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Electric Scotland News
Beginning May 22, 2014, United will launch the first scheduled nonstop summer service between Chicago and Edinburgh.
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To provide you with a flavour of discussions on Independence I was copied into an email from Dr James Wilkie. I should clarify that Jim is for Independence but opposed to joining the EU.
Folks,
i have had several conversations recently with Othmar Karas, the prospective leader of the conservative side in the EU parliament after the election in May. He is Kurt Waldheim's son in law, and I have known him for many years. I was invited to the reception on the occasion of his nomination, and I met him in the Parliament at the visit by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, when I went I spoke about fisheries again. He is something of a hard case in the respect that he is a very committed European, but what I try to emphasise to him and the other people here is that what they understand as "Europe" is landlocked Central Europe, which in many respects bears little resemblance to the reality on the fringe of the continent, especially in the sub-arctic North-Eastern Atlantic region. I have told him not to believe that what the SNP says at the moment is going to be the official policy of an independent Scotland.
As I told you, I am in regular discussion with the head of the EU department in the Foreign Ministry. We have been tackling the independence referendum situation till now. At the moment he is working through the heap of material I have given him, while reserving the fisheries issue for a special follow-up. I have, however, informed him that Scotland will most likely go for EFTA/EEA membership if nothing is done to resolve the fisheries question, that the recent "revisions" of the CFP are regarded in Scotland as an insult that changes nothing essential. I will follow this up with a lot of specific information on the fisheries issue, including the last two FAL papers as well as others. This will all be discussed with the ambassadors of other EU member states and can have a significant effect on developments. For security I won't copy correspondence, which is in German anyway. There are too many people around who would regard the surrender of powers by the EU as a step backwards in the struggle for integration towards a "European nation", as if that could be created. There is still a tendency to believe that "progress" in that direction means "europeanising" everything in sight.
Scotland's Achilles Heel is and remains the SNP, which still believes that an elected government has carte blanche to impose policies of drastic long-term significance. It has got this EU bee in its bonnet and will have to be disabused of it. More when I have anything to report.
Jim
David Thomson responded to the email with...
That is significant and encouraging news, Jim, Well done for all your diplomatic efforts at high levels in Austria. Roddy's paper which drew a lot on your inputs is also powerful.
I am encouraged too by the number of disparate (non-SNP) efforts that want an independent Scotland outside of the EU. They include Sillars with his new book "In Place of Fear II"; the Scottish Greens; the former socialist parties, ex-Tommy Sheridan; Colin Fox, etc; Labour for Independence; and others: also Jim Fairlie who is organising farming union communities in Perthshire and elsewhere along those lines. None of them are big outfits, but they have an inside voice on the socialist and former labour supporters of the industrial belt and west of Scotland, plus some rural areas.
Here in Pakistan, a group of professionals who were greatly moved by the Braveheart film which they associated with their own struggle to gain independence from colonial empire Britain, have started an internet group to drum up support for the YES campaign among Pakistani and other commonwealth folk in Scotland!
Roll on September! (but expect even fiercer opposition as it nears!)
David
Islamabad
Roddy's Paper, mentioned above, on the Fishing Industry within the EU can be downloaded at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...stry180214.pdf
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New York Tattoo Invokes the Spirit of the Gaels with the Music and Dance of Scotland
The New York Tattoo presents a cast of over 100 pipers, drummers, soprano and baritone singers, Highland dancers, step dancers and military brass ensembles, in a fast paced display celebrating Scotland.
If you liked River Dance then the New York Tattoo will knock you kilt socks off. For the first time ever, a cast of over 100 performers will weave together a colorful tartan of Gaelic music and dance. Five pipe bands, two brass ensembles, soprano and baritone singers, championship Highland dancers and step dancers will transport you to Scotland without leaving your seat. This dynamic performance will ignite the souls of all who respond to the call of the pipes and the stirring cadence of the drum.
The New York Tattoo takes place on April 5th at the Mason Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center, 17 Lexington Avenue and 23rd Street, New York City, 7:30 PM. The show which helps mark National Tartan Day calls all American-Scots.
"With kilts swinging and bagpipes playing, the tattoo format is ideally suited to bring together top flight brass and pipe bands. Added to the mix are leading vocalists, world champion Highland dancers and step dancers encapsulating the spirit of Scotland. Blending a wide range of talent and skills with individual and massed performances. The New York Tattoo will bring audiences to their feet in a fast paced celebration of all that is dear to Scotland," says Magnus Orr, originator of the New York Tattoo.
Magnus has a habit of amassing things. He created the first major New York Tartan Day Parade in 2002. More than 7,000 pipers and drummers and led by Sir Sean Connery filled the Avenue of The Americas' with the sound of Scotland. Magnus did not stop amassing, his next project, the 2005 Pipefest in Edinburgh reached out to over 8,000 pipers and drummers setting a new world record. He did it again in 2010 and now has set his sights on New York.
The New York Tattoo brings an international cast together for an evening of champions from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States.
National treasure and writer Major Alasdair Hutton OBE, who is known as 'the voice of Scotland' and the announcer for the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will enchant the audience as he guides them through the show.
A highlight of the show will be The West Point Hellcats, one of two featured brass ensembles, the Hellcats are celebrating their 220th year of musical tradition at the United States Military Academy. This historic band, is a show in itself. The Patriot Brass Ensemble will also be sounding out as a part of this traditional tattoo. The U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard will present the flags, as a salute to all those who have served or are serving in peril across the seas.
The soaring and beautiful voice of Scottish born, acclaimed soprano, Lesley Craigie will open the program Five pipe bands will pick up the tempo as will the drum fanfare. World champion Highland dancers and Irish step dancers will fly across the stage and World champion Drum Major Jason Paquio will defy gravity with the toss of his five foot mace into the air.
Based on the 64 year old Edinburgh Tattoo, the New York Tattoo is an exciting mix of the traditional forms of Scottish music and dance. The word tattoo originated in 17th Century Europe using drummers to call soldiers back from town to the barracks at the end of the day. The process was known in Dutch as "doe den tap toe" which was the signal for inn keepers to turn off their taps. Over time the performance of the tattoo become more and more elaborate showcasing music and dance.
Tattoos have traditionally featured the "Instruments of War"- the bagpipe and the drum. The Great Highland bagpipe fires the blood when Scots charge into battle the drum is the messenger, beating out a warning from mountain top to mountain top. The cadence acting as a telegraph, can be heard for miles urging the clans to make ready for battle. When massed pipe bands play, the sound is irresistable. The Highland dance, originally performed by Scottish soldiers as a way to keep on their toes with swords slashing, was once performed only by men. It was not until the late 1900's that women outnumbered men in this athletic dance.
The New York Tattoo captures all the emotions of victory and joy. In just 90 minutes the audience will be transported back in time to the land of the Gaels.
For more information and tickets: go to www.tartanweek.com/tattoo/
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John Muir Festival
17- 26 April, across Scotland. The John Muir Festival will celebrate the life and legacy of John Muir, a Scots born naturalist and founder of America's national Parks, taking place along the length of the John Muir Way, a new national pathway that stretches from Dunbar in the East to Helensburgh in the West.
Electric Canadian
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 VI 1887/88 which includes, The Acadian Boundary Disputes and the Ashburton Treaty, The Loyalists at Shelburne, Early Journalism in Nova Scotia, Kings College and Episcopate in Nova Scotia, Notes on the Early History of St. George's Church, Halifax.
You can read this volume at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ions/index.htm
Folklore of Nova Scotia
By Mary L. Fraser.
Now completed this book and here is the chapter on Mermaids...
Mermaids were believed to be water nymphs who lived in beautiful palaces under the sea. They were frequently seen combing their hair on the crest of the waves. One mermaid was reported to have remained three days off the Cape Breton coast, a short distance from the shore. Apart from this one incident, I have not found any other story of their actually having been seen in Nova Scotia. But I took from Mary MacDonald’s dictation a tale of a mermaid which she heard when she was a little girl. Unfortunately, she could not tell me whether or not its setting was local.
An elderly man was one day walking on the beach near his home when he saw a mermaid arise from the water, holding in her hand a very beautiful shell. He kept beckoning to her to come nearer, until she came right up to the shore. He asked her for the shell she was carrying, but she refused, saying that she could not go back to the water without it. With that, he seized the shell and set out for his house. She followed pleading piteously for her treasure, but he would not give it to her. When they reached the house she had to stay there, for he took the precaution of burying the shell in a secret place.
Some time afterwards she married the old man’s son. Although she tried to be happy, she always longed for her home under the sea. To her children she told all about its beauties and its wonders.
One day the children were playing in the hay mow. They dug their way down to the bottom, and there they discovered something very beautiful. They went to the house and fairly dragged their mother to the barn to see their find. She recognized her shell, and told them that she could stay with them no longer, for she was going to the beautiful home under the sea, of which she had told them so often. They went with her to the shore, where they saw a thousand mermaids rejoicing at her coming, and beckoning her on. The children began to weep at the thought of losing their mother. She covered her face with her hair so as not to see their tears, told them to tell their father and grandfather, who were away fishing, that she had gone home and they would never see her again, then she plunged into the sea and joined her companions. All disappeared into the ocean.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lore/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Margaret Hamilton where she is talking about the referendum campaign.
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, "Johnny Gowdy's Funny Ploy" and "The Mendin' O' Johnny MacFarlan's Lum Hat". which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
To give a wee flavour of these stories here's the first page of the Johnny Gowdy story...
If ye've half an hour to spare, I'll tell ye the story o' Johnny Gowdy's funny ploy; for, altho' it's a grave story, it's at the same time a gey merry yin. and's weel worth the kennin'.
"There's a snell nicht, Mysie," said Robin Tamson, yarn merchant in the auld Candleriggs, as he presented his rubicund countenance and portly well-preserved form inside the narrow doorway of Johnny Gowdy's wee tobacco and snuff shop at the foot of the High Street of Glasgow, one chill wintry night some eighty years ago. when the law regarding debt and imprisonment was very different from what it now is. "A rale nippin' December nicht, atweel," responded Mysie, wife of Johnny, "an' it strikes me we'll hae a fa' o' snaw before daylicht the morn.''
"'Deed, lass, I widna winder, an' if it brings a wee hue o' heat wi't, it's comin's welcome. Fill that, Mysie; ye ken my likin'." And the customer placed a silver snuff-box on the small counter to be substantially replenished.
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.
Robert Flockhart
The Edinburgh Street Preacher which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../flockhart.htm
The Scotch Smoke Act
Scotland obtained a Smoke Act last year,with notice of operation in the present year. The 1st of August was the day named for the purification of the atmosphere. Twelvemonths’ notice bad been given to the interested parties, the producers of smoke; and if they had been inclined to prepare for that date, they had abundant opportunities. Years have passed away in the discussion of smoke. Ten years since furnace-improvers proposed schemes for its prevention. They have been adopted in several cases, but few persons are inclined to do this sort of good on the voluntary principle. Even in London, where many small steam-engines work on the land and in the river, and coals are dear as they are distant, an Act of Parliament was required before furnace-owners would save their money. The Temple Gardens were formed long ago on the banks of the Thames, they have been exposed for nearly forty years to the smoke of numerous steamers, and of the engine-furnaces on the south side of the river. Their gardener was skilled in his profession, yet he was unable to produce many flowers common to the country. The soil was not blameable, for its quality could be easily seen. All the appliances ef horticultural skill were tried, and all, failed in the production of those results which were the objects of the gardener’s ambition. Flowers will not be doomed to grow out of place, although human beings may be forced into existence and through it in clouds of smoke.
The Act of Parliament came to the deliverance of the gardener. The smoke from the steamers was reduced. The air became comparatively clear and pure. The plants that would scarcely bud before, sent out leaves and flowers in their season. The small squares of grass and trees were enlivened by flowers of many shades, and the "Templars” enlivened them farther by throwing open their gardens to the little children of the neighbourhood and their guardians. The children and the flowers thrive together because the proprietors of the steamers on the Thames have been compelled to save their money, and use their smoke.
You can read the rest of this article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/smoke.htm
And that's it from Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for this week.
Robert Burns Lives!
Robert Burns, Open Access, and the Digital Studies in Scottish Literature By Patrick Scott.
One of the most interesting articles on Robert Burns I have ever read arrived on my desk a few hours ago. Written by Dr. Patrick Scott (Editor, Studies in Scottish Literature, & Distinguished Professor of English, Emeritus at the University of South Carolina), the article presents the works of global academics and the decision of those involved at the university to digitize the Studies in Scottish Literature (SSL) series. It is refreshing to learn that hundreds of articles written over a half century are now available free of charge online. As a businessman, it is easy for me to see some risk involved and while some would call it a gamble, as Dr. Scott says, “it is a gamble in the Ross Roy tradition of hospitality and openness.” Professor Roy was one of the most open and transparent men I have ever known. His time was your time and his works were eagerly shared with all who called on him. If he knew ahead of time, Ross would do all he could to arrange his schedule to meet you whether you were acquainted with him or not. I can imagine a smiling Ross as I write this brief introduction.
The vast majority of universities charge fees for their scholarly articles or they use a teaser by giving you a half-page or so to read and then BAM! - the article is discontinued until you pay a fee. This is not the case at the University of South Carolina which has the largest collection of Scottish books, including rare books and manuscripts, outside Scotland. The articles of SSL are yours for the taking so please, download as many as necessary to meet your needs.
I commend Dean of Libraries Tom McNally, Patrick Scott, Tony Jarrells, and Elizabeth Suddeth for their banner breaking news. How refreshing! This is rare and enormously welcomed news in an age where all of us are tired of being “nickeled and dimed” to death. I believe I knew Ross well enough to say he would approve. (FRS: 3.25.14)
You can read this article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives197.htm
Summer at the Lake of Monteith
By P. Dun, Station Master, Port of Monteith (1866).
We've now completed this book with some of the genealogy of the Earl of Monteith and some extracts from the Parish Records.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eith/index.htm
My Man Sandy
By J. B. Salmond (1919).
Now completed this book with the final three chapters which can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sandy/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".
Added another two chapters to this book which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Enigma Machine
Added puzzle 55 which you can get to at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma055.htm
The Working life of Christina McKelvie MSP
Got in her report for 27th March which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140327.htm
Scottish Historical Review
We've added the January 1921 issue. This issue includes an article on "The Passages of St. Malachy through Scotland" in the early years of the twelve century.
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume18.htm
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
Added pages 52 to 101.You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
Alan Cunningham
This distinguished poet entered the world under those lowly circumstances, and was educated under those disadvantages, which have so signally characterized the history of the best of our Scottish bards.
We've added another two chapters (VI and VII) to the Life of Alan Cunningham.
You can read these at the foot of his page at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...gham_allan.htm
Scottish Ghost Stories
By Elliot O'Donnell (1911). A new book we're starting.
This is a collection of Ghost stories we're bringing you and now have the first 5 up for you to read at: http://www.electricscotland.com/kids/ghost/index.htm
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Trip to Scotland
By Thomas Dick Lauder (1843). A new book we're starting.
In a chapter "To the Reader" he says...
All who are acquainted with the difficulties attendant on any endeavour to discover truth, will at once be able to form some estimate of those which the Author has encountered in producing the following Work, where, amidst the most extraordinary contrariety of evidence, it was necessary to record the minutest circumstances with accuracy. It would be presumption to declare that he has been successful in doing so in every instance, but he may be permitted to state, that neither time, labour, travel, nor correspondence have been spared, to ensure the correctness of all facts, however trifling, and he is consequently disposed to believe, that if errors do exist anywhere throughout the whole narrative, they must necessarily be so small both in number and importance, as to leave to it all the character of fidelity that can belong to a human performance. He is the more emboldened to express this conviction, because every information was readily supplied to him by those distinguished personages who bore prominent parts in the scenes described, the sheets being afterwards subjected to their strict revision, for which he begs thus to express his most grateful acknowledgments.
At the risk of increasing the number of its pages, but with the hope of imparting to them a greater degree of interest in the eyes of those who are unacquainted with Scotland, it has been thought right to notice the antiquities, and other objects of interest, as well as to describe the scenery all along the route of The Queen’s Progress.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...index.htm#trip
Scotland: A rocky road to independence
The British government warns Scots of the consequences of its plans to withdraw from the Union. This is a video about Independence which can be viewed at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/...425307296.html
I was sent in an email about this video and thought you might be interested is seeing what a foreign news service is reporting.
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in her Section 1 of her March issue which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
And Finally...
Here are a few wee stories from "The Book of Scottish Anecdote"...
A SCOTTISH SERGEANT
Sergeant Weir, of the Scots Greys, was pay-sergeant of his troop, and, as such, might have been excused serving in action, and, perhaps, he should not have been forward; but, on such a day as the battle of Waterloo, he requested to be allowed to charge with the regiment. In one of the charges he fell, mortally wounded, and was left on the field. Corporal Scott, of the same regiment, who lost a leg, asserts, that when the field was searched for the wounded and slain, the body of Sergeant Weir was found with his name written on his forehead by his own hand dipped in his own blood. This, his comrade said, he was supposed to have done that his body might be found and identified, and that it might not be imagined that he had disappeared with the money of his troop.
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A PLAIN-SPOKEN CLIENT
A countryman applied to a solicitor for advice in a certain matter. On being asked if he had stated the exact facts of the case, he replied, with more truth than discretion...
“Oh ay, sir, I thought it best to tell you the plain truth; you can put the lees till't yersel'”
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A GOOD REBUKE
Rob Kerss was a favourite with anglers of all classes—with peer and peasant alike; and preserved his self-respect, and asserted his independent and original character, under all circumstances. It is related that the Earl of Home, probably the best salmon fisher of his day, was on one occasion angling from Rob’s boat on the upper part of the Makerstoun Water; and, as the day was favourable, he hooked and landed several fish in succession. As each salmon was knocked on the head, his lordship refreshed himself from his flask with much self-congratulation, and returned it to his pocket without offering it to the venerable fisherman. Rob gloomily bore this unwonted treatment for some time; but at last seeing no prospect of amendment, he deliberately pulled the boat to the shore, put up the oars, padlocked it, and walked off in the direction of his hut. The Earl, amazed, called to him to come back, as his day’s sport was not nearly over; but Rob replied...
“Na, na; them that drink by themsel’ can fish by themsel';” and he left the peer to digest his mortification as best he might.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair
Beginning May 22, 2014, United will launch the first scheduled nonstop summer service between Chicago and Edinburgh.
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To provide you with a flavour of discussions on Independence I was copied into an email from Dr James Wilkie. I should clarify that Jim is for Independence but opposed to joining the EU.
Folks,
i have had several conversations recently with Othmar Karas, the prospective leader of the conservative side in the EU parliament after the election in May. He is Kurt Waldheim's son in law, and I have known him for many years. I was invited to the reception on the occasion of his nomination, and I met him in the Parliament at the visit by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, when I went I spoke about fisheries again. He is something of a hard case in the respect that he is a very committed European, but what I try to emphasise to him and the other people here is that what they understand as "Europe" is landlocked Central Europe, which in many respects bears little resemblance to the reality on the fringe of the continent, especially in the sub-arctic North-Eastern Atlantic region. I have told him not to believe that what the SNP says at the moment is going to be the official policy of an independent Scotland.
As I told you, I am in regular discussion with the head of the EU department in the Foreign Ministry. We have been tackling the independence referendum situation till now. At the moment he is working through the heap of material I have given him, while reserving the fisheries issue for a special follow-up. I have, however, informed him that Scotland will most likely go for EFTA/EEA membership if nothing is done to resolve the fisheries question, that the recent "revisions" of the CFP are regarded in Scotland as an insult that changes nothing essential. I will follow this up with a lot of specific information on the fisheries issue, including the last two FAL papers as well as others. This will all be discussed with the ambassadors of other EU member states and can have a significant effect on developments. For security I won't copy correspondence, which is in German anyway. There are too many people around who would regard the surrender of powers by the EU as a step backwards in the struggle for integration towards a "European nation", as if that could be created. There is still a tendency to believe that "progress" in that direction means "europeanising" everything in sight.
Scotland's Achilles Heel is and remains the SNP, which still believes that an elected government has carte blanche to impose policies of drastic long-term significance. It has got this EU bee in its bonnet and will have to be disabused of it. More when I have anything to report.
Jim
David Thomson responded to the email with...
That is significant and encouraging news, Jim, Well done for all your diplomatic efforts at high levels in Austria. Roddy's paper which drew a lot on your inputs is also powerful.
I am encouraged too by the number of disparate (non-SNP) efforts that want an independent Scotland outside of the EU. They include Sillars with his new book "In Place of Fear II"; the Scottish Greens; the former socialist parties, ex-Tommy Sheridan; Colin Fox, etc; Labour for Independence; and others: also Jim Fairlie who is organising farming union communities in Perthshire and elsewhere along those lines. None of them are big outfits, but they have an inside voice on the socialist and former labour supporters of the industrial belt and west of Scotland, plus some rural areas.
Here in Pakistan, a group of professionals who were greatly moved by the Braveheart film which they associated with their own struggle to gain independence from colonial empire Britain, have started an internet group to drum up support for the YES campaign among Pakistani and other commonwealth folk in Scotland!
Roll on September! (but expect even fiercer opposition as it nears!)
David
Islamabad
Roddy's Paper, mentioned above, on the Fishing Industry within the EU can be downloaded at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...stry180214.pdf
-----
New York Tattoo Invokes the Spirit of the Gaels with the Music and Dance of Scotland
The New York Tattoo presents a cast of over 100 pipers, drummers, soprano and baritone singers, Highland dancers, step dancers and military brass ensembles, in a fast paced display celebrating Scotland.
If you liked River Dance then the New York Tattoo will knock you kilt socks off. For the first time ever, a cast of over 100 performers will weave together a colorful tartan of Gaelic music and dance. Five pipe bands, two brass ensembles, soprano and baritone singers, championship Highland dancers and step dancers will transport you to Scotland without leaving your seat. This dynamic performance will ignite the souls of all who respond to the call of the pipes and the stirring cadence of the drum.
The New York Tattoo takes place on April 5th at the Mason Hall, Baruch Performing Arts Center, 17 Lexington Avenue and 23rd Street, New York City, 7:30 PM. The show which helps mark National Tartan Day calls all American-Scots.
"With kilts swinging and bagpipes playing, the tattoo format is ideally suited to bring together top flight brass and pipe bands. Added to the mix are leading vocalists, world champion Highland dancers and step dancers encapsulating the spirit of Scotland. Blending a wide range of talent and skills with individual and massed performances. The New York Tattoo will bring audiences to their feet in a fast paced celebration of all that is dear to Scotland," says Magnus Orr, originator of the New York Tattoo.
Magnus has a habit of amassing things. He created the first major New York Tartan Day Parade in 2002. More than 7,000 pipers and drummers and led by Sir Sean Connery filled the Avenue of The Americas' with the sound of Scotland. Magnus did not stop amassing, his next project, the 2005 Pipefest in Edinburgh reached out to over 8,000 pipers and drummers setting a new world record. He did it again in 2010 and now has set his sights on New York.
The New York Tattoo brings an international cast together for an evening of champions from Scotland, Ireland, Canada and the United States.
National treasure and writer Major Alasdair Hutton OBE, who is known as 'the voice of Scotland' and the announcer for the famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, will enchant the audience as he guides them through the show.
A highlight of the show will be The West Point Hellcats, one of two featured brass ensembles, the Hellcats are celebrating their 220th year of musical tradition at the United States Military Academy. This historic band, is a show in itself. The Patriot Brass Ensemble will also be sounding out as a part of this traditional tattoo. The U.S. Coast Guard Color Guard will present the flags, as a salute to all those who have served or are serving in peril across the seas.
The soaring and beautiful voice of Scottish born, acclaimed soprano, Lesley Craigie will open the program Five pipe bands will pick up the tempo as will the drum fanfare. World champion Highland dancers and Irish step dancers will fly across the stage and World champion Drum Major Jason Paquio will defy gravity with the toss of his five foot mace into the air.
Based on the 64 year old Edinburgh Tattoo, the New York Tattoo is an exciting mix of the traditional forms of Scottish music and dance. The word tattoo originated in 17th Century Europe using drummers to call soldiers back from town to the barracks at the end of the day. The process was known in Dutch as "doe den tap toe" which was the signal for inn keepers to turn off their taps. Over time the performance of the tattoo become more and more elaborate showcasing music and dance.
Tattoos have traditionally featured the "Instruments of War"- the bagpipe and the drum. The Great Highland bagpipe fires the blood when Scots charge into battle the drum is the messenger, beating out a warning from mountain top to mountain top. The cadence acting as a telegraph, can be heard for miles urging the clans to make ready for battle. When massed pipe bands play, the sound is irresistable. The Highland dance, originally performed by Scottish soldiers as a way to keep on their toes with swords slashing, was once performed only by men. It was not until the late 1900's that women outnumbered men in this athletic dance.
The New York Tattoo captures all the emotions of victory and joy. In just 90 minutes the audience will be transported back in time to the land of the Gaels.
For more information and tickets: go to www.tartanweek.com/tattoo/
-----
John Muir Festival
17- 26 April, across Scotland. The John Muir Festival will celebrate the life and legacy of John Muir, a Scots born naturalist and founder of America's national Parks, taking place along the length of the John Muir Way, a new national pathway that stretches from Dunbar in the East to Helensburgh in the West.
Electric Canadian
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 VI 1887/88 which includes, The Acadian Boundary Disputes and the Ashburton Treaty, The Loyalists at Shelburne, Early Journalism in Nova Scotia, Kings College and Episcopate in Nova Scotia, Notes on the Early History of St. George's Church, Halifax.
You can read this volume at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ions/index.htm
Folklore of Nova Scotia
By Mary L. Fraser.
Now completed this book and here is the chapter on Mermaids...
Mermaids were believed to be water nymphs who lived in beautiful palaces under the sea. They were frequently seen combing their hair on the crest of the waves. One mermaid was reported to have remained three days off the Cape Breton coast, a short distance from the shore. Apart from this one incident, I have not found any other story of their actually having been seen in Nova Scotia. But I took from Mary MacDonald’s dictation a tale of a mermaid which she heard when she was a little girl. Unfortunately, she could not tell me whether or not its setting was local.
An elderly man was one day walking on the beach near his home when he saw a mermaid arise from the water, holding in her hand a very beautiful shell. He kept beckoning to her to come nearer, until she came right up to the shore. He asked her for the shell she was carrying, but she refused, saying that she could not go back to the water without it. With that, he seized the shell and set out for his house. She followed pleading piteously for her treasure, but he would not give it to her. When they reached the house she had to stay there, for he took the precaution of burying the shell in a secret place.
Some time afterwards she married the old man’s son. Although she tried to be happy, she always longed for her home under the sea. To her children she told all about its beauties and its wonders.
One day the children were playing in the hay mow. They dug their way down to the bottom, and there they discovered something very beautiful. They went to the house and fairly dragged their mother to the barn to see their find. She recognized her shell, and told them that she could stay with them no longer, for she was going to the beautiful home under the sea, of which she had told them so often. They went with her to the shore, where they saw a thousand mermaids rejoicing at her coming, and beckoning her on. The children began to weep at the thought of losing their mother. She covered her face with her hair so as not to see their tears, told them to tell their father and grandfather, who were away fishing, that she had gone home and they would never see her again, then she plunged into the sea and joined her companions. All disappeared into the ocean.
You can read this book at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...lore/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Margaret Hamilton where she is talking about the referendum campaign.
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, "Johnny Gowdy's Funny Ploy" and "The Mendin' O' Johnny MacFarlan's Lum Hat". which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...doch/index.htm
To give a wee flavour of these stories here's the first page of the Johnny Gowdy story...
If ye've half an hour to spare, I'll tell ye the story o' Johnny Gowdy's funny ploy; for, altho' it's a grave story, it's at the same time a gey merry yin. and's weel worth the kennin'.
"There's a snell nicht, Mysie," said Robin Tamson, yarn merchant in the auld Candleriggs, as he presented his rubicund countenance and portly well-preserved form inside the narrow doorway of Johnny Gowdy's wee tobacco and snuff shop at the foot of the High Street of Glasgow, one chill wintry night some eighty years ago. when the law regarding debt and imprisonment was very different from what it now is. "A rale nippin' December nicht, atweel," responded Mysie, wife of Johnny, "an' it strikes me we'll hae a fa' o' snaw before daylicht the morn.''
"'Deed, lass, I widna winder, an' if it brings a wee hue o' heat wi't, it's comin's welcome. Fill that, Mysie; ye ken my likin'." And the customer placed a silver snuff-box on the small counter to be substantially replenished.
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.
Robert Flockhart
The Edinburgh Street Preacher which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../flockhart.htm
The Scotch Smoke Act
Scotland obtained a Smoke Act last year,with notice of operation in the present year. The 1st of August was the day named for the purification of the atmosphere. Twelvemonths’ notice bad been given to the interested parties, the producers of smoke; and if they had been inclined to prepare for that date, they had abundant opportunities. Years have passed away in the discussion of smoke. Ten years since furnace-improvers proposed schemes for its prevention. They have been adopted in several cases, but few persons are inclined to do this sort of good on the voluntary principle. Even in London, where many small steam-engines work on the land and in the river, and coals are dear as they are distant, an Act of Parliament was required before furnace-owners would save their money. The Temple Gardens were formed long ago on the banks of the Thames, they have been exposed for nearly forty years to the smoke of numerous steamers, and of the engine-furnaces on the south side of the river. Their gardener was skilled in his profession, yet he was unable to produce many flowers common to the country. The soil was not blameable, for its quality could be easily seen. All the appliances ef horticultural skill were tried, and all, failed in the production of those results which were the objects of the gardener’s ambition. Flowers will not be doomed to grow out of place, although human beings may be forced into existence and through it in clouds of smoke.
The Act of Parliament came to the deliverance of the gardener. The smoke from the steamers was reduced. The air became comparatively clear and pure. The plants that would scarcely bud before, sent out leaves and flowers in their season. The small squares of grass and trees were enlivened by flowers of many shades, and the "Templars” enlivened them farther by throwing open their gardens to the little children of the neighbourhood and their guardians. The children and the flowers thrive together because the proprietors of the steamers on the Thames have been compelled to save their money, and use their smoke.
You can read the rest of this article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...cles/smoke.htm
And that's it from Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for this week.
Robert Burns Lives!
Robert Burns, Open Access, and the Digital Studies in Scottish Literature By Patrick Scott.
One of the most interesting articles on Robert Burns I have ever read arrived on my desk a few hours ago. Written by Dr. Patrick Scott (Editor, Studies in Scottish Literature, & Distinguished Professor of English, Emeritus at the University of South Carolina), the article presents the works of global academics and the decision of those involved at the university to digitize the Studies in Scottish Literature (SSL) series. It is refreshing to learn that hundreds of articles written over a half century are now available free of charge online. As a businessman, it is easy for me to see some risk involved and while some would call it a gamble, as Dr. Scott says, “it is a gamble in the Ross Roy tradition of hospitality and openness.” Professor Roy was one of the most open and transparent men I have ever known. His time was your time and his works were eagerly shared with all who called on him. If he knew ahead of time, Ross would do all he could to arrange his schedule to meet you whether you were acquainted with him or not. I can imagine a smiling Ross as I write this brief introduction.
The vast majority of universities charge fees for their scholarly articles or they use a teaser by giving you a half-page or so to read and then BAM! - the article is discontinued until you pay a fee. This is not the case at the University of South Carolina which has the largest collection of Scottish books, including rare books and manuscripts, outside Scotland. The articles of SSL are yours for the taking so please, download as many as necessary to meet your needs.
I commend Dean of Libraries Tom McNally, Patrick Scott, Tony Jarrells, and Elizabeth Suddeth for their banner breaking news. How refreshing! This is rare and enormously welcomed news in an age where all of us are tired of being “nickeled and dimed” to death. I believe I knew Ross well enough to say he would approve. (FRS: 3.25.14)
You can read this article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives197.htm
Summer at the Lake of Monteith
By P. Dun, Station Master, Port of Monteith (1866).
We've now completed this book with some of the genealogy of the Earl of Monteith and some extracts from the Parish Records.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...eith/index.htm
My Man Sandy
By J. B. Salmond (1919).
Now completed this book with the final three chapters which can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sandy/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".
Added another two chapters to this book which you can find at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Enigma Machine
Added puzzle 55 which you can get to at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma055.htm
The Working life of Christina McKelvie MSP
Got in her report for 27th March which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/140327.htm
Scottish Historical Review
We've added the January 1921 issue. This issue includes an article on "The Passages of St. Malachy through Scotland" in the early years of the twelve century.
You can read this issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume18.htm
The Book of Scottish Anecdote
Humorous, Social, Legendary and Historical edited by Alexander Hislop, eighth edition.
Added pages 52 to 101.You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/history/anecdote
Alan Cunningham
This distinguished poet entered the world under those lowly circumstances, and was educated under those disadvantages, which have so signally characterized the history of the best of our Scottish bards.
We've added another two chapters (VI and VII) to the Life of Alan Cunningham.
You can read these at the foot of his page at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...gham_allan.htm
Scottish Ghost Stories
By Elliot O'Donnell (1911). A new book we're starting.
This is a collection of Ghost stories we're bringing you and now have the first 5 up for you to read at: http://www.electricscotland.com/kids/ghost/index.htm
Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Trip to Scotland
By Thomas Dick Lauder (1843). A new book we're starting.
In a chapter "To the Reader" he says...
All who are acquainted with the difficulties attendant on any endeavour to discover truth, will at once be able to form some estimate of those which the Author has encountered in producing the following Work, where, amidst the most extraordinary contrariety of evidence, it was necessary to record the minutest circumstances with accuracy. It would be presumption to declare that he has been successful in doing so in every instance, but he may be permitted to state, that neither time, labour, travel, nor correspondence have been spared, to ensure the correctness of all facts, however trifling, and he is consequently disposed to believe, that if errors do exist anywhere throughout the whole narrative, they must necessarily be so small both in number and importance, as to leave to it all the character of fidelity that can belong to a human performance. He is the more emboldened to express this conviction, because every information was readily supplied to him by those distinguished personages who bore prominent parts in the scenes described, the sheets being afterwards subjected to their strict revision, for which he begs thus to express his most grateful acknowledgments.
At the risk of increasing the number of its pages, but with the hope of imparting to them a greater degree of interest in the eyes of those who are unacquainted with Scotland, it has been thought right to notice the antiquities, and other objects of interest, as well as to describe the scenery all along the route of The Queen’s Progress.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...index.htm#trip
Scotland: A rocky road to independence
The British government warns Scots of the consequences of its plans to withdraw from the Union. This is a video about Independence which can be viewed at:
http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/...425307296.html
I was sent in an email about this video and thought you might be interested is seeing what a foreign news service is reporting.
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in her Section 1 of her March issue which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
And Finally...
Here are a few wee stories from "The Book of Scottish Anecdote"...
A SCOTTISH SERGEANT
Sergeant Weir, of the Scots Greys, was pay-sergeant of his troop, and, as such, might have been excused serving in action, and, perhaps, he should not have been forward; but, on such a day as the battle of Waterloo, he requested to be allowed to charge with the regiment. In one of the charges he fell, mortally wounded, and was left on the field. Corporal Scott, of the same regiment, who lost a leg, asserts, that when the field was searched for the wounded and slain, the body of Sergeant Weir was found with his name written on his forehead by his own hand dipped in his own blood. This, his comrade said, he was supposed to have done that his body might be found and identified, and that it might not be imagined that he had disappeared with the money of his troop.
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A PLAIN-SPOKEN CLIENT
A countryman applied to a solicitor for advice in a certain matter. On being asked if he had stated the exact facts of the case, he replied, with more truth than discretion...
“Oh ay, sir, I thought it best to tell you the plain truth; you can put the lees till't yersel'”
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A GOOD REBUKE
Rob Kerss was a favourite with anglers of all classes—with peer and peasant alike; and preserved his self-respect, and asserted his independent and original character, under all circumstances. It is related that the Earl of Home, probably the best salmon fisher of his day, was on one occasion angling from Rob’s boat on the upper part of the Makerstoun Water; and, as the day was favourable, he hooked and landed several fish in succession. As each salmon was knocked on the head, his lordship refreshed himself from his flask with much self-congratulation, and returned it to his pocket without offering it to the venerable fisherman. Rob gloomily bore this unwonted treatment for some time; but at last seeing no prospect of amendment, he deliberately pulled the boat to the shore, put up the oars, padlocked it, and walked off in the direction of his hut. The Earl, amazed, called to him to come back, as his day’s sport was not nearly over; but Rob replied...
“Na, na; them that drink by themsel’ can fish by themsel';” and he left the peer to digest his mortification as best he might.
And that's it for this week and I hope you all have a good weekend.
Alastair