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Electric Scotland News
Lot's of news on our front this week. We eventually managed to figure out where the problems were coming from and it proved to be a DNS issue and once resolved were fully back up. I got to tell you that Steve and I didn't get much sleep over a 4 day period while trying to resolve the issues we were having. We were both truly knackered!
However out of such nightmares good things can come out of it. The news is that we found Comcast had us marked as a "Residential" account and thus they had not offered, or were permitted to offer us, the bandwidth upgrade. We were running at 16/2 on download/uploads speeds. Due to us now being marked as a "Business" account we are now at 27/7. This has already made a "huge" increase in the speed of our site and our community is now flying instead of grinding.
We are due to get a further bandwidth upgrade to 50/10 but Comcast need to do a hardware upgrade at their head end to deliver that for us. It will happen but will take time to get the hardware in, configured and installed so more speed increases to come. Once we are up to that speed another speed increase will follow to 120/50 and at that speed we will be able to offer full streaming of our content. That means if you want to read one of the big pdf books on the site you should be able to read it almost immediately.
The problem came down to Ezoic as to make use of their services we needed to point to their DNS servers in our domain name record which we did but it took 48 hours to make that happen which is why we didn't consider this as a problem area until late in the day. However, once we did think about it we changed the record back and like magic all worked as it should.
We will still be working with Ezoic and will resolve the issues that came from the DNS change in a conference call we have scheduled with them. I will say Ezoic looks to be a good route for us given the work they can do to our mutual advantage. To learn more about Ezoic you can find an article about them at:
http://vator.tv/news/2013-11-13-webs...zoic-lands-56m
As they are in beta as it were you only get to use their service by invitation only so we were pleased to get one of the invites. Essentially what it means is that when you request a page from our site that page gets transferred to Ezoic and they will then use one of their templates to serve up the page to you. This way they can observe what device you are using and serve up the page with the most relevant template be it a smart phone. tablet, desktop or notebook computer. It all happens at the speed of light so you won't notice any slowing of the pages.
We expect to get increased visitors due to this and many more regular visits so that will have a positive result on our ad revenue as well and so looks to be a win win situation for both us and our visitors.
Electric Canadian
History and Folklore of the Cowichan Indians
We have a number of stories up now from this book including...
The Story of the First Man on Earth
Sowittan, Or The Grumbler
The Story of the Flood by the Cowichan Indians
History of the Cowichan
The War Song
The Story of Quamichah
Scalligham; or The Thunder and Lightning Bird
The Adventures of a Young Man with Crooked Eyes
The Story of the Ten Brothers and the Sea Lion
Not sure if I mentioned it but I also have a couple of YouTube videos available as well.
You can read this book as we get it up at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...chan/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss but no Synopsis this week.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Thomas Dick Lauder
Hope you are enjoying his book, Lochandhu. Started on the final Volume 3 and you can find these at the foot of the page at:http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm where we've added the first two chapters.
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.
Now started on Volume 2 and have added Pages 295 to 352.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/musi...gham/index.htm
The Northern Highlands in the Nineteenth Century
Some years ago I published the 2 volumes in this set. Well I have now found a third volume is now available and so have started to work on this.
Added the issue for 1851...
The year 1851 is known in British annuls as the year of the Great Exhibition, which was supposed to inaugurate a new and peaceful era. Prince Albert was its most active promoter, and the glass and iron palace, designed by Mr Paxton and erected in the southern part of Hyde Park, was regarded as one of the wonders of the world. It was opened by the Queen on the 1st of May. “A grander spectacle,” says Sir William Molesworth, “or more striking pageant than that which took place within was perhaps never exhibited, when, amidst all the pomp and splendour that the Court of England could display, amidst the sound of many trumpets, the solemn and jubilant strains of loud-pealing organs, amidst a crowd of eminent Englishmen and illustrious foreigners, the Queen, then in the prime of her youth and beauty, opened this unrivalled collection of the triumphs of human genius, in the most striking building that any age has produced, am] that human skill and perseverance have ever erected.” This reads nowadays as extravagant, but it reflects the feelings that existed not only at the moment but for many years afterwards, until, indeed, international exhibitions became no unusual events.
The political history of the year was troubled. Lord John Russell passed his Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, to repress what was considered Papal aggression, but its provisions have proved abortive. The nation, indeed, soon became ashamed of its spasm of apprehension. Mr Locke King began a movement for assimilating the county franchise with that of burghs, and on the motion to introduce a bill defeated the Government by a majority of 100 to 52. This shook Lord John Russell’s Ministry, and, as the Budget was unsatisfactory, he sent in his resignation. Lord Stanley (soon to be Earl of Derby) failed, however, to form an administration, and the Whigs returned to office. Lord John promised to bring forward a. measure of reform in the following session. In spite of the opposition of Government a motion in favour of the ballot was carried by a majority of 37. Alderman Salomons, a Jew, was elected member for Greenwich, and endeavoured to take his seat, but the attempt was declared to be illegal.
In December came the coup d’etat in France, which led to the second Empire. The same event brought about the dismissal of Lord Palmerston from the Foreign Office, on the ground that he had expressed approval of Prince Louis Napoleon’s action without consulting the Prime Minister or the Sovereign.
The West Highlands and Islands continued to be in a poverty-stricken state, which produced much controversy and agitation.
You can read this issue (No. 10) at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ands/3no10.htm
Henry Dryerre
Compositor, Poet, Journalist and Musician.
Now added another two Worthies...
Isaac Peterkin
Provost Jack
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...erre/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
Got John's new poem up eventually and this time it is an English language one called "Jock The Cottar's Son"
Poets and Poetry of Scotland from the earliest to the present time
Comprising characteristic selections from the works of more noteworthy Scottish poets with biographical and critical notices. By James Grant Wilson (1876)
Now started on Volume 2 with...
Contents
Pages 1 - 84
You can read all about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/poets/
Samuel Smiles
Newspaper Editor, Author and Social reformer has been added to our Significant Scots page.
This is another biography we're adding. I've added this week...
Chapter XIII - Secretary of the South-Eastern Railway
Chapter XIV - A Successful Author at Last!
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...les_samuel.htm
Book of the Old Edinburgh Club
We have acquired copies of 12 volumes of this club's publications and we're going to add one a week.
Now added volume 7 which includes...
Introduction
Form of Bidding Prayer
At receiving Brethren
Form of Absolution from Excommunication
Verses explaining order of Scripture Lessons and Books
Kalendar
Rules for Histories in Divine Service
Forms of Excommunication and Absolution
Preces at the Day Hours
[Martyrology]
Gospels and Homilies for reading in Chapter
[The Rule of St. Augustine]
History of the foundation of Holyrood
On a miracle during its erection
History of the foundation of St. Mary's Isle
Names of abbots of Holyrood
Ordinale
Manuale:
Visitation of the Sick
The Commendation
Burial of the Dead
Reception of one brought for burial from outside
Procession to Cemetery in Commemoration of Departed
Blessing of Meat and Eggs
A General Blessing
Blessing of Food and Drink
For those on a Journey
On Saturdays at the Maundy
Litany
Inventory of Vestments and Ornaments
See also Books byMr. Moir Bryce as mentioned in the above volume...
The Scottish School of Painting
By William D. MaKay, R.S.A. (1906).
Now completed this book and you can read the final chapters at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/art/schoolmdx.htm
Enigma Machine
Now have up puzzle 69.
You can get to this one at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma069.htm
George Burns, His Times and Friends
By Edwin Hodder (1890). A new book we're starting.
Great history in this book and we are now up to Chapter XIX. With Lord Shaftesbury which starts...
When Mr. Burns, in response to the invitation of Captain Trotter, went to Roseneatli to he introduced to Lord Ashley (or Lord Shaftesbury, as he became in the following year), he found the “great philanthropist ”as he specially disliked to be called— walking in the grounds with an enormous stick in his hand, like that of Giant Despair in the “ Pilgrim’s Progress,” a stick which on more than one occasion figured in the caricature pages of Punch. He needed it at that time, for his' health had given way. Two years previously he had been attacked with severe illness, and before he had recovered, a sense of duty had called him to undertake Herculean labours on behalf of the poor and suffering. More recently he had borne the strain of a residence in London during the prevalence of cholera which had turned it into a city of the plague. Day and night he, and a small band of workers, almost alone in the field, had pleaded for sanitary inspection and reform, and upon him had devolved, during that trying period, the onerous duties of Chairman of the Board of Health.
In August, 1850, worn out with fatigue and anxiety, he left London for a prolonged stay in Scotland, in the hope that he might renew his strength and be braced up for the work which lay before him in the winter. The Duke of Argyll had lent him Boseneath, the Duke’s place on the Clyde — and it was here, as we have said, that Air. Burns found him, leaning on his stick.
Mr. Burns was not in health or in spirits. Only two months before, he had. passed through the greatest trial of his life up to that time—the loss of the Orion, with his brother and other relatives and friends 011 hoard, who perished in the wreck.
"When, therefore, tin* two busy, earnest, hardworking men sat down together to talk, their hearts opened to each other at once. “Love is never lasting which flames before it burns,” hut here it began to bum forthwith. Each found that in speaking to the other, it was as though he thought aloud. Both were “sound Evangelicals,” back-bone Protestants, haters of Popery, lovers of the Jews, and students of Scripture ; both in their respective spheres were engaged in numberless works of philanthropy; both were mild Conservatives; both were, above and beyond everything else, possessors of that vital Christianity which puts the love of God in Christ Jesus in the forefront of all things.
What they found in each other that day, the)' found more and more as the years rolled on; the faculty in one, found a corresponding faculty in the other; the understanding and the moral sense of one, was enriched by the understanding and the moral sense of the other ; the spiritual affinities of one, were strengthened by the spiritual affinities of the other, and in their long friendship they were ever able to touch the chords of each other’s heart.
We cannot trace the progress and development of that friendship in detail, only here and there can we gather up some stray threads to indicate what the pattern of it was, and, at the risk of anticipating events to be recorded later on, we will give the whole outline of that friendship here.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/burns/index.htm
The Pictorial History of Perth
By Jamesa Cant.
I found this interesting wee book so added it to the foot of our Perth page which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/perth/
A Highlander Looks Back
By Angus MacPherson. A new book we're starting.
THE memories of one who has never risen to any great altitude in life’s way may not appeal to modern thought, but to those who, like myself, lived in the Victorian days, so commonly referred to as “the bad old days”, they will, I hope, be of interest, and may, perhaps, cause the modern thinker to pause, if not alter the condemnation so glibly expressed.—Author.
I have judged for a good many years at a good many Highland Gatherings, and I recall two outstanding performances by Malcolm Macpherson. One was at the Kyleakin Games in the Isle of Skye, the other was at the Argyllshire Gathering at Oban. I do not recall for certaiq Malcolm’s tune at Kyleakin, but he was placed in the Piobaireachd Competition equal first with John MacDonald at his best. I doubt if any other of the younger generation of pipers has had that honour. The second occasion was at the Gold Medal competition at the Argyllshire Gathering at Oban in, I think, 1927. Malcolm played that beautiful MacCrimmon masterpiece, “Lament for Donald Ban MacCrimmon”, a tune which very, very few, even of the front line pipers, can do justice to. I still remember how we, the judges, were impressed by his playing on that occasion. It was one of those memorable performances which are recalled with pleasure across the years.
During the last few years I have been present at three public functions at which Angus Macpherson has been the central figure. The first of them was at Invershin, after his hotel at Inveran had been completely destroyed by fire and the family had lost a beloved home. It was decided to make Angus a presentation. The idea originated with an angler (whose name is carried to the four corners of the world by the liners of his fleet) who had stayed at Inveran and fished the Shin for many years. He set the ball arolling. Famous names, both in this country and abroad, members of the aristocracy, Members of Parliament, the princes of commerce, all wished to show their friendship. They recalled the hospitality of “himself” and his good lady during those happy days beside the Shin, often in his company beside some famous pool. That presentation of the token of esteem of many friends was a heartening occasion, and perhaps in its way was unique. The second occasion was in 1952, when the Invergordon Highland Gathering in full swing came to a sudden halt for a few minutes when Angus was presented by the committee with an inscribed Cromag bearing in silver a suitable inscription, that the staff was given him as a tribute to his judging of the piping at these Games for many years. The third occasion was as recently as September, 1954, at the Northern Meeting Rooms in Inverness. This presentation was made by Cameron of Lochiel and was a tribute by the members of the Meeting to Angus Macpherson to mark his 60th annual attendance without a break at the piping events, either as a competitor or as a spectator.
As a true Highlander Angus may perhaps be said to have inherited from his ancestors his courtesy and distinction of bearing. His poetic love for the Highlands, their old traditions, and music, will be realised by those who read his book. They may also realise a quality in my old friend which has often impressed me—his idealism and his striving always towards what is best in his fellow men. In his journey through life he has, like all of us, had dark and anxious days, but he has had the joy of an ideal partner in his married life, and I am sure that he would be the first to admit how much he has owed, and still owes, to her wise counsel and self-effacing support. He has, as he tells us, now reached the time of the borrowed years, but his friends hope that he may be spared to keep alive the old qualities of the Highlander in these days of material progress, when so much of spiritual value is being lost.
For myself, I feel that his friendship, through many years, has been a thing beyond price. It has been a privilege to have been asked by him to write this Foreword, and I wish the book every success, for we may not see its like again.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...back/index.htm
The Great Floods of August 1829
In the Province of Moray and Adjoining Districts by Sir Thomas Dick Lauder. A new book we're starting.
While we are now on the final chapter of his 3 volume Lochandhu we are making a start now on his factual historic writings and this is the first such book. It is a fascinating looks at a terrible event.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../floodsndx.htm
The Pictorial History of Scotland
From the Roman Invasion to the Close of the Jacobite Rebellion A.D. 79 to 1746 by James Taylor, D.D. in 2 volumes (1859).
There are plenty of major histories of Scotland on the site and even a nine volume one. However I thought this one would add something due to all the illustrations in them. I have provided the contents page of each volume to help you to decide which volume you might wish to download.
You can get to these at http://www.electricscotland.com/books/pdf/pictorial.htm
Joseph Johnston Lee
Dundee Poet known for his war poetry.
Joseph Johnston Lee (1876 – 1949) was a Scottish journalist, artist and poet, who chronicled life in the trenches and as a prisoner of war during World War I. He is also remembered for his fight with then poet laureate Robert Bridges over the literary value of Robert Burns' work. He has been described as "Scotland's 'Forgotten' War Poet", as well as "Dundee's forgotten war poet."
You can learn more about him and we've provided three of his books for you to read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/lee_joseph.htm
And Finally...
A Prize Comment
I overheard a fellow saying...
“It's hard to stomach the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama, the leader of the most militarised country in the world? It’s a bit like giving Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond a medal for services to the English Tourist Board.”
Origins Apology
Royal & Ancient Golf Club captain Colin Brown was recalling his own sporting past when he spoke at the Trades House of Glasgow last week. Colin in his younger days turned out for Clydesdale Cricket Club, which once went on tour in Ireland, with the day ending in a dance at which he was whirled around the floor by an enthusiastic Irish girl.
Apologising for his lack of dancing skill, Colin told her: “I’m a little stiff from bowling.”
“Oh, I couldn’t care less where you’re from,” she happily told him.
And that's it for this week and as the weekend is nearly here I hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
Lot's of news on our front this week. We eventually managed to figure out where the problems were coming from and it proved to be a DNS issue and once resolved were fully back up. I got to tell you that Steve and I didn't get much sleep over a 4 day period while trying to resolve the issues we were having. We were both truly knackered!
However out of such nightmares good things can come out of it. The news is that we found Comcast had us marked as a "Residential" account and thus they had not offered, or were permitted to offer us, the bandwidth upgrade. We were running at 16/2 on download/uploads speeds. Due to us now being marked as a "Business" account we are now at 27/7. This has already made a "huge" increase in the speed of our site and our community is now flying instead of grinding.
We are due to get a further bandwidth upgrade to 50/10 but Comcast need to do a hardware upgrade at their head end to deliver that for us. It will happen but will take time to get the hardware in, configured and installed so more speed increases to come. Once we are up to that speed another speed increase will follow to 120/50 and at that speed we will be able to offer full streaming of our content. That means if you want to read one of the big pdf books on the site you should be able to read it almost immediately.
The problem came down to Ezoic as to make use of their services we needed to point to their DNS servers in our domain name record which we did but it took 48 hours to make that happen which is why we didn't consider this as a problem area until late in the day. However, once we did think about it we changed the record back and like magic all worked as it should.
We will still be working with Ezoic and will resolve the issues that came from the DNS change in a conference call we have scheduled with them. I will say Ezoic looks to be a good route for us given the work they can do to our mutual advantage. To learn more about Ezoic you can find an article about them at:
http://vator.tv/news/2013-11-13-webs...zoic-lands-56m
As they are in beta as it were you only get to use their service by invitation only so we were pleased to get one of the invites. Essentially what it means is that when you request a page from our site that page gets transferred to Ezoic and they will then use one of their templates to serve up the page to you. This way they can observe what device you are using and serve up the page with the most relevant template be it a smart phone. tablet, desktop or notebook computer. It all happens at the speed of light so you won't notice any slowing of the pages.
We expect to get increased visitors due to this and many more regular visits so that will have a positive result on our ad revenue as well and so looks to be a win win situation for both us and our visitors.
Electric Canadian
History and Folklore of the Cowichan Indians
We have a number of stories up now from this book including...
The Story of the First Man on Earth
Sowittan, Or The Grumbler
The Story of the Flood by the Cowichan Indians
History of the Cowichan
The War Song
The Story of Quamichah
Scalligham; or The Thunder and Lightning Bird
The Adventures of a Young Man with Crooked Eyes
The Story of the Ten Brothers and the Sea Lion
Not sure if I mentioned it but I also have a couple of YouTube videos available as well.
You can read this book as we get it up at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...chan/index.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Alison Thewliss but no Synopsis this week.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
Thomas Dick Lauder
Hope you are enjoying his book, Lochandhu. Started on the final Volume 3 and you can find these at the foot of the page at:http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm where we've added the first two chapters.
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.
Now started on Volume 2 and have added Pages 295 to 352.
You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/musi...gham/index.htm
The Northern Highlands in the Nineteenth Century
Some years ago I published the 2 volumes in this set. Well I have now found a third volume is now available and so have started to work on this.
Added the issue for 1851...
The year 1851 is known in British annuls as the year of the Great Exhibition, which was supposed to inaugurate a new and peaceful era. Prince Albert was its most active promoter, and the glass and iron palace, designed by Mr Paxton and erected in the southern part of Hyde Park, was regarded as one of the wonders of the world. It was opened by the Queen on the 1st of May. “A grander spectacle,” says Sir William Molesworth, “or more striking pageant than that which took place within was perhaps never exhibited, when, amidst all the pomp and splendour that the Court of England could display, amidst the sound of many trumpets, the solemn and jubilant strains of loud-pealing organs, amidst a crowd of eminent Englishmen and illustrious foreigners, the Queen, then in the prime of her youth and beauty, opened this unrivalled collection of the triumphs of human genius, in the most striking building that any age has produced, am] that human skill and perseverance have ever erected.” This reads nowadays as extravagant, but it reflects the feelings that existed not only at the moment but for many years afterwards, until, indeed, international exhibitions became no unusual events.
The political history of the year was troubled. Lord John Russell passed his Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, to repress what was considered Papal aggression, but its provisions have proved abortive. The nation, indeed, soon became ashamed of its spasm of apprehension. Mr Locke King began a movement for assimilating the county franchise with that of burghs, and on the motion to introduce a bill defeated the Government by a majority of 100 to 52. This shook Lord John Russell’s Ministry, and, as the Budget was unsatisfactory, he sent in his resignation. Lord Stanley (soon to be Earl of Derby) failed, however, to form an administration, and the Whigs returned to office. Lord John promised to bring forward a. measure of reform in the following session. In spite of the opposition of Government a motion in favour of the ballot was carried by a majority of 37. Alderman Salomons, a Jew, was elected member for Greenwich, and endeavoured to take his seat, but the attempt was declared to be illegal.
In December came the coup d’etat in France, which led to the second Empire. The same event brought about the dismissal of Lord Palmerston from the Foreign Office, on the ground that he had expressed approval of Prince Louis Napoleon’s action without consulting the Prime Minister or the Sovereign.
The West Highlands and Islands continued to be in a poverty-stricken state, which produced much controversy and agitation.
You can read this issue (No. 10) at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ands/3no10.htm
Henry Dryerre
Compositor, Poet, Journalist and Musician.
Now added another two Worthies...
Isaac Peterkin
Provost Jack
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...erre/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
Got John's new poem up eventually and this time it is an English language one called "Jock The Cottar's Son"
Lyrics composed by John Henderson on the 8th of June, 2014,
to part of Calum Maclean's Scottish dance music for, 'The Charness Waltz'.
Jock born and brought-up-in the country;
Fields and hills to him were home;
Bless'd was he with such surroundings
That instilled in him a need to roam.
But,
Though inside him lay this longing,
School he knew he must attend,
For without the wisdom learning-for-years-there-could-bring
A sound living he might ne'er earn.
Jock's yearning to become a farmer,
Though only a cottar's son,
Fitted well with his love of outdoors,
And knowledge from much harvesting he'd done.
So,
Going to the Agric. College,
Where he passed exams with ease,
It 'twas no surprise the Laird-asked-him-to-become
A helper to one of his grieves.
Jock liked the Laird's only daughter,
And he felt Liz-liked him too;
They had been good friends at College,
But there she'd fancied him-more-than-he-e'er-knew!
Then,
Often the young couple's paths crossed
When the Laird would call Jock in
To ask if he knew if any crops-that-they-then-grew
Were more of a loss than win.
You'll probably guess what happened
At the local Farmers' Ball,
Liz went dressed-up as 'Cinders'
In the hope 'Prince' Jock she might enthral.
Yes,
This tale-has a happy ending
As the couple danced till dawn;
"I'll soon gain a son," the-smiling-Laird-told-ev'ryone,
And e'en grandsons before I'm gone."
You can read this and listen to the music at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel544.htmto part of Calum Maclean's Scottish dance music for, 'The Charness Waltz'.
Jock born and brought-up-in the country;
Fields and hills to him were home;
Bless'd was he with such surroundings
That instilled in him a need to roam.
But,
Though inside him lay this longing,
School he knew he must attend,
For without the wisdom learning-for-years-there-could-bring
A sound living he might ne'er earn.
Jock's yearning to become a farmer,
Though only a cottar's son,
Fitted well with his love of outdoors,
And knowledge from much harvesting he'd done.
So,
Going to the Agric. College,
Where he passed exams with ease,
It 'twas no surprise the Laird-asked-him-to-become
A helper to one of his grieves.
Jock liked the Laird's only daughter,
And he felt Liz-liked him too;
They had been good friends at College,
But there she'd fancied him-more-than-he-e'er-knew!
Then,
Often the young couple's paths crossed
When the Laird would call Jock in
To ask if he knew if any crops-that-they-then-grew
Were more of a loss than win.
You'll probably guess what happened
At the local Farmers' Ball,
Liz went dressed-up as 'Cinders'
In the hope 'Prince' Jock she might enthral.
Yes,
This tale-has a happy ending
As the couple danced till dawn;
"I'll soon gain a son," the-smiling-Laird-told-ev'ryone,
And e'en grandsons before I'm gone."
Poets and Poetry of Scotland from the earliest to the present time
Comprising characteristic selections from the works of more noteworthy Scottish poets with biographical and critical notices. By James Grant Wilson (1876)
Now started on Volume 2 with...
Contents
Pages 1 - 84
You can read all about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/poets/
Samuel Smiles
Newspaper Editor, Author and Social reformer has been added to our Significant Scots page.
This is another biography we're adding. I've added this week...
Chapter XIII - Secretary of the South-Eastern Railway
Chapter XIV - A Successful Author at Last!
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...les_samuel.htm
Book of the Old Edinburgh Club
We have acquired copies of 12 volumes of this club's publications and we're going to add one a week.
Now added volume 7 which includes...
Introduction
Form of Bidding Prayer
At receiving Brethren
Form of Absolution from Excommunication
Verses explaining order of Scripture Lessons and Books
Kalendar
Rules for Histories in Divine Service
Forms of Excommunication and Absolution
Preces at the Day Hours
[Martyrology]
Gospels and Homilies for reading in Chapter
[The Rule of St. Augustine]
History of the foundation of Holyrood
On a miracle during its erection
History of the foundation of St. Mary's Isle
Names of abbots of Holyrood
Ordinale
Manuale:
Visitation of the Sick
The Commendation
Burial of the Dead
Reception of one brought for burial from outside
Procession to Cemetery in Commemoration of Departed
Blessing of Meat and Eggs
A General Blessing
Blessing of Food and Drink
For those on a Journey
On Saturdays at the Maundy
Litany
Inventory of Vestments and Ornaments
See also Books byMr. Moir Bryce as mentioned in the above volume...
The Scottish Grey Friars:
Volume I | Volume II
Holyrood: Its Palace and Abbey
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../edinburghclubVolume I | Volume II
Holyrood: Its Palace and Abbey
The Scottish School of Painting
By William D. MaKay, R.S.A. (1906).
Now completed this book and you can read the final chapters at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/art/schoolmdx.htm
Enigma Machine
Now have up puzzle 69.
You can get to this one at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma069.htm
George Burns, His Times and Friends
By Edwin Hodder (1890). A new book we're starting.
Great history in this book and we are now up to Chapter XIX. With Lord Shaftesbury which starts...
When Mr. Burns, in response to the invitation of Captain Trotter, went to Roseneatli to he introduced to Lord Ashley (or Lord Shaftesbury, as he became in the following year), he found the “great philanthropist ”as he specially disliked to be called— walking in the grounds with an enormous stick in his hand, like that of Giant Despair in the “ Pilgrim’s Progress,” a stick which on more than one occasion figured in the caricature pages of Punch. He needed it at that time, for his' health had given way. Two years previously he had been attacked with severe illness, and before he had recovered, a sense of duty had called him to undertake Herculean labours on behalf of the poor and suffering. More recently he had borne the strain of a residence in London during the prevalence of cholera which had turned it into a city of the plague. Day and night he, and a small band of workers, almost alone in the field, had pleaded for sanitary inspection and reform, and upon him had devolved, during that trying period, the onerous duties of Chairman of the Board of Health.
In August, 1850, worn out with fatigue and anxiety, he left London for a prolonged stay in Scotland, in the hope that he might renew his strength and be braced up for the work which lay before him in the winter. The Duke of Argyll had lent him Boseneath, the Duke’s place on the Clyde — and it was here, as we have said, that Air. Burns found him, leaning on his stick.
Mr. Burns was not in health or in spirits. Only two months before, he had. passed through the greatest trial of his life up to that time—the loss of the Orion, with his brother and other relatives and friends 011 hoard, who perished in the wreck.
"When, therefore, tin* two busy, earnest, hardworking men sat down together to talk, their hearts opened to each other at once. “Love is never lasting which flames before it burns,” hut here it began to bum forthwith. Each found that in speaking to the other, it was as though he thought aloud. Both were “sound Evangelicals,” back-bone Protestants, haters of Popery, lovers of the Jews, and students of Scripture ; both in their respective spheres were engaged in numberless works of philanthropy; both were mild Conservatives; both were, above and beyond everything else, possessors of that vital Christianity which puts the love of God in Christ Jesus in the forefront of all things.
What they found in each other that day, the)' found more and more as the years rolled on; the faculty in one, found a corresponding faculty in the other; the understanding and the moral sense of one, was enriched by the understanding and the moral sense of the other ; the spiritual affinities of one, were strengthened by the spiritual affinities of the other, and in their long friendship they were ever able to touch the chords of each other’s heart.
We cannot trace the progress and development of that friendship in detail, only here and there can we gather up some stray threads to indicate what the pattern of it was, and, at the risk of anticipating events to be recorded later on, we will give the whole outline of that friendship here.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/burns/index.htm
The Pictorial History of Perth
By Jamesa Cant.
I found this interesting wee book so added it to the foot of our Perth page which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/perth/
A Highlander Looks Back
By Angus MacPherson. A new book we're starting.
THE memories of one who has never risen to any great altitude in life’s way may not appeal to modern thought, but to those who, like myself, lived in the Victorian days, so commonly referred to as “the bad old days”, they will, I hope, be of interest, and may, perhaps, cause the modern thinker to pause, if not alter the condemnation so glibly expressed.—Author.
Foreword
by
Seton Gordon
There are few men like Angus Macpherson left to-day in the Scottish Highlands. For almost half a century he has been a public figure. Expert piper, angler, seannachaidh and sheep farmer, he has by his charm, sincerity and courtesy made innumerable friends in all walks of life. In his hotel at Inveran, by the banks of the Shin, I have often stayed. There was always a welcome, always a tune on the pipes. On the river bank, just below the hotel, the pipes sounded particularly well. Many great pipers played there—John MacDonald of Inverness, who often told me how much he owed to the skilled tuition of Angus Macpherson’s father, Calum Piobair, the supreme master on the Piob Mhor; George MacLennan of the Gordon Highlanders, and many others. Nor must we forget Angus’s only son, Malcolm. He was, when very young, sent by his father as a pupil to John MacDonald, and at his best has at times almost equalled in technique the playing of his illustrious teacher.by
Seton Gordon
I have judged for a good many years at a good many Highland Gatherings, and I recall two outstanding performances by Malcolm Macpherson. One was at the Kyleakin Games in the Isle of Skye, the other was at the Argyllshire Gathering at Oban. I do not recall for certaiq Malcolm’s tune at Kyleakin, but he was placed in the Piobaireachd Competition equal first with John MacDonald at his best. I doubt if any other of the younger generation of pipers has had that honour. The second occasion was at the Gold Medal competition at the Argyllshire Gathering at Oban in, I think, 1927. Malcolm played that beautiful MacCrimmon masterpiece, “Lament for Donald Ban MacCrimmon”, a tune which very, very few, even of the front line pipers, can do justice to. I still remember how we, the judges, were impressed by his playing on that occasion. It was one of those memorable performances which are recalled with pleasure across the years.
During the last few years I have been present at three public functions at which Angus Macpherson has been the central figure. The first of them was at Invershin, after his hotel at Inveran had been completely destroyed by fire and the family had lost a beloved home. It was decided to make Angus a presentation. The idea originated with an angler (whose name is carried to the four corners of the world by the liners of his fleet) who had stayed at Inveran and fished the Shin for many years. He set the ball arolling. Famous names, both in this country and abroad, members of the aristocracy, Members of Parliament, the princes of commerce, all wished to show their friendship. They recalled the hospitality of “himself” and his good lady during those happy days beside the Shin, often in his company beside some famous pool. That presentation of the token of esteem of many friends was a heartening occasion, and perhaps in its way was unique. The second occasion was in 1952, when the Invergordon Highland Gathering in full swing came to a sudden halt for a few minutes when Angus was presented by the committee with an inscribed Cromag bearing in silver a suitable inscription, that the staff was given him as a tribute to his judging of the piping at these Games for many years. The third occasion was as recently as September, 1954, at the Northern Meeting Rooms in Inverness. This presentation was made by Cameron of Lochiel and was a tribute by the members of the Meeting to Angus Macpherson to mark his 60th annual attendance without a break at the piping events, either as a competitor or as a spectator.
As a true Highlander Angus may perhaps be said to have inherited from his ancestors his courtesy and distinction of bearing. His poetic love for the Highlands, their old traditions, and music, will be realised by those who read his book. They may also realise a quality in my old friend which has often impressed me—his idealism and his striving always towards what is best in his fellow men. In his journey through life he has, like all of us, had dark and anxious days, but he has had the joy of an ideal partner in his married life, and I am sure that he would be the first to admit how much he has owed, and still owes, to her wise counsel and self-effacing support. He has, as he tells us, now reached the time of the borrowed years, but his friends hope that he may be spared to keep alive the old qualities of the Highlander in these days of material progress, when so much of spiritual value is being lost.
For myself, I feel that his friendship, through many years, has been a thing beyond price. It has been a privilege to have been asked by him to write this Foreword, and I wish the book every success, for we may not see its like again.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...back/index.htm
The Great Floods of August 1829
In the Province of Moray and Adjoining Districts by Sir Thomas Dick Lauder. A new book we're starting.
While we are now on the final chapter of his 3 volume Lochandhu we are making a start now on his factual historic writings and this is the first such book. It is a fascinating looks at a terrible event.
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../floodsndx.htm
The Pictorial History of Scotland
From the Roman Invasion to the Close of the Jacobite Rebellion A.D. 79 to 1746 by James Taylor, D.D. in 2 volumes (1859).
There are plenty of major histories of Scotland on the site and even a nine volume one. However I thought this one would add something due to all the illustrations in them. I have provided the contents page of each volume to help you to decide which volume you might wish to download.
You can get to these at http://www.electricscotland.com/books/pdf/pictorial.htm
Joseph Johnston Lee
Dundee Poet known for his war poetry.
Joseph Johnston Lee (1876 – 1949) was a Scottish journalist, artist and poet, who chronicled life in the trenches and as a prisoner of war during World War I. He is also remembered for his fight with then poet laureate Robert Bridges over the literary value of Robert Burns' work. He has been described as "Scotland's 'Forgotten' War Poet", as well as "Dundee's forgotten war poet."
You can learn more about him and we've provided three of his books for you to read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/lee_joseph.htm
And Finally...
A Prize Comment
I overheard a fellow saying...
“It's hard to stomach the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama, the leader of the most militarised country in the world? It’s a bit like giving Scottish National Party leader Alex Salmond a medal for services to the English Tourist Board.”
Origins Apology
Royal & Ancient Golf Club captain Colin Brown was recalling his own sporting past when he spoke at the Trades House of Glasgow last week. Colin in his younger days turned out for Clydesdale Cricket Club, which once went on tour in Ireland, with the day ending in a dance at which he was whirled around the floor by an enthusiastic Irish girl.
Apologising for his lack of dancing skill, Colin told her: “I’m a little stiff from bowling.”
“Oh, I couldn’t care less where you’re from,” she happily told him.
And that's it for this week and as the weekend is nearly here I hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair