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By E. J. Guthrie (1885)
PREFACE
IN placing before the reading public this small book on a great subject, it may be desirable to give a few words of explanation regarding its compilation. Some fifteen or sixteen years ago, in connection with other literary work regarding parochial and local matters throughout Scotland, the writer had occasion to consult somewhat fully, many of the works on such subjects,—namely, works regarding topographical history and description. In these volumes, mostly either large, rare, or expensive and difficult of access by the general public, numerous references, it was observed, were made to old customs of all sorts, now either quite obsolete or rapidly becoming so.
Getting increasingly interested in these frequent references, jottings were taken in many instances. Since then the accumulation has been added to from time to time, and from many sources,—by personal contact with the people and otherwise,—and now there being a goodly number, it has been suggested that they would form an interesting little volume, which might not be altogether unacceptable to those fellow-countrymen who are interested in the manners and customs of our fathers. In the circumstances described, the result of the protracted but pleasing process of research, sadly imperfect as it may be, is laid before the public in all humbleness of spirit, and as such it is hoped that criticism may be withheld. As the customs themselves only are given, and, not being burdened with remark or comment, the style of the collection must necessarily be fragmentary and brief; perhaps however, this latter feature, in these days of the making of many books, may not be altogether a disadvantage.
With regard to the works already referred to, as the source from which the writer is indebted for most of the various customs described in these pages. Almost all authoritative and standard authors likely to be of assistance have been consulted. Among many others the following may be specified :—Skene’s The Highlanders of Scotland, 2 vols.; Chalmers’s Caledonia, 3 vols., 4to.; Martin’s Description of the Western Islands; Pennant’s Tour in Scotland, 3 vols.; Johnson and Boswell’s Tour in Scotland; Roger’s Scotland Social and Domestic, and other writings; Sir Walter Scott’s various writings; Chambers’ Picture of Scotland, and other writings; Forsyth’s Beauties of Scotland, 5 vols.; Miss Gordon Cumming’s In the Hebrides, etc., etc. But chief of all, is the magnificent collection edited by Sir John Sinclair entitled the Statistical Account of Scotland, in 21 volumes, and written by the respective parish ministers. The value and interest attaching to these latter volumes is far beyond all ordinary estimate, and yet the work is not at all easy of access, and is seldom seen by the general reader.
London, May, 1885.
You can read this book as we get it up at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/customs/
Alastair
PREFACE
IN placing before the reading public this small book on a great subject, it may be desirable to give a few words of explanation regarding its compilation. Some fifteen or sixteen years ago, in connection with other literary work regarding parochial and local matters throughout Scotland, the writer had occasion to consult somewhat fully, many of the works on such subjects,—namely, works regarding topographical history and description. In these volumes, mostly either large, rare, or expensive and difficult of access by the general public, numerous references, it was observed, were made to old customs of all sorts, now either quite obsolete or rapidly becoming so.
Getting increasingly interested in these frequent references, jottings were taken in many instances. Since then the accumulation has been added to from time to time, and from many sources,—by personal contact with the people and otherwise,—and now there being a goodly number, it has been suggested that they would form an interesting little volume, which might not be altogether unacceptable to those fellow-countrymen who are interested in the manners and customs of our fathers. In the circumstances described, the result of the protracted but pleasing process of research, sadly imperfect as it may be, is laid before the public in all humbleness of spirit, and as such it is hoped that criticism may be withheld. As the customs themselves only are given, and, not being burdened with remark or comment, the style of the collection must necessarily be fragmentary and brief; perhaps however, this latter feature, in these days of the making of many books, may not be altogether a disadvantage.
With regard to the works already referred to, as the source from which the writer is indebted for most of the various customs described in these pages. Almost all authoritative and standard authors likely to be of assistance have been consulted. Among many others the following may be specified :—Skene’s The Highlanders of Scotland, 2 vols.; Chalmers’s Caledonia, 3 vols., 4to.; Martin’s Description of the Western Islands; Pennant’s Tour in Scotland, 3 vols.; Johnson and Boswell’s Tour in Scotland; Roger’s Scotland Social and Domestic, and other writings; Sir Walter Scott’s various writings; Chambers’ Picture of Scotland, and other writings; Forsyth’s Beauties of Scotland, 5 vols.; Miss Gordon Cumming’s In the Hebrides, etc., etc. But chief of all, is the magnificent collection edited by Sir John Sinclair entitled the Statistical Account of Scotland, in 21 volumes, and written by the respective parish ministers. The value and interest attaching to these latter volumes is far beyond all ordinary estimate, and yet the work is not at all easy of access, and is seldom seen by the general reader.
London, May, 1885.
You can read this book as we get it up at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/customs/
Alastair