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For the latest news from Scotland see our ScotNews feed at:
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
The big news going the rounds this week has been the launch of the Brexit Party to fight the now expected European elections and a recent poll says they are leading in the polls.
-------
You can view a video introduction to this newsletter at:
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.
Why the unexpected European elections are so hard to predict
Getting Remain-leaning supports to the polling booth could be decisive in any future EU referendum
Read more at:
https://capx.co/why-the-unexpected-e...ard-to-predict
Reflections on the economic outlook for Europe
What is the outlook for Europe?
Read more at:
https://brexitcentral.com/reflection...ok-for-europe/
Brexit Party launch
Nigel Farage unveils new party, with 2019 European election candidates
Read more at:
https://inews.co.uk/news/brexit/brex...lections-2019/
Wild parakeet flock causes a flap in Glasgow park
Glasgow's wild parakeet flock is colourful and popular with the locals but their days may be numbered
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-scotl...n-glasgow-park
Auschwitz victim Jane Haining honoured at Hungarian march
A Scot who gave her life to help protect Jewish schoolgirls during World War Two has been honoured in Hungary.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...tland-47908024
Tiger Woods roars to fifth Masters victory
Two years after expressing fears about his career at the Champions’ Dinner at Augusta National due to serious back issues, Tiger Woods is the Masters champion for a fifth time after claiming a 15th major title.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-go...-idUKKCN1RQ0OE
EU approves tougher EU copyright rules in blow to Google, Facebook
Google will have to pay publishers for news snippets and Facebook filter out protected content under new copyright rules aimed at ensuring fair compensation for the European Union’s $1 trillion (£762.6 billion) creative industries.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-eu...-idUKKCN1RR0O4
Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral suffers colossal damages in inferno
The world famous Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris has been engulfed in a catastrophic fire, toppling its spire.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-fr...-idUKKCN1RR1UN
Industrial policy row masks deeper German struggle over post-Merkel era
After a brief ceasefire, Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats are fighting among themselves again over the future shape and leadership of their party as the chancellor stage-manages her exit as German leader.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ge...-idUKKCN1RR1EG
Now is the time for frank speaking
From the Scottish Review
Read more at:
http://www.scottishreview.net/JohnLloyd476a.html
MP for Spain?
Expats need a voice
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinio...wart-1-4907927
Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl retires after 40 years
The BBC's longest-serving gardening presenter is hanging up his trowel after more than 40 years.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-47963708
Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in the lead for Europe elections
Nigel Farage’s new Brexit Party has opened up a five-point lead in the next month’s elections to the European Parliament, according to a new opinion poll.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politi...ions-1-4909570
Grassroots Conservative chairmen planning no-confidence vote in Theresa May within weeks
Grassroots Tories believe they are just weeks away from triggering a little-known process that could help to bring down Theresa May.
Read more at:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics...-vote-theresa/
Brexit doesn’t go FAR enough!
BREXIT doesn’t go far enough in the UK’s quest for freedom from the bureaucratic EU, the man tipped to replace Bank of England’s Mark Carney has said.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/11...an-mark-carney
Electric Canadian
Canadian Archive Reports
Added the 1906 report.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/mak...er_douglas.htm
The Canadian Horticulturist
Volume 22 (1899) can be read at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/tra...culturirst.htm
Canadian Summer Evening Tales
By Andrew Learmont Spedon (1866) (pdf) and other of his books which you can get to at:
https://www.electriccanadian.com/lifestyle/spedon.htm
Sir Peter Pettyshaw
A Story of Canadian Life (pdf) which you can read at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/lif.../pettysham.pdf
The Place British Americans have won in History
A Lecture delivered at Aylmer, L. C. on Thursday Evening, 22nd February 1866 by Henry J. Morgan, Corresponding member of the New York Historical Society (pdf) which you can read at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/Pla...hAmericans.pdf
The Red Hackle
Published by the 73rd Royal Highlanders of Canada, C. E. F. Souvenir Number March 4, 1916 (pdf) which you can read at:https://www.electriccanadian.com/for...hackle1916.pdf
Red River
A Teacher's Resource Unit on Early Pioneer Life which you can read at:
https://www.electriccanadian.com/pio...erteachers.pdf
The Settlers of Vancouver Island
A Story for Emigrants by Rev. W. G. H. Ellison which you can read at:
https://www.electriccanadian.com/his...svancouver.pdf
Conrad Black
A good day for Israel — with many more to come
http://www.conradmblack.com/1468/a-g...y-more-to-come
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Review
Added Volume 33 - Jan to April 1899 for you to read at: https://electricscotland.com/history/review/index.htm
Historic Environment Scotland
A new future for Scotland which is a report from Historic Environment Scotland in which it is asking everyone to help. You can view this at: http://www.electricscotland.org/show...nment-Scotland
Folk Lore Journal
Added volumes 4 & 5 which you can to towards the end of the page at: https://electricscotland.com/history/waifs/
Allardyce Family
Added a wee book about the Allardyce Family to our Allardice page at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan.../allardice.htm
Clan Hall
Got in an update on the clan history along with membership application form and two crests which I've added to their page along with advice about their new web site which I've put a link to and also got in a copy of their 25th anniversary newsletter and you can get to all this at: https://electricscotland.com/webclans/htol/hall.htm
A Critical Inquiry into the Scottish Language
With the view of illustrating the Rise and Progress of Civilisation in Scotland by Francisque-Michel (1882) (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/history/france/inquiry.htm
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in the May 2019 issue 2 which you can read at: https://electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
Hamlin Garland
American novelist, poet, essayist, short story writer, Georgist, and psychical researcher. He is best known for his fiction involving hard-working Midwestern farmers. You can read more about him and a couple of his books at:https://electricscotland.com/history...linGarland.htm
The Tower of Craigietocher
A bit of an update to April 2019 which you can see at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ietocher17.htm
Heather-Bells
Or Poems and Stories by Sir William Allan (1875) (pdf). Using the Doric language.
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/poetry/heatherbells.htm
Greyfriars Bobby
Added a video of this great story to our page about him at: https://electricscotland.com/kids/st...iars_bobby.htm
Clans of the Brea d’Alban
A collection of Scottish Histories, Macnab, Dewar, Macnish and Associated Families Compiled and edited by David Rorer.
David has done a lot of work to update his previous contribution so lots of files in both word and pdf format which you can read at:https://www.electricscotland.com/web...orer/index.htm
History of MacLeods
With Genealogies of the Principle Families of the name by Alexander MacKenzie (1889) (pdf) and you can read this at:https://electricscotland.com/webclan...ofmacleods.pdf
The Story
THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND FOUNDATION USA HONORS SCULPTOR ANDY SCOTT AS GREAT SCOT AT ANNUAL GALA IN 2019
2019 Great Scot Award was presented to sculptor Andy Scott, best known for his monumental equine installation The Kelpies
National Trust for Scotland President, historian Neil Oliver, sent thanks from Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, currently under restoration with the support of American donors
Proceeds from this year’s gala will restore the baroque fountain at Culzean Castle, once known as President Eisenhower’s Scottish White House, to working order
16 April 2019, New York City – The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA’s annual gala, A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures, drew tartan-clad international philanthropists to New York’s Metropolitan Club on 11 April. NTS USA honored Andy Scott, sculptor of The Kelpies (the world’s largest equine sculptures) as its Great Scot. Under the guidance of honorary chair Naoma Tate, and co-chairs 2009 Great Scot Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer, 2010 Great Scot Christopher Forbes, Joan Kahn, and Susi and Alasdair Nichol, the event raised over $300,000 to support the work of the National Trust for Scotland, that country’s largest conservation charity.
Paul Roberts, vice-chairman of Lyon & Turnbull and president of Freeman’s, presented Mr. Scott with the 2019 Great Scot Award. It is presented annually to a Scot or American who has contributed to the countries’ shared heritage. Past recipients include filmmaker Ken Burns, comedian Sir Billy Connolly, actress Phyllis Logan, and author Alexander McCall Smith.
The festive occasion has celebrated Scottish heritage, from poetry and dancing to whisky and haggis, for more than a decade. Guests were welcomed by a bagpiper and cocktail hour included tastings by The Macallan, the official whisky of NTS USA, with music by Katie McNally & Friends. A silent auction featured items from Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane, contemporary artist Jim Lambie, and a miniature statuette of The Kelpies by Hamilton & Inches, silversmiths to Her Majesty The Queen.
The evening’s décor was inspired by the landscape around Culzean (pronounced kuh-LANE) Castle, a Robert Adam-designed country estate in Ayrshire, Scotland, which features a variety of subtropical plants, thanks to the nourishment of the passing Gulf Stream. The top floor of Culzean Castle famously was presented to General Dwight D. Eisenhower in thanks for his service to the people of Britain during World War II. Eisenhower stayed at the castle during his time as president of the United States, earning it the nickname of the “Scottish White House.” Proceeds from this year’s A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures will go toward the restoration of the fountain court at Culzean, now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
2019 Great Scot
The presentation of the Great Scot Award is the highlight of NTS USA’s annual celebration, and Mr. Roberts introduced Mr. Scott as a “figurative rebel." The sculptor works in steel and bronze, combining figurative and equine themes with contemporary techniques to create stunning landmark artworks. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Mr. Scott now works from his studio in Philadelphia, Pennsyvania, his studio in Philadelphia, Pennsyvania, where he creates prominent public artworks for where he creates prominent public artworks for private, corporate, and civic corporate, and civic clients around the world.
2019 Great Scot Award Honoree, Andy Scott with Award Presenter, Paul Roberts; Matt Gillis Photography
His most prominent project to date is The Kelpies, which have become the best known public artworks in Scotland welcoming millions of visitors to the small town of Falkirk since their inauguration. The two 100-foot high steel horse heads are the largest equine sculptures in the world and straddle the Forth & Clyde Canal. They are inspired by Scottish mythology and by the heritage of the Clydesdale horses, the original source of locomotion for the canal barges and the power behind the industries and agriculture of central Scotland.
Mr. Scott has a nostalgic connection to Culzean Castle. "When I was a student at Glasgow School of Art in the early 80’s, the school leased a hostel in the grounds of Culzean Castle,” said Andy when asked about his memories of the property to benefit from the fundraising gala. “It was used as a study base for us students to draw and work from nature. We all absolutely loved it. I ended up going three times, which was quite unusual and at one time even set about building huge sculpture pieces on the shore with my fellow students from driftwood and assorted stones and other natural materials.
During my visits there I did many drawings of the castle itself and of course the fountain and its beautiful setting in front of the main building. Inevitably these have been lost in the mists of time, but the building and its surroundings hold a very special place in my memories of my days at GSA.
It’s therefore very serendipitous and particularly rewarding to be involved with NTS all these years later, as it endeavors to restore this striking feature at one of Scotland’s architectural treasures.”
Accepting the award, Mr. Scott shared how moved he was by the public’s reaction to The Kelpies and acknowledged the team that helps him assemble these large-scale installations, and especially the contributions of his wife, the architect Hanneke Scott-van Wel.
Culzean Castle's Fountain Court and Mackintosh's Hill House
Kirstin Bridier, NTS USA executive director, thanked all for their passionate support of Scotland’s treasures, in particular two properties; Culzean Castle and Hill House. She took the opportunity to announce that we have been challenged by Kennedy Park Richardson to raise $25,000 to support the restoration of the fountain court at Culzean Castle. His ancestors were members of Clan Kennedy upon whose clan lands the Culzean estate is built. If we’re successful, he will match that amount dollar-for-dollar, allowing the National Trust for Scotland to move forward with its plan to bring this magnificent fountain back to life.
Another highlight was a message from Scottish archaeologist, historian, broadcaster, and National Trust for Scotland President Neil Oliver. Mr. Oliver expressed his thanks to attendees of the previous year’s gala, which raised funds for a groundbreaking conservation initiative at Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece Hill House. Mr. Oliver shared footage of the work they had made possible, inviting all gathered to visit the property once The Box (its temporary protective superstructure) is completed in June 2019 - assuring everyone that it does not always rain in Scotland.
The evening culminated with the live auction and Scottish country dancing. Alasdair Nichol, chairman and co-owner of Freeman’s and a popular appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, charmed over 200 guests with a rousing live auction including luxury Scottish vacation packages donated by the National Trust for Scotland, Edinburgh’s premier hotel, The Balmoral, and bronze studies for The Kelpies donated by the artist. Bidding for the opportunity to name a Highland coo, Shetland cow, or goat for Culloden Battlefield was spirited as the auction concluded. The livestock will graze at Culloden Battlefield, providing a sustainable model for landscape management.
Guests’ high spirits continued onto the dance floor where they enjoyed music performed by Katie McNally & Friends, Scottish Country dancing and a full-blown cèilidh led by Nan Chisholm and Christopher Gow. In true Scottish fashion, the evening concluded with all joining in singing Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne.
Guests conclude the evening with a full-blown Scottish cèilidh; Matt Gillis Photography
ABOUT GREAT SCOT HONOREE, ANDY SCOTT
Sculptor Andy Scott works in steel and bronze, combining figurative and equine themes with contemporary techniques to create stunning landmark artworks. He is a graduate of Glasgow School of Art and now works in the United States from his studio in Philadelphia. He creates prominent public artworks for private, corporate, and civic clients, and his prodigious output now numbers in excess of eighty projects across the UK and internationally.
His most prominent project to date is The Kelpies, which have become the best known public artworks in Scotland welcoming millions of visitors to the small town of Falkirk since their inauguration. The two 100-foot high steel horse heads are the largest equine sculptures in the world and straddle the Forth & Clyde Canal. They are inspired by Scottish mythology and by the heritage of the Clydesdale horses, the original source of locomotion for the canal barges and the power behind the industries and agriculture of central Scotland.
Andy Scott’s current and recent projects include a bronze sculpture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, unveiled in Glasgow by Scotland’s First Minister in October of 2018 to coincide with Mackintosh’s 150th anniversary celebration, and a 18 foot tall grizzly bear to be installed this spring in the Scottish town of Dunbar. The grizzly bear theme relates to John Muir, advocate of the wilderness, founder of The Sierra Club, native of Dunbar and regarded as the father of the US National Park Service.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND FOUNDATION USA
The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA encourages Americans to participate in caring for the irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage properties protected by the National Trust for Scotland, ensuring that the rich history and tradition shared by Scots and Americans are preserved for future generations. Since 2000, NTSUSA has provided more than $9 million in funding for the National Trust for Scotland’s most urgent priorities.
Donations to NTSUSA, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To learn more about NTSUSA or to become a member, please visit www.ntsusa.org.
And that's it for this week and hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair
https://electricscotland.com/scotnews.htm
Electric Scotland News
The big news going the rounds this week has been the launch of the Brexit Party to fight the now expected European elections and a recent poll says they are leading in the polls.
-------
You can view a video introduction to this newsletter at:
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.
Why the unexpected European elections are so hard to predict
Getting Remain-leaning supports to the polling booth could be decisive in any future EU referendum
Read more at:
https://capx.co/why-the-unexpected-e...ard-to-predict
Reflections on the economic outlook for Europe
What is the outlook for Europe?
Read more at:
https://brexitcentral.com/reflection...ok-for-europe/
Brexit Party launch
Nigel Farage unveils new party, with 2019 European election candidates
Read more at:
https://inews.co.uk/news/brexit/brex...lections-2019/
Wild parakeet flock causes a flap in Glasgow park
Glasgow's wild parakeet flock is colourful and popular with the locals but their days may be numbered
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-scotl...n-glasgow-park
Auschwitz victim Jane Haining honoured at Hungarian march
A Scot who gave her life to help protect Jewish schoolgirls during World War Two has been honoured in Hungary.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland...tland-47908024
Tiger Woods roars to fifth Masters victory
Two years after expressing fears about his career at the Champions’ Dinner at Augusta National due to serious back issues, Tiger Woods is the Masters champion for a fifth time after claiming a 15th major title.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-go...-idUKKCN1RQ0OE
EU approves tougher EU copyright rules in blow to Google, Facebook
Google will have to pay publishers for news snippets and Facebook filter out protected content under new copyright rules aimed at ensuring fair compensation for the European Union’s $1 trillion (£762.6 billion) creative industries.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-eu...-idUKKCN1RR0O4
Paris’s Notre-Dame Cathedral suffers colossal damages in inferno
The world famous Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris has been engulfed in a catastrophic fire, toppling its spire.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-fr...-idUKKCN1RR1UN
Industrial policy row masks deeper German struggle over post-Merkel era
After a brief ceasefire, Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats are fighting among themselves again over the future shape and leadership of their party as the chancellor stage-manages her exit as German leader.
Read more at:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-ge...-idUKKCN1RR1EG
Now is the time for frank speaking
From the Scottish Review
Read more at:
http://www.scottishreview.net/JohnLloyd476a.html
MP for Spain?
Expats need a voice
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinio...wart-1-4907927
Beechgrove Garden presenter Jim McColl retires after 40 years
The BBC's longest-serving gardening presenter is hanging up his trowel after more than 40 years.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-47963708
Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party in the lead for Europe elections
Nigel Farage’s new Brexit Party has opened up a five-point lead in the next month’s elections to the European Parliament, according to a new opinion poll.
Read more at:
https://www.scotsman.com/news/politi...ions-1-4909570
Grassroots Conservative chairmen planning no-confidence vote in Theresa May within weeks
Grassroots Tories believe they are just weeks away from triggering a little-known process that could help to bring down Theresa May.
Read more at:
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics...-vote-theresa/
Brexit doesn’t go FAR enough!
BREXIT doesn’t go far enough in the UK’s quest for freedom from the bureaucratic EU, the man tipped to replace Bank of England’s Mark Carney has said.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/11...an-mark-carney
Electric Canadian
Canadian Archive Reports
Added the 1906 report.
You can read this at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/mak...er_douglas.htm
The Canadian Horticulturist
Volume 22 (1899) can be read at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/tra...culturirst.htm
Canadian Summer Evening Tales
By Andrew Learmont Spedon (1866) (pdf) and other of his books which you can get to at:
https://www.electriccanadian.com/lifestyle/spedon.htm
Sir Peter Pettyshaw
A Story of Canadian Life (pdf) which you can read at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/lif.../pettysham.pdf
The Place British Americans have won in History
A Lecture delivered at Aylmer, L. C. on Thursday Evening, 22nd February 1866 by Henry J. Morgan, Corresponding member of the New York Historical Society (pdf) which you can read at: https://www.electriccanadian.com/Pla...hAmericans.pdf
The Red Hackle
Published by the 73rd Royal Highlanders of Canada, C. E. F. Souvenir Number March 4, 1916 (pdf) which you can read at:https://www.electriccanadian.com/for...hackle1916.pdf
Red River
A Teacher's Resource Unit on Early Pioneer Life which you can read at:
https://www.electriccanadian.com/pio...erteachers.pdf
The Settlers of Vancouver Island
A Story for Emigrants by Rev. W. G. H. Ellison which you can read at:
https://www.electriccanadian.com/his...svancouver.pdf
Conrad Black
A good day for Israel — with many more to come
http://www.conradmblack.com/1468/a-g...y-more-to-come
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Review
Added Volume 33 - Jan to April 1899 for you to read at: https://electricscotland.com/history/review/index.htm
Historic Environment Scotland
A new future for Scotland which is a report from Historic Environment Scotland in which it is asking everyone to help. You can view this at: http://www.electricscotland.org/show...nment-Scotland
Folk Lore Journal
Added volumes 4 & 5 which you can to towards the end of the page at: https://electricscotland.com/history/waifs/
Allardyce Family
Added a wee book about the Allardyce Family to our Allardice page at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan.../allardice.htm
Clan Hall
Got in an update on the clan history along with membership application form and two crests which I've added to their page along with advice about their new web site which I've put a link to and also got in a copy of their 25th anniversary newsletter and you can get to all this at: https://electricscotland.com/webclans/htol/hall.htm
A Critical Inquiry into the Scottish Language
With the view of illustrating the Rise and Progress of Civilisation in Scotland by Francisque-Michel (1882) (pdf)
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/history/france/inquiry.htm
Beth's Newfangled Family Tree
Got in the May 2019 issue 2 which you can read at: https://electricscotland.com/bnft/index.htm
Hamlin Garland
American novelist, poet, essayist, short story writer, Georgist, and psychical researcher. He is best known for his fiction involving hard-working Midwestern farmers. You can read more about him and a couple of his books at:https://electricscotland.com/history...linGarland.htm
The Tower of Craigietocher
A bit of an update to April 2019 which you can see at: https://electricscotland.com/history...ietocher17.htm
Heather-Bells
Or Poems and Stories by Sir William Allan (1875) (pdf). Using the Doric language.
You can read this at: https://electricscotland.com/poetry/heatherbells.htm
Greyfriars Bobby
Added a video of this great story to our page about him at: https://electricscotland.com/kids/st...iars_bobby.htm
Clans of the Brea d’Alban
A collection of Scottish Histories, Macnab, Dewar, Macnish and Associated Families Compiled and edited by David Rorer.
David has done a lot of work to update his previous contribution so lots of files in both word and pdf format which you can read at:https://www.electricscotland.com/web...orer/index.htm
History of MacLeods
With Genealogies of the Principle Families of the name by Alexander MacKenzie (1889) (pdf) and you can read this at:https://electricscotland.com/webclan...ofmacleods.pdf
The Story
THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND FOUNDATION USA HONORS SCULPTOR ANDY SCOTT AS GREAT SCOT AT ANNUAL GALA IN 2019
2019 Great Scot Award was presented to sculptor Andy Scott, best known for his monumental equine installation The Kelpies
National Trust for Scotland President, historian Neil Oliver, sent thanks from Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Hill House, currently under restoration with the support of American donors
Proceeds from this year’s gala will restore the baroque fountain at Culzean Castle, once known as President Eisenhower’s Scottish White House, to working order
16 April 2019, New York City – The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA’s annual gala, A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures, drew tartan-clad international philanthropists to New York’s Metropolitan Club on 11 April. NTS USA honored Andy Scott, sculptor of The Kelpies (the world’s largest equine sculptures) as its Great Scot. Under the guidance of honorary chair Naoma Tate, and co-chairs 2009 Great Scot Alan Cumming and Grant Shaffer, 2010 Great Scot Christopher Forbes, Joan Kahn, and Susi and Alasdair Nichol, the event raised over $300,000 to support the work of the National Trust for Scotland, that country’s largest conservation charity.
Paul Roberts, vice-chairman of Lyon & Turnbull and president of Freeman’s, presented Mr. Scott with the 2019 Great Scot Award. It is presented annually to a Scot or American who has contributed to the countries’ shared heritage. Past recipients include filmmaker Ken Burns, comedian Sir Billy Connolly, actress Phyllis Logan, and author Alexander McCall Smith.
The festive occasion has celebrated Scottish heritage, from poetry and dancing to whisky and haggis, for more than a decade. Guests were welcomed by a bagpiper and cocktail hour included tastings by The Macallan, the official whisky of NTS USA, with music by Katie McNally & Friends. A silent auction featured items from Scottish fashion designer Christopher Kane, contemporary artist Jim Lambie, and a miniature statuette of The Kelpies by Hamilton & Inches, silversmiths to Her Majesty The Queen.
The evening’s décor was inspired by the landscape around Culzean (pronounced kuh-LANE) Castle, a Robert Adam-designed country estate in Ayrshire, Scotland, which features a variety of subtropical plants, thanks to the nourishment of the passing Gulf Stream. The top floor of Culzean Castle famously was presented to General Dwight D. Eisenhower in thanks for his service to the people of Britain during World War II. Eisenhower stayed at the castle during his time as president of the United States, earning it the nickname of the “Scottish White House.” Proceeds from this year’s A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures will go toward the restoration of the fountain court at Culzean, now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland.
2019 Great Scot
The presentation of the Great Scot Award is the highlight of NTS USA’s annual celebration, and Mr. Roberts introduced Mr. Scott as a “figurative rebel." The sculptor works in steel and bronze, combining figurative and equine themes with contemporary techniques to create stunning landmark artworks. A graduate of Glasgow School of Art, Mr. Scott now works from his studio in Philadelphia, Pennsyvania, his studio in Philadelphia, Pennsyvania, where he creates prominent public artworks for where he creates prominent public artworks for private, corporate, and civic corporate, and civic clients around the world.
2019 Great Scot Award Honoree, Andy Scott with Award Presenter, Paul Roberts; Matt Gillis Photography
Mr. Scott has a nostalgic connection to Culzean Castle. "When I was a student at Glasgow School of Art in the early 80’s, the school leased a hostel in the grounds of Culzean Castle,” said Andy when asked about his memories of the property to benefit from the fundraising gala. “It was used as a study base for us students to draw and work from nature. We all absolutely loved it. I ended up going three times, which was quite unusual and at one time even set about building huge sculpture pieces on the shore with my fellow students from driftwood and assorted stones and other natural materials.
During my visits there I did many drawings of the castle itself and of course the fountain and its beautiful setting in front of the main building. Inevitably these have been lost in the mists of time, but the building and its surroundings hold a very special place in my memories of my days at GSA.
It’s therefore very serendipitous and particularly rewarding to be involved with NTS all these years later, as it endeavors to restore this striking feature at one of Scotland’s architectural treasures.”
Accepting the award, Mr. Scott shared how moved he was by the public’s reaction to The Kelpies and acknowledged the team that helps him assemble these large-scale installations, and especially the contributions of his wife, the architect Hanneke Scott-van Wel.
Culzean Castle's Fountain Court and Mackintosh's Hill House
Kirstin Bridier, NTS USA executive director, thanked all for their passionate support of Scotland’s treasures, in particular two properties; Culzean Castle and Hill House. She took the opportunity to announce that we have been challenged by Kennedy Park Richardson to raise $25,000 to support the restoration of the fountain court at Culzean Castle. His ancestors were members of Clan Kennedy upon whose clan lands the Culzean estate is built. If we’re successful, he will match that amount dollar-for-dollar, allowing the National Trust for Scotland to move forward with its plan to bring this magnificent fountain back to life.
Another highlight was a message from Scottish archaeologist, historian, broadcaster, and National Trust for Scotland President Neil Oliver. Mr. Oliver expressed his thanks to attendees of the previous year’s gala, which raised funds for a groundbreaking conservation initiative at Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s masterpiece Hill House. Mr. Oliver shared footage of the work they had made possible, inviting all gathered to visit the property once The Box (its temporary protective superstructure) is completed in June 2019 - assuring everyone that it does not always rain in Scotland.
The evening culminated with the live auction and Scottish country dancing. Alasdair Nichol, chairman and co-owner of Freeman’s and a popular appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, charmed over 200 guests with a rousing live auction including luxury Scottish vacation packages donated by the National Trust for Scotland, Edinburgh’s premier hotel, The Balmoral, and bronze studies for The Kelpies donated by the artist. Bidding for the opportunity to name a Highland coo, Shetland cow, or goat for Culloden Battlefield was spirited as the auction concluded. The livestock will graze at Culloden Battlefield, providing a sustainable model for landscape management.
Guests’ high spirits continued onto the dance floor where they enjoyed music performed by Katie McNally & Friends, Scottish Country dancing and a full-blown cèilidh led by Nan Chisholm and Christopher Gow. In true Scottish fashion, the evening concluded with all joining in singing Robert Burns’ Auld Lang Syne.
Guests conclude the evening with a full-blown Scottish cèilidh; Matt Gillis Photography
ABOUT GREAT SCOT HONOREE, ANDY SCOTT
His most prominent project to date is The Kelpies, which have become the best known public artworks in Scotland welcoming millions of visitors to the small town of Falkirk since their inauguration. The two 100-foot high steel horse heads are the largest equine sculptures in the world and straddle the Forth & Clyde Canal. They are inspired by Scottish mythology and by the heritage of the Clydesdale horses, the original source of locomotion for the canal barges and the power behind the industries and agriculture of central Scotland.
Andy Scott’s current and recent projects include a bronze sculpture of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, unveiled in Glasgow by Scotland’s First Minister in October of 2018 to coincide with Mackintosh’s 150th anniversary celebration, and a 18 foot tall grizzly bear to be installed this spring in the Scottish town of Dunbar. The grizzly bear theme relates to John Muir, advocate of the wilderness, founder of The Sierra Club, native of Dunbar and regarded as the father of the US National Park Service.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR SCOTLAND FOUNDATION USA
The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA encourages Americans to participate in caring for the irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage properties protected by the National Trust for Scotland, ensuring that the rich history and tradition shared by Scots and Americans are preserved for future generations. Since 2000, NTSUSA has provided more than $9 million in funding for the National Trust for Scotland’s most urgent priorities.
Donations to NTSUSA, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. To learn more about NTSUSA or to become a member, please visit www.ntsusa.org.
And that's it for this week and hope you all have a great weekend.
Alastair