Scottishthethethethe www.scottishbanner.com Banner 37 Years StrongScottishScottishScottish - 1976-2013 Banner A’BannerBanner Bhratach Albannach 44 Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Years Strong - 1976-2020 www.scottishbanner.com A’ Bhratach Albannach Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 VolumeVolumeVolume 44 36 36 Number Number Number 2 11 11The The The world’s world’s world’s largest largest largest international international international ScottishScottish Scottish newspapernewspaper newspaper May AugustMay 2013 2013 2020 Celebrating the

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7 25286 844598 1 2 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Volume 44 - Number 2 Scottishthe Banner The Banner Says…

Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Publisher Offices of publication Valerie Cairney Australasian Office: PO Box 6202 Editor The Power of Pipe Bands Marrickville South, Sean Cairney NSW, 2204 Depending on where you live your Years of hardship and hunger had Tel:(02) 9559-6348 EDITORIAL STAFF restrictions may have been, or still be, caused many to leave over many Jim Stoddart [email protected] extremely strict and whilst physical years and the remaining inhabitants The National Piping Centre practices may have not been taking requested to leave, ending over 4,000 North American Office: David McVey place, the music has never stopped. years of human habitation. [email protected] Lady Fiona MacGregor Online practices, competitions and The once powerful Roman Empire Eric Bryan David C. Weinczok musical creations are taking place cast its net across Europe to conquer Judy Vickers across the world and connecting new lands and gain power. There is Nick Drainey players and fans with each quite a bit of historical evidence of other in a whole new way. Roman occupation across Britain, but how far did they make it into Scotland? In Roman times, there Follow us on social media by Sean Cairney The spirit of the pipe was no such country as Scotland, band movement is instead it was a wild region called Caledonia. The Romans may have left he world we live in today is clearly an incredibly Caledonia, but they did leave behind a vastly different place than special one. some amazing historical evidence of Distributed monthly in Australia, Canada, the one we all knew just a few their visit and today people can still New Zealand and the USA. ISSN 2209-8364 short months ago. literally step in the same spots the TIn August, traditionally, pipe bands With this issue we hope to pay Romans once did. Australia Post Print Approved PP:100004806 Published monthly by Scottish Banner Publications and their fans should be descending homage to the pipe band community PO Box 6220, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204, Australia on for some of the world’s and whilst we have never tried to be Many things to many people top piping events such as the World a piping publication, we are firmly Pipe bands are of course a symbol The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement or to Pipe Band Championships and a publication of pipe band fans and of Scotland and Scottish culture, cancel any advertising contract for reasons satisfactory to the publisher, without notice, and without penalty to either party. All advertising and reading matter is subject to Piping Live! This is of course in supporters. It is the music that joins but they are truly a global cultural Publisher’s approval. Right reserved to revise or reject advertising and reading material addition to all the missed pipe band us all, whether you are playing a movement with bands across the in accordance with standards acceptable to the Scottish Banner, without notice. The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors concerts, competitions, practices lament, or watching a band play your world. Being part of a band prepares in advertising beyond the amount of space paid for, whether such errors are due to and performances that should favourite piping tune, a shared love members for many aspects of life negligence, copy right or otherwise. The publisher does not endorse the historical have also taken place these past of pipe bands is created by both the and quite simply for some becomes accuracy of the editorial stance of materials submitted for publication. The publisher reserves the right edit all submitted material prior to publication. few months across the world. player and the audience. a lifestyle. Pipe bands are also a

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)and I am not part of a pipe band but constant part of the community for do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. as someone who knows people in In this issue so many. We count on pipe bands Trouble getting the Scottish Banner each month? Use the subscription form below to bands and has watched the pipe An example of the resilience of the at parades, services, celebrations subscribe, or you may contact our distributors for your nearest sales outlet. band community for decades, I pipe band movement can be found and whether it be a lone busker or AUSTRALIA: Integrated Publication Solutions 1 800 606 477 NEW ZEALAND: Gordon & Gotch 09 979 3018 know what an incredible fraternity in this issue as a variety of piping massed bands, the pipes and drums it is. The spirit of the pipe band organisations and leaders have shared stir something inside so many The Scottish Banner movement is clearly an incredibly with us how they are not only engaging people. Uniting Scots Around the World for 44 Years! special one. It is a global brotherhood with their members and colleagues, This is the power of pipe bands. and sisterhood that is quite unique. but finding ways to move through a The power to connect so many THE SCOTTISH BANNER Joining a pipe band is an instant ‘corona world’ and working towards across the world in a unique in with a great network of people when we can next all gather as before. celebration of music. The power Subscribe to the worlds largest international of varying backgrounds, ages and This month we also speak to Tyler of a local and global network Scottish culture newspaper online or use below: interests. It offers members some Fry, a champion drummer who has of friendship. The power of a Australia: Print: 1 Year / $50.00 AUD unique experiences such as attending made a career out of his love and lifelong passion. The power of our Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD a wide range of community and clear passion for pipe bands. heritage. The power of enjoyment. Canada: Digital: $19.95 CDN international events, be a part of From a young age he was enthralled The power of performance. joyous and solum occasions and for by pipe bands and joined his local The power of emotion. The power New Zealand: Print: 1 Year / $65.00 AUD Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD many includes life-long involvement band in Canada as soon as he could. of collaboration. Pipe bands can and friendships. Today Tyler has his own successful be these and so many things to U.S.A.: Digital: 1 Year / $19.95 USD drumstick business, conducts many people, and surely that is Overseas: Print: 1 Year Air Mail: AU $ 110.00 Homage to the pipe band workshops and livestream hosts at their power. community Australia/New Zealand: T (+61) 02 9559-6348 events across the world. Tyler is an Has been in a pipe band been www.scottishbanner.com/subscribe Across the worldwide Scottish example how joining a pipe band can important for you or do you have a community during the Covid-19 change your life, open your world Subscription are non-refundable. love of pipe bands? Do you have any pandemic I have seen some great and create incredible opportunities. Cheques, money orders, Visa and MasterCard accepted. comments from the content in this outside the box initiatives take place, On August 29, 1930, the last month’s edition? Share your story with Scottish Banner Australia/New Zealand: and the pipe band community has inhabitants of St Kilda, on the western us by email, post, social media or at: PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 certainly been at the forefront of this. edge of Scotland, were evacuated. www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us Digital subscriptions must be requested via our website only. #ScottishBanner, #TheBanner Covid-19 is having a major impact on many of our regular advertisers, Name:...... with events being cancelled and businesses suffering. The Scottish Address:...... Banner is more reliant than ever on ...... our readers helping us to provide you with our unique content by ...... Post Code:...... buying a copy of our publication, regardless if by print or digital Tel/Email:...... subscription or at a retail outlet. We appreciate your support and 1 Year New Subscription Renewal hope you enjoy this edition. Gift Subsc. From...... Scottishthethethe www.scottishbanner.com Banner 37 Years StrongScottishScottish - 1976-2013 Banner A’BannerBanner Bhratach Albannach 44 Gracing our front cover: The next Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Years Strong - 1976-2020 www.scottishbanner.com A’ Bhratach Albannach Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 VolumeVolumeVolume 44 36 36 Number Number Number 2 11 11The The The world’s world’s world’s largest largest largest international international international Scottish Scottish newspaper newspaper May AugustMay 2013 2013 2020 Celebrating the

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7 25286 844598 1 2 Page 2 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Edinburgh-The world’s festival city A Fringe reimagined Together, the five August festivals and to enjoy art of every genre. Conceived comprise over 5,000 events across in 1950 the iconic major event, now known Scotland’s capital each summer, as The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, welcoming audiences of 4.4 million and brings together a huge cast of international over 25,000 artists, writers and performers military and folkloric performers to perform from 70 countries, making them the live to 220,000 visitors each August, with The artwork for the Fringe second biggest cultural event in the world many millions seeing the show on BBC TV programme cover that never was. after the Olympics. around the world. The Edinburgh International Book Following the announcement that the The most significant and Festival began in 1983 and has grown Edinburgh Festival Fringe will not be important celebration of culture rapidly in scope and size, welcoming going ahead as planned in 2020, the anywhere in the world writers from all over the world to exchange Fringe Society has unveiled alternative The festivals’ history stretches back to ideas on some of the world’s most pressing digital plans taking place this summer, 1947, where in the aftermath of the Second issues. The youngest of the August complementing a variety of activities World War the Edinburgh International festivals, Edinburgh Art Festival was planned by Fringe artists and venues. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Festival was founded to reconcile and founded in 2004 to provide a platform for Under hugely difficult circumstances, reunite people and nations through art, the visual arts, each year bringing together creatives from across the Fringe or the first time in over 70 years, in an event that transcended political and the capital’s leading galleries, museums landscape will be bringing versions the five festivals that transform cultural boundaries. Many years later the and artist-run spaces to present work by of their work to life digitally, many for Edinburgh into the world’s leading International Festival continues to present international and UK artists. the very first time. From livestreamed cultural destination every August are the world’s leading theatre, dance and music Since their visionary beginnings the performances to nostalgic throwbacks Fnot going ahead this year due to concerns artists in Edinburgh’s magnificent venues. August festivals have presented the very and community-focused events and around the Covid-19 pandemic. Edinburgh The Fringe story began when eight theatre best established and emerging artists support sessions, the spirit of the Fringe Art Festival, The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, groups turned up uninvited to perform on from all corners of the globe and across will live on in the work of thousands Edinburgh International Book Festival, the fringes of the very first International all aspects of the performing, literary and of Fringe artists and venues, and the Edinburgh International Festival and the Festival. Since the dawn of this spontaneous visual arts in what has become the most Fringe Society will help audiences Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo are not artistic movement, millions have flocked to significant and important celebration of navigate them through a central listings happening as planned in 2020. the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to produce, culture anywhere in the world. service on www.edfringe.com Alongside this, the Fringe will be running a series of digital activities, including virtual shows, a festival-wide crowdfunding campaign, artist-facing workshops, a new online arts industry platform and a virtual Fringe Central, Dancers on High Street at the so there are still plenty of ways to Edinburgh Festival Fringe. #MakeYourFringe in 2020. Book Festival village. Photo: Edinburgh International Book Festival. Photo: Edinburgh’s Festivals.

Cycling across the States to Save Our Scotland

olorado man George Russell is cycling from San Diego, California to Saint Augustine, Florida to raise funds for the National Trust for CScotland (NTS). The dedicated US-based Trust supporter plans to begin his 3,200 mile bike ride across the States on 27 August. George Russell is preparing He aims to complete his challenge in just for an epic bike ride. 50 days and is hoping to raise £100,000 in donations for the charity. Although George, Texas, Louisiana and finally Florida, George who is 73, now lives in Colorado, he has will be thinking of Glencoe, the property and strong ties to Scotland and to the Trust – his iconic Scottish location his father helped to grandfather was the charity’s first Secretary purchase for the Trust in the 1930s. and Treasurer. His father also worked for Head of Fundraising Ali Macleod said: the Trust for many years and was a Council “We are overwhelmed at this incredible Member Emeritus. George himself served support from George. His dedication to on the Trust’s Council. our charity and all we do to protect what’s special about Scotland is so appreciated Love of Scotland at this difficult time.” George will be Today, George wants to continue his family documenting his journey and we look tradition of helping the Trust, and contribute forward to following his progress. to the NTS Save Our Scotland campaign. If you would like to support George’s However, instead of providing counsel, incredible challenge directly, please George will be covering nearly 100 miles per give via his Just Giving page: day on his bike to raise funds and awareness. www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ Battling head winds, heat and hurricanes george-russellcycleacrossusafornts while hauling a tent and luggage is a test Due to Covid-19 Scotland’s most loved of endurance, as well as George’s love of places are at risk. To help the NTS and Scotland! As he travels from San Diego, their Save Our Scotland campaign California, and pedals through Arizona, see: www.nts.org.uk/donate

George’s route across America. Text and images courtesy of The National Trust for Scotland Trust and images courtesy of The National Text

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 3 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Send us your inquiries on life’s little question marks. Ever wanted to know what happened to your old pal from home, how to make SCOT POURRI your favourite Scottish meal, or wondered about a certain bit of Scottish history? Campaign to achieve fair uprating for 95 year old Robert Haley from a all recipients of the UK State pension suburb, in the constituency of Australia’s Many of us 500,000 PM Scott Morrison, was a young Royal A love letter from British expats living Navy signaller at 17 years old. He first in Canada, Australia, served on an Arctic convoy cruiser HMS New Zealand and Suffolk in 1942 43, later redeployed in the Highland Games South Africa, know that the Indian Ocean, helping keep Western the UK pension, full Australia safe from Japanese attacks. communities internationally and I or partial, for which Robert made enough NI contributions see we are all in the same boat with many of us contributed in his life for a full UK pension, but since he cancellations. I have attended Highland when working in the UK, is never uprated reached pension age in 1990, when he retired Games for many decades and have been in most Commonwealth nations, even in Australia, he was first paid his UK pension to several here in Canada as well the USA though the British Government do uprate of £47/week, his UK pension has never and Scotland itself. As I have seen all the the UK state pension annually for over increased, although it would have increased events of our summer get cancelled my 680,000 expats retired in the EU, the USA, each year to £134/week in 2020, had he heart breaks for the Games committees, Turkey, Israel, the Philippines among some retired in The USA, Germany, Israel etc. bands, dancers, athletes and vendors. other nations. The campaign these British expats are We as a Scottish community are so lucky This appalling British government running is being managed by a London to have Highland Games to not only pension practice has been the subject based PR team Tendo consulting, with come together and celebrate with friends of an unsuccessful legal challenge advocacy from actress Miriam Margolyes. and families, but also showcase our rich even reaching the European Court of It is being paid for from membership culture to non-Scots who also love being Human Rights. The case failed on a legal subscriptions to 2 major, not for profit a bit Scottish for the day with us. technicality, but since 2010 a group of organisations, the Canadian Alliance of I look forward to when we can all British Expat pensioners has teamed up British Pensioners (www.britishpensions. safely gather again and want to wish as the International Consortium of British com) and British Pensions in Australia all the Scots across the world the best Pensioners and continued to fight the UK’s (www.bpia.org) both of whom are seeking and when our events come back please outrageous frozen pension policy. more members to help win this fight for support them! In recent weeks the campaign for UK justice. pension policy change has, ahead of the 75th We hope this appeal will result in What a lovely piece you put together Wendy McDonald anniversary of VE Day, focussed on the several many enquiries and readers will also visit in the July edition from Highland , Ontario WW2 veterans who fought for and served the www.endfrozenpensions.org and Games across the world (A love letter Canada UK in their youth, and they now want British www.pensionjustice.org. from the Highland Games, the Scottish Ed note: We agree Wendy, once safe we need MPs to fight for a pension policy change to Sincerely, Banner, July, 2020). You tend to forget to support these great community events ensure all UK pensioners are treated fairly Jim Tilley what impacts are being felt by Scottish which are very missed today. and equally, without the discrimination with Hon Vice Chairman, British Pensions in which they are unfairly treated now. Australia Inc & Director of the ICB For the love of Highland Games Kilts and Kiwis I thought your FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA article on the Send us your photos or letters via social media importance of the Highland Games Glencoe snow Edinburgh Vista’s was excellent (the Scottish Banner, July, 2020). Wherever in the world you attend a Highland Games, there is always a warm welcome Kilts and Kiwis – brought to you by there for you. The value of these wonderful Marion and Simon from the events is tremendous! Edinburgh Sister City Society. Members Vista’s from Edinburgh Castle. The celebration of Scottish culture and of the Society, and wider Scottish Kenny Bruce Photos traditions, that involves so many different community, explore the connections Scotland forms: the pipe bands, Highland dancers, between Dunedin, Edinburgh and Fettes College the Heavy Games (now including both Scotland, culminating in November’s St Scotland’s icing sugar dusted men and women), music, singing and all Andrews Day Celebrations in the Octagon chocolate Glen Coe truffles. the stalls selling a wide variety of Scottish (this year Sunday Nov 29th 2020). Chat, Bidean Nam Bian in winter. goods and food. The sounds, sights and music, history and giveaways, proudly Gary Chittack tastes there for everyone to enjoy! supported by Dunedin City Council Scotland Highland Games are an event for Events, Community Development and King Robert the Bruce the whole community, for all ages and Harraways. Happy to hear from any backgrounds. other sister city groups with Scottish Proud Scots and descendants mingle connections or activities that they run with friends, in their colourful tartans...a over the year. day to look forward to. Otago Access Radio 105.4 FM and We all look forward to the return of the 1575 am every fortnight Friday from Highland Games! 11 am or via live stream or podcast for Sue MacLeod OAM more details go to: Ringwood, Victoria www.oar.org.nz/kilts-and-kiwis Australia www.facebook.com/ DunedinEdinburghSisterCitySociety As the sunsets over Bannockburn and Ed note: Thanks Sue for your letter and yes Fettes College in Edinburgh looks Highland Games are so important for so Simon Vare King Robert the Bruce looks on. almost Disney castle magical. many of us in the Scottish community, we Dunedin Edinburgh Sister City Society Charles McGuigan Shutter Bug Shots can’t wait to come togther again! Dunedin, New Zealand. Scotland Scotland

Pose your questions on Scottish related topics to our knowledgeable readership who just may be able to help. Please keep letters under 300 words and we reserve the right to edit content and length. Letters can be emailed to [email protected] or online at www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us, alternatively you may post your letters to us (items posted to the Scottish Banner cannot be returned). Please ensure you include your full contact details should you require a reply. This page belongs to our readers so please feel free to take part!

Page 4 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Lady Fiona MacGregor Lady MacGregor’s Scotland Lady MacGregor of MacGregor – otherwise known as British writer and broadcaster Fiona Armstrong - works for ITV news and current affairs. Fiona’s husband is the Chief of Clan Gregor, Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor. She is an active member of Clan Armstrong, so their lives are interwoven with all things tartan. The couple live in the Scottish Borderlands, although filming and writing takes Fiona all over Scotland.

The Queen, the Duchess, Talking of history, with little else to do campaign; marching with the troops and Miss MacGregor we have been unearthing old boxes - and from Kabul to Kandahar - and no doubt In the meantime, the vegetable plot is reading letters written by the chief’s great keeping up spirits on the way. coming on nicely. Yes, being stuck at grandfather. Sir Malcolm MacGregor lived ‘Dobbler’, meanwhile, was a bull home has had some positive results. in west Perthshire, but a naval career terrier that accompanied the Argyll and You name it, I’m growing it. From radish meant he spent long years away at sea. Sutherland Highlanders to far-flung places to sweet turnip, curly kale to potatoes. In these missives, composed a hundred like China and South Africa. Flora was a The only problem is that everything and fifty years ago, the Rear Admiral is in band dog. Then there is Scamp and Tinkler comes at once. I must learn the secret the middle of the ocean. He’s missing the – and the rest - all remembered in verse…. of sowing in rotation. In fact, with time Highland hills and glens and taking a wee ‘Berkin dugs lie here at rest/ The yappin Rummie the not so very on our hands the garden has never dram to remind himself of home. He is worst, obedient best/Sodgers pets and brave Norfolk Terrier. looked so good. The MacGregor has also detailing the sort of ship’s biscuits his mascots tae/Still the guard the castle to been mowing and strimming. He’s even little dog likes to chew on. Because, from this day.’ reetings from Scotland – where managed to get rid of the great fir tree the coast of Africa to Brazil, the man was I do not think our doggies will ever sit in we are still waiting for the sun that fell last year in a storm. That has accompanied a small black and tan terrier. a hall of fame – or on a castle rampart. to make an appearance. If the now been logged, so we should be okay Then that’s what they did then. A faithful The littlest MacNaughties likes to think he’s weather improves the chief might for wood for the winter. The winter. friend could follow his master to the ends brave. And the tiny terrier has challenged Geven be able to crank up the barbecue What a thought. It seems like the year is of the earth. a few Alsatians in his time, but he is not in the back courtyard. A fair bit of work away. And what have we comfortable with noise. As the first shot has been going on there; walls painted, really done? This month we planned to Man’s best friend rang out, Rummie would be gone. As for cobbles cleaned, and I want to show it off. take a camper van to the Highlands. I know dogs are trained to work in combat the Spaniel. Well, as a shooting dog, gunfire We don’t usually need an excuse to party, We would park up somewhere dramatic zones today. But imagine taking a simple does not phase. Especially now he is deaf. but with restrictions still in force over and the chief would go photographing pet into a modern conflict. I decide to look But put him on water and he does not like the virus, we have to do our entertaining whilst I continued to work on my book. further into the matter - and stumble on it one bit. Indeed, the chief once took him outside – so we do need a dry day. I do Which, like the garden, is coming on well… a poignant place. High above Edinburgh on the ferry to the Shetland Isles. It was not hope you haven’t been really badly It’s a biography and it tells the story is a resting place for regimental mascots a successful trip. affected. Here, touch wood, the number of of the chief’s great great great aunt and and the pets of officers. It is a cemetery for No, our two will never make the grand reported cases is falling. Then the Scottish her time at court and at Blair Castle in soldiers’ dogs. heights of Edinburgh Castle. Then they Government has been ultra-strict on who northern Perthshire. The provisional Among those buried a medieval tower will probably be quite happy to rest among can go where and do what. Plus, we now title is The Queen, the Duchess, and Miss at the city’s castle is a little white animal the bluebells in the garden. We try not to have to wear face masks in shops and on MacGregor. I think it’s a riveting tale. that ‘served’ with the 72nd Highlanders. think about that. And dwell instead on the public transport. Then I would, wouldn’t I? Pat took part in the Victorian Afghan bravery of man’s best friend… Did you know?

Heather blooms on Ben A’an, Trossachs. Photo: Andy Belshaw. Andy Photo: Trossachs. blooms on Ben A’an, Heather Heather

• Scotland is the European stronghold • Heather was used to make brooms for upland, heather-rich heath, with which is how it got its Latin name: about a quarter of the whole surface Calluna, which is derived from the of the country covered in it. Greek word meaning ‘to brush’. • Heather grows from sea level • Heather blooms July to October to elevations of about 1,000 and is at its best in late summer, metres in the mountains. peaking in August. 113 Wilderness Rd, Lovedale NSW • Large areas of upland Scotland – • The idea that white heather is lucky particularly in Perthshire, the Cairngorms, was popularised by the Victorians Deeside and the Borders – are dominated and their love of Scottish traditions. by ling or common heather. • Heather ale was made in Great at great prices. • In the Highlands the medicinal Scotland for thousands of years properties of an infusion of heather – archaeologists have found saltireestate.com.au tops were used to treat coughs, traces of an alcoholic drink consumption and to soothe the nerves, made from heather on shards Hosts of the Hunter Valley Highland Games. and heather tea and ointments were of pottery more than 3,000 used to treat arthritis and rheumatism. years old used by the Picts!

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 5 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Scotspeak is a selection of quotes which made headlines in SCOTSPEAK Scotland last month on a variety of current Scottish affairs. “This is an incredible and with uncertainty surrounding what Giles Ingram, chief executive of the The Outlander actor beat stars like opportunity to own guidance would be in place in January Abbotsford Trust, said the £224,200 Tom Hardy and Idris Elba in the poll for a piece of meant there was no guarantee the festival Heritage Emergency Fund grant will help RadioTimes.com as Daniel Craig has history. This is an could happen at all. The health and safety pay for a range of essential day-to-day costs filmed his final Bond movie. exciting time for of the community, participants and the including salaries, utilities, garden upkeep everyone at the Grand many volunteers it takes to deliver the and security at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Whisky Auction and festival was the priority of committee Walter Scott, near Melrose in the Scottish we are expecting members when making the decision.” Borders. The Trust had to shut Abbotsford’s interest from bidders doors to visitors on 20th March and even Organisers said Shetland’s Up Helly Aa worldwide seeking to though it has been closed to visitors, the festival will be cancelled in 2021. add this rare bottle to their collection.” running and conservation costs of the The popular fire festival includes people Category A listed buildings, gardens and Beau Wallace, director of The Grand Whisky dressed as Vikings marching through the collections remain virtually unchanged. Auction, said as a historic bottle of whisky streets of Lerwick to recreate its ancient At least 70,000 people of all ages from all “The Coronavirus pandemic has had a went up for auction from the shipwreck Viking past, in a tradition dating back to over the world visited Abbotsford last year. devastating impact on the tourism industry. which inspired the book and film th the 19 century. The festival has rarely It’s important that new and returning “As our local economies open back up and Whisky Galore. 50,000 cases of whisky been postponed or cancelled in its 140- visitors are still dreaming about Scotland particularly with busy streets like Buchanan washed up from a stricken vessel leaving year history, with the last cancellation even if they can’t physically explore just yet. Street and Argyle Street it will be more Scottish islanders trying to recover the taking place in 1965 due to the death of We felt Sketching Scotland was a fun take on challenging for people to remain physically liquid cargo during the Second World War Winston Churchill. sightseeing, so even if you can’t physically visit distanced, so if we can help them in any way The bottle comes from one of the most you can still learn about some of our best- famous shipwrecks in history, the S.S at all to make that easier we are willing to loved attractions in a completely new way. Politician, which ran aground off the shores give it a try and see how it works out.” We were also conscious that people are of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides in 1941. Glasgow City Council leader, Susan looking for ways to use their time creatively Aitken, said as the city makes plans to get and learn a new skill. We loved the thought stores trading again in Scotland’s busiest that people all over the world could be shopping precincts. Signs to encourage taking 15 minutes to relax, draw and think pedestrians to walk on one side of the road of Scotland, and of course hopefully visit in’ could be introduced on major pedestrian real life’ when that is possible.” “Abbotsford is not only one of Scotland’s thoroughfares such as Buchanan Street. Eva Kwiecinska, VisitScotland’s Senior most significant heritage icons, it is also Content Marketing Manager, said that a crucial linchpin to supporting the local “Sam is clearly very popular with fans, and this victory solidifies his position VisitScotland has come up with a new way “The decision has been an extremely and regional economy across the whole as one of the public favourites for this to draw attention to some of the country’s hard one to make but the committee of the south of Scotland. Although we most coveted of film roles. With a host of most iconic sights. Part of its online activity have a responsibility to the community still anticipate there may be tough times to help visitors dream now and travel later, incredible talent in the frame to take over of Shetland to ensure the festival does ahead for us, the Heritage Emergency the national tourism organisation has from Daniel Craig, Sam certainly has not contribute to the spread of Covid-19. Fund grant is helping us to look to the launched Sketching Scotland. A series of 20 some stiff competition – but this big vote The nature of Up Helly Aa, the numbers future with more confidence. We can’t short videos teaching virtual visitors how of confidence will certainly be something involved and the potential of large wait to welcome our visitors, friends and to sketch landmarks and locations such as for Bond 26 producers to consider.” numbers of visitors to the isles are all risks neighbours back again and are carefully Glenfinnan Viaduct, Caerlaverock Castle that were taken into account. The festival following announcements from the RadioTimes.com editorial director Tim and the Kelpies. To try Sketching Scotland going ahead in its current format would Scottish government for guidance on Glanfield said that Scottish actor Sam Heughan visit: www.visitscotland.com/see-do/ be difficult with any restrictions in place when we can reopen.” top a recent poll to find the next James Bond. attractions/arts-culture/sketching-scotland SCOTWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Here is a fun crossword for you to try with a few of the answers to be found in Scotland! If you are in doubt, you may 8 9 need a wee peek at a Scots dictionary or a map. Or, if you are really stuck, the answers can be found on page 23! 10 11 CLUES ACROSS: CLUES DOWN: Clues Across 1) Tayside castle of the Ogilvies (6). 12 13 14 15 8) Town west of Peebles (6). 2) Once more in Scots (4). 3) The Royal Scots (5). 16 17 9) Chief town on Bute (8). 10) Birthplace of David Livingstone (8). 4) Top gathering village (7). 18 19 20 21 11) Type of scone (6). 5) Party animals! (5). 6) ---- of Hermiston (4). 12) Top peak! (5). 22 7) Village on the River Dee (8). 14) Scots roll (3). 13) Short measures! (3). 23 24 25 26 15) Scotland’s renowned author (5). 16) Mountain pass (3). 18) Scotland’s second city (7). 27 28 17) Scots farm animal (3). 20) Admin region of south-east Scotland (7). 19) Tayside expanse of water (4, 4). 23) Castle near (5). 29 30 31 32 21) North-east river (3). 24) Anger (3). 22) A capital street (7). 25) A dishonest card! (5). 26) It’s a fiddle! (6). 29) Search out this animal (6). 33 34 27) In winter it’s an ermine! (5). 31) Town south-west of Barrhead (8). 28) Highland daggers (5). 33) Town near Linlithgow (3). 30) Gather in the harvest (4). 34) Glasgow river (6). 32) Farm silage store (4).

Page 6 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Australian Jim Stoddart was born in a Glasgow Tenement and raised in a Glasgow Housing Scheme 1943-1965. Jim will be KINGS CASTLES AND taking readers on a trip down memory lane, of a time and place that will never be the same again, and hopes even if only a “DURTY” WEE RASCALS few people in the Scot’s Diaspora have a dormant folk memory awakened, then he shall be more than delighted.

plentiful supply of these fence poles all Commies or clayies, made of fired clay, “You’ve only pit in two of they wee along Barrhead Road all the way from were the least attractive but they were cheap commies. That’s no’ fair. Ah put in two of my Pollokshaws to the Hurlet and beyond. and readily available in our post-war stringent best glessies. Ah’m no playin’ if you don’t put environment where even sugar for our precious in at least wan of your milkies to make up for Marbles sweets was still being rationed. Chinas were ma good wans.” We were allowed to use and Yo-yo’s and hula hoops and other attractions made of porcelain clay, glazed or unglazed and usually keep the marble we selected as our which captured the imaginations of both one step up, but not near as attractive as shooter, but everything else was up for grabs. children and adults came and went. clearies made of clear, light blue or green glass. With such riches at stake cheating had to be Girds made from an abandoned bicycle Glessies were made of clear brightly coloured watched out for. Moving a hand forward over Jauries wheel and a sturdy stick and peerie tops glass and milkies were opaque milky white the pitch line while shooting, placing a hand Wee Jimmy’s lost his jaurie, from an earlier era were losing favour but marbles. The more highly valued special over the shooting line, having our knuckles doon by the Broomielaw, the popularity of games like ‘jauries’ came marbles had fancy swirls inside and cat’s eye off the ground when they were supposed to He drapped it doon a stank so he around each year as reliably as the seasons, marbles were a later addition from Japan be touching the ground were all frowned on went and got a clathespole. only more mysteriously. coming into the UK in the 1950’s. Lastly there and a great source of argument. He shoved that doon the stank were steelies, shiny ball-bearings of various “Hey, haud oan a minute! You pushed but coudnae reach at all, sizes and were naturally readily available in a yer hand ower the line. Ye’ll have to take So he went and got some gunpowder The popularity of games like city of heavy engineering works and shipyards. that shot again.” and rammed that doon the stanks, “No ah don’t – No ah didnae!. If ah Greetin’ and girnin’ But still he still couldnae get it and ‘jauries’ came around each did do it, it must have moved over that blew up half of Glasgow - thanks! Establishing the finer rules in a game, where wee stone. Ah didnae mean it.” We won year as reliably as the seasons, some people were going to go off home with a marble by either hitting it or pushing And It was in his bloody pocket, it wisnae lost at all. less than they came with and possibly greetin’ it over the line by striking it. “That jaurie only more mysteriously. and girnin’ for good measure, was most didnae move. That disnae count.” A sad Glasgow tale, circa 1950s. important before the commencement of “Aye it does. We didnae say that it had e loved to make stilts and the any contest. ‘Fairsies’ was when each player to move to count.” Some of us went home simplest type to engineer We never quite knew or even took the time to got back his marbles at the end of the game no with a sock bulging with new trophies to were those that had an old ask, why it was that all of a sudden just about matter how many they won or lost during the be enthusiastically counted and admired tin can for each foot and a everyone was scrambling through their game but the cut and thrust of ‘keepsies’ was with all the delight of a rich man counting Wstrong piece of string or better still some mother’s sideboards to search out that bag more commonly favoured within my group his golden guineas. Inevitably, some of us washing line to loop up to hold tight as or old sock containing the marbles from the of friends. In ‘keepsies’ our losses were not went home, sniffing back tears, with a wee we tentatively plodded forward. Another year before. Suddenly everyone was spending returned and there was always someone with near-empty sock of jauries to be carefully design which made us even taller required big at the local shops and everywhere else an eye on our best and most attractive jauries. counted, one by one, like a miserable us to acquire two poles from a Corporation in Glasgow on new marbles. The mysterious The person that got closest to the line that we miser. Thank goodness the jaurie season Parks and Gardens fence in Househillwood names passed down by word of mouth from were shooting to commenced play by having finally came to its inevitable end and what Park and attach a wooden block to each each generation of ‘jaurie players’ were heard ‘first go’ at shooting his marble toward the remained of those marbles went into pole with a six-inch nail. A far-sighted once again on our streets and in our school group of marbles put into the pool. That was a sock but to emerge just as reliably in Glasgow Corporation had provided a playgrounds. usually the first point of contention. another year’s time. Being Scottish is Bags of Fun! Most bag styles also include a Ditch plastic-go Scottish! handy inside key/coin zip pouch.

Keep Calm and The Multi Scottie Scottie Dog Single Highland Coo Tartan Scottie Jute Bag Wear Tartan Jute Bag Dog Canvas Bag Canvas Bag Jute Bag This sturdy bag comes Show your Scottish pride with this brand new The sturdy canvas bag comes with a lovely pattern This sturdy bag comes with a This sturdy bag comes with a colourful with a tartan Scottie pattern, jute bag style. In a lovely purple tartan design of Scottish Terrier Dogs. Includes an interior classic pattern of a Scottish Terrier pattern of bonnie Highland coo’s. handle and gussets. with webbed handle. key/coin pouch and strong black webbed handles. dog with sturdy handles. H: 20cm, W: 20cm, D: 14cm H: 20cm, W: 20cm, D: 14cm H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm H: 30cm, W: 40cm, D: 15cm H: 30cm, W: 40cm, D: 12cm From the Scottish Banner the canvas and jute bag collection direct from Dundee, Scotland. These great and fun bags show off your Scottish pride wherever you go and have many uses. Make shopping or going to the beach fun with these multi use carry bag’s. Great for yourself or as a unique gift! $24.95 plus $9.50 postage or $16 post for up to 3 multi-bag orders Australia wide (NZ orders please add $10 airmail postage fee). To order yours simply Scottish Dialect Canvas Bag Scottish Colourful Thistle Jute Bag Westie Jute Bag contact us on 02 9559 6348 The sturdy bag comes with a variety of 18 fun Cats Jute Bag This sturdy bag comes with a lovely This sturdy bag comes with a colourful pattern or email: [email protected] Scottish words. Includes a humorous word This jute bag comes with a colourful pattern of Scottish thistles. With purple of playful Westies, along with a solo Scottie pal. online at: www.scottishbanner.com/shop description, in case you did nae know! Quality pattern of Scottish cats, celebrating our tartan gusset and purple webbed handle. With black webbed handles. cream canvas with black text and sturdy handles. More bag styles available online! feline friends. With blue webbed handles. H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm H: 20cm, W: 20cm, D: 14cm H: 40cm, W: 35cm, D: 20cm H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 7 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Glencoe

Towering mountains surround hidden valleys, glittering lochans and some of Scotland’s most-loved wildlife. A change in weather dramatically alters the mood. Scotland’s most famous glen is as much known for its outstanding wild beauty as it is for its tragic past – and both have inspired countless pieces of art. Everyone who visits Glencoe leaves with treasured memories of this remarkable place. Not wildwood deep, nor mountain gray, Not this deep dell, that shrouds from day, Could screen from treach’rous cruelty. (Sir Walter Scott, ‘On the Massacre of Glencoe’) The road winds in Listlessness of ancient war, Langour of broken steel Inspiring places (T S Eliot, ‘Rannoch, by Glencoe’) Glencoe National Nature Reserve. Culzean Castle & Country Park

Countless artworks take as their inspiration not only the landscape of Scotland, but also its wonderful historic buildings. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) care for these amazing places so they can continue to inspire future generations.

Glenfinnan Monument Torridon Visitors today can wander the battlefield and experience the powerfully evocative atmosphere. The bleak aspect across This 18th century Scottish castle offers a boggy moorland captures something dramatic cliff top setting, Robert Adam of the experience for those clansmen. architecture, fascinating history and Gaelic poet Aonghas MacNeacail has beautiful surroundings. Packed with created a series of poetry benches around antique furniture and furnishings, the field, inspired by his surroundings. artworks, porcelain and other fascinating The inscription on one reads: period objects, it’s a superb example of 18th century high-class living. Glenfinnanis pretty much a living artwork, A magnet for hikers and climbers, cluinn màrsail, each is gunna, claidheamh Culzean is surrounded by a large caithream ’s caoineadh, ameasg ceilearai dh with the spectacular Highland scenery Torridon is a place of majestic beauty estate with lush woodland, landscaped at the head of Loch Shiel framing the and uncompromising terrain. At the hear marching, horse and gunfire, sword and gardens and rugged coastline – all of drumbeat, weeping, amid birdsong 18m-high monument. This is where Prince foot of the mountains, the upper shore which must have inspired Georgian Charles Edward Stuart set off on his ill-fated of Loch Torridon is a peaceful spot to artist Alexander Nasmyth very shortly 1745 campaign, the final Jacobite rising. contemplate the awe-inspiring scenery. Brodick Castle, Garden after the castle was completed. The views are amazing in every season. We think this must have been where & Country Park This beautiful oil painting now hangs in You should also be able to spot Victorian poet A C Swinburne camped the Long Drawing Room in Culzean Castle. the equally impressive Glenfinnan overnight, to admire the sunrise he Viaduct, made famous by its starring captured in his Loch Torridon: Staffa role in the Harry Potter films and in many railway posters. From mountain to mountain the water was kindled and stung to delight. Robert Burns Birthplace Museum And the grey gaunt heights that embraced and constrained and compelled it were glad, And the rampart of rock, stark naked, that thwarted and barred it, was clad With a stern grey splendour of sunrise The quintessential Victorian ‘Highland’ estate, the grand Scottish baronial-style Culloden Brodick Castle has stunning views over Follow in the footsteps of J M W Turner, Brodick Bay to the Firth of Clyde, enjoyed Mendelssohn, Wordsworth and Sir every bit as much today as they were Walter Scott – and fall under the spell almost 200 years ago. Nestled beneath of this magical island. Staffa looks as if The best place to get close to Burns Goatfell and surrounded by woodland, it has come straight out of the pages of and his genius is his birthplace of the castle is a favourite thing to spot from a fantasy novel with its volcanic rock Alloway, now home to the Robert Burns the ferry on the journey over to Arran. columns, caves and sheer cliffs. Listen Birthplace Museum. This wee village The gardens, woodland, waterfalls, to Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture inspired much of Burns’s work, most bathing pools and bold rhododendrons (inspired by Fingal’s Cave) and lose famously his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. conjure up an island charm that will yourself in Wordsworth’s ‘Cave of Staffa’: Scotland’s future was changed on 16 April beguile children and adults alike. Kirk Aloway was drawing nigh, 1746 when the Jacobite army fought to Landscape artist George Hering [...] stand Where ghaists & houlets nightly cry. reclaim the throne of Britain from the was a close friend of Princess Marie of Gazing, and take into his mind and heart, Due to his enduring popularity, Burns Hanoverians for a Stuart king. The Battle Baden, who lived at Brodick Castle in With undistracted reverence, the effect has inspired countless artists in the last of Culloden was the last hand-to-hand 1844 after marrying the future Duke Of those proportions where the Almighty hand 200 years, from painters and sculptors battle fought on British soil, and resulted of Hamilton. Hering visited Brodick That made the worlds, the sovereign Architect, to Bob Dylan and John Steinbeck. in a brutal defeat for the Jacobites. often and painted this in 1857. Has deigned to work as if with human art!

Page 8 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Iona Outlander, the storybook nature of Preston Mill also inspired Lady Ailsa in 1909. Her watercolour now hangs in the Eisenhower apartments in her former home at Culzean Castle. Tartan of the Month Bannockburn

This little island of bright white sands and twinkling turquoise waters is an artist’s dream, and inspired a series of works from Scottish Colourists Francis Cadell and Samuel Peploe in the 1920s. The sense of spiritual calm on Iona is enhanced by this natural beauty. The We’ve mostly looked at artists from Hebridean folklorist and photographer centuries past, but National Trust for Margaret Fay Shaw, who lived on Canna, Scotland places remain every bit as visited a couple of decades later and took inspirational today and continue to play a series of photographs that, even in black an important role in the modern Scottish Memories of Scotland Tartan and white, capture the sense of peace arts. When the new Battle of Bannockburn and tranquillity in this special place. visitor centre opened in 2014, the NTS revealed a very special inscription on the The Scottish Banner is pleased to be his tartan (SRT Reference: 12848) Preston Mill restored rotunda. Written by Kathleen Jamie offering the Tartan of the Month series was designed for Olly Bobbins for the 700th anniversary of this nation- Florists, based in Perthshire, highlighting a variety of different, defining battle, it concludes with the lines: who wanted to design a tartan unique and colourful tartans Tthat represents memories of the fresh ‘Come all ye’, the country says from around the world which are Highland landscapes in the Scottish You win me, who take me most to heart. registered with the Scottish Register summertime. The colour palette was Scotland holds such an important of Tartans in Edinburgh. The Scottish inspired by the memories of fields place in so many hearts, and it’s thanks with sweet-smelling heather and hazy Register of Tartans was established to the support of NTS members, mornings: purple and green represent friends and donors that they are able by an act of the Scottish Parliament the heather and forests of the Highland With its curious Dutch-style conical to protect these special places today, in November 2008 and promotes and landscape; light purple grey represents roof, the mill is an architectural and for generations to come. preserves information about historic the morning haze and pinks represents oddity that will beguile visitors as Text and images are courtesy of and contemporary tartans from the night sky. Purple doubles as the much as it delights painters and colour for Alzheimer’s Scotland, a charity the National Trust for Scotland. Scotland and throughout the world. photographers. Perhaps currently For more information on the Trust personal to Olly Bobbins. The tartan best known as Jamie Fraser’s or to help them protect Scotland’s Text and image use is courtesy of the was designed by Joe Rodger and was mill pond in the hit TV series of heritage see:www.nts.org.uk Scottish Register of Tartans (SRT). registered in June, 2020. Volunteers isolate at Highlands ‘lost world’ to save thousands of young trees except for a few essential reasons, to explore the wild landscapes, discover such as collecting prescriptions. Gaelic culture, and learn about the region’s Food is arriving at the rewilding estate unique wildlife including golden eagles, via supermarket deliveries. pine martens and red squirrels. As well as being an internationally The world’s first rewilding centre important forest restoration site, Doug added: “The local Redburn Cafe Dundreggan is a biodiversity hotspot that has started local takeaways, so they’re an is home to over 4,000 plant and animal occasional treat! No one has visited us for species. Discoveries include several weeks now, except for delivery drivers and species never recorded in the UK before, or Patrick Fenner, Louise Cameron and Emma the postie. We’re here in isolation for the previously feared extinct in Scotland. Beckinsale tend the young trees at Dundreggan. long-haul if needs be – together with a Trees for Life is dedicated to rewilding the growing forest for the future.” Scottish Highlands. So far its volunteers have team of six people from Trees for “We were all set for another busy Trees for Life plans to open the world’s established nearly two million native trees Life have been voluntarily isolating season of preparing thousands of young first rewilding centre at Dundreggan in at dozens of sites, encouraging wildlife to themselves at the charity’s flagship native trees for planting on the hills by 2022. This is expected to welcome over flourish and helping communities to thrive. Dundreggan rewilding estate our volunteers, when the coronavirus 50,000 visitors annually – allowing people For more details see: www.treesforlife.org.uk Ain Glenmoriston, near Loch Ness in the crisis forced the postponement of this Highlands since 23 March – to save more spring’s tree planting – meaning tens of THE SCOTTISH BANNER ORDER FORM than 100,000 native young trees from thousands of young trees have not left The Scottish Banner, P.O Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204, Australia Ph: 02 9559 6348, Email: [email protected] being lost due to the coronavirus crisis our nursery as planned. But nature isn’t We accept: Visa, Mastercard,Cheques and Money Orders. Use this coupon or visit www.scottishbanner.com/shop PRICE lockdown. The trees – including Scots pine, in lockdown. All these precious trees QTY TITLE / DESCRIPTION / SIZE EACH TOTAL rowan, juniper, hazel, holly and oak, as well have been coming into leaf, and we need as rare mountain species such as dwarf to take care of them – especially in the birch and woolly willow – have all been dry weather we’ve been having. Without grown carefully from seed in Dundreggan’s regular watering, they would all die. specialised nursery, and were due for We also needed to start sowing new seed planting out on the hills this spring. now, to ensure a supply of trees for future planting seasons” said Doug Gilbert, Restore Scotland’s ancient Trees for Life’s Dundreggan Manager. Name:...... SUBTOTAL Caledonian Forest So, Doug – with colleagues Abbey POST Address:...... CHARGE Dozens of volunteers help to propagate Goff, Emma Beckinsale, Patrick Fenner, ...... Post Code:...... and grow over 60,000 trees a year at the and trainees Catriona Bullivant and TOTAL Tel:...... Email:...... Plus Postage, please add nursery, from seed collected across the Louise Cameron – opted to voluntarily (Bags $9.00 Per item-Multi orders max. charge $16.00) Visa/MC...... (CD’s $4.50 Per CD-Multi orders max. charge $8.00) estate. These trees are then planted out isolate themselves at Dundreggan rather (Dvd’s $7.00 Per Dvd-Multi orders max. charge $10.00) (Book’s $9.50 Per Book-Multi orders max. charge $16.00) at Dundreggan and other Highland sites than at their homes when the national Expiry:...... :...... (NZ Orders in AU$. Please add $10.00 to above for air mail) to restore Scotland’s ancient Caledonian lockdown was announced. Doug and his Please note that these are speciality items imported from the U.K allow, at times, approx 4 weeks for delivery. Thank you for using Forest and its unique wildlife. colleagues aren’t leaving Dundreggan the Scottish Banner mail order service. For more offers or to see our full range and terms please visit www.scottishbanner.com

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 9 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

to create that for them. A drum corps can enhance the rhythmic pattern of bagpipes in ways that arguably a bagpipe cannot do on its own. Bass and tenor drums can harmonically enhance what is going on with the bagpipe. Drums create another visual element to enhance a pipe band performance. Our job is really to make the Tyler Fry bagpipes even better than they already are. Your passion for the pipe bands is obvious and you are fortunate to be a global ambassador in the pipe band scene by playing, running work shops and even as a live stream host. What is it you love about the global pipe band community and what international similarities or differences do you see amongst the bands? TF: I love that globally we have a fraternity of people that love Scottish music and culture. What pipe bands have taught me is that the world is a big place but at the same time a very small place.

Drums create another visual element to enhance a pipe band performance. Our job is really Keeping Pipe Bands to make the bagpipes even better than they already are.

Flourishing I can be in Canberra, , Glasgow or Kincardine and the interest and love for Scottish music is the same, no matter where I go. So the great thrill for Canadian born Tyler Fry has had a love of pipe bands from an early age. me is travelling all over the world, whether it be as a tutor or instructor, live stream His passion for pipe bands, and particularly the drums, has made him become a host or as you say an ambassador, is being world champion drummer, instructor and entrepreneur. Tyler took time to talk all able to share the same passion for what I love with other people. I think we are the things pipe bands with us this month from his home in Houston, Texas. same, and we have a global community which shares a common passion for Scottish music, culture and identity and Tyler how did you get into the pipe By 1984 my grandparents bought me my TF: When I got the opportunity to join I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. band scene? And what specifically first toy drum and I already made by mind my local pipe band at the age of 10 or drew you to drumming? Tyler you are associated with the Red up I wanted to be a bagpipe drummer. 11 I told them I wanted to be a tenor Hot Chilli Pipers, Scotland’s most TF: I grew up in a small town called My grandmother tied a string to my toy drummer. While I was playing with famous bag pipe band. Can you tell Kincardine along the banks of Lake Huron drums sticks and attached a pom pom the band I was watching, listening and us how you got involved and how in Ontario, Canada. The town is named by at the end of them, so I was actually mimicking the tenor drummers. important you feel bringing a modern Scottish migrants after the town in . able to flourish my stick while sitting on During 8th grade I was given a home edge to piping music is today? In 1909 a group of Scottish settlers formed my dad’s shoulders and follow the pipe economics project which involved me having the towns first pipe band and over the band up the street, so as a kid I knew I to sew on a sewing machine. So, I created TF: I began touring with the Red Hot Chilli years the band marched up and down the wanted to be in the band and drum. my first tenor drumstick at 13 years old. Pipers (RHCP) in 2013 and it was actually main street every Saturday night during Anyone who is involved in the pipe Shortly thereafter I was playing several solo kind of by accident. Being in the pipe band the summer. When I was just a small boy band movement is no doubt also drumming events and was invited to play for scene I have become friends with many in the 1980s, I was drawn and mesmerised mesmerised by the sound and the power of the 78th Highlanders and soon after began members of different bands throughout by the sounds of the pipe band and the bagpipes. However, I was drawn to the producing drum sticks for myself because the years, including some of the founding watched them perform each Saturday. drummers in the band particularly. I was I wasn’t happy with the way the sticks I was members of the RHCP. I live in Houston, drawn to the drummers who flourished using felt when I flourished them and I Texas and they called me to join them at or twirled their sticks whilst drumming certainly could not produce a good sound an event for Richard Branson in Barbados at the same time, and by not only the when I used any of the current products in the which I jumped at the chance to do. A month sound but the spectacle and showmanship market at that time. So I created something later I was in Scotland and they invited me of the drums, making it for me a visual for me and by word of mouth, slowly but to join them on stage at a show in Buckie, show as well as audible performance. surely, over the next year or so I started getting on the Moray coast, and I did my flourish. requests for my sticks from bands such as The next year I took part in the filming You produce the world’s most popular the Chicago Police Pipe Band and more and of their DVD Live at the Lake in Milwaukee tenor drumstick and amazingly began all of the sudden I had a little bit of money in America. From there on I toured with the your own drumming brand, TyFry, and I put that into creating a business. band when my schedule allowed, and it is a at age 13 can you tell us more? massive honour to be part of it. No one has So many people love the pipes done more in the advancement of Scottish but can forget that the drumming music, outside of pipe bands, than the RHCP. aspect of a pipe band is crucial. I think it is important to find innovative ways What is your perspective on just how to appeal to the next generation and look for important the drum corps are? new ways to bring the audience into what we TF: The bagpipe is an amazing instrument, do and be interested in what we do. The RHCP but unfortunately it only has one volume. have done a great job in bringing both A bagpiper does not have control over their Scottish songs and songs we all know and dynamics, the loudness or softness of the love on the radio to the pipes to not only the sound so the drum corps has the ability next generation of pipers and drummers, but

Page 10 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

also to the general public who may not know anything about bagpipes or Scottish culture. The RHCP do a great job in selling pipe band music to an audience that otherwise may not have an interest and has brought Scottish culture to people of all different backgrounds and made bagpipes for everyone.

What advice would you give to someone, regardless of age, who may be interested in getting involved with their local pipe band? TF: I think that there is nothing more occurred online with respect to online exciting that learning an instrument. competitions, band practices and social At The Worlds in Glasgow. Pipe bands are one of the most amazing connection. A lot of these things are things that have ever come into my life. probably here to stay. Things are so very I love the global fraternity we all have through different in different parts of the world just TF: Anyone in piping and drumming pipe band and Scottish music, and it is so now, with some bands able to meet and knows that The World’s is the pinnacle exciting to me that the pipe band movement others which cannot. I think it is important of competition and the ultimate goal of has allowed me to create a global network we find innovative ways to connect using competitive pipe bands. I think it is a massive of friends and family that I never thought technology, not only to practice together shame that the bands are not able to get I would have in my life. It does not matter but to perform. Social media is rampant together this year on Glasgow Green and how young, or old you are, it is never too late with individuals and bands who have found the other performance related events like to get involved. Whether it is small country creative ways to connect throughout this PipingLive! or the Northern Meeting. I also town Australia or mega city USA, pipe bands time of chaos. I am optimistic that bands, think perhaps as a culture we place too much are a culture, a way of life and for me nothing individuals and associations will continue emphasis on competition and maybe we has opened more doors. Creating music as a to explore these new opportunities of how will be able to use this time to evaluate if it Tyler with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. group is amazing and the energy I get from bands can play, nurture and promote pipe should be all about competing, or should we performing is incredible so get out there and bands and bring new opportunities to our also look at performance. Very often if you What is next for you Tyler? give it a try. community. A lot of innovation in piping are a competitive pipe band the emphasis and drumming has come out in times of is on competition, I think it is possible given TF: For the first time in a long time I The pipe band scene across the world crisis and I think we will look back to 2020 technology that we can look at different am not travelling. I have been using the is currently doing it very tough due to the same way. avenues beyond competition. Perhaps use time of Covid-19 to re-evaluate what I do Covid-19 with contest and performance this break to re-evaluate what the pipe band musically and an opportunity to innovate cancellations. What positive This month should be the World Pipe movement is doing and find ways of not only in ways I have not been able to before. initiatives do you see/or would like to Band Championships in Glasgow. competing, but harmonising competition I have new product ideas coming and see that will help keep bands spirits How special is this event to you and with performance and to sell what we plan to innovate and build my business. going and competitions alive? how important do you feel it is for the do to a wider changing global audience. I am using this as an opportunity to TF: It is really tough if you can’t get piping community to have not only The Competitions are an important and great evolve what I do not only as a musician, musicians together to keep the spark alive. World’s but also so many great piping experience for band members but should not but also personally and professionally. I love seeing all the innovation that has competitions to foster piping excellence? be the be all and end all of the pipe bands. For more details see: www.tyfry.com Eat Sleep Pipe Repeat – Music for the Bagpipes Bob Semple: a new tune for a pipe band legend at Sleep Pipe Repeat is the new with a First Class Honours from the new tune has been composed in already and I hope those who knew him collection of bagpipe music by Kyle Scottish Music – Piping Degree at the Royal honour of Robert – Bob – Semple find my tune worthy of him and a ‘cheery’ Warren (Field Marshal Montgomery Conservatoire of Scotland. O.A.M, B.E.M. who died in January one suitable to his ‘upbeat’ character.” and Red Hot Chilli Piper). The book Highlights in Kyle’s piping career include after a short illness, aged 99. A spokesman for the Hawthorn Pipe Econsists of 50 tunes, of which 42 are by releasing his debut album Wanted and book ABob was a huge figure in the piping scene Band said: “It’s wonderful to see another Kyle. These include 34 new compositions, of music Tunez, recording pipes on the Disney of Australia and was at the centre of the tune in Bob’s name and I’m sure he and 8 arrangements of modern and Pixar Oscar winning movie Brave, reaching the pipe band movement there for most of would be pleased to see that this tune is classic pipe tunes, with the original tunes final of the BBC Scotland Young Traditional the 20th century. At his funeral a couple of also for his former comrades.” also published in the book from famous Musician of the year, Pipe Major of the National months ago, a former Governor-General composers such as Gordon Duncan, Chris Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, winning a Danny (Quentin Bryce) and a former Victoria Armstrong and Mark Saul. This book is all Kyle award with ‘TNT’ at Celtic Connections, State Premier (Ted Baillieu) delivered about driving jigs, reels and hornpipes. winning the Bagad Championship in Lorient readings and comments. Whilst a nice mix of strathspeys, dances, with Bagad Cap Caval and teaching at the Two pipe bands played, Australia’s slow airs and a few light marches complete highly successful Dollar Academy prior to armed forces sent a troop of soldiers and the collection. The book consists of tunes emigrating to Australia. the Scots’ Church was filled suitable for all players, from the pipe band 2020 sees Kyle based back in Scotland, to overflowing. The police closed part of competition field to the folk music stage, or back with FMMPB, and excited to release his the street to allow for mourners. It was for having a wee tune at home! second music book, Eat Sleep Pipe Repeat. reportedly almost like a state funeral. The book includes tunes played by Orders are now available at: During the Second World War Bob th some of the best pipe bands in the world; www.kylewarrenbagpipes.com joined the 2/12 Australian Field Field Marshal Montgomery (FMMPB), Regiment – 9th Australian Division, which Inveraray and District, Scottish Power Pipe ultimately saw more front-line combat Band and more. action than any other Australian division. The unit was dubbed the ‘Rats of

Four-time World Champion Tobruk’. In 1946, in same month he www.bagpipe.news Four-time World Champion piper Kyle returned to Australia, Bob joined the A photograph of Bob Semple taken during WW2. Warren has recently returned to Scotland Hawthorn City Pipe Band and played after spending 5 years in Australia, teaching at in its ranks until 1960. He remained the prestigious Scotch College in Melbourne associated with the band for the rest of and leading the Grade 2 Australian his life, though, being appointed Drum Champions - Hawthorn Pipe Band. Major until his death. Before emigrating, Kyle was a member Iain Bell of Canonbie never knew Bob of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe but was touched by the news of his death. Band winning 17 major titles in four years Iain composed this 2/4 march in honour (2011-2014), which included a history of Bob but also of his comrades: making double ‘Grand Slam’. Kyle was also Iain, who in 2018 published his own a full-time member of the Red Hot Chilli collection of original pipe tunes, From Scots Pipers touring worldwide, joining the Borderer To Ulster Scot, said: “I believe Bob famous ‘BagRock’ band after graduating had a couple of tunes composed for him Images and text courtesy of Bagpipe.News: courtesy of Bagpipe.News: and text Images

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 11 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

During the lockdown, which began at all but two have been cancelled for 2020 the end of March, the Royal New Zealand and the remaining ones are in October Pipe Bands’ Association (RNZPBA) has and November indoors so it remains focused on ensuring our bands had good to be seen what will become of them, information about managing the virus, with organisers constantly assessing the Celebrating and knew their responsibilities when government guidelines on gatherings. it came to their communities. We have There are also plans to hold the CPA AGM made our digital communication facilities online and this will allow our members available to our members to help them worldwide to join and have their say on with practices, workshops or meetings matters. More details on this will be circulated online and lots of bands took advantage with members in due course. The CPA had of holding virtual band practices. also planned to host the Jimmie MacGregor We’ve also helped our young players to seminar in August at the PipingLive! Festival have more time to audition for the upcoming in Glasgow but this event will now take New Zealand Youth Pipe Band, and have place online. A conversation with two top offered an online audition option, which has players and adjudicators is planned. ensured all players have had the opportunity The CPA are hopeful that 2021 will bring the sound of to apply to be part of this group. A number of a return to ‘in-person’ competitions. youth pipe bands around the country have also successfully held band camps online, The Pandemic Piper Project-Canada showing that anything is possible in the digital With the cancellation of all events because Scotland age – although the excellent home-cooked of the Pandemic, the Scottish community meals these camps are often famous for in Montreal was facing a summer without The Worlds in Glasgow. Worlds The may not have been at the usual standard! the Highland Games and a fall without This month should have seen the pipe band world descending or The New Zealand season will kick off the St. Andrew’s Ball. The Saint Andrew’s watching the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, where some around October, so bands have been Society has been around since 1835, and of the top bands gather to compete, experience and build friendships. cautiously getting back into ‘normal’ band our events have rarely been cancelled, so practices. Sadly, a number of events have these are clearly unusual times. Showing our The sound of pipe bands may have temporarily been diminished but had to be cancelled, such as the Waipu Scottish ingenuity, we have taken purposeful the music continues and this month we hear from a variety of pipe Highland Games on 1 January 2021, mainly action and launched two new initiatives. band leaders on how the spirit of the pipe band movement flourishes. due to international travel restrictions The Pandemic Piper Project sees a pop- potentially likely to still be in place. Other up piper perform in an iconic location tied event organisers are looking at how their to the Scottish history of Montreal. As we The MidWest Pipe Band We are certainly hoping we will be events might be affected, including the are specifically precluded from drawing a Association-USA able to pick up our indoor season early RNZPBA, who are taking a more hands-on crowd, the performances are not publicized All of the Highland Games in the Midwest in 2021 at least in a modified fashion. risk management approach to preparations in advance and instead we create short United States have been cancelled for 2020. It really makes us all appreciate how much for next year’s national contest in March. videos which are shared on social media with That does not mean the MidWest Pipe Band we enjoy what we do. We hope the 2021 Funding streams are likely to be affected, our members and the community at large. Association is taking the year off. All of our season is bigger and better than ever and we want to ensure all bands have We have had pipers perform at locations Games have told us they will be back in 2021. before. The Chicago Games already has accommodation, as a number of hotels and such as the Burns Memorial, the Montreal We are currently conducting an online solo plans for some new and innovative plans motels have had to close their doors due to Museum of Fine Arts, McGill University, piping and drumming event for all amateur for their 2021 Games. They already hold a the tough economic times the lockdown and the Montreal International Airport, pipers and drummers. It is called the Brian concert formation contest rather than the has created. Bands tell us they are still very all eerily deserted. “During what is a very Conry Memorial Solo Online Piping & usual circle with the pipers and drummers’ keen to be a part of a national contest, so we difficult time for many people, this project is Drumming Contest. We are waving all entry backs to the crowd and this has been very are very much looking forward to bringing a positive activity that we hope will bring a fees for those that enter. We will be having popular. They have plans to expand on everyone together again in March 2021. smile to the faces of many” said Ian Aitken, an international judging panel for the event. this as well as other innovative ideas. With the World Pipe Band Championships Past President of the St. Andrew’s Society Those prize winners under the age of 18 will We are all looking forward to 2021. cancelled, a number of kiwi bands who of Montreal. In total, 13 videos have been be getting free online lessons from some of Jim Sim would have been making final plans for trips created and one is released each week. the best teachers in the world. There are other President to Glasgow for The Worlds are now turning The pipers and the videographers have prizes as well. We are also posting several MidWest Pipe Band Association their attention elsewhere, with a number volunteered their time and the project has instructional videos for our members. of ceilidhs being organised to fill the gap. been featured on local television and radio. After this event is completed, we have Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ While the economic fallout from The organizing committee of the Montreal a couple of other initiatives we will be Association-New Zealand Covid will cause a lot of pain for years Highland Games has also refocused its announcing that are a little different. Most of Around the world the Covid-19 pandemic has to come, it has definitely shown the attention and is hosting an on-line piping our bands are still giving lessons to anyone had a lasting effect on communities, and New pipe band world there are a number of competition in August for local pipers. who would like to join a band or to their Zealand has been no exception. But while options to do things online, and we will The top performances will be shared on own players so the band can pick right up the rest of the world works to manage this no doubt see a lot more online streaming social media. “This is a great opportunity after they can meet again at practice. invisible threat, at the bottom of the world life of events, and less travel to meetings in to engage pipers and entertain the broader has returned to some semblance of normality. the future – a silver lining perhaps? community” said Brian MacKenzie, President But, it wasn’t always the case. of the Montreal Highland Games Society. New Zealand went into lockdown slightly The Competing Pipers’ While we clearly cannot gather as we have over a week after our National Pipe Band Association-Scotland done for many years, we are finding new ways Championships in mid-March. The contest The Competing Pipers’ Association (CPA) to promote Scottish culture and to remain is held on a Friday and Saturday, which is responding to the Covid-19 outbreak by present in our community. “We look forward was fortunate as we may have had to pull running a series of online contests for our to hearing what other Scottish cultural the pin on the contest if it had been held a members. These solo piping competitions organizations are doing differently during the day later. We were very lucky to have been will take place in the competitor’s own pandemic and hope that together we can all Canadian precision. able to host the Championships, which home and they will submit a recorded video make the most of these very unusual times” Photo: Peter Matulina. was to be one of the last major events in performance to our expert judging panel said Marilyn Meikle, President of the St. New Zealand for around three months. for assessment. These will be separated by Andrew’s Society of Montreal. the current grading system with the C grade In addition to these two virtual activities, taking place in July, B grade in August and the Society has remained active in other A&P grades in September. It is hoped that ways during the pandemic. We have these competitions will provide motivation continued to provide educational aid for our members to continue to practice to students as well as direct community with a goal of testing themselves at a assistance to people in need and to good, competitive level and also receiving organizations such as the Douglas constructive feedback on their performances. Hospital Foundation, the Montreal There would normally be eleven CPA Neurological Institute and the McCord sanctioned events as well as numerous Museum’s collection of Canadian tartans. New Zealand’s pipers on display. Highland Games with solo piping events “We don’t like to make excuses; we prefer Photo: Susanna Buckton. Glasgow’s Piping Live! throughout the calendar year. Of these, to get things done” said Mr. Aitken.

Page 12 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Pipe Bands Australia-Australia along with that quite possible feeling of Pipe Bands Australia has moved its education disappointment that the prize announced and training workshops online since wasn’t the one you had hoped for. There the beginning of COVID-19 restrictions, are not always enough prizes to go round! engaging with hundreds of members in All that said and done, I’d give my left- the piping and drumming seminars. hand pinky (the only finger you really don’t Already four workshops have been need to play the pipes) to be back at the presented, also attracting attendees from above just now! So, what to do instead? overseas both during the live presentation and Perhaps, and it’s a bit of a crazy thought, later when they are uploaded to YouTube. we could just play for enjoyment? Our internationally recognised Enjoyment should be number one Marching out at Melbourne Tartan Day. Pipers at Chicago. qualification programs have experienced on the list of why we do it anyway, right? an upsurge in enrollments as members But the question is, what part of piping unable to gather weekly for band practices brings through the enjoyment for you? One result of our pivot to online or perform take up opportunities to The social side of pipe bands is legendary, instruction has been that we have attracted grow their musical proficiency. the craic and the humour, then there is the students from faraway states and nations for A survey is underway of our member music, the sound (tuning), and of course whom travel to Pittsburgh would’ve been bands and early data shows bands have on that winning feeling. These reasons all prohibitively expensive. Along with classes average foregone more than $2000 each offer varying degrees of enjoyment for each and one-on-one instruction, we have been in performance fees as a result of events individual. When chasing one however, able to include online social hours, and tours cancelled in their local communities often another can be left behind. Does of GI Reeds in Fife, McCallum Bagpipes and Scottish celebrations. Some bands the music go when chasing the win? Does in Kilmarnock, and Wallace Bagpipes in The Pandemic Piper. have also seen their annual local council the craic go when chasing the win? Does Paisley, Scotland. Our summer instructors’ Photo courtesy of Ian Aitken. funding allocation disappear. the win go when the craic is too mighty? concert, usually available only to students We have adjusted annual band and Right now, for me it feels like there are and Pittsburgh residents, went public this player membership fees to support no rules with my piping. No band practice, year, premiering on YouTube Thursday, July practicing with our digital practice tips, as bands during these challenging times. no tunes to learn or to improve specifically. 16, 2020. Both acts of the concert will remain well as encouraging new pipers to start their Across Australia, gatherings and pipe Right now, it is just me and my pipes (OK on YouTube for the foreseeable future. piping journey while on lockdown. Through band contests have been cancelled and in practice chanter as my pipes have seen But Balmoral is not only a piping school. our online piping school we reached pipers the early weeks of the coronavirus crisis, our daylight just once since Covid-19 started. With Director George Balderose serving as from 8 countries and had 2 time zones to primary focus had been on scheduling of our Having a 2-year-old, 1 year old and another Pipe Major, we sponsor Balmoral Pipes & make sure we could encourage pipers to Diamond Jubilee year Australian Pipe Band on the way this November being my Drums, a local band in Pittsburgh, PA, where keep playing through this tough time. Championships in Maryborough that have excuse). But for me this time has been a the school is headquartered. We also host the We recognise that focussing on piping, now been postponed to next April at this stage. great chance to listen, play and write music Balmoral US Junior Solo Piping & Drumming learning new tunes, listening to great pipers Varying levels of restrictions across with freedom and very little pressure in Championships each November, and present can all have a positive effect on mental Australia mean that bands in some states the way of deadlines, be it band practices, a yearly concert, featuring internationally health, giving players something to focus on. may be able to return to contesting before performances or contests to aim for. recognized Pipe Bands and Celtic Music We would encourage all pipers and others and Pipe Bands Australia will shortly This month I release my second collection ensembles. We are working hard to bring drummers everywhere to keep having a release guidelines on the conduct of contests. of music and I am very proud of how it has everything we do online, at least until the tune, getting together digitally to practice, or What we do know is that pipe turned out. Had I been in the full of pandemic is over. And because we have gotten why not even listen along to your favourite band contests as they have been what 2020 was set to be; teaching, travelling such encouraging feedback, we will continue piping CD. We are also hoping to offer some presented for many decades may not and contests perhaps the book may have to incorporate online classes and events into PIping Live! activity this summer, so keep an look the same as Australia comes out turned out a little differently. Having had the our schedule once the virus is under control, eye out on the NPC website for a way to tune of the stages of social restriction. last few months to focus solely on this project even as we resume “in person” gatherings. into great piping online. Pipe Bands Australia has also created has certainly made it as good as it could Balmoral Pipes & Drums have been special performance opportunities have been, and of course, it will be for others holding weekly band practices via Zoom, Piping Live! Glasgow International since March with the Amazing Grace to judge the quality of the music inside. with these sessions run by Pipe Sergeant and Piping Festival—Scotland at 11 tribute on ANZAC Day and the So, what’s next for us all? Playing solely for instructor, Sean Patrick Regan. A talented Piping Live! will live-streaming a mini- upcoming VP 75 tribute on 15 August to enjoyment, just you and the music you want professional piper himself, Regan has also programme of this year’s event between mark the 75th anniversary of the end of to play, just you and your instrument, that taken charge of keeping Balmoral’s online 8 – 14 August - after a summer of cancelled World War Two – performances that can goes back to long before competitions were summer schools running smoothly. Holding piping events left audiences at a loss and a be given while socially distancing. even a thing, connecting us with the pipers remote band practices has worked out better number of performers financially struggling. All in our pipe band family across Australia of centuries ago. Why did they play? Did they than almost anyone could have guessed. Organisers revealed the series of competitions, miss being unable to gather and share our get caught up in chasing the win? No. Without Seeing everyone’s faces, speaking with band performances, and panel talks, after being music. We are supporting our bands and contests, they got caught up in the music, and members, and hearing them play on an forced to cancel this year’s festival due to members to be ready for the time when bands that’s not a bad place to be! So, enjoy your ongoing basis has been therapeutic, as well the Coronavirus pandemic. The events - can again come together in friendship. music, and make sure as things return to a as practical for all involved. As with in-person both free and ticketed – will showcase the And Pipe Bands Australia will gradual normal over time you don’t lose this practices, everyone receives comments on same world-class musical talent, with an continue to support its members with renewed connection and enjoyment with ways to improve for the next week. We also international flavour, that audiences have opportunities learning and performance. the music. And, lockdown or no lockdown, spend time catching up and working through come to expect from the festival, and re-affirm Chris Earl President, Pipe Bands Australia if you find yourself still with a fair amount the crisis together. We are not putting our the National Piping Centre’s commitment to of spare time on your hands, or you fancy pursuit of music and community on hold supporting and promoting piping excellence Kyle Warren-Scotland freshening up your repertoire with some just because we can’t meet in person. around the world. Finlay MacDonald, What to do in 2020? It’s time to enjoy your new tunes, I know a wee book you may like! Plans for the 14th Annual Balmoral Classic Artistic Director of Piping Live! Glasgow piping! With piping being my fulltime career Kyle Warren competition, to be held November 14 this International Piping Festival, said: “To say and hobby, 2020 went from jam packed to PS. Just encase I have come across on one year, are currently underway. We will be we’re thrilled to be streaming some of the best ‘heehaw’ rather quickly. It’s easy to be frustrated side of the competition fence, I am, 100%, taking the Classic online this year. First prize events from this year’s Piping Live! Glasgow and annoyed amongst other feelings, but all for the win! There, I said it out in the will be a set of MacCallum bagpipes. International Piping Festival programme is an when something is literally so out of your open, balance in my writing restored. Though we’re just beginning to work out the understatement. Since we made the heart- control, all you can really do is stand back and details, it is likely competitors will send in breaking announcement that this year’s event reassess. So, right now, what can we control? The Balmoral School of recorded performances, which will then be couldn’t take place, we’ve been working hard The reflection that I am sure many of us Piping & Drumming-USA sent to our panel of judges. The competition to find a way to celebrate the amazing piping have taken time to do, has certainly made In 1979, Balmoral began bringing the would premier on YouTube on November and traditional talent across the world. me appreciate much that in hindsight very best Highland pipers from Scotland 14th, with live chat. Plans for the fall concert We wanted to lift the spirits of our fans after was taken for granted. Over the years how to Pennsylvania, in order to teach piping are presently under consideration. Whatever an incredibly difficult few months, while also many times has it been a struggle to find to US students. In 2020, the year of the we do will be open to piping fans worldwide. financially supporting trad musicians at a motivation to give the pipes a blow when coronavirus, we’re bringing instructors time when they need it most, and these events needed? Or to travel on cold, wet, dark nights from Scotland (Robert Mathieson), Nova The National Piping Centre -Scotland do just that. To be able to bring back our to band practice, when staying at home, Scotia (Bruce Gandy) and Northern Ireland/ The National Piping Centre, as the global beloved festival in any way is a true honour, warm and dry was much more tempting. Pittsburgh (Andrew Carlisle) into homes home of piping, has been so sad to see the and we can’t wait to see you all, virtually, in Or standing at the massed bands, having across the US and abroad, to teach students summer of piping cancelled in such sad August, for a week of piping hot events.” made the decision not to wear capes, only for via Zoom. The response to these online circumstances. Over the last few months For more details or to donate see: the heavens to open, leaving you drenched schools has been universally positive. we have been encouraging pipers to keep www.pipinglive.co.uk

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 13 THE SCOTTISH BANNER THIS MONTH IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Names & Places In The News From Today And The Past 1 - Death of Queen Anne; George I, Elector 8 - King James IV married Margaret Tudor, 18 - Arthur Elphinstone, Lord Balmerino, out of Edinburgh to supress a rebellion led of Hanover becomes king. 1714 daughter of King Henry VII of England. the Jacobite noble, was executed. Balmerino by her half brother James Stewart, 1st Earl of was captured along with Lord Kilmarnock Moray, who is opposed to her marriage. She 1 - Proscription Act introduced, banning The marriage was known as the Union after the Battle of Culloden and the pair puts the rebellion to flight in what becomes tartan and the carrying of weapons. The of the Thistle and the Rose. 1503 were tried for treason in London and known as the Chaseabout Raid. 1565 penalty for a first offence was six months 9 - Civil engineer Thomas Telford beheaded in the Tower of London. 1746 in jail and a second offence resulted in born in Dumfries. 1757 26 - The Donibristle Mining Disaster transportation for seven years. - Mary Queen of Scots lands at Leith occurred in the Fife coalfield. The disaster 1747 - Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire opened 19 9 on her return from France, after the death occurred when part of Mossmorran peat 1 - University of Dundee which was after David McIntyre set up Scottish of her husband, King Francis II. bog near Cowdenbeath collapsed on sixteen incorporated into the University of St 1561 Aviation Ltd. Aircraft had been flying miners 360 feet underground. Four miners Andrews(as Queen’s College) in 1890, 19 - Charles Edward Stuart, raises his standard at from the area since 1913. 1935 were lost, as was a four-strong rescue party. constituted as a separate university. 1967 Glenfinnan, at the start of the ‘45 uprising.1745 10 - King James III crowned at Kelso Abbey. 1460 All the bodies were eventually recovered 2 - Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the 19 - Scottish aviator Jim Mollinson landed - Education (Scotland) Act passed, providing but some remained underground until telephone, died in Nova Scotia. Although he 10 after the first East/West solo flight of the elementary education for all children. the December of that year. 1901 is best known for this invention Bell was also 1872 Atlantic from Portmarnock, Ireland to - First balloon ascent in Britain by well known for his work on deafness. 1922 10 - Perth Museum and Art Gallery opened Pennfield, New Brunswick.1932 27 by the Duke and Duchess of York. James Tytler, Edinburgh. 1784 3 - Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange 1935 20 - Ronald Ross, the first Scot to win a Nobel executed, after defending Edinburgh 11 - Andrew Carnegie, the Dunfermline- prize (in 1902) dissected a mosquito and 27 - James Thomson, the Scottish poet, Castle on behalf of Mary Queen of Scots born steel industrialist and philanthropist, established the link with malaria. 1897 died. Thomson’s most famous works include the anthem, Rule Britannia. 1748 from May 1568 to May 1573. 1573 died. Throughout his later life Carnegie 21 - Battle of Dunkeld when the newly established a number of foundations for 3 - King James II killed by an exploding cannon formed Cameronians defended the town at the siege of Roxburgh Castle. 1460 education and research such as the Carnegie against 3,000 Highlanders. 1689 Foundation and the Carnegie Endowment 3 - William Wallace is captured near for International Peace. 1919 21 - Birth of William Murdoch who pioneered Glasgow. Wallace is tried in London on the use of coal-gas lighting in 1792 in partnership 23 August, then executed. 1305 12 - Roy Williamson, the Scottish folk with James Watt and Mathew Boulton. 1754 musician and songwriter, died. Williamson 3 - The 2014 Commonwealth Games was one of the famous duo, The Corries, 21 - Birth of Donald Dewar, former Secretary (officially the XX Commonwealth along with Ronnie Browne. 1990 of State for Scotland and First Minister in Games) closing ceremony took place the new Scottish Parliament. 1937 in Glasgow, Scotland. 2014 13 - Explorer Alexander Gordon Laing became the first Christian to 22 - Battle of the Standard at 4 - Birth of the entertainer Sir Harry Lauder, reach Timbuctu, Africa. 1826 Northallerton in which King David I was defeated by the English. his hits included Roamin in the Gloamin’ 1138 27 - The trial began in Edinburgh for Deacon and Keep Right on to the End of the Road. 13 - Birth of John Logie Baird, developer of television. 1888 22 - Devorgilla, Countess of Galloway William Brodie, a cabinet-maker and member Lauder died in 1950 at the age of 79. 1870 founded Balliol College, Oxford. She was of the town council, who also was a notorious 4 - Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, the future Queen 13 - Scotland’s first nuclear power mother of John Balliol (who acceded to criminal. On 1 October 1788 he was hanged for Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, born. 1900 station at Dounreay went “critical” the Scottish throne in 1292). 1282 theft in the Lawnmarket in front of a crowd that ushering in the generation of power 22 - King Charles I raised his standard at was the largest seen in living memory. 1788 5 - James, Earl Douglas, died out of sight of from atomic reactions. 1957 his army, in a bush, at Battle of Otterburn in Nottingham, initiating a Civil War in England 28 - Edward I of England held a parliament at which Scots defeat Henry Percy, (Hotspur) but 14 - King Duncan I killed in battle at between the Royalists (also known as Cavaliers) Berwick to which he summoned all Scottish with the loss of the Earl of Douglas. 1388 Pitgavney by Macbeth. 1040 and Parliament (Roundheads). 1642 landholders to sign the Ragman Roll. 1296 5 - The Scottish Parliament established 14 - King Robert III born at Scone. 1337 23 - Sir William Wallace was executed in 28 - The Battle of Newburn on Tyne. The battle a General Post Office.1695 14 - King Robert III crowned at the London. Wallace was captured after being was fought between Leslie’s veteran Scottish betrayed by Sir John de Menteith and was 6 - First Glasgow/Edinburgh coach service began Augustinian abbey of Scone. 1390 army and a hastily assembled English force. transported to London. King Edward I had The Scots had invaded northern England in from Inn, Edinburgh. 1678 - University of Strathclyde was constituted 14 devised a new method of execution for one response to the attempts of Charles I to impose in Glasgow, based on the Royal College 6 - Donald Alexander Smith - later Lord of his arch-enemies, and Wallace became the an Anglican prayer book upon Scotland. 1640 Strathcona - born in Forres. A pioneer of the of Science and Technology. 1964 first person to endure the agonies of being Hudson Bay Company in the North-West, he later 15 - Macbeth killed in battle by hanged, drawn and quartered. 1305 championed the completion of the Canadian Malcolm at Lumphanan. 1057 Pacific Railway across Canada and drove the last spike at Craigellachie, British Columbia. 1820 15 - Novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott born. Synonymous with the Scottish Borders 6 - Birth of Sir Alexander Fleming, Scott wrote classics such as Waverley discoverer of penicillin. 1881 and The Bride of Lamermoor. 1771 7 - Lord Kitchener, the war minister, began a mass recruiting campaign, three days after Britain declared war on Germany.By the war’s end a total of 147,609 Scots had been killed, a fifth of Britain’s dead from a country that Photo: National Trust for Scotland. made up only 10% of its population. 1914 29 - The population of St Kilda were evacuated from the island. The island was evacuated on economic grounds at the islanders own request 23 - Work begins on the rebuilding of as the population had dwindled from 73 in Eilean Donan Castle. It will take until 1932 - Foundation stone for the Monument to Sir 1920 to only 37 in 1928. The island had been 15 to complete. The castle is today one of the Walter Scott laid in Princes Street Gardens. 1840 populated since Bronze Age times, but from the most photographed in Scotland. 1913 latter part of the 19th century, the islanders had 16 - Birth of Carolina Oliphant (Lady Nairne), 24 - Berwick on Tweed finally began to lose their means of self-sufficiency and poet and author of many Jacobite songs, ceded to England (Edward IV) after the fate of the resident population was sealed. including Charlie is my Darling. Her songs are changing hands 12 times. 1482 The island was sold to the Marquess of Bute, a second only in popularity to Burns. 1766 7 - Air services begin from Barra Airport, the 24 - The first Edinburgh International Festival keen ornithologist, who bequeathed it to the only beach airport anywhere in the world to be 17 1472 - The see of St Andrews became of Music and Drama opened. The festival was National Trust for Scotland in 1957. 1930 used for scheduled airline services. 1936 an archbishopric by a bull of Pope Sixtius IV. inspired by the arts festivals organised in Salzburg 30 - The Royal Research Ship Discovery 17 - Visit of George IV to Edinburgh began, before the Second World War, but has grown to reaches the Falkland Islands on a mission to orchestrated by Sir Walter Scott. 1822 become the largest event of it’s kind in the world. rescue polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, to It has also spawned a book festival, film festival - First Edinburgh International find he has already been rescued.1915 17 and the festival fringe. The festival was also Festival opened. - Birth of golf course designer Dr 1947 responsible for the creation of Scottish Opera 30 and forced a greater amount of funding from the Alister Mackenzie; he was responsible Arts Council to be given to Scotland. 1947 for Augusta National and Cypress Point, among others. 1870 25 - James Watt, developer of steam power, died. Watt was known as the ‘father 30 - Liz McColgan won the World Athletics of the industrial revolution’. 1819 Championship 10,000 metres in Tokyo by a margin of 20 seconds. 1991 7 - The first train arrives in Fort William on the 25 - Actor Sir Sean Connery born. Connery newly opened West Highland Line. 1894 famously went from an Edinburgh milk 31 - The first Edinburgh Film Festival opened. The festival was officially opened on this date 8 - Former World man to global movie superstar, best known for playing James Bond 007. 1930 by the Lord Provost at the Playhouse Cinema. champion Benny Lynch died. 1946 18 - The Tay Road Bridge opened, linking The festival was originally known as the 8 - King Edward I removed to England the Dundee city centre with Fife. The Tay Road Bridge 26 - Novelist and statesman John International Festival of Documentary, but Stone of Destiny on which generations of carries the A92 road across the Firth of Tay from Buchan born in Perth. 1875 has now grown to become recognised as one Scottish kings had been crowned. 1296 Newport-on-Tay in Fife to Dundee. 1966 26 - Mary Queen of Scots leads an army of the great worldwide film festivals.1946

Page 14 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 15 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN SCOTLAND TODAY

opportunity to acquire a beautiful and Pulpex Limited’s technology allows it completely private, yet accessible, retreat to produce a variety of plastic-free, single and create a wonderful new residence mould bottles that can be used across a there. For those seeking peace and range of consumer goods. The packaging seclusion, yet wanting all that this part of has been designed to contain a variety Scotland has to offer in the way of nature of liquid products and will form part and water-based sport and activities, this is of ’s commitment towards Goal surely the ultimate prize.” Inchconnachan 12 of the United Nations Sustainable has a number of designations due to its Development Goals: ‘Responsible abundance of flora and fauna including Consumption and Production’. ancient oak woodland, habitat for otters and also historically as a habitat for the Sir Walter Scott inspires critically endangered capercaillie. The during lockdown island has a number of visitors throughout the year including the famous resident wallabies and also red, roe and sika deer, jays, coal tits, crossbills, collared doves and, occasionally, nesting ospreys. Inchconnachan has been in the ownership of the Colquhoun Family since the 14th century. The existing timber house was constructed on the island in the 1920s, reputedly by an Admiral Sullivan who was Saltmarsh at the head of Loch Fyne. Photo: Professor Bill Austin. a retired tea merchant, in the style of an Indian tea plantation bungalow. The house was later the holiday home of Fiona Gore, Scottish coastlines vital role in Countess of Arran. Diageo announces creation of tackling climate emergency world’s first ever 100% plastic A popular online course on Scottish legend free paper-based spirits bottle Sir Walter Scott is being kept open and Scientists from the University of have been seeking creative ways to develop free until September in response to the St Andrews will undertake the first desk-top research initiatives. In this case, Covid-19 crisis and the increased demand comprehensive study of the carbon stored using existing mapping and field-data, for armchair learning opportunities. in Scotland’s coastal wetlands and their we are able to deliver a new, first-order The course, Walter Scott: The Man Behind vital role in the fight against climate assessment of these carbon stores around the Monument, attracted 1028 learners change. Supported by Marine Scotland, Scotland. I’m delighted that Marine from 92 countries when it originally ran in the team of Early Career Researchers Scotland have funded this research, March as a four-week mentored course. (ECR), led by Professor Bill Austin from highlighting Scottish Government’s Now it is going to be kept running until the the School of Geography and Sustainable commitment to nature-based solutions to end of September, with people able to drop Development at the University, will help tackle the global climate emergency. in anytime or join the mentored four-week deliver a new, first-order estimate of As we transition out of the Covid-19 course which will run again in August. the carbon stored in Scotland’s coastal pandemic and our global economies begin The course has specifically been wetlands (saltmarshes). The scientists to recover, I am encouraged that we can designed for beginners and there is no will input their research findings into a look forward to a greater understanding prior knowledge of the subject required. Geographic Information System (GIS) and appreciation of our environment. It requires no more than two hours project, providing the first systematic In some small way, I hope that our of work each week and will provide a overview of blue carbon storage in research will support that ambition.” Diageo has created the world’s first ever comprehensive overview of Scott’s work Scotland’s vulnerable coastal wetlands. 100% plastic free paper-based spirits and legacy, while challenging common Coastal wetlands are the most threatened Scottish island on Loch bottle, made entirely from sustainably misconceptions. habitats on our planet, threatened by Lomond up for sale sourced wood. The bottle will debut Hosted by digital education platform centuries of coastal development and with , the world’s number FutureLearn, the course is being offered now, increasingly, by rising sea levels and one , in early 2021. It has by Abbotsford, the author’s home in the coastal erosion. Blue carbon, which refers been created through a new partnership Scottish Borders, in conjunction with to the carbon stored in marine habitats with Pilot Lite, a venture management experts at the University of . such as saltmarshes, plays a vital role in company, to launch Pulpex Limited, a Professor Ali Lumsden, Director of the trapping and storing atmospheric carbon new world-leading sustainable packaging University’s Walter Scott Research Centre dioxide (CO2) that would otherwise technology company. and Honorary Librarian at Abbotsford, will contribute to global warming. These Ewan Andrew, Chief Sustainability deliver a series of video-based modules marine ecosystems are highly effective Officer, Diageo PLC said: “We’re proud as part of the course, along with Kirsty at capturing CO2 and storing carbon in to have created this world first. We are Archer-Thompson, Collections and organic-rich soils, often over thousands constantly striving to push the boundaries Interpretation Manager at Abbotsford. of years. The degradation or damage of within sustainable packaging and this Kirsty said: “In this time of real need these ecosystems may therefore cause bottle has the potential to be truly ground- and unprecedented demand FutureLearn carbon to be released from the soil stores breaking. It feels fitting that we should wanted to make as many of the courses back to the atmosphere, at the same time launch it with Johnnie Walker, a brand on their platform available to as many compromising their ability to capture and Ever wanted to own your very own Scottish that has often led the way in innovation people as possible. We were delighted store carbon in the future. island? Inchconnachan (Innis Chonachain throughout its 200 years existence.” to be able to support this initiative with The discovery of the blue carbon in Gaelic), meaning the Colquhoun’s Pulpex Limited has developed a ‘first- our course on Scott. We’ll be moving to a resources held in saltmarshes has also island is situated just off the western of-its-kind’ scalable paper-based bottle ‘light-touch’ approach, asking learners to driven a new research agenda to account shore of southern Loch Lomond close to designed and developed to be 100% plastic tag us in questions and logging on once a for this carbon. The team from St Andrews the village of Luss has been put on the free and expected to be fully recyclable. week to answer them all. We still intend to will work to provide the evidence that will market, for offers of more than £500,000. The bottle is made from sustainably run our full mentored version of the course pave the way for management plans and Extending to about 103 acres and lying sourced pulp to meet food-safe standards in August too, to coincide with Scott’s Government policies to protect and restore uninhabited for the last 20 years, the island and will be fully recyclable in standard birthday on August 15, so there’s plenty of these habitats to maximise their carbon provides a wonderful opportunity to own waste streams. The technology will allow opportunity for people to join in and learn storage capabilities. Project lead Professor a private island on Scotland’s largest loch brands to rethink their packaging designs, from home.” Bill Austin said: “While the current with consent in place to build a house, or move existing designs into paper, whilst For details see: www.scottsabbotsford. Covid-19 lock-down is seriously impacting boathouse and pier. Cameron Ewer for not compromising on the existing quality com/whats-on/scott-the-man-behind- both field and laboratory activities, we Savills said: “This is an extraordinary of the product. the-monument

Page 16 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: David C The monuments debate in Scotland: Weinczok Reflections on how we make our history While some have voiced concerns that At one hundred feet tall and built atop at ask what it is and then hear what happened the removal or amending of monuments the summit of Ben Bhraggie, it is impossible here during the Highland Clearances.” linked to the slave trade is a judgmental to drive along the main road without It has been argued that the Duke of process meant to ‘re-write history’, this catching sight of it. It depicts the first Duke Sutherland was only of his time, and that new plaque does no such thing. What it of Sutherland, George Leveson-Gower, landlords across Scotland were coercively does instead is provide vital details and who alongside his wife Elizabeth, Duchess clearing their estates of tenants; it is also the context that was altogether absent before. of Sutherland, presided over an especially case that it was built posthumously with From a historian’s perspective, this is not infamous episode of the Highland funds derived from human exploitation to a re-writing of history but a filling in of Clearances. Between 1811 and 1821 around celebrate the supposed worthiness of those the blanks which have until now resulted 15,000 people were cleared, often forcibly deeds. Fundamentally, both sides of the in an incomplete picture. It does not and with fire, from the Sutherland estate in debate agree that the Highland Clearances seek to score points but to flesh out a order to enhance the profitability of were an injustice – the disagreement, as biography with irrefutable historical facts, the land. This was administered from with the legacy of slavery, comes down to a biography which would be woefully Dunrobin Castle, and yet a visit there today what to do about the monuments to those deficient if it did not mention Dundas’ role yields no mention of the Clearances aside involved in it. in delaying abolitionism. It is left to us to from a brief section of the guidebook which One positive outcome from all this is decide how to reflect on that information. describes them as a force for progress. that more people than perhaps ever before As with Edinburgh’s Melville Monument, in are becoming aware of the messy process the absence of other sources of information by which history is made. Edinburgh’s Melville Monument. By virtue of their prominence, that the average visitor to the area is likely We are learning to be more critical of to encounter, the Sutherland statue – the public monuments that we quite dinburgh is a capital of monuments. monuments and statues can whose inscription says that it was built literally look up to every day, not just who Iconic structures, statues, and by “a mourning and grateful tenantry” to they represent but the context for the architectural celebrations of often get the first say in how a “judicious, kind and liberal landlord” – monuments’ existence in the first place. individuals and events are often gets the first and last word. “We cannot change the past,” Sir Geoff Eeverywhere to be found in both the Old the individuals they celebrate Palmer commented, “but we can change We cannot change the past and New Towns. To students of those are perceived for many people, the consequences, such as racism, for monuments and the stories behind them, The controversy around the Sutherland the better, and one of these changes it is therefore no surprise that Edinburgh especially visitors to a place. statue is comparable to the renewed debate can start with putting a plaque on (the has found itself grappling with the hard about monuments around the world Melville Monument) and telling the truth questions being raised by the international right now. On one hand it has been the about what Dundas did.” On its own the Black Lives Matter movement. In many ways subject of petitions, graffiti, and even two addition of more information can never it is a debate about how we learn history, Besides, the very practice of history is in toppling attempts on 2011, while the BBC be a bad thing. No single historical source and throughout this article I invite you to many ways a process of constant revision, quoted a local resident as arguing that, “It is or artefact, regardless of the topic, should keep that concept at the forefront of your not in the sense of choosing agendas to part of history…if he stays there people will ever have the final say on itself. thoughts regardless of where you stand in follow but of developing more nuanced the debate around public monuments. ways of understanding the past. It is only In St Andrew Square at the heart of when that process stops being critical – of the New Town, a place celebrated as the its subject and of itself – that we stray into ‘Enlightenment in stone’, is the Melville murky waters. Monument, a great stone column surmounted by a likeness of Henry The first and last word SCOTTISH Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville. While it is By virtue of their prominence, monuments far from the only Edinburgh monument and statues can often get the first say in ACCESSORIES SHOPPE with historical connections to slavery how the individuals they celebrate are it has undeniably become the city’s perceived for many people, especially KILT HIRE most prominent subject of controversy. visitors to a place. To find another Calls range from toppling the 150-foot perspective or even just further detail high monument altogether to adding a about them requires a proactive approach, plaque which gives greater details about for instance, by visiting local museums or Dundas’ career, a stance supported by Sir reading local history books. Perhaps after Geoff Palmer OBE, Scotland’s first black seeing the Melville Monument a visitor professor and an instrumental researcher would venture to the National Museum of into Scotland’s role in the slave trade. Scotland for more information. However, He posits that, “If you remove the all three of the items in their collections evidence, you remove the deed.” relate to Dundas’ role in abolition – not of slavery, but of taxation on waterborne • Sydney’s Finest Highland Regalia • Australia’s largest supplier of authentic Historical facts coal, hardly enough to give a fuller picture Stockist. Tartan Scarves, Ties, Bow Ties, Caps, On July 13th the City of Edinburgh Council of the man and still any reference to his • Kilts and Tartan skirts made to order. Sashes, Tammies and much more. placed temporary signs around the Melville role in the slave trade is absent. How many • Stockists of Quality Giftware including • More than 600 different Scottish & Irish Jewellery, Pewter Flasks, Tankards, Tartans on display with over 5,000 Monument displaying the wording of such would take the further step to seek out Quaiches & Clan Badges. Tartan items in stock. a plaque soon to be installed. The new specialist history books compared with plaque described Dundas’ role as Scottish how many could very realistically leave Come and visit our store at Lord Advocate, MP, and First Lord of the Edinburgh with the statue being their 25 The Strand, Croydon NSW 2132 Admiralty, the sort of raw biographical facts only impression of Dundas? After all, his Close to Croydon Railway Station, with plenty of free parking! you expect of public signage. It then goes on monument stands 150 feet high in the to describe how Dundas was “instrumental centre of a major civic square named for Tues-Fri 10.00am-6.00pm Sat 9.00am-2.00pm in deferring the abolition of the Atlantic Scotland’s patron saint – left to speak for slave trade. Slave trading by British ships itself, how could anyone be expected to MAIL ORDER TO ANY POSTAL LOCATION was not abolished until 1807. As a result of conclude anything other than that this this delay, more than half a million enslaved was an unambiguously great man? Tel: (02) 9747-8270 Africans crossed the Atlantic.” It continues to Racial injustice is not the only Email: [email protected] note his impeachment from public office for paradigm being challenged by the Facebook: www.facebook.com/scottishaccessories misuse of public funds and his enthusiasm monuments debate in Scotland. Website: www.scottishaccessories.com.au for colonial subjugation, but also that the Looming over the Highland village of monument itself was funded by voluntary Golspie is one of Scotland’s most visually donations from members of the British Navy. prominent statues.

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 17 Welcome to our “Clansified”listing of ScottishTHE Clans, SCOTTISH Societies and Clubs. BANNER If you would like to add your Clan please contact our office for full details. Our address and phone Calling the Clans numbers are located on page 2. If you are contacting your Clan be sure to tell them you saw them in the Scottish Banner and please support these great community organisations. Clan Donnachaidh Clan Cumming Society Clan Donnachaidh Clan Fraser Society Clan Baird Society Worldwide Society of New South Wales Inc., Membership is open to those descended of the Society of New South Australia from Baird, Barde, Bard, Beard, Beaird, Brd, United States of Australia Bayard, Bardt, Barth and Biard or varied WalesDunc anInc., Rob erAustraliatson Reid Invites all Frasers spellings of the name of Scottish origin. Duncan Robertson Reid People who bear any of the above names or names of any of the and Fraser septs In addition to the Society newsletter and the opportunity www.clancumming.us PeopleSepts of whothe Clan bear (see advertiany ofsement the fromabove CA namesUSA) are invite d to associate with fellow clansman members may [email protected] to join with us in our activities to promote Clan Donnachaidh, to join our clan society. query the Society geneologist. For information write: or“The other Children Sept of Duncan”names by of participating Clan Donnachaidh in the various activitie s All members receive a copy of our quarterly “Theconducted Children by Scottish of Duncan”Societies. are invited to Dr. Debra J. Baird, President For information & membership application, contact newsletter “Strawberry Leaves” 3491 County Road 3459, Haleyville, AL 35565 joinGordon in our Robertso activitiesn by participating in the Membership enquiries to Don Chitts 58/157 Marconi Rd. Bonnells Bay NSW 2264 Email: [email protected] c/o G. Allen Cummings Scottish Gatherings held in NSW. Ph: (03) 9754 5120 [email protected] Regional Directors for Australia PO Box 6888 For information and membership application, Website: http://clanfraseraustralia.org David and Patricia Benfell Ocean Isle Beach, NC 28469-6888 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ Email: [email protected] contact Gordon Robertson website: www.clanbairdsociety.com Pages/Clan-Fraser-Society-of-Australia/ 58/157 Marconi Rd. Bonnells Bay NSW 2264 482236358590288

CLAN DONNACHAIDH SOCIETY

Membership invited to all who share the Sept names: Clan Galbraith Duncan, Robertson, Reid, etc. CLAN BELL UK: London & Southern Counties * Rannoch & Highlands Society Invites membership inquiries from persons named Bell (all Canada: Ontario * Western Canada Australia: New South Wales * Victoria * Queensland * Western Australia spellings), their descendants and friends. Various resources New Zealand: New Zealand Includes name variations such as available for genealogical research. Quarterly newsletter. Europe: Spain Tents hosted at major Scottish games nationwide. Africa: South Africa Galbreath, Culbreath, Gilbraith etc. USA: Arizona * Carolinas * Florida * Gulf Coast * Mid-Atlantic * New Website: www.ClanBell.org Mexico * Mid-West * Northeast * Northern California * Pacific Northwest * DNA testing project, members only Online membership: https://clanbell.org/membership.html Rocky Mountains * South * Southern California * Texas * Upper Mid-West

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClanBell Visit our website to learn more about Clan Donnachaidh, our databases, Biennial gatherings, Email: [email protected] History & Traditions, the Clan Museum in Scotland, the DNA Project, the new Struan Kirk Appeal, & locate a Branch near you. blog, Quarterly journal. Clan Bell North America http://www.donnachaidh.com/ 5284 Creek Court Facebook: The Clan Donnachaidh Society Acworth, GA 30102 Email: [email protected] www.clangalbraith.org Family of Bruce Clan Donald Edmonstone International, Inc. Australia Family of Bruce International, Inc., the only such organization “under the patronage of the High Clan Society recognized by the hereditary chief of the Name of Bruce, Council of the Chiefs of Clan Donald” Invites membership to anyone of the surname The Rt. Hon. Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, is a non-profit High Commissioner Mr A. Neil Macdonald or variations:- Edmiston/e, Edmondston, organization established to create kinship amongst its family State Commissioners members and promote interest in the Family of Bruce and NSW Mr John Currie Edmanson, Edmeston, Edmonson, its history. Membership is open to persons who qualify Qld Mr A. Neil Macdonald Edmundson, etc. Chieftain Sir Archibald by surname, by decent, or by recognized septs: Carlisle, SA Ms Therese McCutcheon Edmonstone Bt of Duntreath Carruthers, Crosby, Randolph and Stenhouse. Vic Mr Norman A Macdonald Contact: Mal Edmiston www.clangregor.com Membership inquiries should be directed to: WA Ms Pamela McDonald For membership contact Keith MacGregor Donald E. Bruce Polly A. (Bruce) Tilford, Secretary 3 Laguna Ave P.O Box 56, Redding Ridge, CT 06876    President 5561 Earl Young Road [email protected] Kirwan, Qld, 4817 [email protected]. 61 (0)7 4755 4370  1051 Eagle Ridge Trail Bloomington, IN 47408 There is no joy without Clan Donald Peter Lawrie, Secretary Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 www.familyofbruceinternational.orgCLAN DONALD QUEENSLAND [email protected] Clan6 The Esplanade,Gregor Broughty Society Ferry, Dundee Australasia DD5 2EL Scotland  All MacGregors and Septs of our Clan are invited to join one of the oldest Clan Societies Commissioner: Neil Macdonald in Scotland Est 1822. If you live in Australia or  Ph: 0412 090990 New Zealand, please contact our clan Email: [email protected] representative in Australia; Web: www.clandonaldqld.org Clan Gregor  Clan Donald ELIGIBILITY: Those with the name of Frank McGregor MacDonald Macdonald McDonald McDonell, Clan Gregor Society  Donald, OR of one of the Septs of Clan Society Donald, OR with a connection through family PO Box 14 lineage. Queensland NORTH HOBART TAS 7002  Elliot Clan Society, U.S.A. There is no joy without Clan Donald Commissioner: Neil Macdonald Email:Australasia [email protected] Bill Elliott-Clan President All MacGregors andWeb. Septs www.clangregor.com of our Clan are invited to join  Clan Cameron NSW Inc. Ph: 0412 090990 one of the oldest Clan Societies in Scotland Est 1822. If Email: [email protected] welcomes membership of all who are you live in Australia“Royal or New is Zealand,my Race please” contact our  clan representative in Australia; President: Alistair Cameron Web: www.clandonaldqld.org connected with this great border family. Frank McGregor - Clan Gregor Society  [email protected] ELIGIBILITY: Those with the name of MacDonald Direct inquires to: Jim Dougherty PO Box 14 Secretary: Terry Cameron Macdonald McDonald McDonell, Donald,  Treasurer/Membership Chair North Hobart TAS 7002 [email protected] OR of one of the Septs of Clan Donald, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]  OR with a connection through family lineage. Web. www.clangregor.com Website: www.elliotclan-usa.com www.clan-cameron.org.au There is no joy without Clan Donald “Royal is my Race”   Clan Donald, U.S.A., Inc.  Membership is open only to persons of  the blood of Macdonald, however spelled  or of the blood of a recognized associate Clan Farquharson family or is related by marriage or legal Clan Hamilton Clanadoption to either ofDonald these write for more  info and a complete Sept list. Association Australia Diane Carey-Schmitz U.S.A.1685 Casitas AvenueInc. Clan Chief: Captain A.A.C. Farquharson, Society  Pasadena, CA 91103, Membership is open [email protected] to persons oft the blood MC of Invercauld Hamiltons and those of Hamilton descent   of Macdonald, however spelled or of the blood Membership inquiries are invited from descendants are cordially invited to join the society.  All Campbells or descendants of of a recognized associate family or is related of Farquharson and descendants of Sept family Inquiries to be sent to: Campbells and members of Clan Septs by marriage or legal adoption to either of these names. Please contact the association by mail to: are welcome to join the Society. Sheri Lambert, Treasurer write for more info and a complete Sept list. The Secretary: Clan Farquharson For State Branches contact the P.O. Box 5399 William H. McDaniel Association Australia Vernon Hills, IL 60061 National Secretary Margaret Vallance PO Box 585 Springwood, NSW 2777 Email: [email protected] High Commissioner, CDUSA or by Email to: [email protected] visit our website: www.clan-campbell.org.au [email protected] www.clanhamilton.org

CLAN DONALD in VICTORIA Clan Hay Proudly affiliated with Clan Donald Australia, Victorian Scottish Union and Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group. April Rich Represented at all major Highland gatherings in Victoria. 28 Oxbow Drive Willimantic, CT 06226 CLAN DONALD VICTORIA [email protected] President: Mr Norman A. Macdonald Contact: [email protected] The American Branch of the First Family of Scotland welcomes Formed in 1934, with membership from many MacDonald, McDonald and inquires from descendants of: Hay(s); Haye(s); Hayne(s); Hey(s); Macdonald families living in Victoria. Membership available, with dance Alderston; Armll;Ayer(s); Constable; Con(n); De La Haye; Delgatie; classes for Scottish Country Dance most Friday evenings in Gardenvale. Delgatie; D’ Ay(e); Dellah’aY; Errol(l); Garrad; Garrow; Gifford; CLAN MACDONALD YARRAVILLE Hawson; Haygood; Hayter; Hayward; Haywood; Haynie; Hayden; Hon Chief: Mrs Christina Milne Wilson Hayfield; Hayne( s); Leask( e); Leith; Lester; MacGaradh; Peebles; Contact: [email protected] Peeples; Peoples; Turriff; Tweeddale; Yester A hereditary clan society formed by the children of Norman Hume Macdonald and Johan McKenzie Macdonald (nee Munro) who departed Scotland in 1854. www.clanhay.com

Page 18 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Clan MacInnes The MacEanruigs, proud sons of Henry, invite you to join! Clan Macpherson ClanInternational MacInnes Association of Clan Clan MacLeod Clan Henderson Society Societies of Australia InternationalMacInnes Association (Aonghais) of Membership is open to MacLeods Association Purposes of the Society All spelling variants of MacInnes are welcome and Septs (of any variant spelling), Clan Macpherson welcomes enquiries from Macphersons and members of our Associated families. worldwide: (Mc)Angus, (Mc)Kinnis, (Mc)Innis, For information about local activities visit our web site www.clan-macpherson.org/branches Clan MacInnes (Aonghais) and descendants. Recognised Septs: ● Foster Scottish culture and activities (Mc)Ginnis, (Mc)Ninch, (Mc)Neish, (Mc)Canse, Africa. Derek Macpherson Australia. John L Macpherson Australian. ● Promote Scottish festivals and games (Mc)Masters, (Mc)Innes, (Mac)Masters Askey MacAndie MacClure [email protected] [email protected] All spelling variants of MacInnes are welcome phone +265 999 512 620 phone +61 409 122 141 ● Assist in genealogical research www.clanmacinnes.org Beaton MacAskill MacCorkill MacWilliam ● Foster fellowship among kith and kin Canada. Ed Smith England & Wales. William Macpherson worldwide:Eric Perry, Di (Mc)Angus,rector-Membe (Mc)Kinnis,r Services 14 (Mc)Innis, Jakes Lane, ● Promote the history of Scotland Bethune MacAulay MacCrimmon Norie [email protected] [email protected] phone +1 519 802 8821 phone +44 7877 363 507 ● Promote charitable and educational (Mc)Ginnis,Dexter, (Mc)Ninch, ME 04930; (Mc)Neish, [email protected] (Mc)Canse,g Caskie MacCabe MacGillechallum Norman activities via a scholarship fund Harold MacCaig MacHaigh Tolmie Europe. Will Tulling New Zealand. Tony McPherson [email protected] [email protected] ● Gather the Clan, as directed by our Chief, (Mc)Masters, (Mc)Innes, (Mac)Masters Lewis MacCaskey MacRaild Williamson phone +31 655 774 425 phone +64 274 587 813 Alistair of Fordell l NSW, ACT & Qld - Peter Macleod 02 4397 3161 Scotland & Northern Ireland. Rory Macpherson USA. Robert T McPherson Contact Jeff Henderson www.clanmacinnes.org l [email protected] UnitedStates.Chairman@clan-macpherson. Victoria & Tas - David Dickie 03 9337 4384 phone +44 7525 763 765 org phone +1 360 701 8133 [email protected] l 0439 330 012 Eric Perry, Director-Member Services 14 Jakes Lane, South Australia - Rachel Hopkins 0433 184 375 l The Clan Macpherson Museum is located in Newtonmore, Inverness Shire PH20 1DE, Dexter, ME 04930; [email protected] Western Australia - Ruth MacLeod 08 9364 6334 at the junction of the A86 and B9150, and is open from 1st April to 31st October. www.clanhendersonsociety.com l Email: [email protected] Ph + 44 1540 673 332. See http://www.clan-macpherson.org/museum/

Clan Hope of Craighall Society For all of the name and lineage of Hope Clan Mackenzie Society The Clan MacRae  INTERNATIONAL & AUSTRALIA President & Commissioner: THE Stephen Hope in Australia Inc. Society of Australia [email protected] [email protected] Membership enquiries and New Zealand www.clanhopeaustralia.org MACLEODS UNITED STATES of AMERICA welcomed from Mackenzies If your surname is MacRae, High Commissioner: Richard Rex Hope of all spellings and Septs RICH IN HIGHLAND [email protected] or you are descended from a person having the Membership Chair: Contact: N Dennis, 61 Alma Street, TRADITIONS surname MacRae (any spelling) or that of a Sept of Janet Hope Higton [email protected] East Malvern 3145 Ph 03 9569 5716 FOR INFORMATION: the Clan then you are eligible to join our Society. www.clanhope.org WWW.CLANMACLEODUSA.ORG CANADA Visit our website Australian Contact: Commissioner: Scott Hale Check out your Tartan and Sept A.L. MacLeod Roslyn MacRae 0412 291 054 email: [email protected] [email protected] 3923 Rockwood Way #B www.clanhope.ca www.clanmackenzie.org.au West Valley City, UT NZ Contact: Sue Tregoweth email: [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClanHopeofCraighall 84120-6880        Clan Macnachtan Clan MacRae Society  Pantone 363 U Pantone 368 U     Pantone 186 U  Association Worldwide of North America  Sir Malcolm F. Macnaghten of  ůĂŶDĂĐ<ĞŶnjŝĞ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨĂŶĂĚĂ Macnaghten, Bart - Chief of Clan Granted Arms in 2008   Chairman - Peter McNaughton - 360-686-8451  tĞŝŶǀŝƚĞLJŽƵ–ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌLJŽƵĂƌĞĂĐůĂŶƐƉĞƌƐŽŶ We invite MacRaes of all We welcome membership from all Scots named MacNaughton spelling variations and their Clan Irwin Association ĂŵĞŵďĞƌŽĨŽŶĞŽĨŽƵƌƐĞƉƚƐ͕ĂŚŝŐŚůĂŶĚĞƌ͕ or any of the Septs on our Website: Contact the Membership  Ă^ĐŽƚ͕ŽƌũƵƐƚĂŶŚŝƐƚŽƌLJĞŶƚŚƵƐŝĂƐƚ–ƚŽũŽŝŶ Secretary, Vice-Chairman or Regional Commissioners in: descendants to join our Clan Clan Irwin Association Patron MacRae Society. Learn your ƚŚĞ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJĂŶĚƉĂƌƚŝĐŝƉĂƚĞŝŶŵĂŶLJĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ Australia - Regional Commissioner - Bruce McNaught Alexander Irvine of Drum Scottish MacRae history and family lineage! th +61 7 3266 2047 [email protected] 27 Baron of Drum & Chief of the Name. Contact: Barbara Edelman, Chairman W. Canada - Regional Commissioner - Miles MacNaughton 250-999-9636 [email protected] www.macrae.org 65 Colonial Drive, Telford, PA 18969 tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ǁǁǁ͘ĐůĂŶŵĂĐŬĞŶnjŝĞĐĂŶĂĚĂ͘ĐĂ New Zealand - Regional Commissioner - John Macnaughtan Need more info? Contact: 215-721-3955 [email protected] +64 9 441 4984 [email protected] IRWIN • IRVIN • IRVINE • IRVING • ERWIN • ERVIN USA - Membership Secretary - Mary Nivison Burton Bruce McRae, President Over 270 ways the name has been spelled since 325 A.D. 541-401-2613 [email protected] 303-670-9611 www.clanirwin.org WWW.CLANMACNAUGHTON.NET [email protected] Clan MacNeil Association OF AUSTRALIA Clan MacLaren Clan Labhran For all enquiries about the clan and CLAN LESLIE membership contact. Clan Maitland ůĂŶDĂĐ>ĂƌĞŶ  ůĂŶ>ĂďŚƌĂŶ John McNeil SOCIETY  21 Laurel Avenue, Linden Park, Society SA 5065 of Australia  Email [email protected] Chief: Ian Maitland, The Earl of Lauderdale! and New Zealand  We are all related! Contact your local society  Clan MacNeil Association Clan Chief: Hon Alexander John Leslie North America: Rosemary Maitland Thorn Enquiries invited from Leslies around the world,  of Australia [email protected] www.clanmaitlandna.org as well as the Septs of Clan Leslie: Clan MacLaren Society of Australia Australia: Carole Maitland [email protected] Abernethy, Bartholomew, Cairney, Lang, ůĂŶDĂĐ>ĂƌĞŶ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ For all enquiries about the clan and 4230 Colac- Lavers Hill RoadWeeaproinah. VIC. 3237 Moore etc in all their spellings. (includes New Zealand members) ;ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐEĞǁĞĂůĂŶĚŵĞŵďĞƌƐͿ membership contact: John McNeil New Zealand: Judette Maitland [email protected] Contact: J Barrie Leslie Contact: Malcolm W. Leslie D.Ua. www.clanmaclarenau.orgǁǁǁ͘ĐůĂŶŵĂĐůĂƌĞŶĂƵ͘ŽƌŐ 33 Disley Street, High bury, Wellington 6012. NZ 117/30343 Rosedal Springe RStreet.d. 21 Laurel Avenue, Kearney’sGordon Spring,, NSW, Qld,2072, 4350, Austr Australia.alia. [email protected]ĐůĂŶŵĂĐůĂƌĞŶĂƵΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ Linden Park, SA 5065 We welcome all with Maitland, Lauderdale, Maitlen and similar name spelling. See the entire list and your family history at: Phone:Phone: +61 +61 2 418 9418 986 2268762 ϬϰϮϮϮϮϯϭϲϭ lesliejb@[email protected] www.clanleslie.org • www.clanleslie.org 0422 223 161 Email [email protected] www.clanmaitland.org.uk

Clan MacDougall Society of

ClanNorth MacDougall America, Society Inc. of North America, Inc. Valerie McDougall Valerie McDougall Clan Munro VP Membership MacDougall VP Membership MacDowall MacDougall 505-470 Scenic Drive, London, ON MacDowall N5Z 3B2 N5Z 3B2 Association, U.S.A Email: [email protected] Home page: www.macdougall.org Email: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/clanmacdougall Home page: www.macdougall.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/clanmacdougall Clan MacLaren We are the only national organization of Names Associated with Clan MacDougall of Argyll

and Clan MacDowall of Galloway Munro in the U.S .A. affiliated with the NamesCoul AssociatedMacCoul with Clan MacDougallMacoual of Argyll MacLaren MacLaurin Lawrence Lawson Low[e] Conacherand ClanMacConacher MacDowall of Galloway Coyle MacCoyle Low[e]ry Law[e] Patterson MacPatrick MacRory Clan Munro (Association) of Scotland. CoulDole MacCoulMacDole MacoualMacDill Doual MacDoual McDougal DougalConacher MacDougalMacConacherl MacDougald Mark A. McLaren, President CoyleDougle MacCoyleMcdougle McDougald COME JOIN US! DoleDugal MacDoleMacDugal MacDillMacDugle Dowall MacDowal MacDowall 611 Indian Home Rd. Web site: www.Clanmunrousa.org DoualMacDowell MacDoualMacdowell McDougalMcDowell DougalLullich MacDougalMcLullich l MacDougaldMacCullich MacCulloch McCulloch MacCullagh Danville, CA 94526 Write: Heather Munro Daniel MacClintockDougle MacLintockMcdougle McLintockMcDougald DugalMacHale MacDugalMcHoul MacDugleMactheul MacHowell MacCowan McCown (925) 838-8175 4600 Lloydrownn Road MacKichanDowall M’GowallMacDowal MacNamellMacDowall MacDowellMacLucas MacdowellMacLugash McDowellMacLuke [email protected] Mebane, NC 27302 LullichSpelling VariationsMcLullich May Vary or OmitMacCullich the Mac, Mc MacCulloch McCulloch MacCullagh MacClintock MacLintock McLintock MacHale McHoul Mactheul Clan Pollock MacHowell MacCowan McCown MacKichan M’Gowall MacNamell Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If you are a descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, MacLucas MacLugash MacLuke Clan MacLellan Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Poulk, Poolke, Pogue Spelling Variations May Vary or Omit the Mac, Mc John B. McClellan, Jr. - you are cordially invited to contact: The OFFICIAL Clan MacFarlane Society Founded 1911 - Glasgow & London Treasurer A. D. Pollock, Jr. PO Box 404 Re-established- 1973 Grandfather Mountain, NC 383 Ash Brook Lane Greenville, KY 42345 Loch Sloy! We welcome all descendants of Sunnyvale, TX Clan MacNicol e-mail: [email protected] Clan MacFarlane from around the world! 75182-3250 Chief: John MacNeacail Clan Pollock Michael R. MacFarlane. FSA Scot - President Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If you are a Brian J.W. MacFarlane - Vice President Email: [email protected] of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac Richard G. Kilby, FSA Scot - Treasurer descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, John K. Manchester - Secretary Invites all MacLellans and their descendants regardless Poulk, Poolke, Pogue - you are cordially invited to contact: of surname spelling to join in preserving our heritage. Contact Ross Nicolson lnternatlonal Clan MacFarlane Society, lnc. A. D. Pollock, Jr. PO Box 398 Glenora, CA 91740 USA Various family names are MacLellan(d), McClellan(d), 10/377 North Rocks Rd., [email protected] PO Box 404 McLellan(d) and Gilliland. Carlingford NSW 2118 Greenville, KY 42345 Visit our website: www.clanmaclellan.net www.clanmacnicol.org e-mail: [email protected] MACFARLANE.ORG

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 19 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Australian Scottish Communtiy (Qld) Inc. Promoter of International Tartan Day, Brisbane, Queensland Clan Ross PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 410The1 Scottish Australian Ross Clan in Australia Bi-Monthly Newsletter, All things Scottish Heritage Council The clan is active again in Australia for information contact in Australia All persons of Scottish Descent Commander Des Ross(By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) welcome. www.aussie-scots.org.au,Email: Australian Scottish for information contact Commander Des Ross The Stewart Society [email protected], Ph 07 3359 8195 We would be pleased to hear from anyone with Ross Clan (By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) Welcomes Stewarts, however spelt, by name, Communtiy (Qld) Inc. heritage and interest. birth, or descent, from all over the world. Annual Membership is welcomed We wouldcontact Commander Des Ross at be pleased to hear from anyone Promoter of International Tartan Day, [email protected] from all Australians of Scottish descent. with Ross Clan heritage and interest. Gathering in historic, Stewart-related properties in Brisbane, Queensland Scotland. Newsletter. Annual magazine. PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 4101 For information please contact

Contact: Commander Des Ross at Bi-Monthly Newsletter, All things Scottish The Hon Secretary SAHC, Susan Cooke Please inquire: The Secretary Ph: 0411097724 [email protected] M 0403 830 853 All persons of Scottish Descent welcome. Email: [email protected] 53 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HT, www.aussie-scots.org.au Ph 07 3359 8195 Ken Duthie JP Director of Publicity M 0409 322 374 Tel/Fax 0131 220 4512 www.stewartsociety.org Email: [email protected], www.scottishaustralianheritagecouncil.com.au

Clan Ross America  ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐ Representing the great Highland Clan of Ross since 1976.  >ĂŶŐƵĂŐĞůĂƐƐĞƐ͗ Clan Sutherland Society in Comunn Gàidhlig tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJƐϳ͗ϬϬͲϴ͗ϯϬƉŵ Australia Incorporated  ĚƵƌŝŶŐƐĐŚŽŽůƚĞƌŵƐ  Astràilia ϰϮϬͲϰϮϰtŝůůŝĂŵ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕tĞƐƚDĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ͘ Contact: M Hodgkinson (The Scottish Gaelic Association of Australia) is a  ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗DĂƵƌŝĐĞ&ŽǁůĞƌϬϰϬϴϮϮϯϮϳϳ Paul D Ross, President 212 MacKenzie Street nonprofit organisation which supports the language ŵĂŝů͗ƐĐŽƚƚŝƐŚŐĂĞůŝĐǀŝĐƚŽƌŝĂΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ Virg Bumann, VP Membership Toowoomba 4350 (07 4632 8559) and culture of Scottish Gaels. Ruaraidh MacAonghais, N each Cathrach (Convenor)  1015 Archer St, San Diego, CA, 92109 [email protected] ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ [email protected] Phone: 04 0482 2314 E-mail: [email protected]  [email protected] http://goldenvale.wixsite.com/clansutherlandaus Web: www.ozgaelic.org   &ŽƵŶĚĞĚŝŶϭϵϬϱ www.clanross.org Facebook: Clan Sutherland Society in Australia Mail: PO Box A2259, SYDNEY SOUTH 1235 ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬǁǁǁ͘ƐĐŽƚƚŝƐŚŐĂĞůŝĐǀŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͘ĐŽŵ     žŝƐŝƌ'ŚăŝĚŚůŝŐŚŝŽĐƚžŝƌŝĂ   Clan Sutherland  Clan Ross of ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐŚŽŝƌŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ  The United States Society of North ǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐŚŽŝƌŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ ŽLJŽƵůŝǀĞŝŶDĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ͍ƌĞLJŽƵŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚŝŶ'ĂĞůŝĐĂŶĚ David Ross of Ross, Baron Balnagowan, America Inc. Caledonian Society  ŝƚƐŵƵƐŝĐ͕ŽƌĚŽLJŽƵƐŝŵƉůLJĞŶũŽLJƐŝŶŐŝŶŐ͍tŚLJŶŽƚũŽŝŶƵƐ͍ Chief of the Clan invites all Ross’, septs and their The Society cordially invites membership of all Sutherlands ZĞŚĞĂƌƐĂůƚŝŵĞƐ͗ descendants toto join in preserving our heritage. of WA Inc. (however the name is spelled) and of the associated families:  dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJϳͲϵƉŵĚƵƌŝŶŐƐĐŚŽŽůƚĞƌŵƐ͕ Promotes Scottish Culture and Traditions ƚŚ  Cheyne, Duffus, Gray, Frederith, Mowat and Oliphant. dĞƌŵϭϮϬϮϬďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐϲ &ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ www.theclanross.com in Perth, Western Australia ĂƚdŚĞ<ŝůĚĂƌĂĞŶƚƌĞ͕ƌĞĂƌŽĨ  [email protected] Email: [email protected] For further details contact John: 0427 990 754 ϯϵ^ƚĂŶŚŽƉĞ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕DĂůǀĞƌŶ͘  Email: [email protected] Contact L. Q. Ross ŽŶƚĂĐƚZĂŐŚŶĂŝĚEŝĐ'ĂƌĂŝĚŚ Website: www.ClanSutherland.org www.caledoniansocietyofwainc.com  105 S. Graham Ave, Orlando, Fl 32803 ƌĂĐŚĞů͘ŚĂLJΛŝŝŶĞƚ͘ŶĞƚ͘ĂƵ 

  SHOULDER TO SHOULDER   Clan Young   Australia  Clan Scott Australia Group Ian J Young AM Hunter Valley Convenor   Clan Chief: The Duke of Buccleuch KT, K.B.E Scots Club Inc The Society of St. Andrew Commissioner: Heather de Sylva Membership inquiries: Promotes and supports all forms of Scottish culture of Scotland Membership welcome from Scotts and Septs: Clan Young Australia in Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding areas.  (Queensland) Limited  10 Cedric Street Balwearie, Harden, Laidlaw, Geddes & Langlands. Members and interested people are welcome to ABN 30 093 578 860 Parkdale VIC 3195 Info: Secretary, PO Box 320, Maclean, NSW, 2463 attend activities such as Burns Night, Caledonian Night, Invites membership of all people of [email protected] St Andrew’s Day, and other social functions. Scottish descent or association  E: [email protected] Web: hvscots.org Email: [email protected] W: clanscottaustraliagroup.moonfruit.com www.facebook.com/groups/youngsofaustralia/ The Secretary, P.O. Box 3233, South Brisbane, BC, P.O. Box 34, Kotara NSW 2289 www.standrewsociety.com 

Clan Shaw Society  Invites membership or inquires from all: Scots of Victoria Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy, MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, The Robert Burns Club Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Coordinating Group Mike Shaw  Secretary of Melbourne Inc. 2403 West Cranford Supporting the Scottish Denison, TX 75020 > Promotes interest in the works, life and  Community in Victoria Clan Shaw Society Clan Wardlaw Association milieu of the Scottish Poet Robert Burns Invites membership or inquires from all: Scottish Resource Centre Founded 2004 > Celebrates Scottish Culture Level 1, 420 – 424 William St. Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy,  Worldwide organization for all Wardlaws or related > Conducts Annual Burn Supper, Poetry West Melbourne VIC 3003 MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, families. We invite you to join us. Afternoon & Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Email: [email protected] For Membership Information contact: Secretary: Mike Shaw ‘Wardlaw ivermair!’ Secretary: Noel Wright (03) 8333 0973 E-mail: [email protected] 2403 West Cranford www.clanwardlaw.com Email: [email protected] Website: https//scotsofaus.org.au Denison, TX 75020 Wardlaw Tartan and Ancestry Books Facebook: facebook.com/ScotsofVictoria Scottish Associations and Societies Victorian Scottish Union Inc Established 1905 Scottish Heritage Umbrella group representing the interest of Scottish Clans and Societies in Victoria. USA, Inc. Affiliated Clans & Societies Ballarat Highland Dancing Geelong Scottish Dance P.O. Box 457 Balmoral Highland Dancing Society Glenbrae Celtic Dancers Begonia City Highland Dancing Society Kilmore Celtic Festival Pinehurst, NC 28370 Brunswick Scottish Society Maryborough Highland Society Clan Sinclair Australia Clan Donald Victoria Mornington Peninsula Caledonian Society Through our platform of projects and events ASF Welcomes membership of anyone interested Clan Grant Scottish Country Dance Victoria Society Membership and inquiries from all Sinclairs, helps share and strengthen the heritage and cultural Clan Macdonald Yarraville Inc The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne Sinclair Septs and Sinclair descendants. in the exchange of people and ideas between Clan Mackenzie of Australia Robert Burns Club of Camperdown message of Scotland’s past and future. A bridge Clan Maclean Australia Warrnambool & District Caledonian Society Scotland and the United States. Clan Sinclair Association Warrnambool Caledonian Highland Dancing Society For further info contact between the United States and Scotland. Clan Sutherland Australia President: WayneSinclair 0417 146 174 www.americanscottishfoundation.org Write or phone for our free brochure. Chief: Ms Ceilidh McKinna Robertson www.scottishheritageusa.org President: Mr Douglas Pearce Secretary : Liane Sinclair 0410 045 263 Secretary: Mrs Jan Macdonald E: [email protected] email: [email protected] T: 03 9360 9829 M: 0438 584 930 (910) 295-4448 E: [email protected] www.clansinclairaustralia.com www.victorianscottishunion.com

Page 20 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN THE SCOTTISH KITCHEN

For the filling 175g/6oz smoked salmon, chopped Low-fat cheesecake 100g/3½oz. smoked bacon lardons, cooked Ingredients: 100g/3½ new potatoes, cooked For the base: and cut into cubes 6 low-fat digestive biscuits 3 free-range eggs 10 low-fat/reduced sugar plain biscuits 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh dill 2 tbsp clear honey 200ml/7fl oz. crème fraîche 75g/2½oz butter, melted 1 tsp grated nutmeg For the filling: salt and freshly ground black pepper 6 leaves gelatine green salad leaves, to serve 150ml/5fl oz. skimmed milk 50g/2oz cocoa powder Method: 100g/3½oz. caster sugar Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. 500g/1lb 2oz. quark cheese Roll out the shortcrust pastry until 300g/10½oz. fat-free Greek yoghurt it is slightly larger than a 25cm/10in 1 tsp vanilla extract loose-bottomed cake tin. 1 vanilla pod, seeds only Prick the pastry all over with a fork, line 2 free-range egg whites the pastry case with greaseproof paper To serve: and fill it with rice or dried beans. Place 300g/10½oz fresh strawberries 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Method: 450ml/16fl oz. chicken, beef or lamb stock Remove the greaseproof paper and Scottish Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas salt and freshly ground black pepper rice or beans. Brush the pastry with 4 and line a 23cm/9in spring form For the mash: the beaten egg, then return the tart cake tin with greaseproof paper. Oatcakes 700g/1½lb potatoes, peeled and to the oven and bake for a further five For the base, put all the biscuits cut into halves or quarters minutes, or until golden-brown. into a freezer bag and bash with Ingredients: 55ml/2fl oz. milk For the filling, arrange the smoked 4oz/125g medium oatmeal, a rolling pin until they resemble 75g/3oz butter salmon, lardons and new potatoes plus extra for kneading 1 free-range egg yolk breadcrumbs. Place into a mixing bowl evenly in the bottom of the pastry case. ½ tsp. bicarbonate of soda and add the honey and melted butter Method: In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Pinch salt and mix well to combine. Press the In a large saucepan, heat the dripping. dill, crème fraîche and nutmeg until 2 tsps. melted fat (goose or bacon) mixture into the bottom of the tin. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes. well combined. Season, to taste, with 1 tbsp. hot water Bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, heat a salt and freshly ground black pepper. from the oven and leave to cool little olive oil and fry the mince, stirring, Method: Pour the mixture into the pastry case. while you prepare the filling. Preheat the oven to Gas5/375F/190C. until browned all over. While the meat is Transfer the quiche to the oven To make the filling, soak the gelatine In a large bowl mix together the frying, break up any lumps with the back and bake for 30-40 minutes, or leaves in a bowl of ice-cold water for 10 oatmeal, salt and bicarbonate of soda. of the spoon. Stir the onions and add the until the egg mixture has set. minutes. Put the milk, cocoa powder Then drizzle in the melted fat and flour (this helps to thicken the juices) Set the quiche aside to cool. and sugar into a saucepan. Bring to stir vigorously to a thick paste. and stir. Mix well and add the bay leaves, To serve, place a wedge of quiche a simmer, stirring constantly, until Cut the paste into two small balls, thyme and the anchovy and stir. Add the onto a serving plate, then place the sugar has melted and the cocoa is sprinkle a work surface with oatmeal chopped tomatoes, stock (keep a little the salad leaves alongside. completely combined. Remove from the and roll each ball on the surface to aside, for putting into the mince pan to heat and leave to cool for a few minutes. coat and to prevent sticking. de-glaze the pan) and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk in the gelatine and set aside. Knead each ball for a few minutes Add the cooked mince and then pour Cheese scones Put the quark and yoghurt into a until the mixture starts to dry slightly the stock mixture into empty mince pan, mixing bowl and beat together until and stops sticking to the surface. scraping off any bits of mince left in smooth. Add the vanilla extract and Add a little more oatmeal as required. the pan. Pour the remaining stock into the Roll each ball into a 1/4 thick disc, then pan containing the sauce mixture. the vanilla seeds. Beat to mix well cut into quarters. Place on a greased Bring the mixture to the boil, adding a and then add the cocoa mixture. baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes in pinch of salt and pepper and let it simmer Beat until smooth and set aside. the oven or until brown at the edges. for about 45 minutes, stirring regularly. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg Alternatively, the oatcakes can Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. whites until soft peaks form when be cooked in a hot frying pan, For the mash, boil the potatoes until the whisk is removed from the bowl. 3 minutes on each side. tender (about 10 minutes). Drain, add the Fold one third of the egg whites into milk, butter and egg yolk, then mash until the cheesecake mixture and then Shepherd’s pie smooth. Season with salt and pepper. carefully fold in the remainder. Pour the meat into a 1.4 litre/2½ pint Spoon the mixture onto the base ovenproof dish and spread the mash on Ingredients: then put into the fridge to set for at top, smooth over and mark with a spatula. 225g/8oz. self-raising flour least 4-6 hours or overnight if possible. Put the dish into the oven and cook until pinch of salt Decorate with strawberries and serve. the surface is golden-brown. 55g/2oz. butter 25g/1oz. mature cheddar cheese, grated Ginger alert 150ml/5fl oz. milk Salmon and potato quiche Ingredients: Method: 40ml/1½fl oz. whisky Heat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. 2 tsp clear apple juice Lightly grease a baking sheet. Mix 1 tsp clear pear juice together the flour and salt and rub 20ml/½fl oz. fresh lemon juice in the butter. Stir in the cheese and 2.5cm/1in piece fresh ginger, peeled then the milk to get a soft dough. ginger ale, to top up Turn on to a floured work surface and Ingredients: apple slice, to garnish 25g/1oz. dripping knead very lightly. Pat out to a round 1 large onion, finely chopped 2cm/¾in thick. Use a 5cm/2in cutter Method: 2 tbsp. olive oil to stamp out rounds and place on the Pour the whisky, apple juice, pear juice, 500g/1lb 2oz. minced lamb baking sheet. Lightly knead together and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker 1 tbsp. plain flour the rest of the dough and stamp out with a handful of ice. Grate the ginger 2 bay leaves more scones to use it all up. Brush the into the shaker, then shake well. Strain 2 sprigs fresh thyme Ingredients: tops of the scones with a little milk. into a highball glass filled with ice cubes. 1 anchovy, finely chopped (optional) 225g/8oz. ready-made shortcrust pastry Bake for 12-15 minutes until well risen Top up with ginger ale and garnish with 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes 1 free-range egg, beaten and golden. Cool on a wire rack. an apple wedge.

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 21 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Inspirational stories from Scotland’s tourism industry

n light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) • Shetland Arts is hosting its regular And there’s lots going on across situation we continue to be amazed programme of wellbeing activities South the west of Scotland too: at the resilience and innovation of online to help boost spirits. Tune into • Mackintosh at the Willow is adding Scotland’s tourism industry across the the Wellbeing Choir via Facebook Live. weekly historic blogs to its website Icountry. VisitScotland wanted to share a Singers will be able to download the and created a new Home Sweet few examples of the great work that is being song sheets in advance on social media. Home page sharing different replicated in regions across the country: • MacGregors Bar in Inverness is hosting Mackintosh recipes each week. North daily Facebook Live sessions #liveatfive. • Maid of the Loch, Loch Lomond’s Expect online pub quizzes, traditional paddle steamer, has launched a virtual music sessions and storytelling from cruise to celebrate the anniversary this Thistle award-winning business. of her first ever public cruise on 25 • Aberdeen-based Boozy Events will May 1953. Step back in time and bring cocktail making experiences Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh. experience the joys of the ‘bonnie to your door after launching a new banks’ from this historic steamship. online mixology masterclass. Boozy From Dunbar to Kirkcudbright, Book a ‘ticket’ via the online shop – all Events: To Your Door will shake things find out what businesses are doing income raised will be a much-needed up for those looking for something across the south of Scotland: boost for the charity. different to do during isolation. • In replacement of its regular farm tours, • Yellow Hare Café on Tiree has launched a baking delivery Jacksons at Jedburgh is providing virtual Mareel, Shetland Arts in Lerwick. service, with home baking being East farm tours and sharing photos and delivered by owner Kate MacLeod educational information on Facebook. Some examples from the north of across the UK. More than 250 Scotland, including our islands: • Tour company Mary’s Meanders, boxes were baked and delivered based in Linlithgow, has launched within the first month of this • Speyside Wildlife has started a live a virtual Outlander locations tour new service, reaching locations #dailybirdsong every day on Facebook, to be delivered via Zoom. as far as London and Devon! bringing the local area to followers. • The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh • Glasgow Science Centre is bringing Deeside Distillery has been using • is creating a Virtual Spring by sharing science into people’s homes every its to make hand sanitiser images and films of its four Gardens day at 10am with GSC at home for local charities and frontline – Edinburgh, Benmore, Dawyck across its social media channels. services struggling to source any. and Logan – online via its website • Once Upon a Whisky, which • Isle of Harris Distillery is producing and social media platforms. normally operates whisky and hand sanitiser to help support local Pitlochry Festival Theatre. tours in Glasgow and Edinburgh, • The Station House Cookery School businesses. It has also released a second has launched virtual whisky tastings in Kirkcudbright is offering a free online album on Spotify, The Harris Innovative examples from on Thursday and Friday evenings. Ceilidh #02, and the first in a series of the east of Scotland: cookery advice helpline, providing • Stanelydrive, a Renfrewshire-based short films,Harris Pause #01, to help online food orders for collection chauffeur travel company, has been future visitors find a moment of mindful • Pitlochry Festival Theatre has launched and has launched a new recipes and supporting Accord Hospice by offering connection with the Outer Hebrides. an entertainment programme for factsheets section to its website. all ages. #PFTLightHopeJoy aims to its V Class Mercedes (normally used for • Ortak, in Orkney, are offering a free Dynamic Earth has launched entertain audiences in isolation with • tours and transfers) to help maintain grocery service to supply essentials #DynamicEarthOnline. Everyday the vital patient services the Hospice demonstrations and performances. to the local community who cannot families can get involved with provides within the community. access shops. They’re serving up to • Blair Drummond Safari Park is now new and exciting challenges. By removing the middle row of seats, 150 people in their local community doing weekly Facebook live sessions a two-metre safe distance between • While all Invisible Cities tours with the help of Orkney Football on a Thursday at 12pm GMT (subject the driver and patient has been have been suspended, the team at Club. The Ortak showroom has now to change). Learn about the animals created, allowing patient transfers so Invisible (Edinburgh) has created developed into a small supermarket and how keepers look after them. that treatment can continue while where those considered at risk to a virtual tour for you to enjoy from • Etape Caledonia has launched the maintaining social distancing. shop alone in safety. They are also the comfort of your home. Virtual Etape Caledonia. This new The Coig, touring routes around offering free delivery of hand sanitiser • event, based on the annual live • Belhaven Bikes in Dunbar is offering provided by Deerness Distillery. the Clyde coast and islands, has event, will take place during May a free bike hire service to NHS started a #SaveYourFaves campaign Orkney Distilling (Kirkjuvagr Gin) • in support of The NHS Charities staff and other key workers. to provide future visitors with have donated 1,000 litres of hand COVID-19 Appeal and Marie Curie. Edinburgh School of Food & Wine is inspiration to make plans once gel to locals, and those further afield • the travel restrictions are eased. through donations to ferry services, • While V&A Dundee is closed, you making around 500 meals a day from hospitals, coast guards and Search can still enjoy the museum online. its kitchen facilities to send to people in • The Laird’s Table Restaurant at & Rescue teams across the UK. Access learning resources, take on need, to support Edinburgh Food Social. Craufurdland Country Estate challenges and read stories. has introduced hampers and • Zoe Davidson Jewellery, in Orkney, homemade ready meals for has launched a Facebook campaign to • Museums of the University of St West takeaway and offering a home shine a light on key workers in the UK. Andrews has launched online delivery service locally on weekends. • The Papay Ranger is creating workshops through Facebook, including • Athough Islay’s annual Fèis Ìle virtual tours of Papay, Orkney, experiments, stories and crafts. festival is cancelled for 2020, which are available on Vimeo. • Farms across Scotland, including Kilchoman Distillery has plans to Belkello Farm (Dundee), Newton Farm • Orkneyology, the storytelling site, is bring Islay to your home with tasting Holidays (Angus) and Ardross Farm posting stories by storyteller Tom Muir packs, live online events, whisky under Tales for Troubled Times. Shop (Fife), have been taking part in giveaways and video updates. • Fèis Rois, a Highland based traditional #Lambathon. A different farm will be Is your business or event doing music festival, is taking its 30th showcasing farming life each day over a something unique during Corona anniversary festival online. Scotland’s week at 2pm via Facebook live. Check Go The Laird’s Table restaurant at Virus restrictions? Share your story Rural Scotland on Facebook to see which Craufurdland Country Estate. top musicians and singers took part in with us and inspire others at: Virtual Fèis Rois via Facebook Live. farm will be broadcasting each day. Text and images courtesy of VisitScotland. and images courtesy of Text www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us

Page 22 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Inspirational stories from The 90th anniversary of the evacuation of St Kilda Internationally recognised for its birdlife, St Kilda is no less famous for its human history. A community existed here for at least 4,000 years, exploiting the dense colonies of gannets, fulmars and puffins for food, feathers and oil. This month marks the 90th anniversary Scotland’s tourism industry of the evacuation for the last inhabitants of the remote Scottish archipelago of St Kilda, the ‘islands at the edge of the world’. St Kilda was even more remote. Health, went out to St Kilda and reported While the decision to leave – and to back that ‘swift action’ was required to write the letter asking for help – was a remove the St Kildans. communal one, some were keener to find Plans were put in place over the a new life on the mainland than others. summer to end life on this extraordinary Julie explains: “The younger islanders place after four millennia of struggle were more aware of the world outside against Mother Nature and, ultimately, the and wanted to start afresh. For some of outside world. the older members of the community, the Text and images are courtesy of the National decision to leave was harder. They were Trust for Scotland. For more information on more of the opinion that St Kilda was their the Trust or to help them protect Scotland’s life and all they’d ever known.” heritage see: www.nts.org.uk Julie sees that the 10 May letter The village on Hirta. wasn’t just to ask for help to leave the island, but also to set up a whole new Did you know? he isolated cluster of islands, situated They weren’t self-supporting and able to life on the mainland. “The islanders • St Kilda is the UK’s only dual 40 miles west of the Outer Hebrides, better themselves as the letter says. weren’t looking for a handout. UNESCO World Heritage Site, and off Scotland’s north-west coast, They knew they couldn’t survive but they Having lived nowhere else but this one of only 39 in the world. had been inhabited for at least didn’t know what the other options were. tiny storm-battered island, they didn’t T4,000 years. In 1930, however, the simple It had got to the point where they were know what work they could do or how • Home to nearly 1 million seabirds, existence of the inhabitants had become relying on ships coming in and those were they would go about getting it. including the UK’s largest unsustainable and the St Kildans wrote a becoming less frequent. There’s a history of Boats were so infrequent that colony of Atlantic puffins. letter petitioning to leave. Six months later, them sending letters out on the mailboats communication with the mainland to • Evacuated on 29 August 1930 on 29 August, the last 36 people living on asking for food as they were starving, but set up a new life was even more difficult. after the remaining 36 islanders Hirta, St Kilda’s main island, were evacuated. in the 1930s that shouldn’t have been They were happy to work but they voted to leave as their way of life Julie Hunt, chair of the St Kilda Club, something that was happening.” didn’t know what that could be”, was no longer sustainable. explains that the decision to leave was a she says. “The irony was they went to difficult but necessary one. “They didn’t Extraordinary place work for the Forestry Commission, • St Kilda has its own unique want to go but they knew it was the best There was a precedent too. Mingulay, at when St Kilda has no trees.” wren, as well as a sub-species thing to do”, she says. “They’d just come the southern tip of the Western Isles (also The letter was passed to the skipper of mouse which is twice the out of a particularly devastating winter and now cared for by the National Trust for of the first passing trawler. Soon after, size of a British fieldmouse. things had got harder and harder for them. Scotland), had been evacuated in 1912. George Henderson, Inspector of Public The Australian Pipe Band Championships 2021

ith new government directives All decisions remain subject to further on social distancing and government direction and review. advice they will be in place for The closing date for confirmation of original at least six months, the 2020 entries/new entries will be 5 January 2021. WAustralian Pipe Band Championships have Pipe Bands Australia, Pipe Bands been officially postponed to April 2021. Victoria and Maryborough Highland An assessment of date options and Society appreciate the support, consideration of government directives understanding and patience of people and advice in response to the coronavirus from across the pipe band community pandemic by Pipe Bands Australia, and within the Maryborough and central St Kilda ‘parliament’. host branch Victoria and promoter Victoria district recently in these difficult Maryborough Highland Society concluded and challenging times for all Australians. that proceeding with a deferred October Pipe Bands Australia again ask all Scotword answers from page 6 date could not be guaranteed based on members of our pipe band family to Across: Down: Listen to Scottish current government information and remain safe, observe government advice 8 Biggar 1 Airlie requirements for Australian people. and find ways to keep the music going. The original provisional postponed 9 Rothsay 2 Agin For details on the Australian Radio S.A. date in October, or later in the year, would 10 Blantyre 3 Greys Pipe Band Championships see: 4 Braemar also have increasingly presented greater www.australianpipebandchampionships.com.au 11 Girdle 5 Stags challenges for participation by both school 12 Nevis 6 Weir and community bands. An October date 14 Bap 7 Ballater may also have allowed bands only limited 15 Scott 13 Ins musical preparation. 18 Glasgow 16 Col 20 Borders 17 Coo Tuesdays: 12:30pm – 1:30pm Keep the music going 23 Scone 19 Loch Earn Saturdays: 5:00pm – 6:00pm To ensure greater certainty for bands and 24 Ire 21 Don championship patrons, the host branch 22 Princes 25 Knave 5EBI 103.1 fm and promoter have selected the weekend 26 Violin 29 Ferret of 10 and 11 April – the weekend after 27 Stoat Easter when the 116th Maclean Highland 31 Neilston 28 Dirks Digital EBI World: 33 Armadale 30 Reap Gathering will be held in northern NSW 34 Kelvin 32 Silo WWW.5ebi.com.au and the weekend before the Bundanoon Highland Gathering.

The Scottish Banner • August 2020 • Page 23 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: David McVey

The Bath House at Bar Hill Fort.

of ‘distance slabs’ in the University of Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum. The slabs were engraved to mark the completion of a section of wall by Roman Legions and some of them are still impressive bits of sculpture. The Hunterian also has some smaller, more poignant items found at Bar Hill; sandals designed for men, women, Rome in Scotland and children, and even a cartwheel that must have rumbled up and down the of a number of forts and other buildings Fells which soar to 500m. No one would Military Way to Bar Hill many times. have also been preserved. Bar Hill Fort is mess with a strong Roman force in a The Antonine Wall did not last long in perhaps the best place to appreciate the defensive position like this. service. It may have been abandoned as achievement of Antonine’s Wall. early as AD158, with Hadrian’s Wall being Like Hadrian’s Wall, the Antonine Wall Statements of Roman power re-occupied at the same time. When the snakes across country picking out the high and ambition Romans withdrew, they would have ground. The highest point is Bar Hill, near Opinions differ on whether Hadrian’s demolished some structures. Other parts, between Twechar and Kilsyth. and Antonine’s walls served as barriers or such as stonework, would have been re- It rises to 143m at its summit, Castle Hill. merely frontiers for controlling trade and used by local people. Mostly, the wall just The latter name comes from an Iron Age movement. Certainly, they were intended faded, sank into the soil or grassed over, fortification that was constructed on this to be impressive, imposing statements of eventually leaving what remains today. windy site, but which was long abandoned Roman power and ambition. It was largely forgotten until canal, rail by the time the Romans came. Just to the If the climb to Bar Hill is a bit much and road building in the 18th, 19th and west is a high green plateau, pleasantly for you, you do not have to just marvel at 20th centuries uncovered many buried wooded, and it is there that you will find pictures in books or on the web. structures and artefacts. Glasgow University, home of the Bar Hill Roman Fort. Several museums have treasures from The events and peoples and cultures of Hunterian Museum. Historic Environment Scotland have Bar Hill and the wider Antonine Wall. Roman Scotland can seem very remote, now. All images courtesy of David McVey. All preserved and displayed the outline of The Auld Kirk Museum in Kirkintilloch Bar Hill, though, is one place where you can veryone has heard of Hadrian’s parts of the fort, with helpful information has a number of items unearthed locally stand in the silence and quite believe that Wall, the Roman frontier that runs boards. Perhaps the clearest and most and there’s an impressive collection you are on Rome’s Northwest Frontier. from coast to coast just south of the evocative spot is the former bathhouse, Scotland-England border. But there slightly downhill to the north of the rest of Eis another, later Roman border in Scotland the site. Each of its rooms is identifiable, itself, and it is fast becoming a popular laying bare the Roman obsession with tourist draw. cleanliness. Although perhaps not just It was, of course, the Emperor Hadrian, Roman; there’s evidence that Bar Hill was Warm up this winter who ruled from AD117, who ordered the manned by troops recruited from Syria. with our range beautiful tartan scarves-direct from Scotland! building of the wall that bears his name. With recent turmoil in modern Syria, some It was largely constructed during the refugees have found sanctuary in Scotland. year AD122, an amazing technical feat Most of them love their new home but and nearly 2000 years on its remains are struggle to adapt to the cold. I wonder still impressive. Hadrian died in AD138 what their ancestors made of being posted and was succeeded by his son Antoninius on a wet, windy hilltop like this? Pius (or Antonine) whose frontier policy The best way to approach Bar Hill is, I was different. Hadrian’s Wall, less than 20 think, from the east. A path - part of the years old, was abandoned, though it would John Muir Way - starts from the north end later be re-occupied. Antonine ordered of Croy village, which has a railway station a new frontier to be constructed further with trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh. north, between what we know as the Mid-way to the top, you have a choice of Firths of Clyde and Forth. routes; to the south, there is a grassy sward that rises directly to the fort site. The Antonine Wall This follows the route of the Military Way, The Antonine Wall ran from Old Kilpatrick the supply road for the wall. A little north, on the Clyde to Bo’ness on the Forth, the John Muir Way signposts take you around 37 miles. Built between AD142 and along roughly where the wall itself stood. AD143, it hasn’t survived as well because It is steep and a little slippery, and it is best it was built of turf rather than stone, but to avoid what looks like a striking natural the massive ditch that was dug - and gully to the north. But it is not natural; it is sometimes cut from rock - to the north of the Antonine Wall ditch. the wall has survived well, and the outlines Here the ditch is cut from the rock, though it is now entirely grassed over. It is a genuinely breath-taking sight. Where the ditch climbs its highest point, it runs just north of the final steep climb to Made in the Scottish Borders and available in dozens of Clan tartans. Castle Hill’ summit. If you have youngsters Made by Ingles Buchan these soft lamb’s wool scarves are both comfortable with you, keep an eye on them. The fence to the south of the summit guards a and elegant, suitable for any occasion and anyone. 100% new wool. disused quarry edge. If after a specific tartan please check before ordering. Ask us for your tartan today! From Castle Hill or the fort, the strategic $44.95 each plus $9.00 postage Australia wide. NZ customers add $5.00 (AU$ only) significance of the wall is clear. You can see Order at: The Scottish Banner: PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 Kirkintilloch’s Auld Kirk Museum. for miles along the Kelvin-Carron valley, P: 02 9559 6348 E: [email protected] W: www.scottishbanner.com/shop and across to the much higher Campsie

Page 24 • The Scottish Banner • August 2020