THE THISTLEDOWN Scottish Society of Tidewater, Inc.

SPRING 2011 VOLUME 28, ISSUE NUMBER 2 SST Day Ceilidh 2011

“Paying the Piper,” Tom Crouch, with a wee taste.

SST President John McGlynn recites “To a Haggis…” Amazing Grace...

Now THAT’S a flaming haggis!

Members of the Scottish Theatre of Virginia gave a stunning performance.

Continued on page 6

PAGE 2 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 About the Scottish Society A Few Words from the President of Tidewater, Inc. Dear SST Members, It’s been a busy Spring for your new Board and SST since the annual membership meeting in T he Scottish Society of Tidewater exists to March. After being sworn in, your Board furiously promote the preservation and study of Scottish cul- set to work on the events of the new SST year: ture, including music, language, art, history, folk- The St. Patrick’s Day Ocean View Parade on lore, dance, literature, athletics, and all other things March 12 had a number of SST members partici- distinctively Scottish among interested persons in pating and our Nessie float lent a festive air to the the Hampton Roads, Virginia area and to cooperate event. Poor Nessie is showing her age and with a with like-minded persons, groups and organizations little cosmetic surgery she revived for what will be here and abroad. her last parade. But she will rise again, new and A meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each improved. Stacy Apelt has offered to build a new month at the Church of Ascension Community Cen- Nessie. Thanks Stacy. Nessie was the brain child of ter, 4853 Princess Anne Rd., Virginia Beach, VA Larry McCauley and built originally by Stacy. 23462-4446. Social time begins at 7:00pm, and the March 27 was the 2nd annual ODU International meeting starts at 7:30pm. Anyone interested in Festival. This year we had our SST display table. Scottish culture and history is invited to attend. The event had thousands of attendees and it was a great opportunity to showcase our culture. Thanks to Terri Woodward for heading this up. P.O. Box 3733, Norfolk, VA 23514-3733 Next, a big item on our agenda was the SST Tartan Day Ceilidh. It was www.tidewaterscots.org held on April 9th at the Church of the Ascension and I’m happy to say it was a tremendous success - a sell out crowd! This was due to all the hard SST Executive Board work of many people. I’d especially like to thank Skip Hunter, who made President: this extra special by researching the history of SST and its founders, and John McGlynn [email protected] organizing their special recognition. In addition, Skip also made the great Vice President: tasting (flaming) haggis. A special thanks to Eleanor Unger, a founding Skip Hunter [email protected] member, for presenting her wonderful Scottish Highland Dancers. Thanks Secretary: also to Trish Young and her team who decorated the hall so beautifully. Marcey Hunter [email protected] Thanks to Lynnette Fitch Brash for leading the team dancing the new Kan- Treasurer: dahar . The meal was great thanks to the Mike Bromley chefs team. Ruth Fraser [email protected] Thanks to the Scottish fiddlers (the youngest being only 5 years old!) and to Edward Brash for setting up the sound system as well as playing. And Board of Directors: thanks to Donna Looney and Marcey Hunter for pulling it all together. Stacy Apelt [email protected] Great job everyone! Our friends in the St. Andrew’s Society in Williamsburg organized a “What Donna Looney [email protected] it Means to be Scottish” event for Tartan Day, a week earlier, on April 3rd John Maxwell [email protected] in Williamsburg. Under the leadership of Anne Korff, this was a very suc- cessful event. SST participated in many ways, bringing the famous John George Phillips [email protected] Turner and fiddlers, the Glasgow Kiss band, and our SST display table. Bob Rider [email protected] Well done Ann. I hope we can do this again. At this time last year I talked about my goals to further our mission of em- Terri Woodward [email protected] bracing, enjoying and educating about Scottish culture. This I believe is our SST Committees primary charge and it still is. For the coming year, with your support, there Webmaster: are two areas I’d like us to focus on to support our mission: Scott MacGregor [email protected] First, I want to be responsive to you, the SST membership, and to do that we need you to be as active as possible in the Society. You have the ideas, Membership: Marcey Hunter [email protected] the love of things Scottish, and the inspiration to make the SST more re- sponsive to your needs. We need you to share your ideas and whenever Program: possible, get involved. Get on one of the standing committees, or form a The SST Board of Directors committee of your choice. Come out to the monthly meetings and let your-

Sunshine: self be heard. June Lockwood [email protected] Secondly, we want an interesting and informative program calendar de- veloped for the coming year. We’ll be working on this, but I’d also really Newsletter Editor: like your input. Let any of the Board Members know what you’d like to see. Marcey Hunter [email protected] Slainte Mhath, John McGlynn

PAGE 3 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011

Ceud Mile Failte! "One Hundred Thousand Welcomes" to New & Returning SST Members!

David G. & Imelda Bisset Linda Jackson 2204 Brittany Court 2921 Venus St. Virginia Beach VA, 23464 Virginia Beach, VA 23452 757-481-3992 757-416-5203 [email protected] [email protected] Clans Grant / Frazier Michael C. McGhee Carolyn & Randy Bruce 8207 Simons Dr. 1664 Ashton Dr. Norfolk, VA 23505 Virginia Beach, VA 23464 757-583-0493 757-479-8897 [email protected] Chris & Kate Melhuish Clan Bruce 1312 Sussex Pl. Norfolk, VA 23508 Stefanie & David Dunn 757-423-0531 5313 Glenville Cir. [email protected] Virginia Beach, VA 23464 Clan Stewart 757-639-4733 [email protected] Holly Quaglia and Jacob Wells Clan Baxter 633 Bethune Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Catriona & Bradley Dunphy 757-641-4527 1460 Ashland Cir. [email protected] Norfolk, VA 23509 Clans Johnston / McAskill / MacDonald 757-693-0083 [email protected] Christopher Woodward Clan Robertson 3036 Edinburgh Dr. Virginia Beach, VA 23452-7004 Marguerite U. Hicks 757-631-0788 116 Effie Ave. Clans MacDonald / MacLean Norfolk, VA 23502-5207 757-461-0502 Clans Fraser / Innes / Thompson

PAGE 4 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 2011 Ocean View St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Tom Chenowith, left, and John Maxwell lead the way.

Scott MacGregor and friend.

Our “Nessie” float is hurting, and this may have been her last parade. Everyone loves the pipers! Newport News Police Pipe and drums. Here’s hoping Nessie rises again!

Top O’ The Mornin to Larry McCauley, former SST president, who road with the Vietnam Veterans of America. Rob Lockwood, past SST president, road with the Shriners this year.

PAGE 5 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Richard & Olive Baird- Memorial Scholarship he Baird Memorial Scholarship was founded in memory of Richard and Olive Baird, longtime mem- bers of the Society. Richard served as the president from 1984 to 1991. They were both very active inT the Clan Baird Society, and devoted much of their lives to the celebration of Scottish-American culture. Their legacy lives on through this scholarship, and we were honored to present the following awards at our Tartan Day Ceilidh on April 9th. harles Murla (left) 2011 recipient of the Baird Memorial Scholarship. Charles is an active member of the Scottish CSociety of Tidewater and an exceptional Scottish fiddler. He has studied with 10-time Champion Dr. John Turner. In fact, Charles has won several competitions, and deservedly so. Many of you may have seen Charles play at our Tartan Day Ceilidh on April 9. Charles will use his scholar- ship to help offset costs to attend the Jink and Diddle Fiddle camp in North Carolina. Congratulations, Charles!

hannon Turner (right), 2011 recipient of the Baird Memorial Scholarship. Shannon, too, is a student of SScottish Fiddling, and is a student of Dr. John Turner. She is also an accomplished Highland Dancer, and hopes to improve her fiddling skills to play for the Highland dancers in the Scottish Highland Dance Theater. Shannon was most impressive when she, too, played for our enjoyment at the Tartan Day Ceilidh. Shan- non hopes to attend the Jink and Diddle Fiddle Camp, and will use her scholarship for that purpose. Congratulations, Shannon!

lise Miller (left, with Arthur Korff), 2011 recipient of the Baird Memorial Scholarship. Elise is a promising youngE piper, currently under the tutelage of Arthur Korff. She was able to visit Scotland in 2008 as part of the People to People Student Ambassador program. She is very connected to her Scottish ancestry, and has a keen interest in genealogy. She will use her scholarship to attend a week of bagpipe instruction at the North Ameri- can Academy of Piping in Drumming in North Carolina. Congratulations, Elise!

PAGE 6 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Continued from Page 1 SST Tartan Day Contd

Posthumous remembrance of Sam McKay, founding member and first president of the SST.

Trish Young presents Nancy McKay with a special recognition on behalf of Joyce & Al Cowan.

Sam McKay III, with his son Ty, aka “The Younger.”

John McGlynn and his grandson Colin play, Mike McGhee, newly joined SST member, “Scotland the Brave.” and good friend Mary Anne Romska

PAGE 7 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011

Our talented session musicians are always ready for a tune.

Skip Hunter gave a heartfelt speech, “This is Tartan Day.”

Stacy Apelt did a great job as emcee.

Donna Looney sorts raffle tickets.

Thanks to everyone who donated a gift basket. They were amazing!

PAGE 8 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 SST Honors its Founders

T he Scots and Scottish Americans listed here founded a legacy that has endured 38 years. From their vision and hard work, the Scottish community in Southeast Virginia has grown to be amongst the most active in North America. Their dream lives on in no less than 18 Scottish organizations wholly dedicated to preserving, perpetuating and sharing our shared Scottish heritage and cul- ture. We owe a great debt to these Foun- ders and early members for they have passed on to future generations a sense of pride and meaning of what it is to be Scot- tish. Unfortunately through the mists of time and misty memories there are names that have been lost. It was not our intention to omit any founding or early member from this list, Front row, from left: Nancy McKay, Jerry McDowell, Jackie rather it is the intention of the Founders Wareham, Charlie Austin. Back row, from left: Gloria Committee to continue researching and up- McRae, Donald Fraser and Rosemary Wareham. dating this list. We celebrated our founders at the Tartan Day Ceilidh held on April 9. We were thrilled and honored that so many were able to join us. It was a special evening that we won’t soon forget. We are forever grateful for their passion, dedication and conviction. Alba Gu Bhrath! Scotland Forever!

Samuel L. McKay Jr. Isabel Leith

Nancy McKay Ian MacDonald

James Allen George & Gloria MacRae

William J. & June B. Alvey Eva Main

Charles Austin Kay Marshall

William Austin Margarette “Dixie” McCaig

John Campbell Charles & Dorothy McCall

Al & Joyce Cowan Braxton McCaskey

Willard Forbes Gerry McDowell

Donald Fraser Charles McDuffy

Irene Gibb Sandy McGregor

David Guthrie James Parker

Robert Guthrie Eleanor Unger

Charles Haas Stewart & Kathleen Walker

Charles Harkness Jackie & Rose Warhem

Annette Harris Nell Weigel

George & Gigi Kidd

PAGE 9 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011

As part of the tribute to the founders of the SST, we bottled a “Founders Reserve Vatted Malt Whisky.” Made with care by Stacy Apelt, Al & Joyce Cowan and Skip Hunter, it contains many of the pre- mium single malts of Scotland, vatted together for a unique and unforgettable whisky experience. The whisky was aged in an oak barrel for several months, snuggled safely in Skip & Marcey’s garage “pub,” and bottled up by Stacy and Skip. At the Tartan Day Ceilidh, each founder was presented with an individual bottle of the Founders Reserve Vatted Whisky. In addition, attendees toasted the founders by charging their glasses and drinking to their health. Slainte Mhath!

The whisky aged for several months in a white oak cask.

Stacy Apelt and Skip Hunter sampled the vatted malt, and determined it to be more than palatable. All of the aging, bottling and sampling took place in Skip and Marcey’s “Red ” Pub.

Skip Hunter helped with bottling.

Bottled up and ready for toasting.

PAGE 10 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Other Tartan Day Happenings

Many passionate Scots on the peninsula, including Anne & Arthur Korff, organized a Tartan Day Event in Williamsburg, “What It Means to Be Scottish.” It was very successful, and well attended. Participants in- cluded Jan and Walter Spencer , local dulcimer and psaltery makers.

Anne Korff explains that this is Fred Miller - a young man who came as a visitor but was recruited to wear the Breachan in the tartan fashion show (“He looked great but a little confused”).

Several members of the SST participated with an information booth, including Joyce Cowan, Nancy McKay, Trish Young, Terri Woodward, and Donna Looney. Our education display board drew a good deal of attention.

Also at the Williamsburg event were our local fiddlers, including Dr. John Turner, second from right, a world-renowned fiddler of Scottish tunes.

PAGE 11 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011

Tidewater Pipes & Drums gave a joint Tartan Day / Tribute to Gen. Douglas MacArthur at the MacArthur Memorial in Downtown Norfolk. TP&D have adopted the MacArthur tartan as their official dress .

SST President John McGlynn spoke about the sig- nificance of Tartan Day at the MacArthur Memorial. SST member Susan Currie, also a native of Scotland, watches on.

In honor of Tartan Day, the St. Andrews Society of Tidewater hosted a premier screening of the documentary, “Born Fighting,” which details the Scots-Irish experi- ence in America. In attendance were (from left) Former SST President Charlie Austin, current SST President John McGlynn, current SST Vice President Skip Hunter, cur- Among other “Born Fighting” viewers was Donald rent St. Andrews Society Vice President & SST Board member Stacy Apelt, and Fraser, left, and Mike McGhee. current. St. Andrews Society president Charlie Stewart.

PAGE 12 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Kandahar Reel, for Real!

and through on YouTube, ndahar Reel the ncing the Ka the origin of Lynnette, our group da o track down s al- “Dear the video of y , I was able t t this dance i rigued to find ough Google) edible it is tha - I was int n (found thr ribe how incr launched it he Thistledow cannot desc r the RSCDS he article in t of the reel, I x months afte it which is t the devisors barely si fun dancing o. As one of as invented and like they had ce, the vide half after it w group looked irit of the dan a year and a world. Your ed by the sp ready - ed across the oming captur ed and enjoy k you for bec signifies. being danc t I must than at this dance conse- tant thing, bu embrance th an unintended most impor all act of rem ever, almost . If the cor- the and the sm That is, how been realised y connection uggle with it. e dance has faction of militar and many str ain aim of th ediate satis nce is quick appen, the m there is a imm The da rotor blades h es perfectly, So long at the the figure go he quence. ect places and ckbone of t re in the corr intent and ba rect people a stay with the the helicop- t the ability to to complete b well done. o to plan, bu main effort is r wrong, a jo everything g the reel, the army, “right o , rarely does e is true with aying in the In war ss. The sam We have a s tical to succe ost a bonus! plan is cri t place is alm on the Isle of in the righ stration was ters - to end up as a demon nd saw lots rd rather than ked round a ry on.” ed on the ca the reel, I loo feeling of car eel was danc twice during ncing it - the irst time the r but once or 00 people da The f It was carnage there were 2 gust 2010. nd the room - u or Skye in Au turning arou kshop. If yo successfully ll as your wor f helicopters redible. goes as we ork on it, I o ction was inc n Day Ceilidh from your w e and satisfa w your Tarta in of the reel prid ted to hear ho ment and orig d be fascina t the develop I woul estions abou have any qu iment” your team r them. k Watch Reg py to answe Scottish Blac would be hap Colquhoun, s, Capt. Andy Many Regard

Directed by Lynnette Fitch Brash, at right, the dancers thrilled the crowd with their stirring Kandahar Reel at the Tartan Day Ceilidh. This is the “rotor blades” move Capt. Colquhoun describes in his letter.

PAGE 13 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Kirking of the Tartan Exmore United Methodist Church, Exmore, Virginia

Tom Crouch served as piper for the Kirking.

Exmore UMC pastor and SST member Ray McGarr, right, leads his congrega- tion in worship.

Edward Brash, left, and John McGlynn played traditional Scottish music for the church service. The Exmore UMC Choir, clad in tartan.

SST member Doug Godbey, left.

Following the Kirking, church members and visitors enjoyed a pot luck lunch a fellowship.

PAGE 14 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Hurley Happenings by Edward Brash

M any of you are familiar, I am sure, with the ancient Gaelic sport of hurling. Considered to be the fastest field team sport, the game has its origins in pre-history, having been played for over 3000 years. Ireland’s epic hero Cuchulainn was an avid hurler, and the sport of hurling figures prominently in the tales of his adventures. In 1884, the Gaelic Athletic Asso- ciation in Ireland was formed. The initial aim was to foster the ancient Tailteann Games; while there are many of these sports, hurling and Gaelic football eventually became Skip Hunter, left, and Edward Brash practice hurling in Hampton. the most popular, and flourished in In the last two years, an effort has practices. If anyone has played all areas of Ireland. Because of been put forth in the Tidewater before and is willing to come give their strong ties to Irish history and area to start a hurling team. The advice at our practices, it would be culture, the games became closely idea was originated by Lee Wan- much appreciated. associated with the nationalist genheim, an Ohio native, who now We practice at 1 pm on Sundays cause in Ireland. lives in Norfolk. Lee’s mother’s in Hampton at Thomas Eaton Mid- Today, hurling remains a major family is Irish, and he played with dle School. Erin Morrissey has sport in Ireland and other areas of the club team in Akron, Ohio, be- been taking pictures for us, and my the Celtic world as well, including fore moving to Tidewater area. wife Lynnette comes sometimes, Scotland and North America. Be- Recently, Lee was joined in his too, to watch. It makes for a fun, cause of the strong Irish connec- efforts to get a Tidewater team go- family-friendly afternoon – and we tion to Glasgow, the city currently ing by Brendan Sweeney, who also often adjourn afterwards to The fields four hurling clubs. In addi- played with the Akron team, and Pub in Hampton for refreshments tion, there are teams in Edinburgh now lives in Newport News. Bren- as a group. Join us! and Dundee. Of course, there also dan is an avid and talented student When we get to the point of orga- exists a separate but similar sport of the Gaelic language, and it was nizing matches and scrimmages, in Scotland, , which has the through this connection that sev- we will need your help even more, same root as hurling. eral other locals with an athletic as we will require line judges and In the United States, as of 2005 interest and Celtic background be- other support personnel. We also there were 110 organized adult came interested. The fledgling plan to have some fun fundraisers clubs in cities all across the country team currently has eight players, in the future that we hope that SST playing either hurling, Gaelic foot- and is actively recruiting right now! members will support. We need to ball, or camogie (the form of hurl- Even if you have never played be- raise money for team jerseys, ing played by women). The clubs fore, experience with other stick hurls, sliotars, and other equipment compete each year for the North sports (hockey, baseball, golf, etc.) to practice and play. American championship in their gives you a leg up on learning. If you are on Facebook and respective sports. Hurling is an action-packed, excit- would like more information about ing, fast-moving sport, and is fun to our group, visit the Hampton watch as well as play. We are Roads Hurling Club group. We will hopeful that people in this area also try to keep you updated on with Celtic roots will support us in future developments via the SST this effort, by coming out to watch newsletter. us play, and even watching our

PAGE 15 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 At Your Service MUSIC Southside Ceili(dh) Class & Irish Ceili Dancing Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps Lisa Hunt [email protected] Tom Crouch [email protected] http://newportnewspolicepipe.homestead.com MISC.

Pipers For Hire , Alterations Rob Lockwood [email protected] Christine Lawler [email protected] http://www.roblockwood.com Photography - British Isles Harper Manny Willis [email protected] Rita Hamilton [email protected]

Scottish Gaelic Song Performances Photography - Scotland Edward Brash [email protected] Linda Lucas [email protected]

CELTIC DANCE Lessons

Scottish Highland Dancing Scots Gaelic Society of Tidewater Scottish Dance Theatre of Virginia Marcey Hunter [email protected] Eleanor Unger [email protected] Travel in Scotland Scottish Highland Dancing Highland Ways Scottish Ceilidh (Social) Dancing, & Arthur & Anne Korff 757-596-6063 Scottish Step Dancing Lynnette Fitch Brash [email protected] Scotch Whisky Tasting Mike Lawler [email protected]

Members of the 76th McDonald Highland Regiment of Foot presented a wreath to commemorate the Battle of Petersburg in April. The regiment includes SST members Skip Hunter, lower left, and James Taylor, lower right. They re-enact a Scottish Regiment that occupied Portsmouth during the Revolutionary War, and they also surrendered with Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown.

PAGE 16 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Flowers of the Forest Francis “Frank” Roberts Norfolk, Virginia Father of Jim Roberts

Frances Myrtle Hopkins McCarson Brevard, North Carolina Mother of James McCarson

This and That… Continued best wishes to Lynette Gilmour Crouch as she recovers from a recent health scare. After suf- fering much pain, she was rushed to the hospital, where it was discovered that she has multiple masses in her stomach. She is being treated for this condition and is resting comfortably at home. Drop her an e-mail at [email protected]. We miss you, get better soon!

Congratulations to Dr. Edward Brash, who was recently promoted to Full Professor at Christopher New- port University, where he teaches Physics, supervises student research at Jefferson Laboratory, and chairs the Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science Department. Well done, Edward!

At press time, Lynnette Fitch Brash was on her way to Dublin, Ireland with a group of her students. Hope it is interesting and fun for all!

There will soon be a new place in town for Scots and near Scots to gather! The Highlander Restaurant should be opening sometime soon. It’s near the British Shop on N. Witchduck. With luck, we will be hav- ing our July “Pub Night” there. Stay tuned!

Scott MacGregor helped raise money recently for a very good cause - he was once again a “Shavee” on behalf of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, which raises money for juvenile cancer research. Scott was able to raise $1,185, and thanks everyone for their support. It’s not too late to contribute if you’re interested and able. Link: http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/mypage/participantid/438352

Do you have news to share? Please let Marcey know at 480-4217, or [email protected]

Scott MacGregor as a “Shavee” to help raise money for juvenile cancer research.

PAGE 17 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011

NEW SCOTTISH BOOKS AND AUDIOVISUALS At the Virginia Beach Public Library

ADULT NON-FICTION BOOKS:

A by Oliver Neil. London: Phoenix, 2009

ADULT FICTION:

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. Colorado Springs: WaterBrook Press, 2011.

Shatter the Bones by Stuart MacBride. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2011.

Captured by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean. New York: St. Martins, 2011.

Claimed by the Highlander by Julianne MacLean. New York: St. Martin’s 2011.

Highlander’s Curse by Melissa Mayhue. New York: Pocket Star: 2011

Seduced by Destiny by Mira Morgan. New York: Forever, 2011.

The Mammoth Book of Scottish Romance, Trisha Telep, ed. Philadelphia: Running Press, 2011

Devil’s Own by Veronica Wolff. New York: Berkley Sensation, 2011.

MUSIC:

Celtic Thunder. Heritage. Decca, 2011

Pipes and Drums of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Celtic Circle. Scotdisc, 2011.

VIDEO and DVD:

Celtic Thunder. Heritage. Universal Music Group, 2011.

AUDIOBOOKS:

Mine is the Night by Liz Curtis Higgs. New York: Random House, 2011.

Submitted by Nancy Miller, MSLS, Virginia Beach Public Library

PAGE 18 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 The Bruce Movie King of Scots Subject of Major Motion Picture Trilogy from Athair Entertainment Submitted by Randy & Carolyn Bruce "A noble heart may have no rest Rebel King novels authored by if freedom fails.” Charles Randolph Bruce and Athair Entertainment is using this Carolyn Hale Bruce, who pub- modern translation of a quote lished their trilogy between 2002 from John Barbour’s epic 1375 and 2006. poem, The Brus, as the theme for Charles was originally inspired to their new project, a series of three make a movie of the life of Robert sequential movies chronicling the de Brus, from whom he de- early years of the reign of Robert scended, he was told as a child, I. when as an adult he began read- Spokesman for and founder of ing about his forebear’s history. the newly formed movie company, He was stricken with the heroic Ian Alexander Bruce, today an- saga and its primary character, nounced the start of preproduction and began writing it as an epic on the trilogy, also titled The Brus. movie in 1992. Taking his script to Its sole purpose is to bring to the Hollywood, he found no open screen the heroic story of Robert doors there, and returned home to the Bruce and the small band of try again at some future time. Scots warriors who fought against Braveheart, a fanciful version of As they say, everything has its the English king Edward I the years remaining to William time, and his inspiration must not ("Longshanks") and his son, Ed- Wallace, roused the hearts of have been far off, for Braveheart ward II, for the independence of most of the world and got a lot of was released three years later. Scotland. guys out in public in kilts. Scots Years passed, and the story of Longshanks had coveted the the world over were especially The Brus would not let him rest; it smaller country’s throne ever moved by the epic 1995 movie, needed to be told. Since a movie since the death of King Alexander which, for all its historical lapses, was out of reach for the present, III in 1286. A brilliant and coura- was an exciting tribute to the he began researching and writing geous warrior and politician, Ed- Scottish hero. again in 1999, this time in novel ward used his cunning to place Athair intends to extol the virtues form. By 2002, he and his co- John de Balliol on the Scots and detail the adventures of author published Rebel King, throne in 1292, and within four Robert de Brus, King of Scots, short years to force his abdication. who took a symbolic Scots crown Scotland was in Edward’s pocket. and set it upon his own head at It was then that the Scots began Scone in March, 1306. He put his to suffer the heel of Edward’s boot wife, daughter, siblings, friends, on their necks, and in May of supporters, lands and titles, and 1297 arose William Wallace, a even his soul in the balance in younger son of a minor Scots order to free Scotland from en- knight, who led a grassroots re- slavement by King Edward. The bellion against English dominion regal raiments and other symbols over Scotland in the south, and at of Scotland’s royalty, and even about the same time, Andrew the Stone of Destiny on which Murray, a young nobleman, did Scots kings had been crowned for the same or more in the north. centuries, had already been Joining forces, they trounced the carted south to England to deny English troops sent against them the Scots their heritage. It would at Stirling Bridge in September, not be a chivalric war. Losses but the fight may have cost An- would be great. drew Murray his life, as he died Ian Alexander Bruce wrote the before the year was out. scripts for the series based on the

PAGE 19 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Celtic music scene and has Ordinary people can overcome brought his professional and artis- hardship and tyranny,” he as- tic connections to the company. serted. “And we hope that our With contacts on both sides of the movies not only make us and our Atlantic, the talent we will need is investors money, but we want to usually separated by just one or reignite interest in all things Scot- two very friendly degrees. tish. There is far more to lure peo- Latest on board with the project ple to Scotland with their dollars is Charlie Allan, CEO of Clan- than kilts and whiskey.” ranald Trust for Scotland. He and “Okay, we’re not going about it in the Clanranald Trust not only work the usual way. Some people think to promote Scottish history and we’re crazy. But Robert’s great heritage, but Charlie has invalu- advantage was that he went about able experience and contacts freeing his countrymen in ways the within the movie industry, having English didn’t expect. He was a worked on many feature films, in- great innovator, and that’s why he cluding Gladiator, Robin Hood, succeeded,” Bruce concluded. and most recently, The Eagle. Athair Entertainment asks that As there is no place else in the anyone who would like to see this world quite like Scotland, it is our trilogy completed becomes a intention to do our principle pho- champion for The Brus. Send an Book One, Hammer of the Scots, tography in some of the most ma- email to [email protected] and the story of Robert’s stand against jestic and historic vistas the land tell them your thoughts on the pro- Edward I; two years later, Rebel has to offer. Scotland's govern- ject. If you would like your com- King, Book Two, The Har’ships ment has been putting incentives ments to be posted, keep them told the horrors of the Scots’ turn- in place to attract moviemakers, clean and they will be posted on ing on each other to determine not only to increase the number of www.thebrus.com. whether or not Robert I would re- available jobs in a depressed main their king; and in 2006, Rebel economy, but also to draw atten- King, Book Three, Bannok Burn tion to the fact that quality movies carried the story forward through can be made outside Hollywood. the day of the greatest battle in Remembering that Braveheart Scottish history. struck such a chord with people The story that began as an idea around the world, Athair expects a for a single movie, then a novel similar response to The Brus, their series, is now nearing full circle, more accurate interpretation of the and Scots in the United States and time. in the United Kingdom are joining "Many of us within the company forces to complete the final arc. can claim some sort of kinship with Talented people are joining to- Robert the Bruce and he has yet gether to fill necessary positions to be treated fairly in movies,” said both in front of and behind the Bruce. “After being called a traitor camera, and to convince others to in Braveheart, and having such a join the effort. Excellent scripting poor showing in The Bruce,” he of this compelling story, a univer- adds as an aside, “…don't bother sal theme that is as true today as it looking it up, it's awful, there is a was in King Robert's time, is but reason you haven't heard of it…,” the foundation on which this pro- he pauses before confessing, ject is being built. “…there is a sense of wanting to Donovan Murray has been an put it right in many of us. But that event producer and agent over the isn't our main motivation.” past decade working with some of “It is simply a great story that the most famous artists on the needs to be told. We want to tell it.

PAGE 20 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Welcome to VACELTS 2011 An expansion of the Williamsburg Scottish Festival September 30 - October 1, 2011 Submitted by Tricia Young

ships. The purchase of wedding, T his has been an exciting graduation and Mother's Day gifts year for the Williamsburg Scottish would be a great way to support Festival! As other festivals are these cultural events disappearing, the Festival is ex- (http://www.pamperedchef.biz/ma panding to include more Clan niscalcokitchen?page=host- events and a wider variety of par- search-results&showID=2997786)! ticipants, while keeping all the Please register your Clan using competitions, entertainment, and the new Balmoral Clan registra- shopping opportunities you have tion, which can be found on the come to expect at Rockahock website, www.VACELTS.org. The Campground. Fox Hunter Grill Patio is the new The new name, Virginia Celtic Balmoral area for the Festival, of- Gathering and , fering a variety of complimentary encompasses the diversity of Highland Dance, and Harp compe- refreshments throughout the day the Celtic nations and allows the titions are scheduled with addi- while you sit back and relax with a Festival to seek wider financial tional demonstrations slated for view of the river and the sounds of support for the Highland competi- the main stage and parade field. the pipes nearby. When register- tions. Scottish favorites Hugh Allison, ing, you may purchase additional The expanded line-up of Clan Carl Peterson, Seven Nations and Balmoral program tickets for your activities will start as early as July Rathkeltair are back! Clan members. All other Balmoral 3rd with the Scottish Tug-of-War For those who want to participate tickets will only be offered through at the Virginia Beach oceanfront. in some hands-on learning this the regular Balmoral Sponsorship Organize a team of eight who year, the Roadhouse is now a program at full price. Please visit weigh a ton or less and represent workshop/gallery venue. Please the website often for more details your Clan or Society! Also new visit the website to sign up for free as they become available. this year is the Balmoral Chal- workshops in Scottish Harp, Irish lenge Golf Tournament on Friday, Ballads, , Bodhran, 17th September 30 at the Stonehouse Century Sea Songs and more! Golf Course, Toano, VA. The Also returning is the raffle of a Clan activities will continue the trip to Scotland or Ireland! The day of the Festival with a kilted drawing will be held at the October run, the War Cry Rally, Parade of 1 Saturday evening Ceilidh. You Clans, Ladies' Haggis Hurl, Knob- need not be present to win. For bly Knees contest and Blue Rib- those who do attend, there will be bon awards. additional drawings for vendor cer- returns tificates. You can find more infor- in a new format including an early mation on the Festival website. evening finish freeing up the danc- In addition, Pampered Chef is ers for an evening at the Rocka- donating 15 percent on all items dome or Celtic Heritage village. purchased through the program Highland Athletics, the National (VACELTS Pampered Chef) to Scottish Fiddle, Pipes and Drums, support judges' fees and scholar-

PAGE 21 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011

The Gaelic Corner Revealed: How the Scottish arts faces its own Highland Clearances From the Herald Scotland, May 8, 2011 rts and culture in the Highlands business. Agriculture is a major earner tre of Excellence in Traditional Music in A and Islands are being hit harder here, but you can’t go to individual farms Plockton. Council is con- than anywhere else in Scotland as the for sponsorship.” He also noted the prob- sidering axing funding to five organisa- recession and funding cuts begin to bite, lem of the higher costs of staging cultural tions that depend on local authority fund- a survey by the Sunday Herald and The events in remote areas. ing in order to receive £1 million of Herald can reveal. On Skye, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, which matched funding from Creative Scotland. Institutions on Orkney, Skye, the West- runs Scotland’s community-based Gaelic Highlands and Islands Enterprise, a ma- ern Isles and in rural areas in the north all arts Fèisean movement, reported a 30% jor backer of the arts, has also seen its reported losing staff, income dropping by Highland council cut to the Blas Festival overall budget slashed in half in recent more than 30%, a struggle to attract in Inverness, which it runs, as well as a years. sponsors, and cuts to local authority arts 20% cut to its core budget. Both figures A combination of these factors, as well grants of more than a third. are above average for local council cuts as the geographical distance from major The tide of public and private funding to the arts. When two staff left last year funders in the Central Belt and several for galleries and arts companies appears they were not replaced, meaning “the local councils described as being “deaf” to be withdrawing faster from the coun- whole team is having to work a bit harder to the importance of the arts all hurt the try’s geographical extremities, leading and set aside their job descriptions to Highland and Islands, according to the one arts chief to warn of impending some degree and muck in”. heads of arts bodies – and the recession “cultural frostbite”, with resources retract- An Lanntair, the main arts centre on the is exacerbating the situation. ing into the Central Belt. Another cultural Isle of Lewis, reported losing five staff in Malcolm Maclean, director of Pròiseact leader admitted he was fearful for the the last six months. It has also been nan Ealan, said: “The fear absolutely is future of some organisation. forced to reduce the centre’s opening we are going to see an element of cul- This threat to culture in the Highlands hours to save money. tural and economic frostbite. In order to and Islands emerged following a survey It also noted a severe drop in securing defend the system, the resources are by the Sunday Herald and The Herald of funding. In the financial year 2009-10, drawn back into what is seen as the heart the 50 main arts organisations in Scot- 61% of funding applications were suc- of the system. In government and cultural land, asking a series of questions about cessful. In 2010-11 the success rate terms this seems to be Edinburgh. And in how they were coping with the recession dropped to 28%. So far in 2011-12 of doing so, there’s huge dangers for the and funding cutbacks. eight applications made only one has Highlands and Islands in general.” Yesterday The Herald reported how been successful. Hi-Arts, the agency that supports cul- dance was suffering the most of all the Shetland Arts also recorded a drop in ture across the Highlands and Islands art forms. Another key finding is how audience figures and a 10% dip in fund- admits it worries for the future of some organisations beyond the Central Belt ing levels. Lewis-based Pròiseact nan institutions due to the pace of funds re- and major cities were struggling. Ealan, the country’s main Gaelic arts ceding from the area. For example, Pier Arts Centre on Ork- development agency, reported that previ- Director Robert Livingston said: ney reports that its earned income in the ously guaranteed income streams are “Organisations are beginning to be more six months to February this year was now more difficult to maintain. entrepreneurial and are thinking in new down 30%. Sponsorship was also down These figures come against a bleak kinds of ways to get more money into the 14%. The local council cut its grant by backdrop for the arts in northern Scot- system. The problem is it won’t be quick. 10% – an average figure for most arts land. While Creative Scotland has an- And some of the local authority cuts are organisations surveyed. The centre also nounced a “standstill” budget for the taking place very quickly. We’ll have to expected to lose staff in the current finan- coming year for all its 50 “foundation” see if the position can be managed be- cial year. This is despite it recently host- organisations – the key bodies which fore we start to lose institutions.” ing an exhibition by the world’s top video make up the bedrock of Scottish cultural artist, Bill Viola, and increasing its visitor life – local councils have wielded the axe. numbers. Moray Council has cut its arts team Neil Firth, the centre’s director, said: down to one, with a skeletal budget. Ear- “Sponsorship in rural areas is always a lier this year the Highland Council at- tight task. We have less of a diversity of tempted to shut down the National Cen-

PAGE 22 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 Calendar of Upcoming Events

May 21 July 3 Joint Spring Picnic Celtic Night on the Beach Sponsored by the St. Andrews Society and the Virginia Beach, VA Scottish Society of Tidewater Time: 5:00 - 9:00PM At the home of Stacy & Judith Apelt Location: 24th Street Park 1 pm - 4 pm (24th Street & Atlantic Ave.) 8076 Moose Ave. Norfolk, VA 23518 Cost: FREE. Dancing, music, food, kid’s activities. Parking is in the rear of the house, and enter from the back. The GPS/Mapquest address to use is July 6 8075 Bi-County Road, Norfolk, VA 23518. SST Pub Night, Location TBD Megallon’s Gourmet BBQ, Smoked BBQ Chicken, NO SST JULY MEETING IN LIEU OF PUB NIGHT Hotdogs/Hamburgers, sodas, and water will be pro- vided. Participants should bring a side dishes, de- July 7 - 10 serts, adult beverages, lawn chairs, and musical Grandfather Mountain Highland Games instruments. Linville, NC Please RSVP to Stacy at [email protected] or http://www.gmhg.org/ 583-5872 August 3 June 1 SST Monthly Meeting SST Monthly Meeting TBD 7 pm social, 7:30 pm meeting Ascension Community Center September 4853 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach VA Family History Research Midnight Madness Please bring something tasty to share with the “Climb Your Family Tree in the Dark” membership, as well as an item for the food bank. 7 pm to midnight. Staff and volunteers will be Program: the Hampton Roads Hurling and available for assistance. Shinty Club will give a presentation on efforts to Virginia Beach Central Library form teams in Hampton Roads. To register and for more information call 385-0110

September 30 - October 1 Virginia Celtic Gathering and Highland Games (Formerly the Williamsburg Scottish Festival) Rockahock Campground, Lanexa VA www.VACELTS.org

A “Don’t Miss” Event! Joint Spring Picnic Saturday, May 21, 1—4 pm Sponsored by the St. Andrews Society of Tidewater and The Scottish Society of Tidewater. See above for more details. Don’t miss all the fun, fellowship and food!

PAGE 23 THISTLEDOWN SPRING 2011 A Taste of Whisky Enjoying the Uisege Beatha, the “Water of Life”

Various and Sundry Whisky News You Can Use!

Newzies develop “Whisky Beer” Speyburn Offers Chance to Win Fishing Trip to Scot- It's said to taste like bacon, smoked land kippers or medicine – so if you don't Speyburn Single Malt Scotch Whisky announced the kick-off of savour the world's first known whisky- the “Speyburn Golden Salmon Sweepstakes” for all angling en- beer, you'll definitely be spitting it out. thusiasts. Speyburn Single Malt is distilled in the famous Spey- Wellington, New Zealand brewers side region of the using the fresh, clear wa- Yeastie Boys have developed what ters of the Granty Burn. The Burn is connected to the River they say is the world's first "whisky- Spey, which is known for its world-class salmon fishing and the beer", a golden ale made from 100 per invention of the spey casting method. cent peat-smoked, Scottish distilling The winner of the sweepstakes will receive a trip for two to malt. Scotland and a $500 gift card to Orvis to outfit themselves in top- "We thought we'd have a crack at it, and when we tasted it I quality gear and apparel. Other prizes include a custom Or- knew we were going to have a winner," brewer Stu McKinlay vis/Speyburn fishing rod and reel and additional merchandise. said. "I didn't really think it would result in that – I thought it would Speyburn is partnering with Orvis retail stores throughout 2011 be so intense it would be undrinkable." for in-store promotions and customer VIP events. The shared Since then he and business partner Sam Possenniskie have values of a passion for outdoor living and conservation brought heard the taste compared to bacon, medicine, coal tar and the Orvis and Speyburn brands to- smoked kippers, and admit "Rex Attitude" won't be for everyone. gether. "At a craft brewery you want to make something that people There is no purchase or payment will either love or hate. It's not some bland thing you drink for the necessary to enter or win. A purchase sake of drinking." will not increase your chances of win- But Mr McKinlay considers the beer his best work, describing ning. Sweepstakes begins at approxi- the taste as "more intense than wood smoke", with an earthy mately 12:01 AM ET on 04/15/11 and character. ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on "It will be pretty unusual, but it's not a gimmick at all. We've 6/30/2011. Open to legal residents of created enough to make it a permanent beer." the 50 United States and District of While some beers contained whisky malt in small amounts – Columbia (excluding AL and CA), 21 about 1 per cent to 3 per cent – beer aficionado Neil Miller said years of age or older. Void in CA and Yeastie Boys had gone "way off the charts" by using 100 per where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules available at cent. It was especially unusual for a golden ale, usually made tttp://www.speyburn.com/goldensalmonsweeps. Sponsor: Inter- from pale or pilsner malts. national Beverage Holdings Limited USA, Inc., 275 Madison Ave- "It's an unprecedented amount of smoked malt in New Zea- nue, Suite 171B, New York, NY 10016 land, it's probably as much as has been used in New Zealand About Speyburn brewing in the last 10 years, and they're using it for one beer. Speyburn Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first distilled "I wouldn't be surprised if no-one's tried this before." on the 15th December 1897, the diamond jubilee year of Queen The staple ingredient in beer and whisky is barley. During Victoria. To ensure that whisky was made in the jubilee year, brewing the grain is fermented, while in whisky-making it is dis- men worked through the night in a heavy snowstorm in a still- tilled. house without windows, managing to bond one single barrel of Rex Attitude was essentially beer made with a whisky ingredi- 1897 Speyburn. Today, Speyburn continues to use the time- ent, and would certainly be "interesting", Mr Miller said. Two ton- honored traditional distillation methods that created the single nes of Scottish malt had been imported to make it. It has a rec- barrel of the 1897 vintage. Many of the original distillery fittings ommended retail price of $5.40 for a 330ml bottle, with an alco- remain, and are still used, in this very traditional Malt Whisky hol content of 7 per cent. It will be launched at Regional Wines distillery. and Spirits in Wellington on Saturday. Www.digitaljournal.com, 5/5/11 stuff.co.nz, 4/28/11

Scottish Society of Tidewater, Inc. c/o Marcey Hunter 301 E. Randall Ave. Norfolk, VA 23503 www.tidewaterscots.org

Did You Forget? Membership Dues 2011 Annual membership dues for the Scottish Society of Tide- water need to be paid NOW. If you choose to receive the Thistledown Newsletter electronically, family membership is $25, and individual membership is $15. If you choose to receive a hard copy of the newsletter via US Mail, family MacArthur Mall, 1st Floor membership is $30, and individual membership is $20. Jeanne & Bob Rider, Proprietors You should have received an application in the mail. If you http://pixietreasurescelticshoppe.com did not, or if you’ve misplaced it, you can either download it from our website www.tidewaterscots.org, or contact Marcey Hunter. You may mail your application and payment directly to Marcey Hunter, membership chair, or just bring it with you to the next meeting.

Marcey Hunter 301 E. Randall Ave., Norfolk, VA 23503 [email protected] 757-480-4217