thethethe ScottishScottishScottish Banner BannerBanner 44 Years Strong - 1976-2020 www.scottishbanner.com A’ Bhratach Albannach Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 VolumeVolumeVolume 44 36 Number36 Number Number 6 11 The 11 The world’sThe world’s world’s largest largest largest international international international Scottish Scottish Scottish newspaper newspaper newspaper December May May 2013 2013 2020 Celebrating US Barcodes Hebridean history 7 25286 844598 0 1 The long lost knitting tradition » Pg 13

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Volume 44 - Number 6 Scottishthe Banner The Banner Says…

Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Publisher Contact: Scottish Banner Pty Ltd. The Scottish Banner Editor PO Box 6202 For Auld Lang Syne Sean Cairney Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 forced to cancel their trips. I too was 1929 in Paisley. Sadly, a smoking EDITORIAL STAFF Tel:(02) 9559-6348 meant to be over this year and know film canister caused a panic during Jim Stoddart [email protected] so many had planned to visit family, a packed matinee screening of a The National Piping Centre friends, attend events and simply children’s film where more than David McVey take in the country we all love so 600 kids were present. Tragically Lady Fiona MacGregor Eric Bryan much. will of course wait the exit doors were blocked causing David C. Weinczok for us and be there when it is safe a crush where 71 children died, Judy Vickers to travel and be just as stunning and more than 30 were injured. Nick Drainey as it was in 2020. As someone who travelled to Scotland annually Should auld without even thinking about it for acquaintance be forgot by Sean Cairney many years, I know my next visit will Across the world this Hogmanay Follow us on social media be a special one and one I cherish. people will again sing Robert Burns’ most famous poem Auld Lang s the sunsets on 2020 I am In this issue Syne. The 1788 Scots poem is one sure many readers will be Herring Girls were the hard-working of the poet’s greatest legacies and happy to see this year put to women who worked in Scotland’s has helped millions of people start Distributed monthly in Australia, , pasture. This year has seen fishing industry. These women their new year with those famous New Zealand and the USA. ISSN 2209-8364 Aso much physical connection lost worked long hours in physically lines of ‘Should auld acquaintance Australia Post Print Approved PP:100004806 between people, with many yearning demanding jobs. The women, be forgot…’ The phrase ‘auld lang Published monthly by Scottish Banner Publications for Auld Lang Syne. Globally Scottish who often worked away from syne’ literally translates to ‘old long PO Box 6220, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204, Australia events have had to be cancelled- home, learned a variety of unique since’ or ‘days gone by’ and has everything from large sewing and knitting methods that been recorded in Scottish song The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement or to Games and Scottish festivals, Military would be handed down through dating as far back as the 1500s. cancel any advertising contract for reasons satisfactory to the publisher, without notice, and without penalty to either party. All advertising and reading matter is subject to Tattoo’s (not only in , but the generations. Now a company During World War 1 Auld Lang Publisher’s approval. Right reserved to revise or reject advertising and reading material around the world), concerts, pipe on the Isle of is bringing Syne also united enemies as in accordance with standards acceptable to the Scottish Banner, without notice. The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors band events, Clan gatherings and so this Hebridean tradition back troops on the frontlines during in advertising beyond the amount of space paid for, whether such errors are due to much more. In the first half of the to life and using these unique Christmas would hold a ceasefire negligence, copy right or otherwise. The publisher does not endorse the historical year I witnessed the cancellation of historical patterns and creating and sing songs with each other, accuracy of the editorial stance of materials submitted for publication. The publisher reserves the right edit all submitted material prior to publication. hundreds of events across the world a business for the 21st century. including the Burns standard.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)and and we spent many hours updating As we wave goodbye to another do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. our website as each cancellation year, and very much look to start a new Trouble getting the Scottish Banner each month? Use the subscription form below to came in. Though it may not be as This year has seen so much one with hope and reconnection, Auld subscribe, or you may contact our distributors for your nearest sales outlet. apparent today, the Scottish Banner Lang Syne this year feels more relevant AUSTRALIA: Integrated Publication Solutions 1 800 606 477 physical connection lost NEW ZEALAND: Gordon & Gotch 09 979 3018 hosts the largest international than ever as it calls us to remember Scottish events listing in the world between people, with many past great times and reminds us to The Scottish Banner and keeping this resource up to date yearning for Auld Lang Syne. keep old friendships in mind. Soon we Uniting Scots Around the World for 44 Years! was important for many members will be able to reunite with our of the Scottish community. family, friends and the wider Scottish THE SCOTTISH BANNER I am seeing events slowly coming Four Scottish students created community at events across the world. back on our website and I hope we worldwide headlines and certainly So, no matter where you find Subscribe to the worlds largest international can soon bring our events page back a media storm on Christmas Day in yourself this Hogmanay, I hope Scottish culture newspaper online or use below: to each edition of the Banner as I 1950 when they broke into ’s you find time for some reflection, Australia: Print: 1 Year / $50.00 AUD know many miss it. I think many Westminster Abbey and reclaimed nostalgia and hope-just as Mr Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD of us will attend their first event the , also known as the Burns would have wanted. Canada: Digital: $19.95 CDN with a sense of great happiness Stone of Destiny, from beneath the All of us involved with the and our connection to Scotland, British Throne. The Stone of Destiny Scottish Banner wish you and New Zealand: Print: 1 Year / $65.00 AUD Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD and each other, will only grow had been used in the coronations yours a very Happy Christmas stronger. Things may well open at of the Scottish kings until the end and Hogmanay and may 2021 be U.S.A.: Digital: 1 Year / $19.95 USD different stages in different regions of the 13th century. One of the key one of health and happiness. Overseas: Print: 1 Year Air Mail: AU $ 110.00 but when it is safe to do so near figures from that historic day, Ian And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, Australia/New Zealand: T (+61) 02 9559-6348 you, make it one of your New Year Hamilton, has been a long-time For auld lang syne. www.scottishbanner.com/subscribe resolutions to attend a Scottish supporter of the Scottish Banner and Will you be getting back to Scotland event or function, our community we are lucky enough to call him a Subscription are non-refundable. or a Scottish event when things are needs the support to bounce back. previous contributor to our pages. Cheques, money orders, Visa and MasterCard accepted. safe? Do you have any comments I have heard from numerous One of Scotland’s worst tragedies from the content in this month’s Scottish Banner Australia/New Zealand: people who had plans to travel to was the Glen Cinema tragedy, edition? Share your story with us by PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 Scotland in 2020, all who have been which took place on 31 December email, post, social media or at: www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us Digital subscriptions must be requested via our website only. #ScottishBanner, #TheBanner Covid-19 is having a major impact Name:...... on many of our regular advertisers, with events being cancelled and Address:...... businesses suffering. The Scottish Banner is more reliant than ever on ...... our readers helping us to provide you with our unique content by ...... Post Code:...... buying a copy of our publication, regardless if by print or digital Tel/Email:...... subscription or at a retail outlet. 1 Year New Subscription Renewal We appreciate your support and hope you enjoy this edition. Gift Subsc. From...... Gracing our cover: Visa/MC...... Isle of Barra based Herring Girl Knitwear. Photo: Stephen ...... Expiry...... Kearney/Little Day Productions.

Page 2 • The Scottish Banner • December 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Dr. Geoffrey Scott Carroll and Mr. Peter Morris OBE Remembering Sir Sean Connery Just before the first show that we had in He was probably best known for his role as In addition to being one of the highest April of 2003, we were told by everyone the British superspy James Bond. He was profile fashion shows in the US with regard here in New City that nobody would the first Bond and he acted in a total of to press & media generation, the DTK pay good money to see great looking seven Bond films. Though there were event also typically represents about 95% Scottish blokes in . We would joke numerous 007s after Sir Sean, to many of of the press and media generation around about this and we were prepared to us he was the only one true James Bond. every Day. The show has generated throw the whole thing in the bin bag We would also argue that he had one of more than one billion impressions with after the first show but on the night of the most recognizable voices in the world. each of the last 6-7 shows. Sir Sean also the event there were lines around the People all across the globe remember really liked the idea of promoting Tartan block and it was a massive success. those unforgettable words, “The name Day with our show. is Bond – James Bond”. As his voice For details on Dressed to see: The largest and most prestigious was so distinctive, at one DTK event Sir www.dressedtokilt.com Scottish fashion show in the world Sean agreed to auction off his voice for a Over the years we together turned this telephone answering machine. “Hello this show into the largest and most prestigious is Sean Connery speaking and Jane Doe Scottish fashion show in the world is not at home so please leave your name and a major stop on the international and message and I will tell Jane to call you fashion circuit. We have also raised upon her return”. The bidding on this item millions of dollars for charities on was fast and furious and as we recall it was both sides of the Atlantic. We all used the most expensive auction item that year. Dressed To Kilt to talk about how fashion becomes Those of us who worked with him on DTK hollow without the enrichment of saw a different side of the man. We saw a s if 2020 wasn’t bad enough, diverse cultures, and boy did we create charitable man, a man who loved his family, we awoke on the morning a unique and great cultural foundation a man who loved his country of birth and a of October 31 to learn that for our Dressed to Kilt event. Our board generosity that helped an untold number our friend and colleague, Sir of directors has agreed to honour Sir of young Scots and Scottish companies. ASean Connery, had passed away the Sean and his family with our next show previous evening in his sleep. Sir Sean and the new date is April 10th2021. Tartan Day was one of the co-founders of the The date of the next DTK show has been Dressed to Kilt (DTK) fashion show in Iconic star delayed until Saturday evening April 10th 2003 with Dr. Geoffrey Scott Carroll. Sir Sean was indeed an iconic film legend, 2021. It will be held at the Mill Neck Manor Without his personal support and an international star of unparalleled Estate on the Gold Coast of Long Island, involvement throughout the years stature and he never tired of telling us that New York. We will be linking this show with the show would not have achieved he was voted the “Sexiest Man of the 20th Tartan Day here in the US which is the date Sir Sean & Lady Connery. the enormous success that it has. Century” by People Magazine. when we first started our show in 2003. The Glenfiddich Piping Championship 2020

Stuart Liddell. Jack Lee. Willie McCallum.

he Glenfiddich Piping 3. Finlay Johnston, , Scotland – Championship 2020 concluded Rory MacLoude’s Lament its online only event for 2020 on 4. Roddy MacLeod MBE, Moodiesburn, October 31st and the overall winner Scotland – The Battle of Auldearn, #2 Twas Stuart Liddell, Inveraray. The event, 5. Angus MacColl, Benderloch, Scotland – organised by The National Piping Centre The Unjust Incarceration EVERY SUNDAY with funding from the William Grant Judges – Jack Taylor, Iain MacFadyen Foundation, was held behind closed doors, and Willie Morrison. November 29 - December 20 with only competitors, judges and skeleton MSR (twice through each tune) crew at Blair Castle for the 47th edition of 1. Willie MacCallum, Bearsden, Scotland this prestigious event. Rigorous health and – Angus Campbell’s Farewell to Stirling, Join us online Sunday during for original Celtic safety processes were put in place to ensure Shepherd’s Crook, Bessie McIntyre music performances as we light the to that the event was as COVID-safe as possible. 2. Stuart Liddell – Duke of Roxburgh’s mark the countdown to Christmas As all but one of the qualifying events Farewell to the Blackmount Forest, Cat were cancelled this year, the organisers Lodge, Drumlithie In addition to supporting our world-renowned musicians and used a list of past champions who are still 3. Roddy MacLeod MBE – The Marchioness creative collaborators, this program is a special fundraising event to support our cultural outreach and scholarship fund competing and second overall placings to of Tullibardine, Piper’s Bonnet, The Grey Bob make up the 10 pipers. 4. Bruce Gandy, Dartmouth, , The event instead was broadcast online Canada – Leaving Lunga, Ewe wi’ the around the world through The National Crookit Horn, Castle Piping Centre’s website, with over 1,000 Full details at pipesofchristmas.com 5. Iain Speirs, Edinburgh, Scotland – The ticket buyers registering to watch the event. Royal Scottish Pipers’ Society, Tulloch Gorm, John McKechnie The prize lists were as follows: Brought to you by the Judges: Walter Cowan, Colin MacLellan Ceòl Mòr Learned Kindred of Currie and Ian McLellan BEM. 1. Jack Lee, Surrey, British Columbia, Overall Canada – Lament for Colin Roy MacKenzie 1. Stuart Liddell 2. Stuart Liddell, Inveraray, Scotland – In 2. Jack Lee Praise of Morag 3. Roddy MacLeod MBE Photoscourtesy of Derek Maxwell. of Derek Photoscourtesy

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

Send us your inquiries on life’s little question marks. Ever wanted to know what happened to your old pal from home, how to make SCOT POURRI your favourite Scottish meal, or wondered about a certain bit of Scottish history? Bagpipes Remembering Valerie Cairney Hello, I am an illustrator As soon as I opened the paper and Val will always be from Madrid. saw the beautiful photo of Valerie- I remembered for her Óscar Cañero guessed that this was a farewell. amazing ability to set up Madrid, Spain What an amazing lady she was- and continue publishing so inspirational, such energy and the Scottish Banner for so many years. Clan help dedication to keeping all Scots in With sincerest sympathy, Greeting from touch and fully informed of all Sue Macleod OAM Central Illinois USA. I am looking for things Scottish worldwide. What a North Ringwood, Victoria On our recent visit to the wonderful any information in regards to a Clan for vision she had in starting this Australia Ring of Brodgar my husband and I were the surname(s) of the following: Waugh, Wauchope, Waughe, Walge, Wach, wonderful and much-loved paper! Ed note: Thank you Sue for your kind transported back in time, imagining the Val, my pal, the times we shared note and to the many letters, emails and scene when ancient people gathered Walcht. From what I have found out on at Ringwood were messages received from readers across there! I looked up and saw a woman the internet the Waugh’s are from the so special. Val invited me to come the world. We simply cannot publish each wearing an AFL St. Kilda beanie. area. I appreciate any and stay and visit the Highland one due to the volume received. We are You are never too far from home! information that can be passed along. Games with her in the States. so thankful to our kind readers for such Win Johnston My email address is [email protected] Sadly, I didn’t manage to do this. an incredible outpouring of support. Australia Charlie Waugh Illinois, USA Kings, Castles & “Durty” Wee Rascals Scotland’s first oil rush Scottish comfort Your article reminded me of my days Clan MacDonald As a member of the St. Andrew’s Society living in our family moved from the I did a DNA test and I have origins of Montréal, I have to privilege of reading Gorbals (Errol St ) to Meiklerig Crescent. from Scotland (Argyll & Bute and your magazine which I enjoy very much. It was great having front/back garden, I ), and Norway (I think Nick Drainey did a fine article worked at Pollok Post Office as a telegram it corresponds to Orkney), then from (Scotland’s first oil boom, the Scottish boy and got to know most of the area, my research I discovered DNA matches Banner, November, 2020) on the Scottish including Cornalee Rd. I’m glad we moved with McDonald’s with the same origins oil boom near West Calder which caught to Pollok I got married to the girl next as me, there is one with whom I share my eye. As it turns out, my recent family door 65 years ago and still going strong!!! 10 DNA segments in total 50cM. research led me to the mining community Anyway Jim a big thank you for The only thing I know is that it of Oat Bank, which no longer exists. It turns First up to all the Cairney family and bringing back some memories I enjoy comes from the maternal side, I out that my Grandmother Esther Martin relatives I wish to pass on my deepest never knew my maternal family. was born there in 1888, her father William reading the Scottish Banner, just sympathies on the passing of Valerie, she Does that mean I’m a descendant being a shale oil miner. The family your page is a wee bit special !! made it possible for all of us Scots to keep in of the MacDonald clan? moved to Paisley later, perhaps because Charlie Milligan touch with our homeland no matter where Regards, of a market downturn. Esther and my Mt Martha, Victoria in the world we were. R.I.P Valerie Cairney. Vanessa Itey grandfather David Gold McAuslan Australia I proudly wish to send to you immigrated to Montréal in 1920. Coincidentally my brother David photographs of a comforter that a very Alexander McAuslan did his PhD in Geology close friend of mine, painstakingly and FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA at the . He had with a lot of patience and love, handmade. Send us your photos or letters via social media teaching responsibilities for undergraduates Shari is a young boilermaker/welder by and they visited the West mining trade and I once came across her in the The Act of Proscription Angus twilight sites on occasion. They ´skied’ down the workshop where we work and she was bings in work boots. My brother had no idea actually marking the cover on the floor of his family connection to the area, but did in order to be able to have the exact tell me that the miners were no ordinary measurements, she informed me that she grunts, but highly skilled professionals. was fabricating a steel frame for a job at Yours aye, work and because when I saw the initial Peter McAuslan diagram on the floor she had only just Sutton, Quebec completed the rectangle and the diagonals Canada The summer sky alive in #Angus. I did not give it a second thought. Garry Chapman at GTC Photography Heaven’s Stairs Then on my 60th birthday about 3 Scotland Steps seemed to have no months later Shari presented me with the risers and each was easy best present ever, to say the least, I was The Kelpies to mount, yet as each step shocked when I uncovered the Scottish flag In 1782, The Act of Proscription, is was discovered my eyes which is on one side whilst on the underside repealed and the kilt and wearing of would cast about. there is the Scottish thistles. Since then comes into more general use Sound of the cast of heaven every time I put it on my bed, I remember and ends the 35 year ban that resulted in was ringing in my ears, and my homeland and my parents who made countless Scots being sent to the colonies. the angels playing the harp a courageous decision to emigrate to The Society of John De Graeme was smoothing all my fears. Australia in 1970 with their 7 children. Scotland Yet still my mind was turning Our family at the time was the largest backwards to the sound that family to emigrate and live in Whyalla, made, as my earthly South Australia, since then my parents self was lowered slowly to have passed away and myself and my my grave. brothers and sisters are scattered all The stairs reached a turning over Australia, resulting in having free a shelter for the forlorn, I took accommodation practically in every state to standing waving to the in Australia (the Scotsman in me likes this). country I was from. I would love to see my the photos of my Heaven lay before me as the Show your support for the NHS. comforter if possible in the Scottish Banner, angels sang their songs, my #nhsheroes #clapforNHS #clapforcarers which in one way would thank my friend soul still called for the heaven, and indeed #clapforallfrontlineworkers for her awesome present and as you can that country where I was born.... #clapforessentialworkers. tell I am very proud to be Scottish born. A fine view from Stirling Castle. Scotland A View From My Camera Willie Rouse Robert Gibb Kit Duddy Scotland Scotland facebook.com/kitspoems Mandurah, Western Australia

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 • December 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Remembering Paisley’s ‘Black Hogmanay’ he Glen Cinema tragedy took a film cannister was placed on a heated saved her from the traumatic experience in the funeral procession. The children place on 31 December 1929 when surface and started to smoke up - leading of seeing the children who had been killed were laid to rest in Hawkhead Cemetery a smoking film canister caused a to the panic and stampede which followed. and injured in the cinema at the hospital.” where a memorial still stands to remember panic during a packed children’s Robert said: “I was there with my older all the victims of the Glen Cinema disaster. Tmatinee where more than 600 children sister Jean (10) and younger sister May (3) - One of Scotland’s News of the disaster was far-reaching with were present. As a result of the crush that we heard someone shout ‘fire’ and started worst human tragedies letters of condolence being sent to the town followed 70 children died and more than 30 to head for the exit. There was screaming Robert’s friend, William Spiers, who had sat from people across the globe. The impacts children were injured. “I remember I didn’t and shouting, and people were pushing beside him and fled during the panic did not were global as well - as the Cinematograph want to go that day,” said Emily Brown, 95, and trampling you and you were trampling survive the crush that day. When news of the Act 1909 was then amended to ensure all one of hundreds of children who attended on others trying to get out. I remember disaster spread through the town the entire cinemas had more exits, that doors opened Paisley’s Glen Cinema 91 years ago for a some people jumped over the balcony community went to the Glen Cinema to try outwards and were fitted with push bars. packed matinee performance that ended in or onto the stage to try to get out. I was and help get the children out. Emily’s mother A limitation was also placed on the capacity tragedy - forever remembered by survivors separated from my sisters in the panic - I was one of those who pulled children from of cinemas and a requirement for an as Paisley’s ‘Black Hogmanay’. remember someone smashed a window the cinema and loaded the injured onto trams appropriate number of adult attendants to The main exit doors had a metal gate and a fireman helped get me out.” for the hospital - not knowing if her children be present to ensure the safety of children. that had been pulled shut stopping it Emily’s aunt later found her wandering were safe or injured or worse. Emily’s mother The Glen Cinema survivors and their 1 from opening leading to a crush where 71 down Glasgow Road and took her home was the only resident from Hunter Street who families continue to commemorate the 02 children died, and more than 30 children to her mother in Hunter Street. Her sisters didn’t lose someone that day. disaster every Hogmanay alongside 2 were injured. Louisa Mahon, Head of Jean and May were already there and had The funerals of all 71 children took place members of the local community. ly Marketing, Communications and Events managed to stay together during the chaos. in early January of 1930. The town came to They gather at 11am at the Cenotaph in Ju at Council, said: “The Glen “I think my mother gave us all an extra cuddle a standstill to pay their respects to those Paisley town centre where they lay a wreath Vernon iBCn Cinema disaster is a real tragic point in that night,” said Emily. “I don’t remember who died - everyone turned out including for those who lost their lives that day. July 23 & 24,d 2020 Paisley’s history with deeply traumatic much about it,” said Robert. “I think my the hospital staff who treated victims and The Glen Cinema disaster of 1929 is considered en consequences for so many families.” guardian angel watched out for me that day. survivors and the Boys Brigade - who walked one of Scotland’s worst human tragedies. ek When the panic started, I just remember e Panic something came over me and I stayed in my Armstrongt wArmstrong Fairgrounds, BC Robert Pope, 97, had got up that morning seat and didn’t move. I don’t remember much as and asked his mother for some jars to else until later when a fireman was clearing L exchange for money so he could go to the hall, he asked me what I was doing. I told the pictures with seven of his friends. him I was waiting for the picture to come Like so many children at the time, Robert back on and he told me to head home to my and Emily were sent out the house to mother and that the film wouldn’t be coming the cinema on Hogmanay to allow their back on. My friends saw that I never came out parents to get the house cleaned and ready and had told my mother I was still there, and for the new year. They took their seats in she was getting ready to go up to the hospital the crowded theatre, sang their song and to try and find me. As she opened the door, settled down to watch the new cowboy I was walking up the stairs and I remember Photo: Paisley is. movie Dude Desperado. During the picture the look of relief on her face. I think that Did you know? Vernon BC Canada Scottish Christmas Hogmanay in North America

• It is not known exactly where the word comes • The Highland custom of from, although it is believed to come from the (or blessing) the house and livestock goes French word ‘hoginane’ meaning ‘gala day’. far back in time, but is still practised today • First footing is a Scots traditional part of in some households. The ritual involves the Hogmanay celebrations. First footing is when drinking of water believed to be magic – this you visit friends or family immediately after is sourced from a river ford that’s said to be midnight in order to become the first person crossed by both the living and the dead. to visit them and go into their house in the new • For nearly 400 years Christmas was not year. Your very first foot - the first person to celebrated (until 1958) in Scotland due visit you in the new year - should traditionally to the Protestant Reformation. For Scots be a tall, dark-haired man. That is said to date the big celebration would be at the Winter back to the Viking invasions, as were Solstice holiday which became Hogmanay. typically fairer haired, so the arrival of a blonde • Another Hogmanay Scottish custom was man could have meant imminent danger! paying off all outstanding debts before • In , where the Viking influence the stroke of midnight and starting the remains strongest, New Year is still called new year without debt. Yules, deriving from the Scandinavian • The residents of in Moray don’t word for the midwinter festival of . celebrate their New Year on 31 December. www.scottishcreations.com • Redding the house, rather than a Spring Instead, they ignore the Gregorian clean, the Scots have a New Year’s clean calendar introduced in the 1750s and to welcome in the New Year. Starting the continue to celebrate ‘old Hogmanay’ on Representing the very best designs and gifts from Scotland New Year with a dirty house is bad luck. 11 January instead.

The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 5

DECEMBER 2020 celticlife.com 92 okanagantattoo.ca THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Scotspeak is a selection of quotes which made headlines in SCOTSPEAK Scotland last month on a variety of current Scottish affairs. “The skull and bones were placed under a Dr Mark McGilchrist, Chair, Friends of It has been absolutely incredible. These will for The Lord’s Taverners, a youth cricket large boulder at the bottom of scree. It was the University Botanic Garden, said as the then be transferred over to the replacement and disability sports charity, of which obvious from the start they were pretty old. Botanic Garden launched a new engine before it is lifted into place on he has been a member for 15 years. book celebrating 50 years. The Garden was The stone dykers were pretty realistic the aircraft. Hopefully, we will put the “He had dementia and it took it’s toll on opened in 1971 and usually attracts more about the find. They just said they had whole aircraft onto the loch and then we him. He got his final wish to slip away than 80,000 visitors each year. The garden found a pile of bones. They were probably should be on our way home. We will get without any fuss. It was no life for him. boasts a wide range of plants, with fine her back home before winter very soon.” placed there all those thousands of years He was not able to express himself latterly. collections of conifers and broad-leaved ago. There is quite a lot of archaeology Matt Dearden of Plane Sailing said as a WW2 At least he died in his sleep and it was trees and shrubs, tropical and temperate in the area, a quern stone (a stone tool Catalina flying boat, namedMiss Pick Up, glasshouses, as well as water and herb just so peaceful. I was with him all the for hand-grinding a wide variety of was forced to land on Loch Ness when engine gardens. Located in 9.5 hectares of south time and he just slipped away. It was materials) believed to be from the same troubles occurred. The owners set up a Go facing, gently sloping land near the banks what he wanted. He was gorgeous and we period has also been found.” Fund Me page to get the classic plane back of the , the garden features many had a wonderful life together. He was a to its base in Duxford, Cambridge. The page Andrew Adamson, estate manager for species of indigenous British plants as well model of a man. It is going to be very hard had surpassed the goal of £29,400 needed to Wildland Ltd in Sutherland, said as a skull as representative collections of important without him, I know that. But it could dating back 2500 years was discovered plants from all the continents of the world. get Miss Pick Me Up home at time of press. not last forever and he went peacefully.” by dykers (a Scots term for a stone wall “People ask me what I’m going to do with Widow of Sir Sean Connery, Micheline builder). The Iron Age remains have a PhD at 85-years-old but I have plenty Roquebrune, said after the Scots actor been sent away for analysis and a team of other projects to keep me occupied. It is died on October 31st in the Bahamas. of professional archaeologists will now the culmination of many years of research The Hollywood star, from Fountainbridge, explore the area’s ancient history. on a subject that has fascinated me since Edinburgh and former milkman, was best childhood. I love the countryside and for known for his portrayal of James Bond. years spent most of my weekends visiting He was the first actor to bring the sites, photographing them, and taking notes – role to the big screen, debuting through summer, winter, snow, and sunshine.” “It’s hit me. It has been tougher than as 007 in 1962’s Dr. No. 85 year-old Stirling resident Alastair I expected. Normally with the diving “Ancrum Old Bridge now has a 14th Maxwell-Irving said as he was awarded a suit – when I have done marathons century date. In Scotland, there is not PhD at Glasgow Caledonian University. and things – you manage to get some a standing bridge that is earlier than Mr Maxwell-Irving is the oldest person momentum going, but with so many the 15th century. In those times, during “We are delighted to launch our anthology. in Scotland to be awarded a PhD after steps it hasn’t been like that – it’s almost flood or highwater, the Ancrum Bridge It is a beautifully presented book and becoming a doctor of philosophy via Zoom. like doing 10,000 step-ups. Probably may have been the only place to cross a wonderful gift of time and personal the worst part for me is getting up at the Teviot between Hawick and Berwick, contribution to the six o’clock in the morning and having making it one of the most important Botanic Garden. The individual and to put on a soaking wet, freezing cold, structures in medieval Scotland.” community efforts shared within its pages deep-sea diving suit. That wasn’t highlight the special place of the garden Geoff Parkhouse, from the Ancrum something I was looking forward to.” in the hearts of those who know and are and District Heritage Society, said the touched by its work, who enjoy its spirit of Fundraiser Lloyd Scot said as he took Ancrum Old Bridge has been rediscovered place, benefit from its wellbeing gift of space on the feat to complete the 3 Peaks under the River Teviot. It is considered and support its critical conservation and “We can’t thank enough everyone who’s Challenge, dressed in a deep-sea diving one of the most important structures of educational work. I can’t think of a better way donated to our plight to rescue Miss Pick suit weighing 130 lbs. Mr Scott took on medieval Scotland. The bridge has been to raise awareness of the role plants and green Up from Loch Ness. The response has been Scotland’s highest mountain Ben Nevis as hidden beneath a river spaces play in people’s lives today. It is an overwhelming and has really buoyed our well as Scafell Pike () and Mount for centuries and carbon-dating has excellent way to open this anniversary year.” team on to continue on with the work. Snowdon (). He is raising money confirmed it dates backto the mid-1300s. SCOTWORD

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Here is a fun crossword for you to try with a few of the answers to be found in Scotland! If you are in doubt, you may 8 need a wee peek at a Scots dictionary or a map. Or, if you are 9 10 really stuck, the answers can be found on page 21!

11 12 CLUES ACROSS: CLUES DOWN: 1) Borders woollen town (10). 1) Village east of Perth (9). 8) Top male voice (5). 2) A serving scoop (5). 13 14 15 16 9) Kirk office bearer (5). 3) Scottish valleys (7). 10) Additional part! (5). 4) On the rocks! (4). 17 11) Heraldic plumes (6). 5) Capital regions (8). 18 19 20 21 12) Scattered the bed frame! (8). 6) Highland capital (9). 13) A salad plant (6). 7) Doublet edging (5). 15) Highland gardens (8). 8) Scot’s potato (6). 22 23 24 18) Vied with (8). 14) Bandleader up front (4, 5) 20) Stopped work in Scotland (6). 16) Carpet town near Johnstone (9). 25 22) Found in Skye & Lothian Region (8). 17) Congratulatory steak! (4, 4). 26 27 23) S/he prepares issues (6). 19) Fervent (6). 26) A running knot (5). 21) Up to Hogmanay (3, 4) 28 27) Drive out (5). 22) A knight’s wage increase! (5). 29 28) A wee dram! (5). 24) Feeling after 28 Across (5). 29) A low wall in Fife! (10). 25) Auld Nick! (4).

Page 6 • The Scottish Banner • December 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Six Scottish waterfall paradises xploring Scotland can be a delight Perthshire at its finest and a prime example of and when it is next possible consider why this region is renowned for its gorgeous getting even wetter when there. landscapes. It’s also not far from the National Nothing feels more adventurous Trust for Scotland property at Killiecrankie, Ethan stumbling upon a roaring waterfall where nature and heritage combine – learn while the sun beats down. Even if the about the 17th-century battle of Killiecrankie, weather can’t always be guaranteed, the one of the goriest events in Scottish history. beauty and drama of Scottish waterfalls will certainly not disappoint. Pack a picnic, grab 4. The Hermitage, Perthshire your camera, get out your wellies and make it a trip to remember…

1. Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve, &

Just an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow, you can really discover Scotland’s wild landscapes. This patch of Perthshire forest once belonged to the 18th-century Dukes of Atholl. One of the slightly easier suggestions on this list, the Hermitage is a woodland It’s not difficult to see how this spectacular paradise and perfect for a summer stroll to white waterfall earned the name Grey Mare’s reinvigorate yourself. Red squirrels, salmon Tail. You’ll most definitely be impressed leaping out of the water, maybe even beavers with the breathtaking views of mountain if you’re lucky … the opportunities to discover water plunging down the slopes into the Scottish wildlife are endless. Tucked deep in Moffat Water Valley. Continue the climb up the forest is the picturesque folly known as to Loch Skeen, the waterfall’s source, to fully Ossian’s Hall – this is a great spot to admire appreciate the stunning views and take in the the roaring Black Linn waterfall. tranquil splendour. The climb is definitely tough but the results are worth it – that’s a 5. Corrieshalloch Gorge National promise! The waterfall is located in a nature Nature Reserve, Ross-shire reserve bursting with wildlife, and you may spot ospreys, ring ouzels and feral goats, as well as watch peregrine falcons via the National Trust for Scotland’s live nest camera.

2. Dollar Glen,

Near Ullapool, this is the perfect place for a family summer day out. It can be reached by a short steep walk from the car park (which is accessible for wheelchair users), leading to a Victorian suspension bridge that overlooks a series of waterfalls emerging from the The perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle woodland. The viewpoint further down from of everyday life, Dollar Glen can be found just the bridge doesn’t take long to reach and east of Stirling, set against the backdrop of the gives you the perfect view of the crashing Ochil Hills. Unspoiled nature is everywhere Falls of Measach. Complete the full circuit to for visitors to enjoy, whether it’s carpets of get the best views of the whole gorge. bluebells or the twisting burns just visible through leafy, green trees. As you walk along 6. Falls of Glomach, Ross-shire the narrow paths, enjoy views of the double waterfall tumbling down the glen. Fancy a challenge? See how many different types of lichen you can find. Scientists have declared the glen a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its diverse habitats and geology.

3. Linn of Tummel, Perthshire

This waterfall is truly for the thrill-seekers among you, with a 6-hour hike being the only way to reach the 113m thundering falls. The trek offers the perfect opportunity to take in the gorgeous landscapes and immerse yourself in nature. One of the highest and most isolated waterfalls in Britain, adventurers will relish the chance to appreciate the Highland Serene woodland surrounds the place where views – make sure to bring a picnic and stop the rivers Garry and Tummel meet. As the to enjoy lunch in this most spectacular setting. rivers combine, they tumble into Loch Reaching this waterfall is definitely strenuous Faskally over a series of falls. A circular path but the results are unbelievably rewarding. means you can make the most of the views. Text and images are courtesy of the National An animal lover’s paradise, Linn of Tummel Trust for Scotland. For more information on is home to red squirrels, otters, kingfishers the Trust or to help them protect Scotland’s

Text and images courtesy of: The National Trust for Scotland Trust The National and images courtesy of: Text and even pine martens. Near Pitlochry, this is heritage see: www.nts.org.uk

The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 7 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.

Delivering milk for the Co-operative was a delivery boy was the potential for clean, crisp new snow. Even stray dogs job that most adolescent boys in Glasgow making tips. With Christmas coming up hadn’t yet had an opportunity to coat the strived for. I put my name down at the Co- and the extra tips that implied, I knew that I snow under the lamp posts with their op office when I was thirteen during the needed to re-negotiate my work arrangements yellow markings. I liked the idea that we summer school holidays when the weather with Tommy as quickly as possible. were just about the only creatures up and was fine and warm and when sunrise was There he was standing on the tenement about at that time in the morning. Glasgow early in the mornings. I finally got the nod stairs in a big oversized jacket, a balaclava might belong to the Saturday night drunks when it was winter, cold, wet, dreich and on his head and a long woollen scarf criss- but Pollok belonged to us, the milkboys, pitch black outside and when sunrise was crossed over his chest and pinned at the back in the early mornings. The spell of silence very late in the morning. I started when just like the way mothers of infants sent them was broken only by a soft hum from the The Milk Boy someone wiser than me had decided to to school in the mornings. Of course, you electric motors of the milk float as it quietly call it quits. I had to start about five o’clock didn’t have to worry how you looked at five pressed upon the soft snow, the clink and Nellie McSwiggen got tossed oot o’ the jiggin, in the morning and for the first time in my o’clock in the morning on a cold winter’s day chink of bottles in the metal crates and the For liftin her leg too high. life I was up in the morning with my father on the Pollok housing scheme. “Look occasional shout to each other as we went All of a sudden a big black puddin, came getting ready for his trek on the bus back to here, Tommy. Why don’t you go up the stairs about our business of delivering the milk. flyin through the air - the shipyards in Govan. It felt like real work and do the doors on the right hand side and Sometimes there was a need to push And hit her in the eye. being up and about with him and getting a I’ll go up and do the left hand ones. You’re the milk float when its wheels struggled once went with another little boy proper pay packet at the end of the week. right-handed and I’m left-handed. It’ll be just uphill on layers of black ice or frozen slush. around our neighbours’ houses and a little bit easier to take the bottles in and out But when the sun rose late in the morning tried to sell some miserable little Tips of the crates that way and we’ll save some upon a fine crisp day and bathed the snow bundles of kindling made up of a I was one of a team of three. Ian, the time.” He looked puggled. I had either blinded crystals and the frost to make them sparkle, Ifew skinny sticks and green branches off milkman, drove the electric milk float whilst him with science and logic or he simply I felt okay about heading back home to get people’s privet hedges. I must only have Tommy and I ran up and down the tenement realised I had caught on to his scam. “Aye ready for the school day ahead. Our milk run been about five or six years old, but that first stairs and paths of the houses collecting okay, then.” From then on in we had an equal covered the streets closest to my home and business enterprise came to an abrupt end the empties, the milk money and delivering opportunity to get a fair share of the tips. the Co-op depot was only a short distance when Mrs Kelly, our downstairs neighbour, the milk. Tommy was a little older than me, away near the old Haugh Farm, where the let my mother know what we were up to. and since at first he was showing me the The spell of silence police station was later built. The work Apart from the odd half-crown received ropes, he was able to control and direct me The part I really liked about the milk run was helped me raise some pocket money for from Mr McCreath for a week’s hard work to particular flats and houses. There was when it snowed. That wasn’t a delight shared a Boy Scout trip to Norway in the coming down on Ardwell Farm, when I was about no rhyme nor reason to his choice of which by Ian, our boss, the driver of the electric summer and that’s when I had to give the eight or nine, or some sales of old comics houses he or I went to and I quickly caught milk float. Fresh snow, however, brought a job away. Milk boys weren’t supposed to take from makeshift pavement shops, my next on that I was being sent to the homes of dramatic cotton-wooled silence to an already holidays and there was always somebody paid employment was for delivering home the ‘meanies’, the ones who never left a tip quiet, and subdued early morning scene. else waiting and keen to take your place. baked cakes for a neighbour of my mum for the milk boy on a Friday night. He was It muffled what little remained of the sounds And I suppose with hindsight my parents and dad when I was aged nine or ten. monopolising the generous customers and of early morning life and the amber light were also happy for me to concentrate on My first real job was again delivering keeping all the tips to himself. Of course, from the street lamps reflected magically my school work rather than the poetry and things, but this time as a milk boy. one of the great attractions of being a milk upon this new monochromatic world of beauty of early mornings at sunrise in Pollok. Capital Collections online exhibition ‘ReDrawing Edinburgh’ marks centenary of Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act 1920 new online exhibition has Lord Provost, Frank Ross said: launched to commemorate 100 “Our original plans were for the city to years of Edinburgh as the city come together to mark this important we know today. November 5th anniversary with a series of events Amarked 100 years since the Edinburgh throughout the capital, and while we Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act continue to plan for 2021, for now as 1920 came into being, which incorporated with many other areas of our lives, we the outlying communities around can join in virtually through this new Edinburgh (the Burgh of Leith and the exhibition created by the ReDrawing Midlothian parishes of Corstorphine, Edinburgh team. I believe that the story Colinton, Cramond, and Liberton) within of Edinburgh has many strands to it. the newly expanded boundary of the It is both Auld Reekie and the Athens City of Edinburgh. On that day the city of the North; Scotland’s capital and a grew 17 square miles in size to 53 square global festival city. Some strands are well miles and the capital’s population grew known and rightly famous around the by nearly a third from 320,000 to 425,000. world, but others are known only to us locals and expatriates. The importance of The story of Edinburgh community history is that it keeps these date in our city’s history. It remains the Libraries, and Museums and Galleries ReDrawing Edinburgh is a project lesser-known strands alive and passes most significant single expansion and I services under the ReDrawing Edinburgh designed to commemorate the them from one generation to the next.” would encourage everyone to out banner. New videos are planned for centennial of this momentous event. the virtual programme and I look forward each month until spring next year. It provides an opportunity for everyone The most significant single expansion to announcing more information about Residents can find out more about to understand how the city has grown The Lord Provost continued: “The our plan in the upcoming months.” the project through a series of online and for communities to reaffirm their city is fortunate to have both council Original plans to mark the centenary talks via the Edinburgh City Archives own identities and heritage. The online services and a network of local history included both a civic event in central Facebook Page and Redrawing exhibition showcases images from the and community organisations that are Edinburgh hosted by the Lord Provost Edinburgh YouTube playlist. Council’s heritage collections as well as dedicated to these community histories. and local commemorations and events To visit the online exhibition see: from partner community organisations It is thanks to them that ReDrawing in the communities who joined in 1920, www.capitalcollections.org.uk and gives a glimpse into what life Edinburgh, has been brought together with a Central Library exhibition of was like in 1920 Edinburgh and the to explain the importance and impact of photographs and objects relating to the difference in character of the various the boundary extension and to celebrate boundary extension and the communities. areas affected. The online exhibition the histories of each area. This exhibition Planning continues on arrangements to precedes a planned physical exhibition on Capital Collections tells the story of mark the event next year. Several local next year in Central Library as the project the 1920 extension and the communities history videos have also been created continues to adapt to the ongoing that joined the city. It is important we and shared on the Council’s social effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. mark the anniversary of this important media channels for the City Archives,

Page 8 • The Scottish Banner • December 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Where to spot seals in Scotland see them all year round. Emily says: “ It’s vital that seal spotters always has a few pups in October, which take care to follow the Marine Wildlife late-season visitors on the tour boats Watching Code, which urges you to can watch snoozing on the beaches with be aware, take responsibility for your mum never too far away in the water and actions, and have respect for wildlife, the coming up to suckle regularly. Later, it’s fun environment and others. The smallest of to see the pups learning to swim in some intrusions – the bark of a dog or the noise of the sheltered inlets, where they can be of a drone – can have fatal consequences seen from the clifftops.” for young pups. Susan Bain, Western Isles Manager said: Seal-watching “Anyone getting too close, whether that’s Susan Bain, the National Trust for on foot or with a drone, can startle them Scotland’s Western Isles Manager, and cause them to go back into the water. continues: “We also have a large grey seal The results can lead to abandoned pups haul-out on Mingulay, but they tend to and exhausted individuals, so please watch haul out in the winter months when the from a safe distance. I’d always urge caution island isn’t accessible. However, there are when seal-watching. Adult seals come always a few in the water as you approach ashore to rest, to raise their young and the bay at any time of year. They’re always occasionally to get away from predators.” fun to watch as they do seem to be very Text and images are courtesy of the National A grey seal basks on the shore. curious and will swim in parallel with you Trust for Scotland. For more information as you walk along the beach. Their calling on the Trust or to help them protect hey are one of Scotland’s best- The autumn months are really a last in the evening and at night can be quite Scotland’s heritage see: www.nts.org.uk loved animals and one of the chance to see them in large numbers, eerie if you don’t know what it is!” nation’s wildlife ‘Big Five’ – but before winter starts to bite. Walking along One of the Trust’s best grey seal haul- where are the best places to spot a windswept beach, you may be surprised out sites is at St Abb’s Head, and Kintail is Tseals? Two species of seal bask in and by one of their haunting, plaintive cries. another great place for seal spotting. around Scotland’s waters: the larger grey This perhaps explains why they were the At Culzean Country Park, one ‘bob of seals’ seal and its smaller cousin, the endangered inspiration for Scotland’s mythical ‘selkies’ has made Port Carrick beach their home. harbour seal. The latter is counted among – creatures who take the form of a seal in If you get there early in the day, before the dog our wildlife ‘Big 5’, alongside the red water and a person on land. walkers arrive and when the tide is low, you’ll squirrel, red deer, golden eagle and otter. So, where are the best places to spot most likely find them basking on the rocks. Seals inspire joy and wonder in many, with seals? Emily Wilkins, the National Trust Autumn is a key season for seals. Food is their playful bobbing about in the water for Scotland ranger working at Iona, Burg in plentiful supply, the water is – for the and their cute, dog-like faces. Yet they also and Staffa, is fortunate enough to call seals at least! – a little warmer, and the feature prominently in traditional Scottish many of them ‘neighbours’. Mull and Iona seals are putting on bulk and storing their A grey seal. myths and legends. are two particular hot spots, where you can energy for the hard months ahead. declines may be slowing stabilising, with some colonies showing increases. and Arctic tern numbers increased since the last report. Terns are known to be highly variable in breeding numbers and it is too early to say if this trend is going to continue. are not only vulnerable to changes in the seas around Scotland, Guillemots at Fowlsheugh many migrate across the Atlantic and ©Lorne Gill SNH. technology is beginning to improve our understanding of their movements. he decline in Scotland’s breeding Rats and American mink are predators seabird numbers may be slowing to breeding seabirds and removing these down, a new report suggests. from seabird colonies is a crucial step The latest biodiversity indicator in securing Scotland’s seabirds for the Tpublished by Scottish Natural Heritage future. Increases have been recorded at (SNH) uses data largely collected by colonies where rats have been removed, volunteers to look at numbers of 11 such as the Shiants and Canna. species of breeding seabird. The results Simon Foster, SNH’s Trends & Indicator show that, having declined by more Analyst, said: “Seabirds are long-lived, for than 30% from 1986 to 2011, population example the oldest guillemot in Scotland levels have since remained fairly stable. (and the rest of the UK) was recaptured Overall numbers have declined by an on the Isle of Canna last summer being average of 32% since 1986. Only two of at least 41 years old. In Wales a razorbill the species have maintained or increased was recorded at 42 years old, while a in breeding numbers over the period Manx shearwater has been found more (common gull and common tern). than 50 years old. Clearly we need long- Arctic skua, whose breeding stronghold term data to really understand what is is the , has experienced the happening to different species, and the largest decline of 78%. Their decline has fantastic work by volunteers undertaking been linked to changes in the availability monitoring at colonies around Scotland of sandeels, which has also affected is invaluable in providing us with a Northern Isles populations of kittiwakes unique picture on these changes.” and terns. Declines are also apparent for A UK wide seabird census is also herring gull and great-black backed gulls currently underway and the results across Scotland. While below earlier levels, from this will help to provide an there are signs of some populations such overview on all of the species of as guillemot and black-legged kittiwake seabirds breeding around Scotland.

The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 9 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scotland’s Crown-ing Glory Explore the Scottish locations Keiss Harbour & Ackergill featuring in season four: Tower-Wick, Caithness Ardverikie Estate-Kinloch Laggan, , -shire

The Crown S4. Behind the scenes on location in the Highlands with Prince Charles (Josh O’Connor). Ardverikie Estate. Keiss Harbour. Photo: .

Scenes set in the majestic Royal residency Keiss Harbour and Ackergill Tower, ward-winning Netflix series, to explore other Royal links around and the monarch’s favoured summer also situated on the North Coast 500 The Crown, has returned to Scotland when the timing’s right. retreat, Balmoral Castle, are shot at route, play a role a bit closer to home screens for a star-studded The Crown follows the story of Queen Ardverikie Estate near Newtonmore. as they are depicted as Classiebawn fourth series featuring some Elizabeth II, played by Oscar-winning Originally made famous in BBC’s Monarch Castle and Mullaghmore in Ireland. Aof the most dramatic backdrops and actor (a role previously of Glen as the fictional Glenbogle locations in Scotland. Featuring roughly held by ) from her wedding to Estate, the 19th century home is built Scotland’s royal heritage 90 different locations across the UK present day with season four focusing in the same Scottish baronial style as Whilst they may not feature as film including some grand estates and particularly on the late 1970s through to Balmoral castle, making it the perfect, locations in the upcoming season of locations across the famous North Coast 1990. This series sees many poignant shifts lavish backdrop for the series. The Crown, you can explore much 500 driving route, the series heavily in monarchy and society with Margaret more of Scotland’s royal heritage at: features the Highlands posing as royal Thatcher (played by ) Rothiemurchus Estate- Balmoral Castle- residences and even places further elected as the first female Prime Minister Rothiemurchus Centre, Aviemore afield. Cosying up to watchThe Crown is and the wedding of Prince Charles and The famous Braemar Gathering, a Located in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, the perfect opportunity to enjoy rugged Lady Diana Spencer (played by Josh traditional Highland Games, is recreated Balmoral Castle has been the Scottish and wild Scotland from the comfort O’Connor and Emma Corrin). It is sure to in series four slightly further north at home to the Royal Family since 1852 and is and warmth of one’s home and may be a binge-worthy watch and also takes Rothiemurchus Estate in Aviemore. frequently visited by The Queen and other even provide some inspiration for fans in some of Scotland’s amazing scenery. Traditionally, the Braemar Gathering members of the Royal family. Originally takes place annually on the first Saturday purchased by Queen Victoria and Prince of September in Braemar and has Albert, the well-loved royal residence and Archives shine a spotlight on Scotland’s coasts been part of the Royal calendar since surrounding estate is open to visitors 1832. In 2020, the Braemar Gathering every year between April and July. Archive images have gone on display at the Shetland Museum went virtual for the first time ever. -Edinburgh and Archives as part of the Year of Coasts and Waters. Lybster Harbour and Langwell Set in the heart of Scotland’s capital and overlooking the city from a huge n exhibition on Scotland’s Estate-Caithness rock, Edinburgh Castle has been named coasts featuring photographs Further north and situated on the famous one of the most exciting historic sites and illustrations from Historic North Coast 500 driving route, the in Western Europe and has a long, rich Environment Scotland’s (HES) Caithness and Wick areas are portrayed history. The castle is the perfect place to Aarchives has gone on display at the Shetland as many different locations in the discover the exciting stories of its time Museum and Archives as part of the Year of series. Lybster Harbour and Langwell as a fortress, royal residence and as a Coasts and Waters. The exhibition explores Estate are depicted as Leith Harbour prison of war. Today the castle is open the Viking era, fishing and oil industries, A group of workers pose for and Grytviken in South Georgia, a as a world-famous visitor attraction 19th century seaside holiday makers, a photograph during the British Overseas Territory in the South with virtual tours on offer for those coastal castles, industrial heritage and construction of the . Atlantic that was secured by the British who wish to explore from home. lighthouses. The archives span pre-historic during the Falklands war in 1982. times to the modern day and gives visitors Dunbeath Estate-Dunbeath, Caithness The Palace of Holyroodhouse-Edinburgh an insight into how important the coast Standing at the end of Edinburgh’s famous has been to life in Scotland. The exhibition Royal Mile and open throughout the features architect’s drawings, Edwardian year, The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the holiday snaps and unique images taken by Queen’s official Edinburgh residence. HES’s survey photographers. Former home to some of Scotland’s The National Record of the Historic most iconic royal figures such as Bonnie Environment spans a vast range of buildings, Archive photograph showing a Prince Charlie and Mary Queen of archaeological monuments and industrial large gathering of rowing boats at Scots, it is the perfect place to discover maritime sites to give an unparalleled view of the seafront of a Scottish town. more about Scotland’s royal history. Scotland’s past and is maintained by HES. and Waters, we are encouraging everyone to The Royal Yacht Britannia-Edinburgh How the coast has shaped explore the National Record of the Historic Docked in Edinburgh’s Ocean Terminal, Dunbeath Estate in Caithness. Scotland’s story Environment to find out more about how The Royal Yacht Britannia, a former Jane Thomas, Research and Exhibitions the coast has shaped Scotland’s story.” royal yacht, was in service for over 44 Manager at HES, said: “For 5,000 years we Dr Ian Tait, curator of Shetland Dunbeath Estate in Caithness, close to years. Travelling more than a million have lived, worked and played along the Museum and Archives, said: “This is a great the North Coast 500 route, is shot as nautical miles, the ship provided the coast, and Scotland’s Coasts exhibition opportunity for people to see this rigorously the River Hofsa in Iceland. The thrilling perfect residence for state visits, official celebrates this. From the inventiveness researched and attractive touring exhibition cliff edges and roaring waves make for a receptions, family holidays and even and resilience of Scotland’s early settlers that’s come to us through the Year of Coasts dramatic backdrop to depict the land of Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s Royal to imaginative solutions for living with a and Waters. We have a lot of coastline here, fire and ice. The 17th century Dunbeath honeymoon. Today the Royal Yacht is changing climate, our close relationship to and life has depended on it for thousands Castle is a private residence, so not open open for tours and private functions our coasts and waters is evident throughout of years. Come and see the show to discover to the public, however the gardens are and even has a sister ship, Fingal, that the exhibition. As part of the Year of Coasts how we fit into the bigger picture.” open by appointment all year round. operates a luxury floating hotel.

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

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

The Skeoch Three years ago, though, Men’s Shed cart, complete with pistons. In 1900, Lady Fiona with the Skeoch. And so, I have been making a film members decided to recreate one, using meanwhile, another firm produced a about a Men’s Shed. This is a social some original parts and working from vehicle powered by an eight horse-power reetings from Scotland – where movement that originated some early drawings. For the mechanically engine. The Albion Motor Company it’s been rather mild for the time decades ago in Australia. It came to minded, the Skeoch has a wooden went on to produce trucks and buses. of year. Which is nice. Unlike the Scotland earlier this century and has chassis, and metal sides to stiffen it The Argyll Motors firm built cars whilst continuing semi-lockdown really taken off. Sheds have opened up. There’s a 350-cc single two-stroke the Albion Car Company came with Gcaused by the virus. I’m sure you’re up the length and breadth of the land. engine and a two-speed gear box. It goes the motto: ‘Sure as the Sunrise.’ experiencing similar things where you are. Places where men, many of them forward but if you want to reverse you Then there was the Scottish inventor When it will end, I do not know, but we retired, can go to be busy and find have to get out and turn it manually. of the pneumatic tyre. Or should we say keep all fingers and toes crossed. company. They might learn to do wood inventors. In 1845 Robert Thomson from We get our orders from the government. or metalwork. They could be taught north-east Scotland came up with the Each day First Minister Nicola Sturgeon how to repair bicycles, or they may be Because, as you well know, the first ‘aerial wheel’. Four decades later John gives a TV briefing to tell us what we can do helping the local community. Whatever Boyd Dunlop from Ayrshire produced the - or rather not do - and where we can go, or work they are engaged in the aim is to Scots have been nothing if not first practical or inflatable tyre. Because, not go. Things change all the time and it’s improve physical and mental health. inventive over the years. as you well know, the Scots have been sometimes hard to know what is allowed. During the pandemic, of course, most nothing if not inventive over the years. What I can tell you is that since I last sheds have had to close. But in south- Television, telephone, fridge, bicycle, wrote, the country has been divided west Scotland, they have been keeping At this difficult time for voluntary toaster, golf… You name it they’ve come into ‘tiers,’ or regions of risk. The heavily members connected with an ambitious groups, trying to keep the camaraderie up with the idea. populated Glasgow and Edinburgh areas car project. The ‘Skeoch’ first going is vital and this fun classic has Scots have also been key in the are fairly shut down. Here in the more appeared at the Scottish Motor Show certainly kept spirits up during lockdown. medical field. Sir James Young Simpson sparsely inhabited south of Scotland in 1921. Built in Dalbeattie by James The plan now is to paint her a shade of red was among the first to pioneer the use our shops and restaurants are open, and Skeoch, it was one of the early affordable and unveil her next year, exactly a century of chloroform. Sir Alexander Fleming we can get about with care and social cars. This contraption was a dinky wee after she was first shown to the world. discovered penicillin. Sir William distancing. However, we cannot visit thing; built for two rather thin people and Leishman developed a typhoid vaccine - another household. It will pass. In the selling for £180.00. Inventive and so the list goes on… meantime, we wear masks and sanitise It should have been a rip-roaring Scotland has been famous for engineering I do not know if Scots are among hands. Many folk are working from home. success. Yet a fire at the company and shipbuilding. And to that list we those working to find a serum to Others are not working at all. Because my workshop left the designer’s dream should add car production. Back in fight the dreaded covid. I would job is in news and current affairs, I am in ruins. In the event only a handful the 1890s the Arrol Johnstone factory imagine our scientists must be in still allowed to go out and make films, of vehicles were ever sold and the at Glasgow produced one of the there somewhere. Keep at it, all albeit following strict safety rules. Skeoch was consigned to history. earliest automobiles, a six-seater dog you clever folk – we need you… Tartan of the Month

Mey Highland Games Tartan

The Scottish Banner is pleased to be when in Scotland where his title is the offering the Tartan of the Month series Duke of . The light blue blocks highlighting a variety of different, unique comprise 50 threads to celebrate the 50th and colourful tartans from around the anniversary of the Games which were world which are registered with the founded in 1970 at the suggestion of Scottish Register of Tartans in Edinburgh. HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother The Scottish Register of Tartans was whose much-loved Scottish home was established by an act of the Scottish the nearby Castle of Mey. In her memory, Parliament in November 2008 and the castle stonework is represented by promotes and preserves information about the rust coloured marl. The Mey Games historic and contemporary tartans from were the first ever to inaugurate Highland Scotland and throughout the world. Text events for para athletes and wounded and image use is courtesy of the Scottish armed forces from around the world – Register of Tartans (SRT). here represented on behalf of all such he official Chieftain of the Mey organisations by the navy blue, air force Highland Games is HRH Prince blue and red of the Help for Heroes Charles and this design is based charity. This tartan (SRT ref: 12748) was on the Rothesay Hunting tartan registered in February 2020 and designed T– one of the tartans worn by the Prince by Brian Wilton.

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

By: Nick The Stone of Destiny Drainey An infamous Christmas repatriation December 25 is the 70th anniversary of the Stone of Destiny being taken from Westminster Abbey in 1950 by four Glasgow students. The Stone of Destiny, a symbolic block of sandstone that for centuries had been used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs, was taken from Scone Abbey in 1296 by the English King Edward I and the unlikely band of thieves eventually left it on the altar of Arbroath Abbey. It was taken back to London but returned to Scotland in 1996 and is today kept at Edinburgh Castle. The however are considering returning the stone to Perth, close to where it was first used at Scone as Nick Drainey explains.

in a bid to avoid any damage. After six hours the stone was ready to be driven to a secret location in Edinburgh, under police escort. Following a national service at St Giles Cathedral on St Andrew’s Day 1996, it was ceremoniously carried up the Royal Mile to Replica of stone at Scone Abbey. Edinburgh Castle, where it was placed in the Photo: PaulT (Gunther Tschuch), CC BY-SA Crown Room beside the Honours of Scotland. 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons. The spokesperson for HES added: “Historic Environment Scotland continues stone “has become something of a talisman to look after the Stone of Destiny by ensuring for Scottish nationhood, its symbolism that is safeguarded and preserved for future becoming more significant in recent years generations through the application of best than it perhaps was at the time it was taken curatorial care. This includes the security, in 1296 by King Edward I. research, interpretation and long-term “The Stone of Destiny is a priceless conservation care of the stone by curatorial national icon for Scots. It is representative and conservation professionals.” of the ancient , prior Edinburgh Castle was deemed the most to the prolonged and bloody Wars of suitable location as it is historic, secure, Replica of the stone at Scone. Independence with England that began and accessible to large numbers of visitors. Photo: Aaron Bradley, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons. in 1296, when the Stone was removed However, the Scottish Government is (some would say ‘stolen’) by Edward I of currently considering a bid to move the stone Their aim was to return the stone to England, ‘Hammer of the Scots’. Arguably to Perth, close to where it once crowned Scotland with the hope that it would promote its symbolism has increased significantly in kings of Scotland at Scone. their call for Home Rule but it nearly fell at recent years as it has come to be viewed as Council said the city’s museum would the first hurdle when Hamilton was caught a symbolic of Scotland’s independence.” undergo a major revamp to hold the stone in hiding in the abbey by a night watchman. a purpose-built pavilion which would form He talked his way out of trouble and the centrepiece of a permanent exhibition. returned late on with the other The Stone of Destiny is an The Stone of Destiny. three conspirators. The story goes that when Photo: Historic Environment Scotland. they managed to get into the chapel where ancient icon of Scotland, used the Coronation Chair stands and pulled out for centuries at the coronation he Stone of Destiny is an ancient the stone, it promptly broke into two pieces. icon of Scotland, used for centuries Undeterred they dragged the smaller piece of monarchs and fought over at the coronation of monarchs and outside to one of the waiting cars. fought over with England. Its name But before they could return for the larger with England. Talone sounds like something from the piece a policeman was spotted – Hamilton Game of Thrones and some say the block and Matheson engaged in an embrace to of red sandstone was brought from Ireland make the officer think they were lovers, and But the spokesperson for HES also said at the end of the 4th century, others that even ended up smoking cigarettes together. that “by dint of its use in the coronations of it dates back to Biblical times and was a Finally, they went back for the larger piece of sovereigns of and Northern pillow used by Jacob. stone and dragged it out to the second car. Ireland, (the stone) is a national icon for Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey - What we do know is that it was used The larger piece was buried in a field in Kent the people of the of Great Anonymous engraver. Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. in the inauguration of the early kings of while the smaller one was left in the car which Britain and as a whole.” Dalriada and taken to Scone Abbey by King had been driven to the English Midlands. The stone remained at Westminster Kenneth MacAlpin in the 9th century – the When the theft was revealed, amid Abbey until then Prime Minister John Major reason it is sometimes called the Stone suspicion that nationalists were behind it, announced the Queen had consented to of Scone. In 1296 it was seized by English the border between Scotland and England the Stone of Destiny being returned to king Edward I who had it installed in a was closed for the first time in 400 years. Scotland, on condition that it “be taken to Coronation Chair at Westminster Abbey. A few weeks later, the conspirators brought Westminster Abbey to play its traditional the two pieces back to Glasgow and hired a role in the coronation ceremonies of future Return the stone to Scotland sympathetic stonemason to repair it. sovereigns of the United Kingdom”. Perhaps the most astonishing events took place on Christmas Day 1950 when four Scottish nationhood Long-term conservation care Scottish students carried out an audacious In April 1951 the stone was left on the altar In November 1996 the stone was theft of the stone from Westminster Abbey at Arbroath Abbey, where the Declaration transported north to Scotland under almost in London. Their subsequent success in of Arbroath – defining the idea of Scotland as much secrecy as when it had made the smuggling it back to Scotland has taken as a nation – was signed in 1320. Despite the journey in 1951. A team of conservators on a legendary status, despite it being a symbolism, however, the authorities from Scotland were escorted by armed relatively recent series of events. returned the stone to Westminster Abbey police to wait covertly in a side street until and Gavin Vernon hatched the next year (1952). Westminster Abbey had closed to visitors. the plan, with the financial backing of All four students were questioned A specially designed scaffold was erected Glasgow businessman Robert Gray, who by police, but it is widely thought the over the Coronation Chair and the stone was was also a city councillor. They called in politically sensitive nature of the incident winched into a purpose-built wooden hand 17th century portrait of Kenneth MacAlpin Kay Matheson and Alan Stuart and set meant charges were never brought. barrow, modelled on those used by medieval by Jacob Jacobsz de Wet II. Public off to London in two Ford Anglia cars, a A spokesperson from Historic Environment stonemasons. The operation had been domain, via Wikimedia Commons. journey that took them 18 hours. Scotland (HES) said that since then the repeatedly rehearsed at Edinburgh Castle,

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

Waistcoat with sail pattern

remain true to the colours used by our forebears with the traditional, greens, blues and browns forming the basis of the range.” Margaret Anne added: “At the moment, I have five experienced knitters supplying quality garments for Herring Girl. However, I am very keen to make sure Celebrating these skills and patterns are handed on, just as they were to me. I will be looking to recruit more younger knitters who are willing to learn the craft and history so it can be passed on to the next generation of Hebridean history knitters. And in these times, knitting is a therapeutic pastime which can provide a Photos: Stephen Kearney/Little Day Productions. Kearney/Little Stephen Photos: calming distraction to all that is going on Hebridean clothing range seeks to protect the legacy of the Herring Girls around us. In island culture, the herring girl is viewed as a hardworking, strong The Herring Girl knitwear range is had such a hard life and spent their time woman who was not scared of hard graft. inspired by these hardworking women off creating such gorgeous gifts for their I hope, through the Herring Girl Collection, and is using the official fishing port families. And what better way to do that we can pay tribute to their resilience and registrations to signify which community than recreate the beautiful patterns which thank them for keeping these unique the patterns relate to. The first Herring have such a strong cultural link to both traditions alive for us to take on.” Girl range has used the ‘CY’ mark, which past and present Hebridean communities. One of Herring Girl Collection’s band represents the fishing port of Each pattern has a story that relates to our of knitters known as ‘CY42 Venus’ added: on Barra. They are also currently crafting island heritage and I am proud to ensure “My granny taught us to knit when we were garments under the registrations of ‘SY’ for those patterns and styles live on and can be young, she was always knitting. It was a skill Stornoway on the and ‘BRD’ passed onto future generations. The history that she was determined we would grow Margaret Anne Elder. for Broadford on the Isle of Skye. Another of patterns is fascinating, with each island up with just as she had and I’m incredibly unique quirk of Herring Girl brand is that having its own identifiers. If you met a proud that I am able to keep the tradition small Hebridean clothing company the knitters are not known to the purchaser fisherman wearing a handknitted guernsey going. She is my inspiration every time I whose workforce is made up of by their name – instead each knitter you’d be able to tell his home port just by pick up my knitting needles.” skilled knitters and craftspeople is chooses the name and registration number looking at the pattern. As well as remaining For further details see: ensuring that an age-old tradition, of a fishing boat which is historically true to the unique designs, our hand knitters www.herringgirlcollection.com Awhich was starting to fade into the mists linked to that community. of time, is kept alive. Isle-of-Barra based Herring Girl Knitwear, which is marking one The history of patterns year since its launch, is using the unique Herring Girl founder and designer, Margaret patterns and styles first developed during Anne Elder – known as ‘CY Grian nan Oir’ the late 19thand early 20th centuries by to her customers - said: “l watched my the formidable band of women known as grandmother knitting every moment of ‘Herring Girls’, who followed the shoals of the day. Often, when she walked from her herring around the British coast. The women home village to the shop or post office she were employed in the gruelling work of could knit one sock there and one on the gutting and curing the fish for the merchants. way back. Anyone who remembers her will They came from all over the country and always talk of her knitting. For many years often spent months away from home. I’ve been determined to bring the story of the Herring Girls to life in some way, to Standard bearers for the culture honour those brave girls and women who and traditions of their communities Despite the hard work and poor living conditions, these women were standard bearers for the culture and traditions of their communities. Their time off would be spent talking, singing and knitting. Their knitting would use skills and patterns handed down over generations and learned as they grew up. Very often their completed garments would be sent home for family members to wear. The patterns would often include designs such as anchors, ship’s wheels, hearts or marriage lines – each with a distinct connection to their own home islands and the fishing industry. The pattern unique to the Barra fishermen’s guernsey Long Anchor scarf. Barra fishermen’s guernsey, the True Lovers Knot. (jumper) is the True Lovers Knot.

The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 13 THE SCOTTISH BANNER THIS MONTH IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Names & Places In The News From Today And The Past

1 - Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown 7 -The birth of Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, 16 - Thomas Blake Glover, founding father of 25 - Stone of Destiny removed from announces he is to stand down as an MP at the the Anglo-Scottish aristocrat and second Japan’s industrialisation (including Mitsubishi) Westminster Abbey. Used as the coronation next general election after 32 years. 2014 husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary and Japanese Navy, born Fraserburgh. 1838 stone of the Scottish kings from the 10th married Henry, her first cousin, on the 29 1 - The first volume ofEncyclopaedia 17 - Marriage contract between James IV and century, the stone was removed by four July 1565, to be the uncrowned “King Henry”. Britannica was published in Edinburgh, edited Margaret Tudor signed by King James. 1502 Scottish university students whose story Darnley was the second husband of Mary and by William Smellie. 1768 became a book and movie. The ringleader Ian father of King James VI of Scotland and James 17 - Lord Kelvin, scientist and inventor, died. 1907 Hamilton is a former contributor to the Scottish I of England. He was assassinated in February Banner. 1950 1567 by person unknown, although Mary’s 17 - Petrol rationing was imposed following third husband James, Lord Bothwell, was the Suez crisis and the closure of the canal. seriously implicated in the murder. 1545 1956 8 - Mary, Queen of Scots, born Linlithgow 18 - Many Scottish historical records were lost Palace. The only surviving child of James V and when the ship Elizabeth of sank off Mary of Guise, Mary ascended to the Scottish the English coast. The records had been taken throne following her father’s death when to London by Oliver Cromwell and were being she was only six days old. t, Mary Queen of returned to Edinburgh. 1661 Scots was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in 18 - Society of Antiquaries founded. 1780 1 - First lighthouse in Scotland opened (at England for her complicity in a plot to murder Queen Elizabeth I at the age of 44 years. 1542 18 - Death penalty for murder was formally Kinnaird Head, Fraserburgh). It was built by abolished in Britain. 1969 Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson. 1787 9 - King Malcolm IV, King of Scotland, died at 25 - Christmas Day becomes a public holiday 19 - The Scotsman newspaper moves to in Scotland. It was abolished in 1640. 1958 1 - Report of discovery of fossilised dinosaur Castle. 1165 new offices at North Bridge in Edinburgh, 25 - The Jacobite army reached Glasgow. footprints on the Isle of Skye. 2015 10 - King Edward VIII abdicated and King remaining there until 1999. 1904 George VI acceded to the throne. 1936 The military campaign to return a Catholic 2 - Mary Slessor, West African missionary, born 20 - First General Assembly of the Church of Stewart king to the throne in place of the 10 -The death of Duncan Forbes of Culloden, in . Slessor was adopted by an African Scotland. 1560 Hanoverian Protestant King William III. 1745 tribe, who called her “ma”. 1848 the Lord President of the Court of Session. As a prominent Whig, like many Scots Forbes 20 - Entertainer Andy Stewart was born in 26 - Alexander III, the King of Scots, was 3 - Robert Louis Stevenson died in Samoa. supported the Hanoverian cause and used his Glasgow. Stewart is perhaps best known for married to Margaret, the daughter of Henry III, The Edinburgh born author penned classics influence to dissuade a number of clans from his STV show, The White Heather Club, which King of England, in York. 1251 such as Treasure Island (1883), The Strange Case joining the Jacobites. 1747 began in 1960, and his songs Ye Canna Shuv - King Charles I, imprisoned at Carisbrooke of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886) andKidnapped 27 Yer Granny Off A Bus and Donald Where’s Yer Castle, reached an agreement with the Scots (1886). 1894 Troosers. He died in 1993. 1933 who offered military aid in exchange for 20 - Aberdeen beat European Cup Winners a promise to establish in Hamburg 2-0 to become the first Scottish club England (but only for three years). 1647 to win the UEFA Super Cup. 1983 27 - Premiere of J M Barrie’s play Peter Pan at 21 - Robert Liston, who was born in Linlithgow the Duke of York Theatre, London. Barrie was in 1794, performed the first operation in a born in Kirriemuir in 1860. 1904 British hospital using anaesthetic (ether). 28 - The disaster occurred. 10 - Designer and architect Charles Rennie 1846 75 passengers were killed when the structure Mackintosh died. Known for his ‘Glasgow style’ 21 - Pan Am 747 blew up and crashed at with works such as the House for an Art Lover, collapsed under a train during a storm. 1879 , Dumfries, killing 243 passengers, the Scotland Street School, and the Glasgow 28 - Scotland’s famous outlaw, Rob “Roy” 16 crew and 11 Lockerbie residents. The Pan School of Art. 1928 MacGregor, died. He was immortalised in Sir American jumbo jet bound for New York was Walter Scott’s novel, Rob Roy. 3 - His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen opened 11 - David Brewster, inventor of the blown out of the sky by a terrorist bomb and 1734 and soon became the city’s leading centre of kaleidoscope born. 1781 crashes onto the Scottish town of Lockerbie 28 - James IV who liked to gamble played entertainment. 1906 11 - Architect and artist Charles Rennie killing all 259 passengers and 11 people on the ‘bylis’ (similar to billiards) with a man 4 - King William I (Lion) died at Stirling and Mackintosh died. 1928 ground. 1988 described in records as “John Anderson that was succeeded by his son Alexander II. 1214 12 - Anne of Denmark, wife of King James VI, 22 - James Edward Stuart, the Old Pretender, wantis the feit and handies”. There’s also a note mentioning that the king gave Anderson 14 - Treaty of London, releasing James I from his born. 1574 son of James II, the deposed Catholic King of 4 shilling. 1501 18 years captivity in England. 1423 13 - William Drummond, poet, born. England, arrived at Peterhead in north-east Drummond was one of the first notable Scots Scotland to lead a Jacobite rebellion. 1715 29 - Charles Macintosh, who patented 4 - Essayist and historian Thomas Carlyle, best waterproof fabric, born in Glasgow. 1766 known for his History of the French Revolution poets to write exclusively in English after the 22 - Pop star Madonna married movie- in 1603. 1585 born in Ecclefechan. 1795 producer Guy Ritchie at Skibo Castle, putting 29 - William Ewart Gladstone, UK Prime 13 - The death of Thomas Glover, an industrial Dornoch into the media spotlight. The couple Minister on four occasions, born 1809. 1809 4 - Cartoon character Desperate Dan first pioneer in Japan. Born in Fraserburgh, he is has since divorced but helped create a Scottish appeared in the Dandy comic. 1937 30 - Rangers’ first match at their new Ibrox considered a national hero in Japan. Fraser wedding boom. 2000 Stadium, with capacity of 75,000. It was a 3-1 5 - King Francis II of France, husband of Mary brought the first steam train to Japan, and created 23 - Major outbreak of cholera in Scotland. victory over Hearts in the Inter-City League. Queen of Scots, died. 1560 the shipyard in Nagasaki which would eventually 1831 1899 form the Mitsubishi Corporation. 1911 5 - Death of Sir Robert Watson-Watt, the 30 -The Albion Motor Company was Brechin-born inventor of radar. 1973 14 - James V died at Falkland Palace. Mary established. At first the firm made motor 6 - King Alexander II crowned at Scone. 1214 Queen of Scots succeeded him. 1542 cars and commercial vehicles, but from 1913 6 - Charles Edward Stewart’s entry into Derby. concentrated on the latter. 1899 A reluctant Charles and his Jacobite army was 31 - Prince Charles Edward Stewart, The forced to withdraw from Derby only two days Young Pretender, was born in Rome. Known later. 1745 as “Bonnie Prince Charlie”, after the Gaelic 6 - The Battle of Dryfe Sands took place near pronunciation of his name, he led the 1745 Lockerbie, Scottish Borders, resulting in many Jacobite attempt to overthrow the Hanoverian casualties, it was a battle between the clans of monarchy. Bonnie Prince Charlie or the Young and . Many were 23 - Fife born accordionist Jimmy Shand died. Pretender, was the son of James, the Old wounded by downward sword strokes known Shand’s recordings are famous throughout the Pretender. 1720 as “Lockerbie Licks”. 1593 world due to his distinctive playing style on the 31 - 72 killed at Glen Cinema Fire, Paisley. 1929 14 - Glasgow District Underground opened, button accordion, and later on the BBC with powered by electricity, it is the third oldest The White Heather Club. 2000 underground system in the world. 1896 24 - King William I (Lion) crowned at Scone. 14 - Will Fyfe, comedian, died. 1947 1165 14 - instituted by Royal 24 - Edinburgh Castle surrendered to Oliver charter. 1967 Cromwell. 1650 15 - The Zoological Society of Glasgow was 24 - General George Wade was appointed founded on this day. 1936 Commander-in-Chief of the British army in 16 - Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector Scotland after he had reported on the need for of England, Scotland and Ireland. Cromwell military roads in the country. 1724 6 - The last 12 permanent residents leave the was the only invader of Scotland to conquer 24 - Writer and geologist Hugh Miller died. 31 - The farthing coin (a quarter of an old . 1962 the whole country. 1653 1856 penny) ceased to be legal tender. 1960

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

On Christmas Eve some families like to There are other poems and songs by attend , and on Christmas writers like Robert Louis Stevenson that Day give presents before gathering around celebrate Hogmanay and the passing of the table for a hearty lunch. People pull the year, but nothing holds a haggis to crackers, tell (bad) jokes, make toasts and Burns’s classic song. then relax for the rest of the day, often Scotland also has some weird and in front of the television to watch the wonderful Hogmanay events. The Stonehaven annual Queen’s speech or a festive film. Fireballs Festival (unfortunately cancelled in 2020) has its roots in pagan traditions is the season to be jolly! If you’re Hogmanay in Scotland – for nearly a century, residents of this celebrating Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Scotland is called Aberdeenshire town have paraded along the Hogmanay with a Scottish twist, Hogmanay. This joyful gathering was streets on Hogmanay, swinging giant fireballs there are lots of seasonal Scottish especially celebrated in the years when to drive evil spirits away and purge the old year. Ttraditions that you can take part in – some of Christmas was ‘banned’, and celebrations In Orkney you’ll need to fight for a view of them old, some of them new. There’s plenty could last for days. Edinburgh now hosts the Ba’ on New Year’s Day, which sees to do in Scotland in the winter, and many one of the world’s biggest and most famous almost the entire town turned into a football Scots love getting in the festive spirit. Hogmanay street parties, with an amazing pitch for a chaotic and competitive kickabout. But did you know that Christmas was fireworks display. All over the country, In Burghead in Moray, the ‘burning of the banned here for almost four centuries? brighten up the dark clavie’ involves carrying a flaming tar-filled Before the Reformation in 1560, Other traditions include burning a winter with music, poetry and bonfires. barrel through the streets on 11 January (the Christmas in Scotland had been a religious rowan twig as a way to get rid of any bad There are plenty of New Year’s Eve, dating back to the time feasting day. Then, with the powerful feelings between friends or family, and the Hogmanay traditions, some dating before the Gregorian calendar was adopted). Kirk frowning upon anything related ‘first-footer’, a special name given to the back centuries and some only a few Some Scots like to encourage good luck in to Roman Catholicism, the Scottish first person to arrive on Christmas Day decades old. Certainly the most famous the new year by doing a spot of ‘redding’ and Parliament passed a law in 1640 that (this tradition is now more commonly is the singing of Auld Lang Syne, which cleaning their house from top to bottom made celebrating ‘Yule vacations’ illegal. associated with New Year’s Day). To bless was written by the iconic Scottish (a good one for getting the children involved) Even after Charles II was restored to their guests, first-footers come with gifts poet Robert Burns and sees people on Hogmanay. It’s also meant to be bad luck the throne, celebrating Christmas was such as coal, , salt and bread. Black gathering together and linking arms to to clean or do laundry on New Year’s Day – in frowned upon in Scotland for a long time buns are also a popular first-footing sing in unison. This became a popular case you sweep or wash away the good luck! – it wasn’t until 1958 that 25 December gift – they’re made with raisins, currants, convention by the mid-20th century. So instead of cleaning, the more thick- became a Scottish public holiday. almonds, citrus peel, allspice, ginger and skinned of us may take part in the Loony cinnamon, and topped with pastry. Dook – a modern tradition where people take Scottish Modern Scottish Christmas traditions are a dip in the on New Year’s Day. Working on Christmas Day is now a similar to those of other western countries. Text and images are courtesy of distant memory for lots of Scots, but People sing carols () and decorate the National Trust for Scotland. there are other old traditions that people their houses with lights, putting a Christmas For more information on the Trust still hold onto. For example, some folk tree in the window and a wreath on the or to help them protect Scotland’s like to bake unleavened Yule bread for door. Children write letters to , heritage see: www.nts.org.uk each person in their family. Whoever and on Christmas Eve leave something for finds a trinket in their loaf will be him to eat (like a ) and drink (like Event programs may have changed/ blessed with good luck for the year! sherry or whisky) when he visits in the night. been cancelled this year due to covid.

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

IN SCOTLAND TODAY

The flagship distillery, due to open in 2022, will feature a top floor double height whisky , with views to Edinburgh Castle, two copper stills and the capacity to produce up to million bottles of single malt a year. The project is the brainchild of boyhood friends and distillery co-founders Patrick Fletcher and Ian Stirling. “We have always been passionate about whisky and it’s been a long-held dream for us to create an amazing, modern distillery in our home city. It began ten years ago as a mad idea over a dram when we were working together in London and it grew from there. Our ambition is to create an outstanding new style of Scotch using a modern approach, based on years of research we have already undertaken – and building on the remarkable heritage of the historic whisky district of Leith.” Ian said. The distillery will stand 131ft (40m) above the quayside, with views to Edinburgh Castle from its top floor whisky bar.

Charles Rennie Mackintosh cabinet sells for £250,000 Raise the Roof fundraising campaign at St Machar’s Cathedral

A historic church is hosting a £100,000 Community’s “impossible left the community with just months to fundraiser to help accommodate its dream” set to come true with raise millions of pounds. At times during £1.8m restoration project. St Machar’s success for South of Scotland’s the summer, the project appeared to Cathedral in Aberdeen was built biggest community buyout be seriously at risk. In the run-up to the between 1380 to 1520 and is Aberdeen’s deadline, Buccleuch Estates and The oldest building to still be in active Langholm Initiative agreed a revised use, attracting over 27,000 visitors a £3.8 million price for the purchase. year. It is a huge part of Aberdonian The community buyout is set to go ahead history, with some of the remains of as the South of Scotland’s biggest community William Wallace being held in one buyout in land value and area so far. of its twin towers. The church also has a 500-year old oak ceiling, 48 Scotland first part of UK to heraldic shields among many other ban smacking of children important historic features and relics. The South of Scotland’s largest community Smacking a child is now illegal in Scotland, However, after long-term neglect, buyout is set to go ahead following making it the first part of the UK to bring in An important work by Charles Rennie the building is going into disrepair. one of the most ambitious community such a ban. If a parent or carer physically Mackintosh made a sensational £250,000 Professor David Hewitt who is fundraising campaigns ever seen – with the punishes or disciplines their child, they during a live online auction. The bedside behind the rescue campaign said: community of Langholm in Dumfries and can be prosecuted with assault. Under the cabinet, the pair to another in the “People are finally realising that this is Galloway raising the final funds needed in current law, depending on what happened, collection of the Victoria & Albert one of the major buildings in Scotland the nick of time. A landmark community the defence of ‘reasonable chastisement’ Museum, proved the star lot in the highly and not just in historical terms – it’s a buyout agreement of £3.8 million for may be available to them. Physical anticipated Decorative Arts auction really spectacular building to look at. over 5,000 acres of land has been reached punishment or physical discipline can take held over two days on November 2-3. We’re renovating the roof, which was between The Langholm Initiative charity many forms, including smacking, skelping, Last sold at auction in 1988, the piece last done in 1867, and it was done well and Buccleuch – paving the way for the spanking and slapping. This means that all was made in 1916 for the industrialist but now, in a big wind, the cathedral’s creation of a huge new nature reserve to forms of physical punishment of children Wenman Joseph Bassett Lowke (1877- slates come off. They certainly won’t help tackle climate change, restore nature, will be against the law in Scotland, 1953) whose house 78 Derngate, after this. We’re also restoring and and support community regeneration. and children will have with the same Northampton was remodelled and cleaning all of the stained-glass Margaret Pool, Chair of The Langholm legal protection from assault as adults. furnished in the modern taste. In the wake windows, among them windows by Initiative, said: “This is an amazing result Wales is expected to follow Scotland’s lead of his success in Glasgow, Mackintosh and Daniel Cottier and Douglas Strachan, for Langholm which will live long in with a similar ban set to take place in 2022. his wife Margaret Macdonald had moved two of the most significant figures the memory. Our community has a to Suffolk in 1914 with Bassett Lowke, to work in stained glass in the 19th strong cultural connection to this land, Work begins on Scotland’s founder of the tinplate toy maker of the and 20th centuries. The ceiling at St which has never been sold before, and first vertical distillery same name, becoming his main client. Machar’s was erected in 1520 and it’s a securing it for generations to come means At 78 Derngate, Mackintosh’s style evolved flat ceiling. There’s no other flat ceiling so much to so many. Huge thanks to to focus on broad planes of polished and we know of erected in the Buccleuch for their positive engagement.” waxed timber enhanced by abalone inlay. which dates from this period. And it also The purchase – to be finalised by His production methods changed too. has its 48 heraldic shields. It’s incredible. January 2021 – will lead to the creation Unable to supervise the manufacture Here in Aberdeen, on the extremities of the Tarras Valley Nature Reserve, of these pieces, Mackintosh provided of Christendom, is this church with with globally important peatlands and drawings that were worked up by German its flat ceiling and heraldic shields ancient woods restored, native woodlands craftspeople working on the Isle of Man. arranged in three lines – one for James established, and a haven ensured for With a guide of £10,000-15,000, V and the nobles of Scotland, one for wildlife including rare hen harriers. the cabinet attracted bidders from the kings and queens of Europe, and The project will also support community around the world, eventually selling a church line headed by the Pope. regeneration, including through plans Work has begun on a new £12 million to a private British collector. St Machar’s has been a Protestant for the community to capitalise on new Scotch whisky distillery which is set to Mackintosh (1868-1928) was a church since 1560 but you still have the nature-based tourism opportunities. become a tourist landmark for Scotland’s pioneering Glaswegian architect, designer heraldic arms of the Pope up there.” The Langholm Initiative had until 31 capital. Foundations have just been laid and artist known as one of the most creative For more information and to donate October to raise the funds for a deal, to for The Port of Leith Distillery which will figures of the 20th century and Glasgow is to the cause go to: www.justgiving.com/ avoid the Scottish Land Fund withdrawing rise 40 metres above the quayside a stone’s the only city in the world where you can campaign/StMacharRaiseTheRoof their £1 million offer – a proviso that throw from the Royal Yacht Britannia. view a concentration of his renowned work.

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

By: David McVey Sir Walter’s Dryburgh was carried out after 1385 when the strikes you, the imposing remains of the abbey was destroyed by invading English buildings the next. The abbey church, troops under Richard II. The abbey was though only existing in fragments, is in serious decline by the 16th century, perhaps the most impressive survival; and it was sacked by the English again in the North Transept is the most complete 1544. At the Reformation, the surviving section and its form and surviving canons adopted the Protestant faith carvings hint at what has been lost. It is and were allowed to remain in situ. here that Scott and Haig are buried. In the 18th century the abbey remains, Elsewhere, the cloisters enclose gloomy with ivy and trees, came into an impressive square of open space, the ownership of David Erskine, Earl of the cloister garth. In the time of the Buchan. He was an antiquarian with a abbey there would perhaps have been great interest in the Border abbeys and formal gardens here, tended by lay he set about clearing the site, planting brothers. The Earl of Buchan created trees and gardens, restoring the abbey new gardens here with a statue of the and creating what he called a ‘Temple of architect Inigo jones in the centre. Caledonian Fame’ featuring memorials The ground floor buildings on the to great Scottish figures. Some of his east side of the cloister survive. work was of questionable authenticity The sacristy, as we have seen, is now but at least he ensured that the abbey the Buchan burial vault but the Chapter remains would survive. He died in 1829 House, an imposing room with a soaring and was interred in the abbey’s sacristy, barrel-vaulted stone ceiling and the which became his family’s burial vault. remains of original paintwork, is a must-see. It was a place of silence and muted discussion, yet the acoustics Nature, history and location are astounding. You hope, though it was not normal practice in the Chapter combine to make Dryburgh House, that the canons occasionally could not help bursting into a hymn. Abbey perhaps the most The south side of the cloister featured Photo: VisitScotland. special of the Border abbeys buildings that included the refectory where the canons dined. The most and it must be a real joy to impressive survival is its rose window, glassless but glorious, on the west gable. approach it on foot for those It is worth just taking a stroll in the circling the Border Abbeys Way. wooded green grounds of the abbey, past occasional follies placed by Buchan, and trees that he planted. However, the most characterful of the trees can be found at In an odd way, the abbey has become the eastern edge of the site. Legend says a temple of Caledonian fame. Three years that the Dryburgh Yew was planted here after Buchan’s death, the greatest Scot of even before the abbey was founded. That is his age, Sir Walter Scott, also died and was unlikely and difficult to prove but it almost buried at the abbey. It’s said that when certainly predates Buchan’s tree-planting Scott’s funeral cortege reached the point and is a soaring and impressive sight. where Scott would always stop to admire Nature, history and location combine the spectacular view across to the Eildon to make Dryburgh Abbey perhaps the Hills, his horses stopped as they were used most special of the Border abbeys and to, and the cortege with them. ‘Scott’s it must be a real joy to approach it on View’ remains a great tourist attraction foot for those circling the Border Abbeys today, and deservedly so; if you go by Way. It is certainly the most difficult car to Dryburgh, be sure to stop there. of access by car. Public transport is Scott was laid to rest in the Abbey not perhaps best; from Galashiels Railway Dryburgh Abbey. too far from the Earl of Buchan, whom Station take a bus to Newton St Boswells he had criticised for his architectural for that short walk with its crossing of he Border Abbeys Way is a 64- He was a friend of David I and was Lord of meddling at the abbey. The graves next the Tweed and the slow emergence of mile circular walking route Lauderdale and the splendid-sounding title to Scott are of another famous Scotsman those ancient stones among the trees. that loops through the Scottish of Constable of Scotland. He invited some and his wife. Buried in Dryburgh nearly Borders linking four of the region’s monks, or, rather, canons, from Alnwick in 100 years after Scott, Field Marshal Earl Tmonastic institutions. Their remains to establish the abbey. Douglas Haig of Bemersyde was an even are significant tourist attractions; These canons were of the Order more controversial figure than Scott, which Jedburgh, Kelso, Melrose and Dryburgh. of Premonstratensians. This is quite a mouthful, took some doing. He was the commander- Three of the Border abbeys are in but it comes from the location of the first in-chief of the British forces in France bustling, thriving towns, but Dryburgh is not. such foundation, Prémontré in France. for most of the First World War, including It occupies a quietly wooded loop of They were known as ‘white canons’ because the Battle of the Somme and the Third the Tweed next to the Dryburgh Abbey Hotel of the colour of their habits. Canons, unlike Battle of Ypres. His reputation is strongly and the small hamlet of Dryburgh itself. ordinary monks, were ordained priests contested, but here he lies, his grave The towns of St Boswells and Newton who lived in community according to their marked by the same kind of simple stone St Boswells are a short walk away, across appropriate rule; the Premonstratensian rule as the hundreds of thousands of British the Tweed by footbridge over the Tweed, was noted for its austerity. Eventually there and Commonwealth victims of the war. but you are not aware of their proximity would be six houses of the order in Scotland. when you’re at the abbey. And the winding Ancient stones among the trees river means that both St Boswells are Temple of Caledonian Fame Since 1919 the abbey has been in state several miles from Dryburgh by road. The Dryburgh Abbey buildings whose care and is now looked after by Historic th Dryburgh Abbey was founded in the ruins survive date partly from the 12 Environment Scotland. The peacefulness Scott’s View. mid-12th century by Hugh de Moreville. and 13th centuries, but major rebuilding of the site is perhaps the first thing that

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

CLAN DONNACHAIDH SOCIETY

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClanBell Visit our website to learn more about Clan Donnachaidh, our databases, Biennial gatherings, Email: [email protected] History & Traditions, the Clan Museum in Scotland, the DNA Project, the new Struan Kirk Appeal, & locate a Branch near you. blog, Quarterly journal. Clan Bell North America http://www.donnachaidh.com/ 5284 Cross Creek Court Facebook: The Clan Donnachaidh Society Acworth, GA 30102 Email: [email protected] www.clangalbraith.org Family of Bruce Edmonstone International, Inc. Australia Family of Bruce International, Inc., the only such organization “under the patronage of the High Clan Society recognized by the hereditary chief of the Name of Bruce, Council of the Chiefs of Clan Donald” Invites membership to anyone of the surname The Rt. Hon. Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, is a non-profit High Commissioner Mr A. Neil Macdonald or variations:- Edmiston/e, Edmondston, organization established to create kinship amongst its family State Commissioners members and promote interest in the Family of Bruce and NSW Mr John Currie Edmanson, Edmeston, Edmonson, its history. Membership is open to persons who qualify Qld Mr A. Neil Macdonald Edmundson, etc. Chieftain Sir Archibald by surname, by decent, or by recognized septs: , SA Ms Therese McCutcheon Edmonstone Bt of Duntreath Carruthers, Crosby, Randolph and Stenhouse. Vic Mr Norman A Macdonald Contact: Mal Edmiston www.clangregor.com Membership inquiries should be directed to: WA Ms Pamela McDonald For membership contact Keith MacGregor Donald E. Bruce Polly A. (Bruce) Tilford, Secretary 3 Laguna Ave P.O Box 56, Redding Ridge, CT 06876    President 5561 Earl Young Road [email protected] Kirwan, Qld, 4817 [email protected]. 61 (0)7 4755 4370  1051 Eagle Ridge Trail Bloomington, IN 47408 There is no joy without Clan Donald Peter Lawrie, Secretary Stillwater, Minnesota 55082 www.familyofbruceinternational.orgCLAN DONALD QUEENSLAND [email protected] Clan6 The Esplanade,Gregor Broughty Society Ferry, Dundee Australasia DD5 2EL Scotland  All MacGregors and Septs of our Clan are invited to join one of the oldest Clan Societies Commissioner: Neil Macdonald in Scotland Est 1822. If you live in Australia or  Ph: 0412 090990 New Zealand, please contact our clan Email: [email protected] representative in Australia; Web: www.clandonaldqld.org Clan Gregor  Clan Donald ELIGIBILITY: Those with the name of Frank McGregor MacDonald Macdonald McDonald McDonell, Clan Gregor Society  Donald, OR of one of the Septs of Clan Society Donald, OR with a connection through family PO Box 14 lineage. Queensland NORTH HOBART TAS 7002  Elliot Clan Society, U.S.A. There is no joy without Clan Donald Commissioner: Neil Macdonald Email:Australasia [email protected] Bill Elliott-Clan President All MacGregors andWeb. Septs www.clangregor.com of our Clan are invited to join  NSW Inc. Ph: 0412 090990 one of the oldest Clan Societies in Scotland Est 1822. If Email: [email protected] welcomes membership of all who are you live in Australia“Royal or New is Zealand,my Race please” contact our  clan representative in Australia; President: Alistair Cameron Web: www.clandonaldqld.org connected with this great border family. Frank McGregor - Clan Gregor Society  [email protected] ELIGIBILITY: Those with the name of MacDonald Direct inquires to: Jim Dougherty PO Box 14 Secretary: Terry Cameron Macdonald McDonald McDonell, Donald,  Treasurer/Membership Chair North Hobart TAS 7002 [email protected] OR of one of the Septs of Clan Donald, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]  OR with a connection through family lineage. Web. www.clangregor.com Website: www.elliotclan-usa.com www.clan-cameron.org.au There is no joy without Clan Donald “Royal is my Race”   Clan Donald, U.S.A., Inc.  Membership is open only to persons of  the blood of Macdonald, however spelled or of the blood of a recognized associate  family or is related by marriage or legal American Clan Clanadoption to either ofDonald these write for more  info and a complete Sept list. Association Australia Diane Carey-Schmitz Gregor Society U.S.A.1685 Casitas AvenueInc. Clan Chief: Captain A.A.C. Farquharson,  Pasadena, CA 91103, Membership inquiries Membership is open [email protected] to persons oft the blood MC of Invercauld Est 1909 welcomed from MacGregors   of Macdonald, however spelled or of the blood Membership inquiries are invited from descendants of all spellings and Septs  All Campbells or descendants of of a recognized associate family or is related of Farquharson and descendants of Sept family Gregor Grier MacAdams MacNish Magruder Campbells and members of Clan Septs by marriage or legal adoption to either of these names. Please contact the association by mail to: McGehee Gregory King Peter Fletcher are welcome to join the Society. Gregg Lecky Black and many others write for more info and a complete Sept list. The Secretary: Clan Farquharson For State Branches contact the Contacting our registrar, Jeanne P. Lehr William H. McDaniel Association Australia National Secretary Margaret Vallance PO Box 585 Springwood, NSW 2777 11 Ballas Crt. Email: [email protected] High Commissioner, CDUSA St. Louis, MO 63131-3038 or by Email to: [email protected] Phone: 314-432-2842, [email protected] www.clan-campbell.org.au [email protected] website: www.acgsus.org

CLAN DONALD in VICTORIA Proudly affiliated with Clan Donald Australia, Victorian Scottish Union and Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group. Represented at all major Highland gatherings in Victoria. Society CLAN DONALD VICTORIA Hamiltons and those of Hamilton descent President: Mr Norman A. Macdonald are cordially invited to join the society. Contact: [email protected] Formed in 1934, with membership from many MacDonald, McDonald and Inquiries to be sent to: Macdonald families living in Victoria. Membership available, with dance Sheri Lambert, Treasurer classes for Scottish most Friday evenings in Gardenvale. P.O. Box 5399 CLAN MACDONALD YARRAVILLE Hon Chief: Mrs Christina Milne Wilson Vernon Hills, IL 60061 Contact: [email protected] visit our website: A hereditary clan society formed by the children of Norman Hume Macdonald and www.clanhamilton.org Johan McKenzie Macdonald (nee Munro) who departed Scotland in 1854.

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

Clan Hay Clan MacLeod Societies of Australia Association April Rich The OFFICIAL Clan MacFarlane Society Membership is open to MacLeods and Septs (of any variant spelling), Clan Macpherson welcomes enquiries from Macphersons and members of our Associated families. 28 Oxbow Drive Founded 1911 - Glasgow & London For information about local activities visit our web site www.clan-macpherson.org/branches and descendants. Recognised Septs: Willimantic, CT 06226 Re-established- 1973 Grandfather Mountain, NC Africa. Derek Macpherson Australia. John L Macpherson Australian. Loch Sloy! We welcome all descendants of Askey MacAndie MacClure [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] phone +265 999 512 620 phone +61 409 122 141 Clan MacFarlane from around the world! Beaton MacAskill MacCorkill MacWilliam The American Branch of the First Family of Scotland welcomes Canada. Ed Smith England & Wales. William Macpherson Michael R. MacFarlane. FSA Scot - President Bethune MacAulay MacCrimmon Norie [email protected] [email protected] inquires from descendants of: Hay(s); Haye(s); Hayne(s); Hey(s); Brian J.W. MacFarlane - Vice President Caskie MacCabe MacGillechallum Norman phone +1 519 802 8821 phone +44 7877 363 507 Alderston; Armll;Ayer(s); Constable; Con(n); De La Haye; Delgatie; Richard G. Kilby, FSA Scot - Treasurer Harold MacCaig MacHaigh Tolmie Europe. Will Tulling New Zealand. Tony McPherson John K. Manchester - Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Delgatie; D’ Ay(e); Dellah’aY; Errol(l); Garrad; Garrow; Gifford; Lewis MacCaskey MacRaild Williamson phone +31 655 774 425 phone +64 274 587 813 Hawson; Haygood; Hayter; Hayward; Haywood; Haynie; Hayden; lnternatlonal Clan MacFarlane Society, lnc. l NSW, ACT & Qld - Peter Macleod 02 4397 3161 Scotland & Northern Ireland. Rory Macpherson USA. Robert T McPherson PO Box 398 Glenora, CA 91740 USA l [email protected] UnitedStates.Chairman@clan-macpherson. Hayfield; Hayne( s); Leask( e); Leith; Lester; MacGaradh; Peebles; Victoria & Tas - David Dickie 03 9337 4384 phone +44 7525 763 765 org phone +1 360 701 8133 [email protected] l Peeples; Peoples; Turriff; Tweeddale; Yester South Australia - Rachel Hopkins 0433 184 375 l The Clan Macpherson Museum is located in Newtonmore, Inverness Shire PH20 1DE, Western Australia - Ruth MacLeod 08 9364 6334 at the junction of the A86 and B9150, and is open from 1st April to 31st October. www.clanhay.com MACFARLANE.ORG l Email: [email protected] Ph + 44 1540 673 332. See http://www.clan-macpherson.org/museum/

The MacEanruigs, proud sons of Henry, invite you to join! Clan MacInnes The Society ClanInternational MacInnes Association of Clan THE Int’l Assn.MacInnes of Clan (Aonghais MacInnes) Society of Australia Purposes of the Society All spelling variants of MacInnes are welcome worldwide: (Aonghais) (Mc)Angus, (Mc)Kinnis, (Mc)Innis, and New Zealand ● Foster Scottish culture and activities (Mc)Ginnis, (Mc)Ninch, (Mc)Neish, (Mc)Canse, MACLEODS ● Promote Scottish festivals and games (Mc)Masters, (Mc)Innes, (Mac)Masters If your surname is MacRae, ● Assist in genealogical research Worldwide, we welcome descendants ● Foster fellowship among kith and kin www.clanmacinnes.org RICH IN HIGHLAND or you are descended from a person having the ● Promote the Eric Peofrry ,all Di spellingrector-Me variations,mber Servic includinges 14 Jakes Lane, ● Promote charitable and educational (Mc)Angus,Dexter, (Mc)Canse, ME 04930; [email protected])Ginnis, (Mc)Guenis,g TRADITIONS surname MacRae (any spelling) or that of a Sept of activities via a scholarship fund ● Gather the Clan, as directed by our Chief, (Mc)Inch, (Mc)Innes, (Mc)Innis,(Mc)Kinnis, FOR INFORMATION: the Clan then you are eligible to join our Society. Alistair of Fordell WWW.CLANMACLEODUSA.ORG (Mc)Masters, (Mc)Neish, (Mc)Ninch, and more. Australian Contact: Contact Jeff Henderson [email protected] Scott Mcinnis, Member Services: [email protected] A.L. MacLeod Roslyn MacRae 0412 291 054 email: [email protected] 0439 330 012 3923 Rockwood Way #B or visit www.macinnes.org West Valley City, UT NZ Contact: Sue Tregoweth email: [email protected] www.clanhendersonsociety.com 84120-6880

Clan Hope of Craighall Society Clan MacRae Society For all of the name and lineage of Hope Society INTERNATIONAL & AUSTRALIA Clan Macnachtan of North America President & Commissioner: Stephen J. Hope [email protected] in Australia Inc. Granted Arms in 2008 www.clanhopeaustralia.org Association Worldwide

UNITED STATES of AMERICA Membership enquiries Descendants andSepts of the We invite MacRaes of all High Commissioner: Richard Rex Hope [email protected] welcomed from Mackenzies CLAN MACNAUGHTON are invited to join our spelling variations and their Membership Chair: Cynthia Hope Henderson Worldwide Association to learn and share our descendants to join our Clan [email protected] of all spellings and Septs www.clanhope.org MacNaughton and Scottish heritage. For more info go to: MacRae Society. Learn your CANADA clanmacnaughton.net or contact Scottish MacRae history and family lineage! Contact: N Dennis, 61 Alma Street, Commissioner: Scott Hale Mary Nivison Burton, Membership Secretary at: [email protected] East Malvern 3145 Ph 03 9569 5716 www.macrae.org www.clanhope.ca [email protected] SCOTLAND Visit our website Need more info? Contact: New Second Edition! Commissioner: Colin Douglas Hope Check out your Tartan and Sept [email protected] A History of the Clan Macnachtan Bruce McRae, President www.clanhope.org Paperback available through 303-670-9611 www.clanmackenzie.org.au [email protected] https://www.facebook.com/groups/ClanHopeofCraighall Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.ca  Clan MacNeil Association      OF AUSTRALIA  For all enquiries about the clan and Clan MacLaren Clan Labhran membership contact.  Pantone 363 U Pantone 368 U     Pantone 186 U ůĂŶDĂĐ>ĂƌĞŶ  ůĂŶ>ĂďŚƌĂŶ  John McNeil   21 Laurel Avenue, Linden Park,  Society  SA 5065   Email [email protected]  Chief: Ian Maitland, The ! Clan Irwin Association  We are all related! Contact your local society  Clan MacNeil Association North America: Rosemary Maitland Thorn Clan Irwin Association Patron [email protected] www.clanmaitlandna.org Alexander Irvine of Drum  of Australia th Clan MacLaren Society of Australia Australia: Carole Maitland [email protected] 27 Baron of Drum & Chief of the Name. ůĂŶDĂĐ>ĂƌĞŶ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨƵƐƚƌĂůŝĂ For all enquiries about the clan and Contact: Barbara Edelman, Chairman (includes New Zealand members) 4230 Colac- Lavers Hill RoadWeeaproinah. VIC. 3237 65 Colonial Drive, Telford, PA 18969 ;ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐEĞǁĞĂůĂŶĚŵĞŵďĞƌƐͿ membership contact: John McNeil New Zealand: Judette Maitland [email protected] 215-721-3955 [email protected] www.clanmaclarenau.orgǁǁǁ͘ĐůĂŶŵĂĐůĂƌĞŶĂƵ͘ŽƌŐ 21 Coopers Avenue 33 Disley Street, High bury, Wellington 6012. NZ IRWIN • IRVIN • IRVINE • IRVING • ERWIN • ERVIN [email protected]ĐůĂŶŵĂĐůĂƌĞŶĂƵΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ Leabrook, South Australia 5068 We welcome all with Maitland, Lauderdale, Maitlen and similar Over 270 ways the name has been spelled since 325 A.D. name spelling. See the entire list and your family history at: ϬϰϮϮϮϮϯϭϲϭ www.clanirwin.org 0422 223 161 Phone: 08 833 33990 Email: [email protected] www.clanmaitland.org.uk

Clan Munro Association, U.S.A Clan MacLaren We are the only national organization of Clan MacAlpine MacLaren MacLaurin Lawrence Munro in the U.S .A. affiliated with the Lawson Low[e] (Association) of Scotland. Society Low[e]ry Law[e] Patterson COME JOIN US! 102 Rainbow Drive #48 MacPatrick MacRory Web site: www.Clanmunrousa.org Livingston, TX 77399-10020 USA Mark A. McLaren, President Write: Heather Munro Daniel Earl Dale McAlpine - President 4600 Lloydrownn Road Email: [email protected] [email protected] Mebane, NC 27302

Clan MacDougall Society of North America, Inc. Oliphant Clan Clan MacDougall Society of North America, Inc. Valerie McDougall Valerie McDougall Clan MacLellan VP Membership VP Membership & Family Association MacDougall MacDowall MacDougall 505-470 Scenic Drive, London, ON MacDowall John B. McClellan, Jr. N5Z 3B2 of North America N5Z 3B2 Email: [email protected] Home page: www.macdougall.org Treasurer Email: [email protected]: www.facebook.com/clanmacdougall Home page: www.macdougall.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/clanmacdougall 383 Ash Brook Lane The only home Names Associated with Clan MacDougall of Argyll Clan MacNicol and Clan MacDowall of Galloway for all Clan Oliphant Names Associated with Clan MacDougall of Argyll Sunnyvale, TX Coul MacCoul Macoual in the Americas. Conacherand ClanMacConacher MacDowall of Galloway 75182-3250 Chief: John MacNeacail Coyle MacCoyle CoulDole MacCoulMacDole MacoualMacDill Doual MacDoual McDougal Email: [email protected] of MacNeacail and Scorrybreac DougalConacher MacDougalMacConacherl MacDougald Oliphant - Olyphant - Oliphint CoyleDougle MacCoyleMcdougle McDougald Invites all MacLellans and their descendants regardless Dugal MacDugal MacDugle Olifant -Olifent DowallDole MacDowalMacDole MacDowallMacDill Contact Ross Nicolson DoualMacDowell MacDoualMacdowell McDougalMcDowell of surname spelling to join in preserving our heritage. and all descended DougalLullich MacDougalMcLullich l MacDougaldMacCullich MacCulloch McCulloch MacCullagh Various family names are MacLellan(d), McClellan(d), 10/377 North Rocks Rd., MacClintockDougle MacLintockMcdougle McLintockMcDougald DugalMacHale MacDugalMcHoul MacDugleMactheul MacHowell MacCowan McCown McLellan(d) and Gilliland. Carlingford NSW 2118 [email protected] MacKichanDowall M’GowallMacDowal MacNamellMacDowall MacDowellMacLucas MacdowellMacLugash McDowellMacLuke Visit our website: www.clanmaclellan.net www.clanmacnicol.org www.OliphantOfNorthAmerica.org 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 MacLucas MacLugash MacLuke The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 19 Spelling Variations May Vary or Omit the Mac, Mc THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scottish Associations and Societies Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If you are a descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Poulk, Poolke, Pogue The Scottish Australian - you are cordially invited to contact: Heritage Council A. D. Pollock, Jr. PO Box 404 Greenville, KY 42345 e-mail: [email protected] Clan Pollock Australia Through our platform of projects and events ASF Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If you are a Membership and inquiries from all Sinclairs, helps share and strengthen the heritage and cultural Membership is welcomed descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Sinclair Septs and Sinclair descendants. message of Scotland’s past and future. A bridge from all Australians of Scottish descent. Poulk, Poolke, Pogue - you are cordially invited to contact: For further info contact between the United States and Scotland. For information please contact A. D. Pollock, Jr. President: WayneSinclair 0417 146 174 www.americanscottishfoundation.org The Hon Secretary SAHC, Susan Cooke Secretary : Liane Sinclair 0410 045 263 Ph: 0411097724 PO Box 404 Email: [email protected] Greenville, KY 42345 E: [email protected] www.scottishaustralianheritagecouncil.com.au e-mail: [email protected] www.clansinclairaustralia.com

 ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐ Ross Clan in AustraliaClan Ross >ĂŶŐƵĂŐĞůĂƐƐĞƐ͗ The clan is active again in Australia  for information contact in Australia tĞĚŶĞƐĚĂLJƐϳ͗ϬϬͲϴ͗ϯϬƉŵ Commander Des Ross(By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of and Balnagowan) Comunn Gàidhlig for information contact Commander Des Ross The Stewart Society  ĚƵƌŝŶŐƐĐŚŽŽůƚĞƌŵƐ  ϰϮϬͲϰϮϰtŝůůŝĂŵ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕tĞƐƚDĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ͘ We would be pleased to hear from anyone with Ross Clan (By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) Welcomes Stewarts, however spelt, by name, Astràilia heritage and interest. birth, or descent, from all over the world. Annual (The Scottish Gaelic Association of Australia) is a  ŽŶƚĂĐƚ͗DĂƵƌŝĐĞ&ŽǁůĞƌϬϰϬϴϮϮϯϮϳϳ We wouldcontact Commander Des Ross at be pleased to hear from anyone [email protected] nonprofit organisation which supports the language with Ross Clan heritage and interest. Gathering in historic, Stewart-related properties in ŵĂŝů͗ƐĐŽƚƚŝƐŚŐĂĞůŝĐǀŝĐƚŽƌŝĂΛŐŵĂŝů͘ĐŽŵ Scotland. Newsletter. Annual magazine. and culture of Scottish Gaels. Ruaraidh MacAonghais, N each Cathrach (Convenor)  Contact: Commander Des Ross at ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐ^ŽĐŝĞƚLJŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ Please inquire: The Secretary Phone: 04 0482 2314 E-mail: [email protected]  [email protected] M 0403 830 853 53 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HT, Web: www.ozgaelic.org   &ŽƵŶĚĞĚŝŶϭϵϬϱ Ken Duthie JP Director of Publicity M 0409 322 374 Tel/Fax 0131 220 4512 www.stewartsociety.org Mail: PO Box A2259, SYDNEY SOUTH 1235 ŚƚƚƉƐ͗ͬͬǁǁǁ͘ƐĐŽƚƚŝƐŚŐĂĞůŝĐǀŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ͘ĐŽŵ       Clan Ross America  žŝƐŝƌ'ŚăŝĚŚůŝŐŚŝŽĐƚžŝƌŝĂ Representing the great Highland Clan of Ross since 1976. ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐŚŽŝƌŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ  ǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĐĞŬ͘ĐŽŵͬ^ĐŽƚƚŝƐŚ'ĂĞůŝĐŚŽŝƌŽĨsŝĐƚŽƌŝĂ Society in ŽLJŽƵůŝǀĞŝŶDĞůďŽƵƌŶĞ͍ƌĞLJŽƵŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚĞĚŝŶ'ĂĞůŝĐĂŶĚ Australia Incorporated Caledonian Society  ŝƚƐŵƵƐŝĐ͕ŽƌĚŽLJŽƵƐŝŵƉůLJĞŶũŽLJƐŝŶŐŝŶŐ͍tŚLJŶŽƚũŽŝŶƵƐ͍ ZĞŚĞĂƌƐĂůƚŝŵĞƐ͗ Contact: M Hodgkinson of WA Inc.  dŚƵƌƐĚĂLJϳͲϵƉŵĚƵƌŝŶŐƐĐŚŽŽůƚĞƌŵƐ͕ Paul D Ross, President 212 MacKenzie Street Promotes Scottish Culture and Traditions dĞƌŵϭϮϬϮϬďĞŐŝŶŶŝŶŐϲƚŚ&ĞďƌƵĂƌLJ  Virg Bumann, VP Membership Toowoomba 4350 (07 4632 8559) in Perth, Western Australia ĂƚdŚĞ<ŝůĚĂƌĂĞŶƚƌĞ͕ƌĞĂƌŽĨ 1015 Archer St, San Diego, CA, 92109 [email protected] For further details contact John: 0427 990 754  ϯϵ^ƚĂŶŚŽƉĞ^ƚƌĞĞƚ͕DĂůǀĞƌŶ͘  [email protected] Email: [email protected] http://goldenvale.wixsite.com/clansutherlandaus ŽŶƚĂĐƚZĂŐŚŶĂŝĚEŝĐ'ĂƌĂŝĚŚ [email protected] www.caledoniansocietyofwainc.com  www.clanross.org Facebook: Clan Sutherland Society in Australia ƌĂĐŚĞů͘ŚĂLJΛŝŝŶĞƚ͘ŶĞƚ͘ĂƵ 

  SHOULDER TO SHOULDER   Clan Ross of Clan Sutherland  Society of North  The United States  David Ross of Ross, Baron Balnagowan, America Inc. Hunter Valley Chief of the Clan invites all Ross’, septs and their The Society cordially invites membership of all Sutherlands   descendants toto join in preserving our heritage. Scots Club Inc The Society of St. Andrew (however the name is spelled) and of the associated families: Promotes and supports all forms of Scottish www.theclanross.com Cheyne, Duffus, Gray, Frederith, Mowat and Oliphant. in Newcastle, Hunter Valley and surrounding areas.  (Queensland) Limited  Members and interested people are welcome to ABN 30 093 578 860 [email protected] Email: [email protected] attend activities such as Burns Night, Caledonian Night, Invites membership of all people of St Andrew’s Day, and other social functions.  Contact L. Q. Ross Website: www.ClanSutherland.org Scottish descent or association 105 S. Graham Ave, Orlando, Fl 32803 Web: hvscots.org Email: [email protected] The Secretary, P.O. Box 3233, South Brisbane, BC, P.O. Box 34, Kotara NSW 2289 www.standrewsociety.com 

 Scots of Victoria The Robert Burns Club Coordinating Group of Melbourne Inc.  Supporting the Scottish Australia > Promotes interest in the works, life and  Community in Victoria Ian J Young AM milieu of the Scottish Poet Robert Burns Convenor > Celebrates Scottish Culture Scottish Resource Centre Australia Group Level 1, 420 – 424 William St. Membership inquiries: > Conducts Annual Burn Supper, Poetry  Clan Chief: The Duke of Buccleuch KT, K.B.E West Melbourne VIC 3003 Clan Young Australia Afternoon & Pleasant Sunday Afternoon Commissioner: Heather de Sylva 10 Cedric Street

Membership welcome from Scotts and Septs: Parkdale VIC 3195 For Membership Information contact: E-mail: [email protected] Balwearie, Harden, Laidlaw, Geddes & Langlands. [email protected] Secretary: Noel Wright (03) 8333 0973 Email: [email protected] Website: https//scotsofaus.org.au E: [email protected] www.facebook.com/groups/youngsofaustralia/ Facebook: facebook.com/ScotsofVictoria

Clan Shaw Society Invites membership or inquires from all: Victorian Scottish Union Inc Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy, Established 1905 MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, Scottish Heritage Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Umbrella group representing the interest

Mike Shaw of Scottish Clans and Societies in Victoria. Secretary USA, Inc. Affiliated Clans & Societies 2403 West Cranford Denison, TX 75020 Ballarat Highland Dancing Geelong Scottish Dance P.O. Box 457 Balmoral Highland Dancing Society Glenbrae Celtic Dancers Clan Shaw Society Begonia City Highland Dancing Society Kilmore Celtic Festival Clan Wardlaw Association Pinehurst, NC 28370 Brunswick Scottish Society Maryborough Highland Society Invites membership or inquires from all: Clan Donald Victoria Mornington Peninsula Caledonian Society Founded 2004 Welcomes membership of anyone interested Victoria Society Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy, Clan Macdonald Yarraville Inc The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne Worldwide organization for all Wardlaws or related in the exchange of people and ideas between Clan Mackenzie of Australia Robert Burns Club of Camperdown MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, Australia Warrnambool & District Caledonian Society families. We invite you to join us. Scotland and the United States. Clan Sinclair Association Warrnambool Caledonian Highland Dancing Society Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Clan Sutherland Australia Email: [email protected] Write or phone for our free brochure. Chief: Ms Ceilidh McKinna Robertson Secretary: Mike Shaw www.scottishheritageusa.org President: Mr Douglas Pearce ‘Wardlaw ivermair!’ Secretary: Mrs Jan Macdonald 2403 West Cranford www.clanwardlaw.com email: [email protected] T: 03 9360 9829 M: 0438 584 930 (910) 295-4448 E: [email protected] Denison, TX 75020 Wardlaw Tartan and Ancestry Books www.victorianscottishunion.com

Page 20 • The Scottish Banner • December 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Popular Pipes of Christmas Concert to return via the internet “Festival of Advent” to showcase acclaimed Scots performers in beautiful and historic settings.

of God in bringing heaven to earth on Christmas day. I applaud and celebrate all the hard work by the many individuals in making this event happen and I wish it every success.” The first Pipes of Christmas concert was held in 1999 and since that date the event has grown considerably anhattan’s annual Pipes of with a larger company and extended Christmas concert, a joyous performance runs. The producers have celebration of Celtic music frequently commissioned new music for and poetry produced by the bagpipe, clarsach and other instruments. MLearned Kindred of Currie, returns for a Traditionally, part of the programme is joyous 22nd year. Traditionally held in conducted in Scots Gaelic. Money raised packed out venues, the 2020 production from the concerts has helped fund the will instead bring this much-loved ‘festival Learned Kindred’s outreach and charitable of the soul’ to a worldwide audience in a programme. new, unique and creative way. Jamie: BBC Scotland presenter Jennifer: Royal National Mod Gold The Learned Kindred of Currie and singer Jamie MacDougal Medalist Jennifer Port performs at A “Festival of Advent” The Curries/Currys, originally known performing from Glasgow Cathedral. Dornoch Cathedral in Golspie. This year, in light of Covid-19 restrictions, as MacMhuirich were for centuries the Learned Kindred is proud to introduce hereditary bards to the MacDonald Lords their Video – a festive in , Canada and holiday season and despite the Covid-19 of the Isles and the Clan MacDonald of series of video webcasts – a much the United States through scholarships pandemic, I am delighted to see the Clanranald. Professor Hugh Cheape of the needed helping of Christmas cheer in and sponsorships. It’s a small gesture, innovative programme planned for 2020,” National Centre for Gaelic Language on these difficult times. To complement but during Advent, a time of hope and said Joni Smith, Counsellor for the Scottish the Isle of Skye said of the MacMhuirichs, the new format the production team anticipation, it was important to us that we Government USA and a former Honorary “This kindred as ‘bardic dynasty’ with commissioned a series of inspirational didn’t sit this one out.” Chairman for the concert. “I applaud such a remarkable history ought now films from the Highlands and Islands all the hard work that has gone into its to be recognised on the wider stage of Scotland, Nova Scotia and New York. Learned Kindred’s only fundraiser production and wish it every success.” of Scottish culture as a family with an The first webcast will air on the Kindred’s This annual concert is the Learned The Reverend Canon Dr. Joseph J. independent role at the centre of a widely YouTube channel on 29 November, the Kindred’s only fundraiser, generating Morrow, added, connected and well-ordered culture that first Sunday in Advent, with further videos their operating budget for the year ahead. “The joy this concert is marking at the characterised Gaelic Scotland.” on following Sundays, culminating with Losing the concert income is financially season of Advent will be something For a complete schedule of broadcasts, a one-hour production on Christmas Eve devastating to their outreach programmes of a glimpse of God’s Glory as well an visit the concert website at: www. and Christmas Day. which support young people in education anticipation of the coming of the surprise pipesofchristmas.com In this dreadful year, too many in Scotland, Canada and the United States livelihoods have been severely impacted through scholarships and sponsorships. Spaces for People 20mph trial gets – the creative and performing industries Recipients of concert funds have Flowers of the Forrest have been particularly hard hit. With many included the Royal Conservatory of underway in the Scottish Borders Chief of traditional Day, Christmas Scotland, the National Piping Centre, ive communities in the Scottish and other productions cancelled, lights Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Royal National Mod Borders have become the first to have gone off in theatres and halls across and the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia. have 20mph signage installed as the world. Robert Currie, President of the Currie added, “It is our hope that via a part of our Spaces for People trial. Currie Family Society, a not-for-profit crowdfunding programme, our friends, FA 20mph speed limit is now in place in organisation, said, “While the making of family and followers will consider making Coldingham, Eddleston, Newcastleton, this new video production has brought a donation to help defray production Sprouston and Stow, with work to begin badly needed employment to creative costs and provide us with some funds to in more communities soon. A total of 91 people who might not otherwise be operate in 2021.” A minimum donation of villages and towns will see their streets working, the Learned Kindred wanted to 20 GBP (30 USD) is suggested but viewers move to a 20mph limit by the end of this do more. In 2020, we will use part of the may donate as much as they wish. The year, as part of the 18-month pilot. proceeds from our Pipes of Christmas concert website will include a PayPal link Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Festival of Advent to support the artists and donations can be made and will be Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Vale-Dr. John Ru Morrison, Chief of the Clan and Name of Morrison, who has working in the beleaguered creative gratefully accepted at any time. Transport said: “I am pleased that the passed away. The Scottish Banner sends industries. This is in addition to our “The Pipes of Christmas has, over two Spaces for People 20mph trial is now our condolences to his family and all continued support of young people decades, become a treasured part of our underway and has been well received in members of Clan Morrison worldwide. the first communities to see the signage installed. We also understand some people may have some reservations but this is a Scotword answers from page 6 trial which we believe has the potential Across: Down: to help our communities lead healthier 1 Galashiels 1 Glencarse lifestyles, which is why we wanted to work with Sustrans Scotland to try out 8 Tenor 2 Ladle these new measures. We will continue 9 Elder 3 Straths to provide advanced notification of 10 Extra 4 Iced when communities will see their signage 11 Crests 5 changed to 20mph and are regularly 12 Littered 6 Inverness updating our timetable. We will also be 13 Radish 7 Braid asking the public for feedback in 2021 once 15 Inverewe 8 Tattie the signage is in place across all Borders 18 Emulated 14 Drum Major communities.” 20 Lowsed 16 Elderslie Once the trial 22 Armadale 17 Well done is completed and 23 Editor 19 Ardent assessed it will 26 Noose 21 Old year Gillebride: Royal National Mod Gold be decided if the 27 Expel 22 Arise Medalist singer, Gillebride MacMillan speed changes are Gibb: Guitarist Steve Gibb, 28 Short 24 Tipsy performs at Glencorse Old Kirk, the setting made permanent. for Jamie and Clare’s wedding in Outlander. originally from Inverness, Scotland. 29 Cellardyke 25 Deil

The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 21 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN THE SCOTTISH KITCHEN Christmas mince pies

This month gather friends and family around and eat perhaps a bit more than you should, and celebrate Christmas and Ingredients: Hogmanay with a great range of 225g/9oz. plain flour 2 tsp ground cinnamon food and drink. From our table to 140g/5oz. chilled butter, cut into cubes yours-Happy Holidays! 55g/2oz. ground almonds 25g caster sugar Honey glazed ham 1 egg, yolk only Method: 55g/2oz. golden marzipan For the pastry, sift the flour into a bowl Ingredients: Pour any juices that have collected 170g/6oz vegetarian mincemeat and rub in the lard and butter until in the kitchen foil into a small pan, 2 tbsp sherry For cooking the ham: the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. and warm through gently. caster sugar, for sprinkling 2kg/4lb 8oz unsmoked boneless Add the salt, baking powder and four Carve the gammon, serve on a large cream, custard, or brandy butter, to serve ham/gammon joint, tied tablespoons of cold water and mix to a platter and spoon over the warmed juices . 2 onions, halved Method: soft dough. Turn out and knead into a 2 carrots, unpeeled, cut Put the flour in a blender with the ball. Wrap in cling film and leave to chill into 5cm/2in pieces Festive roast potatoes cinnamon. Add the butter and blitz to in the fridge while you make the filling. 2 celery stalks, cut into 5cm/2in pieces form fine breadcrumbs. Add the almonds, Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/ 4 bay leaves sugar, egg yolk and 2-3 tbsp of cold water Gas 4 (fan 160C). 12 black peppercorns and blitz to form a soft dough. Knead the For the filling, mix all the small handful cloves dough briefly on a floured surface, then ingredients together in a large bowl. For the glaze: wrap in cling film and chill for 30 minutes. Line a 900g/2lb loaf tin with baking 4 tbsp runny honey Meanwhile, chop the marzipan parchment. On a lightly floured surface, 4 tbsp English mustard or substitute into small pieces. Stir into the roll out two thirds of the pastry to a mincemeat, along with the sherry. rectangle large enough to line the tin. Method: Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/ Drape into the tin and press up against Place the gammon joint into a large lidded Gas 5. Thinly roll out the pastry and cut the sides. Spoon the filling into the saucepan, cover with cold water and bring out twelve 7.5cm/3in rounds. Place the tin, pressing down to compress. to the boil over a high heat. Drain the Ingredients: rounds in a greased 12 hole tart tin. Divide Roll out three quarters of the remaining water from the saucepan, add fresh cold 10 large King Edward potatoes, the mincemeat between the pastry cases. pastry to a rectangle large enough to cover water, the onions, carrots, celery, bay and peeled, cut into large chunks Cut out 12 stars and place one on the tin. Dampen the edges of the pastry peppercorns and bring to the boil once 50g/1¾oz. lard, dripping or vegetable oil top of each tart. Bake for 20 minutes with water and press the pastry lid on top more. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid 2 pinches sea salt until the pastry is golden and cooked to seal. Trim the edges and crimp using and simmer the gammon and vegetables through. Transfer to a wire rack and Method: the tines of a fork. Roll out the remaining gently for 20 minutes per 500g/1lb 2oz. (If sprinkle with caster sugar. Serve with Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6. pastry, along with any trimmings, and your pan is not quite large enough to cover cream, custard or brandy butter. Simmer the potatoes in a large use to make a bow to decorate the the joint completely, turn the gammon pan of salted boiling water for 4-5 top, then attach with a little water. over halfway through the cooking time.) minutes, or until the outside of the Black Bun Glaze with beaten egg and bake for two Remove the gammon from the potatoes are beginning to soften. hours. Remove from the oven and leave water and set aside to cool for Thoroughly drain the potatoes and to cool in the tin before turning out. 15 minutes. (The cooking liquid briefly shake them around in the colander can be strained and reserved for or pan to roughen up the edges. making soup for another time.) Melt the lard in a deep flameproof roasting Preheat the oven to 200C/180C tray on a high heat and fry the potatoes Ingredients: Fan/Gas 6 and line a large on each side until they begin to brown. 1 large orange roasting tin with kitchen foil. Sprinkle with salt, to taste, and roast 3 lemons Use a small knife to remove the rind for 30 minutes, or until starting to colour. 12 cloves from the gammon joint, leaving as Turn the potatoes and return to Ingredients: 2 satsumas or clementine’s much of the fat intact as possible. the oven for a further 20-30 minutes, For the pastry: 2 x 750ml. bottles red wine Score the fat in a diamond pattern, and or until golden-brown and crisp. 300g/10½oz. plain flour 2 cinnamon sticks push a clove into the centre of each ‘X’. 75g/3oz. lard, cubed 150g/5½oz. caster sugar (optional) Place the gammon into the foil- 75g/3oz. butter, cubed brandy, to taste (optional) lined roasting tray, ensuring that the Sage and onion pinch salt sides of the foil come halfway up the Method: Ingredients: ½ tsp baking powder joint to contain any roasting juices. Carefully peel the zest very thinly from 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped 1 free-range egg, beaten, for glazing the orange and lemons using a vegetable For the glaze, mix the honey and 1 tbsp vegetable oil mustard together and brush half of it For the filling: peeler. Squeeze out the juice and reserve. 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped evenly over the gammon, including one 200g/7oz. plain flour Stick the cloves into the satsumas. 80g/3oz fresh white breadcrumbs side of the joint. Roast in the centre of the 300g/10½oz. raisins Pour the wine, 1.2 litres/2 pints of cold salt and pepper oven for 10 minutes, then take the joint out 300g/10½oz. currants water, and the citrus peel and juices into 1 egg, beaten and brush the top and remaining side with ½ tsp. ground ginger a large, heavy-based saucepan. Add the the rest of the glaze. Return the gammon Method: ½ tsp. ground cinnamon clove-studded satsumas and cinnamon to the oven for a further 10– 15 minutes, Sweat the onion in the oil, until ½ tsp. ground allspice sticks. Bring the mixture just to the boil, rotating the tin so that the opposite side of soft but not coloured ½ tsp. mixed spice then reduce the heat until the mixture the gammon faces the back of the oven. Mix together the onion, sage and ¼ tsp. ground black pepper is simmering, cover the pan with the lid, The gammon is ready when the fat breadcrumbs and season well. 100g/3½oz. dark muscovado sugar and continue to simmer for about 1 hour. on top is glossy and golden brown. Add enough of the beaten egg to bind the 100g/3½oz. mixed peel, chopped Stir in the sugar gradually during cooking, Cover loosely with foil if the top mixture together and use to stuff meat or ½ tsp bicarbonate of soda until the mulled wine is sweetened to your begins to look too brown. Remove the poultry or to roll into individual stuffing balls. 2 tbsp. whisky liking (you may not need all of the sugar). gammon from the oven and set aside If making stuffing balls, cook in 1 free-range egg Strain the mulled wine to rest for 15 minutes before carving. a roasting tin for 30 minutes. 3 tbsp buttermilk and serve hot in cups.

Page 22 • The Scottish Banner • December 2020 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Sally Gall What was Christmas like

Lochleven Castle as it would have for Mary Queen of Scots? appeared during Mary’s captivity. She was never to spend another Christmas ‘Mary’ Christmas everybody! From spectacular festive parties to tragedy and as a free woman. The following year, Mary fled to England, seeking the protection of imprisonment, drama was never far away during a Christmas with Mary Queen of Scots. her cousin, Elizabeth I. Instead she was taken prisoner. In the years that followed, Darnley’s capricious nature made him Just before Christmas 1566, Mary she was moved from castle to castle at unpredictable and untrustworthy. While Mary arranged a three-day celebration at Stirling the direction of her captors. Twice she enjoyed the Yule festivities, Darnley made Castle to follow the baptism of her son, the was moved on Christmas Eve – first in a great show of piety. No doubt he aimed future James VI. There were the wintry weather of 1584 to the dark, to show up the queen with his excessive masques – stylised theatrical performances damp Tutbury Castle, and second, while devotions. Thomas Randolph, English – penned by George Buchanan. seriously ill, to Chartley Hall in 1585. ambassador to Mary’s court, compared A pasteboard enchanted fortress was It was here that she was discovered in a Queen Mary’s Audience Mary and Darnley’s differing experiences erected, which guests watched being plot to kill Elizabeth and take her throne. Chamber, . of Christmas: attacked by Moors, centaurs and fiends. Mary was executed at Fotheringhay Castle “The Queen’s husband never gave greater A grand feast was served from a on 8 February 1587. During her many Text and photos courtesy of Historic Environment Scotland. All images: © Crown Copyright HES. © Crown images: All Scotland. Environment and photos courtesy of Historic Text ary Queen of Scots lived in token of his religion than this last night mechanical moving stage, operated by cheerless Yuletides in England, Mary must a time of contradictions, [Christmas Eve]. He was at Matins and Mass centaurs and nymphs. Finally, fireworks have remembered her in when Renaissance luxury in the morning, before day, and heard the lit the night sky and cannon fire Scotland with fond regret. The days spent was expected, but Protestant High mass devoutly upon his knees, though proclaimed the end of the festival. playfully reversing roles and feasting with Mausterity was preached. What, in these she herself, the most part of the night, sat up friends were among the freest of her life. changing times, did Christmas mean to at cards and went to bed when it was Christmas in captivity Historic Environment Scotland is the lead Mary? Mary was born in the bitter winter almost day.” By Christmas 1567, Mary was a captive public body established to investigate, of 1542. Deep snow lay over Linlithgow Darnley was still sulking a year later, when in Lochleven Castle. Darnley had been care for and promote Scotland’s historic Palace on 8 December, transforming the he was conspicuously absent from one of assassinated, and Scottish nobles had environment. For more details see: wide peel into a world of white. Only six the most spectacular events of Mary’s reign. forced her to abdicate in favour of her son. www.historicenvironment.scot days later she became queen, when her father died in despair after his army was routed at the Battle of Solway Moss. Her first Christmas, or Yule, must have been a subdued affair, with the roads blocked, the infant queen weak, and the court mourning the death of the king.

Yuletide tragedy Mary was to spend another Christmas in mourning. After a happy childhood in France, she experienced a personal tragedy in the weeks before Yule 1560. Footsteps to Linlithgow Palace. Stirling Castle. On 5 December, Mary’s husband, Francis II of France, died. Her mother, who had been acting as regent of Scotland in Mary’s absence, had passed away six months earlier. In these sad circumstances, Mary came of age, and decided to return to Scotland. In Scotland, she kept Christmas according to the traditions of the time. The period of Yule was 12 days of entertainment, feasting, dancing and merriment – as well as attending church services and making offerings of devotion. Though Scotland was now officially Protestant, Mary adhered to her Catholic customs.

Holyrood hi-jinks Her first adult Christmas in Scotland was spent at Holyrood Palace, with great mirth and mischief. On , in accordance with tradition, a bean was baked into a ‘Twelfth cake’, and whoever found it in their slice became queen for the day. Mary Fleming – one of Mary’s ladies-in-waiting – was duly crowned “Queen of the Bean” and seated in state on Mary’s throne. Mary spent the next five Christmases at Holyrood. In 1565 she was there with her second husband – Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley. The two were often at odds.

The Scottish Banner • December 2020 • Page 23