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For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
Wishing you all a Happy New Year
Had a relaxed Christmas and New Year break so next week it will be back to work as normal.
I am looking at doing a series of stories on the various Commonwealth countries as not only is there great history of Scots working and living in those countries but also the fact that by 2050 The Commonwealth is going to be the largest trading block in the world and the largest in population terms.
Here in Canada we are in the middle of a deep freeze and that is currently being extended right down to Florida. With wind chill taken into account most of central and eastern Canada is around -30c. I have increased my in-house temperature to 72 degree Fahrenheit where I normally have it at 68.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in newspapers such as the Guardian, Scotsman, Courier, etc. you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish.
Duke of Buccleuch made Knight of the Thistle by the Queen
A Scottish duke has been handed a rare honour by being made a Knight of the Thistle by the Queen.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-...tland-42521987
The People's Friend looks for stories from its friends
As it approaches its 150th anniversary, the world's longest running women's weekly magazine is looking for stories from its friends.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-42394673
Scotland’s lost celebration of Handsel Monday
For more than 500 years, many Scots considered Handsel Monday as the great winter holiday of the year.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/scotla...nday-1-4651360
Method to age whisky in just hours was axed over Scotch industry fears
Scientists were able to age whisky in just hours instead of years before the idea was shelved over fears it could undermine the industry by encouraging overseas imitation.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/method...ears-1-4649095
A Perthshire chip shop is serving up battered brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts have, for decades, been the most controversial ingredient on the traditional festive menu.
Read more at:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news...ow-taste-like/
Because of Brexit...
The favourite pastime of some economic commentators and broadcasters is to say such and such a figure about the economy they think is disappointing is because of Brexit.
Read more at:
http://johnredwoodsdiary.com/2018/01...use-of-brexit/
Hungarian and Polish leaders see anti-immigration stance spreading in EU
The prime ministers of Hungary and Poland have said their countries’ anti-immigration policies are gaining strength within the European Union.
Read more at:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/uk...reading-in-eu/
The 16-year-old girl making motorsport history
Meet Logan Hannah, the 16-year-old girl from East Kilbride who has made F4 motor racing history.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-scotla...rsport-history
Move to Stronsay, the Scottish island that's open to all
Anti-tourism is not welcome on the Orkney isle, where a community group has started a campaign to attract visitors (and residents) to the remote outpost with a ‘rich cultural life and sense of freedom’
Read more at:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...group-visitors
Electric Canadian
Industrial Canada
Added volume 14 which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...rial/index.htm
The Manuscript Journals of Alexander Henry
Fur Trader of the Northwest Company and of David Thompson, Official Geographer and Explorer of the same Company. Exploration and Adventure among the Indians on the Red, Saskatchewan, Missouri, and Columbia Rivers edited with copious critical commentary by Lliott Coues in three volumes (1897)
Volume 1 The Red River of the North
Volume 2 The Saskatchewan and the Columbia Rivers
Volume 3 Index and Maps
Canada and Canadians
By Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Kt. Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Engineers and Militia of Canada West in two volumes (1849)You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...acanadians.htm
Electric Scotland
The Manuscripts of J. J. Hope Johnstone of Annandale
By Sir William Fraser, K.C.B., Edinburgh (1897)
You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../johnstone.htm where I added a link to the book at the end of the page.
MacIntyre Gathering 2018
Got in a letter giving up to date information about their Gathering in 2018 which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...ringLetter.pdf
Happy New Year 2018
Did a YouTube video wishing you a Happy New Year and my thoughts on how we might progress in 2018.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...8558#post18558
The Tower of Craigietocher
Got in an update for the New Year and it looks very much like they might actually move in during this year.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ietocher16.htm
Ancient Deeds and Other Writs in the MacKenzie-Wharncliffe Charter Chest
With Short Notices of Sir George MacKenzie of Rosehaugh; The First Earls of Cromarty; The Right Honourable James Stewart MacKenzie, Lord Privy Seal of Scotland; and Others prepared on the Instructions of the Right Hon. Francis John, Earl of Wharncliffe by J. W. Barty, LL.D. (1906)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../mackenzie.htm
The Seaman's Friend
Containing a Treatise on Practical Seamanship, with Plates; A Dictionary of Sea Terms; Customs and Usages of the Merchant Service; Laws relating to the Practical Duties of Master and Mainers by R. H. Dana, Jr., (1873) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...mansFriend.pdf
From Empire to Commonwealth
By Kerr, Philip (1922) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...thtoempire.pdf
Imperial Commonwealth
By Lord Elton (1945) (pdf)
I have tried to write a history, sufficiently founded upon the authorities, yet capable of being read with enjoyment by the ordinary reader, of that greatest and most fruitful of recorded political achievements, the British Empire. This is a story of which at present, thanks largely to the indifference of schools and Universities, the British themselves know next to nothing. And knowing so little of the nature of the achievements by which their ancestors changed the destiny of mankind, they necessarily know all too little of the vast opportunities and obligations of the Empire-Commonwealth of to-day, while for three generations past they have cherished illusions as to its character and record which would have been unthinkable among an even moderately instructed people.
Yet it is not chance that, save Holland, every one of the great rivals and assailants of the Empire-Commonwealth has been a despotic state. Once England, and three times the Empire Commonwealth, has saved itself, and Europe, from a tyrant from Philip of Spain, from Louis of France, from Napoleon and from Germany of the Hohenzollerns, These words are written before the long struggle against the fifth despotism, the Germany of Hitler, has ended. But if there is to be any future for freedom in the age to come, it seems certain that, as pattern, or even, it may be, as nucleus, of the world organisation of the future, there will be a vital role to be played by the one world community in existence—which discovered and spread abroad the art of self-government, and has already established permanent peace among a quarter of mankind. It will not be easy, however, to render mankind that last great service, so long as the bulk of our citizens remain in almost total ignorance of the character and achievements of our own world society.
For an elaborate bibliography the reader is referred to the Cambridge History of the British Empire. I have confined myself here to listing, at the end of each “book,” for the benefit of those who may wish to investigate further, a number of the most useful and accessible secondary authorities. Finally, I must express my gratitude to the distinguished historian, Mr. Milton Waldman, for the great assistance I have derived from his kindly and penetrating criticisms.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...mmonwealth.pdf
The Story
RAF Leuchars Air Show
In September 1945 the Royal Air Force opened the gates of many of its stations to the public to celebrate the victory in the Battle of Britain and World War II. These events, which continued on annually, were known as "Battle of Britain at Home Days". In this anniversary celebration of the ending of WWII, RAF Leuchars is the last remaining RAF Station to hold this traditional event near to the Battle of Britain weekend. Leuchars Airshow 2013 was the 65th and final Battle of Britain at Home Airshow to be held by the RAF.
RAF Leuchars is located in Leuchars, Fife, on the east coast, north of St Andrews, and is the most northerly Air Defence Station in the United Kingdom. Because the Base Commander at RAF Leuchars also fulfils the role of Air Officer Scotland, the position is held by an Air Commodore, rather than a Group Captain who would normally occupy command of such a base.
It was a privilege for RAF Leuchars to host the only remaining Battle of Britain Air Show, and 2nd largest non-sporting outdoor event in Scotland. The Air Show provided an opportunity for RAF Leuchars to celebrate the RAF at its best, showcasing its wide range of roles and highlighting its rich heritage; it was also an important opportunity for the Station to welcome its neighbours throughout Scotland (and beyond) onto the base and to thank them for their support throughout the year. In recent years the event have hosted crowds in excess of 40,000 people. Scotland’s National Airshow is a thrilling day of air displays, military jets, historic war birds, aerobatics, motorcycle stunts and family activities.
The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron had the pleasure of displaying at RAF Leuchars Air Show for three years on a row. Displaying at Leuchars was for us always a great honor, and it was one amazing event. First time we displayed the D.H. Vampire T.55 in a solo aerobatic display. The second time we flew the T.55 & FB.52. in a formation display, and we was really unlucky with the weather when our slot came up with rain and reduced visibility. The last time for us at Leuchars Air Show in 2012, we brought all our three jets: D.H. Vampire FB.52 & T.55 and T-33.
Each time we participated at Leuchars we flew up from Duxford or North Weald as we had displayed there the previous week end. The flight home was made straight over the North Sea crossing the Norwegian coast near Lista and then further on to Rygge AB. Flight time back home was about 1h 40 min in a Vampire.
For the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron pilots and crew, our participation in Leucars was one of our absolute highlights. Beside a fantastic airshow it was always lots of nice people to meet and new bonds could be linked in a friendly atmosphere. All of us also enjoyed Scotland and St. Andrews immensely. Thank you Scotland.
333 Norwegian Squadron at Leuchars. The first Norwegian Catalina unit started life on 8 February 1942 when the Norwegian Detachment of Coastal Command's No. 210 Squadron was established at Woodhaven in Scotland. On 10 May 1943 333 squadron was formed from with Mosquito Mk.IIs at RAF Leuchars, Fife, Scotland and PBY-1b Catalinas at Woodhaven, Fife, Scotland. The Mosquitoes were operated on shipping reconnaissance flights along the Norwegian coast, whilst the Catalinas carried out anti-submarine patrols to the north of Scotland. The squadron's Catalinas also operated in the 'Special Duties' role landing both personnel and supplies at points along the Norwegian coast. In September 1944 the Mosquito flight joined the Banff strike wing and acted in the Pathfinder role. However, on 30 May 1945 this flight was redesignated No. 334 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF and No. 333 became a pure Catalina unit.
Of course, all good things must come to an end and so has RAF Leuchars Airshow. As is the annual tradition, the sunset ceremony ended the airshow and bought a lump to everyones throat as we realised this is the end. Symbolising the future, a based Typhoon was joined by a 617 Squadron Tornado to perform the final flypast, bringing to end 65 years of Battle of Britain at Home airshows at the base. What the future holds for airshows in Scotland is very unclear and I understand the RAF are currently studying possibilities. These range from a new show at RAF Lossiemouth to increased support for another Scottish airshow; however there is also the outside chance that a new event may be arranged at Leuchars as I understand the runway will remain serviceable after the RAF move out.
And that's it for this week and wishing you all a Happy New Year.
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com/
Electric Scotland News
Wishing you all a Happy New Year
Had a relaxed Christmas and New Year break so next week it will be back to work as normal.
I am looking at doing a series of stories on the various Commonwealth countries as not only is there great history of Scots working and living in those countries but also the fact that by 2050 The Commonwealth is going to be the largest trading block in the world and the largest in population terms.
Here in Canada we are in the middle of a deep freeze and that is currently being extended right down to Florida. With wind chill taken into account most of central and eastern Canada is around -30c. I have increased my in-house temperature to 72 degree Fahrenheit where I normally have it at 68.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
Note that this is a selection and more can be read in our ScotNews feed on our index page where we list news from the past 1-2 weeks. I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on Google and other search engines. I might also add that in newspapers such as the Guardian, Scotsman, Courier, etc. you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish.
Duke of Buccleuch made Knight of the Thistle by the Queen
A Scottish duke has been handed a rare honour by being made a Knight of the Thistle by the Queen.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-...tland-42521987
The People's Friend looks for stories from its friends
As it approaches its 150th anniversary, the world's longest running women's weekly magazine is looking for stories from its friends.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-42394673
Scotland’s lost celebration of Handsel Monday
For more than 500 years, many Scots considered Handsel Monday as the great winter holiday of the year.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/scotla...nday-1-4651360
Method to age whisky in just hours was axed over Scotch industry fears
Scientists were able to age whisky in just hours instead of years before the idea was shelved over fears it could undermine the industry by encouraging overseas imitation.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/method...ears-1-4649095
A Perthshire chip shop is serving up battered brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts have, for decades, been the most controversial ingredient on the traditional festive menu.
Read more at:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news...ow-taste-like/
Because of Brexit...
The favourite pastime of some economic commentators and broadcasters is to say such and such a figure about the economy they think is disappointing is because of Brexit.
Read more at:
http://johnredwoodsdiary.com/2018/01...use-of-brexit/
Hungarian and Polish leaders see anti-immigration stance spreading in EU
The prime ministers of Hungary and Poland have said their countries’ anti-immigration policies are gaining strength within the European Union.
Read more at:
https://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/uk...reading-in-eu/
The 16-year-old girl making motorsport history
Meet Logan Hannah, the 16-year-old girl from East Kilbride who has made F4 motor racing history.
Read more at:
http://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-scotla...rsport-history
Move to Stronsay, the Scottish island that's open to all
Anti-tourism is not welcome on the Orkney isle, where a community group has started a campaign to attract visitors (and residents) to the remote outpost with a ‘rich cultural life and sense of freedom’
Read more at:
https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2...group-visitors
Electric Canadian
Industrial Canada
Added volume 14 which you can read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...rial/index.htm
The Manuscript Journals of Alexander Henry
Fur Trader of the Northwest Company and of David Thompson, Official Geographer and Explorer of the same Company. Exploration and Adventure among the Indians on the Red, Saskatchewan, Missouri, and Columbia Rivers edited with copious critical commentary by Lliott Coues in three volumes (1897)
Volume 1 The Red River of the North
Volume 2 The Saskatchewan and the Columbia Rivers
Volume 3 Index and Maps
Canada and Canadians
By Sir Richard Henry Bonnycastle, Kt. Lieutenant-Colonel Royal Engineers and Militia of Canada West in two volumes (1849)You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...acanadians.htm
Electric Scotland
The Manuscripts of J. J. Hope Johnstone of Annandale
By Sir William Fraser, K.C.B., Edinburgh (1897)
You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../johnstone.htm where I added a link to the book at the end of the page.
MacIntyre Gathering 2018
Got in a letter giving up to date information about their Gathering in 2018 which you can read at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...ringLetter.pdf
Happy New Year 2018
Did a YouTube video wishing you a Happy New Year and my thoughts on how we might progress in 2018.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/show...8558#post18558
The Tower of Craigietocher
Got in an update for the New Year and it looks very much like they might actually move in during this year.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ietocher16.htm
Ancient Deeds and Other Writs in the MacKenzie-Wharncliffe Charter Chest
With Short Notices of Sir George MacKenzie of Rosehaugh; The First Earls of Cromarty; The Right Honourable James Stewart MacKenzie, Lord Privy Seal of Scotland; and Others prepared on the Instructions of the Right Hon. Francis John, Earl of Wharncliffe by J. W. Barty, LL.D. (1906)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist.../mackenzie.htm
The Seaman's Friend
Containing a Treatise on Practical Seamanship, with Plates; A Dictionary of Sea Terms; Customs and Usages of the Merchant Service; Laws relating to the Practical Duties of Master and Mainers by R. H. Dana, Jr., (1873) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...mansFriend.pdf
From Empire to Commonwealth
By Kerr, Philip (1922) (pdf)
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...thtoempire.pdf
Imperial Commonwealth
By Lord Elton (1945) (pdf)
I have tried to write a history, sufficiently founded upon the authorities, yet capable of being read with enjoyment by the ordinary reader, of that greatest and most fruitful of recorded political achievements, the British Empire. This is a story of which at present, thanks largely to the indifference of schools and Universities, the British themselves know next to nothing. And knowing so little of the nature of the achievements by which their ancestors changed the destiny of mankind, they necessarily know all too little of the vast opportunities and obligations of the Empire-Commonwealth of to-day, while for three generations past they have cherished illusions as to its character and record which would have been unthinkable among an even moderately instructed people.
Yet it is not chance that, save Holland, every one of the great rivals and assailants of the Empire-Commonwealth has been a despotic state. Once England, and three times the Empire Commonwealth, has saved itself, and Europe, from a tyrant from Philip of Spain, from Louis of France, from Napoleon and from Germany of the Hohenzollerns, These words are written before the long struggle against the fifth despotism, the Germany of Hitler, has ended. But if there is to be any future for freedom in the age to come, it seems certain that, as pattern, or even, it may be, as nucleus, of the world organisation of the future, there will be a vital role to be played by the one world community in existence—which discovered and spread abroad the art of self-government, and has already established permanent peace among a quarter of mankind. It will not be easy, however, to render mankind that last great service, so long as the bulk of our citizens remain in almost total ignorance of the character and achievements of our own world society.
For an elaborate bibliography the reader is referred to the Cambridge History of the British Empire. I have confined myself here to listing, at the end of each “book,” for the benefit of those who may wish to investigate further, a number of the most useful and accessible secondary authorities. Finally, I must express my gratitude to the distinguished historian, Mr. Milton Waldman, for the great assistance I have derived from his kindly and penetrating criticisms.
You can read this at: http://www.electricscotland.com/inde...mmonwealth.pdf
The Story
RAF Leuchars Air Show
In September 1945 the Royal Air Force opened the gates of many of its stations to the public to celebrate the victory in the Battle of Britain and World War II. These events, which continued on annually, were known as "Battle of Britain at Home Days". In this anniversary celebration of the ending of WWII, RAF Leuchars is the last remaining RAF Station to hold this traditional event near to the Battle of Britain weekend. Leuchars Airshow 2013 was the 65th and final Battle of Britain at Home Airshow to be held by the RAF.
RAF Leuchars is located in Leuchars, Fife, on the east coast, north of St Andrews, and is the most northerly Air Defence Station in the United Kingdom. Because the Base Commander at RAF Leuchars also fulfils the role of Air Officer Scotland, the position is held by an Air Commodore, rather than a Group Captain who would normally occupy command of such a base.
It was a privilege for RAF Leuchars to host the only remaining Battle of Britain Air Show, and 2nd largest non-sporting outdoor event in Scotland. The Air Show provided an opportunity for RAF Leuchars to celebrate the RAF at its best, showcasing its wide range of roles and highlighting its rich heritage; it was also an important opportunity for the Station to welcome its neighbours throughout Scotland (and beyond) onto the base and to thank them for their support throughout the year. In recent years the event have hosted crowds in excess of 40,000 people. Scotland’s National Airshow is a thrilling day of air displays, military jets, historic war birds, aerobatics, motorcycle stunts and family activities.
The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron had the pleasure of displaying at RAF Leuchars Air Show for three years on a row. Displaying at Leuchars was for us always a great honor, and it was one amazing event. First time we displayed the D.H. Vampire T.55 in a solo aerobatic display. The second time we flew the T.55 & FB.52. in a formation display, and we was really unlucky with the weather when our slot came up with rain and reduced visibility. The last time for us at Leuchars Air Show in 2012, we brought all our three jets: D.H. Vampire FB.52 & T.55 and T-33.
Each time we participated at Leuchars we flew up from Duxford or North Weald as we had displayed there the previous week end. The flight home was made straight over the North Sea crossing the Norwegian coast near Lista and then further on to Rygge AB. Flight time back home was about 1h 40 min in a Vampire.
For the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron pilots and crew, our participation in Leucars was one of our absolute highlights. Beside a fantastic airshow it was always lots of nice people to meet and new bonds could be linked in a friendly atmosphere. All of us also enjoyed Scotland and St. Andrews immensely. Thank you Scotland.
333 Norwegian Squadron at Leuchars. The first Norwegian Catalina unit started life on 8 February 1942 when the Norwegian Detachment of Coastal Command's No. 210 Squadron was established at Woodhaven in Scotland. On 10 May 1943 333 squadron was formed from with Mosquito Mk.IIs at RAF Leuchars, Fife, Scotland and PBY-1b Catalinas at Woodhaven, Fife, Scotland. The Mosquitoes were operated on shipping reconnaissance flights along the Norwegian coast, whilst the Catalinas carried out anti-submarine patrols to the north of Scotland. The squadron's Catalinas also operated in the 'Special Duties' role landing both personnel and supplies at points along the Norwegian coast. In September 1944 the Mosquito flight joined the Banff strike wing and acted in the Pathfinder role. However, on 30 May 1945 this flight was redesignated No. 334 (Norwegian) Squadron RAF and No. 333 became a pure Catalina unit.
Of course, all good things must come to an end and so has RAF Leuchars Airshow. As is the annual tradition, the sunset ceremony ended the airshow and bought a lump to everyones throat as we realised this is the end. Symbolising the future, a based Typhoon was joined by a 617 Squadron Tornado to perform the final flypast, bringing to end 65 years of Battle of Britain at Home airshows at the base. What the future holds for airshows in Scotland is very unclear and I understand the RAF are currently studying possibilities. These range from a new show at RAF Lossiemouth to increased support for another Scottish airshow; however there is also the outside chance that a new event may be arranged at Leuchars as I understand the runway will remain serviceable after the RAF move out.
And that's it for this week and wishing you all a Happy New Year.
Alastair