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TO OUR READERS
IN placing the first
number of the “HIGHLAND MONTHLY” in the hands of our readers, it behoves
us to say, in a few words, what our aims and objects are. The Magazine
will, in the main, deal with subjects and interests that are Highland;
but, while having this as its leading feature, being a Highland
periodical, matters that are of national moment will not be neglected,
and topics of general social interest will from time to time be
discussed in its pages. It will thus be seen that the “HIGHLAND MONTHLY”
is intended to appeal not alone to those who are enthusiastically
Highland in their sympathies and leanings, but in a considerable measure
to the many who, while wishing well to the Celtic people, their language
and literature, prefer, in these literary times, a Magazine that is
readably diversified in its contents.
An important department in the modern magazine, when not strictly
critical or scientific, is that devoted to serial stories, and in this
respect it is proposed that the “Highland Monthly” should conform to the
popular idea. The opening story, “The Long Glen,” is from the pen of a
gentleman who has lived amid the scenes he describes, and amongst the
people whose life he illustrates, and its chapters should, therefore,
possess more value and interest than a mere work of fiction. In its
other literary aspects, the Magazine will give liberal attention to the
literature of the Highlands, always studying freshness and originality
in the treatment, so that contributions in this line may prove
attractive to every reader. As becomes a periodical that claims the
title of Am Miosaiche Gaidhealach, the publication of hitherto
unpublished Gaelic poetry and tales will be a special feature. The
resources already placed at the disposal of the editors in this
direction should make the Magazine interesting to all concerned in the
elucidation of Highland subjects. Gaelic literature will receive careful
criticism; and it is hoped that space may also be found occasionally to
deal with books of British and foreign interest, particularly when they
have a bearing upon Celtic problems.
Subjects of a more or less scientific character will be treated by men
of recognised competency, such as the History, Antiquities, and Folklore
of the Highlands, which will be introduced with that frequency, and
discussed with that fulness, which their importance demands. Philology,
and especially Topography, will also receive due attention.
Wt shall do our best to advance the interests of Education in the North,
advocating, as far as it is consistent with the efficiency and success
of the English teaching, the extension of the use of the mother tongue
in the Gaelic speaking portions of the Highlands.
The Magazine will be conducted on lines entirely clear of
party-political spirit, having regard to both local and general
questions; but our policy in this matter is to be the same as that of
the greater British monthlies — audi alteram partem.
So many promises of support in the form of contributions have been
received from leading men resident in, and connected with, the
Highlands, that the promoters are confident the programme here sketched
will be sustained with success. The rest remains with Subscribers, who
have rallied already, it is gratifying to say, in very encouraging
numbers. In conclusion, it can only be added that, conducted as it will
be, on both popular and scientific lines, free from party politics, and
carried on with energy and skill in its business department, the
“HIGHLAND MONTHLY,” if it will not command success, will, at any-rate,
try to deserve it.
Communications on Literary Matters should be addressed to “The Editor,
Highland Monthly, io Margaret Street, Inverness.” The Editor cannot, in
any case, undertake to return Manuscript.
Advertisements and Business Communications should be Addressed, and
Money Orders made payable to Robert Livingston, io Margaret Street,
Inverness.
Terms of Subscription.—Delivered in Town, 6s ; by Post in the United
Kingdom, the Continent of Europe, and America (including Canada), 7s per
Annum ; South Africa, India, and China, 9s ; Australia and New Zealand,
10s. Subscriptions payable in Advance.
Volume 1 (1889-90) |
