Hunter (1913).
Have now completed this book.
You can read this book at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/york/index.htm
Nova Scotia Historical Society, Reports and Collections
I have found a number of volumes from this Society and have added the first four to get you started. I'll be adding more as I find them.
I added Volume V 1886/87 which includes, The Expulsion of the Arcadian Parts 1 & 2, Gordon's Journal of Siege of Louisbourg, 1758, Papers read before Society since its Inception (showing those published)
You can read this volume at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ions/index.htm
Folklore of Nova Scotia
By Mary L. Fraser. A new book we're starting.
Now up to chapter IX about Fairy Lore. Here is how the chapter starts...
Gomme’s theory of fairies is that they are the traditional representatives of an ancient pygmy race. J. F. Campbell, in his introduction to Popular Tales of the West Highlands, bears out this theory by his discoveries. By living among the Lapps, he found out that their manners and customs are similar to those ascribed to the fairies. For example, he knows one dwelling in the north of Europe which would answer the description of a fairy mound. It is round, about twelve feet in diameter, and sunk three feet in the sand. The roof is made of sticks and covered with turf. At a short distance, it looks exactly like a conical green mound about four feet high. He saw a somewhat similar dwelling uncovered in the sand hills near the sea in South Uist, Scotland. A Lapp, even when wearing a high peaked cap, could easily fit under his arm. They move around very rapidly, aided by long birch poles. They are fond of hoarding treasure. In fact, they are such a people as the mist of antiquity might encircle with all the magic attributed to fairies.
The early settlers of Nova Scotia brought with them from the old lands a belief in the existence of fairies. The whole district which the town of Inverness now covers was formerly called the Shean (from the Gaelic Sithean, meaning the house of the fairies). In this district there was a small hill, shaped something like a large hay stack, where the old people used to see the “little people” in thousands. People in general would not walk about in that place at night; but when they did sov as soon as they approached the hill the little visitors vanished. A man who owned a farm at that place was so much troubled by noises of no natural description that he sold his place in order to get rid of them.
An old pedlar used to go around the country with his waggon-load of goods drawn by a rather miserable-looking grey horse. One night he put up at Mr. MacNeil's house, near Castle Bay, and his horse was comfortably housed in the near-by stable. In the morning when Mr. MacNeil, who was up betimes, went to the stable, he was surprised to find the stranger’s horse decorated with braided tail and mane. He expressed his surprise to the pedlar, who told him that this was a nightly occurrence, and he ascribed it to the fairies. No matter in what part of the country he was, or what precautions were taken to prevent intruders from entering the stables, the same thing took place. When they gave the horse water into which a silver coin was placed, the plaits unravelled of themselves.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lore/index.htm
Quebec Elections
As you know I am documenting the Referendum debate in Scotland and there has been a real argument around the currency. The SNP state they want a currency union to retain Sterling and they would have a seat on the Bank of England board. I was thus interested to see that this exact same discussion is being used in Quebec where they also say they would retain the Canadian Dollar and have a seat on the Bank of Canada board.
In the event Quebec decided to go for Independence it would be worth following the Scottish referendum debate to see how discussions might go in Quebec. You can read a variety of papers on most topics at: http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss where she is talking about International Woman's Day and the role they are playing in the independence debate.
Again the Synopsis is missing this week.
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, "Wha Rules The Hoose?" and "Sandy M'Tartan's Visit to the Shows". which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Memoirs and Adventures of Sir John Hepburn
Last week I added an article about him and also made a book about him available as a pdf file. However I realised that this book was a very important book when it comes to documenting the Scots involved in the Thirty Years War.
Here is what the Preface has to say...
The selection of one prominent name from among the many that usually figure in great historical events, is a more pleasant mode of illustrating the manners of an age than can be achieved in narrating the more cumbrous annals of a nation; and thus the Author of these Memoirs, in presenting them to the public, has endeavoured to delineate the career, and glean from the masses of warlike history the achievements, of a distinguished soldier of fortune.
While avoiding all disquisition on the merits of the Thirty Years’ War, he has grouped around his hero all the great leaders in that long and sanguinary struggle for the liberties of Germany.
Signalised on many a hard-fought field, the conduct and bravery of Sir John Hepburn won for him the pre-eminence of being esteemed the best of that warlike age, next to the great Swedish leader; and the episodes of these Memoirs will show how brightly the chivalry and valour of his Scottish comrades shone forth amid the brilliant exploits which distinguished, and the heartless ferocity which degraded, the long war with the Empire.
These pages contain a brief record of the services of those Scottish troops who (to use the words of the famous Major Dalgetty) served in the German wars, under “the Invincible Gustavus Adolphus, the Lion of the North, and Bulwark of the Protestant Religion.”
A proper memorial of their valour and their worth has long been wanting to complete our national history.
The Author has confined himself more immediately to achievements of Hepburn’s brigade in Sweden, which afterwards became the Regiment d’Hepburn in the service of France, and is now known as the Scots Royals, or First Regiment of the British Line.
The records that survive of this old regiment, which the Hepburns, Lord Douglas, and the Earl of Dumbarton, successively commanded in France, are preserved among the military archives of that country.
The high military commands borne by Scotsmen in all ages evince the reputation for courage which the nation has gained abroad. In every army in Europe they have risen to eminence, and by their intrepid courage, persevering spirit, and inflexible integrity, though invidiously designated by some as adventurers, have attained the highest honours that can accrue to subjects.
Though Hepburn had never a higher rank in Sweden than that of colonel, it is remarkable that he should have been appointed to command nearly forty thousand infantry in the intrenched camp at Nuremberg, when there were so many Field-Marshals and other general officers in the army.
The house in which he was born still occupies a prominent place in his native village of Athelstaneford, and was lately shown to the Author by the patriarch of the parish, a man upwards of eighty years of age, who in his youth had frequently heard his predecessors speak of Sir John Hepburn, and who many years ago assisted the late venerable incumbent to search the Hepburn Aisle and the churchyard, for any inscriptions that might remain to the memory of the Marshal or his family: but none were found.
The property of Athelstaneford, and the sepulchre where the Hepburns lie, belong to their successors, the Kinlochs of Gilmerton.
Since these pages went to press, the Author finds he has somewhat underrated the number of Scottish soldiers who followed the banner of Gustavus. His regiments were maintained at the strength of one thousand and eight rank and file, and, as he had thirteen from Scotland, this gives us the number of thirteen thousand one hundred and four privates, all Scotsmen, and exclusive of their countrymen who led them and nearly all the other regiments, troops, and companies of the Swedish army.
Edinburgh, October 1850.
I thus decided to ocr the book onto the site and it's now available at
http://www.electricscotland.com/Hist...hn_hepburn.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.
Legend of the Hundred Years
I've made this article available as a pdf file but here is the opening poem to set the scene...
Stir up the embers, heap on more fire,
The snow lies thick, and the stormy ire
Of the wintry blast sends its cold breath
O’er many a land, like the chlll of death;
And restless spirits fleet through the air
Utt’ring their long, wild shrieks of despair.
And moaning deep; which through the gloom
Sound like dim groanings from the tomb,
Telling with horror their fearfal doom.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/100years.htm
And that's it from Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for this week.
The Songstresses of Scotland
Added the biography of Miss Joanna Baillie (1762 - 1851) which now completes this book.
This one can be read at: http://www.electricscotland.com/music/songstresses/
Summer at the Lake of Monteith
By P. Dun, Station Master, Port of Monteith (1866).
An interesting chapter on Curious Tradition regarding the Fairies and here is the chapter...
On the south-eastern shore of the lake of Monteith there is a singular peninsula called Cnoc-n’an-Bocan, “Bogle-knowe,” or “Hobgoblin-hill,” and which was the headquarters of “all the fairies” in this district of country. During the time these “lubberly supernaturals” held the “Cnoc-n’an-Bocan,” the then Earls of Monteith possessed what was called the “red book,” to open which was to be followed by something preternatural. One of the Earls unfortunately unclasped the fatal volume, when, lo! the fairies appeared before him demanding work. Not knowing what work to set them to, his lordship hit upon the plan of making a road into the island. They began on the southern shore, and had made the now beautiful and pleasing peninsula of “Arnmauk,” tufted with its dark green Scotch firs. The Earl, however, finding that if they continued this work his hitherto impregnable retreat would be cut off, asked them to make for him a rope of sand. They began this latter task without finishing the former, and finding their new work too much for them, they resolved to depart, to the no small joy of the Earl. His lordship, however, in consideration of their herculean toils, unfinished as they were, gave them a grant of the north shoulder of Ben-Venue, still called Cair-n’an-Uriskin.
M‘Gregor Stirling says, “To their desire for work may be attributed the vegetable splendour of their present abode, which without, it would have had the most forlorn aspect imaginable, but adorned as it now is, presents unequalled specimens of the sublime and beautiful conjoined. There is, indeed, in Coir-n’an-Uriskin and Bealach-n’an-Bo, a certain magic grace bespeaking the aerial tenantry.” Coir-n’an-Uriskin is the cove of the “Urisk’s ” or “Fairies,” Bealoch-n’an-Bo, the “Lass of the Cows.”
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eith/index.htm
My Man Sandy
By J. B. Salmond (1919).
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.
Just three chapters to go now to complete this book and you can read the new chapters at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sandy/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
John sent in a new song, Tasht Bockie An' Pa Craw.
You can read this and listen to the music at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel529.htm
Clan Leslie
Got in their Apr, May, Jun 2014 newsletter which you can get to at
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...slie/index.htm
Thomas Dick Lauder
This is an author that wrote many historical books and we are going to be bringing you a selection of his books over the next few months.. We are starting on his 3 volume book "Lochandu". Here is the Preface of the book...
Loch-an-eilan.—This lake is much embellished by an ancient castle standing on an island within it, and even yet entire, though roofless. As a Highland castle, it is of considerable dimensions, and the island being scarcely larger than its foundations, it appears to rise immediately out of the water —It would not be easy to imagine a wilder position than this, for a den of thieves and robbers, nor one more thoroughly romantic. It is more like the things of which we read in the novels of the Otranto School, than a scene of real life. If ever you should propose to rival the Author of Waverley in that line of art, I recommend you to choose part of your scene here. As I lay on its topmost tower, amid the universal silence, while the bright sun exalted the perfume from the woods around, and all the old world visions and romances seemed to flit about its grey and solitary ruins, I, too, felt as if I would have written a chapter that might hereafter be worthy the protection of Minerva—the Minerva of Leadenhall Street."
MacCulloch’s Letters on the Highlands of Scotland.
We are adding these books to our page of him in our Significant Scots section so you can read a write up on him as well at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Book Of Ellon
Another book by Alex Inkson McConnochie. You can find this at the foot of his page at
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cconnochie.htm
The Working life of Christina McKelvie MSP
She is including an article on the GERS Report and other happenings.
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140316.htm
And just as I was finishing the newsletter got another column in from her which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140320.htm
Scottish Historical Review
We've added the October 1920 issue. This issue includes article on "Tour of Mary, Queen of Scots, through South-western Scotland", "The Economic Position of Scotland in 1760", "The Dalkeith Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots", "'Teste Meipso' and the Parochial Law of Tithes", and "The Arbuthnots of Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire".
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume18.htm
Hugh Miller
Added two pdf publications to this Significant Scots page. A single volume on his life and times and a two volume publication giving his life and letters.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...iller_hugh.htm
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
This is a book I discovered while working on one of our other books. It struck me as being a book we should have on the site as you can dip into it for wee articles for a newsletter or for a wee addition to a talk you are giving. It's also just a good read. I have purchased the book and will be scanning it in over the next several weeks.
As it's some 732 pages this is going to take a while to do so aim to do 50 or so pages each week until complete.
You can read the first 51 pages at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
And Finally...
Here are a few wee stories from "The Book of Scottish Anecdote"...
CHALMERS' PUNCTUALITY
The punctuality which reigned over the domestic regulations of Dr Chalmers was sometimes not a little inconvenient to his guests. His aunt, while living in the house, appearing one morning too late for breakfast, and well knowing what awaited her if she did not "take the first word o' flyting," thus diverted the expected storm:-
"Oh! Mr Chalmers," she exclaimed, as she entered the room, "I had such a strange dream last night; I dreamt that you were dead."
"Indeed, aunt," said the Doctor, quite arrested by an announcement which bore so directly on his own future history.
"And I dreamt," she continued, "that the funeral day was named, and the funeral hour was fixed, and the
funeral cards were written; and the day came, and the folk came, and the hour came; but what do you think happened? Why, the clock had scarce done chapping twelve, which was the time named in the cards, when a loud knocking was heard within the coffin, and a voice, gey peremtery and ill-pleased like, came out of it, saying,
"Twelve's chappit, and ye're no lifting"
The Doctor was too fond of a joke not to relish this one; and, in the hearty laugh which followed, the ingenious culprit escaped.- Rev. Dr. Hanna.
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GRAVE WIT
Sir Patrick Hume, King's High Commissioner to Parliament in Scotland, died in the 84th year of his age, 1714. Being observed to smile when on his death-bed, he was asked by Lord Binning what he was laughing at. He answered, "I am diverted to think what a disappointment the worms will meet with when they bore through my thick coffin, expecting to find a good meal, and get nothing but the bones.
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SLEEPIN' OR WAKING?
"Sleepin', Tonald?" said a Highlander to a drowsy acquaintance, who was ruminating on the grass in a horizontal position.
"No, Tuncan," was the ready answer.
"Then, Tonald, would you'll no lend me ten and twenty shilling?" was the next question.
"Ough, ough!" was the response, with a heavy snore; "I'm sleepin' noo, Tuncun my lad."
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BURNS' SCOTTISH DIALECT
Letter from Robert Burns to Mr. W. Nicol, Master of the High School, Edinburgh
"No man had ever more command of the ancient Doric dialect than Burns. He has left a curious testimony of his skill in the following letter - an attempt to read a sentence of which would break the teeth of most modern Scotchmen." - Sir Walter Scott.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
Not a great many articles this week as I took time out to ocr in the book on John Hepburn and also to scan in pages from the Book of Scottish Anecdote of which more below.
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Tartan Day on Ellis Island to Feature a Weekend of Champions
Visitors to Ellis Island during the Tartan Day celebrations will not only be treated to a fascinating new exhibition entitled, “Scots in the American West,” they’ll also be enjoying performances by two champion musicians.
The Clan Currie Society is delighted to announce that 2013 US National Scottish Harp Champion, Haley Hewitt will be performing on Ellis Island on Friday, March 28 as part of the exhibition’s grand opening. Haley will also be performing in the NY Tartan Week Tattoo on Saturday, April 5.
On Saturday, March 29, Scottish fiddler Calum Pasqua performs with his band NY Brogue. Pasqua holds some of the most preeminent titles in the field including, the Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Champion (held each year at Blair Castle) and the Aboyne Highland Games championship - making him one of Scotland’s top fiddle champs – as well as winner of the prestigious New England Fiddle Championship.
Hewitt and Pasqua join an outstanding roster of Scottish performers on Ellis Island including the New York Celtic Dancers, the Rampant Lion Pipe Band, the NYC Harp Orchestra and John the Kilted Juggler.
As always, admission is free.
Join us for a great Scottish weekend on Ellis Island as we open NY Tartan Week and find out why we have been branded as the largest Tartan Day event in the world.
For the most complete listing of NY Tartan Week events, visit www.tartanweek.com
About Haley Hewitt
Haley Hewitt spent two years in Glasgow, Scotland obtaining her Master's degree in Scottish harp. She loves to play new music, collaborate with other musicians, and perform on both pedal and lever harp.
She holds a Master's degree in Scottish Music from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she studied under Corrina Hewat, and a Bachelors Degree in Pedal Harp Performance from the Hartt School of Music in the studio of Rebecca Flannery.
As a pedal harpist she has played in solo, chamber, and orchestral settings extensively, including performances at Carnegie and Benaroya Halls. As a traditional musician, she has presented programs featuring the music of modern Scottish harpers and fiddlers, and looks forward to the release of her debut recording in 2013.
Hewitt was born and raised in Longmeadow, Massachusetts. She started taking harp lessons with Pat Larkin from West Springfield, and then went to the Hartt School in Connecticut to study with Rebecca Flannery and obtain her Bachelor's Degree in Pedal Harp Performance. After graduating, Hewitt went to the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to complete her Master's Degree in Scottish Music, studying under Scottish harper, Corrina Hewat.
About Calum Pasqua
Calum Pasqua is a Scottish fiddler from Brooklyn, NY. As a youth, he studied classical violin technique, Scottish fiddle music and highland bagpipes. He began dancing with his Scots mother and accompanied her to many Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS) dances. Calum was awarded full scholarship to study violin with Eliot Chapo, former concert master of the New York Philharmonic at the Florida State University School of Music. He performed in various orchestras in the southeast all the while playing fiddle in pubs and for dances.
Calum currently resides on Long Island where he is Director of Strings at Hewlett High School, a Grammy Top 100 school for music programs. In 2007, Calum was the very first American to be invited to compete in the Glenfiddich Scottish Fiddle Competition at Blair Castle where he earned 1st place along with an invitation to return and defend the title in October 2008. He is also a winner of the New England fiddle championship, the United States National Scottish Fiddle Competition and the Aboyne prize given by the Marquis of Huntley. He has performed in the ensemble, The Parcel of Rogues with Susie Petrov, piano and Dan Houghton, bagpipes. Together they seek to convey to audiences the essential beauty and power of Scottish music. With Petrov, he has recorded a series of duets entitled, “In Conversation.”
More recently, Calum has formed the popular Celtic band known as NY Brogue. The band was a huge success when they appeared at Clan Currie’s “Tartan Day at the South Street Seaport” in 2013. Their latest CD entitled, “Live from the Poor Mouth” was released earlier this year.
-----
Moving on, a book by Andy Anderson and Ronnie Morrison
So far, the currency debate has been conducted on the assumption that Scotland would want to retain Sterling. That means you also keep the present failed and corrupt banking system which every few years triggers a financial crisis and disrupts the economy.
Between crises the banks serve the interests of the bankers first and the people a very poor second. Today the currency is the banking system and the level of debate must be raised to recognize this.
“Moving On” describes why we need to reform the banks and details precisely how this could be implemented under the Constitution of an independent Scotland.
Only when this option is set out in detail does it become apparent how the National Debt can be capped, unemployment banished, public services and healthcare affordable and pensions secured.
If an independent Scotland is to achieve its economic potential it must break the shackles of debt upon which the City of London thrives and the rest of the country pays the price.
These decisions will be made by the first Sovereign government of Scotland following the 2016 election. It will be made irrespective of the political complexion of that government and with or without the agreement of Westminster.
Without the SNP there would be no devolution, no referendum. For that the SNP deserves our National gratitude for perseverance and achievement.
BUT
To win independence without the option of financial independence would be a hollow victory. So in his Foreword to this exciting new book, Dennis Canavan writes -
“.. Independence should not mean a continuation of the same failed policies which have made the UK the fourth most unequal society in the developed world. Independence is an opportunity for a fresh start and that means fresh thinking. In that respect, Andy Anderson and Ronnie Morrison make a very valuable contribution to the current debate, drawing on important lessons from the past, and offering hope for a brighter future…..”
(Dennis Canavan is a former Independent MSP and Chairman Advisory Board of Yes Scotland, and The campaign for a Yes vote in the Scottish Independence Referendum.)
Thinking outside the money box. Set aside minor distractions like transaction costs and sharing the public debt. The real problem is unaccountable financial markets which dictate government policy and paralyse the real economy.
Moving On provides an in depth analysis of shadow banking and an entirely fresh approach as to how Scotland should grasp this opportunity to break its dominance. Moving On does not flinch from exposing fraud and corruption and unusually it provides a Constitutional blue print for the practical alternative.
You can get a copy of this book at:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moving-Andy-...moving+on+andy
Electric Canadian
History of the York Rangers
By Captain A. T. Hunter (1913).
Have now completed this book.
You can read this book at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/york/index.htm
Nova Scotia Historical Society, Reports and Collections
I have found a number of volumes from this Society and have added the first four to get you started. I'll be adding more as I find them.
I added Volume V 1886/87 which includes, The Expulsion of the Arcadian Parts 1 & 2, Gordon's Journal of Siege of Louisbourg, 1758, Papers read before Society since its Inception (showing those published)
You can read this volume at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ions/index.htm
Folklore of Nova Scotia
By Mary L. Fraser. A new book we're starting.
Now up to chapter IX about Fairy Lore. Here is how the chapter starts...
Gomme’s theory of fairies is that they are the traditional representatives of an ancient pygmy race. J. F. Campbell, in his introduction to Popular Tales of the West Highlands, bears out this theory by his discoveries. By living among the Lapps, he found out that their manners and customs are similar to those ascribed to the fairies. For example, he knows one dwelling in the north of Europe which would answer the description of a fairy mound. It is round, about twelve feet in diameter, and sunk three feet in the sand. The roof is made of sticks and covered with turf. At a short distance, it looks exactly like a conical green mound about four feet high. He saw a somewhat similar dwelling uncovered in the sand hills near the sea in South Uist, Scotland. A Lapp, even when wearing a high peaked cap, could easily fit under his arm. They move around very rapidly, aided by long birch poles. They are fond of hoarding treasure. In fact, they are such a people as the mist of antiquity might encircle with all the magic attributed to fairies.
The early settlers of Nova Scotia brought with them from the old lands a belief in the existence of fairies. The whole district which the town of Inverness now covers was formerly called the Shean (from the Gaelic Sithean, meaning the house of the fairies). In this district there was a small hill, shaped something like a large hay stack, where the old people used to see the “little people” in thousands. People in general would not walk about in that place at night; but when they did sov as soon as they approached the hill the little visitors vanished. A man who owned a farm at that place was so much troubled by noises of no natural description that he sold his place in order to get rid of them.
An old pedlar used to go around the country with his waggon-load of goods drawn by a rather miserable-looking grey horse. One night he put up at Mr. MacNeil's house, near Castle Bay, and his horse was comfortably housed in the near-by stable. In the morning when Mr. MacNeil, who was up betimes, went to the stable, he was surprised to find the stranger’s horse decorated with braided tail and mane. He expressed his surprise to the pedlar, who told him that this was a nightly occurrence, and he ascribed it to the fairies. No matter in what part of the country he was, or what precautions were taken to prevent intruders from entering the stables, the same thing took place. When they gave the horse water into which a silver coin was placed, the plaits unravelled of themselves.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lore/index.htm
Quebec Elections
As you know I am documenting the Referendum debate in Scotland and there has been a real argument around the currency. The SNP state they want a currency union to retain Sterling and they would have a seat on the Bank of England board. I was thus interested to see that this exact same discussion is being used in Quebec where they also say they would retain the Canadian Dollar and have a seat on the Bank of Canada board.
In the event Quebec decided to go for Independence it would be worth following the Scottish referendum debate to see how discussions might go in Quebec. You can read a variety of papers on most topics at: http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss where she is talking about International Woman's Day and the role they are playing in the independence debate.
Again the Synopsis is missing this week.
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, "Wha Rules The Hoose?" and "Sandy M'Tartan's Visit to the Shows". which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
Memoirs and Adventures of Sir John Hepburn
Last week I added an article about him and also made a book about him available as a pdf file. However I realised that this book was a very important book when it comes to documenting the Scots involved in the Thirty Years War.
Here is what the Preface has to say...
The selection of one prominent name from among the many that usually figure in great historical events, is a more pleasant mode of illustrating the manners of an age than can be achieved in narrating the more cumbrous annals of a nation; and thus the Author of these Memoirs, in presenting them to the public, has endeavoured to delineate the career, and glean from the masses of warlike history the achievements, of a distinguished soldier of fortune.
While avoiding all disquisition on the merits of the Thirty Years’ War, he has grouped around his hero all the great leaders in that long and sanguinary struggle for the liberties of Germany.
Signalised on many a hard-fought field, the conduct and bravery of Sir John Hepburn won for him the pre-eminence of being esteemed the best of that warlike age, next to the great Swedish leader; and the episodes of these Memoirs will show how brightly the chivalry and valour of his Scottish comrades shone forth amid the brilliant exploits which distinguished, and the heartless ferocity which degraded, the long war with the Empire.
These pages contain a brief record of the services of those Scottish troops who (to use the words of the famous Major Dalgetty) served in the German wars, under “the Invincible Gustavus Adolphus, the Lion of the North, and Bulwark of the Protestant Religion.”
A proper memorial of their valour and their worth has long been wanting to complete our national history.
The Author has confined himself more immediately to achievements of Hepburn’s brigade in Sweden, which afterwards became the Regiment d’Hepburn in the service of France, and is now known as the Scots Royals, or First Regiment of the British Line.
The records that survive of this old regiment, which the Hepburns, Lord Douglas, and the Earl of Dumbarton, successively commanded in France, are preserved among the military archives of that country.
The high military commands borne by Scotsmen in all ages evince the reputation for courage which the nation has gained abroad. In every army in Europe they have risen to eminence, and by their intrepid courage, persevering spirit, and inflexible integrity, though invidiously designated by some as adventurers, have attained the highest honours that can accrue to subjects.
Though Hepburn had never a higher rank in Sweden than that of colonel, it is remarkable that he should have been appointed to command nearly forty thousand infantry in the intrenched camp at Nuremberg, when there were so many Field-Marshals and other general officers in the army.
The house in which he was born still occupies a prominent place in his native village of Athelstaneford, and was lately shown to the Author by the patriarch of the parish, a man upwards of eighty years of age, who in his youth had frequently heard his predecessors speak of Sir John Hepburn, and who many years ago assisted the late venerable incumbent to search the Hepburn Aisle and the churchyard, for any inscriptions that might remain to the memory of the Marshal or his family: but none were found.
The property of Athelstaneford, and the sepulchre where the Hepburns lie, belong to their successors, the Kinlochs of Gilmerton.
Since these pages went to press, the Author finds he has somewhat underrated the number of Scottish soldiers who followed the banner of Gustavus. His regiments were maintained at the strength of one thousand and eight rank and file, and, as he had thirteen from Scotland, this gives us the number of thirteen thousand one hundred and four privates, all Scotsmen, and exclusive of their countrymen who led them and nearly all the other regiments, troops, and companies of the Swedish army.
Edinburgh, October 1850.
I thus decided to ocr the book onto the site and it's now available at
http://www.electricscotland.com/Hist...hn_hepburn.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.
Legend of the Hundred Years
I've made this article available as a pdf file but here is the opening poem to set the scene...
Stir up the embers, heap on more fire,
The snow lies thick, and the stormy ire
Of the wintry blast sends its cold breath
O’er many a land, like the chlll of death;
And restless spirits fleet through the air
Utt’ring their long, wild shrieks of despair.
And moaning deep; which through the gloom
Sound like dim groanings from the tomb,
Telling with horror their fearfal doom.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...s/100years.htm
And that's it from Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for this week.
The Songstresses of Scotland
Added the biography of Miss Joanna Baillie (1762 - 1851) which now completes this book.
This one can be read at: http://www.electricscotland.com/music/songstresses/
Summer at the Lake of Monteith
By P. Dun, Station Master, Port of Monteith (1866).
An interesting chapter on Curious Tradition regarding the Fairies and here is the chapter...
On the south-eastern shore of the lake of Monteith there is a singular peninsula called Cnoc-n’an-Bocan, “Bogle-knowe,” or “Hobgoblin-hill,” and which was the headquarters of “all the fairies” in this district of country. During the time these “lubberly supernaturals” held the “Cnoc-n’an-Bocan,” the then Earls of Monteith possessed what was called the “red book,” to open which was to be followed by something preternatural. One of the Earls unfortunately unclasped the fatal volume, when, lo! the fairies appeared before him demanding work. Not knowing what work to set them to, his lordship hit upon the plan of making a road into the island. They began on the southern shore, and had made the now beautiful and pleasing peninsula of “Arnmauk,” tufted with its dark green Scotch firs. The Earl, however, finding that if they continued this work his hitherto impregnable retreat would be cut off, asked them to make for him a rope of sand. They began this latter task without finishing the former, and finding their new work too much for them, they resolved to depart, to the no small joy of the Earl. His lordship, however, in consideration of their herculean toils, unfinished as they were, gave them a grant of the north shoulder of Ben-Venue, still called Cair-n’an-Uriskin.
M‘Gregor Stirling says, “To their desire for work may be attributed the vegetable splendour of their present abode, which without, it would have had the most forlorn aspect imaginable, but adorned as it now is, presents unequalled specimens of the sublime and beautiful conjoined. There is, indeed, in Coir-n’an-Uriskin and Bealach-n’an-Bo, a certain magic grace bespeaking the aerial tenantry.” Coir-n’an-Uriskin is the cove of the “Urisk’s ” or “Fairies,” Bealoch-n’an-Bo, the “Lass of the Cows.”
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eith/index.htm
My Man Sandy
By J. B. Salmond (1919).
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.
Just three chapters to go now to complete this book and you can read the new chapters at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sandy/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
John sent in a new song, Tasht Bockie An' Pa Craw.
You can read this and listen to the music at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel529.htm
Clan Leslie
Got in their Apr, May, Jun 2014 newsletter which you can get to at
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...slie/index.htm
Thomas Dick Lauder
This is an author that wrote many historical books and we are going to be bringing you a selection of his books over the next few months.. We are starting on his 3 volume book "Lochandu". Here is the Preface of the book...
Loch-an-eilan.—This lake is much embellished by an ancient castle standing on an island within it, and even yet entire, though roofless. As a Highland castle, it is of considerable dimensions, and the island being scarcely larger than its foundations, it appears to rise immediately out of the water —It would not be easy to imagine a wilder position than this, for a den of thieves and robbers, nor one more thoroughly romantic. It is more like the things of which we read in the novels of the Otranto School, than a scene of real life. If ever you should propose to rival the Author of Waverley in that line of art, I recommend you to choose part of your scene here. As I lay on its topmost tower, amid the universal silence, while the bright sun exalted the perfume from the woods around, and all the old world visions and romances seemed to flit about its grey and solitary ruins, I, too, felt as if I would have written a chapter that might hereafter be worthy the protection of Minerva—the Minerva of Leadenhall Street."
MacCulloch’s Letters on the Highlands of Scotland.
We are adding these books to our page of him in our Significant Scots section so you can read a write up on him as well at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Book Of Ellon
Another book by Alex Inkson McConnochie. You can find this at the foot of his page at
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cconnochie.htm
The Working life of Christina McKelvie MSP
She is including an article on the GERS Report and other happenings.
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140316.htm
And just as I was finishing the newsletter got another column in from her which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140320.htm
Scottish Historical Review
We've added the October 1920 issue. This issue includes article on "Tour of Mary, Queen of Scots, through South-western Scotland", "The Economic Position of Scotland in 1760", "The Dalkeith Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots", "'Teste Meipso' and the Parochial Law of Tithes", and "The Arbuthnots of Kincardineshire and Aberdeenshire".
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume18.htm
Hugh Miller
Added two pdf publications to this Significant Scots page. A single volume on his life and times and a two volume publication giving his life and letters.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...iller_hugh.htm
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
This is a book I discovered while working on one of our other books. It struck me as being a book we should have on the site as you can dip into it for wee articles for a newsletter or for a wee addition to a talk you are giving. It's also just a good read. I have purchased the book and will be scanning it in over the next several weeks.
As it's some 732 pages this is going to take a while to do so aim to do 50 or so pages each week until complete.
You can read the first 51 pages at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
And Finally...
Here are a few wee stories from "The Book of Scottish Anecdote"...
CHALMERS' PUNCTUALITY
The punctuality which reigned over the domestic regulations of Dr Chalmers was sometimes not a little inconvenient to his guests. His aunt, while living in the house, appearing one morning too late for breakfast, and well knowing what awaited her if she did not "take the first word o' flyting," thus diverted the expected storm:-
"Oh! Mr Chalmers," she exclaimed, as she entered the room, "I had such a strange dream last night; I dreamt that you were dead."
"Indeed, aunt," said the Doctor, quite arrested by an announcement which bore so directly on his own future history.
"And I dreamt," she continued, "that the funeral day was named, and the funeral hour was fixed, and the
funeral cards were written; and the day came, and the folk came, and the hour came; but what do you think happened? Why, the clock had scarce done chapping twelve, which was the time named in the cards, when a loud knocking was heard within the coffin, and a voice, gey peremtery and ill-pleased like, came out of it, saying,
"Twelve's chappit, and ye're no lifting"
The Doctor was too fond of a joke not to relish this one; and, in the hearty laugh which followed, the ingenious culprit escaped.- Rev. Dr. Hanna.
-----
GRAVE WIT
Sir Patrick Hume, King's High Commissioner to Parliament in Scotland, died in the 84th year of his age, 1714. Being observed to smile when on his death-bed, he was asked by Lord Binning what he was laughing at. He answered, "I am diverted to think what a disappointment the worms will meet with when they bore through my thick coffin, expecting to find a good meal, and get nothing but the bones.
-----
SLEEPIN' OR WAKING?
"Sleepin', Tonald?" said a Highlander to a drowsy acquaintance, who was ruminating on the grass in a horizontal position.
"No, Tuncan," was the ready answer.
"Then, Tonald, would you'll no lend me ten and twenty shilling?" was the next question.
"Ough, ough!" was the response, with a heavy snore; "I'm sleepin' noo, Tuncun my lad."
-----
BURNS' SCOTTISH DIALECT
Letter from Robert Burns to Mr. W. Nicol, Master of the High School, Edinburgh
"No man had ever more command of the ancient Doric dialect than Burns. He has left a curious testimony of his skill in the following letter - an attempt to read a sentence of which would break the teeth of most modern Scotchmen." - Sir Walter Scott.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair