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Electric Scotland News
Well by this time next week everyone will have voted in the referendum. I believe that whatever the outcome there will be large changes ahead for Scotland. That's my prediction anyway.
In some respects the difficulties were quite well explained in an article in the Scottish Review at
http://www.scottishreview.net/DenisPark172.shtml although I don't agree with him on joining the EU.
Like him or hate him Nigel Farage of UKIP makes some interesting comments on the EU side of things at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...-Yes-vote.html.
I've tried very hard to be even handed over my coverage of this very long campaign but I guess no-one can be completely impartial. I myself have swithered between a Yes and No vote.
Should you read the article at the link above a lot of what the author says mirrors my own concerns. In some respects I don't think Scotland is ready for Independence as the Scots have no experience in global politics and I felt that more time was needed to prepare us for that. However I felt it was becoming clearer that a NO vote was likely to mean changes anyway and thus a YES vote would give us more wiggle room.
I am afraid the SNP are building an authoritarian state in Scotland where they spy on their citizens through our children. Their desire to control and arm our police, countenance high levels of stop and search and tinker with our centuries old legal system while also looking to do away with the BBC and thus trying to control our media are all negative signs. The fact they are also willing to give up a good portion of our independence to the EU and not even allow a referendum on that is in my view illegal. Why go to the trouble of getting independence only to give it away to a foreign entity that is not even a democratic one? And the fact the SNP want to develop a Scottish constitution is also concerning when we're at least 92% of the way to having one organised already by independent parties.
When I read about the 40 minute questionnaire our children were being made to do in Dundee and some of the questions they were having to answer was in some ways the last straw. It reminded me of Adolph Hitler and the Third Reich.
The problem as I see it is that there have been many more meetings of the radical parties in support of a YES vote than have been reported in the media. On the other hand the bully boys have been out and against anyone saying they want to vote NO. That in my opinion hides the true figures for a NO vote as these people just don't want the hassle of being bullied and so just say YES while they fully intend to vote NO.
I do think the media have a lot to answer for as they have failed to seek answers to questions that people wanted answered. It's like NewsnetScotland who purport to be a true Scottish news service has turned out to be simply a voice for the SNP and not a service for the people of Scotland as a whole.
Anyone who thinks a NO vote means things are going to go on as usual are I'm afraid going to be proved wrong. There are going to be changes within the UK whatever the result of this referendum. Already the English are questioning why Scots MP's can vote on English matters whereas English MP's can't vote on Scottish matters. They are questioning why we can offer free university places to Scots children whereas they have to pay for their children to go to English universities. And rightly or wrongly the English are questioning why Scotland gets so much money from the Barnet formula. Misinformation abounds in all areas.
Then in some ways the Russian attack on Ukraine does have implications for Scotland were it to remain outside NATO. However the SNP's lack of knowledge on International affairs is very concerning to me. The only foreign policy they have is to join the EU who mostly caused this whole crisis in Ukraine in the first place.
I can't get over the view that a YES vote probably means a YES vote for the SNP who I believe are totally unfit to run an independent Scotland. However this is not really a party political debate but rather a generational change in the way Scotland is run so just because you don't like a particular party doesn't mean you should vote YES or NO.
So at the end of the day I believe no matter how you vote changes are going to happen anyway. The question then becomes which vote will give Scotland the best chance to weather the storms ahead and that my friends is up to the people in Scotland to decide for themselves. And make no mistake about it, it is going to be a tough choice and especially if you are trying to decide from the head rather than the heart.
So next week I'll be reporting on the result. Mind you I got it well wrong with the EU elections as I don't yet know how fast the election results will be reported but hopefully we'll have the answer by Friday morning and if so I'll delay my next newsletter by a day so I can report the results.
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"Solved all the symbolism of the flag of General Arthur St. Clair! This is 100% now documented" was an email I got in this week. He goes onto say...
The King gave all Sinclair sons and successors Hereditary right to all be the protector grand masters of masonry. The fork represent the power of authority of the grandmaster and the fleur de lis sits on a crown of three pronged lily's is the Merovingian Crown. Translation, a Royal Merovingina bloodline grand master! The only person in the US army in the 1790's time was General Arthur St. Clair, Hereditary Grandmaster that is a Merovingian bloodline! Academics will have to accept this as his flag! Imagine that? Finding the only Masonic royal bloodline flag mixed into a United States flag! What will the Sinclairs clans say about this major discovery Alastair? and it was made by Robert Scot the Seal maker.
And as it happens I am scheduled to post up a Thesis of the General I discovered but I have now also added a short pdf biography about him which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stclair/
I have to say that Gary's discoveries are revealing much about Scotland in antiquity going back over 5,000 years. The Scottish connections with the USA are also dramatic and are much stronger than anyone has previously thought. There is now some possibility that the dig in Orkney has ties with the ancient Egyptians at the time of the building on the Sphinx and these people may have returned to Egypt. There are many oral recordings of stories in the Western Isles that have Egyptian themes which have often puzzled researchers.
Electric Canadian
McLean, Father and Son
Due to reading an account of the Highland Society of Canada I saw mention of this McLean and in subsequently looking for information about him also found interesting information on one of his sons. In many respects this is the history of Canada as the new immigrants settled and then the next generation took up the reigns.
You can read about them at http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/mclean.htm
An Account of the Highland Society of Canada
This was printed in 1844.
You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nd_society.htm
Papers relating to the Exploration by Captain Palliser
Of that portion of British North America which lie between the Northern Branch of the River Saskatchewan and the Frontier of the United States; and between the Red River and the Rocky Mountains (1859) (pdf)
I found this to be a very interesting paper as it starts with a very detailed account of what was needed out of this exploration and then the subsequent report of it.
You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...an/paliser.pdf
A History of the County of Pictou
By the Rev. George Patterson (1877) (pdf)
You can read this account at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...tou/pictou.pdf
The Flag in the Wind
I think it is very appropriate that Jim Lynch has the final word prior to the referendum debate as not only the editor of the Scots Independent Newspaper which was founded way back in 1928 but also as a long time believer in Independence. Now in his 70's he has long supported Independence for Scotland.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
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 it.
As you know last week I put up the final appendix from volume 3 but as I spotted an old book "Reminiscences of a Clachnacuddin Non Agenrian" in which an old resident of the town remembers tales from his parents and grand parents about Inverness in the old days I decided making this available in pdf format would be appropriate to add to that page.
All three volumes of this publication and the above book can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/highlands
Enigma Machine
Now have up puzzle 78.
An alternative to your crossword puzzle and created by a Scots Canadian, Doug Ross.
You can get to this one at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma078.htm
Communion Sunday
To which is added certain Discources from a University City by Andrew Kennedy Hutchison Boyd (1873).
Have now completed the section on A Scotch Communion Sunday and now onto the section about the Evening Service.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/bible/communion/
Glimpses of Church and Social Life in the Highlands in Olden Times
By Alexander MacPherson, FSA Scot. (1893). A new book we're starting.
“But lead me, O Malvina! to the sound of my woods; to the roar of my mountain streams. Let the chase be heard on Cona; let me think on the days of other years. And bring me the harp, O maid! that I may touch it, when the light of my soul shall arise. Be thou near, to learn the song; future times shall hear of me! The sons of the feeble hereafter will lift the voice on Cona; and looking up to the rocks, say, ‘Here Ossian dwelt!’ They shall admire the Chiefs of old, the race that are no more! while we ride on our clouds, Malvina! on the wings of the roaring winds. Our voices shall be heard at times in the desert; we shall sing on the breeze of the rock.”-—Ossian.
Originally intended solely for natives of Badenoch, the author ventures to express the hope that the book may prove of more than local interest, as illustrating to some extent the Church and social life prevailing north of the Grampians, and the condition and characteristics of the Highland people in olden times. The portraits of famous personages connected with the district in bygone days, and the other illustrations, will, it is hoped, tend to enhance the interest of some of the “Glimpses” given in the volume. The Appendix, embracing as it does so many historical documents relating to the Clan Chattan, Prince Charlie, and the famous Cluny of the “’45” (some of which are now published for the first time), will, it is believed, prove specially interesting to members of the clan and natives of Badenoch generally. In the Cluny charter chest are preserved a large number of original letters of historical importance, addressed to the Cluny chiefs of the time by Viscount Dundee, the Duke of Gordon, the Earls of Dunfermline, Mar, Marischall, Perth, and Rothes, the Master of Stair, Simon Lord Lovat, and others, from 1689 to 1756 in connection with the various Risings in the Highlands in favour of “the hapless Stuart line,” which, it is hoped, may yet be published in some permanent form.
The author desires gratefully to acknowledge his obligations to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and to his Grace’s Commissioner, Mr Wedderspoon, for an inspection of the original document at Gordon Castle containing the rental, in 1603, of the lordship of Badenoch, a transcript of which is given in the Appendix; to Cluny Macpherson for access to the Cluny charter-chest and to the Cluny library; to Mr Macpherson of Corrimony, for the use of the MSS. of his grandfather (“Old Biallid”); to the Rev. William Bruce of Glenrinnes, the Clerk of the Synod of Moray, the Rev. James Anderson of Alvie, and the Rev. D. S. Maclennan of Laggan, for access to the old records of the Synod of Moray, the records of the Kirk-session of Alvie, and the records of the Kirk-session of Laggan respectively; and to Mr Brewster Macpherson of Belleville, Professor Blackie, the Rev. Dr Cameron Lees of St Giles, the Rev. Neil Dewar of the Free Church, Kingussie, the Rev. Thomas Sinton of Dores, Mr Fraser-Mackintosh of Drummond, Dr Joseph Anderson of the Society of Antiquaries, Mr David M‘Gibbon, architect, Edinburgh, Mr William Mackay, solicitor, Inverness, Mr Alexander MacBain of Rainings School, Inverness, Mr Hew Morrison of the Public Library, Edinburgh, Mr Roderick Maclennan of the Public School, Kingussie, Mr Donald Campbell, merchant, Kingussie, and his brother, Mr Paul Campbell, for valuable aid and suggestions in the preparation of the work.
The cordial acknowledgments of the author are also due to the large and influential number of subscribers whose hearty encouragement led to the publication of the volume. He specially desires to record his warmest obligations in this respect to Mr W. J. McPherson of Rochester, New York, one of the most devoted and patriotic members of the clan now living, through whose unwearied efforts upwards of fifty Macpherson subscribers were secured in America and Canada. So many Macphersons have not, it is believed, been brought together, so to speak, since the clan with their distinguished chief, and the famous green banner at their head, so devotedly followed Prince Charlie in his gallant but ill-fated attempt to regain the crown of his ancestors.
The author may be permitted to add that any profits to be derived from the sale of the work are intended to be devoted to a fund for keeping in good order and repair the venerable churchyard of St Columba in Kingussie, where the mortal remains of so many generations of Macphersons so peacefully rest with their kindred dust.
A. M.
Kingussie, August 1893.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...pses/index.htm
Scotch Whisky
Added a video about Scotch whisky to our whisky page which you can view at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/food/whisky.htm
The Tax System explained in Beer
Thought this was an excellent explanation which appeared in our community forums and can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...lained-in-Beer
Clan Ewing
Have added a history page for this clan which now provides an opportunity to use our comment system to add or correct information about the name.
You can get to this page at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...tog/ewing.html
The Great Floods of August 1829
Added Chapters XVII and XVIII on the River Spey which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../floodsndx.htm
Lochandhu
Added the final two chapters to this 3 volume book which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Songs of Scotland
Added page 43 to 81 to the 4th Volume which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/music/cunningham/
Henry Dryerre
Added two more Worthies, Robert Ford and James Ferguson which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/dryerre/
Memorials of John Murray of Broughton
Added Part 3 - Murray's Movements after Culloden which can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/charles/
Calendar Of Documents Relating to Scotland
Added Part 4 (1239 - 1253) to Volume 1 which can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/records/bain/
Clan Munro Australia
Got in a copy of their August 2014 newsletter which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...unro/index.htm
Clan Kellie Jigsaw
Got sent in a couple of pictures of the Clan Kellie Castle and Grounds with the request to make a jigsaw puzzle from them. It was also pointed out to me that while I say on the site that I'm happy to do this in the same email it also said that the email address I provided for folk to send me the pictures was incorrect and indeed it was. I have now fixed that and sorry to anyone that used the incorrect email address to send me a picture which of course I would not have received.
You can get to these jigsaws at http://www.electricscotland.com/kids...an_jigsaws.htm
Clan Baird
Got told of a new web site for Clan Baird called "Baird Heritage" so have added a link to it from our Clan Baird page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toc/baird.html
Highland Rambles
And Long Legends to Shorten the Way by Thomas Dick Lauder (1837). A new 2 volume book we're starting.
Have now posted up the first two chapters... "Scottish Moorland Scenery" is the first which leads onto the second chapter... "The Burning of MacFarlane's Forest of Benlaoidh"
You can read this book as we get it up at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...uder/index.htm
Brown Sticky Clay
A new song by John Henderson which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel548.htm
Mind that John always picks out appropriate music for his songs so by clicking on the song link on the page you can listen to that while you read his song.
You Now Know
A paper listing lots of reasons to vote YES in the referendum which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...YouKnowNow.pdf
Mind there are many papers and articles in our Scottish Independence and Scotland's Future section at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/index.htm
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in Section 2 of the October 2014 issue.
Since 1990, in one form and name or another, this publication has been the hometown newspaper of the Scottish community. In print form, it was mailed to almost 100,000 readers primarily in the USA, but also in Scotland, Canada and all over the world.
Today, it has evolved into an Internet only publication under the same editor that has worked with it since the beginning. A little different name, a new format - but the same interesting publication.
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree is filled with articles about things Scottish - from events in the USA to famous Orkadians and inside information on travel. You'll find articles of interest to genealogists and news of the Scots Clan organizations as well as Flowers of the Forest.
This publication is one where you can read about the latest goings on of your friends in the Scottish community and the interesting things they are doing, the honors they've won and what's happening in their lives.
Best of all, this magazine is happy to publish stories about your clan, your genealogical group, your Highland games or your Celtic festival. Queries are free. All you have to do is email bethscribble@aol.com
You can read the latest edition at: http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
First prize
And this video was posted in our community and thought you might like to view it at:
And Finally...
Some more stories from The Book of Scottish Anecdote...
A PRACTICAL COMMENTATOR
A shrewd old Scotsman was reading the Song of Solomon one Sunday. On coming to the passage, "Snow is beautiful in its season," he exclaimed in a tone of remonstrance, "Ay, Solomon, my man, Nae doubt it was beautiful to you sitting with rich wines and the bonnie lasses o' Jerusalem aside you; but had ye been a poor stanemason, ye would hae said nae such thing!"
DICKSON OF KILDUCKO
This gallant soldier commanded the 42d Regiment (the famous "Black Watch") in Egypt; and, on account of his generous treatment of the men and his great good humour, he had very great influence over them. He had generally a very red nose, and when he presented himself to George III., the king, who knew him well; or he would not have taken such a liberty, asked him how much he had paid for the painting of his nasal organ? "I' faith," replied the blunt old soldier, "I cannot tell your majesty at present, because it is not yet finished."
FELLOW-SUFFERING
During a very inclement season all the members of a certain family in the Lothians, save one, were at the same time troubled with rheumatic complaints. The favoured individual who escaped was continually being asked by the others whether he, like them, was suffering from anything. At last one of them, having interrogated him as to whether he had toothache, earache, or some other complaint, and received the usual stolid answer in the negative, lost all patience and exclaimed, "Od, man, hae something the matter wi' ye, just to be neighbour-like." This is the most agreeable view of suffering, we believe, which was ever taken.
TAX ON BACHELORS
A lady lately remarked in company that she thought there should be a tax on the single state. "Yes, madam," rejoined a gallant Colonel who was present, and who was a most notable specimen of the uncompromising bachelor; "as on all other luxuries."
CHAMPED POTATOES
Mashed potatoes in milk and butter, one of the very best of dishes. I defy the most skilful French cook that ever lived to make a dish of a more delicious nature; and no confectioner's shop in the kingdom has anything to compare with them: they are truly glorious belly timmer. - Mactaggart.
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend and best of luck with your vote in the referendum.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com/whatsnew.htm
To see what we've added to the Electric Canadian site view our What's New page at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/whatsnew.htm
For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
Well by this time next week everyone will have voted in the referendum. I believe that whatever the outcome there will be large changes ahead for Scotland. That's my prediction anyway.
In some respects the difficulties were quite well explained in an article in the Scottish Review at
http://www.scottishreview.net/DenisPark172.shtml although I don't agree with him on joining the EU.
Like him or hate him Nigel Farage of UKIP makes some interesting comments on the EU side of things at:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/ukne...-Yes-vote.html.
I've tried very hard to be even handed over my coverage of this very long campaign but I guess no-one can be completely impartial. I myself have swithered between a Yes and No vote.
Should you read the article at the link above a lot of what the author says mirrors my own concerns. In some respects I don't think Scotland is ready for Independence as the Scots have no experience in global politics and I felt that more time was needed to prepare us for that. However I felt it was becoming clearer that a NO vote was likely to mean changes anyway and thus a YES vote would give us more wiggle room.
I am afraid the SNP are building an authoritarian state in Scotland where they spy on their citizens through our children. Their desire to control and arm our police, countenance high levels of stop and search and tinker with our centuries old legal system while also looking to do away with the BBC and thus trying to control our media are all negative signs. The fact they are also willing to give up a good portion of our independence to the EU and not even allow a referendum on that is in my view illegal. Why go to the trouble of getting independence only to give it away to a foreign entity that is not even a democratic one? And the fact the SNP want to develop a Scottish constitution is also concerning when we're at least 92% of the way to having one organised already by independent parties.
When I read about the 40 minute questionnaire our children were being made to do in Dundee and some of the questions they were having to answer was in some ways the last straw. It reminded me of Adolph Hitler and the Third Reich.
The problem as I see it is that there have been many more meetings of the radical parties in support of a YES vote than have been reported in the media. On the other hand the bully boys have been out and against anyone saying they want to vote NO. That in my opinion hides the true figures for a NO vote as these people just don't want the hassle of being bullied and so just say YES while they fully intend to vote NO.
I do think the media have a lot to answer for as they have failed to seek answers to questions that people wanted answered. It's like NewsnetScotland who purport to be a true Scottish news service has turned out to be simply a voice for the SNP and not a service for the people of Scotland as a whole.
Anyone who thinks a NO vote means things are going to go on as usual are I'm afraid going to be proved wrong. There are going to be changes within the UK whatever the result of this referendum. Already the English are questioning why Scots MP's can vote on English matters whereas English MP's can't vote on Scottish matters. They are questioning why we can offer free university places to Scots children whereas they have to pay for their children to go to English universities. And rightly or wrongly the English are questioning why Scotland gets so much money from the Barnet formula. Misinformation abounds in all areas.
Then in some ways the Russian attack on Ukraine does have implications for Scotland were it to remain outside NATO. However the SNP's lack of knowledge on International affairs is very concerning to me. The only foreign policy they have is to join the EU who mostly caused this whole crisis in Ukraine in the first place.
I can't get over the view that a YES vote probably means a YES vote for the SNP who I believe are totally unfit to run an independent Scotland. However this is not really a party political debate but rather a generational change in the way Scotland is run so just because you don't like a particular party doesn't mean you should vote YES or NO.
So at the end of the day I believe no matter how you vote changes are going to happen anyway. The question then becomes which vote will give Scotland the best chance to weather the storms ahead and that my friends is up to the people in Scotland to decide for themselves. And make no mistake about it, it is going to be a tough choice and especially if you are trying to decide from the head rather than the heart.
So next week I'll be reporting on the result. Mind you I got it well wrong with the EU elections as I don't yet know how fast the election results will be reported but hopefully we'll have the answer by Friday morning and if so I'll delay my next newsletter by a day so I can report the results.
-----
"Solved all the symbolism of the flag of General Arthur St. Clair! This is 100% now documented" was an email I got in this week. He goes onto say...
The King gave all Sinclair sons and successors Hereditary right to all be the protector grand masters of masonry. The fork represent the power of authority of the grandmaster and the fleur de lis sits on a crown of three pronged lily's is the Merovingian Crown. Translation, a Royal Merovingina bloodline grand master! The only person in the US army in the 1790's time was General Arthur St. Clair, Hereditary Grandmaster that is a Merovingian bloodline! Academics will have to accept this as his flag! Imagine that? Finding the only Masonic royal bloodline flag mixed into a United States flag! What will the Sinclairs clans say about this major discovery Alastair? and it was made by Robert Scot the Seal maker.
And as it happens I am scheduled to post up a Thesis of the General I discovered but I have now also added a short pdf biography about him which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stclair/
I have to say that Gary's discoveries are revealing much about Scotland in antiquity going back over 5,000 years. The Scottish connections with the USA are also dramatic and are much stronger than anyone has previously thought. There is now some possibility that the dig in Orkney has ties with the ancient Egyptians at the time of the building on the Sphinx and these people may have returned to Egypt. There are many oral recordings of stories in the Western Isles that have Egyptian themes which have often puzzled researchers.
Electric Canadian
McLean, Father and Son
Due to reading an account of the Highland Society of Canada I saw mention of this McLean and in subsequently looking for information about him also found interesting information on one of his sons. In many respects this is the history of Canada as the new immigrants settled and then the next generation took up the reigns.
You can read about them at http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/mclean.htm
An Account of the Highland Society of Canada
This was printed in 1844.
You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nd_society.htm
Papers relating to the Exploration by Captain Palliser
Of that portion of British North America which lie between the Northern Branch of the River Saskatchewan and the Frontier of the United States; and between the Red River and the Rocky Mountains (1859) (pdf)
I found this to be a very interesting paper as it starts with a very detailed account of what was needed out of this exploration and then the subsequent report of it.
You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...an/paliser.pdf
A History of the County of Pictou
By the Rev. George Patterson (1877) (pdf)
You can read this account at: http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...tou/pictou.pdf
The Flag in the Wind
I think it is very appropriate that Jim Lynch has the final word prior to the referendum debate as not only the editor of the Scots Independent Newspaper which was founded way back in 1928 but also as a long time believer in Independence. Now in his 70's he has long supported Independence for Scotland.
You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org
Electric Scotland
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 it.
As you know last week I put up the final appendix from volume 3 but as I spotted an old book "Reminiscences of a Clachnacuddin Non Agenrian" in which an old resident of the town remembers tales from his parents and grand parents about Inverness in the old days I decided making this available in pdf format would be appropriate to add to that page.
All three volumes of this publication and the above book can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/highlands
Enigma Machine
Now have up puzzle 78.
An alternative to your crossword puzzle and created by a Scots Canadian, Doug Ross.
You can get to this one at http://www.electriccanadian.com/life.../enigma078.htm
Communion Sunday
To which is added certain Discources from a University City by Andrew Kennedy Hutchison Boyd (1873).
Have now completed the section on A Scotch Communion Sunday and now onto the section about the Evening Service.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/bible/communion/
Glimpses of Church and Social Life in the Highlands in Olden Times
By Alexander MacPherson, FSA Scot. (1893). A new book we're starting.
“But lead me, O Malvina! to the sound of my woods; to the roar of my mountain streams. Let the chase be heard on Cona; let me think on the days of other years. And bring me the harp, O maid! that I may touch it, when the light of my soul shall arise. Be thou near, to learn the song; future times shall hear of me! The sons of the feeble hereafter will lift the voice on Cona; and looking up to the rocks, say, ‘Here Ossian dwelt!’ They shall admire the Chiefs of old, the race that are no more! while we ride on our clouds, Malvina! on the wings of the roaring winds. Our voices shall be heard at times in the desert; we shall sing on the breeze of the rock.”-—Ossian.
Dedicated to the Memory of
EWEN MACPHERSON OF CLUNY MACPHERSON, CHIEF OF CLAN CHATTAN, C.B.
“THE GENUINE TYPE OF THE OLD SCOTTISH CHIEF: THE CHIEF WHO LOVED HIS PEOPLE AND SPOKE THE LANGUAGE OF THE PEOPLE, AND LIVED ON HIS PROPERTY, AND DELIGHTED IN OLD TRADITIONS, IN OLD SERVANTS, IN OLD SERVICES, AND OLD KINDLY USAGES OF ALL KINDS.”EWEN MACPHERSON OF CLUNY MACPHERSON, CHIEF OF CLAN CHATTAN, C.B.
PREFATORY NOTE
PORTIONS of the following papers have from time to time within the last few years appeared in various magazines, and are now, with considerable additions, presented to the public in a collected form. The volume makes no claim to learned or original research, and professes, as its title indicates, to be little more than a compilation or omnium gatherum of old folk-lore, and odds and ends gleaned from reliable sources, connected chiefly with the lordship of Badenoch in the central Highlands, that wide and extensive district so appropriately described by the late Principal Shairp of St Andrews as “the grand old country of the Chattan Clan.”Originally intended solely for natives of Badenoch, the author ventures to express the hope that the book may prove of more than local interest, as illustrating to some extent the Church and social life prevailing north of the Grampians, and the condition and characteristics of the Highland people in olden times. The portraits of famous personages connected with the district in bygone days, and the other illustrations, will, it is hoped, tend to enhance the interest of some of the “Glimpses” given in the volume. The Appendix, embracing as it does so many historical documents relating to the Clan Chattan, Prince Charlie, and the famous Cluny of the “’45” (some of which are now published for the first time), will, it is believed, prove specially interesting to members of the clan and natives of Badenoch generally. In the Cluny charter chest are preserved a large number of original letters of historical importance, addressed to the Cluny chiefs of the time by Viscount Dundee, the Duke of Gordon, the Earls of Dunfermline, Mar, Marischall, Perth, and Rothes, the Master of Stair, Simon Lord Lovat, and others, from 1689 to 1756 in connection with the various Risings in the Highlands in favour of “the hapless Stuart line,” which, it is hoped, may yet be published in some permanent form.
The author desires gratefully to acknowledge his obligations to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and to his Grace’s Commissioner, Mr Wedderspoon, for an inspection of the original document at Gordon Castle containing the rental, in 1603, of the lordship of Badenoch, a transcript of which is given in the Appendix; to Cluny Macpherson for access to the Cluny charter-chest and to the Cluny library; to Mr Macpherson of Corrimony, for the use of the MSS. of his grandfather (“Old Biallid”); to the Rev. William Bruce of Glenrinnes, the Clerk of the Synod of Moray, the Rev. James Anderson of Alvie, and the Rev. D. S. Maclennan of Laggan, for access to the old records of the Synod of Moray, the records of the Kirk-session of Alvie, and the records of the Kirk-session of Laggan respectively; and to Mr Brewster Macpherson of Belleville, Professor Blackie, the Rev. Dr Cameron Lees of St Giles, the Rev. Neil Dewar of the Free Church, Kingussie, the Rev. Thomas Sinton of Dores, Mr Fraser-Mackintosh of Drummond, Dr Joseph Anderson of the Society of Antiquaries, Mr David M‘Gibbon, architect, Edinburgh, Mr William Mackay, solicitor, Inverness, Mr Alexander MacBain of Rainings School, Inverness, Mr Hew Morrison of the Public Library, Edinburgh, Mr Roderick Maclennan of the Public School, Kingussie, Mr Donald Campbell, merchant, Kingussie, and his brother, Mr Paul Campbell, for valuable aid and suggestions in the preparation of the work.
The cordial acknowledgments of the author are also due to the large and influential number of subscribers whose hearty encouragement led to the publication of the volume. He specially desires to record his warmest obligations in this respect to Mr W. J. McPherson of Rochester, New York, one of the most devoted and patriotic members of the clan now living, through whose unwearied efforts upwards of fifty Macpherson subscribers were secured in America and Canada. So many Macphersons have not, it is believed, been brought together, so to speak, since the clan with their distinguished chief, and the famous green banner at their head, so devotedly followed Prince Charlie in his gallant but ill-fated attempt to regain the crown of his ancestors.
The author may be permitted to add that any profits to be derived from the sale of the work are intended to be devoted to a fund for keeping in good order and repair the venerable churchyard of St Columba in Kingussie, where the mortal remains of so many generations of Macphersons so peacefully rest with their kindred dust.
A. M.
Kingussie, August 1893.
You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...pses/index.htm
Scotch Whisky
Added a video about Scotch whisky to our whisky page which you can view at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/food/whisky.htm
The Tax System explained in Beer
Thought this was an excellent explanation which appeared in our community forums and can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...lained-in-Beer
Clan Ewing
Have added a history page for this clan which now provides an opportunity to use our comment system to add or correct information about the name.
You can get to this page at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...tog/ewing.html
The Great Floods of August 1829
Added Chapters XVII and XVIII on the River Spey which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../floodsndx.htm
Lochandhu
Added the final two chapters to this 3 volume book which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...er_thomas1.htm
Songs of Scotland
Added page 43 to 81 to the 4th Volume which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/music/cunningham/
Henry Dryerre
Added two more Worthies, Robert Ford and James Ferguson which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/dryerre/
Memorials of John Murray of Broughton
Added Part 3 - Murray's Movements after Culloden which can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/charles/
Calendar Of Documents Relating to Scotland
Added Part 4 (1239 - 1253) to Volume 1 which can be read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/records/bain/
Clan Munro Australia
Got in a copy of their August 2014 newsletter which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/fami...unro/index.htm
Clan Kellie Jigsaw
Got sent in a couple of pictures of the Clan Kellie Castle and Grounds with the request to make a jigsaw puzzle from them. It was also pointed out to me that while I say on the site that I'm happy to do this in the same email it also said that the email address I provided for folk to send me the pictures was incorrect and indeed it was. I have now fixed that and sorry to anyone that used the incorrect email address to send me a picture which of course I would not have received.
You can get to these jigsaws at http://www.electricscotland.com/kids...an_jigsaws.htm
Clan Baird
Got told of a new web site for Clan Baird called "Baird Heritage" so have added a link to it from our Clan Baird page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...toc/baird.html
Highland Rambles
And Long Legends to Shorten the Way by Thomas Dick Lauder (1837). A new 2 volume book we're starting.
Have now posted up the first two chapters... "Scottish Moorland Scenery" is the first which leads onto the second chapter... "The Burning of MacFarlane's Forest of Benlaoidh"
You can read this book as we get it up at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...uder/index.htm
Brown Sticky Clay
A new song by John Henderson which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel548.htm
Mind that John always picks out appropriate music for his songs so by clicking on the song link on the page you can listen to that while you read his song.
You Now Know
A paper listing lots of reasons to vote YES in the referendum which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...YouKnowNow.pdf
Mind there are many papers and articles in our Scottish Independence and Scotland's Future section at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/independence/index.htm
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in Section 2 of the October 2014 issue.
Since 1990, in one form and name or another, this publication has been the hometown newspaper of the Scottish community. In print form, it was mailed to almost 100,000 readers primarily in the USA, but also in Scotland, Canada and all over the world.
Today, it has evolved into an Internet only publication under the same editor that has worked with it since the beginning. A little different name, a new format - but the same interesting publication.
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree is filled with articles about things Scottish - from events in the USA to famous Orkadians and inside information on travel. You'll find articles of interest to genealogists and news of the Scots Clan organizations as well as Flowers of the Forest.
This publication is one where you can read about the latest goings on of your friends in the Scottish community and the interesting things they are doing, the honors they've won and what's happening in their lives.
Best of all, this magazine is happy to publish stories about your clan, your genealogical group, your Highland games or your Celtic festival. Queries are free. All you have to do is email bethscribble@aol.com
You can read the latest edition at: http://www.electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
First prize
And this video was posted in our community and thought you might like to view it at:
And Finally...
Some more stories from The Book of Scottish Anecdote...
A PRACTICAL COMMENTATOR
A shrewd old Scotsman was reading the Song of Solomon one Sunday. On coming to the passage, "Snow is beautiful in its season," he exclaimed in a tone of remonstrance, "Ay, Solomon, my man, Nae doubt it was beautiful to you sitting with rich wines and the bonnie lasses o' Jerusalem aside you; but had ye been a poor stanemason, ye would hae said nae such thing!"
DICKSON OF KILDUCKO
This gallant soldier commanded the 42d Regiment (the famous "Black Watch") in Egypt; and, on account of his generous treatment of the men and his great good humour, he had very great influence over them. He had generally a very red nose, and when he presented himself to George III., the king, who knew him well; or he would not have taken such a liberty, asked him how much he had paid for the painting of his nasal organ? "I' faith," replied the blunt old soldier, "I cannot tell your majesty at present, because it is not yet finished."
FELLOW-SUFFERING
During a very inclement season all the members of a certain family in the Lothians, save one, were at the same time troubled with rheumatic complaints. The favoured individual who escaped was continually being asked by the others whether he, like them, was suffering from anything. At last one of them, having interrogated him as to whether he had toothache, earache, or some other complaint, and received the usual stolid answer in the negative, lost all patience and exclaimed, "Od, man, hae something the matter wi' ye, just to be neighbour-like." This is the most agreeable view of suffering, we believe, which was ever taken.
TAX ON BACHELORS
A lady lately remarked in company that she thought there should be a tax on the single state. "Yes, madam," rejoined a gallant Colonel who was present, and who was a most notable specimen of the uncompromising bachelor; "as on all other luxuries."
CHAMPED POTATOES
Mashed potatoes in milk and butter, one of the very best of dishes. I defy the most skilful French cook that ever lived to make a dish of a more delicious nature; and no confectioner's shop in the kingdom has anything to compare with them: they are truly glorious belly timmer. - Mactaggart.
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend and best of luck with your vote in the referendum.
Alastair
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