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http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
I've got an infection in my blind eye but it's also causing my good eye to water a lot in sympathy so that's meant I've had a lot of trouble reading texts this week.
Content
You may have noted I'm publishing many complete books these days and so more content is actually going up these days than previously.
There is actually so much to read that you likely don't have the time to read it all. I have found that the best way to deal with all this content is to pick what matches your own interests and then take time to scan the book to see if it matches your interests. I do try and provide a mix of material so that there is hopefully something that is of interest most weeks.
For example in this weeks offerings you'll find a book about "Scottish Toasts". There is bound to be something of interest in this book that you can use in your own life. Then we have a book about "Some Nineteenth Century Scotsmen". Again these are a collection about many Scotsmen and by reading through the book you should find information on someone of interest and from there you can use that book to find additional information on them either through our own site or on the Internet.
Brexit
There is going to be a lot of discussion on the UK referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EU or not.
You might remember that in the days of the Scottish Independence referendum I was highly critical of Nicola Sturgeon for denying Scots a referendum on Scotland being a member of the EU. There is also a report in this weeks news that many more Scots are dubious about EU membership that was previous thought. And so I'll be covering this in the weeks ahead.
There are two articles in the Scottish News this week on this topic so see... "The Looming Chaos" and "Euroscepticism in Scotland soars to record high".
Helen Elza
I got in a phone call from this lady who is publishing today a book of children's stories.
She told me that she normally publishes woman's stories so this is her first children's book and is about a boy and girl who travel to Scotland. I would guess if you visit Amazon you will find a copy in the next few days.
Thing is that she is going to contribute some stories for the site so we'll look forward to getting them in.
News from the Scottish Press this week...
BBC to trial Scottish Six programme
The BBC is to begin trialling a new hour-long news programme that could replace both Reporting Scotland and the Six O'Clock News in Scotland.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-35658589
STV to take on BBC in Scotland
ITV licence holder to begin digital service next month that will cover international and UK news from Scottish perspective
Read more at:
http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...l-news-service
Scottish Government budget under fire
Nicola Sturgeon was accused of using Holyrood as a conveyer belt for Westminster austerity
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politic...fire-1-4037973
Flying Scotsman: the Scot behind the majestic engine
THE renewed public interest in the Flying Scotsman is testament to the engineering skill of the man who designed her.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/fly...gine-1-4037997
Life after oil: can Aberdeen rise again?
Off the coast of Aberdeen, a dozen oil supply ships sit idly, their crews waiting for word of work.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35631775
David Cameron tells SNP to get on and govern after fiscal deal
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson will have the final say on tax cuts, he said, describing her as the only proper opposition leader in Scotland.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politic...deal-1-4037210
MSP Margaret Mitchell backs UK leaving the European Union
Margaret Mitchell, the party's justice spokeswoman, told BBC Scotland the EU was unwieldy and expensive.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-...itics-35655991
Euroscepticism in Scotland soars to record high
Survey findings contradict SNP claims that referendum could take Scotland out of EU against its will
Read more at:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/...nd-record-high
Does Paisley deserve to be City of Culture?
In 2021 the UK will get its third City of Culture. Paisley is one of six cities hoping to kick-start regeneration through culture.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35640304
The Looming Chaos
Nicola Sturgeon has said that should the UK vote to leave the EU but Scots return a majority to stay in, then another independence referendum is inescapable
Read more at:
http://www.scottishreview.net/AlexBell24a.html
Electric Canadian
Pioneer Work in Algoma
By Edna Green (1915) (pdf)
We welcome you to Algoma! It is place that has to be experienced. We border on two of the greatest of the Great Lakes, Superior and Huron, shorelines are our most southerly borders. They are playgrounds for everything outdoors. Our inland geography with its old growth forests and countless rivers, lakes and streams means Algoma is home to astounding wildlife and fishing and hunting opportunities that will simply knock your socks off. Its landscapes will make you gasp. Its people will make you feel welcome. Our summer is a playground of fresh water, warm weather, clean air and tons of things to see and do. From a relaxing hike to a challenging expedition into the far reaches of our many provincial parks, you can truly relax or test your skills during an Algoma summer. Blue skies, clear water and clean, fresh air make for the best summer vacations.
Fall brings massive changes to Algoma. All of our green turns into vibrant colours, as far as your eye can see. Fiery reds, brilliant oranges and yellows make the very best backdrop for touring whether by car or motorcycle. The hair on the back of your neck is sure to rise while on our coastline tours. Goose bumps are guaranteed.
Once the leaves fall from the trees, winter brings a playground of ice and snow! You can ride on uncrowded trails, downhill or cross country ski or simply snuggle up and enjoy the warmth of your accommodations. White is the colour of our winter and its deep, clean and plentiful!
After the snow melts, our landscapes wake up with new growth. Our fish are ready to take on any angler, cottages and lodges are prepared for your arrival. We are so ready for your arrival! Our cities and towns polish winter away. Algoma is THAT spectacular. But you truly have to experience us first hand. So, pull up a chair at mother nature’s table in Algoma, don’t settle for less than a real experience.
I have now got a page up with a link to this book but also added a number of videos and other information about the area.
You can read this book and learn more about the area at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...goma/index.htm
Electric Scotland
Scottish Toasts
By Ivor Ben McIvor
Here are a few examples...
Caledonia: the nursery of learning and the birthplace of heroes.
Old Scotia, loved at home, revered abroad.
To the land o' cakes.
At some Volunteer manoeuvres in the South of Scotland a young sergeant in charge of a squad was asked by a private, "Where are we to go now?" "Dae ye no see that beer barrel below the trees? Left turn. Quick march."
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...tishtoasts.pdf
The Morning Watch
Or Quarterly Journal on Prophecy and Theological Review
I was trying to find a copy of this magazine published in 1888 and came across this older copy with the same name and thought I'd make it available for you to read.
I found 4 volumes of this publication and you can read them at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bible/morningwatch.htm
Tales of the Scottish Covenanters
By Robert Pollok. I've added a link to this book at the foot of our Covenanters page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/covenanters/
Sir James Murray
Main author of the Oxford English Dictionary. Added a wee review of his work to the foot of our Murray page in the Scottish Nation.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ion/murray.htm
Some Nineteenth Century Scotsmen
Being Personal Recollections by William Knight (1903)
As the author says in his Preface...
In the following Reminiscences of Some Nineteenth Century Scotsmen, who have been distinguished on their country’s record-roll in various ways, I am mainly a chronicler ab extra; neither critic, nor biographer, nor literary appraiser; only a recorder.
No attempt is made to give a full account, or complete estimate, of any one man; but merely to state facts known to myself, or supplied by trustworthy narrators, along with a few letters from those who are characterised.
The publication of such records might have been more opportune some years ago, as many of the friends of those whose deeds and words are here recorded have themselves now “joined the majority.” But it may not be too late to collect them.
I include only the men whom I have known personally, and insert only what has not hitherto been said about them, except in quarters where few persons are likely to see it.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...nineteenth.htm
THE STORY
The Rise and Progress of Whisky-Drinking in Scotland
By Duncan M'Laren
The Act usually known in Scotland as the Forbes M‘Kenzie Act, 16 and 17 Victoria, cap. 67, came into operation May 21st, 1854. The bill, about which so much has been said, as bearing on the cause of sobriety and good order in Scotland, was introduced into the House of Commons by the gentleman whose name it bears; but having vacated his seat before the measure had made much progress, it was watched over, and carried through, mainly by Mr Cumming Bruce. In the House of Lords it was under the charge of Lord Kinnaird, and, as I once stated at a public meeting in Edinburgh, his lordship also did a great deal privately, by his personal exertions, to promote its passing through the House of Commons; and he may thus be said to have been the chief author of the Act. Its short title is 6 Public-Houses (Scotland) Act.’
I need not state to the people of Scotland that the leading provisions of the Act are two in number—(1,) That there shall be no selling of intoxicating drinks on Sundays, except to bona fide travellers, and (2,) That there shall be no selling of such drinks during any day of the week after eleven o’clock at night. These two provisions are so manifestly just in themselves, and so conducive to the welfare of society, that I am happy to say they have commended themselves to the great body of the people of this country.
There is, however, an active and influential section of the community who have always been opposed to these provisions, and who have been using all the means in their power to get the Act modified or repealed; and they have endeavoured to procure the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the working of the Act, with a view to accomplish their object in this indirect way. The ostensible movers in this cause are a committee of Glasgow publicans and spirit dealers, but they are privately receiving the sympathy and support of influential distillers, and other persons who do not publicly come forward to advocate their cause. They are also supported in their efforts by a portion of the public press, and by a small number of Scotch members of Parliament.
Being always more anxious to know what opponents haye to say against any cause of which I have formed a decidedly favourable opinion, than to know what friends say in its favour, I have read and heard much against the ‘ Public-Houses Act;’ and if I understand the objections of its opponents aright, they may be classed under these heads :—
They say that, both as regards the requirements for shutting up public-houses during the entire Sunday (as compared with the former law, which required them to be shut only during the hours of divine service), and as regards restricting the business hours on week-days to 11 o’clock at night, they are novelties in the legislation of Scotland, of a Puritanical character, and interfering with the liberty of the subject; that they are unjust to the persons engaged in the spirit trade; that they have proved injurious in their operation as regards all classes; and in particular, that in place of diminishing drunkenness, they have increased it—causing an enormous increase in the consumption of whisky, amounting to nearly two millions of gallons annually. These allegations have often been made, and those last mentioned were embodied in an official memorial recently prepared by the Glasgow Committee, and presented by them to Sir George Grey, the Home Secretary, with a view to induce him, on the part of the late Government, to appoint a Parliamentary Committee of inquiry.
The above is taken from a 50 page book which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...les/whisky.htm
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
I've got an infection in my blind eye but it's also causing my good eye to water a lot in sympathy so that's meant I've had a lot of trouble reading texts this week.
Content
You may have noted I'm publishing many complete books these days and so more content is actually going up these days than previously.
There is actually so much to read that you likely don't have the time to read it all. I have found that the best way to deal with all this content is to pick what matches your own interests and then take time to scan the book to see if it matches your interests. I do try and provide a mix of material so that there is hopefully something that is of interest most weeks.
For example in this weeks offerings you'll find a book about "Scottish Toasts". There is bound to be something of interest in this book that you can use in your own life. Then we have a book about "Some Nineteenth Century Scotsmen". Again these are a collection about many Scotsmen and by reading through the book you should find information on someone of interest and from there you can use that book to find additional information on them either through our own site or on the Internet.
Brexit
There is going to be a lot of discussion on the UK referendum on whether the UK should remain in the EU or not.
You might remember that in the days of the Scottish Independence referendum I was highly critical of Nicola Sturgeon for denying Scots a referendum on Scotland being a member of the EU. There is also a report in this weeks news that many more Scots are dubious about EU membership that was previous thought. And so I'll be covering this in the weeks ahead.
There are two articles in the Scottish News this week on this topic so see... "The Looming Chaos" and "Euroscepticism in Scotland soars to record high".
Helen Elza
I got in a phone call from this lady who is publishing today a book of children's stories.
Thing is that she is going to contribute some stories for the site so we'll look forward to getting them in.
News from the Scottish Press this week...
BBC to trial Scottish Six programme
The BBC is to begin trialling a new hour-long news programme that could replace both Reporting Scotland and the Six O'Clock News in Scotland.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-35658589
STV to take on BBC in Scotland
ITV licence holder to begin digital service next month that will cover international and UK news from Scottish perspective
Read more at:
http://www.theguardian.com/media/201...l-news-service
Scottish Government budget under fire
Nicola Sturgeon was accused of using Holyrood as a conveyer belt for Westminster austerity
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politic...fire-1-4037973
Flying Scotsman: the Scot behind the majestic engine
THE renewed public interest in the Flying Scotsman is testament to the engineering skill of the man who designed her.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/fly...gine-1-4037997
Life after oil: can Aberdeen rise again?
Off the coast of Aberdeen, a dozen oil supply ships sit idly, their crews waiting for word of work.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-35631775
David Cameron tells SNP to get on and govern after fiscal deal
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson will have the final say on tax cuts, he said, describing her as the only proper opposition leader in Scotland.
Read more at:
http://www.scotsman.com/news/politic...deal-1-4037210
MSP Margaret Mitchell backs UK leaving the European Union
Margaret Mitchell, the party's justice spokeswoman, told BBC Scotland the EU was unwieldy and expensive.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-...itics-35655991
Euroscepticism in Scotland soars to record high
Survey findings contradict SNP claims that referendum could take Scotland out of EU against its will
Read more at:
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/...nd-record-high
Does Paisley deserve to be City of Culture?
In 2021 the UK will get its third City of Culture. Paisley is one of six cities hoping to kick-start regeneration through culture.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35640304
The Looming Chaos
Nicola Sturgeon has said that should the UK vote to leave the EU but Scots return a majority to stay in, then another independence referendum is inescapable
Read more at:
http://www.scottishreview.net/AlexBell24a.html
Electric Canadian
Pioneer Work in Algoma
By Edna Green (1915) (pdf)
We welcome you to Algoma! It is place that has to be experienced. We border on two of the greatest of the Great Lakes, Superior and Huron, shorelines are our most southerly borders. They are playgrounds for everything outdoors. Our inland geography with its old growth forests and countless rivers, lakes and streams means Algoma is home to astounding wildlife and fishing and hunting opportunities that will simply knock your socks off. Its landscapes will make you gasp. Its people will make you feel welcome. Our summer is a playground of fresh water, warm weather, clean air and tons of things to see and do. From a relaxing hike to a challenging expedition into the far reaches of our many provincial parks, you can truly relax or test your skills during an Algoma summer. Blue skies, clear water and clean, fresh air make for the best summer vacations.
Fall brings massive changes to Algoma. All of our green turns into vibrant colours, as far as your eye can see. Fiery reds, brilliant oranges and yellows make the very best backdrop for touring whether by car or motorcycle. The hair on the back of your neck is sure to rise while on our coastline tours. Goose bumps are guaranteed.
Once the leaves fall from the trees, winter brings a playground of ice and snow! You can ride on uncrowded trails, downhill or cross country ski or simply snuggle up and enjoy the warmth of your accommodations. White is the colour of our winter and its deep, clean and plentiful!
After the snow melts, our landscapes wake up with new growth. Our fish are ready to take on any angler, cottages and lodges are prepared for your arrival. We are so ready for your arrival! Our cities and towns polish winter away. Algoma is THAT spectacular. But you truly have to experience us first hand. So, pull up a chair at mother nature’s table in Algoma, don’t settle for less than a real experience.
I have now got a page up with a link to this book but also added a number of videos and other information about the area.
You can read this book and learn more about the area at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...goma/index.htm
Electric Scotland
Scottish Toasts
By Ivor Ben McIvor
Here are a few examples...
Caledonia: the nursery of learning and the birthplace of heroes.
Old Scotia, loved at home, revered abroad.
To the land o' cakes.
At some Volunteer manoeuvres in the South of Scotland a young sergeant in charge of a squad was asked by a private, "Where are we to go now?" "Dae ye no see that beer barrel below the trees? Left turn. Quick march."
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...tishtoasts.pdf
The Morning Watch
Or Quarterly Journal on Prophecy and Theological Review
I was trying to find a copy of this magazine published in 1888 and came across this older copy with the same name and thought I'd make it available for you to read.
I found 4 volumes of this publication and you can read them at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/bible/morningwatch.htm
Tales of the Scottish Covenanters
By Robert Pollok. I've added a link to this book at the foot of our Covenanters page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/covenanters/
Sir James Murray
Main author of the Oxford English Dictionary. Added a wee review of his work to the foot of our Murray page in the Scottish Nation.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ion/murray.htm
Some Nineteenth Century Scotsmen
Being Personal Recollections by William Knight (1903)
As the author says in his Preface...
In the following Reminiscences of Some Nineteenth Century Scotsmen, who have been distinguished on their country’s record-roll in various ways, I am mainly a chronicler ab extra; neither critic, nor biographer, nor literary appraiser; only a recorder.
No attempt is made to give a full account, or complete estimate, of any one man; but merely to state facts known to myself, or supplied by trustworthy narrators, along with a few letters from those who are characterised.
The publication of such records might have been more opportune some years ago, as many of the friends of those whose deeds and words are here recorded have themselves now “joined the majority.” But it may not be too late to collect them.
I include only the men whom I have known personally, and insert only what has not hitherto been said about them, except in quarters where few persons are likely to see it.
You can read this book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/book...nineteenth.htm
THE STORY
The Rise and Progress of Whisky-Drinking in Scotland
By Duncan M'Laren
The Act usually known in Scotland as the Forbes M‘Kenzie Act, 16 and 17 Victoria, cap. 67, came into operation May 21st, 1854. The bill, about which so much has been said, as bearing on the cause of sobriety and good order in Scotland, was introduced into the House of Commons by the gentleman whose name it bears; but having vacated his seat before the measure had made much progress, it was watched over, and carried through, mainly by Mr Cumming Bruce. In the House of Lords it was under the charge of Lord Kinnaird, and, as I once stated at a public meeting in Edinburgh, his lordship also did a great deal privately, by his personal exertions, to promote its passing through the House of Commons; and he may thus be said to have been the chief author of the Act. Its short title is 6 Public-Houses (Scotland) Act.’
I need not state to the people of Scotland that the leading provisions of the Act are two in number—(1,) That there shall be no selling of intoxicating drinks on Sundays, except to bona fide travellers, and (2,) That there shall be no selling of such drinks during any day of the week after eleven o’clock at night. These two provisions are so manifestly just in themselves, and so conducive to the welfare of society, that I am happy to say they have commended themselves to the great body of the people of this country.
There is, however, an active and influential section of the community who have always been opposed to these provisions, and who have been using all the means in their power to get the Act modified or repealed; and they have endeavoured to procure the appointment of a Parliamentary Committee to inquire into the working of the Act, with a view to accomplish their object in this indirect way. The ostensible movers in this cause are a committee of Glasgow publicans and spirit dealers, but they are privately receiving the sympathy and support of influential distillers, and other persons who do not publicly come forward to advocate their cause. They are also supported in their efforts by a portion of the public press, and by a small number of Scotch members of Parliament.
Being always more anxious to know what opponents haye to say against any cause of which I have formed a decidedly favourable opinion, than to know what friends say in its favour, I have read and heard much against the ‘ Public-Houses Act;’ and if I understand the objections of its opponents aright, they may be classed under these heads :—
They say that, both as regards the requirements for shutting up public-houses during the entire Sunday (as compared with the former law, which required them to be shut only during the hours of divine service), and as regards restricting the business hours on week-days to 11 o’clock at night, they are novelties in the legislation of Scotland, of a Puritanical character, and interfering with the liberty of the subject; that they are unjust to the persons engaged in the spirit trade; that they have proved injurious in their operation as regards all classes; and in particular, that in place of diminishing drunkenness, they have increased it—causing an enormous increase in the consumption of whisky, amounting to nearly two millions of gallons annually. These allegations have often been made, and those last mentioned were embodied in an official memorial recently prepared by the Glasgow Committee, and presented by them to Sir George Grey, the Home Secretary, with a view to induce him, on the part of the late Government, to appoint a Parliamentary Committee of inquiry.
The above is taken from a 50 page book which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...les/whisky.htm
And that's it for this week and hope you all enjoy your weekend.
Alastair
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