The Scottish Nebraskan Newsletter of the Prairie Scots

Chief’s Message Fall 2020 Issue Dearest Scottish Society of Nebraska Members, Table of Contents It is with a little bit of sadness, but a lot of pride that I say these last 2 years have been an honor for me as I got to Chief’s Message 1-2 serve as your Chief of the Scottish Society of Nebraska. Member Spotlight 2-3 While these last few months have not exactly been what anyone was expecting and it put a halt to our get Election 2020 Update 3 togethers, I still enjoyed being your Chief and serving with 20-22 Board of Directors 4 a wonderful group of board members. As I think back on Announcements 5 the last 2 years, I have very fond memories of us celebrating St. Andrew's Day, Burns’ Night, Tartan Day, On the Calendar 6-7 the Annual Gathering, Kirkin’ of Tartan and the Cultural Clan Histories Festival. None of those events would have been possible without all of you - our members. Clan Donnachaidh 8-10 I want to thank you most sincerely for being a part of this Poetry wonderful society and sharing a love for all things Autumn Fires 11 Scottish. I look forward to my son, Andrew, getting to Article enjoy the Society as he grows and learns about his heritage from all of you. Who is Your Favorite for As I leave the position of Chief, I’m happy to report that the Next James Bond? 11 we have a fantastic new group of board members that I Scottish Recipe Corner 12 know will do a great job with Helen Jacobsen at the 2021 Membership Info 12 helm. Helen has an amazing passion for the Society, and I look forward to seeing her carry out the many plans she has. I also feel very fortunate that I get to stay on the Continued on page 2

The Scottish Society of Nebraska To remove your name from our mailing list, P O Box 541141 please reply with “UNSUBSCRIBE” in the subject line. Omaha, NE 68154 Questions or comments? Email Morgan Wise at [email protected]

Chief’s Message, Continued from page 1 New Post Office Box! board as the Immediate Past Chief. I think that position was The official address of the created to help Chiefs transition out of the role to make it a little Scottish Society of Nebraska has less sad. moved to the Boys Town, NE Post As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of the Office. The new location allows board members if you have any questions or if you have an access to the post office boxes interest in becoming more involved with the Society. 24/7 for the convenience of board members retrieving mail. Please Stay safe, and COVID –free! send all future correspondence Sincerely, to: Outgoing Chief, Amanda Beckner The Scottish Society of Nebraska P O Box 541141 Omaha, NE 68154

Member Spotlight

Greetings, As the new Chief of the Scottish Society of Nebraska, I thought I would take a minute and thank you for electing me and introduce myself. Hello, I’m Helen (Murray) Jacobsen. My parents, Alex and Joanna Murray, were founding members of this society some 50 years ago. It sounds funny to be “introducing myself”, as I too have been involved on and off for the last 50 years. As a teenager, I clearly remember the meetings at our house. Folks were gathered around the kitchen table; the tea flowing freely, shortbread and sandwiches being passed around and a wee dram served to keep the hearts warm. There, discussion after discussion took place to hammer out the rules and by-laws and create this society of ours. Having had parents from Glasgow, I grew up having the traditions of Scotland more or less drummed into me right from the start! I’m a Murray on dad’s side and a MacLeod on mom’s side. With most of our extended family still living in Scotland, The Scottish Society became Continued on page 3

2 Member’s Spotlight, continued from page 2 our extended family here. I remember my mother saying that my dad was more Scottish in Omaha then he ever would have been in Glasgow. The fact is, they jumped in with both feet to make this so- ciety flourish and flourish it did! Right from the start I was heavily involved in the Society. I partici- pated in the society’s children’s choir, was a highland dancer, then instructor and finally the director of the highland dance group. I danced with the country dancers. I helped out in many activities that the Society was involved with; Halloween parties, Christmas parties, ethnic festivals, St. Andrew’s Dinners and Burns Suppers. I even had a very Scottish wedding with most of the Society in attend- ance. Speaking of that wedding, Mark and I have been married 38 years now. We have four children: Eric, Brett, Alexander and Bridget, two wonderful daughters by marriage: Katie and Lindsey and four beautiful grandchildren: James, Rachel, John and Louis. We love to travel and have been to all fifty states and many countries overseas; Scotland many times! The past year I have been your Tanist and I now proudly step into the position of Chief, some 50 years after my father was first elected. Unfortunately, that little disease called Covid-19 has put ra- ther a damper on this year’s plans, as meeting in large groups is frowned upon. However, your Board does have some ideas to keep this group moving forward, so please bear with us. And watch the newsletters for information. Thank you for electing me as your Chief. I hope I do my Dad proud. I look forward to meeting those of you who I don’t know yet in the very near future. As Aye, Chief, Helen Murray Jacobsen

Election 2020 UPDATE: Thank you to those of you that took the time to return your ballots. Voting by mail was a little different for the Society but we were able to elect the new Board of Directors for 2020-2022 so that the business of the Society may continue. Just a quick update… the nominee for Secretary retracted acceptance of the nomination before the election was concluded. According to Society Bylaws, Kathy Robbins-Wise must continue to serve as Secretary until a successor can be found. This extends her service beyond the 2 terms allowed. Kathy was also elected as the Newsletter Chair. Since Society Bylaws do not allow a person to serve in two positions on the Board, Morgan Wise was elected by unanimous vote of the Board to fill the vacancy of Newsletter Chair. If you are interested in serving on the Board as Secretary, please contact Kathy Robbins-Wise at [email protected]. 3 Welcome to the 2020-2022 Board of Directors!

Chief, Immediate Past Chief, Tanist, Helen Jacobsen Amanda Beckner Rebecca Neff

Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair, Newsletter Chair, Kathy Robbins-Wise Josh Haggin Beth Rosenquist Morgan Wise

Tapadh leat!

(Thank You!) To Alan Boulter, Kate Boulter, Scott Oglesby, and Maxine MacDonald, who are leaving the Board this year. We sincerely appreciate all of your hard work these past two years and the generous gift of your time and talent for the benefit of our wonderful Society! 4 Announcements

St. Andrew’s Day Highland Ball The 2020 St. Andrew’s Day Highland Ball has been cancelled. If you have ideas for a Virtual Event in it’s place, please contact any member of the Board.

Society Property Collection Over the years, items belonging to the Scottish Society of Nebraska have been stored in various members’ and former board member’s homes. These items might include: Books from the Society Library Decorations and props from events Educational materials (Posters, signs, etc.) Flags and Tartans If you have any of these things, please contact Helen Jacobsen. Once items have been collected, the Board will arrange for a centrally-located, climate-controlled public storage for all items.

Newsletter submissions Do you have something to share in The Scottish Nebraskan? Articles Scottish Poetry/Art Recipes Book Reviews

Recent/Upcoming Events

Send them to [email protected], Submissions for our JanuaryNewsletter must be received by 11/30/2020

Smile at Amazon.com Did you know that Amazon will donate 0.5% of every purchase you make to the Scottish Society of Nebraska Foundation? It’s not much, but it

adds up.

Use the link smile.Amazon.com to log into your Amazon account. When you are asked to choose a charity to support, search for “Scottish Society of Nebraska Foundation”. Then, you will see a banner below the search bar each time you open smile.Amazon.com confirming your donations! 5 On the Calendar

St Andrew's Day – 30th November Although St. Andrew has been the patron saint of Scotland since a Pictish victory in a battle in 747AD, for many years the 30th of November was not a recognized public holiday in Scotland. St. Andrew's night is actually celebrated more by expatriate Scots around the world. In 2006, the Scottish Parliament passed the St. Andrew's Day Bank Holiday (Scotland) Act 2007, which designated the Day as an official bank holiday. It was left to individual businesses to negotiate whether to give up another holiday in favor of St. Andrew's Day. As the end of November is not a time when good weather might be expected, few companies have adopted it. To read more go to: https://www.scotland.org/events/st-andrews-day/who-was-st-andrew

Christmas - 25th December Like many ancient races, particularly those located in the northern latitudes, where winter days were short and the nights long, the pagan Celts had celebrations around the time of the winter solstice, in part to brighten the darkest days, in part to propitiate the gods to allow the sun to return. In Norse mythology, Odin the gift-bringer, swept across the night sky in a chariot drawn by horses. The Christian Church took over the festival but some of the traditions harked back to the pagan roots. The Yule log was burned in the fireplace, there was kissing under the mistletoe (related to a Druidic fertility rite) and the house was decorated with holly (evergreen trees were regarded with reverence). But during the Church Reformation in the 16th century these traditions were frowned on by the Kirk which regarded Christmas as a popish festival. Bear in mind that "Christmas" is "Christ's Mass" and mass was banned in Scotland at that time. There are records of charges being brought against people for keeping "Yule" as it was called in Scotland. Amazingly, this dour, joy-crushing attitude lasted for 400 years. Until the 1960s, Christmas Day was a normal working day for most people in Scotland. So, if there is a specifically "Scottish" aspect to Christmas it is that it was not celebrated! The "traditional" Christmas celebrations (other than the religious festival) originated in the 19th century (Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's husband, had a lot to do with it!) and England and Scotland developed the same traditions from around that time - Christmas trees, decorations, Santa Claus or Saint Nicholas, presents, stockings at the end of the bed, Christmas carols Christmas cards etc. Christmas cards are said to have been invented in Edinburgh in the mid- nineteenth century. 6 On the Calendar, continued Hogmanay - New Year's Eve, 31st December The origins of the word "Hogmanay" are lost in the past. Some say it is from the Norse "Hoggunott" or night of slaughter when animals were killed for a midwinter feast. Also, that it is from "Huh-me-naay" or kiss me now when even strangers embraced. Another theory is that it comes from the French "Hoguinane" sung by children on "Cake Day". To this day, Hogmanay is still a more important festival in Scotland than Christmas. Historians believe that we inherited the celebration from the Vikings who, coming from even further north than ourselves, paid even more attention to the passing of the shortest day. While clearly celebrated around the world, the Scots have a long rich heritage associated with this event, when the whole country celebrates in the build up to "the bells" chiming midnight - and Burns' song "Auld Lang Syne" is murdered once again! There are traditions such as cleaning the house (known as "redding") on 31st December (including taking out the ashes from the fire in the days when coal fires were common). And Scotland is the only part of the UK that has a statutory holiday on 2nd January as well as 1st January - so we can recover from the excesses of 31st December! In Stonehaven, around 45 local folk walk up the High Street at the first stroke of midnight from the Old Town Clock, swinging massive balls of flame around their heads. The fireballs are extinguished in spectacular fashion as they are hurled into the harbour, and then the New Year is celebrated with fireworks and a party. This is known as the Fireballs Ceremony. To read more go to: http:// macsmail.blogspot.com/2015/01/celebrating-hogmanay-at-home.html

Mark your calendars now for Burns’ Night!

When: Saturday, January 30, 2021

5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Where: The Scottish Rite Masonic Center 202 South 20th Street Omaha, Nebraska (Southwest corner of 20th and Douglas) Due to the pandemic, our State and/or local authorities may choose to further limit attendance at large gatherings. The Society will monitor COVID-19 Directed Health Measures and any changes to the event will be shared on the Society’s web page and on our Facebook page. 7 Clan Histories THE HISTORY OF CLAN DONNACHAIDH Contributed by Kathy Robbins-Wise The first clan to appear in Highlands history is the Clan Donnachaidh (pronounced Dun-a-key) which in Gaelic (MacDhonnchaidh) means Duncan. Clan Donnachaidh is said to be one of the oldest in Scotland, originating from the joining of Pict and Scot nobility of the Kindred of St. Columba. Saint Columba of royal blood, known as the Apostle of Caledonia, came from Ireland in 563 AD to bring Christianity to the isle of Iona located on the western coast of Scotland. When Iona became endangered by the Norsemen, the Saint’s relics were divided between Ireland and Scotland. In Scotland the relics were placed in Dunkeld making the hereditary Abbots of Dunkeld Heads of the Kindred of St. Columba. Perhaps the most famous name in the early lineage of clan descent was Crinan, Abbot of Dunkeld, who married Bethoc, a royal princess and daughter of King Malcom II of Scotland. Their son became King Duncan I of Scotland from 1034 to 1040. He was slain by Macbeth but, not the way Shakespeare would have us believe. The Robertsons of Struan are descendants of Duncan’s younger son, Maelmare who became Earl of Atholl. Recent DNA testing has shown the chief’s line shares a strong similarity to the DNA of those who descend from Niall of the Nine Hostages, a High King of Ireland who died about 405 AD. Research is ongoing. The clan motto is Virtutis Gloria Merces meaning “Glory is the Reward of Valor”. Clan lands include Struan, Rannoch and Perthshire. Duncan Reamhar (pronounced Rav-ar) Duncan Reamhar, the early 14-century warrior nicknamed ‘Stout Duncan’ (not referring to his physical size but to his valor in battle) was the first recognized chief of the clan. His shield had three wolves’ heads, cut off at the neck, with blue tongues bearing evidence to the fact that the clan killed the last wolves in the isles. It is believed that Stout Duncan took his men to Bannockburn to fight with Robert the Bruce. Clan Donnachaidh arrived late for the fight, but shouting their war cry of “fierce when roused” they were part of the contingent that came down from Gillies Hill, tipping the battle in Bruce’s favor. The 'Coming of Clan Donnachaidh' (Teachd Clann Donnachaidh) is a pipe march associated with the tradition of the clan's arrival at Bannockburn. Duncan Reamhar died in 1355. Continued on page 9

8 Clan Donnachaidh, Continued Clach na Bratach The Clach na Bratach (meaning ‘Stone of the Standard’) is considered to be the most precious relic of the clan. It is a rock crystal charm stone and was unearthed when the chief’s standard pole was pulled from the ground while on the march to Bannockburn. Since then the stone has been carried into battle by every chief. The Clach na Bratach is said to have been a mystical, power stone which could do many magical things such as heal humans and animals, and it could also predict the future. They say that the stone’s primary function was to heal, and if the Clach na Bratach came into contact with water, the water automatically gained curative properties for all. Legend tells that the stone could also predict the death of a clan chief. If the stone turned cloudy, then people would know that the chief’s death was imminent. The stone is proudly displayed at the Clan Donnachaidh Museum at Bruar Falls, Atholl. Robert Riach (pronounced Ree-ach) Robert Riach, nicknamed ‘Grizzled Robert’ was Duncan Reamhar’s grandson and became the fourth chief of Clan Donnachaidh. He was intensely loyal to the Stewarts. Upon the murder of James I at Perth in 1437, it was Robert, then Chief, who captured his murderers. As a token of gratitude and warning to all, King James II gave Robert the symbol of the hand and the crown to display on his coat of arms. Also, under his shield was added a naked man in chains. In 1451 his lands were elevat- ed into the Barony of Struan. The crest badge shows a right hand holding an imperial crown in recognition of the clan’s help in finding the king’s assassins and it is in honor of Robert Riach that his descendants adopted the surname Robertson for the clan. Alexander Robertson of Struan Alexander Robertson was a celebrated and very popular poet. He was studying for the church when he succeeded to the chiefship. Not surprisingly, the Robertsons have a long tradition of Jacobite loy- alty and their 13th chief, Alexander Robertson, also known as the ‘Poet Chief’, is the only man known to have fought in all three Jacobite rebellions. Following the Jacobite defeat at Culloden in 1746, government troops burned the clan seat, Alexander Robertson’s home at Dunalastair. He spent his final years exiled in his own lands, living in a single-story hut on the edge of Rannoch Moor. When he died in 1749, two thousand men marched a dozen miles behind his coffin to his grave at Struan Kirk. Struan Kirk Amid a peaceful, still location set in beautiful Perthshire scenery sits the church at Struan (Struan Kirk). The church has been associated with the Clan since its inception and still plays a part in the tradition and heritage of the clan today. The current church was built in 1828 and replaced the larg- er medieval church, but the location, on a green knoll, is considered an

Continued on page 10 9 Clan Donnachaidh, continued ancient religious site. The graveyard is the burial place of the Clan Chiefs. It is thought there has been a church on the site since the days when Pict and Scot were learning to live with each other, being converted to and practicing Christianity. Three Pictish or early medieval sculptures have been found at various times in Struan Kirkyard. One stands in the middle of the churchyard, the second has been used in the construction of the churchyard wall and the third is inside the church and attached to the wall of the pulpit where it was moved for protection. Struan Kirk is located in the village of Old Struan, some 4 miles north of Blair Atholl and lies at the confluence of the Rivers Garry and Errochty. Alexander Gilbert Haldane Robertson of Struan The 23rd and current chief of Clan Donnachaidh is Alexander Gilbert Haldane Robertson. In 2018, the Clan celebrated several important milestones for the 23rd chief – his 80th birthday, the 35th anniversary of him becoming chief and the purchase of Struan Kirk by the Clan Donnachaidh Trust from the Church of Scotland.

Kathy Robbins-Wise descends from Daniel Robinson (her 7th Great Grandfather). The Robinson family is a Sept of Clan Donnachaidh. Daniel was born in Blair Atholl to Richard and Mary in 1627. He fought with the Royalists and was captured by Cromwell’s troops at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Daniel was marched to London, confined at Tothill Field next to Parliament then exiled to America. He and many of his kinsmen crossed the Atlantic aboard the ship John and Sarah arriving in Boston in February 1652. Daniel was sold as an indentured servant to a plantation owner in New Haven, Connecticut. After more than 8 years of servitude, Daniel married the family’s daughter, Hope, and for unknown reasons his surname was changed to Robins. Since Daniel was unable to write, it is assumed this was an error made on legal documents. Daniel settled in Woodbridge, New Jersey where he was affectionately known as “The Scot” or “Scotch Robins” due to his heavy Gaelic brogue. Daniel died in 1714 and is buried in an unmarked grave alongside his wife in Ye Olde Robins Burial Place in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Kathy is married to Morgan Wise and lives in Omaha, Nebraska. The couple has two children and three grandchildren. Kathy has served as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Scottish Society of Nebraska for the past four years. 10 Autumn Fires In the other gardens And all up the vale, From the autumn bonfires See the smoke trail! Pleasant summer over And all the summer flowers, The red fire blazes, The grey smoke towers. Sing a song of seasons! Something bright in all! Flowers in the summer,

Fires in the fall! by Robert Louis Stevenson

Who is Your Favorite for the Next James Bond? Scots (well, everyone really), will most likely agree that Sir Sean Connery was the most iconic James Bond ever. We have seen many come and go since Connery’s last film in 1983 including: George Lazenby, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and Daniel Craig (the current Bond). With the announcement that Daniel Craig’s last appearance as 007 will be in the film, No Time to Die, the media is abuzz with who will be the next Bond. It has been reported that three Scots are in the group being considered to replace Daniel Craig: Sam Heughan (Outlander), Jack Lowden (Fighting with My Family) and Richard Madden (Bodyguard). In a recent interview, Producer Barbara Broccoli said: “I always say: you can only be in love with one person at a time. Once the film’s come out, then some time will pass, and then we’ll have to get on to the business of the future. But for now, we just cannot think about anything beyond Daniel.” After a couple of delays, No Time to Die is currently set for release on April 2, 2021. To read more, search BBC.com for the article Could the next James Bond be a Scot?

Sam Heughan Jack Lowden Richard Madden

11 Scottish Recipe Corner

Chicken Bonnie Prince Charlie The recipe for Drambuie (which gives this dish its flavour) is said to have been given to members of the MacKinnon clan in gratitude for their help after Culloden. The honey-sweet golden drink is enjoyed by millions around the world - and adds flavour to many recipes. YIELD: 4 servings Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, skinned and boned 2 or 3 tablespoons of Drambuie 8 tablespoons (4 fluid ounces or 125ml or US half cup) chicken stock 8 fluid ounces (250ml or one US cup) double cream (whipping cream) 3 ounces (125g or ¾ stick) butter 1 ounce (25 g) flaked almonds 4 apples 2021 Membership Information

A little flour, salt and pepper Renewal: Method: Because of Covid-19 impacts, dues paid for Flour and season the chicken breasts and fry in 2020 will cover membership in 2021. hot butter in both sides. When they are well browned, sprinkle with Drambuie, add the However, the Board asks that you fill out the chicken stock, cover and simmer for ten Membership Form to keep our records minutes. current. While the chicken is cooking, peel and core the New/Returning Members: apples. Cut them into thick slices and cook gently in butter until fairly soft - do not stir to If you did not pay dues for 2020, avoid mashing. Remove the chicken to a membership rates are serving dish, when ready, and keep warm in the oven. $40—Family Membership Make the sauce by adding more Drambuie, if $30—Individual Membership required, to the stock left in the pan and gently stir in the cream. Heat but do not boil. Add the Highlander : roasted flaked almonds. Cover the chicken with this sauce and garnish with the sliced apple. Highlander Magazine subscription is $15.50 Recipe from Rampant Scotland per year. Don’t forget to renew for 2021! http://www.rampantscotland.com/recipes/ Do it all online at blrecipe_chickenbonnie.htm www.TheScottishSocietyOfNebraska.org 12