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Electric Scotland News
We have certainly come to the attention of Scots with the discussions going on about the papers in our Scotland-UN committee. The latest paper to be discussed in the comments section of the Scotsman is the one about Scotland in the World which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...intheWorld.pdf
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I had a long weekend in Toronto this week and attended the Knights Templar Garden Party which was great fun. To my horror when I returned home I found I'd put on 9 pounds in weight!!! How on earth I managed that I'm not at all sure but will need to work to take that off now I'm back.
I got a lot of positive feedback on the Canadian Templar newsletter and a fair discussion on the plight of Christians in the Middle East and Africa which I cover in the newsletter. Like there were some 100,000 Christians in Mosil in Iraq but now they are down to around 3,000.
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We are about to try transferring our DNS back to Exoic but this time using a different method which will hopefully avoid the previous troubles we went through. That's just a heads up in case we still experience issues but I certainly hope not this time around.
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The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games are about to start (23rd July to 3rd August) and we wish our Commonwealth friends all the best at what is bound to be a great event. I noted Canada has produced a media pack which includes a mention of every Canadian athlete. It's a very substantial publication and you can download it at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...edia-Guide.pdf
I'd be interested to know if any other country has done a similar publication.
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WOW Big breaking news as I was finishing the newsletter. That Malaysian plane being shot down in Ukraine and the land invasion of Gaza by Israel. Going to be a lot more news on both these events.
Electric Canadian
History and Folklore of the Cowichan Indians
We have a number of stories up now and this week we've added...
The Story of Semmelth
Stetalht, or Spirit People
Chee-Chee-Ka
Chiltsop, or Fire Stick
Children of the Moon
The Story of the Four Winds
Wie-Sah-Ke-Chack
You can read this book as we get it up at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...chan/index.htm
Farley Mowat, Acclaimed Canadian author
Have added a page about him and provided a link where you can watch some videos.
You can get to this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/mowat_farley.htm
Rev Nola Crewe
We have added a forum for her in our Electric Scotland Community. Nola is the Canadian Grand Chancellor of the Grand Priory of Canada and is also the minister of St Monica's Anglican church in Toronto. Her church is currently closed as the landlord upped the rental by $1,000 a month which the church couldn't afford so they are currently without a home.
She is doing a shorter Sunday service for the small congregation from her home and is serving up homilies instead of a full sermon. Her son Derby is video recording these homilies and posting them up on YouTube. Within her forum she is making some of these available within the forum messages.
You can view her forum at: http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...Rev-Nola-Crewe
Nola is also the chaplain for Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto which is her full time job these days.
The Vancouver Island Development Syndicate Limited of London, England
Found this interesting wee document which reveals the amazing opportunities which were available in British Columbia at this time period.
You can view this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/vids.htm
Canada’s Part in the Great War By Col. Geo. G. Nasmith, C. M. G., Toronto
Found this interesting article which I've provided for you to read. I've also provided a link to a the author's 2 volume "Canada's Sons in the World War" which is a complete and authentic history of the commanding part played by Canada and the British Empire in the World's Greatest War
You can get to this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/war_great.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Fraser Hudghton but no Synopsis this week. His article mentions the History Dept. at Dundee University which is where Dr Graeme Morton is now the head and is why he left as Chair of Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph in Canada.
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 chapters III & IV.
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 3 and have added the Contents page and Pages 1 to 44.
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 1852...
The year 1852 possesses political interest. When the year opened the Whigs, under Lord John Russell, were in office, with Lord Palmerston in the attitude of a hostile critic. Owing to the seizure of supreme power in France by Louis Napoleon, apprehension sprung up in this country, and the Premier introduced a bill for the establishment of a “local” militia. Lord Palmerston moved the substitution of “regular” for local, and carried his amendment by a majority of 11 votes. Lord John resigned, and Lord Derby (formerly Lord Stanley) formed an administration, with Mr Disraeli as Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the House of Commons. The new Government was favourable to protection if they could get a large enough majority. On a dissolution, however, the constituencies returned a majority of Liberals. Mr Disraeli met the new Parliament, and proposed a scheme of finance which was severely criticised by Mr Gladstone, and rejected by a majority of 305 votes to 286. Thereupon the Ministry resigned, and anew Government, a Coalition, was formed under Lord Aberdeen. The Cabinet included Mr Gladstone as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Palmerston as Home Secretary.
The Duke of Wellington died in September in the 84th year of his age. His removal was commented on as significant in the year in which the ambition of Napoleon had revived the Imperial throne in France. Among our colonies, owing to the discovery of gold, Australia attracted a large volume of emigrants. A bill was passed giving a new constitution to New Zealand.
In the month of January a severe snowstorm isolated Inverness for a week from communication with the South. In course of the year proposals and discussions about emigration from the Highlands continued.
You can read this issue (No. 11) at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ands/3no11.htm
Henry Dryerre
Compositor, Poet, Journalist and Musician.
Now added another two Worthies...
Dr. James Croll
Rob Gairns
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...erre/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
Got in a new song, called "Sam McGann The Fish Vanman"
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 on Volume 2 with...
Pages 85 - 177 added this week.
You can read these 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 XV - Railway Work - Charing Cross Line
Chapter XVI - Lives of the Engineers, and Other Works
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 8 which includes...
The Magdalen Chapel, Cowgate, Edinburgh By Thomas Ross and G. Baldwin Brown with illustrations.
The Visitation of the College of Edinburgh in 1690 By R. K. Hannay
The Old Tolbooth: Extracts from the Original Records By John A. Fairley
John Wesley in Edinburgh By W. Forbes Gray With illustration
The Ancient Regalia of Scotland By W. Moir Bryce
As the first article discussed the Hammermen who ran the chapel I created a page to provide some background information about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../hammermen.htm
You can read Volume 8 at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../edinburghclub
Enigma Machine
Now have up puzzle 70.
You can get to this one at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma070.htm
George Burns, His Times and Friends
By Edwin Hodder (1890).
Have now completed this book with the final chapters and an interesting appendix.
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.
This week I thought I'd give you an entire chapter from this book...
IN the month of June, 1888, Mr Andrew Carnegie and Mrs Carnegie, with a large party, arrived by four-in-hand coach at Cluny Castle after completing a journey of 700 miles, from the Hotel Metropole, London.
The previous year Mr and Mrs Carnegie arrived in Scotland from America, having been married shortly before coming across. In that year (1887) Mr Carnegie laid the foundation stone of the Edinburgh Carnegie Free Library, his gift to the city. After the Memorial Ceremony, the Lord Provost and Town Council entertained Mr and Mrs Carnegie to dinner, at which in their honour the Lord Provost had a Pipe Band playing. Mrs Carnegie was captivated, and fell in love with the music of the Gael. Having in view a house in Scotland for the season, she expressed the wish to Mr Carnegie to have a Piper, without which she thought Scotland could not be fully represented.
No sooner said than done, an advertisement was duly inserted in the newspapers for a piper for Kilgraston House, Bridge-of-Earn, the home already chosen for the Carnegies. There were applicants galore, among whom was my brother John. Several were interviewed, and their credentials examined. In his interview my brother produced a certificate of character from Cluny Macpherson, on seeing which Mr Carnegie at once said: “What is good enough for Cluny Macpherson is surely good enough for Andrew Carnegie”, and my brother was duly appointed, proceeding to Kilgraston House to be in readiness to welcome Mr and Mrs Carnegie to their first home in Scotland.
There, however, though they liked their surroundings, they found it too small for their requirements and so, on the recommendation of my brother, Cluny Castle was suggested, and leased the following year. Here from 1888 to 1898 Mr and Mrs Carnegie spent ten consecutive seasons, and in her own words Mrs Carnegie describes this decade as the golden period of her married life.
Of their arrival at Cluny I have vivid and undying memories. I was there as a boy among a large crowd of people from all over the Parish who had gathered to welcome a real live millionaire and his Lady. Mr Carnegie, in his own delightful way, made a speech which at once made him a free man of the Parish, and he was received with true Highland loyalty and affection. The scene was a memorable one as the bagpipes played and volleys of welcome poured out from the cannon on the terraces of historic Cluny Castle. Surely another glorious day in its ancient glory of which, alas, few now survive to tell the story.
In the evening I used to steal across from Catlodge, on the opposite side of the Spey, and concealing myself under the rhododendron bushes listen to the bagpipes playing, wishing that it were me who was playing and little dreaming that one day I would do so. Mr and Mrs Carnegie left a fragrant memory behind them in my native parish, which will be spoken of with affection for many years to come. They offered to buy Cluny at any reasonable price, but in those days Cluny was not for sale—death duties and high taxation had not yet reached their onward march of plunder.
But I was not able to get my wish of being piper to Mr Carnegie for some time. First I was to be piper to Mr Charles Murray and Lady Ann Murray of Lochcarron, at Courthill, on the shores of the Bay of Kishorn, succeeding that champion piper D. C. Mather, a great player and composer. In those beautiful surroundings nestling in the shelter of the hills of Applecross, I spent three happy seasons.
The Murrays of Lochcarron were a family beloved by their tenants, and countless deeds of kindness could be recorded of Lady Ann to those deserving. The Murrays of Lochcarron owned a very fine yacht on which I played many a time with my bagpipe whilst going on trips around the coast and visiting neighbouring proprietors. Several times we called at Applecross, the seat of Lord Middleton. His Lordship had then a piper named John MacBain, and many a pleasant hour I had in his company; being much older than I was, he could tell me many stories of other days and the pipers whom he had heard and met in his day.
Writing of Lochcarron brings memories. There I met a wonderful and interesting family of dwarfs; their parents I was told were normal, hefty people. There were two sons and a daughter, and what a joy it was to me to visit those delightful little people in their charming little abode. The conversation was, of course, in Gaelic. They were then, I would say, bordering on the alloted span. One thing that struck me very forcibly was how they deplored the depopulation of their native glens and the stories they could tell of their younger days.
Everything in their home was spick and span and within reach of their limited height. On one occasion, I was told, the lady of the house had to have recourse to the meal chest; the precious stuff was then nearing the bottom and when balancing she fell in head first; her brother failing to lift her out, the neighbours were called in and the little lady was extricated from her perilous position little the worse.
Lochcarron had its worthies and surely Donald Ruadh Mac-Lennan (Red Donald), the deer stalker, was one. Donald, in his own way, could play the bagpipe and to me was a most sincere friend. The day for leaving for home at the end of the season arrived and I was departing by mail gig to Strathcarron, a distance of nine miles. Nothing would do but Donald must see me off at the station. He duly took his seat in the rickety conveyance in which there was already seated a very sanctimonious minister.
Donald proposed a tune on the bagpipe, the minister very vigorously protesting that such behaviour on his return from Church Communion would be most unseemly and would never do. What would the good folks of Lochcarron think of it? This mattered little to Donald and with the acquiescence of the driver, I blew up the bagpipe with the big drone humming beautifully into the minister’s ear. “Now,” says Donald, “the one who cannot stand this can get out and walk.” The response was: “go on with the music” from all but the lone parson.
In this way we drove through the village of Lochcarron, and I veritably believe that when he could not be seen, the minister was marking time with his toes. As the train moved off I got a farewell from dear old Donald that I shall never forget. Alas, it was our last parting, but, I ask, could there be a better? And I am certain that-the kindly folks of Lochcarron enjoyed the scene to the full.
In my day the Murrays of Lochcarron entertained very large, distinguished parties. The late Lord Dunmore was a frequent visitor and a great lover of the bagpipes. Every Friday evening there was a-dance held at which their house party and staff took part and mingled together. My services in teaching the intricate steps of the Highland and ballroom dancing were often in demand and at the end of the season there was the Grand Ball to which tenants and other friends were invited.
My memory clings to those happy days but no doubt, like so many other places, the scene is now greatly altered. In my wandering thoughts, I hope yet to visit that spot which gave so much pleasure to all who had the privilege of knowing it.
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.
This week added...
Chapter III. The River Findhorn, from the Mountains to Dulsie Bridge
Chapter IV. The Findhorn, from Dulsie Bridge to to Randolph's Bridge
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../floodsndx.htm
Weird Tales - Scottish
A new book we're starting with the first one being the lengthy , The Vision of Campbell of Inverawe.
As we already had a page about Strange Tales from Scotland I decided to add the book to that page with the first story at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/weird1.htm
As Scots Vote, Banks Plan
Was sent in a scanned copy of this article which shows the concerns our banks have to take into consideration should Scotland vote YES in the referendum. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...banks_plan.htm
Dr. Andrew Turnbull
And The New Smyrna Colony of Florida (pdf). Added this book to our Clan Turnbull page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...z/turnbul.html
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in Section 2 of the August 2014 edition which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
Bard Macintyre of Badenoch
The First Voice of the Clan (c.1465-1514+). You can read this research article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...e_badenoch.htm
The Cook and Housewifes's Manual:
A Practical System of Modern Domestic Cookery and Family Management.
We already have the 1826 version up but we found this eleventh edition, 1862, which we thought we'd also make available. The opening chapter has a story which reveals an interesting story of Margaret Dods and her Inn.
You can download this book from our Food & Drink page at http://www.electricscotland.com/food/index.htm
James Dinwiddie
Astronomer in the British Embassy to China, 1792, '3, '4, Afterwards Professor of Natural Philosophy in the College of Fort William, Bengal.
Added him to our Significant Scots page and have also provided a link to a pdf book about him. You can get to this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist..._dinwiddie.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
Edited by Frank Shaw
One of the best supporters of Robert Burns Lives! is Clark McGinn who, in the coming months, will be presenting the remaining six of his nine articles featuring the men who first gathered back in 1801 to honor Burns. The first article introduced us to The Reverend Hamilton Paul who was responsible for the annual Burns Night Suppers we celebrate every January. You can read Clark’s account entitled A Forgotten Hero in Chapter 141 from our index. The good Reverend’s contribution was truly a gift that keeps on giving. In Chapter 190, you will find Clark’s second piece pertaining to a friend of George Washington’s by the name of Primrose Kennedy, and today’s piece is on Provost John Ballantine and will be Chapter 204. If plans go forward as envisioned, the fourth article will hopefully be on your computers around the last of August or the first of September. Clark has completed, defended, and was awarded his PhD from the University of Glasgow a couple of weeks ago. He is Managing Director of CHC Helicopter Leasing (Ireland) Limited and, interestingly, was not a fulltime student at the university during his studies. Welcome back, Dr. McGinn, and congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment. (FRS: 7.17.14)
You can read this article: The First Nine Guests: Number Three: 'Provost John' By Clark McGinn at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives204.htm
And Finally...
Not Likely!
Two women were talking outside a south-side delicatessen about its takeaway food.
"If you've still got morning sickness, I suppose you won't want a cake?" said one.
"I'm only pregnant, not mad, you know," replied her pal.
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Chord Short
THE Queen's Master of Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, gave a rare public performance the other day in the remote north-coast hamlet of Durness, at a festival in memory of John Lennon, who holidayed there as a youth.
The locals proudly found a piano for him to play on - but the first flurry of notes showed it was about as in tune as a drunk Japanese karaoke singer.
The solution? To fly up a piano tuner from Edinburgh, as nobody with the necessary skills could be found nearby.
Yet again we must blame the Highland Clearances.
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Alastair
We have certainly come to the attention of Scots with the discussions going on about the papers in our Scotland-UN committee. The latest paper to be discussed in the comments section of the Scotsman is the one about Scotland in the World which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...intheWorld.pdf
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I had a long weekend in Toronto this week and attended the Knights Templar Garden Party which was great fun. To my horror when I returned home I found I'd put on 9 pounds in weight!!! How on earth I managed that I'm not at all sure but will need to work to take that off now I'm back.
I got a lot of positive feedback on the Canadian Templar newsletter and a fair discussion on the plight of Christians in the Middle East and Africa which I cover in the newsletter. Like there were some 100,000 Christians in Mosil in Iraq but now they are down to around 3,000.
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We are about to try transferring our DNS back to Exoic but this time using a different method which will hopefully avoid the previous troubles we went through. That's just a heads up in case we still experience issues but I certainly hope not this time around.
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The 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games are about to start (23rd July to 3rd August) and we wish our Commonwealth friends all the best at what is bound to be a great event. I noted Canada has produced a media pack which includes a mention of every Canadian athlete. It's a very substantial publication and you can download it at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...edia-Guide.pdf
I'd be interested to know if any other country has done a similar publication.
-----
WOW Big breaking news as I was finishing the newsletter. That Malaysian plane being shot down in Ukraine and the land invasion of Gaza by Israel. Going to be a lot more news on both these events.
Electric Canadian
History and Folklore of the Cowichan Indians
We have a number of stories up now and this week we've added...
The Story of Semmelth
Stetalht, or Spirit People
Chee-Chee-Ka
Chiltsop, or Fire Stick
Children of the Moon
The Story of the Four Winds
Wie-Sah-Ke-Chack
You can read this book as we get it up at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...chan/index.htm
Farley Mowat, Acclaimed Canadian author
Have added a page about him and provided a link where you can watch some videos.
You can get to this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/mowat_farley.htm
Rev Nola Crewe
We have added a forum for her in our Electric Scotland Community. Nola is the Canadian Grand Chancellor of the Grand Priory of Canada and is also the minister of St Monica's Anglican church in Toronto. Her church is currently closed as the landlord upped the rental by $1,000 a month which the church couldn't afford so they are currently without a home.
She is doing a shorter Sunday service for the small congregation from her home and is serving up homilies instead of a full sermon. Her son Derby is video recording these homilies and posting them up on YouTube. Within her forum she is making some of these available within the forum messages.
You can view her forum at: http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...Rev-Nola-Crewe
Nola is also the chaplain for Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto which is her full time job these days.
The Vancouver Island Development Syndicate Limited of London, England
Found this interesting wee document which reveals the amazing opportunities which were available in British Columbia at this time period.
You can view this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/bc/vids.htm
Canada’s Part in the Great War By Col. Geo. G. Nasmith, C. M. G., Toronto
Found this interesting article which I've provided for you to read. I've also provided a link to a the author's 2 volume "Canada's Sons in the World War" which is a complete and authentic history of the commanding part played by Canada and the British Empire in the World's Greatest War
You can get to this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/war_great.htm
The Flag in the Wind
This weeks issue was compiled by Fraser Hudghton but no Synopsis this week. His article mentions the History Dept. at Dundee University which is where Dr Graeme Morton is now the head and is why he left as Chair of Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph in Canada.
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 chapters III & IV.
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 3 and have added the Contents page and Pages 1 to 44.
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 1852...
The year 1852 possesses political interest. When the year opened the Whigs, under Lord John Russell, were in office, with Lord Palmerston in the attitude of a hostile critic. Owing to the seizure of supreme power in France by Louis Napoleon, apprehension sprung up in this country, and the Premier introduced a bill for the establishment of a “local” militia. Lord Palmerston moved the substitution of “regular” for local, and carried his amendment by a majority of 11 votes. Lord John resigned, and Lord Derby (formerly Lord Stanley) formed an administration, with Mr Disraeli as Chancellor of the Exchequer and leader of the House of Commons. The new Government was favourable to protection if they could get a large enough majority. On a dissolution, however, the constituencies returned a majority of Liberals. Mr Disraeli met the new Parliament, and proposed a scheme of finance which was severely criticised by Mr Gladstone, and rejected by a majority of 305 votes to 286. Thereupon the Ministry resigned, and anew Government, a Coalition, was formed under Lord Aberdeen. The Cabinet included Mr Gladstone as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Palmerston as Home Secretary.
The Duke of Wellington died in September in the 84th year of his age. His removal was commented on as significant in the year in which the ambition of Napoleon had revived the Imperial throne in France. Among our colonies, owing to the discovery of gold, Australia attracted a large volume of emigrants. A bill was passed giving a new constitution to New Zealand.
In the month of January a severe snowstorm isolated Inverness for a week from communication with the South. In course of the year proposals and discussions about emigration from the Highlands continued.
You can read this issue (No. 11) at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ands/3no11.htm
Henry Dryerre
Compositor, Poet, Journalist and Musician.
Now added another two Worthies...
Dr. James Croll
Rob Gairns
You can read these at: http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...erre/index.htm
Songs by John Henderson
Got in a new song, called "Sam McGann The Fish Vanman"
Lyrics composed by John Henderson on the 20th of May, 2014,
to the music for the tune called, 'Oysters And Clams'.
Glossary:
shots=catches; coff=buy; caller=fresh; redd=ready; daffin'=flirtatious;
strashal=untidy; hyterin'=slipping; doosht=fell down heavily; fyke=trouble;
happ'd=covered; scootin'=running hurriedly; troo=believe; teep=type.
Noo, ilka week oan Friday morn the fish-man ow'er frae Cellarhorne
Aye's howpin' .... lots wint chyse frae his shots;
He, caas-oot frae his motor-van, "Come coff frae me, I'm Sam McGann,
Caller-fish, shair, I hiv redd fur yer pan."
Och, bit-bide a wee fyle I tell ye o' the daffin' wints o' Jean McFee
Fan rinnin' .... tae coff 'Sole' frae Sam;
Weel, she hud gaed oot dolled-up-tae-the-neens,
Nae e'er fur her auld strashal 'Jeans',
Bit hyterin', she doosht doon wi' a 'Wham!'
Sam speer'd faist, "Peer lass, fit like? Och, losh, sich fyke!
Yer bonnie frock is happ'd wi' dist frae scootin' ow'r faist tae chyse frae a' ma fish;
Bit, troo me, I'll gie, tae ye, 'Sole' free,
Fur ye're the teep o' lass fa ae day shair-ma-ainly-jo-cud-be!"
Syne, the neist week oan Friday morn yon fish-man ow'er frae Cellarhorne
Gaed howpin' .... Jean'd rin oot frae her hame;
Sae, he caa'd "Jean, fan here I'm deen, wud ye jyne me 'wa ow'r in Skene
As ma jo there, faar I bide oan ma lane?"
Weel, wi' her face flushed, ye maun troo me, I hard twa-three gasps frae Jean McFee
Fyle hirplin' .... tae daff wi' McGann;
Shair, noo aince mair aa dolled-up-tae-the-neens,
Nae eese her weerin auld strashal 'Jeans',
Gif, sairious, aboot winnin' her man.
Sam speer'd faist, "Braw lass, dae ye, raley like me?
"Ay Sam McGann yer een sae blue mak ma hairt tummle heid ow'r hurdies fur you,
An', troo me, I'll gie, tae ye, luv free,
Fur ye're the teep o' lad frae this day shair-ma-ainly-jo-wull-be!"
You can read this and listen to the music at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel545.htmto the music for the tune called, 'Oysters And Clams'.
Glossary:
shots=catches; coff=buy; caller=fresh; redd=ready; daffin'=flirtatious;
strashal=untidy; hyterin'=slipping; doosht=fell down heavily; fyke=trouble;
happ'd=covered; scootin'=running hurriedly; troo=believe; teep=type.
Noo, ilka week oan Friday morn the fish-man ow'er frae Cellarhorne
Aye's howpin' .... lots wint chyse frae his shots;
He, caas-oot frae his motor-van, "Come coff frae me, I'm Sam McGann,
Caller-fish, shair, I hiv redd fur yer pan."
Och, bit-bide a wee fyle I tell ye o' the daffin' wints o' Jean McFee
Fan rinnin' .... tae coff 'Sole' frae Sam;
Weel, she hud gaed oot dolled-up-tae-the-neens,
Nae e'er fur her auld strashal 'Jeans',
Bit hyterin', she doosht doon wi' a 'Wham!'
Sam speer'd faist, "Peer lass, fit like? Och, losh, sich fyke!
Yer bonnie frock is happ'd wi' dist frae scootin' ow'r faist tae chyse frae a' ma fish;
Bit, troo me, I'll gie, tae ye, 'Sole' free,
Fur ye're the teep o' lass fa ae day shair-ma-ainly-jo-cud-be!"
Syne, the neist week oan Friday morn yon fish-man ow'er frae Cellarhorne
Gaed howpin' .... Jean'd rin oot frae her hame;
Sae, he caa'd "Jean, fan here I'm deen, wud ye jyne me 'wa ow'r in Skene
As ma jo there, faar I bide oan ma lane?"
Weel, wi' her face flushed, ye maun troo me, I hard twa-three gasps frae Jean McFee
Fyle hirplin' .... tae daff wi' McGann;
Shair, noo aince mair aa dolled-up-tae-the-neens,
Nae eese her weerin auld strashal 'Jeans',
Gif, sairious, aboot winnin' her man.
Sam speer'd faist, "Braw lass, dae ye, raley like me?
"Ay Sam McGann yer een sae blue mak ma hairt tummle heid ow'r hurdies fur you,
An', troo me, I'll gie, tae ye, luv free,
Fur ye're the teep o' lad frae this day shair-ma-ainly-jo-wull-be!"
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 on Volume 2 with...
Pages 85 - 177 added this week.
You can read these 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 XV - Railway Work - Charing Cross Line
Chapter XVI - Lives of the Engineers, and Other Works
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 8 which includes...
The Magdalen Chapel, Cowgate, Edinburgh By Thomas Ross and G. Baldwin Brown with illustrations.
The Visitation of the College of Edinburgh in 1690 By R. K. Hannay
The Old Tolbooth: Extracts from the Original Records By John A. Fairley
John Wesley in Edinburgh By W. Forbes Gray With illustration
The Ancient Regalia of Scotland By W. Moir Bryce
As the first article discussed the Hammermen who ran the chapel I created a page to provide some background information about them at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../hammermen.htm
You can read Volume 8 at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../edinburghclub
Enigma Machine
Now have up puzzle 70.
You can get to this one at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma070.htm
George Burns, His Times and Friends
By Edwin Hodder (1890).
Have now completed this book with the final chapters and an interesting appendix.
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.
This week I thought I'd give you an entire chapter from this book...
IN the month of June, 1888, Mr Andrew Carnegie and Mrs Carnegie, with a large party, arrived by four-in-hand coach at Cluny Castle after completing a journey of 700 miles, from the Hotel Metropole, London.
The previous year Mr and Mrs Carnegie arrived in Scotland from America, having been married shortly before coming across. In that year (1887) Mr Carnegie laid the foundation stone of the Edinburgh Carnegie Free Library, his gift to the city. After the Memorial Ceremony, the Lord Provost and Town Council entertained Mr and Mrs Carnegie to dinner, at which in their honour the Lord Provost had a Pipe Band playing. Mrs Carnegie was captivated, and fell in love with the music of the Gael. Having in view a house in Scotland for the season, she expressed the wish to Mr Carnegie to have a Piper, without which she thought Scotland could not be fully represented.
No sooner said than done, an advertisement was duly inserted in the newspapers for a piper for Kilgraston House, Bridge-of-Earn, the home already chosen for the Carnegies. There were applicants galore, among whom was my brother John. Several were interviewed, and their credentials examined. In his interview my brother produced a certificate of character from Cluny Macpherson, on seeing which Mr Carnegie at once said: “What is good enough for Cluny Macpherson is surely good enough for Andrew Carnegie”, and my brother was duly appointed, proceeding to Kilgraston House to be in readiness to welcome Mr and Mrs Carnegie to their first home in Scotland.
There, however, though they liked their surroundings, they found it too small for their requirements and so, on the recommendation of my brother, Cluny Castle was suggested, and leased the following year. Here from 1888 to 1898 Mr and Mrs Carnegie spent ten consecutive seasons, and in her own words Mrs Carnegie describes this decade as the golden period of her married life.
Of their arrival at Cluny I have vivid and undying memories. I was there as a boy among a large crowd of people from all over the Parish who had gathered to welcome a real live millionaire and his Lady. Mr Carnegie, in his own delightful way, made a speech which at once made him a free man of the Parish, and he was received with true Highland loyalty and affection. The scene was a memorable one as the bagpipes played and volleys of welcome poured out from the cannon on the terraces of historic Cluny Castle. Surely another glorious day in its ancient glory of which, alas, few now survive to tell the story.
In the evening I used to steal across from Catlodge, on the opposite side of the Spey, and concealing myself under the rhododendron bushes listen to the bagpipes playing, wishing that it were me who was playing and little dreaming that one day I would do so. Mr and Mrs Carnegie left a fragrant memory behind them in my native parish, which will be spoken of with affection for many years to come. They offered to buy Cluny at any reasonable price, but in those days Cluny was not for sale—death duties and high taxation had not yet reached their onward march of plunder.
But I was not able to get my wish of being piper to Mr Carnegie for some time. First I was to be piper to Mr Charles Murray and Lady Ann Murray of Lochcarron, at Courthill, on the shores of the Bay of Kishorn, succeeding that champion piper D. C. Mather, a great player and composer. In those beautiful surroundings nestling in the shelter of the hills of Applecross, I spent three happy seasons.
The Murrays of Lochcarron were a family beloved by their tenants, and countless deeds of kindness could be recorded of Lady Ann to those deserving. The Murrays of Lochcarron owned a very fine yacht on which I played many a time with my bagpipe whilst going on trips around the coast and visiting neighbouring proprietors. Several times we called at Applecross, the seat of Lord Middleton. His Lordship had then a piper named John MacBain, and many a pleasant hour I had in his company; being much older than I was, he could tell me many stories of other days and the pipers whom he had heard and met in his day.
Writing of Lochcarron brings memories. There I met a wonderful and interesting family of dwarfs; their parents I was told were normal, hefty people. There were two sons and a daughter, and what a joy it was to me to visit those delightful little people in their charming little abode. The conversation was, of course, in Gaelic. They were then, I would say, bordering on the alloted span. One thing that struck me very forcibly was how they deplored the depopulation of their native glens and the stories they could tell of their younger days.
Everything in their home was spick and span and within reach of their limited height. On one occasion, I was told, the lady of the house had to have recourse to the meal chest; the precious stuff was then nearing the bottom and when balancing she fell in head first; her brother failing to lift her out, the neighbours were called in and the little lady was extricated from her perilous position little the worse.
Lochcarron had its worthies and surely Donald Ruadh Mac-Lennan (Red Donald), the deer stalker, was one. Donald, in his own way, could play the bagpipe and to me was a most sincere friend. The day for leaving for home at the end of the season arrived and I was departing by mail gig to Strathcarron, a distance of nine miles. Nothing would do but Donald must see me off at the station. He duly took his seat in the rickety conveyance in which there was already seated a very sanctimonious minister.
Donald proposed a tune on the bagpipe, the minister very vigorously protesting that such behaviour on his return from Church Communion would be most unseemly and would never do. What would the good folks of Lochcarron think of it? This mattered little to Donald and with the acquiescence of the driver, I blew up the bagpipe with the big drone humming beautifully into the minister’s ear. “Now,” says Donald, “the one who cannot stand this can get out and walk.” The response was: “go on with the music” from all but the lone parson.
In this way we drove through the village of Lochcarron, and I veritably believe that when he could not be seen, the minister was marking time with his toes. As the train moved off I got a farewell from dear old Donald that I shall never forget. Alas, it was our last parting, but, I ask, could there be a better? And I am certain that-the kindly folks of Lochcarron enjoyed the scene to the full.
In my day the Murrays of Lochcarron entertained very large, distinguished parties. The late Lord Dunmore was a frequent visitor and a great lover of the bagpipes. Every Friday evening there was a-dance held at which their house party and staff took part and mingled together. My services in teaching the intricate steps of the Highland and ballroom dancing were often in demand and at the end of the season there was the Grand Ball to which tenants and other friends were invited.
My memory clings to those happy days but no doubt, like so many other places, the scene is now greatly altered. In my wandering thoughts, I hope yet to visit that spot which gave so much pleasure to all who had the privilege of knowing it.
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.
This week added...
Chapter III. The River Findhorn, from the Mountains to Dulsie Bridge
Chapter IV. The Findhorn, from Dulsie Bridge to to Randolph's Bridge
You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../floodsndx.htm
Weird Tales - Scottish
A new book we're starting with the first one being the lengthy , The Vision of Campbell of Inverawe.
As we already had a page about Strange Tales from Scotland I decided to add the book to that page with the first story at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/weird1.htm
As Scots Vote, Banks Plan
Was sent in a scanned copy of this article which shows the concerns our banks have to take into consideration should Scotland vote YES in the referendum. You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...banks_plan.htm
Dr. Andrew Turnbull
And The New Smyrna Colony of Florida (pdf). Added this book to our Clan Turnbull page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...z/turnbul.html
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in Section 2 of the August 2014 edition which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft
Bard Macintyre of Badenoch
The First Voice of the Clan (c.1465-1514+). You can read this research article at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...e_badenoch.htm
The Cook and Housewifes's Manual:
A Practical System of Modern Domestic Cookery and Family Management.
We already have the 1826 version up but we found this eleventh edition, 1862, which we thought we'd also make available. The opening chapter has a story which reveals an interesting story of Margaret Dods and her Inn.
You can download this book from our Food & Drink page at http://www.electricscotland.com/food/index.htm
James Dinwiddie
Astronomer in the British Embassy to China, 1792, '3, '4, Afterwards Professor of Natural Philosophy in the College of Fort William, Bengal.
Added him to our Significant Scots page and have also provided a link to a pdf book about him. You can get to this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist..._dinwiddie.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
Edited by Frank Shaw
One of the best supporters of Robert Burns Lives! is Clark McGinn who, in the coming months, will be presenting the remaining six of his nine articles featuring the men who first gathered back in 1801 to honor Burns. The first article introduced us to The Reverend Hamilton Paul who was responsible for the annual Burns Night Suppers we celebrate every January. You can read Clark’s account entitled A Forgotten Hero in Chapter 141 from our index. The good Reverend’s contribution was truly a gift that keeps on giving. In Chapter 190, you will find Clark’s second piece pertaining to a friend of George Washington’s by the name of Primrose Kennedy, and today’s piece is on Provost John Ballantine and will be Chapter 204. If plans go forward as envisioned, the fourth article will hopefully be on your computers around the last of August or the first of September. Clark has completed, defended, and was awarded his PhD from the University of Glasgow a couple of weeks ago. He is Managing Director of CHC Helicopter Leasing (Ireland) Limited and, interestingly, was not a fulltime student at the university during his studies. Welcome back, Dr. McGinn, and congratulations on your outstanding accomplishment. (FRS: 7.17.14)
You can read this article: The First Nine Guests: Number Three: 'Provost John' By Clark McGinn at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...s_lives204.htm
And Finally...
Not Likely!
Two women were talking outside a south-side delicatessen about its takeaway food.
"If you've still got morning sickness, I suppose you won't want a cake?" said one.
"I'm only pregnant, not mad, you know," replied her pal.
-----
Chord Short
THE Queen's Master of Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, gave a rare public performance the other day in the remote north-coast hamlet of Durness, at a festival in memory of John Lennon, who holidayed there as a youth.
The locals proudly found a piano for him to play on - but the first flurry of notes showed it was about as in tune as a drunk Japanese karaoke singer.
The solution? To fly up a piano tuner from Edinburgh, as nobody with the necessary skills could be found nearby.
Yet again we must blame the Highland Clearances.
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Alastair