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CONTENTS
--------
Electric Scotland News
Scottish Events
The Flag in the Wind
Book of Scottish Story
Oor Mither Tongue
Poems of William Dixon Cocker
Auld Biggins of Stirling
Old Pictures of Scotland
Scottish Notes and Queries
The Kingdom of Fife
The Complete Scotland
Furth in Field
Art in Scotland
Biography of Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal
John Ross and the Cherokee Indians
Poems in the Dorric Language
Glasgow
Roamin' in the Gloamin'
Robert Burns Lives!
Pen Pictures of Early Pioneer Life in Upper
Canada
Caley History
Eupham Graham
The Eriskay Pony
Scottish Key Facts
Clan Leslie Society International
Electric
Scotland News
----------------------
I'd firstly like to thank the surprisingly high
number of people that replied to my request for views on our
newsletter. Most came in by email but several also came in as a
reply in our Aois community.
Most seemed to be pleased
enough to pick up the newsletter from our Aois community but a
significant minority wanted to see it come back in email format.
I'll certainly consider this last option although it might require a
new list which you'd need to sign up for.
I also got a few critiques
on the content of the newsletter and some suggestions and my thanks
for those as well as feedback is very valuable.
-----
I am embarking on a new
project to feature the Gairloch and Loch Maree area of Northern
Scotland and to that end have emailed a lot of people in the
community.
Essentially I am posting up 2 books on the
area, one of which is now available to read, and another that will
be coming soon. BUT what I am trying to do is get hundreds of
pictures of the area and get local people involved so they can also
tell their own stories and lots more.
I might add I've also posted
a wee advert about this project on our home page as well.
So far Highlands and Islands
Enterprise have provided some contacts as has the local librarian.
The local newspaper is going to give us a wee write up and the local
radio show is going to schedule an interview. We've alredy made
contact with a few locals who have said they will contribute to the
project.
I'm actually quite excited about this as to my
knowledge this type of project has never been done. It's a huge
project if it comes off as I envision but at the end of the day I
have to rely on local people for much of the content we need. I hope
when they learn about the project that they'll want to get involved.
I should however caution that this is my fourth attempt at trying to
do something this large and obviously the other three tries were
failures as local people and businesses failed to get behind it.
And so do keep your fingers
crossed that this time we'll succeed and this will become a project
where we learn a huge amount about this area and everyone will have
a lot of fun being involved in it.
You can read the book I put
up along with details of the project at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/gairloch/
-----
The next bit of news is an
update on our new community site that we are building. We've made
the decision that this will be a brand new community and so we will
not be moving over messages and members from our current system.
What we will do is keep the old system running for a month after the
new system comes up. This is to allow folk to copy and paste over
any messages they would like to retain and have available in the new
system. In fact you could start now to save any messages, pictures,
avatars, etc. that you want in the new system.
I will say the new system
looks awesome but it is a configurtion from hell and so it will take
some time to get everything working the way we want and to get it
all tested. We may invite a few of you to help test it out so do
watch out for a communication from us on that.
We have learned a lot from
our current system and as a result we will be changing how we do
some things to ensure this is a much better experience. One of the
things we are working on is the whole sign up process for
membership. We have been amazed at just how many people forget their
username or password or indeed both. So our new sign up process will
have better prompts and advice and we will also be doing a better
welcome email to you when you become a member.
We will
also be addressing the request from many of you that said you'd like
to know when new members join so you can welcome them to the
community.
We're also addressing the problem that we found
where members using the IE 8 browser were having issues with parts
of the community that Firefox users never saw. I am told these
issues will go away with IE 9.0 but we're doing our best to ensure
current IE 8 users will not be affected.
In the new system you will
find you will have a huge range of options to configure your own
home page in the community to your own personal taste. I am hugely
excited by what this new system will be able to offer.
I should clarify that this
new community will be our final and permanent release. We have
installed a brand new and very fast server, moved from a 32 bit
operating system to a 64 bit one and put in huge backup facilities
so should the system ever crash we will be back up very fast with
almost no loss of data. When up and running we will also start to
arrange a complete mirror of the service with Simon Fraser
University in British Columbia in Canada. This has already been
agreed between us.
That is not to say there won't be upgrades to
the service in the weeks and months ahead but as to the basic
community this is it. it's here for the long term.
I might add that Steve is
now working on the configuration every day. There are three core
layers that he has to work on. There is the basic configuration of
the main vbulletin system. That is hard enough with all the options
on offer. Once that is complete we then have the portal software to
install over the top and again there is a lot of configuration to
that. And then once that is complete we need to add in all the
add-ons that we feel add value to the community and there are a lot
of them as well.
Anyway... hope that brings you up to date and
we aim to have the new community available during June.
ABOUT THE STORIES
-----------------
Some of the stories in here are just parts of a
larger story so do check out the site for the full versions. You can
always find the link in our "What's New" section in our site menu
and at
http://www.electricscotland.com/rss/whatsnew.php
Scottish Events
---------------
147th Antigonish Highland Games
The Antigonish Highland
Games are the oldest continuous highland games outside of Scotland.
First held in 1863, this early July tradition welcomes visitors and
participants from around the globe. The Antigonish Highland Games
are staged annually by the Antigonish Highland Society, which was
established to preserve Scottish culture and traditions. Visitors to
the Antigonish Highland Games can enjoy the very best in highland
dancing, piping and drumming, heavy events, concerts, ceilidhs, and
more.
This years games are on July 4th to 11th and
you can visit their web site at
http://www.antigonishhighlandgames.ca/
-----
Irish and Scottish
Encounters with Indigenous Peoples Conference, 10-12 June 2010
Universities of Toronto and Guelph.
http://arts.uoguelph.ca/riiss
As
Dr Graeme Morton says,,,
I'm back from Scotland now,
with just a seven hour ash-induced delay on the way out. I thought
I'd better put out a gentle reminder that our Irish/Scottish
conference is coming up pretty soon. It is a big programme of
speakers from all over this wee planet, and it should be impressive
stuff. There is also a healing circle, some entertainment, a banquet
plus opening remarks (on the Saturday in Guelph) by our very own MP
Kirsty Duncan. For those who register in advance, there is a free
bus between Toronto and Guelph on the Saturday (which also means you
can have a beer or three at the banquet!).
Do come along for all, or
part, of the event. And do please circulate this notice to any one
or any group you think might be interested.
I hope to see you there....
Best,
Graeme
The expansion of the British
and American empires during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries
created the greatest mass migration in human history. Irish and
Scots migrants were major participants in this process. Their
experiences have traditionally been framed in terms of push-pull
factors, of exile, struggle, opportunity, and acculturation. But
there is another side to the story; as the Irish and Scots spread
throughout the world, they interacted extensively with indigenous
cultures and peoples. In many areas, these encounters led to the
displacement and destruction of indigenous peoples, while at other
times and places they generated a wider range of experiences with
greater opportunities for mutual cooperation and cultural exchange.
At the same time, the Scots and Irish existed in an ambivalent,
tense and sometimes hostile relationship to England. In what ways
did their own experiences of colonialism affect their attitudes
towards indigenous peoples? To what extent were they agents or
critics of imperialism and how were these interactions reflected in
literature, music and the arts? How did the Irish, Scots and
indigenous peoples shape their political, social, religious, and
economic relations with one another? And how were Scots, Irish and
indigenous peoples’ understandings of the world transformed as a
result of these encounters?
These are some of the issues
that will be addressed in this international conference to be held
in Toronto and Guelph 10-12 June 2010. It is being jointly organized
by the Celtic Studies Programme at St. Michael’s College in the
University of Toronto; the Centre for Scottish Studies at University
of Guelph; and the University of Aberdeen’s AHRC Centre for Irish
and Scottish Studies.
Keynote Speakers:
Ann McGrath (Australia National University,
Aus)
Brad Patterson
(Victoria University, NZ)
Colin Calloway (Dartmouth College, US)
Donald Harman Akenson (Queen's University,
Canada)
Fintan O’Toole
(Irish Times, Ireland)
Kevin Kenny (Boston College, US)
Patricia McCormack (University of Alberta,
Canada)
Registration Information at:
http://arts.uoguelph.ca/riiss/registration
Registration closes: 2 June
2010
Full Program:
http://arts.uoguelph.ca/riiss/program
Session Abstracts:
http://arts.uoguelph.ca/riiss/sessions
Further
Information:
scottish@uoguelph.ca
THE FLAG IN THE WIND
--------------------
This weeks issue is compiled by Jamie Hepburn
in which he's mulling over the results of the UK elections and how
they might affect Scotland. There are also some excellent articles
in the Synopsis and you can read more about this at
http://www.scotsindependent.org
The Working Life of
Christina McKelvie MSP diary entry for this week can be viewed at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/mckelvie/index.htm
Book of Scottish Story
----------------------
Thanks to John Henderson for sending this book
into us.
This week he's sent in "A Night at the Herring
Fishing" which starts...
In the latter end of August
1819, I went out to the fishing then prosecuted on Guilliam in a
Cromarty boat. The evening was remarkably pleasant. A low breeze
from the west scarcely ruffled the surface of the frith, which was
varied in every direction by unequal stripes and patches of a dead
calmness. The bay of Cromarty, burnished by the rays of the
declining sun until it glowed "like a sheet of molten fire, lay
behind, winding in all its beauty beneath purple hills and jutting
headlands; while before stretched the wide extent of the Moray
Frith, speckled with fleets of boats which had lately left their
several ports, and were now all sailing in one direction. The point
to which they were bound was the bank of Guilliam, which, seen from
betwixt the Sutors, seemed to verge on the faint blue line of the
horizon; and the fleets which had already arrived on it had, to the
naked eye, the appearance of a little rough-edged cloud resting on
the water. As we advanced, this cloud of boats grew larger and
darker ; and soon after sunset, when the bank was scarcely a mile
distant, it assumed the appearance of a thick leafless wood covering
a low brown island.
The tide, before we left the shore, had risen
high on the beach, and was now beginning to recede. Aware of this,
we lowered sail several hundred yards to the south of the fishing
ground ; and after determining the point from whence the course of
the current would drift us direct over the bank, we took down the
mast, cleared the hinder part of the boat, and began to cast out the
nets. Before the Inlaw appeared in the line of the Gaelic Chapel
(the landmark by which the southernmost extremity of Guilliam is
ascertained), the whole drift was thrown overboard and made fast to
the swing. Night came on. The sky assumed a dead and leaden hue. A
low dull mist roughened the outline of the distant hills, and in
some places blotted them out from the landscape. The faint breeze
that had hitherto scarcely been felt now roughened the water, which
was of a dark blue colour, approaching to black. The sounds which
predominated were in unison with the scene. The almost measured dash
of the waves against the sides of the boat and the faint rustle of
the breeze were incessant ; while the low dull moan of the surf
breaking on the distant beach, and the short sudden cry of an
aquatic fowl of the diving species, occasionally mingled with the
sweet though rather monotonous notes of a Gaelic song.
"It’s ane o' the Gairloch
fishermen," said our skipper; "puir folk, they’re aye singin’ an'
thinkin’ o’ the Hielands.”
The rest of this story can
be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/story123.htm
All the
other stories can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/
Oor Mither Tongue
-----------------
An Anthology of Scots Vernacular Verse by
Ninian Macwhannell (1938) and our thanks to John Henderson for
sending this into us.
SHEPHERD, NAN:
O, Licht amo' the Hills
Loch Avon
Caul', Caul' as the Wall
You can read these at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/mither/mither10.htm
The other poems can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/mither
William Dixon Cocker
--------------------
W.D. COCKER (1882 – 1970)
W. D. Cocker was a Scottish
poet who wrote in both Scots and English. In the First World War,
Cocker served with the Highland Light infantry, and was taken
prisoner in 1917. His war poetry is interesting and includes the
poems "Up the Line to Poelkapelle", "The Sniper" and a five-part
sonnet cycle entitled "Sonnets in Captivity". However, he is best
known for his humorous poems in Scots.
Another 4 pages up which can
be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/cocker10.htm
The other poems can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/other/cocker_wd.htm
Auld Biggins of Stirling
------------------------
The contents page of this book are done
alphabetically so we're adding new chapters in the order they appear
in the book and not as they appear in the contents. Loads of
illustrations which do add to the enjoyment of this book.
Added the
Hangman's Close, Murray Place, Orchard Place, Bowie's Court and
Vennel Close.
You can read this at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/stirlingshire/bigginsndx.htm
Old Pictures of Scotland
------------------------
We have been adding some old pictures from
Scotland and now onto...
Set 16 - West Highlands
(Part 3)
You can view these at
http://www.electricscotland.com/pictures/oldpicsndx.htm
We're
also adding a wee book about "Scottish Loch Scenery" to this page
and have added two more chapters on Loch Maree and St. Mary's Loch.
You can view these at
http://www.electricscotland.com/pictures/lochs.htm
Scottish Notes and Queries
--------------------------
This is a periodical we came across launched in
1887 and we are going to scan in a number of issues for you to read.
Added Volume 2 Issue 4
You can read this at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/newspapers/notes/index.htm
The Kingdom of Fife
-------------------
Its Ballads and Legends by Robert Boucher, Jun
(1899)
Added "Anster Fair and Maggie Lauder"
This can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/fife/index.htm
The Complete Scotland
---------------------
A comprehensive survey, based on the principle
motor, walking, railway and steamer routes. Historical section by
J.D. Mackie, M.C., M.A. Professor of Scottish History and Literature
and the University of Glasgow and geology and scenery by T.M.
Finlay, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E., University of Edinburgh.
Added this week...
Glasgow
You can read this at
http://www.electricscotland.com/travel/scotland/index.htm
Furth in
Field
--------------
volume of essays on the Life, Language and
Literature of Old Scotland by Hugh Haliburton (1894).
Added
"Gay" Kinross
This can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/furth/index.htm
Art in Scotland
---------------
Its Origin and Progress by Robert Brydall
(1889)
We have bow completed this book but still
adding some pictures of various paintings and added another 5 this
week.
You can see these at
http://www.electricscotland.com/art/artinscotlandndx.htm
Holiday Cottages
----------------
These are wee tourism articles. Got in this
week...
Discover the incredible Trossachs.
This can
be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/travel/holidayndx.htm
Biography of Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal
--------------------------------------------
by Rev. J. W. Pedley
This is a biography of a
very powerful and influential Scot that made a huge contribution to
Canada.
We have now added further chapters...
Chapter XVI. Out of Politics
Chapter XVII. Old Age Activities
Chapter XVIII. New Interests and Further
Responsibilities
Chapter XIX. High Commissioner
Chapter XX. The Strathcona Horse
Chapter XXI. The Deceased Wife's Sister Bill
Chapter XXII. Canada from 1838 to 1914
Here is how Chapter XX
starts...
The familiar saying, ''It never rains but it
pours," was exemplified in this part of Lord Strathcona's career.
Honors and titles were showered upon him. The list of them would
fill a page. Not only in the political world, but in science and in
the literary world generally, he was recognized and honored. He was
made Privy Councillor, Fellow of the Royal Society, Doctor of Laws
by the Universities of Cambridge, Aberdeen and Glasgow.
In 1899 he was Lord Rector
of Aberdeen University and later became its Chancellor. It is
difficult for us. to realize how completely he secured the esteem of
all kinds of people in the Old Land, and with what ease he adapted
himself to his new surroundings. The raw lad who left Scotland sixty
years before and had been buried in the solitudes of Labrador and
Hudson's Bay for thirty years, living the roughest and hardest kind
of life, carried no trace of that crude and primitive experience,
but bore himself in the most polished and learned circles with grace
and dignity. In the presence of royalty, in the House of Lords, in
great social functions, he acted as one accustomed to these
surroundings all his life and wherever he went and whenever he
addressed public meetings, which he often did, his conversation was
full of references to Canada and that was the subject of his
speeches. It is not possible to estimate the value to the Dominion
of his advocacy of the land he loved. Thousands, because of his
connections with it and because of his outstanding personality,
became interested in the country, to which, before, they had given
scarcely a passing thought.
As we have said, he was in
possession of great wealth. We have given some instances, out of
hundreds that might be mentioned, of his generous and philanthropic
donations. There is one, however, which must not be overlooked,
because of the thrill that went through the whole Empire and because
of the Imperial spirit which it evidenced in the donor. This was the
gift of the "Strathcona horse." The story of the Boer War has now
become a matter of history. So rapidly do events move that what was
in 1899 the scene of bloody strife in South Africa and armed
resistance to the British Crown, has become a peaceful, loyal
federation, of which one of the great leaders is a man who was a
general in the rebel forces. It is not necessary to go into the
merits or demerits of the procedure which brought about the terrible
conflict. Opinions are divided on the question. One thing is
certain, and that is that for a time the Empire was racked with
anxiety. Gloom and depression prevailed everywhere.
You can read the rest of
this chapter at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/canada/strathcona/chapter20.htm
You can read all these chapters at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/canada/strathcona/index.htm
John Ross and the Cherokee Indians
----------------------------------
By Rachel Caroline Eaton (1914)
We're making good progress
and have now completed this book with...
Chapter XVI
Political Readjustment
Chapter XVII
Political Readjustment, Concluded
Chapter XVIII
Two Decades of Economic Development
Chapter XIX
The Civil War
Chapter XX
The Civil War, Concluded
Chapter XXI
Reconstruction of the Cherokee Nation
Bibliography
A Letter from John Ross
The Principle Chief of the Cherokee Nation to a
Gentleman from Philadelphia (1837)
Here is what it says about
the letter...
The following letter was received in
Philadelphia, about the period of its date, in May last. Its
appearance was deferred, in consequence of a desire to accompany it
with a few observations upon the general subject of Indian annals in
the United States. The preparation of these has been so long
delayed, that further postponement would be inexcusable. It has,
therefore, been determined to give publicity to the letter,
reserving its intended accompaniment for a future occasion, and a
different medium.
The writer is sensible of the lameness of his
apology for so long withholding from the public, a production of so
much interest and merit; and seeks to lessen the blame he might
incur by expressing the hope, that it may induce a second
communication from the author, detailing some events which have
occurred since its composition.
The temper of this epistle,
will commend it to the kind consideration of every calm and
dispassionate mind, whilst its facts and reasonings must carry
conviction to all readers. It is a skilful and comprehensive survey
of the Cherokee question, and unfolds in cool language, a course of
conduct which makes the patriotic cheek burn with shame, and the
patriotic heart glow with indignation. May its perusal produce the
proper effect in the proper quarter, and induce those elevated
measures which policy, humanity, and honour concur to recommend. No
achievement of national might is equal, in greatness, to the
performance of NATIONAL JUSTICE, and without this, what is called
national honour, is not only an empty name, but a false and ironical
ascription.
Philadelphia, December 26, 1937.
You can read this letter at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/johnross/letter.htm
The rest of the chapters can be read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/johnross
Poems in the Dorric Language
----------------------------
By John Henderson
John has sent in new poems
which can be seen at the foot of his page at
http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm
Glasgow
-------
By the British Medical Association (1922)
We've added another chapter
to this book...
Glasgow To-day. By William Power
You can read this book at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/medical/glasgowndx.htm
Roamin' in the Gloamin'
-----------------------
By Sir Harry Lauder (1928)
We've added more chapters to
this book...
CHAPTER IV - IN THE COAL-PITS
CHAPTER V - I LOVE A LASSIE
CHAPTER VI - FIVE SHILLINGS TO A POUND
CHAPTER VII - THE LURE OF THE ROAD
CHAPTER VIII - COAL-FACE OR FOOTLIGHTS
CHAPTER IX - I BECOME MY OWN IMPRESARIO
CHAPTER X - A SOVEREIGN FOR PUBLICITY ONLY
Here is how Chapter V
starts...
I WOULD be about eighteen when I started to
"love a lassie"! The tender passion comes early to the boys and
girls in the Black Country. At least it did so in my time. We were
men and women at sixteen and seventeen. School days were left far
behind. We were battling for bread at an age which today would be
looked upon as childhood. I was "boss o' the hoose" when I was
thirteen; a year or two later I was a man earning a man's pay and
with a man's outlook on life. Was it to be wondered at, therefore,
that I early fell under the spell of two bonnie blue eyes and a mass
of dark curls when the former flashed a look at me from a Salvation
Army "ring" in the Black's Well one Sunday afternoon? I was smitten
on the spot. I was captured and enraptured It was love at first
sight—first, last, and only. Annie Vallance—Nance! It's just on
forty years ago, but I can scarcely write the dear name for the
feelings that memory causes to surge within me. If ever a bonnie
lassie knocked a young fellow "tapsalteerie" (literally, dizzy)
fourteen-year-old .Annie ValIance did me! I couldn't eat the first
night I saw her, I couldn't sleep, and the next day I couldn't work!
I had got it bad. Oh, dear me! I thought I was going to die. But
there's aye a Providence in these things. I managed to get an
introduction through one of her young brothers. For Torn Valiance I
have had a very soft side from that day to this. I taught him his
job as a miner and he is now, as he has been for thirty years, my
faithful friend and manager. Where I go Tom goes. I do nothing
without consulting him. He is almost as well known all over the
world as I am!
You can read the rest of this chapter at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/lauder/roamin5.htm
The other chapters can be read athttp://www.electricscotland.com/history/lauder/roaminndx.htm
Robert Burns Lives!
-------------------
by Frank Shaw
My granddaughter, Stirling
Shaw
Last week I gave you a brief introduction to my
grandson, Ian Bascombe Shaw. Today I would like to present to you my
granddaughter, Stirling Elizabeth Shaw. Stirling and Ian have both
been taught about Scotland and her bard, Robert Burns. They
recognize the face of Burns on a coin, a medal, a bust, a statue, or
a picture in a book. One day I look forward to them enjoying a more
in-depth relationship of the poems and songs of Burns. For now I am
content that my ten-year-old Ian and my eight-year-old Stirling know
who he is, that he was a poet and songwriter, and more importantly,
the significant part he played in the life of Scotland...then and
now.
You can read the rest of this article at
http://www.electricscotland.com/familytree/frank/burns_lives86.htm
You can read the other articles of Robert Burns Lives! and Frank's
other articles at
http://www.electricscotland.com/familytree/frank/index.htm
Pen Pictures of Early Pioneer Life in Upper
Canada
--------------------------------------------------
By a "Canuke".of the fifth generation (1905)
Lots more chapters up this
week...
PREPARATORY WORK OF THE SETTLER
The Old Log Houses and Barns
The Fireplaces
The Felling of the Trees
The Stumping
TRAVELLING CONVENIENCES
An Old Military Road
The Wayside Tavern
The Corduroy and Other Roads
The Old Stage Coach
Horseback Riding
WAYS AND MEANS OF
COMMUNICATION
The
Mails
The Newspapers
Postage Stamps and Envelopes
The Quill Pens
The Old Currency
SOCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL
CONDITIONS
The
Industry of the People
The Hospitality of the People
The Amusements of the People
The Schools
The School-houses
The Churches
SOME PHASES OF EARLY COUNTRY
LIFE
The Country Store
The Wayside Blacksmith
The Country Peddler
The Itinerant Shoemaker
The Country Squire
Tramps
SOME PHASES OF EARLY SOCIAL
LIFE
The Old-Time
Camp-meeting
he
Old-Time Funerals
The
Superstitions of the People
Ghosts, Hobgoblins and Will.o'-the-Wisps
The Lightning Bug or Firefly
In Time of Sickness
Saving Habits of Grandfather
Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies
HOME SURROUNDINGS
The Old Homestead .
The Orchards and Vineyards
The Old-Time Garden
The Old-Time Wells
The Family Cemetery
The Rail Fence
HOME SURROUNDINGS.
(Continued)
The
Bake-Ovens
The Smoke
Houses
The Old
Workshop
The Old
Grindstone
The Corn
Crib
HOUSEHOLD APPURTENCES
the First Stoves
The Old Corner Cupboard .
The Grandfather's Clock
The Old Flintlock Musket
The Dinner Horn
The Old Dash Churn
HOUSEHOLD APPURTENCES
(Continued)
Early
Household Utensils and Articles of Furniture
Pewter and Crockery Ware
Candles and Candlesticks
Tea and Coffee, and Their Substitutes
Lighting the Fire
CLOTHING AND DRESS
The Clothing of the People
The Fashions in Dress
Our Grandmothers' White Caps
You can read this book at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/pen/index.htm
Caley History
-------------
Provided by Chloe Gardner, Royal Caledonian
Schools Trust
A good wee history on this organisation and
included is a Press Release about the work they are doing to help
service folk's children. A very interesting read which you can get
to at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/articles/caley.htm
Eupham Graham
-------------
Got some information in on Eupham Graham who
was born in Scotland but sent to Australia which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/minibios/g/graham_eupham.htm
The Eriskay Pony
----------------
A wee bit of background on this breed which you
can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/nature/eriskay.htm
Scottish Key Facts
------------------
This is a 2 page document giving you key facts
about Scotland at April 2010 and is in pdf format which you can read
at
http://www.electricscotland.com/business/scottish_key_facts_april_2010.pdf
Clan Leslie Society International
---------------------------------
Got in the May 2010 edition of the Clan Leslie
Grip Fast newsletter which you can read at
http://www.electricscotland.com/familytree/newsletters/leslieint/index.htm
And to conclude here is a wee humour story I
got in from Keith Rattray...
The Bagpipe Story
As a bagpiper, I play many
gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play at a grave
side service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the
service was to be at a pauper's cemetery in the Kentucky
back-country.
As I was not familiar with the backwoods, I got
lost. I finally arrived an hour late.... and saw the funeral guy was
evidently gone, and the hearse was nowhere in sight.
There
were only the diggers and crew left.... and they were eating lunch.
I felt badly and apologized to the men for being late. I went to the
side of the grave and looked down. The vault lid was already in
place. I didn't know what else to do, so I started to play.
The workers put down their
lunches and began to gather around. I played out my heart and soul
for this man with no family and friends. I played like I've never
played before for this homeless man.
And as I played 'Amazing
Grace', the workers began to weep. They wept; I wept; we all wept
together.
When I finished, I packed up my bagpipes and
started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.
As I opened the door to my
car, I heard one of the workers say,
"Sweet Mother of Jesus, I
never seen nothin' like that before.... and I've been putting in
septic tanks for twenty years...
And
that's it for now and hope you all have a good weekend :-)
Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com
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