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Scottishthethethethe www.scottishbanner.com Banner 37 Years StrongScottishScottishScottish - 1976-2013 Banner A’BannerBanner Bhratach Albannach 42 Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Years Strong - 1976-2018 www.scottishbanner.com A’ Bhratach Albannach Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 VolumeVolumeVolume 42 36 36 NumberNumber Number 711 11 TheThe The world’s world’s world’s largest largest largest international international international ScottishScottish Scottish newspaper newspaper May May 2013 2013 2019 Lighting up ’s dark winter with Viking fun » Pg 16

2019 - A Year in Piping » Pg 19

US Barcodes A Literary Inn ...... » Pg 8 The Bards Discover ’s Starry Nights...... » Pg 9 Scotland: What’s New for 2019 ...... » Pg 12 Family 7 25286 844598 0 1 The Immortal Memory ...... » Pg 29 » Pg 25

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7 25286 844598 1 2 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Volume 42 - Number 7 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 Marrickville South, Starting the year Sean Cairney NSW, 2204 Tel:(02) 9559-6348 EDITORIAL STAFF Jim Stoddart [email protected] Ron Dempsey, FSA Scot Piping Centre North American Office: off Scottish style PO Box 6880 David McVey Cathedral you were a Doonie, with From Scotland to the world, Burns Angus Whitson Hudson, FL 34674 Lady Fiona MacGregor [email protected] Uppies being those born to the south, Suppers will celebrate this great Eric Bryan or you play on the side that your literary figure from Africa to America. David C. Weinczok father or grandfather did before you. Our events page includes some Judy Vickers Uppies and Doonies came from the of great events taking place and Nick Drainey term “Up the Gates” and “Doon the hopefully you can take part whether Gates”, from the word-gata, it be at an informal at home event to Follow us on social media meaning road. A scrum involving one of the great many dinners taking hundreds of men and boys then place though January into February. erupts across the town as each team crushes and competes each other, In this issue by Sean Cairney with games lasting up to five hours or Another uniquely Scottish tradition Distributed monthly in Australia, Canada, more, with apparently few injuries. taking place this month is Shetland’s New Zealand and the USA. ISSN 0707-073X ith the holiday vibe in full Currently this is a male dominated biggest fire festival, Up Helly Aa. Australia Post Print Approved PP:100004806 swing many people are event, however in 1946 after the This event though modern, also Published monthly by Scottish Banner Publications extra busy in the lead up to Second World War, a Women’s Ba’s took takes a nod to the island’s rich links PO Box 6220, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204, Australia January. Some may even place for the first and only time, so far. to Shetland’s Viking heritage. Wconsider January a quiet month to get Each year a month after The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement or to over all the holiday cheer, not the Scots! the streets of see hundreds cancel any advertising contract for reasons satisfactory to the publisher, without notice, With the holiday vibe in full and without penalty to either party. All advertising and reading matter is subject to The month begins of course in full of torch-carrying “guizers” lead Publisher’s approval. Right reserved to revise or reject advertising and reading material festive flair throughout Scotland with swing many people are extra a procession to burn a Viking in accordance with standards acceptable to the Scottish Banner, without notice. The busy in the lead up to January. advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors celebrations taking place longboat and light up the winter in advertising beyond the amount of space paid for, whether such errors are due to across the country, as the clock strikes Some may even consider January sky. The festival incorporates Norse negligence, copy right or otherwise. The publisher does not endorse the historical twelve, millions of Scots around the traditions and celebrate Shetland’s accuracy of the editorial stance of materials submitted for publication. The publisher a quiet month to get over all the reserves the right edit all submitted material prior to publication. world celebrate ringing in the bells and Viking heritage. holiday cheer, not the Scots! The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)and throwing a party called Hogmanay. While this month many will do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. You would then assume January 1st celebrate , in this issue Trouble getting the Scottish Banner each month? Use the subscription form below to may be a quiet day for many? Well in Not for everyone but these are we also look at those who helped subscribe, or you may contact our distributors for your nearest sales outlet. Scotland a couple of great traditions just two examples of how Scots start shape the man. The bard’s family AUSTRALIA: Integrated Publication Solutions 1 800 606 407 NEW ZEALAND: Gordon & Gotch 09 979 3018 take place that certainly are unique the year off. Overseas Scots are also would certainly be instrumental in ways to start the year off. In South beginning the year off right with making Robert who he was and in The Scottish Banner Queensferry outside of , Games on ’s Day turn part of the legacy that he left on Uniting Scots Around the World for 42 Years! over a 1000 people, many in fancy in both New Zealand and Australia, as Scotland. Robert Burns was one of dress, plunge their bodies in the icy peak summer allows pipes and drums, seven children and those lives would THE SCOTTISH BANNER of Forth to start their year. This Scottish dancers and Clans to gather in have been interwoven as we look at great cause is not only a spectacle to celebration of our culture and the year Robert’s humble beginnings. Subscribe to the worlds largest international Scottish culture newspaper online or use below: be seen but raises funds for charity that lies ahead. With With 2019 upon us there is a great while soaking away any cobwebs from also taking place later in the month in deal happening for those planning a Australia: Print: 1 Year / $48.00 AUD 2018, or perhaps the night before… Florida for all those snowbirds to enjoy. trip back to Scotland. We have included Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD some highlights of events taking place Canada: Digital: $19.95 CDN The Kirkwall Ba’ Burns Night in both the piping world and across New Zealand: Print: 1 Year / $65.00 AUD For those seeing the New Year in You cannot mention Scottish the tourism industry. Perhaps if you Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD , an altogether different celebration in January without Robert had been thinking of going back to U.S.A.: Digital: 1 Year / $19.95 USD tradition takes places on January 1st. Burns. Scotland’s Bard is celebrated Scotland, this may just convince you?! Overseas: Print: 1 Year Air Mail: AU $ 110.00 The Kirkwall Ba’ (which is also held on and revered across the globe and Australia/New Zealand: T (+61) 02 9559-6348 Christmas) is one of Orkney’s favourite this month thousands of people will Experience some Scottish www.scottishbanner.com/subscribe traditions, with origins thought to go attend Burns Suppers which have culture this year Subscription are non-refundable. back to when Norse settled been taking place since 1801. Burns As you can see there is much going Cheques, money orders, Visa and MasterCard accepted. in Orkney. On New Year’s Day a mass started his life as a poor tenant farmer on this month for Scots. The best wee Scottish Banner Australia/New Zealand: game takes place up and and his creative and powerful poetry country in the world certainly starts PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 down the streets of Kirkwall in a very made him one of Scotland’s most the year off with a bang and 2019 looks Scottish Banner USA: rough and tumble event that even the important cultural icons. to be another great year of events and PO Box 6880 Hudson, FL 34674 Vikings would be still proud of. Today Robert Burns is thought to celebration. Whether it be back in The Ba’ has two teams the Uppies generate £200m every year to the Scottish Scotland or closer to home I hope you Digital subscriptions must be requested via our website only. and the Doonies, your team is economy and ’s celebrate can experience some Scottish culture judged by where someone is from. not just the man and his work but his this year, there is something on every Name:...... If you were born to the north of the values and belief in and equality. month and the more we celebrate our culture the stronger our events and Address:...... identity to it becomes. All of us at the Scottish Banner wish ...... you and yours the very best for 2019.

...... Post Code:...... Will you be visiting Scotland or attending some Scottish events closer to Tel/Email:...... home in 2019? Share your story with us by email, post, social media or at 1 Year New Subscription Renewal www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us

Gift Subsc. From...... Visa/MC...... Gracing our front cover: Starting the year off at The Kirkwall Ba’. Up Helly Aa Vikings...... Expiry...... Photo; VisitScotland.

Page 2 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

An untold tragedy of Visualising the Iolaire 100 years on the First World War

Black Watch casualties at the Battle of Loos and Islands. He said: “At a time when society in 1915 had impacted the city of . is once more having to work out how The story of the Iolaire is especially poignant to recover from a collective trauma, it is as it occurred after the war was over and was important to see what lessons can be learnt bringing sailors home to be with friends and from history. We have collected memories of family for New Year in 1919. Working with silence, of the ‘widow’s share’, and of the joy Dr Iain Robertson at the University of the when sisters and cousins, returning from Highlands and Islands and the community working in Dundee, were no longer dressed partners on this project has demonstrated in mourning black. And we have heard a what a heavy price the Western Isles paid song sung by the son of the bard who, upon during the war, and the Iolaire tragedy was returning from the war himself and hearing sorrow heaped upon sorrow.” that two of the island’s sons had been lost, The men were aboard the HMY Iolaire felt moved to compose his personal tribute and looking forward to being reunited and commemoration of the disaster.” with loved ones when the ship struck rocks The Iolaire tragedy was one of the called the Beasts of Holm, at the entrance worst maritime disasters in Scottish to Harbour. There were only history and was the worst peacetime 79 survivors. Scarcely a family was left shipping disaster since the Titanic. untouched in the close-knit communities of The map project is funded by the Arts The Times, January 11, 1919. Lewis and Harris. “The homes of the island and Humanities Research Council’s ‘Living are full of lamentation - grief that cannot Legacies 1914-18’ WW1 engagement cottish researchers have created a application, Visualising the Iolaire, which be comforted,” reported on centre, which has been helping to fund digital visualisation revealing the provides a virtual map of the disaster. It details January 6, 1919. “Carts in little processions community led research projects to mark untold stories of those who tragically those that died, identifies the communities of twos and threes, each bearing its coffin the centenary of the First World War. died following the sinking of HMY directly and indirectly impacted, while from the mortuary, pass through the streets The app can be accessed via SIolaire 100 years ago. HMY Iolaire was also documenting how people have been of Stornoway on their way to some rural https://iolaire.itch.io/the-iolaire returning sailors to the Western Isles from memorialised on the island. village, and all heads are bared as they pass.” fighting in World War 1 when it foundered So many people died that the island ran on rocks and sank on New Year’s Day 1919. Sorrow heaped upon sorrow out of coffins and they had to be brought in The final death toll was 205, of whom 181 The development of the online application from elsewhere to bury the dead. were from the islands, devastating the has been led by Dr Iain Donald from the communities on both Lewis and Harris. School of Design and Informatics, at Abertay One of the worst maritime To mark the 100th anniversary of this University. He said: “The original aim of the disasters in Scottish history tragedy, researchers from Abertay University project was to look at how the impact of a The research behind the project was led in Dundee and the University of the Highlands single event can transform a community. by Dr Iain Robertson from the Centre for The virtual map of the disaster. and Islands have developed an online Previously we have looked at how the 4th History at the University of the Highlands

Inspired by, designed and made in Scotland. Carried around the world. + 44 (0)1968 660 078 The Ailsa Tote dunmorescotland.com

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • 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?

I get my subscription to the Scottish Banner for Christmas each FROM OUR year and read it from cover to cover SOCIAL MEDIA and get so much information from Send your photos or letters via social media it and pass it on in all directions. Mrs Beverley Mason Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Raymond Terrace, New South Australia Culzean Castle

The Learned Kindred of Currie made a great showing at misty Alexandria (Virginia) Scottish Christmas Walk. Our colours don’t run! Thanks to all who organized and marched! The Learned Kindred of Currie I loved reading about my favourite USA Scottish castle in the November edition of the Scottish Banner (Hidden doorway The Forth Bridges revealed at Culzean caves). I have visited the castle on three different trips to Scotland and always love being there which such great history and architecture. The castle has one of the most impressive stair cases I have ever seen and the surrounding grounds are gorgeous with bird and plant life nestled on the edge of the Ayrshire coast. My husband is a avid golfer and the area is home to great golf The Cabbie courses and overall stunning scenery. Glasgow, Scotland I love the Scottish Banner and there really is nothing quite like it in the King Reply to social media market-thank you for continuing to ref Sharon Connell provide Scots worldwide with such an Reply to Scottish Banner Volume 42, informative read each and every month. Number 5, November 2018, Page 4, Kelly Ferguson regarding the social media request Ottawa, Ontario by Sharon Connell. In reply to your Canada enquiy regarding Grandparents from Ed note: Thanks Kelly for your note Kirkintilloch. As a past resident of and you are so right, this castle is a Kirkintilloch now living in Australia I stunner, both inside and out. Do other Robert McAlpine still have family living in Kirkintilloch. My sister passed on readers have a favourite Scottish information for you, this is what we found: castle? Please share with us! M Baillie Flat C 11 Shamrock St, Kirkintilloch Family of Bruce International L H Baillie 60 Boghead Road, Kirkintilloch Thank you for the article on the Outlaw D Connell 123 Lock Road, Kirkintilloch King in your November edition. I had never I Connell 37 Boghead Road, Lenzie heard of this film until reading this article I Connell 3 Burns Drive, Kirkintilloch Few words needed - what a stunner of a in your very informative publication. Wish you all the best in your research. view #ForthBridge. I am history obsessed and the story of The Scottish Banner is indeed a View From My Camera Scotland is so fascinating, in part due to great paper to keep us all in touch. Scotland Kind regards, my Scottish heritage, but also for the fact Bruce & Wallace you just can’t make some of this up! Robert McAlpine I really enjoyed the film and hope Australia this now gives producers the push to Family of Bruce International had feature more of the life of Robert the I just read the story of Gilder Roy (Scottish their AGM at Stone Mountain, Bruce and Scottish history in general. Banner, November, 2018). I was pleased The appeal is not limited to Scots but to read about him, you also mention Georgia Highland Games October all the more fascinating for us! in the story of Oliver Cromwell. I have 20, 2018. There were 26 members Love the Scottish Banner! been interested in Oliver Cromwell for present representing seven states. Stuart Craig some time and only get small pieces of Polly Bruce Tilford Wellington, New Zealand information. It is many years since my National Secretary to Family of Bruce International Ed note: Thanks Stuart and we agree school days and I only have vivid memories Bruce & Wallace in . USA the Outlaw King deserves a follow up. of him mentioned in history. It would be Robert Gibb It was only based on one year of Robert wonderful if the Scottish Banner did an Ed note: Great to see the Scotland the Bruce’s life, so much more to tell. article on Oliver Cromwell in the future. Bruce’s proudly gathered!

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 • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Raised from the dead One of the rarest Spitfires will again take to the air Scottish war hero’s Spitfire found in Norwegian peat bog over 75 years after being shot down by the Germans during secret mission in World War Two.

to shoulder with Tony and his team and helped haul aircraft parts. He said: “I was on board from the very second Tony introduced me to the project. Travelling to the edge of the Arctic Circle to dig up and return the remains of a historically important Spitfire is the stuff of comic book Boys’ Own dreams. I’d pretty much packed my rucksack before we’d finished the phone call. “To have been a part of the expedition and to have actually pulled pieces of AA810 out of the ground and carried A spitfire aircraft. them down the mountain. To have seen the bullet holes and to have had the ne of the rarest Spitfires, lost and Flt Lt Gunn was captured by the The project will mark the supreme, but desperate last moments of Alastair’s flight inaccessible in the mountains Germans and sent to Poland and became largely unsung, courage and achievements brought to life by military historian Mark of Norway for more than seven a key figure in the prisoner of wars’ escape of the young men of the WWII Photographic Khan’s insight into the entrance and exit decades and piloted by an ill- tunnel digging, other wise known as The Reconnaissance Unit. He went on: “We points in the fuselage is something that I Ofated Scottish 22-year-old Great Escape Great Escape. Though he managed to will also focus on delivering a Youth will carry with me forever. hero, has come home. escape he was captured after two days on Engagement Scheme which will be set up “And now, as an integral part of the The story of the recovery and the run and shot. He was 24. around the project, and we will be fully ongoing funding of the repatriation of Spitfire AA810, one of a tiny supporting all aspects of the project and its to flight for Spitfire AA810, it is, quite number of reconnaissance aircraft, has A long, challenging and endeavours within the Aerospace industry”. simply, an honour and a duty most recently featured in a BBC documentary, yet hugely rewarding task enthusiastically embraced. I am fortunate Digging for Britain. Before beginning her journey home, each A future for Spitfires to already be a part of the work of recovered piece of the aircraft was laid In addition to the sponsorship support ensuring there’s a future for Spitfires, I Flt Lt Alastair “Sandy” Gunn out accurately within an outline of her from the gin, Spitfire Heritage Distillers am perfectly positioned to continue to AA810’s body bears the scars of the dogfight silhouette, drawn on the stage of the local CEO and Spitfire Heritage Trust vice-chair communicate the incredible story of that brought her down. As a reconnaissance Norwegian village’s theatre. The expedition Ian Hewitt walked the mountain shoulder Alastair Gunn and Spitfire AA810.” aircraft she had been stripped of weaponry team was lucky to find so much of the in favour of additional fuel capacity – to give aircraft intact. Now the real journey begins her a longer range. – a journey that will restore an aircraft as Every bullet hole punched into her fuselage beautiful as it is rare to the skies. Tartan of the Month - Burns tells a story. Auchterarder-born pilot, Alastair AA810 will be carefully and expertly “Sandy” Gunn, had flown the aircraft out of restored, and again take to the air, thanks to RAF Wick in on 5 March 1942. the work of Tony Hoskins, and his business The young Scot was part of the partner, aviation businessman Dr Michael Photographic Reconnaissance Unit, whose Smith, CEO of Experience Tells Ltd. aircraft were stripped of guns and armour Tony said “This has been a long, to make them lighter and also allowed challenging and yet hugely rewarding task. them to carry additional fuel, for missions With hours spent in The National Archives, such as Scotland to Norway. finding and providing proof of the AA810 The Norway recovery expedition was was the aircraft we believed she was, getting put together by aircraft engineer and the relevant permissions to transport historian Tony Hoskins. Spitfire Heritage her and finding the funding to achieve Gin, which supports the Spitfire Heritage everything has all been incredibly time Trust, and sponsored Tony, was part of the consuming. Researching all the operational expedition team that hauled AA810’s bones pilots of AA810 and their fascinating The Scottish Banner is pleased to be offering the suggestion that he create a Robert Burns down the mountain, piece by piece. background stories has taken thousands of the Tartan of the Month series highlighting tartan. The first idea had been to base it on Whilst the aircraft is home, the same man hours but with great success. It’s been a variety of different, unique and colourful the Campbell - a clan with which the Burns cannot be said for her brave pilot. The worth every second and we are incredibly from around the world which are family were connected - but after much young man at the controls, Alastair Gunn, grateful to those who’ve helped – Spitfire registered with the Scottish Register of discussion it was decided more appropriate parachuted just seconds from the snowline Heritage Distillers for funding and boots on Tartans in Edinburgh. The Scottish Register to model it on the Shepherd’s Check. The and made his escape. It was short-lived the ground in Norway, 360 Production for of Tartans was established by an act of the overcheck introduced ‘the hodden grey and and his moving story makes the return of making the programme and the BBC for its in November 2008 and a’ that’ and a little flavour of green fields his aircraft all the more poignant. commitment to broadcast it.” promotes and preserves information about was added. There was thought of calling historic and contemporary tartans from it the ‘Ayr Tartan’ but that was discarded Scotland and throughout the world. Text in favour of the present name which and image use is courtesy of the Scottish more aptly celebrated the bicentenary of Register of Tartans (SRT). the poet’s birth. In June 1959 the Burns Federation accepted the design with the his month the world will celebrate condition that all goods should be made in Scotland’s bard, Robert Burns, on Scotland. This was superseded by the Burns January 25th and to celebrate we are Heritage Check (Ref: 2206) which in turn highlighting the Burns Check tartan has been superseded by the Burns Heritage T(Ref: 1736). The late Baron Marchand of Tartan (Ref: 4515). Various woven samples Messrs George Harrison & Co. of Edinburgh of #1736 (original Scottish Tartans Authority explained to E.S. Harrison of Johnstons of reference) with 5, 6 and 7 black bands and Elgin, how the Burns Check came about. He this tartan was registered in January, 1959. Ian Hewitt with the silhouette of the AA810 in Norway. related that he had been approached by a Wishing all our readers a friend from The Scotsman newspaper with very Happy Burns Night!

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • 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. ideas. During his time there he witnessed the huge All too often we become consumed by our phones changes brought about by the First World War, and technology, however there is so much to be and the loss of the generation of young men who gained from reconnecting with natural world attended the school before him. Gibbon’s famous around us. Meeting the people involved in the novel Sunset Song details the huge changes the study and uncovering the conversations that are war brought and the ending of the way of happening around rewilding in Scotland has life. The book also details the town of been an incredibly rewarding experience. I am so as he recalls it from his schooldays there. I’m excited to be able to share that journey.” pleased that Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s time in “When location scouting for Outlaw King I felt fundraising. However, this project is about much Award-winning Scottish filmmaker Lisa Marley Stonehaven, in particular the time he spent at said in regards to her latest project, Project Wolf, we had to use Dunfermline Abbey, not only due to more than bricks and mortar. The Music Hall is Mackie Academy, will be recognised through this a new documentary following an experimental its stunning architecture but, it being the resting a national treasure with decades of wonderful plaque as vital in his development as one of the ‘human wolf pack’ in the . The place of , it was fitting to have history behind it. The range and calibre of most influential writers of the 20th century.” the Abbey play a part in a film which examines artists, musicians and events the Hall has hosted 30-minute documentary – which is now available Laura Mitchell, who nominated Lewis Grassic the important legacy of the man himself. I had over nearly 200 years is truly astonishing and to watch online for free – examines Project Wolf, Gibbon for Historic Environment Scotland’s a wonderful experience filming at the Abbey, its place at the heart of community and civic a study run by charity Trees for Life. The scheme Commemorative Plaque scheme. Lewis Grassic surrounded by such fascinating history we life is unassailable. It really is an ingenious saw volunteers spending weeks in the Caledonian Gibbon, one of the foremost Scottish writers of the Forest, mimicking the behaviours and disturbance felt a real connection with Robert the Bruce re-imagining of the space. We’re restoring and th 20 century, perhaps best known as the author of patterns of large predators, like wolves, in an effort and we were truly grateful to all the staff for retaining the Music Hall’s historic fabric and Sunset Song, which was voted Scotland’s favourite accommodating us.” its wonderful acoustic and at the same time to curb overgrazing of saplings and new growth by novel as part of a BBC poll in 2016, Grassic Gibbon the native red deer population. David Mackenzie, Director of Outlaw King, we’re adding new features in keeping with the was born James Leslie Mitchell in st “Amazingly this data is open access, despite being said that the resting place of Robert the Bruce, expectations of a 21 century audience.” in 1901. He started his writing career in the probably the most expensive X-ray diffraction which played a starring role in Netflix film, was Jane Spiers, chief executive of north-east as a journalist for the Aberdeen Journal data in history. This allowed us to compare the an important place to include in the historical Performing Arts said as the Aberdeen Music Hall in 1917, before turning his hand to fiction. The Martian data to our own Scottish soil dataset, epic. Dunfermline Abbey, which doubles as reopened after £9m revamp. The 200 year old plaque is to be installed at the site of the old measured on a similar instrument, and to ask the Westminster in the film, which is home to The venue is one of Scotland’s oldest and most historic Mackie Academy in Stonehaven (now Arduthie question whether there are any soils in Scotland Bruce’s tomb. Outlaw Kingwas shot entirely in concert halls and was closed for over two years. Primary) – the school the writer attended during with similar mineralogy to those found on Mars. Scotland and is said to be the largest production, Aberdeen Music Hall was designed by architect his formative years in Aberdeenshire. By comparing each of the Martian soils with all budget-wise, to be made in the country to date. Archibald Simpson and originally opened in 1822. 1,500 Scottish soils in our dataset, we consistently “It’s brought enormous prosperity to the island. “We wanted to refine a recipe to offer a delicious, find a group of Scottish soil samples that are It’s given people well paid jobs, it’s given people refreshing beer for every dog who visits us strikingly similar to those on Mars. There are two nice houses, amazing roads, nice schools. We have nationwide. The result has been tried and tested sites in Scotland that have particularly similar soil an amazing infrastructure and most of that is and approved by our panel of pups, meaning the minerals to those found of Mars, located on the down to the oil companies.” thousands of dogs that visit our bars each week basaltic soils of Skye and Mull. This makes sense Local councillor Andrea Manson said on the 40th can now get a taste, too.” because Mars is understood to be rich in basaltic anniversary since the first oil was brought onshore Scottish beer company BrewDog co-founder rocks, but when we examine the mineralogy in at in Shetland. Since 1978 the local James Watt said they have created a Subwoofer more detail, we’re quite confident that we have economy has received many boosts from the oil IPA. The drink is made with the same base as their “Although I’ve always had a strong affinity with found a good analogue. Whilst it’s fun to establish industry. Between 1973 and 1982 it became one of human beer but it is doggie friendly being alcohol the natural world, making Project Wolf has really these connections between Mars and Scotland, the biggest construction sites in Europe, with up and hop-free and non-carbonated beer. opened my eyes to the history of the woodlands this now provides us with the opportunity to use to 6,000 people employed to build the terminal, “I’m delighted that Lewis Grassic Gibbon will be that I encounter, most prominently how many the identified sites on Skye and Mull to better with vast amounts of peat cleared from the site. recognised in the town where he attended school non-native species are widespread even in older understand the conditions of ancient Mars.” Daily production rates are around 70,000 to 80,000 before stepping out into the world to become one areas of forest. When I ventured out into the Dr Benjamin Butler of the Aberdeen based James barrels of oil, however the site has capacity for four of Scotland’s greatest writers. A plaque to mark forest to join the ‘human wolf pack’ I really didn’t Hutton Institute said as they have found that soil times as much. his transition from the family croft in the Howe know what to expect. Rewilding is a topic that on Mars to be similar to that found in both the “We are so thrilled to have begun the next of the Mearns, to school at Mackie Academy in is often misunderstood. It’s not always about islands of Mull and Skye in Scotland. Information chapter in the life of the Music Hall. This is a huge Stonehaven, is long overdue. His years at Mackie reintroducing a species to an environment; it’s on 30 soils from Mars were compared against a campaign that has been years in the making Academy widened his horizons, and allowed also about reflecting on the way we look at and dataset of Scottish soils and the minerals in the soil – it has taken many months of planning and him to form his own political, and often radical, interact with the landscape around us. were found to be quite closely similar.

CLUES ACROSS Burns’ favourite drinking SCOTWORD 1) Marshes (4) Here is a fun crossword for you to try with a few of the answers to be found in 3) Adequately fitting (8) ‘howff’ The Globe Inn sold Scotland! If you are in doubt, you may need a wee peek at a Scots dictionary or 8) Battle or Lochaber 4) a map. Or, if you are really stuck, the answers can be found on page 24! nnandale Distillery Company 9) ‘Smokie’ town (8) Ltd. has acquired The Globe Inn 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11) Central area of beauty (3, 9) Ain Dumfries. The Globe, which 13) Her Majesty’s signature (6) has stood on the site since 1610, was 14) Highland (6) famously frequented by Scottish poet 8 9 17) Princess Margarets’ birthplace (6, 6) Robert Burns who would often stay there in his capacity as Exciseman 20) Acting wary (8) 10 for the area. He was also a regular 21) Where Scots find work (4) patron in later years when he moved 22) Wholesaler (8) 11 his family to Dumfries. His chair 23) Enterprising space journey (4). still sits by the fire, and the verse he etched into the glass 12 windows attracts visitors from around the world. The site is CLUES DOWN also significant as being where the Mausoleum Committee 13 14 15 met in 1819 to arrange an annual celebration of the Bard’s 1) David Livingstone’s birthplace (8) life – effectively one of the first ever Burns Suppers – and 16 2) Glen - both ways! (4) established the Dumfries Burns Club in 1820. 4) Hot substantial (6) Annandale owners Teresa Church and David Thomson 17 18 5) Road surface! (10) have modest plans for the historic site that’s been owned and 6) Impetuous. (5) operated since 1935 by the McKerrow family. 19 “Our principal concern is the preservation of this historic 7) Sound return (4) landmark”, says Church. “The process of sympathetically 10) Giant step in opening dance(5,5) 20 21 restoring the distillery buildings in Annan stirred up a real 12) James Watt’s birthplace (8) passion in us for discovering and protecting the remarkable 15 Food provider (7) history of our region. When the opportunity to own The 16 Behind on board (6) Globe came up, we leapt at the chance to be custodians of 22 23 18) Hi-tech beam (5) such a historically significant site.” 19 Was Mac the first Scot? (4)

Page 6 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Burn’s works authenticated by new, minimally destructive technique

algorithms were used to develop a classifier for the documents. The classifier, or ‘Support Vector Machine’ could then be used to help predict real or fake Burns’ manuscripts. Sixteen significant differences were found distinguishing the Burns and Smith manuscripts. Significant differences between the inks and paper were also detected in Burns manuscripts. In the The Holy Fair manuscript by Smith and in the letter written by R. Burns, the team detected iron gall ink, and in the Dainty Davie poem by Smith, they detected the presence of ivory black. In the Five Carlins manuscript by Burns, they detected both ink features, demonstrating that Burns, as was common at the time, A picture of an original Burns mixed inks to obtain a desired lustre work, ‘The Five Carlins’. and consistency in his writing. Dr Burgess said: “Through this uthenticating historic manuscripts technique we now know some things can be a complicated and at times about Burns that we never knew before. destructive process, with parts However we’re particularly excited of the paper or ink damaged. about that fact that we have a new way AHowever, a cross-disciplinary team of of providing more for a fake researchers from the University of Glasgow or a real manuscript if one turns up, have found a novel way to accurately and we have a technique that we can authenticate ancient documents in a apply to any manuscript to gain more w minimally destructive way. information about it. The simplicity m w co The findings, published inScientific of the sample preparation method we w e. .ce tin Reports, present a technique called direct used means that the sampling can be lticstaugus infusion mass spectrometry, which uses a easily performed at the site where the method of minimally destructive sample manuscripts are stored, which in turn extraction directly from the paper surface. could make it an ideal technique for The team analysed the ink and paper of both auction houses to confirm authenticity. authenticated and forged Robert Burns’ In future, we’d like to analyse as many manuscripts to produce a ‘Support Vector historical documents we can, so that 8 of the Top Machine classifier’ that could accurately we can begin to build a database of inks distinguish true Burns handwriting from and manuscripts.” the fakes. The scientists were also able to Professor Carruthers said: “In distinguish which inks Burns used to write terms of Robert Burns there has been Celtic Bands each of his poems, whether it be ivory black, a huge historic industry in forgery iron gall or a mixture of the two. and fakery, and he is not alone in The project and findings are the result this. It is very exciting that we’re of collaboration between Dr Karl Burgess creating an authenticity tool that will in the World! of the University’s Glasgow Polyomics have wide implications for scholars, and the School of Critical Studies, led libraries, archives, auction houses and by Professor Gerard Carruthers, Francis collectors. This appliance of science Hutcheson Chair of . to the physicality of culture is a crucial With the help of Burns collector Dr development.” The St. Augustine William Zachs, the team were able to look at originals and fakes to ascertain the type of ink used, helped by a handwritten book owned by Dr Zachs which contained recipes for all sorts of liquids, including inks. Highland Games In total, the team tested 12 documents; three real Burns’ documents selected from different periods of the bard’s The WORLD’s FIRST St. Patrick Day Parade (1601) life, and nine fakes from the 1890s by notorious forger Alexander Smith. In America’s Oldest CELTIC City The scientists were able to lift ink St Augustine, Florida, USA from the copies using a simple pipetting process that could be performed outside proudly presented by: the laboratory, and that crucially did not visibly damage the original material. Tests were initially performed on one of Alexander Smith’s handwritten 150 year old fakes before being performed on real Burns’ material.

Forgery and fakery Details of the ink and paper from the A picture of a letter, a 12 documents were analysed, the data gathered and machine-learning forgery, in the hand of Burns.

SACF 2019 Scottish Banner Ad Final.indd 1 12/10/18 2:05:51 PM The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 7 THE SCOTTISH BANNER A Literary InnBy: David McVey Stevenson goes on to write that at Hawes he had been ‘…in a perpetual flutter, on the heels, as it seemed, of some adventure that should justify the place… some day, I think, a boat shall put off from the Queen’s Ferry, fraught with a dear cargo…’ Stevenson was as good as his intention. Kidnapped would be that story.

Place in Scottish literature Later in the novel, David Balfour returns to and finds it ‘…a fairly built , the houses of good stone…’ and the historic part is still worth strolling through today. Its shops, cafes and restaurants seem to flourish; most of the tourist pull these days is related to the Three Bridges, but there are still those of us drawn by RLS.

It’s remarkable that one small inn found itself immortalised in works by two of the nation’s most celebrated writers, and that it’s still there t was quite exciting. I was staying Description is redundant; I’ve heard it We’ll get back to Scott shortly (you can’t for people to sample today. overnight in South Queensferry. described as ‘Scotland’s Eiffel Tower’ escape him for long in Scotland). If the One of the most dramatic locations though you could argue that the Eiffel Zeebrugge ferry is no more, the Maid of in Central Scotland, the town is Tower is ‘’s Forth Bridge’. The bridge the Forth still runs to the magical island Yet, elsewhere in A Gossip in Romance, Ihistorically one end of the former ferry towers over the place I was staying. of Inchcolm from South Queensferry Pier, Stevenson tells us that there were literary crossing between Edinburgh and . The Standing on the shore road in and passing under the bridge is a highlight tourists drawn to the Hawes Inn in his day; ‘queen’ commemorated in the name is South Queensferry, looking up at the of the mini-voyage. ‘Americans seek it already for the sake of Queen Margaret, the consort of Malcolm bridge’s mighty stone pillars and swirls Lovel and Oldbuck.’ Lovel and Oldbuck III. She died in 1093, was later canonised, of metal is genuinely awe-inspiring, The Hawes Inn are characters in Sir Walter Scott’s 1816 and is the saint commemorated by St but an even greater thrill is to pass It does puzzle me that so many visitors novel, The Antiquary who talk in the Margaret’s Chapel in . It’s underneath the bridge on a boat. simply arrive at South Queensferry, park, Hawes Inn as they wait for the ferry to Fife. said that she instituted the ferry here, for Sadly, the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry that take some pictures of the bridge, and then They are greeted by ‘…the fat, gouty, pursy the convenience of pilgrims to . flourished briefly is no more; what move on. For the best way to experience landlord.’ Scotland’s great writers haven’t She and her entourage regularly made a great way to return to Scotland it the Forth Bridge is to cross it. Even if you’ve been kind to the staff at this historic inn. the crossing when travelling between was, past the Bass Rock and North arrived in South Queensferry by car, all It’s remarkable that one small inn found Edinburgh and Dunfermline. Berwick and then under the great you have to do is follow the steep path that itself immortalised in works by two of the Forth Bridge. You could then fully begins almost directly under the bridge to nation’s most celebrated writers, and that it’s The Forth Bridge understand Sir Walter Scott’s lines Dalmeny Station, buy a return ticket for still there for people to sample today. The ferry is no more and there are now from The Lay of the Last Minstrel; North Queensferry and you can experience What a hat-trick it could have celebrated three physical links across the firth. Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, the magic of two crossings of one of if only Muriel Spark had taken Miss Brodie Thousands come here to view them, an Who never to himself hath said, Scotland’s greatest wonders. and her girls there. Now part of a pub odd sort of tourist attraction especially This is my own, my native land! Yet that wasn’t why I was so excited to dining chain, the Hawes Inn was thought to since there’s only one that really matters. Whose heart hath ne’er within him burn’d, be in South Queensferry. I was excited originally have been called The Newhalls Inn. The Forth Bridge carries the railway line As home his footsteps he hath turn’d, because I was staying at the Hawes Inn. Clearly the name had changed by the time from to Fife and opened in 1894. From wandering on a foreign strand! The Hawes Inn sits almost right beneath Scott and Stevenson were writing - whether it the Forth Bridge, beside the pier, at the was ‘The Hawes Inn’ in the early 1750s, when eastern end of town. Parts of the building Kidnapped is set, is more doubtful. may date back to the late 17th century. And Visit South Queensferry and marvel few other inns can top its literary heritage. at the Forth Bridge by all means, but also In 1886, a local writer stayed at The Hawes remember its place in Scottish literature. Inn, just before the Forth Bridge started to And pack a copy of Kidnapped and The appear above it. Robert Louis Stevenson had Antiquary when you go. often been there before, however, not least on canoe expeditions from Cramond. His novel Kidnapped began to appear in serial form in April 1886 and the Hawes Inn features in an early chapter. In fact, the kidnapping (of the hero, David Balfour) that gives the book its title is plotted in the inn - with the landlord implicated. Stevenson also mentioned the inn in an essay, A Gossip on Romance, which was first published in 1882; “There it stands, apart from the town, beside the pier, in a climate of its own, half inland, half marine – in front, the ferry bubbling with the tide… behind, the old garden with the trees.”

Page 8 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Sarah Clark Discover Scotland’s Starry Nights Another of Scotland’s many designated Dark Sky Discovery Sites, Glen Nevis, is a rugged wilderness that couldn’t be easier to reach. With its own visitor centre and ample car parking, the glen is an ideal places to enjoy a spot of stargazing. The towering mountains all around are only rivalled in majesty by the pitch black sky with its glimmering stars.

Off the beaten path If you’re looking for somewhere a little more off the beaten path, you can’t do much better than the Isle of Coll, which is designated as Scotland’s Dark Sky Island. There are zero street lights on the island which means you can look forward to a heavenly vista that is truly out of this world. Look for luminous clusters like the Beehive and the glow of the Great Orion Nebula. Shetland and Orkney, locations as Scotland.org sublimely beautiful as they are remote, are as close you can get to the Arctic Circle within the UK. They’re also places where you have a high chance of catching a highly coveted sighting of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Locals here have their own name for this ethereal natural phenomenon, the ‘Mirrie Dancers’. You don’t have to travel all the way

Text and images courtesy of Text to Scotland’s most northerly islands to see these shimmering bands of As the long nights take hold this month, visitors to Scotland can enjoy the night light with some green, red and orange light, but the of the darkest skies in the UK. This lack of light pollution means Scotland is one of the best otherworldly atmosphere and wild beauty of Shetland and Orkney make places for star gazing and there’s a new show every night, with clear, starry skies for all to enjoy. the experience even more magical. There are also spots scattered across here are few experiences that are Once inside the park, head to the Moffat is one of many locations across the Coast, which straddles as wondrous as gazing up at an Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, an Scotland which have all the key ingredients Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, where inky black, twinkling night sky. incredible stargazing hotspot that for optimum stargazing conditions. you can observe incredible night skies. Find out why now is the time and welcomes all stargazers. With just your Here are some of the standout Dark Sky SIGMA, the Moray’s Astronomy Club runs TScotland the place to go stargazing. When naked eye, gaze up at thousands of Discovery sites you can visit this autumn a series of events throughout the winter it comes to great stargazing locations, glimmering stars, constellations, far-off and winter when low temperatures ensure period which invite members and guests southern Scotland might not be top of planets and even the lustrous Milky Way. the highest possible clarity. the chance to enjoy the starry spectacles your list. However, it’s deep in the heart The observatory is a state-of-the- with the help of specialist instruments of the beautiful countryside of Dumfries art facility which boasts two immense Incredible sights including powerful telescopes. & Galloway that you will find some of the telescopes and a roll-off roof which Although the South of Scotland is blackest, and starriest, skies in all of Europe. showcases the night sky in all its celestial undoubtedly an amazing destination Celebrating the dark glory. Admire breath-taking magnified to take in the wonder of the night sky, The Glenlivet Estate, located within the Britain’s first Dark Sky park images of astronomical marvels like the the great news is that there are plenty National Park, could soon Rolling green hillsides, glistening beaches Whirpool Galaxy and, if you’re really of locations right across the country. be Scotland’s second Dark Sky Park. and endless expanses of forest; Dumfries lucky, the occasional meteor shower. That means that no matter what part of Spanning 23,000 hectares, it already & Galloway is a joy to explore in the Scotland you decide to visit, you’re sure contains three Dark Sky Discovery Sites. daytime, but stay after dark, and you can Europe’s first Dark Sky Town to be in with a chance of catching some With big, expansive views of the night sky, experience the region at its most dazzling. Galloway Forest Park isn’t the only place incredible sights. hardly any light pollution and easy access, Galloway Forest Park spans 75,000 where you can find a clear night sky. You don’t have to venture far Glenlivet is the perfect place to spend a hectares and is Scotland’s Dark Sky Park. Dumfries & Galloway is also home to from Scotland’s capital for a spot of night or two watching the moon and stars It is also almost completely uninhabited Europe’s first Dark Sky Town. Moffat is a stargazing. Newbattle Abbey is located come out to play. with practically zero light pollution. small town which has ‘dark sky friendly’ to the south of Dalkeith and is the February will also see the first In fact, it ranks an impressive 23.6 out street lamps which leave the sky above best place to stargaze near Edinburgh. Hebridean Dark Skies Festival. Held at of 25 on the International Dark Sky unobscured by the orange haze of The abbey was awarded Orion site An Lanntair and across the Association’s scale of darkness - fantastic artificial light. So pack a flask, wrap up status by Dark Sky Scotland, meaning from 8-21 February, it includes a unique news for professional and amateur warm, and watch as the sky becomes that the eight main stars of the programme of events that celebrate art, astronomers alike. studded with glittering stars. constellation are easily visible. science and the wonders of astronomy.

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 9 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Library’s to the world to mark Britannica’s 250th anniversary successful fundraising campaign for its Bell, a baker’s son and an apprentice digitisation, has made the first edition of Scotland’s leading engraver Richard available online for all to view. Cooper, established his reputation as an engraver through pioneering work for A household name throughout Scots Magazine. There, he met William the English-speaking world Smellie (1740-1795), himself a master Rare Books Curator Robert Betteridge printer, and editor of the magazine from said Britannica is one of the enduring 1760 to 1765. Smellie agreed to compile the achievements of the Scottish Britannica’s first edition for a fee of £200, Enlightenment. He said: “By the 20th more than Diderot received for his efforts century Britannica was a household editing the Encyclopédie, but nothing name throughout the English- like the approximately £25,000 Bell and speaking world, and what is especially Macfarquhar would jointly accrue from interesting about this publication the Britannica’s first three editions. was that it had a distinctly Scottish The first edition ofEncyclopaedia Britannica viewpoint. The first edition emphasised will form part of the National Library’s major two themes – modern science and exhibition on the , Scottish identity, including ground- due to open in the summer of 2019. breaking and controversial articles on To view the online copy for free, anatomy and . visit www.nls.uk “Britannica became viewed as an authoritative source of facts about the world. Its first editor believed strongly in the democratisation of knowledge – Encyclopaedia Britannica - first edition. that it should be accessible to all who sought self-improvement, regardless of he National Library of Scotland has Subscribers were scandalised background. We adhere to this belief at published online a rare first edition by explicit engravings – specifically the Library, which is why we are working of Encyclopaedia Britannica to mark those on midwifery – and it was to digitise and make available as many its 250th anniversary. Britannica was decreed by the Crown that they be early editions as possible.” Tconceived, compiled, printed and published torn out of every copy. However, the Head of Development Lucy Clement entirely in Edinburgh, and on 10 National Library has a complete copy said: “Britannica holds a special place in 1768, the first pages were published. in its collections and, thanks to a people’s memories. Many donors to our Encyclopaedia Britannica. appeal have told us how, in childhood, it piqued their curiosity about the world around them and helped with their The joins the A-list homework in the days before Google. Did you know? materials and slender appearance. Spanning They are fascinating time capsules of • The first edition of the the , the Bridge was part of a human knowledge and society’s values at Encyclopaedia Britannica says that strategic and highly ambitious expansion particular points in our history and with Humans were divided into five of the new motorway network in Scotland, the public’s help, we hope to make many categories: European, American, and is directly associated with the period more editions available for free online.” Asiatic, African and Monstrous. of ambitious transformation of Scotland’s • For the first edition, Bell produced modern infrastructure in the 1960s. Its Scottish Enlightenment three full pages of anatomically minimalistic single-cable design - which The first edition ofEncyclopaedia accurate depictions of dissected The landmark Erskine Bridge has been is exceptionally rare for a large-scale road Britannica was undertaken at female pelvises and of foetuses in listed as a Category A structure. bridge - combined with its largely unchanged considerable financial risk by three wombs for the midwifery article; appearance makes it one of the country’s young tradesmen, none of whom had these illustrations shocked King th he Erskine Bridge has been most innovative bridges of the 20 century, published anything previously. The two George III who commanded that the awarded Category A status by and we’re delighted to recognise its national principal partners, who would retain the pages be ripped from every copy. Historic Environment Scotland importance with this Category A status.” copyright of its first three editions, were The National Library of Scotland’s (HES) after it was recognised as Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary printer Colin Macfarquhar (1744-1793) copy has these pages intact. Tbeing of special architectural interest. The for Transport, Infrastructure and and engraver Andrew Bell (1753-1832). • The US state of ‘Callifornia’ was spelt Erskine Bridge, officially opened in 1972, Connectivity, said: “Scottish Ministers, Macfarquhar, a wigmaker’s son, had just with two ‘L’s’ and is described as is one of Scotland’s most architecturally through Transport Scotland, have been opened his printing firm in 1767. ‘a large country of the West Indies. and technically designed bridges of the responsible for the Erskine Bridge’s Unknown whether it is an island or a post-war period and has the longest cable- inspection and maintenance since 1971, so peninsula.’ stayed span of its type in the world. It is I am delighted that it has been recognised • The solar system was described one of only three bridges in Scotland with as a Category A listed structure. This as having six planets – Uranus, a main span exceeding 300 metres. well-known landmark is testament to the Neptune and Pluto have yet to be The decision to list Erskine Bridge engineers who designed it, as well as those discovered. follows on from a consultation launched who have worked on it over the years, and • Andrew Bell, the engraver, was 4 by HES, Council, I congratulate everyone involved in this foot 6; he had crooked legs and Transport Scotland and process for their efforts.” an enormous nose that he would Council, where members of the public sometimes augment with a papier- were invited to express their views on the mâché version whenever anyone Bridge being awarded listed status. stared at him. Despite his small stature he insisted on always riding A state-of-the-art the tallest horse available and used a infrastructure landmark ladder to mount and dismount. Elizabeth McCrone, Head of Designations • After Macfarquhar died in 1793, Bell at HES, said: “The Erskine Bridge is a bought out his heirs and became state-of-the-art infrastructure landmark An aerial view of the Erskine sole owner of the Britannica until his in Scotland for its time and is recognised Bridge over the River Clyde. First edition, dogs. death in 1809. for its structural simplicity, economy of

Page 10 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 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.

near Ardlamont Point. It was apparently so old that peat beds had formed above the road level and had completely covered it over. It was said to have had some Roman features but was lost to sight once again under afforestation and before it could be properly investigated and its possible destination and purpose traced.

Dál Riata The kingdom of Dál Riata (Dalriada) corresponds approximately with and Bute and its borders were defined by the to the south, Druim Alban to the east and probably the mountains of Lochaber to the north. Comhghall () bears the name of an early ruling family of this part of Dál Riata who emerged by 700 A.D. and there was certainly once a continuous movement of A calm day at Dergbruaich. families between Erin () and Alba (Scotland), with intermarriage between explorations to be made along the shores and in the East by the Dumnonii, but it their royal families a common occurrence. Ancient Dalriada to the south by Creag a Chaisteil to Port has to be remembered that, unlike more In the 11th century a prince of the house Maggie Smith was a very good girl, Leathan, to the old abandoned settlement modern geographical boundaries, lochs of O’Neill married a princess of Dál Riata She went tae church on Sundays, with its ruined and roofless cottages and and rivers united these people and only and from this marriage a number of Tae pray tae God tae gi’ her strength, gaunt crumbling gables at Low Stillaig, mountains tended to divide them from West Highland families claim descent. In Tae kiss the boys on Mondays. then back past the standing stones to each other. No real evidence of even a Cowal the MacLachlans and the Lamonts When Maggie wis a wee girl, it wis toys, toys, toys, Portavadie farm. All around the area temporary Roman visit to the area exists, possibly stem from this union. The No’ Maggie is a big girl its boys, boys, boys. there was evidence of a Bronze Age past. but we are told that in 81 A D Agricola Lamont chief was known as Lamont of There were the remains of three burial made at least one personal sea journey Inveryne and that suggests that Inveryne, hen still a working croft in cairns just behind Portavadie farm and to the West, sending his ships along the lying between Tighnabruaich and the 18th century life at the others at Stillaig and Ascog Bay. To the West Coast. Nothing of their presence Kilfinnan, and not Dunoon, was the early settlement of Dergbruaich, north we walked to Glenan, another survives except that, intriguingly, there seat of the clan. After the massacre and Portavadie would have been abandoned settlement like Derbruaich, to is mention by Elizabeth Rennie in her destruction of Toward and Ascog Castles, Whand to mouth. Subsistence farming Ardmarnock and if we still felt fit we could Historical Guide of Cowal, of a mysterious the Lamont chiefs lived on at Ardlamont meant that potatoes, sown in thin soils tackle ‘Barr nam Damb’ to get fine views road that was uncovered some years ago House until it was sold in 1893. improved and fertilized by seaweed from of and could walk easily back over the shore, would have been the staple the hill on well worn sheep tracks along crop. But oats or barley may also have the side of Cnoc a Chaisteil to Loch Ascog. been cultivated on the run-rig system, most likely in the lower fields. Each family would have owned a few cows, most The kingdom of Dál Riata probably pastured and herded together (Dalriada) corresponds in the rough grasses behind and above the remaining cottages. Fish would have approximately with Argyll and supplemented the crofters’ meagre diet. Bute and its borders were defined Even in the 1960’s’s, fish were still plentiful in and there remained a range by the Firth of Clyde to the of fish species to be caught, such as south, Druim Alban to the east haddock, cod, whiting, plaice as well as and probably the mountains of large shoals of mackerel. When we rowed along to Glenan Bay Lochaber to the north. and Eilan Buie or used the outboard motor to take us to Eilan Buidhe and south to Port Leathan we were guaranteed According to Elizabeth Rennie writing a healthy catch, so many in fact that we about pre-historic Cowal, when the level could usually feed our own large numbers of Loch Ascog was lowered during the staying at the cottage and still have some construction of the powder mill in 1839, to spare for Martha and Min at the farm three Iron Age crannogs, dating from and the Simpsons over at Millhouse. It was around 700–500 B C, became visible. By not unusual to receive a visit from Uncle then Cowal was inhabited by a Celtic Davie. He would have walked over the hill people and it was them who built these in his gamekeeper and plus fours artificial islands for security and defence. with his rifle or shotgun over his shoulder, On the islands they built their round to bring a package of fresh venison, some timber-framed houses. The crannogs rabbits or a guddled salmon under his and forts of these Celtic ancestors are arm. Unlike perhaps the crofter families remembered still in the Gaelic names of who had gone before us, we always ate Colachla at Millhouse, Caistel Na Sidhe well, and often, at Dergbruaich. at Ardlamont and Caistel Aiodhe at Ardmarnock. Unfortunately there are very Bronze Age past few clues to what the people of this part of One of the simple pleasures of staying Cowal called themselves, except that in the there was the fact that because there late Iron Age, in the Roman period 43-410 was no electricity supply there was no A D, Ptolemy wrote that the Epidii (the television to watch. Even radio reception tribe of the horse) occupied Kintyre and with batteries was poor because the the Creones mid Argyll. cottage lay in a shallow glen. During the It is thought that the West of Cowal day there were great walks and historical was inhabited at that time by the Cerones

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 11 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scotland: What’s New for 2019 The Women’s Tour of Scotland. pleasers and ground-breaking art-house 9-11 August 2019 experimentation, the return of well-loved A brand new annual global female cycling event classics alongside rare cult gems, filmmaker has chosen Scotland as the backdrop for its very guest appearances and interactive workshops first event. The Women’s Tour of Scotland will and discussion panels to complete the mix! follow a 350km route across the country and promises to show off Scotland’s breath-taking Highland Games. May- landscape and further cement its place as an September, Across Scotland international sporting events host. The tour Highland Games combine sport, fun and will show the importance of female cycling and culture in a uniquely Scottish style; they will take place over the course of three days in take place every weekend in the summer. August with the route to be announced soon. From May to September visitors can get in A mass participation event will occur on the on the action at one of over 80 Highland same three days with 5000 participants from Games taking place on islands and in across Scotland and beyond able to participate. towns, villages and cities across the country Not to be missed if you’re a cycling fan! - some castle grounds host games too. Annual events Edinburgh Festivals Edinburgh International Science Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands, named by Lonely Planet - along with Festival. 6 April-21 April 2019 Scotland’s islands - as one of the top must-see destinations in the world in 2019. Edinburgh International Science Festival delivers one of Europe’s largest Science Festivals, giving audiences amazing experiences through a programme of innovative The Hebridean Whale Trail cotland is the place to be in 2019 with a and inspiring discussions, workshops, host of new openings, festivals, events 2019 will see the completion of the Hebridean performances, screenings, special events and and anniversaries. From Edinburgh’s Whale Trail, the first of its kind in the UK. exhibitions. The Science Festival brings great Hogmanay to the Glasgow Film Hebridean Whale and Dolphin trust have minds together for a programme that fosters developed a network of 25 world class whale- SFestival, Scotland is no stranger to staging huge dialogues about the future of our culture, our watching and whale heritage sites across nation, our planet and our understanding. international events. 2019 is set to be the year the west coast of Scotland. The trail aims to Celtic Connections. Thursday 17 that the country strengthens its reputation showcase the history of people’s relationships January - Sunday 3 February, Glasgow Edinburgh International Children’s as a top event destination as it welcomes the with whales through the support of the existing Celtic Connections is the largest winter music Festival. 25 May-2 June 2019 Solheim Cup for the first time, as well as an wildlife tourism businesses and heritage sites festival of its kind and the UK’s premier The Edinburgh International Children’s across the Hebrides. Scotland is home to a exciting new TEDSummit. celebration of Celtic music. Glasgow’s annual Festival presents the world’s best theatre and quarter of the world’s whale and dolphin species Read on to discover what’s happening folk, roots and world music festival, Celtic dance for young audiences with performances and visitors will have the opportunity to catch a in 2019, the latest news, anniversaries, Connections celebrates Celtic music and its that are deeply engaging, innovative and glimpse of the amazing marine wildlife all along distilleries and exciting new exhibitions connections from across the globe. From 17 inspiring. With an emphasis on striking visual the west coast. It will highlight the Hebrides to check out during the year ahead. January–3 February 2019, 2100 musicians productions, the international programme as a top destination for tourists and nature from around the world will descend on continuously goes beyond expectations of Coming in 2019 fans, and tell the stories that make the west Glasgow and bring the city to life for 18 days children’s work, inspiring and delighting coast such a special and unique place within of concerts, ceilidhs, talks, art exhibitions, both the young and young-at-heart. Scotland. It is set to launch in summer 2019. workshops, and free events. The festival is 2019 events renowned for its strong spirit of collaboration, Edinburgh International Film bringing together one-off line-ups for very Festival. 19-30 June 2019 European Athletics Indoor special one night only collaborative shows. The Championships. 1-3 Established in 1947, the Edinburgh camaraderie between musicians continues March 2019, Glasgow International Film Festival is renowned around into the wee small hours at the late-night the world for discovering and promoting the The European Athletics Indoor Championships Festival Club – home of legendary musical very best in international cinema and for come to Glasgow in March 2019. Some of collaborations and spontaneous sessions. heralding and debating changes in global the world’s leading athletes will descend on The Hebridean Whale Trail. filmmaking. Intimate in its scale, ambitious Glasgow’s Emirates Arena between 1-3 March Up Helly Aa in its scope, and fuelled by pure passion for as the Championships return to the iconic 29 January 2019, Shetland cinema in all its manifestations, Edinburgh Lonely Planet Best in Travel 2019 city for the first time since 1990. There will Up Helly Aa is a tradition that originated in International Film Festival seeks to spotlight be 650 athletes from more than 45 nations Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have the 1880s. Since then, the festival has been an the most exciting and innovative new film setting their sights on glory. Six sessions will earned their place as one of the top must-see annual occurrence in the Shetland calendar. talent. A mix of red carpet glamour, innovative be competed across three action-packed destinations in the world in 2019. Lonely Planet and exciting cinematic discoveries and days of competition, with qualifiers and finals Britain’s biggest and most spectacular fire revealed in October 2018 that the regions massive audience appeal makes Edinburgh’s contested every day. Medals for events such as festival takes place in Lerwick on the last have been listed amongst its top 10 ‘Best in Film Festival one of the world’s most popular the Women’s 3000m and Men’s Shot Put will be Tuesday of every January. With a torch- Travel’ destinations for 2019. Described in lit parade of almost 1000 people dressed and approachable celebrations of cinema. the new guide as “one of the wildest, least up for grabs on day one. Meanwhile, the Men’s Pole Vault and Women’s 400m will be among either as Vikings or in all manner of crazy inhabited and most scenic parts of Europe,” Edinburgh Jazz & Blues the highlights on day two, with both the Men fancy-dress costumes, the spectacular Scotland’s Highlands and Islands have, for Festival. 12-21 July 2019 and Women’s Long Jump, 4x400m Relay, and burning of a Viking galley, ceilidhs and all- decades, attracted visitors from around the 1500m all featuring on an exciting final day. night partying, Up Helly Aa is guaranteed Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival plays host world who are drawn to their unparalleled to brighten up the January gloom. to the finest jazz and blues talent from all scenery, unique culture and wildlife. TEDSummit. 21-25 July 2019, corners of the globe. From bop to boogie- Edinburgh International Burns turns 260 - 25 January 2019 woogie to blues-rock, from samba to swing The Solheim Cup 2019 - 15 Conference Centre What day of the year combines haggis, to soul, there’s something to suit every mood September, Gleneagles, Scotland has fought off stiff competition from and poetry with lots of fun and laughter? and musical taste over 10 groove-packed The Solheim Cup is the biggest event in around the globe to play host to the next Burns Night of course. Scotland is the best summer days. From the magic mirrors of women’s golf and one of the most prestigious TEDSummit. The prestigious TEDSummit, place to celebrate the birthday of Scotland’s grandiose Spiegeltents to the opulence of the sporting events on the planet. Next year, it’s part of the TED network, will take place at the national bard with a host of special Burns Night Festival Theatre to hip jazz clubs, the Festival coming to…Scotland. The event runs from Edinburgh International Conference Centre from events. There will be lavish suppers, family- matches the music to some great venues. Monday 9– Sunday 15 September 2019 at 21 July-25 July 2019, bringing together up to 1300 friendly arts festivals, and opportunities to the one and only Gleneagles in Perthshire. members of the international TED community. enjoy the songs and poetry of Robert Burns. Edinburgh Art Festival This comes just five years after the hugely TED is a non-profit organisation devoted to Burns Night 2019 marks the 260th anniversary 25 July-25 August 2019 successful staging of The Ryder Cup at the identifying, and then spreading, relevant and of Robert Burns’ birth on 25 January. The UK’s largest annual celebration of visual same venue. With more than 100,000 spectators potentially impactful ideas. It began in 1984 art, attracting over 250,000 visitors each year, expected to attend from across the globe, with a conference converging technology, Glasgow Film Festival. Wednesday 20 Edinburgh Art Festival brings together the this is a must-attend occasion for golf and entertainment and design, and over time the February-Sunday 3 March, Glasgow capital’s leading galleries, museums and sports fans looking to experience the passion organisation has expanded its topics from Glasgow Film Festival is one of the leading UK artist-run spaces, alongside new public art and atmosphere of this unique event. science to business to global issues. TEDSummit film festivals. The audience is central to the commissions by established and emerging The nearby Gleneagles hotel has been gathers the most engaged members of the global programming and ethos as the Festival aims artists and an innovative programme of undergoing refurbishment and in the past year TED community for community brainstorms, to enable audiences to experience the best special events. The festival includes over has opened new restaurants, remodelled their discussions, performances, workshops, international cinema. The GFF programme 40 exhibitions each year, showcasing some bar and added new areas for children. A great outdoor activities and an eclectic program of regularly features new local and international of the best contemporary art alongside option for those visiting for the Solheim Cup. mainstage talks – in beautiful surroundings. film from all genres, mainstream crowd- important artists and works from modern

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and historical periods. Each year Edinburgh rich history and its renowned queen, once able to discover the place where a legend was George Orwell’s dystopian novel 1984. The Art Festival commissions new work by again establishing Scotland the top choice as born; where Peter Pan began. Moat , the classic book that relies on government control leading and emerging Scottish artists, with a filming destination. 2018 has been a big year enchanted land in Dumfries, was the childhood and surveillance as its main theme was not, as a particular emphasis on artists who are for the country and its presence on the silver playground of J.M. Barrie, creator of Peter Pan, many would think, written in one of Britain’s developing work for non-gallery contexts. screen. The success of Outlaw King, the latest and the place where he first found Neverland. major cities. Orwell wrote this book on the Avengers outing, and Outlander, has raised The national centre for children’s literature and secluded and tranquil Isle of Jura in the Inner The Royal Edinburgh Military Scotland’s profile at home and abroad, as well storytelling will be a place which promotes Hebrides. Fans of 1984 can stay in the very Tattoo. 2 August-24 August 2019 as attracting visitors from across the globe. and encourages imagination and creativity. place the classic was penned– Barnhill. The The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is an The attraction will include visiting exhibitions, house is still as secluded as it was in Orwell’s iconic Edinburgh institution. A sell-out year Outlander Season 4 interactive rooms and a discovery garden. time and is available to rent for anyone looking after year, enjoy music, dance and precision Outlander season four began in November for a bit of and quiet and an escape from the Massed Pipes and Drums, the Massed with the characters finding their footing in Scotland’s Storybook Trail from technology and the modern world. Military Bands, cultural troupes, singers with their new American home. The TV series From Harry Potter to Peter Pan, Scotland’s the poignant refrain of the Lone Piper against has had massive success across the world Storybook Trail has been created to celebrate Ring of Bright Water – Celebrating the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. and has brought visitors in their hundreds the country’s many links with children’s its 50th anniversary Each year’s Tattoo is very much a ‘global to Scotland’s historical attractions. The literature. The trail allows visitors to experience The well-loved film,Ring of Bright Water, gathering’ - showcasing the talents of musicians new series, although set in America, will Scotland from a different viewpoint and bring celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, which and performers from every corner of the globe. focus on Jamie’s longing for his home and out their inner child! Trace and follow in the coincides with the 50th anniversary of Gavin heritage in Scotland. With international footsteps of famous childhood authors and visit Maxwell’s death; the author of the book and Edinburgh Festival Fringe screenings taking place throughout 2019. the places that were the inspirations behind named protagonist in the film. Fans of the 2 August-26 August 2019 their novels and characters. A downloadable classic can visit some of the locations it was Exhibitions The world’s largest arts festival transforms map is available for people of all ages to shot and the places that Gavin Maxwell held Scotland’s capital every August, as thousands of A Royal Wedding: The Duke start planning their trip to Scotland. special. Most of the filming took place in performers take to hundreds of stages all over and Duchess of Sussex. on the west coast of Scotland the city to present shows of all kinds. The work Hebridean Whisky Trail, and in the Highlands. Those interested in the on show ranges from huge names in the world setting for Camusfearnacan travel to its true of entertainment to unknown artists looking to Explore the Spirit of the Isles with the brand location, Sandaig, on the west coast of Scotland build their careers. Entirely open-access, the new Hebridean Whisky Trail. Embark on and visit the Island of Seil which houses the Fringe is proud to include in their programme a whisky tour by road and sea against the village, Ellenabeich, also featured in the film. stunning backdrop of the Scottish Hebrides anyone with a story to tell and a venue willing Distilleries to host them. Audiences can enjoy theatre, along the Atlantic coast. Discover the stories comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, children’s and the communities behind the as shows, physical theatre, musicals, opera, well as the histories and the landscapes that music, spoken word, exhibitions and events. have influenced their productions. Launched in August 2018 the trail is perfect for any Edinburgh International Festival. whisky fan looking to get off the beaten path! 2 August-26 August 2019 Every August, the Edinburgh International National Museum of Scotland’s Festival transforms one of the world’s most New Galleries, Edinburgh beautiful cities, presenting three exhilarating The three new galleries will complete the The Lagg Distillery on weeks of the finest creators and performers 15 year journey restoring one of the UK’s the . from the worlds of the arts. Edinburgh’s six finest Victorian buildings and transforming 14 June-6 October 2019, The Palace major theatres and concert halls, a few smaller the National Museum of Scotland. The new of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh venues and often some unconventional ones galleries will be dedicated to Ancient Egypt, Clutha Distillery, Glasgow too, come alive with the best music, theatre, East Asia and the Art of Ceramics; each Opening autumn 2019 opera and dance from around the globe. The wedding outfits of The Duke and Duchess revealing remarkable treasures and creating A new £10.7 million urban whisky distillery and The International Festival presents events of Sussex will go on display at the Palace of inspiring learning experiences for all visitors.40 bottling complex is to be built on the banks which cannot easily be achieved by any other Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh in 2019 in a per cent of the objects will go on show for of the River Clyde in the heart of Glasgow. UK arts organisation through innovative special exhibition A Royal Wedding: The Duke the first time in at least a generation.2019 is The ambitious and innovative project is being programming and a commitment to new work. and Duchess of Sussex. The exhibition will the 200th anniversary of the first Egyptian masterminded by one of the country’s fastest include of Sussex’s wedding objects becoming part of the collection and growing whisky firms, Douglas Laing Edinburgh International Book dress, created by the British designer Clare the Ancient Egypt displays will present the & Co. The Scotch specialist, has announced Festival. 10 August-26 August 2019 Waight Keller, Artistic Director at the historic remarkable culture and achievements of the that its new distillery will be named the ‘Clutha The Edinburgh International Book Festival French fashion house Givenchy; the five- ancient Egyptians. The East Asia collection, Distillery’. ‘Clutha’, meaning Clyde in Gaelic, programme offers over 800 events featuring metre-long veil, embroidered which is one of the most significant in the reflects both the company’s heritage and the the greatest writers and thinkers in the world. with the flora of the 53 countries of the UK, will offer a unique perspective on East location of the new distillery, which will sit on From rising stars of fiction to Nobel Prize- Commonwealth; the diamond and platinum Asia, its diverse traditions and its dynamic the banks of the river in the heart of the city. winners, it’s a place where audiences and bandeau tiara, lent to The Duchess by cultures. The Art of Ceramics gallery will authors gather to share ideas, have thought- Her Majesty The Queen; and The Duke of give visitors the chance to marvel at the Holyrood Park Distillery, Edinburgh. provoking discussions, be entertained, Sussex’s frockcoat uniform of the Household collections and explore the use of ceramics Opening summer 2019 informed, enthralled, and challenged. There Cavalry (the ‘Blues and Royals’), made by in scientific and technological applications. Situated next to Holyrood Park, this city- is also a highly regarded programme of events tailors at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row. They are set to open 8 February 2019. centre distillery is located right in the heart for children and young adults featuring the of Edinburgh’s distilling history – on St. finest writers and illustrators for young people. New Attractions Scapa Fest Leonard’s Lane. The 180-year-old Engine Shed From author events and interactive workshops Scapa Fest is the UK’s Yoga and Adventure building – steeped in railway history – will be to lively debates and book signings, the Book Festival; a unique Sunrise to Sunset mind- thoughtfully renovated to suit the distilling Festival gives you the chance to meet your body-nature connection experience in one of needs, while making room for the visitors. favourite authors, hear about their latest work, the world’s most beautiful locations, Ardkinglas Under the guidance of Head Distiller, Jack and get stuck into some gripping conversations. Estate, Loch Fyne, Scotland. Scapa is the Old Mayo, the distillery will produce a range of Norse word for refuge. The festival will be single malts, gins, liqueurs and other spirits. Scotland’s International Storytelling bringing yogis, instructors and tutors from all Holyrood’s progressive approach to playing Festival 18 October– 31 October 2019 over the world to visit Scotland during Scapa with flavours, ingredients, distilling processes Scotland’s International story-telling festival 2019. This year the festival hopes to be a 100 and maturation will set it apart. This ‘flavour offers enchanting performances, workshops, as per cent renewable energy powered festival. South West Coastal 300. first’ focus will be brought to life in a matter of well as talks and events centred on traditional months with prototype gins and liqueurs being storytelling. This celebration of live oral South West Coastal 300 made available for testing. The visitor centre traditions and cultural diversity brings together V&A Dundee From the North East to the South West, aims to provide a totally new kind of distillery Scottish and international storytellers and The newly opened, architecturally stunning Scotland offers stunning drives against visitor experience, immersing guests in the musicians to celebrate rhythms and methods V&A Museum of Design Dundee is the only spectacular backdrops, showcasing the best flavour sensations of Holyrood’s range of spirits. of storytelling. Inspired by the Scottish ceilidh V&A museum in the world outside . sites of the country. The South West Coastal 300 tradition and its sense of togetherness, this The museum, showcasing the best of is a 300 mile route which follows the coastline, Lagg Distillery - Opening Spring 2019 is an inviting community gathering full of Scottish design, sits on Dundee’s waterfront passing by some of the regions diverse scenery A brand new Single Malt tales, anecdotes, music, songs and ballads. and was designed by Japanese architect and highlighting its natural beauty. There is Distillery will be opening on the Isle of Arran so much to explore along the way including Scotland on Screen Kengo Kuma. The £80 million museum in the West Coast of Scotland. The new is part of the £1 billion redevelopment of a multitude of interesting town and villages, distillery is located near the village of Lagg Mary Queen of Scots Dundee, the UNESCO City of Design, and one of which is Scotland’s highest village! The on the southern tip of the island in an area Saoirse Ronan plays the titular Mary Stuart, and its waterfront which lies on the River Tay. roads are quiet in this area which means more that was a hotbed of whisky production in Margot Robbie portrays her cousin Elizabeth time to stop and admire the surroundings. the late 18th and early 19th century. The Moat Brae, Dumfries & Galloway I. Mary’s attempt to overthrow her cousin Mark the Occasion – Anniversaries Lagg Single Malt will be heavily-peated in the Queen of finds her condemned This Spring Moat Brae will open its doors to a style reminiscent of the original Arran to years of imprisonment before facing the public as a national centre for children’s 1984 – 70 years of the classic dystopia whiskies. The distillery will open in Spring execution. The new film promotes Scotland’s literature and storytelling. Visitors will be 2019 will mark 70 years since the release of 2019 along with a brand-new visitor centre.

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 13 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Nick Drainey The SnowRoads

Britain’s highest public road Images courtesy of VisitScotland. courtesy of Images Scotland’s SnowRoads is an amazing journey through the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park linking Blairgowrie (A93) to Grantown-on-Spey (A939) via Glenshee, Braemar, Ballater, The Lecht and Tomintoul. It is the highest ‘A’ road in Britain and now a new app has been developed giving people the chance to learn about all they are passing – scenic, historic and natural as Nick Drainey explains.

t is a 90-mile route through some Recently, an app has been developed to The new app aims to bring the route As part of the ’s of the most stunning scenery the help motorised explorers enjoy all there is to life for adventurers and includes an Scenic Routes initiative, three art installations Highlands of Scotland has to offer. in the real world as well as through virtual augmented reality treasure hunt, an audio were commissioned and placed along the Known as the SnowRoads, the and augmented reality technology. guide and 360 panoramic filming. route near the Devil’s Elbow in Glenshee, a Ihigh-level journey takes drivers and It also curates local stories and viewpoint at Corgarff and in Tomintoul. their passengers through the history The highest ‘A’ road in Britain legends and nearby listings of more and wildlife which abound in the The SnowRoads links Blairgowrie in unconventional tourist attractions which A road less travelled rugged landscapes. Perthshire (A93) to Grantown-on-Spey were unearthed during a community Project Manager of the SnowRoads for the in the Highlands (A939) via Glenshee, engagement programme across the CBP, Jennifer Green, said the aim is to create Braemar, Ballater and Tomintoul and is route. The app is free and will be used a “not-to-be-missed” scenic route through already a “must do” for many tourists. by businesses to promote the area and by the Cairngorms National Park. She said: It follows the highest ‘A’ road in visitors to enhance their experience. “We have created a digital toolkit for a truly Britain and is popular with classic car A £245,000 grant from Scottish immersive visitor experience to highlight drivers, motor bike enthusiasts and road Enterprise was awarded under the Tourism this destination road which will have a major cyclists, traversing eastern Cairngorms Destination Development Fund towards positive economic impact on communities through remote, wild, breath-taking this £315,000 initiative which is being led and businesses along the route. landscapes and vibrant historic by the Cairngorms Business Partnership “We know we have created something communities with castles, distilleries (CBP) with partners the Cairngorms authentic that local folk will enjoy as much and ski centres along the way. National Park Authority (CNPA). of the content has been built around local stories and legends unearthed through a major community engagement project where we asked local people what they would like to see promoted as part of the project. “There is a huge amount of original content in our toolkit including videos narrated by the people who live and work along the route and even our own five- track SnowRoads EP which was composed and produced by Scottish musician, Calum Wood. The music Calum has created is emotive and reflective of each area along the way and offers a perfect soundtrack to listen to while looking out at the wild and dramatic scenery of this untouched place.”

Cairngorms National Park.

Page 14 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

The Cairngorms Business Partnership “The SnowRoads does not apologise Pete Crane, Head of Visitor Services destination and increased business is a membership funded, not for for its heritage, culture, challenging at the CNPA said: “A journey along engagement will further develop the profit, Chamber of Commerce and terrain and at times unruly weather the SnowRoads takes you through the tourism offering that attracts both UK Destination Marketing Organisation conditions but rather, celebrates these Cairngorms National Park and over two and international visitors.” for the Cairngorms National Park. With things. It encourages people to discover of the highest public roads in Britain. This The SnowRoads app is free to a membership of over 380 businesses a road less travelled. stunning route links five communities download on Apple and Android devices across the National Park it supports “I’m not alone when I say I love to drive with the outstanding landscape of the at: http://snowroads.com/apps and represent business interests and through the Cairngorms National Park. Cairngorms and lots of reasons to slow promotes the use of Cairngorms This route has local and international down and experience this truly inspiring National Park through projects such as appeal for families on a Highland area of Scotland”. the SnowRoads app. adventure, classic car drivers and cyclists. Danny Cusick, Director, Food & The technology and tools we have Drink, Tourism and , Scottish developed throughout this project will Enterprise said: “This is a fantastic be invaluable for tourists and businesses development. We know that visitors to The SnowRoads has joined the alike, as they promote this journey as a Scotland are looking for true, authentic North Coast 500 and the North bucket-list destination to the world.” and unique experiences. Through the use of digital technologies this App will Inspiring area of Scotland East 250 as driving routes enhance the visitor experience, enabling Road to Glenshee. Last year, the SnowRoads was announced them to fully appreciate this unique designed to attract the same as the winner of Innovation in Tourism at the Aberdeen City and Shire Tourism amount of tourism interest Awards (ACSTA) and will go on to represent as the Garden Route in South the region in the national tourism ‘Oscars’, the Scottish Awards this year. Africa or the Pacific Coast It has joined the North Coast 500 and the North East 250 as driving routes designed to Highway in the US. attract the same amount of tourism interest as the Garden Route in or the Pacific Coast Highway in the US. The North Coast 500 has become a huge Jennifer added: “The content will success, following a stunning coastal trail continue to build as local people and in , Sutherland, Caithness, businesses will be invited to add listings Easter Ross, the Black Isle and - and points of interest along the way Shire. Meanwhile, the North East 250 which will then be delivered straight to takes in the whisky distilleries of Speyside, visitors’ mobile phones. the spectacular mountain passes of the “The treasure hunt feature encourages Cairngorms National Park, the famous people to stop off and explore the area to castles of Royal Deeside, the Granite City of truly discover the Cairngorms and the rest Aberdeen, the rugged coastline of Scotland. It’s also a lot of fun so will to the east, and the picturesque seaside Signpost in Braemar. keep all the family interested. villages of the Moray Firth Coast.

By: Lady Fiona Lady MacGregor’s Scotland MacGregor Lady MacGregor of MacGregor – otherwise known as British broadcaster Fiona Armstrong. Fiona is currently news reading for the BBC, but she also leaves the studio to report on all matters Scottish. Fiona lives in Scotland with her husband, Chief of Clan MacGregor, Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor, and is also an active member of , so their lives are interwoven with all things tartan. The couple have moved from the borderlands to the lowlands, home is now a white tower house between Perth and Dundee, although filming and writing takes Fiona all over Scotland. Edinburgh Christmas Markets and thirsty than hungry and made our way to I muse on the fact that this baby may well, coat and a pointy nose. And whilst she events carry on into January. The Mound, to the Johnnie Walker Bothy at some stage, end up being called Penny, might look good in a tiny tartan dog coat, a Bar. Now, I am not normally a whisky fan, or even Pippa. Whatever she will answer cream and pink dress just doesn’t do it. reetings from Scotland! The chief but a hot toddy goes down a treat on a to, I have seen the pictures and she looks and I both hope your year will be frosty afternoon. adorable. I take the present to our friend’s Devon a happy and healthy one. And we Yes, Edinburgh raises spirits in more ways house and pop it on the kitchen table. The chief and I are still laughing about it hope your weather will be rather than one. Take an ancient castle, a royal as we get in the car to drive to Devon in Gbetter than ours has been. We’ve had some palace and a quirky parliament building. southern England. One of his best friends Edinburgh is where old th nice early morning sunshine; the sky a Then add lines of quaint cobbled streets - a Campbell, no less - is having a 60 hazy pink at dawn; then seems to dull over and dozens of inviting inns, including ‘The meets new. From historic birthday bash and we are invited. Now as the day goes on; and it is dark by four MacGregor’ on the Royal Mile. buildings to the giant festive Devon is a long way from here. In fact, it o’clock. Roll on the spring! Edinburgh is where old meets new. is around five hundred miles away. But, From historic buildings to the giant festive wheel that turns over the city. despite the distance, Scotland does have Edinburgh wheel that turns over the city. From a similarities to Devon – not least the fact From a Gothic church to that both places have Celtic origins. Well, the festive season came and went Gothic church to The Fringe, the largest There is another link. Back in the late and one day we journeyed up to Scotland’s modern arts festival in the world. The Fringe, the largest modern Victorian age Benedictine monks at a Devon capital to do some shopping. Edinburgh is an abbey started producing something called hour away from us on the train. It’s Christmas Penelope arts festival in the world. ‘Buckfast Tonic Wine.’ This alcoholic drink Market takes place in the heart of the city and But back to the shopping. A friend’s was mixed with caffeine and it was originally it attracts hundreds of thousands of people, daughter has just had a baby. I am in meant to be medicinal; a sort of ‘pick-me-up’ right through into January. search of a present for the new born and ‘There’s a little something for Penelope,’ drink that could even help with insomnia. It This traditional fair in the Princes Street I eventually find a gorgeous knitted dress. I announce. ‘We can’t wait to meet her.’ must be taken in moderation. But in certain gardens has been named the best of its At home the outfit is carefully wrapped Our friend is touched, but looks a bit parts of Scotland they drink a lot of it and kind in Britain. It offers a fabulous range of in tissue paper. But as I come to fill in the bemused. ‘It’s a dress,’ I continue. in some areas, ‘Buckfast’ has been blamed arts and crafts, from hand-knitted socks to accompanying card, I realise that I have ‘You’ve bought Penelope a dress?’ she says. for bringing on anti-social behaviour. ‘It was German fir tree decorations. The place is lit forgotten the tiny tot’s name. ‘Yes, it’s really sweet. It won’t fit now, but the Buckie made me do it…’ It’s a claim the with fairy lights and each business sits in a So, I ask my daughter to check it out it should do in a few months…’ monks absolutely refute. wee decorated hut. on Facebook. ‘She’s called Penelope’ is the Then comes the laughter. ‘That’s really Yet cider is the real drink down in Devon. There is a varied selection of food answer. Penelope. It has that glamorous kind, but why would you buy Penelope There they have some of the best apple orchards of food on offer. You name it - Scottish, feel. The raven-haired actress, Penelope a dress? Penelope is the dog!’ And then it in the world and we will, no doubt, be raising Polish, Mexican - and you can probably Cruz, comes to mind. As does the bottle dawns. Thank you Facebook! Penelope is a small glass of ‘scrumpy’, as the locals call it. get it there. However, we were more blonde Lady Penelope from Thunderbirds. a miniature dachshund with a sleek black So, as the new year gets underway, cheers!

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 15 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Up Helly Aa

Lighting up Shetland’s dark winter with Viking fun Photos courtesy of VisitScotland. courtesy of Photos

Up Helly Aa is the biggest fire festival in Europe, is held in Lerwick on the last Tuesday in January each year, and remembers the Vikings who used to rule the Shetland islands 1,000 years ago. Today thousands of visitors from across the world travel to this northernmost corner of Scotland to join in this Scandinavian Vikings’ style celebrations of the end of winter and the return of . The people of Shetland certainly know how to throw a party and celebrate like 21st century Vikings!

p Helly Aa is a relatively As Lerwick grew in size the celebrations raft-like frame knocked together at the mob, wearing masks for the most part, modern festival and is a became more elaborate. Sometime Docks, whence the combustibles were fastened. A party of about a dozen was descendant of the ancient feast around 1840 the participants introduced generally obtained. Two chains were told off to stir up the molten contents.” of - which the Vikings burning tar barrels into the proceedings. fastened to the bogie supporting the The main street of Lerwick in the Uheld to celebrate the rebirth of the sun. “Sometimes”, as one observer wrote, capacious tub or tar-barrel…eked to these mid-19th century was extremely There is some evidence that people in “there were two tubs fastened to a great were two strong ropes on which a motley narrow, and rival groups of tar- barrelers rural Shetland celebrated the 24th day frequently clashed in the middle. The after Christmas as “Antonmas” or “Up proceedings were thus dangerous and Helly Night”, but there is no evidence that dirty, and Lerwick’s middle classes their cousins in Lerwick did the same. often complained about them. The The emergence of Yuletide and New Year Town Council began to appoint special festivities in the town seems to post-date constables every Christmas to control the the Napoleonic Wars, when soldiers and revellers with only limited success. sailors came home with rowdy habitats and a taste for firearms. Torchlight procession When the end came for tar-barrelling, Lerwick in the early 1870’s it seems to have been On olde in 1824 a visiting because the young Lerwegians themselves Methodist missionary wrote in his diary had decided it was time for a change. that “the whole town was in an uproar: Around 1870 a group of young men in the from twelve o’clock last night until late town with intellectual interests injected a this night blowing of horns, beating of series of new ideas into the proceedings. drums, tinkling of old tin kettles, firing First the improvised the name Up of guns, shouting, bawling, fiddling, Helly Aa, and gradually postponed the fifeing, drinking, fighting. This was the celebrations until the end of January. state of the town all night – the street Secondly, they introduced a far more was thronged with people as any fair I elaborate element of disguise – “guizing” ever saw in England.” – into the new festival. Thirdly, they

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inaugurated a torchlight procession. At the same time they were toying with the idea of introducing Viking themes to their new festival. The first sign of this new development appearing in 1877, but it was not until the late 1880’s that a Viking longship – the “galley” – appeared, and as late as 1906 that “Guizer Jarl”, the chief guizer, arrived on the scene. It was not until after the First World War that there was a squad of Vikings, the “Guizer Jarl Squad”, in the procession every year.

Up Helly Aa is a relatively modern festival and is a descendant of the ancient feast of Yule - which the Vikings held to celebrate the rebirth of the sun.

Up to the Second World War Up Helly Aa was overwhelmingly a festival of young working-class men and during the depression years the operation was run on a shoestring. In the winter of 1931-32 there was an unsuccessful move to cancel the festival because of the dire economic situation in the town. At the same time That year the BBC recorded a major welcome the guizers on Up Helly Aa producing a riot of colour. Lerwick Up the Up Helly Aa committee became a radio programme on Up Helly Aa, night, men and women now co-operate Helly Aa is the biggest procession of self-confident organisation which poke and from that moment Up Helly to open large hall throughout the town its kind in Europe and celebrates the fun at the pompous in the by then long- Aa– noted for its split-second timing to entertain them. However, despite the islands’ Viking heritage. It is one of 10 established Up Helly Aa bill – sometimes before the war – became a model of changes there are numerous threads fire festivals held across Shetland, with driving their victims to fury. efficient organization. The numbers connecting the Up Helly Aa of today the following day being a much needed participating in the festival have with its predecessors 150 years ago. Public Holiday throughout Shetland. Celebrates Viking heritage become much greater, and the Today under the black winter Have you ever embraced you inner Viking Since 1949, when the festival resumed resources required correspondingly skies, up to 1000 colourfully attired and attended Up Helly Aa? Share your after the war, much has changed larger. Whereas in the 19th century guizers muster and carry their burning story with us by email, post, social media and much has remained the same. individuals kept open house to torches through the streets of Lerwick, or at www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us Charles Rennie Mackintosh Scotland sailing towards zero emissions target statue unveiled in Glasgow including Orkney Islands Council, statue of Charles Konigsberg Marine (Norway), Ballard Rennie Mackintosh Power Systems Europe (/ A has been unveiled on the 90thanniversary Canada), McPhy (France), DLR (the of his death. The German state aerospace agency) and statue by Andy Interferry (the global ferry operators Scott, whose works association, Belgium). Ferguson include The Kelpies, Marine Chief Executive, Gerry is believed to be the world’s first public Marshall, said of the project: “We now sculpture celebrating Mackintosh, one have one of the most innovative and of Scotland’s most famous sons. The www.Scotland.org competitive in Europe, from artwork was commissioned by Sanctuary which we plan to deliver great things Group to mark the completion of the for Inverclyde and Scotland. HySeas affordable housing provider’s £60 million III is a living example of how it can be regeneration of , Glasgow. possible to lead the world”. Andy Scott said: “Most of my Once constructed, the new ferry memories as a Glasgow School of will operate in and around the Art student have Mr Mackintosh’s beautiful building as a backdrop. His Orkney Islands, which provides

Text and image courtesy: and image courtesy: Text distinctive architectural styling and some of Scotland’s most challenging the sculpted detailing of that building uly marked the start of a ground- to be the toughest in the entire world, coastlines. Orkney is already a hotbed undoubtedly influenced my career breaking project that will result in the emphasising Scotland’s commitment to of renewable energy innovation, path. I am immensely proud to have world’s first zero emission seafaring ferry. safeguarding our planet’s future. The new and is home to the world’s largest created this distinctive bronze statue Known as HySeas III, the project is now climate change bill has set an immediate tidal turbine and the world’s first of him, especially here in his home city. Jin its final stage of development, paving the target of achieving a 90% reduction grid-connected wave and tidal test There can’t be many Scots who deserve way for the building and launch, in Scotland, in greenhouse emissions by the year centre. These are already beginning to recognition more than Charles Rennie of the first-ever hydrogen-fuelled, sea-going, 2050. However Scotland have the added produce hydrogen for a range of uses. Mackintosh, a view I am delighted to car and passenger ferry. The fuel for HySeas III intention to go to a full 100% reduction, This project will ensure that Scotland say is shared by Sanctuary Group.” will exclusively be produced from renewable known as ‘-zero’, as soon as possible. continues to be in a world leading The statue shows Mackintosh sat on electricity, which will signal a move away HySeas III is an excellent opportunity position regarding the development the famous high-backed chair he designed from traditional fuel sources towards entirely to showcase the innovative skills and of sustainable marine transport. This for Glasgow’s Street Tea Rooms. emissions-free transport. HySeas III follows facilities on offer in Scotland and a perfect will undoubtedly lead to substantial Mr Scott added: “What better time to formally recognise this humble on from two prior development stages which example of the benefits of collaboration new manufacturing opportunities but brilliant Glaswegian than at were supported by Scottish Enterprise and between Scotland and the rest of Europe. and export growth potential for the end of the year celebrating the the Canadian Transport Ministry. Scottish companies as we continue th Renewable energy innovation 150 anniversary of his birth? I hope This pioneering new project perfectly to demonstrate our ambitions to lead the sculpture becomes a much-loved fits with the ambitions of the Scottish Hyseas III is led by the University of the world in emission-free transport local and city-wide tribute to this genius Government’s recently announced climate St Andrews and and to support innovative ambitious of Scottish architecture.” change bill. The new legislation is set Engineering Ltd with other partners companies looking to make a difference.

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 17 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN SCOTLAND TODAY

The idea is the brainchild of academics Public transport links also connect it Professor Lynn Abrams and Dr Marina with both Edinburgh and Glasgow, with Moskowitz – both keen knitters and the development providing parking to historians of Scottish knitted textiles. accommodate permanent personnel Professor Abrams, Head of the alongside visiting studio productions. School of School of Humanities | Sgoil Isabel Davis, Executive Director, Screen nan Daonnachdan at the University of Scotland said; “The enormous potential of Glasgow, said: “Knitted textiles are an 31 Bath Road was demonstrated when it important and very recognisable part hosted Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War last of Scotland’s heritage – think year. Its scale, accessibility, proximity to jumpers and Sanquhar gloves and the crew and central Edinburgh and its ability knitwear factories of the Borders – but to be rapidly adapted make it a highly they also make a significant contribution attractive proposition and one that could to the Scottish economy. is also swiftly provide a home in Scotland for back in fashion as part of the new interest, large scale productions.” particularly amongst younger generations, The television and film industry spent in crafts. Our knitting is locally £95m in Scotland last year - the highest grown, meeting the desire amongst makers total since records began. Some of the Highlands dwarf birch added for materials with traceable provenance.” productions filming in Scotland recently The historians were inspired by their have included: to Millennium Seed Bank project on Scottish knitted textiles, funded Avengers: Infinity War, The Outlaw King, by the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The Outlander, Star Wars: The Last Jediand Tree seeds have been collected from dwarf researchers at the University of Edinburgh, project - Knitting in the Round; Hand- Mary Queen of Scots. birch trees near Loch Ness as part of the has been described as the largest genetic Knitted Textiles and the Economies UK National Tree Seed Project. The seeds study of hair colour to date. Previously, it of Craft in Scotland - has focused on Genetic data bring Bronze collected as part of the project are safely was thought that red hair is controlled by a themes of sustainability, creativity and Aged woman back to life banked in the underground vaults of Kew’s single gene known as MC1R, with versions authenticity and has collaborated with Millennium Seed Bank – forming the UK’s of the gene having to be passed on from heritage organisations, knitwear designers first national collection of tree seeds. These both the mother and the father. However, and makers to better understand the collections play a vital role in conservation not everyone carrying two red-haired historical antecedents of today’s Scottish work to protect UK trees and woodlands, versions is a redhead, meaning that other knitwear revival. The wool, which is single- including against pests and diseases genes had to be involved. origin double-knit and worsted-spun, such as ash dieback. The collections, The team examined DNA from almost was sourced from the Scotch Mule sheep and associated data, are available to 350,000 people who had taken part in the flock at the University’s Cochno Farm. In researchers working on solutions to tackle UK Biobank study. When they compared June last year, the University flock were Artists impression of Ava from both the many threats facing our woodlands. redheads with people with brown or black sheared; then the fleeces were sent to the 2016 and 2018. Photo: Facebook. Dwarf birch is part of the montane hair, scientists identified eight previously- Natural Fibre Company for processing – scrub group of plants that grow at high unknown genetic differences that are cleaning, carding, spinning and dying - in elevation – over 300 metres – in the associated with ginger locks. The team September. A pattern book is also in the In 2016, a team of Scottish archaeologists Scottish hills. It is a small tree that grows also looked at the functions of the genes pipeline, with designers across Scotland and forensic scientists created an no more than a metre tall, and is often they identified and found that some of contributing their designs for a range of astonishingly realistic facial reconstruction found growing on its side along the them work by controlling when MC1R is knitted items inspired by the architecture using the skeletal remains of a young ground. Montane tree species would once switched on or off. of the University of Glasgow. Bronze Aged woman believed to be aged have been common on Scottish mountains The researchers also uncovered 18-25. Named Ava, she was discovered – found between dense woodland and differences in almost 200 genes associated Screen Scotland seeks and excavated in Caithness in 1987, open hilltops – but today montane scrub with blondes and brunettes. Professor operator for major Film & TV in a cist which contained the tightly has almost disappeared from Scotland. Albert Tenesa, of the university’s Roslin production facility contracted skeletal remains of the young Clare Trivedi, UK National Tree Seed Institute, said: “We are very pleased woman, accompanied by a beaker, three Project Coordinator at Kew Gardens, said: that this work has unravelled most of flint artefacts and a cattle scapula. In “Building up our seed collections of the the genetic contributing to 2016 the girl they portrayed with a Celtic nation’s favourite and most important differences in hair colour among people.” complexion of red hair and blue eyes – tree species is a vital step in combating Professor Ian Jackson, of the Medical but, according to the latest DNA research the multiple challenges, including Research Council Human Genetics Unit published in the Proceedings of the pests and diseases, which threaten to at the university, said: “We were able to Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, this alter our landscape dramatically.” The use the power of UK Biobank, a huge and is now thought to be incorrect. Thanks seeds collected will stored in a specially unique genetic study of half a million to improved DNA testing Ava is now temperature and humidity controlled people in Britain, which allowed us to considered to be “foreign” with a more environment at the Millennium Seed Bank find these effects.” Screen Scotland has launched a tender olive complexion and dark eyes. It is also before being processed and transferred to There are more redheads in Scotland process inviting proposals from private now believed the skeleton may be up deep-freeze conditions. The seeds should than anywhere else in the world. developers to lease, refurbish and operate to 4,250 years old, rather than the 3,700 remain viable for many decades and will a permanent world-class film and previously thought. be available to support research and on- University of Glasgow creates television production facility at 31 Bath Archaeologist Maya Hoole said; “It’s the-ground conservation activity. its own wool Road (formerly the Pelamis building), Port been remarkable. It is almost like time of Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. travel going back 4,250 years to see Red head study carried out by Recently host to Marvel’s Avengers: what somebody would have looked like. the University of Edinburgh Infinity War (2017), the ex-industrial The revelation that her ancestors were building is situated on a private gated recent northern European migrants is 8.6acre site within the port estate exciting, especially as we know that she and is owned by Limited. has no, or very few, genetic connections Offering industry standard dimensions, with the local Neolithic population who it incorporates adaptable interior resided in Caithness before her. Whilst shooting options across 160,000 sq. ft and the overall shape of Ava’s face and facial potential for 5 sound stages of between features remained as they were previously, The University of Glasgow has created 50ft and 100ft in height. darkening her eyes, her skin tone and its own brand of knitting made with The building is conveniently located giving her totally new hair made her look wool from sheep reared on its own farm. in Edinburgh, 3 miles north of the city- very different to what I initially imagined Eight genes linked to red hair have Cochno Wool is a luxurious wool in four centre, is just 10 miles from Edinburgh when I received the DNA results.” been discovered by scientists, helping colours – natural (un-dyed), University International Airport and a 50-minute drive Interestingly researchers have also been able to shed light on how redheads inherit blue, Thistle pink and Slate grey – which west along the M8 from Glasgow and within to establish that Ava, alongside the majority their distinctive locks. The study, led by will be sold through the University shop. reach of Scotland’s breathtaking locations. of her population, was lactose intolerant.

Page 18 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER 2019-A Year in Piping

Learning the pipes workshops.

contests include The North American Championships which take place at the Glengarry Highland Games in Maxville, Ontario which is 2nd – 3rd August 2019, and the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships, this year in Dunedin on 29th – 30th March 2019.

Solo competitions Once the Pipe Band season is over, thoughts turn to major solo competitions. The end of August and start of September see The Argyllshire Gathering and Northern Meetings, the two most prestigious solo piping competitions in Scotland. Each event takes place over 2 days with competitors taking part in Piobaireachd and light music events. Once the winners have been announced for these, then the 10 competitors for the Glenfiddich Piping Championship are announced.

Piping Live! coming to Glasgow this August.

Text courtesy of The National Piping Centre, Glasgow, Scotland. Glasgow, Piping Centre, courtesy of The National Text Across the world each year there are lots of opportunities appy New Year from The concert by The National Youth Pipe Band groups and are a great way to meet other National Piping Centre! Across of Scotland and a very special showing pipers and get immersed in learning. to hear Scotland’s national the world each year there are of Disney’s Brave, with live orchestral There are 5 Major pipe band championships lots of opportunities to hear music from the BBC Scottish Symphony in the UK, and this year they are: instrument, but these are HScotland’s national instrument, but Orchestra among this year’s highlights. • British Championships some of the key events here in these are some of the key events here in May 18th- Young pipers Scotland and abroad. • Championships Scotland and abroad. th th Celtic Connections, now in its 26 On 16 February, our National Piping June 15th – Lurgan, year, kicks off the year in style as Glasgow’s Centre Junior Piping Championship • European Championships annual folk, roots and world music returns, one of a host of fantastic contest June 29th - Inverness This solo championship, taking festival, celebrates Celtic music and its for young pipers aged Under 18 across the place at the end of October each year • Scottish Championships connections to cultures across the globe. country every year. It aims to encourage has been called the de facto world solo July 27th - From 17 January – February 2019, over all young players to compete, with chanter championship, where the 10 best pipers of • World Championships 2,100 musicians from around the world competitions through to Piobaireachd the year compete for the overall trophy. Last August 16th/17th – , Glasgow will descend on Glasgow and bring the events. In April The National Piping year’s top honour went to National Piping city to life for 18 days of concerts, ceilidhs, Centre’s Seasonal Schools return with Piping Live! Centre teacher Finlay Johnston, his first win talks, art exhibitions, workshops, and free our spring editions. These great four-day The last of these championships is the in this top solo piping competition. events, including a “Made in Scotland” a workshops are tailored for different age biggest and the best. It is part of the world’s The Glenfiddich is the end of the 2019 biggest week of piping here in Glasgow, season, only for the 2020 season to start with Piping Live!, taking place from the very next weekend in London with the Saturday 10th– Sunday 18th August. This Scottish Piping Society of London’s annual festival brings together musicians from competition, which has its 81st year in 2019. across the globe, who come to the city So, if you are travelling this year, come with pipe bands and music groups from and hear piping in Scotland – or look out many different countries to take part. With for it around the world! Pipe Idol, The Piping Live! Big Band, The The National Piping Centre promotes the Masters, Evening Concerts, the festival study and history of piping in Scotland. club, Street Café and more, Piping Live! has For details see: www.thepipingcentre.co.uk something for everyone. This all leads up to the World Pipe Band Championships on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August. For 2 days the piping world gathers on Glasgow Green (even via the live streaming of the event!) to celebrate a new world champion. Will Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band repeat their phenomenal success of 2018? The North American pipe Band We will wait with bated breath and see… Championships in Maxville, Canada. This marks the end of the UK pipe Glasgow the “Home of Piping”. band season. Other significant worldwide Images courtesy of John Slavin Photography/ The National Piping Centre and Maxville Highland Games. Highland and Maxville Piping Centre The National Photography/ Slavin courtesy of John Images

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 19 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

CLAN DONNACHAIDH SOCIETY Membership invited to all who share the names: Duncan, Robertson, Reid, etc. CALLING THE CLANS Society in UK: London & Southern Counties * & Highlands Australia Inc. Canada: Ontario * Western Canada Australia: New South Wales * Victoria * Queensland * Western Australia Welcome to the Scottish Banner’s Calling the Clans section. Our “Clansified” CHEIF: Grant Davidson of Davidston cordially invites to New Zealand: New Zealand membership all who bear one of the Clan Names, and all who can Europe: Spain listing of Scottish Clans, Societies and Clubs. If you would like to add your trace their descent from an ancestor bearing one of these Names: Africa: South Africa Davidson; Davison; Dawson; Davis; Davie; Davey; Davy; Day; USA: Arizona * Carolinas * Florida * Gulf Coast * Mid-Atlantic * New Clan to these pages please contact your nearest Scottish Banner office Dye;Dyson; Dawson; Dea; Dean; Deane; Deas; Deason; Dees; Mexico * Mid-West * Northeast * Northern California * Pacific Northwest * Rocky Mountains * South * Southern California * Texas * Upper Mid-West Dee; Dey; Daw; Dow; Dhai; Kay; Keay; Key; Keys; MacDade; for full details. Our address and phone numbers are located on page 2. MacDaid; MacDavid; MacDavett; MacDagnie; MacDagny; Visit our website to learn more about , our MacDhai; McKeddie. In addition we welcome into membership all History & Traditions, the Clan Museum in Scotland, the DNA If you are contacting your Clan be sure to tell them you saw them in the who have a family association with the Clan Davidson. Project, the new Struan Kirk Appeal, & locate a Branch near you. Applications may be made online: www.clandavidson.org.au http://www.donnachaidh.com/ Facebook: The Clan Donnachaidh Society Scottish Banner and please support these great community organisations. or contact the Hon. Secretary Mr Dennis Hill, J.P, P.O. Box 519 Email: [email protected] Baulkham Hills NSW 1755 [email protected] 0431 527 662

Clan Douglas Society Clan Baird Society Worldwide of North America Membership is open to those descended Australia Recognized as & Allied Families from Baird, Barde, Bard, Beard, Beaird, Brd, “under the patronage of the High Agnew Crockette Harkness Pringle Bayard, Bardt, Barth and Biard or varied Bell Dalyell Home Rowell Council of the Chiefs of Clan Donald” Blackadder Dalzell Hume Rowle spellings of the name of Scottish origin. Blackett Deal Inglis Rule High Commissioner Mr Lachlan Macdonald Dick Kilgore Rutherford In addition to the Society newsletter and the opportunity NSW Inc. Blackstock Dickey Kilpatrick Sandilands to associate with fellow clansman members may State Commissioners Blackwood Dickson Kirkpatrick Sandlin 2018 Australian Gathering Blaylock Dixon Kirkland Simms query the Society geneologist. For information write: NSW Mr Lachlan Macdonald Breckinridge Drysdale Lockerby Soule Details on website http://www.clan-cameron.org.au Qld Mr A. Neil Macdonald Brown Forest Lockery Sterrett Dr. Debra J. Baird, President Brownlee Forrester Lockhart Syme 3491 County Road 3459, Haleyville, AL 35565 SA Ms Therese McCutcheon Carmichael Foster MacGuffey Symington President: Alistair Cameron Vic Mr Norman A Macdonald Carruthers Galbraith MacGuffock Troup Email: [email protected] Cavan Gilpatric Maxwell Turnbull [email protected] WA Ms Pamela McDonald Cavers Glendenning McKittrick Weir Regional Directors for Australia Cleland Glenn Moffat Young David and Patricia Benfell Clendenon Hamilion Morton Younger Email: [email protected] Secretary: Terry Cameron [email protected] Visit our website: www.clandouglassociety.org website: www.clanbairdsociety.com [email protected] There is no joy without Clan Donald Jim Morton, Secretary CLAN DONALD QUEENSLAND 4115 Bent Oak , Douglasville, GA 30135

Commissioner: Neil Macdonald Ph: 0412 090990 Email: [email protected] The ClanWeb: www.clandonaldqld.org of Clan Bell Clan Donald ELIGIBILITY: Those with the name of CampbellMacDonald Macdonald Society McDonald McDonell, The House of Donald, OR of one of the Septs of Clan North America Donald, OR with a connection through family Cordially invites membership inquiries from persons lineage. Queensland Gospatric the Earl Of Australia Named Bell (all spellings), their descendants and There is no joy without Clan Donald Commissioner: Neil Macdonald Eligible blood or marriage, all descendants of friends. Computerized Genealogical data base available The Society exists for the benefit of all its Ph: 0412 090990 The Gospatric: Dunbar, Clugston, Corbett, Dundas, to help members in their research. Quarterly members. All Campbells or descendants of Email: [email protected] Edgar, Grey, Heryng, Home, Knox, Nisbett, Peddie, newsletter published. Tents hosted at major Scottish Campbells and members of Clan Septs are games from coast to coast. Web: www.clandonaldqld.org Strickland, Washington, Wedderburn and all most welcome to join the Society. ELIGIBILITY: Those with the name of MacDonald spelling variations of each name. Also all other Your Bell ancestry is important! For information on State Branches contact the families who were associated with The Gospatric. Visit our web site: www.clanbell.org Macdonald McDonald McDonell, Donald, Contact our Membership Chairperson: Pauline Bell National Secretary, Margaret Vallance OR of one of the Septs of Clan Donald, Chieftain David C. Dunbar 1513 Anterra Drive, Wake Forest, NC 27587 Email: [email protected] OR with a connection through family lineage. 16419 Carlton Vale Ct. Email: [email protected] www.clan-campbell.org.au There is no joy without Clan Donald Tomball, TX 77377-8488 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 family or is related by marriage or legal Clan Blair Clanadoption to either ofDonald these write for more Edmonstone info and a complete Sept list. Society Diane Carey-Schmitz U.S.A.1685 Casitas AvenueInc. Clan Society Society (North America) Pasadena, CA 91103, [email protected] Membership cordially invited Membership is open only to persons of the blood Invites membership to anyone of the A society for Campbells, members of recognized septs, their of Macdonald, however spelled or of the blood descendants, and their friends. Recognized septs include: or variations:- Edmiston/e, Edmondston, from the descendants of all Blairs. of a recognized associate family or is related Ballantine, Burnett, Burns, Caddell, Calder, Harris, Hastings, Edmanson, Edmeston, Edmonson, Visit our website: www.clanblair.org Loudon, MacArthur, MacConachie, MacDiamid, MacIver, by marriage or legal adoption to either of these Charles Diman McKellar, MacKelvie, MacKessock, MacNichol, MacTavish, write for more info and a complete Sept list. Edmundson, etc. Contact Sir Archibald MacThomas, Moore, Muir, Orr, Pinkerton, Thomas, Thompson. Edmonstone Bt of Duntreath Membership Chairman Diane Carey-Schmitz 3413 Sunnybrook Dr. Prospective members inquire to: Secretary ([email protected]) 3 Laguna Ave, Kirwan Qld 4817 Clan Campbell Society, (NA) 1685 Casitas Avenue , NC 28210 963 Plum Tree Lane, Fenton, MI 48430 Pasadena, CA 91103, 61 (0)7 4755 4370 Email: [email protected] www.ccsna.org [email protected] [email protected]   Membership extended to all Crawford’s of Membership extended to all Crawford’s of  various spellings, worldwide. Join to various spellings, worldwide. Join to preserve CLAN DONALD Family of Bruceour legacy & receive assistance with events, our legacy & receiveClan assistance with events, , highland games, forums, DNA gene- heraldry, highland games, forums, DNA gene- in VICTORIA International,alogy, Inc. surname history, quarterly newsletter alogy, surname history,Crawford quarterly newsletter Proudly affiliated with Clan Donald Australia, Victorian Scottish Union and and more. Joanne Crawford, President and more. Joanne Crawford, President Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group. Family of Bruce International, Inc., the only such organization Local Contact: Warren Crawford Local Contact:Association Warren Crawford Represented at all major Highland gatherings in Victoria. recognized by the heredity chief of the Name of Bruce,[email protected] [email protected] Elliot Clan Society, U.S.A. The Rt. Hon. Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, is a non-profit  Membership extended to all Crawford’s of various CLAN DONALD VICTORIA   organization established to create kinship amongst its family spellings, worldwide. Join to preserve our legacy President: Mr Norman A. Macdonald Judith M. Elliott-Clan President Contact: [email protected] members and promote interest in the Family of Bruce and & receive assistance with events, heraldry, welcomes membership of all who are its history. Membership is open to persons who qualify Formed in 1934, with membership from many MacDonald, McDonald and by surname, by decent, or by recognized septs: Carlisle, highland games, forums, DNA genealogy, Macdonald families living in Victoria. Membership available, with dance classes connected with this great border family. surname history, quarterly newsletter and more. for most Friday evenings in Gardenvale. Carruthers, Crosby, Randolph and Stenhouse. Direct inquires to: Membership-Treasurer Membership inquiries should be directed to: Joanne Crawford, President CLAN MACDONALD YARRAVILLE Donald E. Bruce Polly A. (Bruce) Tilford, Secretary Local Contact: Warren Crawford Hon Chief: Mrs Christina Milne Wilson Patricia Tennyson Bell President 5561 Earl Young Road [email protected] Contact: [email protected] 2288 Casa Grande South 1051 Eagle Ridge Trail Bloomington, IN 47408 A hereditary clan society formed by the children of Norman Hume Macdonald Pasadena, CA 91104 Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 www.familyofbruce.org www.clancrawfordassoc.org and Johan McKenzie Macdonald (nee Munro) who departed Scotland in 1854.

Clan Buchanan Society International, Inc. ClanClan Donnachaidh Donnachaidh Clan Farqouharson Invites membership of all Buchanans and of other septs: Society of New of SouthNew Wales South Inc. , Bohanon Leavy MacCoubrey MacMorris Murchison Australia Association Australia Coleman Lennie MacCubbie MacMurchie Richardson Cormack Macaldonich MacCubbin MacMurphy Risk WalesDunc anInc., Rob erAustraliatson Reid Clan Chief: Captain A.A.C. Farquharson, Cousland Macalaman MacDonleavy Macneur Rusk Dewar Mancadeoir MacGeorge MacQuat Spittal DuncanPeople who Robertson bear any of the aboveReid names or names of any of the MC of Invercauld Donleavy Macaslan MacGibbon McQuattley Walter PeopleSepts of whothe Clan bear (see advertiany ofsement the fromabove CA namesUSA) are invite d Dove Macauselan MacGilbert MacQuinten Wason to join with us in our activities to promote Clan Donnachaidh, Membership inquiries are invited from descendants Dow MacCalman MacGreusich MacWattie Watson Clan Cumming Society or“The other Children Sept of Duncan”names by of participating Clan Donnachaidh in the various activitie s of Farqouharson and descendants of Sept family Gibb MacCalmont MacGubbin MacWhirter Watters “Theconducted Children by Scottish of Duncan”Societies. are invited to names. Please contact the association by mail to: Gibby MacCammond MacInally MacWhorter Watt of The United States For information & membership application, contact Gibbon MacCasland MacIndeor Masters Weir joinGordon in our Robertso activitiesn by participating in the Gibson MacCruiter MacIndoe MacWhitty Yule 58/157 Marconi Rd. Bonnells Bay NSW 2264 The Secretary: Gilbert MacColman MacKibb Morrice Yuill 7409 Jessica Way Scottish Gatherings held in NSW. Gilbertson MacColwan MacKinlay Morris Zuill Association Australia Harper MacCormack MacMaster Morrison of Perthshire For information and membership application, PO Box 585 MacCommon MacMaurice Murchie and other spellings Rowlett, TX 75089 contact Gordon Robertson Springwood, NSW 2777 Graeme Paul Watson, Mem. Secretary, www.clancumming.us 128 Oak Haven Drive, Statesville, NC 28625 58/157 Marconi Rd. Bonnells Bay NSW 2264 or by Email to: [email protected]

Page 20 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Clan Fergusson Clan MacInnes ClanInternational MacInnes Association of Clan Society of InternationalMacInnes Association (Aonghais) of All spelling variants of MacInnes are welcome North America Society Clanworldwide: MacInnes (Mc)Angus, (Mc)Kinnis, (Aonghais) (Mc)Innis, Hamiltons and those of Hamilton descent (Mc)Ginnis, (Mc)Ninch, (Mc)Neish, (Mc)Canse, One of the oldest Highland Clans, All spelling(Mc)Mas variantsters of, (Mc) MacInnesInnes, (Mac)Mas are welcometers are cordially invited to join the society. The Society www.clanmacinnes.org stretches back in history to the founder Inquiries to be sent to: worldwide:Eric Perry, Di (Mc)Angus,rector-Membe (Mc)Kinnis,r Services 14 (Mc)Innis, Jakes Lane, Dexter, ME 04930; [email protected] of Scotland’s monarchy, King Fergus 1. Sheri Lambert, Treasurer USA, Inc (Mc)Ginnis, (Mc)Ninch, (Mc)Neish, (Mc)Canse, Austin, Dickson, Dixon, Falconer, Faulkner, Hackson, (Mc)Masters, (Mc)Innes, (Mac)Masters Please address inquiries to: P.O. Box 5399 Harvey, Haxton, Hervey, Hurry, Hurrie, Keith, Kite, B. J. Ferguson, President, CFSNA Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Lumgair, Marshall, MacKeith, Urie www.clanmacinnes.org 192 Hawthorne Hill Rd, visit our website: www.clankeith-usa.org Eric Perry, Director-Member Services 14 Jakes Lane, Jasper, GA USA 30143 www.clanhamilton.org or email [email protected] Dexter, ME 04930; [email protected]

Clan Mackenzie Society Clan Kerr/Carr in Australia Inc. Association April Rich Of North America, Inc 28 Oxbow Drive Membership enquiries Willimantic, CT 06226 Cordially invites membership applications from all Includes name variations such as [email protected] sept variants of the name Kerr, Carr, Caray, Caris, welcomed from Mackenzies of all spellings and Septs Galbreath, Catbreath, Gilbraith etc. The American Branch of the First Family of Scotland welcomes Cearr, Curr, Care, Karr, Keir, McCarry and other sept inquires from descendants of: Hay(s); Haye(s); Hayne(s); Hey(s); Variants. The Clan accepts membership from all DNA testing project, members only databases, Contact: N Dennis, 61 Alma Street, Alderston; Armll;Ayer(s); Constable; Con(n); De La Haye; Delgatie; interested in Scottish and Celtic Highland Games East Malvern 3145 Ph 03 9569 5716 Biennial gatherings, blog, Quarterly journal. Delgatie; D’ Ay(e); Dellah’aY; Errol(l); Garrad; Garrow; Gifford; and Genealogy. See applications on the Clan’s Join from only US $15 p.a. Hawson; Haygood; Hayter; Hayward; Haywood; Haynie; Hayden; website at: www.clankerr.us Visit our website Hayfield; Hayne( s); Leask( e); Leith; Lester; MacGaradh; ; Or write: Attn: Clan President Check out your Tartan and Sept Peeples; Peoples; Turriff; ; Yester www.clangalbraith.org 679 Silvercreek Drive, Winter Springs, Fl 32708 www.clanmackenzie.org.au www.clanhay.com

American Clan The MacEanruigs, the proud sons of Henry, invite you to join the Society Gregor Society Purposes Culture: foster Scottish culture and activities SOCIETY ůĂŶDĂĐ<ĞŶnjŝĞ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨĂŶĂĚĂ and Games: promote Scottish festivals and games Goals Genealogy: assist in genealogical research of Australia Membership inquiries of the Fellowship: foster fellowship and friendship among kith and kin Society History: maintain and promote the history of the clan and Scotland tĞŝŶǀŝƚĞLJŽƵ–ǁŚĞƚŚĞƌLJŽƵĂƌĞĂĐůĂŶƐƉĞƌƐŽŶ Est 1909 welcomed from MacGregors Awards: promote charitable and educational activities via a scholarship fund and New Zealand Gather the Clan: as directed by our Chief, Alistair of Fordell ĂŵĞŵďĞƌŽĨŽŶĞŽĨŽƵƌƐĞƉƚƐ͕ĂŚŝŐŚůĂŶĚĞƌ͕ of all spellings and Septs Ă^ĐŽƚ͕ŽƌũƵƐƚĂŶŚŝƐƚŽƌLJĞŶƚŚƵƐŝĂƐƚ–ƚŽũŽŝŶ Some other of the proud sons of Henry: Clan Chief: Hon Alexander John Leslie  Enquiries invited from Leslies around the world, ƚŚĞ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJĂŶĚƉĂƌƚŝĐŝƉĂƚĞŝŶŵĂŶLJĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ Gregor Grier MacAdams MacNish Magruder D'Handresson, Eanrig, Eanruig, Enderson, Endherson, Endirsone, Henders, Hendersone, Hendersonne, Hendersoun, Hendersoune, as well as the Septs of Clan Leslie: McGehee Gregory King Peter Fletcher Hendery, Hendirsone, Hendirsoune, Hendrie, Hendrisoune, Hendry, Gregg Lecky Black and many others Henersoun, Hennersoune, Hennryson, Henresoun, Henreysoun, Abernethy, Bartholomew, Cairney, Lang, Henriesoun, Henrison, Henrisone, Henrisoun, Henrisoune, Henry, Moore etc in all their spellings. Jeanne P. Lehr Henryesson, Henryson, Henrysoun, Kendrick, Kenrick, MacCanrig, tĞďƐŝƚĞ͗ǁǁǁ͘ĐůĂŶŵĂĐŬĞŶnjŝĞĐĂŶĂĚĂ͘ĐĂ MacCanrik, MacEanruig, MacEnrick, MacHendric, MacHendrie, Contact: J Barrie Leslie 11 Ballas Crt. MacHendry, MacHenrie, MacHenrik, MacHenry, MacKanrig, MacKendric, Contact: Malcolm W. Leslie D.Ua. MacKendrich, MacKendrick, MacKendrie, MacKendrig, MacKendry, 43 Rosedale Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131-3036 MacKenrick, Makanry, Makhenry, McHenry, McKendree, McKendrick, 117/303 Spring Street. McKendry Kearney’sGordon Spring,, NSW, Qld,2072, 4350, Austr Australia.alia. Phone: 314-432-28742, [email protected] Phone: +61 2 9418 2262 website: www.acgsus.org www.clanhendersonsociety.org Phone: +61 7 4635 8358 Society Australasia [email protected]@ozemail.com.au www.clanleslie.org• www.clanleslie.org All MacGregors and Septs of our Clan are invited to join one of the oldest Clan Societies of Craighall Society in Scotland Est 1822. If you live in Australia or For all of the name and lineage of Hope New Zealand, please contact our clan INTERNATIONAL & USA AUSTRALIA representativeClan in GregorAustralia; President:Clan HopeConvenor: of Richard Rex Hope Stephen Hope Frank McGregor [email protected] [email protected]

ClanSociety Gregor Society Society in the MembershipCraighall Chair: Society PO Box 14 Janet Hope Higton NORTH HOBART TAS 7002 For [email protected] of the name and lineage of Hope Email:Australasia [email protected] United States Web. www.clangregor.com www.clanhope.orgINTERNATIONAL www.clanhopeaustralia.org & USA All MacGregors and Septs of our Clan are invited to join All Mackenzies and septs, their one of the oldest Clan Societies in ScotlandClan Hope Est 1822. of If Craighall SocietyPresident: Richard Rex Hope you live in Australia“Royal or New is Zealand,my Race please” contactFor all ofour the name and lineage of Hope Clan MacAlpine descendants and friends are invited to join INTERNATIONAL & USA AUSTRALIA [email protected] clan representative in Australia; President: Convenor: Membership Chair: Janet Hope Higton this charitable membership association. Richard Rex Hope Stephen Hope Frank McGregor - Clan Gregor Society [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Society Barbara MacKenzie, Treasurer PO Box 14 Membership Chair: North Hobart TAS 7002 Janet Hope Higton AUSTRALIA 3061 Harbor Blvd, Ventura CA, 93001 USA PO Box 20454 Cheyenne, WY 82003-7011 [email protected] Email: [email protected] Convenor: Stephen Hope Earl Dale McAlpine - President Phone: 307-214-4817 Email: [email protected] www.clanhope.org www.clanhopeaustralia.org Web. www.clangregor.com [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: www.clanmackenzie.com “Royal is my Race” www.clanhope.org www.clanhopeaustralia.org

Clan MacDougall Society of Clan Mackintosh

ClanNorth MacDougall America, Society Inc. of Membership in Clan Mackintosh of North Clan Gregor North America, Inc. Valerie McDougall America is available to all persons bearing the Valerie McDougall VP Membership MacDougall VP Membership MacDowall name of any of the clans or septs of Clan MacDougall 505-470 Scenic Drive, London, ON MacDowall N5Z 3B2 Mackintosh. Associate memberships are also Society N5Z 3B2 Email: [email protected] Home page: www.macdougall.org available to those interested in the clan. Established 1822, Edinburgh, Scotland Email: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/clanmacdougall Home page: www.macdougall.org Canada U.S.A. Facebook: www.facebook.com/clanmacdougall Names Associated with Clan MacDougall of Argyll Clan MackintoshMr. David J. Elder Margaret McIntosh, Secretary

Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor and Clan MacDowall of Galloway 46 Dunvegan Dr. 301 Smugglers View Names Associated with Clan MacDougall of Argyll 7th Baronet of Lanrick and Balqhidder, 7th Chief of Clan Gregor Coul MacCoul Macoual Chatham, Ont. N7M 4Z8 Jeffersonville, VT 05464 Clan Innes Australia Conacherand ClanMacConacher MacDowall of Galloway Membership in Clan Mackintosh of North America is available Coyle MacCoyle Great Lakes, New England, Pacific North West, CoulDole MacCoulMacDole MacoualMacDill to all persons bearing the name of any of the clans or septs of New memberships welcome Doual MacDoual McDougal Western U.S. and Southeast Chapters DougalConacher MacDougalMacConacherl MacDougald Clan Mackintosh. Associate memberships are also available to CoyleDougle MacCoyleMcdougle McDougald DoleDugal MacDoleMacDugal MacDillMacDugle those interested in the clan. www.clangregor.org Innes, Thain, Mitchell, , Dowall MacDowal MacDowall DoualMacDowell MacDoualMacdowell McDougalMcDowell For membership contact: Inez Boothe Middleton, Reidford, Wilson, DougalLullich MacDougalMcLullich l MacDougaldMacCullich MacCulloch McCulloch MacCullagh Canada: Mr. David J. Elder U.S.A.: Margaret McIntosh, Secretary 120 Wicksford Glen, Sandy Springs, GA 30350-5713 MacClintockDougle MacLintockMcdougle McLintockMcDougald McRob, McTary, Mavor DugalMacHale MacDugalMcHoul MacDugleMactheul 46 Dunvegan Dr. 301 Smugglers View Ms Ishbel MacGregor, Secretary MacHowell MacCowan McCown MacKichanDowall M’GowallMacDowal MacNamellMacDowall Chatham, Ont. N7M 4Z8 Jeffersonville, VT 05464 5 Alloa Road, Cambus by Alloa, Clackmanshire, FK10 2NT Scotland Email [email protected] MacDowellMacLucas MacdowellMacLugash McDowellMacLuke  LullichSpelling VariationsMcLullich May Vary or OmitMacCullich the Mac, Mc       MacCulloch McCulloch MacCullagh MacClintock MacLintock McLintock  MacHale McHoul Mactheul MacHowell MacCowan McCown   MacKichan M’Gowall MacNamell Clan Guthrie       MacLucas MacLugash MacLuke   Spelling Variations May Vary or Omit the Mac, Mc   The OFFICIAL Clan MacFarlane Society U.S.A. Inc  Founded 1911 - Glasgow & London Re-established- 1973 Grandfather Mountain, NC Clan Irwin Association Clan Maclaren Membership invited   Loch Sloy! We welcome all descendants of Chief and Patron Clan MacFarlane from around the world! Maclaren Maclaurin Lawrence Lawson Low[e] David Irvine, Baron of Drum, Chief of the name. Clan Guthrie - U.S.A., Inc. Michael R. MacFarlane. FSA Scot - President Low[e]ry Law[e] Patterson Macpatrick Macrory Contact: Barbara Edelman, Chairman Brian J.W. MacFarlane - Vice President Membership Chair 65 Colonial Drive Richard G. Kilby, FSA Scot - Treasurer Telford, PA 18969 John K. Manchester - Secretary Chuck Lawson, FSA Scot, President Larry Guthrie 215-721-3955 [email protected] lnternatlonal Clan MacFarlane Society, lnc. 1211 Wilson Ave., Tullahoma, TN 37388 IRWIN • RVIN • IRVINE • IRVING • ERWIN • ERVIN PO Box 398 Glenora, CA 91740 USA [email protected] [email protected] Over 270 ways the name has been spelled since 325 A.D. Phone: (931) 455-2925 E-mail: [email protected] www.clanguthrie.org www.clanirwin.org MACFARLANE.ORG

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 21 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If CLAN MATHESON you are a descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Clan MacLellan Clan MacNicol Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Poulk, Poolke, Pogue John B. McClellan, Jr. SOCIETY - you are cordially invited to contact: Treasurer A. D. Pollock, Jr. Society, Inc. Chief of the Clan PO Box 404 6409 Knollwood Drive Major Sir Fergus Matheson of Greenville, KY 42345 e-mail: [email protected] McKinney, TX Matheson 75070-6032 Member of The Highland Clan MacNeacail Federation welcomes 7th Baronet of Lochalsh Clan Pollock Email: [email protected] persons of the names Nicolson, Nicol, MacNicol in all spellings Invites all Mathesons/Mathiesons or Kin Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If you are a For membership inquiries, contact: to join our Clan Society. descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Invites all MacLellans and their descendants regardless Contact the Chief's Lieutenants in USA Poulk, Poolke, Pogue - you are cordially invited to contact: USA: Jeremy Nicholson Canada: Jacques McNicoll U.S.A. of surname spelling to join in preserving our heritage. P.O. Box 501166 202 Berlioz Apt 203 Malcolm Matheson, III A. D. Pollock, Jr. Various family names are MacLellan(d), McClellan(d), Atlanta, GA 31150-1166 Verdun, QC H3E 1B8 Canada P.O.Box 307, The Plains, VA 20198 PO Box 404 Tel: (540) 687-6836, Fax: (540) 687-5569 McLellan(d) and Gilliland. [email protected] Email:[email protected] [email protected] Greenville, KY 42345 Visit our website: www.clanmaclellan.net www.clanmacnicol.org www.clanmacnicolcanada.com www.clanmatheson.org e-mail: [email protected]

Clan Moffat Society Clan MacLeod Madam Jean Moffat, Chief of the Societies of Australia Name and Arms of the Family of Membership is open to MacLeods, Moffat, welcomes Moffats of all spellings. Spouses and those legally Septs (of any spelling) and descendants. adopted by Moffats are also eligible Askey MacAndie MacCorkill Clan MacNicol for membership. Beaton MacAskill MacCrimmon Society Nicolson, Nicholson, Nicol, Nichol, Website: http://www.ClanMoffat.org/ Bethune MacAulay MacGillechallum MacNicol, Nicoll, Nicolls and similar. Madam Jean Moffat, Chief of the Name Association Caskie MacCabe MacRaild Norie (North America) Harold MacCaig MacWilliam Tolmie Chief: John MacNeacail of and Arms of the Family of Moffat, Membership cordially invited from Pringle! Lewis MacClure Norman Williamson MacNeacail and Scorrybreac welcomes Moffats of all spellings. Pringle decedents and other interested parties. NSW, ACT & Qld - Peter Macleod 02 4397 3161 www.clanpringle.org. uk For membership inquiries contact: Ross Nicolson Spouses and those legally adopted by Victoria & Tas - David Dickie 03 9337 4384 Moffats are also eligible for membership. William L. Pringle, III South Australia - Nicole Walters 0415 654 836 22 Bellevue Drive, Carlingford NSW 2II8 Email: [email protected] Western Australia - Ruth MacLeod 08 9364 6334 www.clanmacnicol.com Website: http://www.ClanMoffat.org/ Clan Pringle Assoc. (North America) Email: [email protected] 6538 140th Ave., Holland, MI 49423

Clan Macpherson THE Association Ross Clan in Australia The clan is active again in Australia welcomes enquiries from Macphersons for information contact in Australia and members of our Associated families. For information Commander Des Ross(By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) MACLEODS contact your local representative, our web site for information contact Commander Des Ross www.clan-macpherson.org/branches or the ‘Official Clan RICH IN HIGHLAND We would be pleased to hear from anyone with Ross Clan (By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) Macpherson Association’ Facebook page heritage and interest. TRADITIONS Canada. John C Gillies Australia. John L Macpherson We wouldcontact Commander Des Ross at be pleased to hear from anyone [email protected] Society International [email protected] [email protected] FOR INFORMATION: phone +1 705 4460 280 phone +61 2 4871 1123 with Ross Clan heritage and interest. WWW.CLANMACLEODUSA.ORG Scotland. Bill Macpherson Join a Thousand Year Tradition New Zealand. Tim McPherson [email protected] [email protected] Contact: Commander Des Ross at A.L. MacLeod phone +64 3 234 5098 phone +44 1577 830 430 President: Leonard Montgomery 3923 Rockwood Way #B USA. Ken Croker Clan Museum. Curator [email protected] [email protected] M 0403 830 853 West Valley City, UT [email protected] [email protected] phone +1 559 658 6189 phone +44 1540 673 332 84120-6880 (1 April to 30 October) www.clanmontgomery.org Ken Duthie JP Director of Publicity M 0418 806 172

      Clan Macnachtan  The  Association Worldwide    Sir Malcolm F. Macnaghten of  Society of Australia   Macnaghten, Bart - Chief of Clan   Chairman - Peter McNaughton - 360-686-8451 and New Zealand         We welcome membership from all Scots named MacNaughton Society Clan Ross America or any of the Septs on our Website: Contact the Membership If your surname is MacRae, Association and foundation merged Secretary, Vice-Chairman or Regional Commissioners in: or you are descended from a person having the of North America Australia - Regional Commissioner - Bruce McNaught Arthur G. Morrison Kimberly Mrkonic Many Names - One Clan +61 7 3266 2047 [email protected] surname MacRae (any spelling) or that of a Sept of 220 South Orchard Drive Membership-Treasurer Liz Ross, President W. Canada - Regional Commissioner - Miles MacNaughton the Clan then you are eligible to join our Society. Burbank, CA 91506 PO Box 1007 Robert Aumiller, Membership Secretary 250-999-9636 [email protected] Los Alamitos, CA 90720 New Zealand - Regional Commissioner - John Macnaughtan Australian Contact: [email protected] +64 9 441 4984 [email protected] www.clanmorrison.net PO Box 6341 Roslyn MacRae 0412 291 054 email: [email protected] USA - Membership Secretary - Mary Nivison Burton Membership cordially invited from those who are connected River Forest, IL 60305 541-401-2613 [email protected] NZ Contact: Sue Tregoweth email: [email protected] with this great Clan, i.e., Morrison, Morison, Gilmour, Gilmer, www.clanross.org WWW.CLANMACNAUGHTON.NET , Murrison or descendants of eligible name.

Clan Munro Association, U.S.A Clan MacNeil We are the only national organization of Society in Clan MacTavish, U.S.A. Munro in the U.S .A. affiliated with the Australia Incorporated Association of America Under the patronage of Chief Steven Invites all MacNeils, regardless of MacTavish of Dunardry invites you to join us (Association) of Scotland. Contact: M Hodgkinson surname spelling, some of which are listed: in celebrating our history. Cash, Holmes, 212 MacKenzie Street McNeill MacNeil MacNeal MacNiel, McNeely, Neal, MacTavish, Stephenson, Stevens, Thompson, COME JOIN US! Thomson, Todd & other variants. Toowoomba 4350 (07 4632 8559) Neilson and O’neill to join us in preserving our heritage. Web site: www.Clanmunrousa.org Write: Heather Munro Daniel [email protected] Contact: Rhonwyn Darby www.clanmactavish.org Membership Info: McNeill VP.;. MembershJp, PO. Box 230093, Montg_omery 4600 Lloydrownn Road http://goldenvale.wixsite.com/clansutherlandaus [email protected] or Mebane, NC 27302 AL 36123-0693. (334) 834-0612 Email [email protected] PO Box 686, Milford, OH 45150-0686 Facebook: Clan Sutherland Society in Australia

Share your Clan news, photos Murray Clan Society Clan Ross of and events with us so we can Society of North America share with our readers and online. Chief: Ian Maitland, The Earl of Lauderdale! Applications for membership are invited from Murray’s The United States Please contact us at: We are all related! Contact your local society and the following allied families: Balneaves, Dinsmore, David Ross of Ross, Baron Balnagowan, North America: Rosemary Maitland Thorn Dunsmore, Fleming, Moray, Murrie, Neaves, Piper, Pyper, Chief of the Clan invites all Ross’, septs and their [email protected], [email protected] www.clanmaitlandna.org Smail, Smale, Small, Smeal, and Spalding. descendants toto join in preserving our heritage. www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us Australia: Carole Maitland [email protected] In Canada contact: William J.M. Murray 4230 Colac- Lavers Hill RoadWeeaproinah. VIC. 3237 or add your upcoming events at: 1001 Cordero Crescent www.clan-ross.org New Zealand: Judette Maitland [email protected] Wyomissing, PA 19610-2738 33 Disley Street, High bury, Wellington 6012. NZ [email protected] www.scottishbanner.com/events/ In the U.S. contact: Robert W. Murray We welcome all with Maitland, Lauderdale, Maitlen and similar 2000 Cambridge Ave #329 Contact L. Q. Ross submit-an-event name spelling. See the entire list and your family history at: www.clanmaitland.org.uk Campbell River, BC V9H OC3 105 S. Graham Ave, Orlando, Fl 32803

Page 22 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

The Scottish Australian Clan Sutherland Caledonian Club Society of North Of Heritage Council America Inc. Florida West (Sarasota, FL) Society The Society cordially invites membership of all Sutherlands 2017 Spring Schedule: Membership is invited from all descendants of the Feb. 4: Scottish Games surname Scott; associated families Balwearie, Bucklew, (however the name is spelled) and of the associated families: Mar. 25: Thistle Ball Founded at a meeting held in Sydney 18 June 1981 Geddes, Harden, Laidlaw, and Langlands (however Cheyne, Duffus, Gray, Frederith, Mowat and Oliphant. Apr. 2: Kirkin’ O’ Tartans Welcomes membership from all Australians of Scottish descent. May 6: Annual General Luncheon spelled); as well as those who have an interest in the Applications for membership can be obtained from: heritage of the Middle March of the Borders of Scotland. Summer Socials: TBA Richard Langford The Hon Secretary, SAHC Clan Scott Society 1106 Horshoe Lane Contact: Robert Howard, President 941-376-5514 Susan Cooke tel: 02 6355 4158 PO Box 13021 Blacksburg, VA 24060 Austin, TX 78711-3021, USA Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.caledonianclub.org [email protected] www.ClanScottSociety.org www.scottishaustralianheritagecouncil.com.au

Clan Shaw Society  ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ Invites membership or inquires from all: AUSTRALIA Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy, MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, Daughters of Scotia ǁǁǁ͘ƐĐŽƚƚŝƐŚŐĂĞůŝĐƐŽĐŝĞƚLJǀŝĐ͘ŽƌŐ Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. For those affiliated with &ŽƵŶĚĞĚŝŶϭϵϬϱ Mike Shaw A 100 plus year old fraternal order for women of  Secretary the Young surname ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐŚŽŝƌ͗ 2403 West Cranford Scottish birth or descent or married to men of Denison, TX 75020 tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJƐϭϬ͗ϯϬĂŵƚŽ Ian J Young Scottish birth or descent whose purpose is to keep   Clan Shaw Society Convenor alive our Scottish heritage and customs. ϭϮ͗ϯϬƉŵĚƵƌŝŶŐƐĐŚŽŽůƚĞƌŵƐ Invites membership or inquires from all: ĂƚdŚĞ<ŝůĚĂƌĂĞŶƚƌĞ͕ƌĞĂƌŽĨ Membership inquiries: For membership information contact: Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy,  ϯϵ^ƚĂŶŚŽƉĞ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕DĂůǀĞƌŶ͘ Clan Young Australia Ms. Cynthia Ridings MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, 10 Cedric Street Grand Recording Secretary >ĂŶŐƵĂŐĞůĂƐƐ͗tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJƐϳ͗ϬϬƚŽϴ͗ϯϬƉŵ Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Parkdale VIC 3195  ĚƵƌŝŶŐƐĐŚŽŽůƚĞƌŵƐĂƚƚŚĞĞůƚŝĐůƵď͕ϰϮϬͲϰϮϰ [email protected] 2566 Galloway Road Secretary: Mike Shaw Blue Ridge, GA 30513 tŝůůŝĂŵ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕tĞƐƚDĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ͘ 2403 West Cranford Find us on Facebook: 706-632-8510  ŽŶƚĂĐƚDĂƵƌŝĐĞ&ŽǁůĞƌϬϰϬϴϮϮϯϮϳϳ www.facebook.com/groups/youngsofaustralia/ Denison, TX 75020 [email protected] www.daughtersofscotia.org ŵĂŝů͗ƐĐŽƚƚŝƐŚŐĂĞůŝĐƐŽĐŝĞƚLJǀŝĐΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ   Illinois Saint Andrew Society The Society of St. Andrew Illinois’ oldest, largest Scottish   Illinoisorganization and Saintowner of The Scottish of Scotland Home. A unique “assisted living” (Queensland) Limited Andrewfacility located inSociety a beautiful wooded  ABN 30 093 578 860 setting. Invites membership of all people of Scottish descent or association. Clan Wardlaw Association Illinois’For more oldest, information largest Scottish on Society organization membership and and  Australia ownerprograms of The Scottish or The Home.Scottish A Home, unique contact “assisted The Society ofJ acSkt. V aAudndrin, Honew Secretary, P.O. Box 3233 Founded 2004 Membership and inquiries from all Sinclairs, living” facilityGus located Noble, in a beautiful President wooded setting. of ScotlaSouthnd Brisbane, BC, QLD, 4101, Australia. Sinclair Septs and Sinclair descendants. Worldwide organization for all Wardlaws or related (Queenslandww) Lw.standrewsocietimited y.com  For708-447-5092 more information or www.chicago-scots.org on Society membership For further info contact families. We invite you to join us. ABN 30 093 578 860 Email: [email protected] and programs or The Scottish Home, contact President: WayneSinclair 0417 146 174 Invites membership of all people of  Secretary : Liane Sinclair 0410 045 263 ‘Wardlaw ivermair!’ Scottish descent or association. E: [email protected] Gus Noble, President www.clanwardlaw.com JackThe Va udSecretary,in, Hon P.O. Sec Boxreta 3233,ry, P.O. South Box Brisbane, 3233 BC,  Wardlaw Tartan and Ancestry Books 708-447-5092 or www.chicago-scots.org www.clansinclairaustralia.com SouthQLD, Brisbane, 4101, Australia. BC, QLD, www.standrewsociety.com 4101, Australia. Association, Inc. www.standrewsociety.com  Invites membership from Skene and septs Cariston, Carney/Carnie, FOUNDEDFOUNDED 19719744 Currehill, Dyas, Dyce, Dyer, Hall, St. Andrewís Society Halyard/Hallyard, MacGalliard, Rennie, and Skains. The Robert Burns Club  of Vermont Dorna Comp President Scottish of Melbourne Inc. P.O. Box 484 103 Sumners Alley Essex Junction, VT 05453 Summerville, SC 29485  Email: [email protected] > Promotes interest in the works, life and Invites membership inquiries. milieu of the Scottish Poet Robert Burns St. Andrews Clan Skene Associations  > Celebrates Scottish Culture SocietyDavid of Campbel Vermontl - President (802) 878-8663 Association, Inc. > Conducts Annual Burn Supper, Poetry Invites membership from Skene and septs Cariston,  P.O. Box 484 Carney/Carnie, Currehill, Dyas, Dyce, Dyer, Hall, and Afternoon & Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Essex Junction, VT 05453 Halyard/Hallyard, MacGalliard, Rennie, and Skains. For Membership Information contact: Invites membership inquiries. President: Al McGalliard Secretary: Noel Wright (03) 9306 7495 David Campbell - President (802) 878-8663 273 Amy Clegg Drive Societies Email: [email protected] Gray, GA, 31032 Website: www.sasvt.org Email: [email protected] Australian Scottish Communtiy (Qld) Inc. Promoter of International Tartan Day, Brisbane, Queensland Victorian Scottish Union PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 4101 Established 1905 Bi-Monthly Newsletter, AllScottish things Heritage USA, Inc. Umbrella group representing the interest Scottish of Scottish Clans and Societies in Victoria. P.O. Box 457 Affiliated Clans & Societies All persons of Scottish Descent Ballarat Highland Dancing Geelong Scottish Dance welcome. www.aussie-scots.org.au,Email: Pinehurst, NC 28370 Balmoral Highland Dancing Society Glenbrae Celtic Dancers [email protected], Scottish Ph 07 3359 8195 Begonia City Highland Dancing Society Glenmaggie Scottish Folk Festival The Stewart Society Brunswick Scottish Society Kilmore Celtic Festival Welcomes membership of anyone interested in the exchange of Clan Donald Victoria Maryborough Highland Society Welcomes Stewarts, however spelt, by name, Communtiy (Qld) Inc. Mornington Peninsula Caledonian Society people and ideas between Scotland and the United States. Clan Macdonald Yarraville Inc Scottish Country Dance Victoria Society birth, or descent, from all over the world. Annual Promoter of International Tartan Day, Clan Mackenzie of Australia The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne Gathering in historic, Stewart-related properties in Brisbane, Queensland Australia Warrnambool & District Caledonian Society Write or phone for our free brochure. Clan Sinclair Association Warrnambool Caledonian Highland Dancing Society Scotland. Newsletter. Annual magazine. PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 4101 Clan Sutherland Australia Robert Burns Club of Camperdown Inc Bi-Monthly Newsletter, All things Scottish www.scottishheritageusa.org Jan Macdonald: Secretary Please inquire: The Secretary All persons of Scottish Descent welcome. Victorian Scottish Union 53 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HT, email: [email protected] T: 03 9360 9829 M: 0438 584 930 www.aussie-scots.org.au Ph 07 3359 8195 E: [email protected] Tel/Fax 0131 220 4512 www.stewartsociety.org Email: [email protected], (910) 295-4448 www.victorianscottishunion.com

Clan Sutherland Society of Australia ClanThe Society welcomes Sutherland membership of all bearers of the Sutherland name and any of their septs- (Cheyne, Duffus, Frederith, SocietyMowat (or any variation ofof the spelling) Australia. Marie Hodgkinson Clans and Scottish 212 MacKenzie Street Toowoomba, 4350 The Society welcomesQueensland, Australia membership of all e-mail: [email protected] Comunn Gàidhlig bearers of the Sutherland name and any of their organisations septs- (Cheyne, Duffus, Frederith, Mowat (or Astràilia any variation of the spelling). (The Association of Australia) is a To have your Clan or Scottish organisation Marie Hodgkinson nonprofit organisation which supports the language 212 MacKenzie Street and culture of Scottish . listed in these pages please contact us at: Toowoomba, 4350 Ruaraidh MacAonghais, N each Cathrach (Convenor) [email protected] Queensland, Australia Phone: 04 0482 2314 E-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ozgaelic.org or www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us http://goldenvale.wix.com/clansutherlandaus Mall: PO Box A2259, SYDNEY SOUTH 1235

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 23 THE SCOTTISH BANNER SCOTTISH BANNER EVENTS Having a Clan event? Know of a highland games? Know where the pipes will be playing? Let Scottish Banner readers know of Scottish events both near and far with the Scottish Banner events page. Send us your community event, concert, meeting or anything with a Scottish twist! Please submit events either online at www.scottishbanner.com/events or email [email protected]. Please ensure you submit your event in the exact format we use below, events not submitted in this way cannot be guaranteed to be printed. Events will run both in print and online and is a free service.

27 Toronto, ON - The Great Canadian Skate 26 Charleston, SC - Burns Supper 6 Nationwide - National Day CANADA Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It Come celebrate the birth of Robert Burns with the Celebrate the classic Scottish treat today! Shortbread speaks to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s Scottish Society of Charleston. A night of good food, is so named because of its crumbly texture which is JANUARY 2019 multicultural heritage, a chance to nurture your inner good drink, and good fellowship at Daniel Island Club, caused by its high-fat content, provided by the butter. 1 - 31 Ottawa, ON - OttScot Festival Scot. A spirit of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear 600 Island Park Dr. Info: www.charlestonscots.org “Shortening” is its related word that refers to any fat that The Scottish Society of Ottawa wants to emphasize 26 Los Angeles, CA - Saint Andrew’s may be added to produce a “short” (crumbly) texture. our role and mission in further connecting people Canada’s favourite colour – tartan! At Nathan Phillips Society of Los Angeles Burns Supper 11 , Moray - The Burning of the Clavie in our city with Scottish culture, folklore and history Square, 100 Queen St W. Info: www.kiltskate.com Celebrate Robert Burns with food, music, poetry A fire festival unique to Burghead, which greets the through the 2019 OttScot Festival. This month-long and fun. Info: www.saintandrewsla.org New Year. The significance of the 11th January dates celebration will be kicked off with Hogman-eh!, FEBRUARY 2019 back to the 1750’s, when the Julian calendar was and feature the Great Canadian Kilt Skate, our Gala 10 Calgary, AB - The Great Canadian Kilt Skate 26- Tallahassee, FL, Robert Burns Supper reformed in Britain. Info: www.burghead.com/clavie Burns Supper & Ceilidh and a number of community Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It Presented by the St. Andrew Society of Tallahassee, FL. organization partnership events through January speaks to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s Come join us for our Burns’ Birthday Celebration on 17 - Feb 3 Glasgow - Celtic Connections January 26. For more info contact ericking@comcast. 2019. Info: https://ottscot.ca/ott-scot-festival multicultural heritage, a chance to nurture your inner Celtic Connections is the largest winter music festival net or www.facebook.com/standrewtallahassee of its kind and the UK’s premier celebration of Celtic 6 Nationwide - National Shortbread Day Scot. A spirit of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear music,featuring artists from around the globe alongside Celebrate the classic Scottish treat today! Shortbread 26 Sarasota, FL - 25th Sarasota Highland Canada’s favourite colour – tartan! At Calgary Olympic the best Scottish talent. Info: www.celticconnections.com is so named because of its crumbly texture which is Plaza, 228 8 Ave SE. Info: www.kiltskate.com Games & Celtic Festival caused by its high-fat content, provided by the butter. Gather up your family and friends and come discover the 20 - 22 Glasgow - Scotland’s Trade Fair Spring “Shortening” is its related word that refers to any fat that 21 , QC - WhiskyFête 2019 rest of your Clan at Sarasota County Fairgrounds, 3000 Scotland’s biggest trade show for the gift, may be added to produce a “short” (crumbly) texture. Montreal’s most unique Scotch Tasting event, Ringling Blvd. Info: www.sarasotahighlandgames.com homewares, jewellery, fashion accessories, an evening of unique and rare whiskies at The craft and textiles market at the SEC. Trade only 13 Winnipeg, MB - The Great Canadian Kilt Skate 26 Hollywood, FL - Robert Burns Supper event. Info: www.scotlandstradefairs.co.uk Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks Mount Royal Club. Info: www.whiskyfete.org The Scottish American Society of South Florida to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural 23 Maxville, ON - The Great Canadian Kilt Skate invites you for a Dinner, Concert & Dance at the 22 - 27 Edinburgh - Burns and Beyond Orangebrook Golf and Country Club 400 Entrada heritage, a chance to nurture your inner Scot. A spirit Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks Celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns and Dr. Info: 786 205-5350 or www.sassf.org bringing together the best and brightest of Scotland’s of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear Canada’s to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural cultural landscape. This innovative new event will invite favourite colour – tartan! At Seven Oaks Sports Complex heritage, a chance to nurture your inner Scot. A spirit 26 Washington, DC - 2019 Scottish 725 Kingsbury Ave. Info: www.kiltskate.com Universities Burns Night & Ceilidh audiences to experience free and ticketed events in of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear Canada’s venues throughout Edinburgh city centre, including 19 Montréal, QC - Great Canadian Kilt Skate The Alumni Clubs of Edinburgh, Glasgow and the favourite colour – tartan at Maxville & District Sports the spectacular Museum of the Moon @ St Giles’ Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks , with the support of the Scottish Complex, 25 Fair St. Info: www.kiltskate.com Cathedral, The Burns Supper and a brand new Culture to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural Government, invite you to our annual Burns Night Supper Trail experience. Info: www.burnsandbeyond.com heritage, a chance to nurture your inner Scot. A spirit of & Ceilidh in the Grand Ballroom at the historic Willard Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear Canada’s favourite USA Intercontinental Hotel. Info: [email protected] 23 - 27 Ayr - Burns An’ A’ That! 2019 colour – tartan! At Natrel Skating Rink, Vieux Port, 333 Celebrate the bard in his ‘hame toun’ with a celebration Rue de la Commune O. Info: www.kiltskate.com JANUARY 2019 FEBRUARY 2019 street party, the world’s first Burns Supper drive thru, 6 Nationwide - National Shortbread Day 2 New York, NY - Tartan Kilt Skate NYC Burns live music nights, Alloway birthday celebrations, 19 Ottawa, ON - Gala Burns Supper & Ceilidh Celebrate the classic Scottish treat today! Shortbread Gather the Clan for NYC’s first kilt skate at the only Burns Supper in the world to take place in Burns Celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns, Bryant Park, 6th Avenue at W 42nd St. Info: Cottage, the winner of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Scotland’s national bard with The Scottish Society is so named because of its crumbly texture which is www.kiltskate.com/new-york-city-2019 Award and more! Info: www.burnsfestival.com of Ottawa. An evening of revelry, haggis & whisky caused by its high-fat content, provided by the butter. at Shaw Centre, 55 Colonel By Dr. Info: Sherry “Shortening” is its related word that refers to any fat that 2 Leominster, MA - Leominster Burns Night Supper 24 - 3 Dumfries - Big Burns Supper Sharpe at [email protected] or 613-762-4134 or may be added to produce a “short” (crumbly) texture. Join in the festivities to celebrate the life and The world’s biggest contemporary Burns celebrations see https://ottscot.ca/burns-supper-ottawa works of the Scottish Bard, Robert Burns at with 111 events across 11 days of world class 12 Rockville Centre, NY - New York DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Erdman Way. Info: music, comedy, theatre and cabaret. Info: www. 24 Montreal, QC - St Andrew’s Society Metro Pipe Band Pipers Ball (978) 870-2769 or [email protected] bigburnssupper.com or 01381 271 820. of Montreal Burns Supper Celebrate the band with music, food and fun 2 Contoocook, NH - Robert Burns Celebration 25 Nationwide - Happy Burns Night An evening to celebrate Robert Burns at the Mount Royal at the Parish Center at St. Agnes Cathedral. Club. Share a wee dram with friends, enjoy a traditional Hosted by New England Scottish Arts Centre at Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish Info: www.nymetropipeband.com Scottish meal (with a gourmet flair) and raise your glasses Saint Methodios Faith & Heritage Center, 329 Camp poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns in a toast to the lads and lassies. Info: www.standrews.qc.ca 18 New York, NY - The 24th Burns Merrimac Rd. With pipers, dancers, dinner, Haggis Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the and more. Info: www.nescottishartscentre.com poet’s friends, five years after his death. 24 Toronto, ON - A Traditional Robbie Burns Supper Night Gala Celebration Presented by the Toronto East Rotary Club with Honor and celebrate Scotland’s national bard, Robert 8 San Francisco, CA - Robert Burns Supper 26 Perth - Perth Riverside Light Nights - Burns Night traditional Scottish Fare including Haggis, Cock-a- Burns, in words and music with The American- Celebrate the Bard with The Saint Andrew’s Perth will celebrate the contribution Robert Burns Leekie Soup, Neeps & Tatties, Steak Pie and Tipsy Laird. Scottish Foundation. A wonderful evening in true Society of San Francisco at The City Club. has made to Scottish culture, with live entertainment Cash Bar featuring wine, ale and a variety of Scotch Scottish style and tradition at the University Club. Info: www.saintandrewssocietysf.org and fun with a Scottish twist as part of the Riverside Light Nights event. Info: www.perthcity. whiskies at the Latvian Canadian Cultural Centre, 4 Info: www.americanscottishfoundation.com 14 Webster Groves, MO - St. Louis St. Credit Union Dr. Info: www.torontoeastrotary.com co.uk/event/perth-riverside-light-nights-2/ 18 - 20 Kansas City, MO - Winter Storm Weekend Andrew’s Society Social Night 25 Nationwide - Happy Burns Night These are informal gatherings where everyone is welcome 27 Mauchline, East Ayrshire - Burns’ The Pipes and Drums event in Kansas City, Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish and can bring guests too. Throughout the year, some social Birthday in Mauchline with world-class concerts, competitions, and poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns nights will have specific Scottish topics at Weber’s Front Join in the celebrations of our national bard with an Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the master classes. Info: www.mhaf.org Row, 8169 Big Bend Blvd. Info: www.stlstandrews.com afternoon of art workshops, kirkyard tours, storytelling, poet’s friends, five years after his death. 19 - 20 Winter Springs, FL - Central performances and much more at the Burns House 16 Long Beach, CA - ScotsFestival & Museum. Info: www.eastayrshireleisure.com 25 Calgary, AB - Calgary Burns Club Burns Supper Florida Scottish Highland Games International Highland Games XXVI The Calgary Burns Club holds the memory of Robert Experience traditional highland athletics, dance, art, ScotsFestival honors nearly fifty Scottish clans & vendors 29 Lerwick, Shetland - Up Helly Aa 2019 Burns and the fellowship arising out of that memory music, culture, food and a Gaelic spirit. Presented throughout the weekend with professional and amateur Europe’s largest fire festival. Every year the historic event includes a thousand-strong torchlight procession takes to be one of the most important aspects of being by The Scottish-American Society of Central Florida competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, place in the village and ends with the iconic burning of Scottish Calgarians, the event will be at the Telus at Central Winds Park. Info: www.flascot.com Highland dancing, and Highland athletics at the Queen a replica Viking Longship. Info: www.uphellyaa.org Convention Centre. Info: www.calgaryburnsclub.com Mary, 1126 Queens Highway. Info: www.queenmary.com 25 Nationwide - Happy Burns Night 26 Cobourg, ON - Burns Supper & Dance Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish FEBRUARY 2019 Join the Cobourg Highland Games Society and be 9 Edinburgh - Six Nations: Scotland Vs Ireland entertained by the Lindsay Rose Highland Dancers, poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns SCOTLAND Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the Scotland take on Ireland in the Six Nations at The Cobourg Legion (Police) Pipe Band and Madman’s JANUARY 2019 Murrayfield Stadium. Info: www.scottishrugby.org Window Celtic Band. Get your dancing shoes on, and poet’s friends, five years after his death. 1 - 2 - Fire and Light 17 - 22 Pitlochry - RSCDS Winter School join us for some traditional Scottish dancing, and let’s 25 Bethlehem, PA - Robbie Burns Night have a Ceilidh. Info: www.cobourghighlandgames.ca Start your New Year with a magical 3km walk around the Held in the picturesque town of Pitlochry, the RSCDS Celebrate the life and times of Scotland’s most Helix, Home of the Kelpies. The park will be transformed Winter School, has Scottish country dance classes 26 Ottawa, ON - Burns Ceilidh 2019 famous historical figure, Robbie Burns. Come into an extraordinary spectacle of fire performances, held at different venues around Pitlochry. Classes A 128 year tradition carried on by the Sons of Scotland dressed in your best Scottish or Formal Gear to interactive light installations, breath-taking puppetry, are held every morning and there are optional Pipe Band. Our evening includes a buffet dinner - with honor the occasion at McCarthy’s Red Stag Pub, enchanting sculptures, and animated projections depicting classes in the afternoon — a full day of dancing the address to the haggis - silent auction, cash bar, pipes 534 Main St. Info: www.redstagpub.com the zodiac signs. Info: www.thehelix.co.uk/fireandlight if your feet are up for it! Info: www.rscds.org and drums and highland dance entertainment - ceilidh music by Occasional Pudding and more at St Joe’s Church Hall, 174 Wilbrod St. Info: www.sospb.com 26 Rockwood, ON - The Guelph Answers to Scottish Genealogical Research Pipe Band Burns Supper The night will include: The address to the haggis, toast to DID YOU the laddies and laddies, a live Ceilidh band, a performance Scotword on Page 6 by the Guelph Pipe Band, Scottish Country dancing as well as Highland dancers at Rockmosa Community Hall, KNOW? Across: 1 Bogs; 3 Suitable; Let us build 110 Rockmosa Dr. Info: www.guelphpipeband.com 8 Axes; 9 ; 26 Saskatoon, SK - The Great Canadian Kilt Skate The Scottish Banner has one your Scottish Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks 11 TheTrossachs; 13 Regina; to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural of North America’s most heritage, a chance to nurture your inner Scot. A spirit 14 Dancer; 17 GlamisCastle; Family Tree! of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear Canada’s comprehensive Scottish favourite colour – tartan! Info: www.kiltskate.com 20 Discreet; 21 Broo; 26 Halifax, NS - The Halifax Burns Club Burns Supper events listings available! With Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the world’s 22 Merchant; 23 Trek Ron Dempsey greatest romantic poet with music, poetry and hundreds of Scottish events General Delivery good fellowship in the name of the bard at the Down: 1 Blantyre; 2 Glenelg; Delta Halifax. Info: www.halifaxburnsclub.org listed from around the world Udora, Ontario 27 Ottawa, ON - Great Canadian Kilt Skate 4 Unrest; 5 Tarmacadam; 6 Brash; Indelibly Scottish and undeniably Canadian. It speaks and updated weekly. See our L0C 1L0, Canada to the Scottish contribution to Canada’s multicultural 7 Echo; 10 Grand March; heritage, a chance to nurture your inner Scot. A spirit most up to date listings and of Scottish fun and fortitude, and wear Canada’s 12 ; 15 Caterer; For details email: favourite colour – tartan! At Lansdowne Park Skating add your event anytime at: 16 Astern; 18 Laser; 19 Adam Court, near the Aberdeen Pavilion. Info: https://ottscot. [email protected] ca/sso-calendar/the-great-canadian-kilt-skate www.scottishbanner.com/events

Page 24 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Kenny The Bards Family MacAskill father and when even that schooling ceased, they sublet some of his land together. Then, when their father died, they jointly took over his land. However, as history has recorded and many an immortal memory recounted, though Rabbie loved the land he wasn’t so partial to working on it, and anyway his natural talents lay elsewhere. Accordingly, Gilbert remained on the land but backed his elder brothers’ efforts as a poet. However, the family farm wasn’t on particularly fertile ground and Gilbert soon moved south to Nithsdale, as his brother had to Dumfries, then headed across the country to . There he became Estate Manager at Morham West Mains in the early 1800s before taking over at Lennoxlove Estates, Bolton, near Haddington. That explains Burns Cottage and Museum in Alloway. the grave in Bolton Kirk, where Gilbert not only became an elder but was involved in its construction. Kenny MacAskill was an SNP MSP and Justice Secretary from 2007-2014. He is now a columnist with the Gilbert was accompanied on his journey Herald and Scotsman, as well as contributing to other papers and magazines. He has written several books by his mother Agnes and his spinster sister on the Scottish Diaspora along with former First Minister Henry McLeish, as well on his own on Scottish Annabella. Agnes was to outlive her first born by almost 26 years dying in in 1820. politics, the Lockerbie Bombing and a biography of the trade union leader Jimmy Reid, recently released. Gilbert died in 1827 and Annabella in 1832 and it’s their names that are inscribed on peakers around the globe will soon Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised that the family had Jacobite sympathies the headstone standing in that quiet East be in full flow at Burns Suppers as visiting St Michaels Church Cemetery which might be the root of his eldest sons’ Lothian village. Thomas, Gilberts son, remembering Scotland’s National in Dumfries previously I was aware that radicalism as well perhaps for the father’s obviously inherited his father’s though not Bard, relating his prose and after his death in 1796, his plot there departure to new parts. uncle’s religious fervour, moving to New Srecounting tales of the man. Whilst much is was initially marked only with a plain Burnes senior initially moved to work Zealand and becoming one of Dunedin’s said about him, little is said about his family, headstone. It took a visit from William in Edinburgh before heading to Ayrshire, founding fathers. other than being from a humble background Wordsworth, the English poet, who settling on a farm in Alloway. There he as a tenant farmers son from Ayrshire. But, appalled at the lack of a fitting tribute saw never changed his surnames spelling to Agnes Burns Cottage knowing something about them helps paint a fundraising campaign launched. That the local fashion though it was done by his There is, though, another memorial to one a picture of the Bard himself. was supported by the likes of Sir Walter son and his other children. That probably of the Bards family that I had previously I have to confess to knowing little Scott and resulted in the more fitting explains the spelling in the new fashion on visited and it isn’t even in Scotland. When myself until I came across a Burns family mausoleum which now stands being his own gravestone when he was no longer Justice Secretary I regularly met with grave in Bolton Kirk, East Lothian where completed in 1817. around to object! Republic of Ireland and Northern Irish his mother, a brother and a sister are Soon he married Agnes Broun, counterparts. The first such meeting was buried; rather ashamed I found the visit William Burnes the daughter of a farmer from nearby held near Dundalk at Agnes Burns Cottage, informative and poignant. A modest But, I return to the family tale. As many Kirkoswald, 11 years younger than him, chosen by my Irish colleague Dermot plaque affixed to the church wall proclaims know the Bards father William Burnes she was pretty and vivacious, which Ahern as it was in his constituency and it and a notice board next to the grave was from the North East, being born in may have been the seed for Rabbie’s had a link for all attending. provides further information. But that’s all. in 1721. It’s rumoured notorious eye for the ladies. William and As I discovered Agnes, Burn’s sister, Agnes remained happily married though married William Galt, who had worked for 26 years until Burnes senior passed for Gilbert in Ayrshire, in 1804. The away in 1784. It’s been said that William couple moved to an estate in County fretted over his first borns cavorting Louth, Ireland and there William helped and feared for the family’s good name, develop the estate, now forming part of a evoking tears of remorse from Rabbie at nature reserve. his father’s death bed. Their cottage is also now a Visitor Born in 1759, in the cottage his father Centre providing a brief history of the had built a few years before, the bard Bard and his links with Ireland. It’s not the was to become the eldest of seven. That only memorial in Ireland either as Agnes humble cottage now hosts the Museum who died in 1834 is buried in St Nicholas visited by tourists and aficionados alike. Presbyterian Church in nearby Dundalk. Three brothers and three sisters were to As with Rabbie’s grave in Dumfries it was join him there, Gilbert born the following initially a simple stone that marked her year in 1760, Agnes in 1762, and joined by grave until a public outcry once again Annabella, William and John, until finally generated widespread support. That saw Isabella in 1771. funds gathered and a more substantial obelisk erected on Burns Night 1859. Gilbert Burns Like many I’ve made my pilgrimage Gilbert and Rabbie were close and not to St Margaret’s cemetery to see the just in age. Both enjoyed poetry with Bards Mausoleum. Ireland has also Rabbie acknowledging Gilbert as his paid its respects to him and his family. intellectual equal though wider opinion Bolton Kirk was poignant but as with tended to think that he lacked his elder Rabbie and Agnes’s initial headstones I The gravestone of William Burnes and Agnes Brown brother’s natural talent and wit. They can’t help think that much more should at St Michaels Church Cemetery in Dumfries. even required to share their education be done to remember both them and as hands were required to assist their our national bard.

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 25 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN THE SCOTTISH KITCHEN

Burns Night Recipes Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race! The Burns Supper on January 25th is an institution of Scottish life: a night to celebrate the life and works of the national Bard. Suppers can range from an informal gathering of friends to a huge, formal dinner full of pomp and circumstance, enjoy!

Method: Method: Put the remaining honey and all the Bring a saucepan of water to the boil Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. other ingredients into a large bowl and Cullen skink over a high heat. Add the turnip then Place the mushrooms onto a baking sheet beat together using an electric whisk. Start Ingredients: allow to cook until tender, about 12 and drizzle with a little oil. Cook in the oven off slowly, then increase the speed and mix For the stock: minutes over a medium heat. for 5-6 minutes or until beginning to soften. for two minutes until all the ingredients 75g/2½oz. butter Drain and mash then add a good Mix together the breadcrumbs, pine are well combined. 1 tbsp. vegetable oil splash of milk, salt and pepper and some nuts, pecorino and parsley. Pour the mixture into the pudding basin, 2 leeks, roughly chopped chopped fresh chives, mix well. Serve hot. Remove the mushrooms from under the on top of the honey. 2 onions, peeled, roughly chopped grill and top each mushroom with a slice of Place a piece of baking parchment on a 2 fennel bulbs, roughly chopped Haggis, Neeps and Tatties vegetarian haggis. sheet of foil and make a large pleat in the 250ml/9fl oz. white wine Spoon the breadcrumb mixture over the middle, folding both sheets together (this 500g/17½oz smoked haddock Ingredients: haggis and drizzle with a little more oil. allows for the pudding’s expansion as it 750ml/1 pint 7fl oz. water 400g/14 oz. of haggis – purchased from a Return to the oven for about 15 minutes cooks). Put the parchment and foil on top For the soup: good quality butcher 75g/2½oz. butter 4 baking potatoes or until the cheese is slightly melted and of the pudding, foil side up, and secure 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 50g/2oz. butter the filling is hot and bubbling. with string, looping the end of the string 2 leeks, finely chopped 50g/2oz. cream Serve one mushroom as a starter or 2-3 over the top of the pudding and tying it to 2 shallots, peeled, finely chopped 1 turnip with tatties and neeps as a main course. form a handle that will enable you to lift the 2 garlic cloves, peeled, crushed 8 shallots pudding in and out of the pan. 300g/10½oz. potatoes, peeled, chopped 1 sprig of thyme Cranachan Place the basin in a large pan, and pour 500ml/17½fl oz. double cream 3 cloves of garlic in enough boiling water to come halfway 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley 50g/2oz. of sugar up the side of the basin. Put a lid on the pinch freshly grated nutmeg salt pan and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat Method: 200ml/7oz. of red wine to maintain a simmer and let the pudding For the stock, heat the butter and vegetable oil 80ml/3oz. of port steam for 1¼ hours, until risen and springy in a large pan and gently fry the leeks, onions 500ml/17oz. of brown chicken stock to the touch. Top up the boiling water, if and fennel for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. 10ml/.5oz of whisky necessary, to prevent the pan boiling dry. Add the white wine to the pan and bring 200ml/7oz. of cream Remove the foil and parchment and run to the boil. Add the smoked haddock, pour Method: the tip of a small, sharp knife around the in the water and bring back to the boil. Scrub the potatoes and bake them whole edge of the pudding to help release it. Turn Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, in the skins in the oven at 180 degrees until onto a warmed plate and serve piping hot skimming off any scum that rises to the cooked. Remove from the oven and scoop with custard or cream. surface, until the haddock is cooked through. out the flesh of the potatoes and pass Ingredients: 570ml/1 pint double cream Strain the haddock, reserving the cooking through a fine sieve or potato ricer. Add in Shortbread stock. Chop the haddock into bite-sized pieces. the cream and butter and mix. 85g/3oz. porridge oats For the soup, heat the butter with the At the same time, peel and dice the 7 tbsp. whisky vegetable oil and fry the leeks, shallots and turnip and cook in salted water then pass 3 tbsp. honey garlic for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. through a fine sieve or potato ricer. Follow 450g/1lb. raspberries Add the potatoes and the chopped smoked the butcher’s instructions for the haggis fresh mint, to garnish haddock to the pan. based on size. Use a round metal ring and Add the reserved cooking stock and bring Method: layer with one third of haggis layer followed to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer Toast the oats in a frying pan, being careful by a third of mashed turnip before adding for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are not to burn them. the mashed potatoes to fill the ring. tender. Stir in the cream and briefly blend Lightly whip the cream until it reaches To heat put in a medium oven until the soup with a stick blender. the soft peak stage, then fold in the whisky, warm. Make a stock from the port, red Serve the soup with crusty bread and honey, oatmeal and raspberries. wine, sugar, garlic, thyme and salt. Simmer sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley and Serve in dessert glasses garnished with a in a pan together with the shallots until a sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg. few raspberries and mint. tender. Remove the tough outside layer Ingredients: when cooked. Make a whisky sauce with 125g/4oz. butter Neeps the brown chicken stock and cream before Honey sponge 55g/2oz. caster sugar, plus extra to finish adding the whisky at the end to taste. Ingredients: 180g/6oz. plain flour Serve the timbale of haggis with 2 shallots 130g/4½oz. heather honey and the whisky sauce. Method: 100g/3½oz. unsalted butter, softened, plus Heat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas 5. extra for greasing Beat the butter and the sugar together Vegetarian haggis 100g/3½oz. caster sugar until smooth. stuffed mushrooms 3 free-range eggs Stir in the flour to get a smooth paste. 110g/4oz. self-raising flour Ingredients: Turn on to a work surface and gently roll out 1 tsp baking powder until the paste is 1cm/½in thick. 4 large flat open/Portobello mushrooms custard or cream, to serve 1 tbsp. olive oil Cut into rounds or fingers and place Ingredients: 75g/2½ oz. breadcrumbs Method: onto a baking tray. Sprinkle with caster 1 large turnip, peeled and diced 2 tbsp. pine nuts, toasted Butter a 1 litre/1¾ pint pudding basin. sugar and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. splash whole milk 2 tbsp. pecorino, grated Put two tablespoons of the honey into the Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or salt and pepper, to taste 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley prepared basin (if the honey is very thick, until pale golden-brown. Set aside to cool chopped fresh chives, to taste (optional) 350g/12 oz. vegetarian haggis, sliced warm it gently first to make it more liquid). on a wire rack.

Page 26 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

A celebration of Gaelic and 15 fascinating facts: Scotland’s natural heritage Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the government’s adviser on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland, recently celebrated the links between the Gaelic language, heritage and nature during the Royal National Mòd. Here are 15 fascinating facts highlighting the intrinsic relationship between people, Gaelic and the landscape, animals, birds and plants of Scotland. An robh fios agaibh? / Did you know?

There are over forty different words The Cairngorms get their English name in Gaelic for ‘bog’. The English word from the Gaelic An ‘the blue ‘bog’ itself comes from Gaelic. mountain’ (the location of the ski resort). The Northern Corries, Cairngorm ©Lorne Gill SNH ©Lorne Gill Cairngorm Corries, The Northern Rannoch Moor ©Lorne Gill SNH. ©Lorne Gill Rannoch Moor

There are 276 Gaelic place-names in Scotland which name the iolaire ‘eagle’. Over two-thirds are thought to The poetic Gaelic name of the The Gaelic name for October is An Dàmhair, derived represent the golden eagle and the is Eilean a’ Cheò - ‘the isle of the mist’. from damh-dàir and meaning ‘deer roaring time’. remainder the white-tailed sea eagle. Golden Eagle ©Lorne Gill SNH Golden Eagle ©Lorne Gill ©Lorne Gill SNH ©Lorne Gill Trotternish SNH deer stag ©Lorne Gill Red

Loch Lomond was originally Loch Leamhain, named from the river that flows A Gaelic proverb says às an dris, from it (it means ‘elm river’). It derived its anns an droigheann ‘out of the modern name from Ben Lomond, in Gaelic bramble into the blackthorn’. Beinn Laomainn ‘beacon mountain’. Brambles ©Lorne Gill SNH ©Lorne Gill Brambles SNH ©Lorne Gill

Whereas English adopted a French word ‘avalanche’, there is a native Gaelic word for the same phenomenon – maoim-sneachda ‘gushing forth of snow’ – reflecting the fact that avalanches have always been part of life in the Scottish mountains. Ben SNH Lawers ©Lorne Gill

The mountain in Aberdeenshire gets its name from Lochan na Gàire ‘the lochan where the wind makes a noise’, The shortest place-name in the world is the one-letter Gaelic for Iona – Ì. It near the summit. In Gaelic it is Beinn nan The aurora borealis is known in Gaelic as is often known as Eilean Ì or Ì Chaluim Chille, the latter linking it to its most Cìochan ‘the mountain of the nipples’. Na Fir-chlis, literally ‘the nimble men’. famous inhabitant, Calum Cille (‘dove of the church’, St Columba). Lochnagar ©Lorne Gill SNH Lochnagar ©Lorne Gill SNH ©Lorne Gill borealis Aurora SNH ©Lorne Gill Iona SNH ©Lorne Gill Iona

The English names for two of our The foxglove is seen as a fairy plant native birds come from Gaelic in Gaelic tradition. Among its Gaelic When the oystercatcher flies, it The darach or oak tree is known – ptarmigan (tàrmachan) and names is Lus nam Ban-sìth ‘the plant calls ‘bi glic, bi glic’, the Gaelic for poetically in Gaelic as rìgh na capercaillie (capall coille). of the fairy women’. ‘be wise, be wise’. coille ‘the king of the forest’. Ptarmigan ©Lorne Gill SNH ©Lorne Gill Ptarmigan SNH ©Lorne Gill Foxglove SNH ©Lorne Gill Oystercatcher SNH Oakwood ©Lorne Gill

is involved in an extensive Their work includes a bilingual series of booklets This was the third year of SNH’s Clyde – A River Recovery, took place as SNHprogramme of projects to on Gaelic in the Landscape, celebrating the involvement in the Royal National Mòd, part of the Mòd fringe in Dunoon. promote the use of Gaelic, boost interest in cultural and natural heritage of areas such with a specially commissioned concert led SNH has also recently launched a new the language and secure its future as a unique as Skye and the North West Highlands, as by acclaimed musician Mary Ann Kennedy foraging education pack and workshops and important part of life in Scotland. well as an online Gaelic nature dictionary. to celebrate the Clyde. The performance, for Gaelic-medium schools.

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 27 THE SCOTTISH BANNER THIS MONTH IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Names & Places In The News From Today And The Past

1 - King James V married 11 - The Scottish 18 - The launch of the Scottish Labour Party. 25 - Robert Burns born Alloway. Magdalene of France. 1537 National Blood The inaugural meeting of the breakaway Burns Night is celebrated around party was held in Glasgow. It was formed 1 - Charles II crowned at Scone, the last Transfusion the world on this night. 1759 Association was as a result of the dissatisfaction several coronation on Scottish soil. 1651 25 - First Minister Alex Salmond launches created. This Labour MPs felt with their party over its a consultation on the SNP Government’s 1 - James Stewart the “Old independently stance on for Scotland. 1976 proposals for a referendum on Scottish Pretender” died. 1766 funded service was independence. The referendum on responsible for Scotland’s blood and blood 1 - First celebration of New Year in Scotland was held on 18 products. The National Blood Transfusion on this date (was March 25th till then). 1600 September 2014 saw Scotland vote to Service in was not set 1 - The Beatles opened a 5-day remain part of the United Kingdom, up until the 26 September 1946. 1940 tour of Scotland to promote their with 55% voting against the proposal first singleLove Me Do. 1963 12 - John , author (39 Steps for Scotland to become an independent etc) and diplomat (Governor General 1- The constitution is drafted for the country and 45% voting in favour. 2012 of Canada, 1935/1940) died. 1940 Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, 26 - One o’clock gun fired for the first making it the oldest in Britain. 1783 13 - Death of St Mungo, patron saint of time from Edinburgh Castle. The gun was 2 - Ibrox Park disaster, 66 supporters killed on Glasgow (and also known as St Kentigern) created to complement a time ball on stairway 13. The disaster led to the rebuilding and is buried at his church in Clas-gu Nelson’s Monument which was not reliable 18 - House on Raasay off Skye was of Ibrox Park as an all seater stadium. 1971 which later becomes Glasgow. 603 during Edinburgh foggy days. 1861 badly damaged in a fire. The building was 13 - Mary Slessor, missionary in - The 1st Glasgow Scout troop was 3 - O H Mavor (James Bridie) physician and undergoing a £4m restoration project. 26 West Africa and known to many as prolific playwright, born in Glasgow.1888 The former stately home had been run registered, the first to be formed.1908 “Ma”, died in Calabar. 1915 3 - Poet and critic Edwin Muir died. 1959 as an activity centre since 1984 and was 26 - Kirkpatrick McMillan, inventor of the being restored for that purpose again. The bicycle, died. The thought of patenting his -The death of George Cathcart. 4 sprawling 258-year-old mansion once invention or trying to make any money out Cathcart was a doctor from Edinburgh belonged to the Clan MacLeod. 2009 of it never crossed MacMillan’s mind, but who instigated the annual series of others saw its potential, and soon copies concerts now known as the Proms, 19 - A Scottish army under the Earl of Leven began to appear. However, Macmillan short for promenade concert. 1951 crossed the river into England. It remained in England for three years playing was quite unconcerned with the fuss his 5 - 89,000-tonne Liberian-registered Braer oil an important part in the Civil War. 1644 invention had prompted, preferring to enjoy tanker, carrying 84,500 tonnes of crude oil, hit the quiet country life he was used to. 1878 rocks on Shetland Isles in heavy seas. 1993 19 - Birth of James Watt, mathematical instrument maker, developed the 6 - A.J. Cronin, author of Keys of the steam engine, invented the condenser Kingdom and creator of the British television and copying machine. 1736 series Dr Finlay’s Casebook died. 1981 20 - Benny Lynch crowned world 27 - Glasgow Herald newspaper first flyweight champion. Recognised as published. It is the longest continuously probably the greatest boxer Scotland published daily newspaper in Britain. Today 14 - Skye Terrier died has produced, Lynch enjoyed a meteroic the paper is simply called . 1783 after staying by his master’s grave for 14 rise to the top of the sport. 1937 years. The terrier belonged to Edinburgh 27 - First public demonstration of policeman John Gray who died of 20 - The chemist Thomas Graham, was TV by John Logie Baird. 1926 born. Graham is famous for discovering tuberculosis in 1858. His grave stone reads: - William Burke, murderer and body the diffusion rate of gasses, which is known 28 “Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson as “Graham’s Law”. He is also called the snatcher of “Burke and Hare” fame, to us all”. A statue of Bobby is now one of “father of colloid chemistry”, and was the executed. The duo were accused of the most popular in Edinburgh. 1872 author of, Elements of Chemistry. 1805 killing 16 people over the course of 12 14 - Alexander Graham Bell demonstrated months, in order to sell their cadavers 21 - Sweetheart Abbey, near his telephone to Queen Victoria. She made as “subjects” for dissection. 1829 7 - Glasgow University founded at the request Dumfries, founded by Devorguilla, the first call in the from her 29 - Earl Haig, of James II and Bishop Turnbull. 1451 mother of John Balliol. 1290 residence on the Isle of Wight. 1878 Commander in 22 - Poet George Gordon Byron 8 - The first newspaper in Scotland was 15 - Neil M Gunn, author of The Chief of British (later Lord Byron) born. He moved to published. Mercurius Caledonius offered Silver Darlings and many other books forces 1915-18, Aberdeen at the age of four and attended coverage of “the Affairs now in Agitation and short stories, died. 1973 founder of the Aberdeen Grammar School. The title in Scotland, with a Survey of Foreign British Legion, 15 - Strathclyde Regional Council applies for was inherited from an uncle. 1788 Intelligence.” It ceased publication on died. 1928 250,000 summary warrants against residents 28 March after only nine issues. 1661 23 - James Stewart, the Regent Moray on the refusing to pay the highly controversial “Poll 29 -The first abdication of Mary Queen of Scots, murdered 8 - King Alexander I crowned. 1107 adoption of GMT Tax”, introduced in Scotland in 1989. 1990 in Linlithgow, triggering civil war. 1570 by Scotland. The 8 - Earl of Stair, held responsible for the 16 - Retreating Jacobite army defeated 23 - William Hamilton, the Scottish subject has been , died. 1707 Hanoverian forces at Battle of Falkirk. 1746 Labour politician, died. He was MP for the source of 8 - Rationing of sugar, bacon and 16 - of Scottish and Fife West, 1950-74, and Fife Central, controversy ever butter introduced. 1940 Westminster Parliaments ratified.1707 1974-87. He became a controversial since. 1848 public figure due to his outspoken 9 - The Diocese of Glasgow was elevated to 17 - Duddingston Society became advocacy of Scottish independence and 30 - King Charles an Archdiocese by Pope Innocent VII. 1492 formally organised, one of the earliest his dislike of the Royal Family. 2000 I executed. His 9 - Income tax introduced for in the history of curling - though Kilsyth execution caused the first time.1799 lays claim to a date of 1716. Curling dates 24 - Birth of Publius Aelius Hadrianus, a change of sides back to the sixteenth century in Scotland, who built Hadrian’s Wall to cut off 9 - The first women’s golf tournament took by most of the Scots who had previously with Scots taking the sport across the Scotland from the rest of Britain. 76 place in Scotland, at Musselburgh. 1811 supported the Parliamentarians in the world where it still flourishes.1795 English Civil War as, for all his faults, Charles 9 - Liner Queen Elizabeth I, launched at John was still a Scottish Stuart king. 1649 Brown’s , Clydebank, in 1938, caught 17 - Author Compton Mackenzie (Whisky fire and sank in Hong Kong where it was to Galore etc) born. Whisky Galore is based on a 31 - Lachlan MacQuarie, “Father of serve as a floating marine university.1972 real life true story. In the middle of war time Australia” born Ulva. Lachlan Macquarie rationing, the SS Politician ran aground with a was the governor of the colony of New 9 - Author and Scottish Banner columnist cargo of 264,000 bottles of malt whisky. 1883 South Wales from 1810 to 1821. 1761 Nigel Tranter died. Tranter published more than 130 novels and biographies 18 - Death of Sir John Pringle, President 31 - Charles Edward Stewart, “Bonnie during his 60-year-long career, most of the Royal Society from 1772-1778 Prince Charlie” died in Rome. 1788 and physician to King George III. covering famous Scots and their place - Princess Victoria, Stranraer-Larne Sometimes called the “father of modern 31 in the country’s history. 2000 ferry, sank in a storm with the loss of military medicine”, the Scottish-born 133 lives; 44 were rescued. 10 - Pop star Rod Stewart born. 1945 physician focused on the need to adopt 1953 11 - John A MacDonald, first Prime Minister a clean medical environment for the 24 - First train over Forth Rail Bridge. The 31- 270 Royal Navy servicemen were killed of the Dominion of Canada in 1867, born treatment of wounded soldiers. He also bridge is considered as a symbol of Scotland, whilst on practice missions with other Royal at 20 Brunswick Street in Glasgow. 1815 coined the term “influenza”.1782 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 1890 Navy vessels in the Firth of Forth. 1918

Page 28 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER The Immortal Memory Robert Burns was born into a farming family at Alloway in Ayrshire on January 25th,1759. He died in Dumfries at the early age of 37. Yet in that short time he had taken the Scottish literary world by storm, and had secured a place for himself in history and in legend.

36,000 manuscripts, books, artworks and other artefacts. Here you can explore a searchable database, take virtual tours of the poet’s haunts, sample textual and audio versions of some of his best- known work and follow links to Burns organisations. One link that’s missing is to the World Burns Club. As well as providing a useful Beginners Guide to Robert Burns,

Scotland.org this offers expert analysis, a discussion forum and guidance on how to host the greatest Scottish feast, the Burns Supper. Linn uses its state-of-the-art technology There are other online resources too, each to produce the most authentic recordings The Mitchell Library, Glasgow. with their own particular strengths. Burns of Burns’ songs all 368 of them. Variously Country, for instance, offers an exhaustive described as ‘hauntingly authentic’, ‘the Text courtesy of: courtesy of: Text Burns encyclopaedia with the full text of definitive collection of Scotland’s most mainstay of Burns Suppers, the Today, the collection has grown to over the authoritative Robert Burns reference famous son’, and all ‘performed with skill, Immortal Memory celebrates 4,000 items, making it one of the largest, volume. It also features his Complete Works feeling and, most importantly, pride’, Linn’s Burns’ enduring spirit. It’s a fitting if not the largest, collection of material with a glossary translation of harder Burns The Complete Songs of Robert Burns is the tribute for one who himself did so relating to Burns in the world. Among words into German, French, Spanish and only series of its kind in the world. Amuch to preserve and popularise Scotland’s its many treasures are more than 900 American, plus the best of Burns translated Delve a little deeper into Linn’s rich historical, cultural and literary heritage. different editions of Burns’ poetical works, into ‘the de’il’s tongue’, English. founding principles and you appreciate First and foremost, of course, Robert including two copies of the Kilmarnock that this is a match made in heaven. Linn’s Burns was a poet. He took as his subject, edition and two printings of the Edinburgh Sing them as they were egalitarian regime all of the office staff everyday life, women and drink. With and London editions. What is particularly meant to be sung have identical desks and chairs, everyone a faithful and often satirical eye, the interesting about one of the Kilmarnock The written word is all well and good, but eats at the same staff canteen and given Ploughman Bard provided a detailed editions is that it belonged to a neighbour Burns’ songs were meant to be sung. Here names are used throughout would surely record of life in 18th century Scotland. For of Burns, Robert Aird. Blessed with a local too, devotees of Scotland’s Bard are doing have been applauded by the man who an eye witness account of how his fellow knowledge, Aird filled in some of the blanks everything they can to record his work for wrote For a’ that and a’ that. rural Scots lived, look no further than in the text where Burns used only initials posterity and the enjoyment of many. A In the words of the 19th-century scholar Burns’ The Cotter’s Saturday Night or for or asterisks. Other interesting and valuable particularly fine example of this is Scottish and educationalist J S Blackie, ‘When impassioned comment on the apparent items include a letter to William Nicol (an company Linn. One of the most modern Scotland forgets Burns, then history will hypocrisy of certain sections of the Kirk, Edinburgh schoolmaster and drinking manufacturing operations in the UK, forget Scotland.’ Long live the Bard! read Holy Willie’s Prayer. In all of his poems, companion) and one of only six remaining letters and songs, Burns immortalises not original manuscripts of . only his own ability, but the life and times, Reflecting Glasgow’s cosmopolitan appeal, culture and politics of the day. the collection also houses translations of Sir John returns to Pollok Burns’ works in more than 30 languages, he National Trust for Scotland’s Entering Edinburgh’s the most recent addition being Polish. Pollok House welcomes ‘This Lad cultural scene o’ Pairts’, an exhibition which will It was in his capacity as an avid collector Burns in the digital world reintroduce Sir John Stirling Maxwell of traditional songs and tunes that Burns Just 45 miles to the east but accessible Tto the people of Glasgow. The house was entered Edinburgh’s cultural scene. Unable from anywhere in the world via the once home to the Maxwell family, who to find a patron to support his writing, internet is the National Library of lived on the site from the 13th century. The despite the success of Poems, Chiefly in the Scotland’s digital Burns collection. Here, Maxwell family donated the house and Scottish Dialect, Burns began working for an scholars and enthusiasts alike can dip into estate to Glasgow in 1966, and today it is Edinburgh music-seller, James Johnson, who an ever-growing online resource of the looked after by the conservation charity. had embarked on a project to collect and National’s outstanding collection. As well Sir John Stirling Maxwell was the last of publish the words and music of every Scottish as reading fascinating articles on the life, the Maxwell family to bring about significant folk-song. Although the collection was work and legacy of Scotland’s Bard, you change to the lands that formed the Pollok from people with memories of Sir John and produced by Johnson, Burns was its virtual can study his handwriting, listen to audio Estate. Social housing schemes, open spaces life on the estate were recorded. Those who editor and principal contributor, writing over clips and view contemporary drawings in the city, fair rents for workers and quality shared their memories remember him as 150 songs, including For a’ that an’ a ‘ that, and engravings. Among the original town planning were all close interests of Sir a kind man, providing good housing for Ae Fond Kiss and Auld Lang Syne. The work, manuscripts which have been digitised for John. From the moment he inherited Pollok workers, and supplying and electricity. entitled The Scots Musical Museum, eventually the world’s benefit are extracts from the Estate he gave his time, and in many cases To complement the exhibition, Pollok ran to six volumes of 100 songs each. A prolific rollicking Holy Willie’s Prayer, the powerful his land, to further these and other causes. House will host a series of talks, giving writer, Burns also contributed 114 songs to yet tragic Ae Fond Kiss and Burns’ touching Sir John opened his grounds at Pollok to the visitors a flavour of life on the estate. Ken A Select Collection Of Original Scottish Airs, poem on the birth of his first child,A Poet’s public, and also donated land for urban parks. Mallard, Volunteer on the Pollok House Oral a collection of ‘classical’ arrangements of Welcome to his love-begotten Daughter. In 1939 he drew up a pioneering conservation History Project said: “It’s been fascinating Scottish folk-songs on which he collaborated Add to that a remarkable collection of agreement with NTS which imposed strict to speak to people and to hear their with musical enthusiast George Thomson. original manuscripts, including a letter from conditions for the preservation of the natural connections with the estate and house. I’ve Burns to his former schoolmaster in which and built heritage of Pollok Estate. loved being able to share information that Preserving and he wrote “I seem to be one sent into the we’ve gathered with those we’ve met. It’s popularising Burns’ gift world to see and observe”, and rare books Social and economic change really been a two-way thing.” Burns, then, clearly did his bit to preserve charting Burns’ work from the Kilmarnock Sir John was born to a life of privilege but as This month a mobile exhibition, with Scotland’s heritage, not to mention and Edinburgh editions to first publications a wealthy man who was well connected to complementary talks, will begin a tour of language, for future posterity. But what in Dublin, London, Philadelphia and New local and national government, he used his Pollok Library, Pollok Community Centre, of our generation? Charged with the York, and you can appreciate the significance position to help ordinary people at a time Cardonald Library, Langside Library and safekeeping of his crucial work, what are we of the National Library’s collection. of difficult social and economic change. He Newlands FC Church. doing to preserve and popularise this gift? spoke out publicly to influence debate on a ‘This Lad o’ Pairts’ exhibition will run For sheer volume of material, it’s hard to Burns goes global range of national issues, lent his assistance until end June 2019. Pollock House is beat the Mitchell Library in Glasgow. From A different ‘National’ Burns Collection is to many Scottish charitable organisations, an elegant stately home and is set in the moment the library opened in 1877, its the website created by a partnership of and was a founding member of the National the scenic Pollok Country Park on the committee declared its intention to honour museums, galleries, libraries and other Trust for Scotland. As part of the research outskirts of Glasgow. For more details see: the memory of Robert Burns. organisations that together care for over carried out for this exhibition, accounts www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/pollok-house

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 29 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Don Cummer Kilt Skate-Growing Fast! In Toronto’s inaugural year, about 40 The first-ever Tartan Kilt Skate NYC skaters joined the festivities. Meanwhile, the will take place at Bryant Park in midtown St. Andrew’s Society of Montreal was able Manhattan, adjacent to the New York to bring out a hundred kilted and tartaned Public Library. It is being organized by the skaters to the ice at the Old Port and claim American-Scottish Foundation, the first the Kilt Skate Capital title. With Scottish society outside of Canada to host a kilt skate. Government funding, Montreal offered, not Everyone is welcome. If you’re in one of only cake and hot chocolate, but they also these cities, come on out for the party. If you paid the admission to the Natrel rink for want to organize a kilt skate in your own anyone who showed up in tartan. community, contact the Scottish Society of Ottawa for information and support. Scotland’s contribution to For up-to-date reports on events and blogs Canada’s multicultural heritage of past kilt skates, check www.kiltskate.com. In January 2018, the groundwork that had For information on the kilt skate and been laid in Toronto the previous year other activities of the Scottish Society of set the foundation for a wonderful day Ottawa, www.ottscot.ca. of celebrating Scotland’s contribution At The Great Canadian Kilt Skate, everyone is to Canada’s multicultural heritage. An Scottish for the day. Photo: Dan Campbell. estimated 200 came out in their and Kilt Skate Goes to the Big Apple tartans – not just skaters, but pipers and The kilt skate phenomenon has made a Highland dancers as well. quantum leap with the announcement ow fast is the kilt skate Again, no Toronto organisation was Toronto is one of the most multicultural that the event has migrated beyond phenomenon growing in available to organize in 2016. However, cities in the world, and passers-by from Canada’s borders. The first annual Canada? Take a look at Toronto one individual from the Scottish Society of scores of different countries and cultures “Tartan Kilt Skate NYC” will be held in – Canada’s largest city, and the Ottawa did travel down to hold a one-man stopped by for refreshments and swag Manhattan’s Bryant Park on Saturday, H2018 “Kilt Skate Capital of Canada.” kilt skate on the iconic Nathan Phillips and celebrated Scotland for an afternoon. February 2, 2019. The kilt skates began in 2015 to celebrate Square in front of Toronto’s City Hall. It was a party enjoyed by everyone, and Kilt skates celebrate Scotland’s the bicentennial of the architect of Canada’s shows enormous potential for future contribution to North America’s Confederation and its first Prime Minister, Hockey stick saltire growth as a Scottish festival. In just two multicultural heritage in a unique way Glasgow born Sir John A. Macdonald. That Passers-by were greatly amused by the years, Toronto had grown from one solitary that highlights the Scottish reputation year, Toronto wasn’t among the cities that spectacle of a man in a kilt skating while kilt skater to the Kilt Skate Capital. for determination, resilience and fun – took to the ice in kilts, tartans and other holding aloft the “hockey stick saltire.” Now once again cities across the with bare knees and ice. They became Scottish regalia. Even though Toronto has Children on a school outing joined in the country are vying in the friendly rivalry a national phenomenon in Canada one of the largest Scottish communities in fun, taking turns waving the flag. over who will be named the 2019 Kilt in 2015 and caught the attention of Canada, no organisation stepped forward Their reaction made the SSO more Skate Capital. The Scottish Society of the American Scottish Foundation to organize an event there. determined than ever to find an organizer Ottawa is coordinating the national event, (ASF), a New York based organization for a Toronto event. Their vision was shared with financial support from the Scottish well known for philanthropic and Kilt Skate Capital by the recently-appointed representative Government. As of December, seven cities educational initiatives as well as its That year, the bragging rights as “Kilt Skate of the Scottish Government, Chris Maskell, have named a date for The Great Canadian celebration of Scottish culture. Capital” went to the federal capital, Ottawa, who arranged for funding for the national Kilt Skate in their area, with more expected In the heart of Manhattan, Bryant where the Scottish Society of Ottawa (SSO) event and saw enormous potential for a to be announced in the coming weeks: Park attracts many Manhattan hosted some 200 skaters on the Rideau kilt skate in Canada’s largest city, where his • Winnipeg, January 13, 2019 neighbours as well as winter visitors to Canal Skateway – the world’s largest skating office was based. • Montreal, January 19, 2019 the Big Apple with its Bank of America rink. These skaters braved wind chill of In 2017, the Clans and Scottish • Saskatoon, January 26, 2019 Winter Village, a winter wonderland minus-40 to demonstrate their Scottish Society of Canada (CASSOC) and the • Ottawa, January 27, 2019 of artisan shops, restaurants, a giant resilience and determination. The Ottawa Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association • Toronto, January 27, 2019 Christmas tree and – of course – a big, kilt skate was one of the opening events of stepped forward and offered to organize • Calgary, February 10, 2019 refrigerated rink ideal for kilt skating! Ottawa’s annual Winterlude festival. in Toronto. With the help of the SSO • South Glengarry, February 23, 2019 The following year, the Kilt Skate and the Scottish Government, they First-ever kilt skate Capital laurels moved west to the Prairies, secured Nathan Phillips Square as a And in a development that will surely outside of Canada where the Saskatoon Highland Dancing venue, and organized a party with cake, launch the kilt skate phenomenon to a “We have a long association with Association coordinated with an event that hot chocolate, and welcoming remarks whole new level, the first official event Bryant Park,” says ASF President also established the Guinness World Record from the Hon. Kirsty Duncan, Canada’s will be held outside of Canada: New Camilla G. Hellman, MBE. “We’re very for the world’s largest snowball fight. Minister for amateur sports. York City, February 2, 2019. proud to include the first ever Tartan Kilt Skate NYC as part of the 2019 Bryant Park Winter Carnival.” Tartaned and kilted skaters are invited to come to Bryant Park at 2:30 p.m. Festivities will begin at 3:00 when the bagpipes will summon skaters for a ceremonial opening. The ASF will have a pavilion near the ice with food and In 2017, Toronto kilt skaters were beverages, including hot chocolate and small in number, but enthusiastic! wine, available at a cash bar. Skates are Photo: Toronto Events Photography. available for rental. The ASF approached www.kiltskate. com in November 2018 to seek advice on organizing the first-ever kilt skate outside of Canada. “The kilt skate website is the mother ship for kilt skates across Canada,” she said, “and now we’re very pleased to bring this Canadian phenomenon to America.” In 2016, one solitary kilt skater took to the ice at Nathan Phillips Square. In 2018, Toronto kilt skaters showed up in For further information: Photo: Don Cummer. the hundreds. Photo: Dan Campbell. www.kiltskate.com/new-york-city-2019

Page 30 • The Scottish Banner • January 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER WHAT’S IN A NAME? By: Ron Dempsey Have a name that has you stumped? Scottish Banner readers can send in their name queries direct to Ron via the Scottish Banner via our website at www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us, by post or email: [email protected]. Ron will do his best to help you with your name query and may just add that extra piece to your genealogy puzzle.

Hastie A name I have seen more than a few times in my researches over the last 40 odd years but which I don’t believe I have addressed is the surname Hastie. It has been mentioned in records, in England in 1221 and in Scotland 1376. You would be correct in assuming that it is a descriptive name for someone with speed or quick in movement. However, it does also have a personal name connotation from the pet name Asti which stems from the Norman Asketin which in turns comes from the Old Norse Asketill.

Mapping Scotland We all have our own levels of fun or at least what is interesting. Anyone who has access to the internet and has an interest in the history Scotland and/or family history may like an item offered by the National Library of Scotland. It is a map which shows an area from above as we see it today with all the new infrastructure of motorways and housing developments etc. You can enter the A screen shot of the National Library of Scotland’s Map Collections. name of any community in Scotland and have a look. The fun feature it has a spot which you can control with a mouse that t seems like only yesterday we were Robert and Gilbert Burns’ father William The first name is Veitch or lets go over the same mapped area and waiting in eager anticipation for the Burness was born at Clockenhill, Glenbervie sometimes Vetch. The name goes all see how it was in older maps before the new millennium. Here it is twenty parish in Kincardineshire and his lineage the way to 1200 when Ranaldus Uacca developments of these last four or five years later, time does fly. Whether you has been traced to the mid 1600’s. Most of held lands from a Henry de Graham. decades. One can pick the years in which Iwish for new beginnings or want to have Kincardineshire was known as the Mearns. Later generations had the name as they are interested and see the lay of the things remain unchanged in your life, we Vache or Wache again to become land in days gone by. It’s fun to find the wish you all the best for 2019. Vaiche Vaitch and finally Veitch. family croft before it was buried under Also remember the old Scots’ saying: Whether you wish for new Uacca or Vacca and Vache are all a housing estate of today. Cut and paste “Whit’s fer ye will no go bye ye.” Simply terms from the Latin and French for cow. this address and have a look at: translated, if your wish is meant to be, it beginnings or want to have things Therefore, the original family must have https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore will come to pass. The Auld Scots tongue remain unchanged in your life, had herds of cattle as their mainstay. Trip back to Scotland was ever so succinct! we wish you all the best for 2019. McGarva Last year I made some resolutions and Burns Night Also remember the old Scots’ Another unusual name is McGarva I am finally getting to the stage in life Besides ”Ne’er’s Day”, the other important saying: “Whit’s fer ye will no go sometimes found as McGarvie. It where I can keep some of them. day in January is the birth day of Scotland’s is a Galloway name particularly in For number one resolution suffice to say bard, Robert Burns, January 25th will be bye ye.” Simply translated, if your Wigtownshire from MacGairbheith of son of that my shadow is not nearly as big as it his 260th birthday. His birth place was in wish is meant to be, it will come Gairbhith, the Gaelic word “garbh” means was, which makes me feel better and I Alloway, Ayrshire and his Ayrshire ancestry to pass. The Auld Scots tongue rough in Gaelic so possibly a mention of the have more energy and resolve to tackle the came from the maternal side of the family. original name bearer’s temperament. It was day’s events. My main exercise regimen Before her marriage Robert’s Mother was was ever so succinct! recorded as early as 1484 in Scotland. was to push myself away from the table. Agnes Brown or Broun daughter of Gilbert The other was very easy as I made Brown and Agnes Rennie or Rainie. Caird a promise to myself to take a trip back Gilbert’s parents were John Brown b. 1665 and The surname Burness and the spelling The next name is from the Gaelic Ceard to Scotland. It was only for 12 days but Janet McGren from Kirkoswald. The name was changed to Burns by Robert. The meaning craftsman, or tinker, we know I saw lots of old friends and cousins Gilbert was passed on to Robert’s brother. name was recorded in the Mearns as it as Caird sometimes Card. As people and managed to be a tourist as well. Bernys, Burnes and Bernis over the working in small metals some but not The weather could have been better, centuries, all variations originate from all would travel around certain areas in but we never think of Scotland as sun Burnhouse. There is a place in the Mearns search of work and were known as tinkers destination, do we? Since I came to known as the Burnhouse of Kair. or tinklers. Tinker or Tinkler is another Canada at a relatively young age, my I hope all of you can attend a Burn’s name for a tradesperson who worked in manner of speaking would be best Supper, it will be another wonderful way metal and as they roved the countryside described as mixed, Canadian and native for Scots, and non-Scots alike, to attend a in search of work mending pots and pans, Scots. With this in mind, a humorous Scottish function. they were known as travelling folk and event took place when I had to have a as such developed a less than reputable slight adjustment to my rental car. Veitch identities. Whether true or not Tinkers are After deliberating with the service person, I As mentioned last month, I am still coming not to be confused with other travelling sat down and a younger lady beside me who with new surnames to address from two folk known as the Gypsies, who had the obviously heard the conversation leaned projects in genealogy. One is with a friend erroneous name because being dark over and said in the broad Glaswegian: “Ah for whom I managed to expand and skinned people thought they were from luv yer accent!” It made me smile. correlate her family history. The other was Egypt. In fact, the original Romany people Be kind to others, be good to your a friend and neighbour asking to do some as they are known were from a group family and look after yourself and research for their friend’s daughter for of people who left from northern hopefully you’ll breeze through 2019. a Christmas gift. This kept me busy this nearly thousand years ago. Happy New Year. Celebrate Burns Night this month. Autumn especially trying to keep within The Caird name has two associated By the way where is that letter or e mail Santa’s deadline. clans, Sinclair and MacGregor. that you have meaning to send to us?

The Scottish Banner • January 2019 • Page 31 42nd A nnUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA Scottish Highland Games

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