Scottishthethethethe www.scottishbanner.com Banner 37 Years StrongScottishScottishScottish - 1976-2013 Banner A’BannerBanner Bhratach Albannach 43 Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Years Strong - 1976-2019 www.scottishbanner.com A’ Bhratach Albannach Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 VolumeVolumeVolume 4336 36 NumberNumber Number 111 11 The The The world’s world’s largest largest internationalinternational international Scottish ScottishScottish newspaper newspaper May May July 2013 2013 2019 Piping Inverness US Barcodes Attracts international bands to the Highlands » Pg 17

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Chessman7 25286 844598 1 2 A newly discovered Lewis Ancient Chessman is discovered » Pg 25 Scottish Australia $4.50; N.Z. $4.95 birch water Perth’s Palette of Colour...... » Pg 8 Robert the Bruce Harvested from the wild birch premieres at EIFF ...... » Pg 16 woods of Perthshire The Scottish Scamp ...... » Pg 26 The Giant MacAskill ...... » Pg 28 » Pg 27 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Volume 43 - Number 1 Scottishthe Banner The Banner Says…

Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Publisher Offices of publication Valerie Cairney Australasian Office: Bringing Scotland’s past to present PO Box 6202 Editor Marrickville South, of these years, she became one of the I remember growing up in Canada Sean Cairney NSW, 2204 world’s first female photographers and on those crisp days going out on Tel:(02) 9559-6348 EDITORIAL STAFF and cinematographers, documenting a school field trip to tap Maple trees Jim Stoddart [email protected] a disappearing way of Hebridean life. for sap. Now a Scottish company The National Piping Centre Margaret Fay Shaw left the world in Perthshire is looking at what North American Office: David McVey a fascinating collection of images Canada has done for decades and [email protected] Lady Fiona MacGregor and invaluable film of a lifestyle using similar techniques to create a Eric Bryan David C. Weinczok which no longer exists. She not healthy Birch Water product. Judy Vickers only took film and photos in the Birch water is the birch sap collected Nick Drainey Outer Hebrides but also on the Isle from birch tree and perfect for those of Canna, where she lived with her of us who are moving away from by Sean Cairney husband, fellow folklorist John Lorne sweet drinks to a healthier choice. Campbell, from 1938 when they Birch water contains antioxidants, Follow us on social media cotland has always been bought the island, until her death at vitamins and minerals and is packed a leader in preserving the the age of 101 in 2004. with electrolytes, such as calcium, past. From historic sites to manganese and zinc, providing ideal vast genealogy networks Historically important hydration properties. Birch water also Sof information, the past is never This film collection was recently contains saponin, which is known Distributed monthly in Australia, Canada, too far away. I was recently sent a re-digitised by the National Trust for lowering cholesterol content. New Zealand and the USA. ISSN 2209-8364 fascinating film trailer of footage for Scotland, who have cared for With with over 91,000 hectares of Australia Post Print Approved PP:100004806 shot in the 1930’s, which shows the island since 1981, to ensure birch woodland in Scotland the Published monthly by Scottish Banner Publications a side of Scottish life few ever its preservation for years to come. potential is endless and untapped. PO Box 6220, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204, Australia experienced. Filmed by an American In the process of carrying out this The Lewis Chessmen are the most who became spellbound by Scottish, work archivist Fiona J Mackenzie important chess pieces in history. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement or to and more specifically Gaelic culture, uncovered some previously unseen Found on Lewis in 1831, the Lewis 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 the film shows a life that does film, including footage of such chess pieces are regarded as one of Publisher’s approval. Right reserved to revise or reject advertising and reading material not exist anymore and creates an historically important events as the the most well-known archaeological 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 incredible historical document for first plane landing on the Cockle finds from Scotland. Believed to be in advertising beyond the amount of space paid for, whether such errors are due to all of us to enjoy. Strand on Barra, 1936. Scandinavian in origin, the pieces negligence, copy right or otherwise. The publisher does not endorse the historical Solas uses Margaret’s images, films have been preserved in the National accuracy of the editorial stance of materials submitted for publication. The publisher reserves the right edit all submitted material prior to publication. Solas and words to tell the story of her life Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)and The new film celebrating the footage and the people in that life. Using two and the British Museum in London do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. collected by Margaret Fay Shaw broadcasts which Margaret made for and believed to be 900 years old. Trouble getting the Scottish Banner each month? Use the subscription form below to recently premiered at an event in the BBC in the 1950s and the words Of the 93 pieces, 5 pieces have been subscribe, or you may contact our distributors for your nearest sales outlet. South Uist. Created by the National of her close friend and companion, thought lost with their whereabouts AUSTRALIA: Integrated Publication Solutions 1 800 606 407 NEW ZEALAND: Gordon & Gotch 09 979 3018 Trust for Scotland’s Canna House Basque born Magda Sagarzazu, their unknown for many years, but one archivist, Fiona J Mackenzie, Solas own recorded voices tell how their was recently found in the Scottish The Scottish Banner (Gaelic for light) uses rediscovered lives were affected by the islands, capital. The piece purchased for £5 Uniting Scots Around the World for 43 Years! film shot by the US-born folklorist the people, the animals, crofting, the in 1964 goes to auction this month who dedicated her life to birds, the songs and the sounds. and adds another intriguing layer to THE SCOTTISH BANNER documenting Gaelic song. The film also uses samples from Scotland’s incredible story. Folklorist Margaret Fay Shaw the sound archive recorded by John Subscribe to the worlds largest international first came to Scotland as a teenager Lorne Campbell during the 1930s Celebrating 43 years Scottish culture newspaper online or use below: from Pennsylvania, in 1920. She was and 40s in the Hebrides, primarily This issue marks our 43rd year of Australia: Print: 1 Year / $50.00 AUD orphaned at an early age and her Barra, South Uist, Eriskay and producing the Scottish Banner. Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD family decided to send her to St Canna. During the production of When my parents decided to start Canada: Digital: $19.95 CDN Bride’s School in Helensburgh, in an the film, musicians spent a week the Scottish Banner, they could never attempt to get Scotland-the home of in Canna House, using the films to know the life the business would have New Zealand: Print: 1 Year / $65.00 AUD Digital: 1 Year / $25.00 AUD her forefathers-to ‘sort her out’. It was produce a suite of new music. and the travels it would take. It began in Helensburgh, at a school recital, This includes actual sounds from out of humble beginnings above our U.S.A.: Digital: 1 Year / $19.95 USD that Margaret first heard Gaelic being Canna House, such as, the front door, then Scottish restaurant and pub and Overseas: Print: 1 Year Air Mail: AU $ 110.00 sung by Victorian song collector, the Canna Steinway piano, John over 500 issues later we present you Australia/New Zealand: T (+61) 02 9559-6348 Marjory Kennedy Fraser, and she Lorne Campbell’s bugle, Margaret’s with the Scottish Banner of today. www.scottishbanner.com/subscribe decided there and then to make typewriter and the servant’s bells which The Banner simply would not Gaelic song her ‘life’s quest’, to find all make an appearance in the music. be still be here if it wasn’t for the Subscription are non-refundable. the ‘pristine version’. many thousands of loyal readers and Cheques, money orders, Visa and MasterCard accepted. Margaret spent six years living in In this issue advertisers who have supported us Scottish Banner Australia/New Zealand: the remote hamlet of North Glendale, Another film which is now being over the decades. There is no denying PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 South Lochboisdale, South Uist, released in the UK is the new in 2019 this is not an easy business Digital subscriptions must be requested via our website only. between 1929- 35 and over the course Robert the Bruce movie. The film to be in, but the Scottish community takes place after Robert the Bruce is strong and vibrant and that has was crowned King of Scotland been a great part of our lifeline, so as Name:...... following William Wallace’s torture you read this issue we thank you for and execution. Whilst not quite a helping us continue and keep telling Address:...... sequel to Braveheart, this film picks the old and new stories of Scotland. up from that story and promises ...... Have you got a story on how to take viewers on a brutal journey Scotland’s past is being told today? ...... Post Code:...... as Bruce leads his country to a How has the Scottish Banner hard-fought independence battle. touched you over our 43 years? Tel/Email:...... The Scottish Banner was fortunate Share your story with us by email, to be one of the few international post, social media or at 1 Year New Subscription Renewal publications to get some images www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us and release details at time of Gift Subsc. From...... press ahead of its Edinburgh Gracing our front cover: Visa/MC...... International Film Festival world Knox Grammar School Pipe A still from the Solas film release. premiere. I, like many, look forward Band from Australia, part of ...... Expiry...... Photo: The National Trust for Scotland. to seeing this release. Piping Inverness.

Page 2 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Outlander star Sam Heughan and the Scottish Banner’s Lady Fiona MacGregor among recipients of Honorary Doctorates at Dumfries

Sir Peter Lampl, Chairman of Professor Carol Hill, Head of the School of The Sutton Trust; Interdisciplinary Studies at the University’s David Mayer de Rothschild – a British Dumfries campus, said: “This campus adventurer, ecologist, environmentalist has grown in influence and impact since and head of the charity Sculpt the it was opened 20 years ago in September Future Foundation; 1999 to serve the higher education needs Dumfries Campus Rutherford Alice Thompson, co-founder of Social of Dumfries and Galloway. In this, our 20th McCowan building. Bite, which started in 2012 as a sandwich anniversary year of celebrations, we at Actor Sam Heughan - best known shop in Rose Street in Edinburgh which Dumfries are delighted to recognise and for his role as Jamie Fraser in the ctor Sam Heughan - best known operated as a social business, giving away celebrate the achievements of our honorary TV drama series Outlander. for his role as Jamie Fraser in the all profits to good causes; graduates, representing a range of talents, TV drama series Outlander - is and Andrew Walls FRCS, Convener careers and charitable interests.” In 2015, he established his charitable to receive an honorary doctorate of The Crichton Foundation. foundation My Peak Challenge – a training, Aat the University of Glasgow’s Dumfries Sam Heughan nutrition and support programme which campus in recognition of his artistic Recognise and celebrate the Heughan was born in 1980 in the Dumfries provides participants with a sense of success and his charitable work. achievements of honorary graduates and Galloway village Balmaclellan before community as they work towards personal On the 20th anniversary of the The work of the recipients of the honorary moving to nearby New Galloway. He moved goals which at the same time raising University’s Dumfries campus, the degrees reflects the core interests of the to Edinburgh at the age of 12 and graduated money for charity. The foundation has University is also conferring the honorary University’s School of Interdisciplinary from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music partnered with Leukemia Lymphoma degrees of Doctor of the University on Studies at Dumfries. For example, the and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire Research, Bear Strength Clothing and Wednesday, 3 July, to: Outlander series was filmed in a number of Scotland) in 2003. He is best known Fight Camp Glasgow to raise funds for Dr Fiona Armstrong, Lady MacGregor, of locations in Scotland, boosting for his role as Jamie Fraser in the Starz hit cancer research. In 2019, Heughan teamed Scottish Banner columnist, TV journalist tourism – taught at postgraduate level; series Outlander, for which he received two up with Omaze, raffling off a date to the and Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries; the Sutton Trust promotes widening nominations for the Saturn Awards. He was 2019 MPC Gala, which raised $2,892,080 participation in higher education – an nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Bloodwise UK; he is also president underlying principle of the School of for Most Promising Performer in 2003 of Scotland Bloodwise. Last year he ran Interdisciplinary Studies; and the aims for his performance in the play Outlying both the Stirling and EMF Edinburgh of David Mayer de Rothschild’s charity Islands, which was performed at the Royal Marathons to raise money for Cahonas chime with the Environmental Science Court Theatre Upstairs. Since then he has Scotland’s Testicular Cancer Education and and Sustainability degree course at performed widely in film, TV and theatre. Awareness Programme. Dumfries. Alice Thompson’s social He has also been active in charitable work. As part of its “20 years in Dumfries” enterprise vision and Andrew Walls’ Attributing much of his early success celebrations, the University’s Dumfries background in medicine have parallels to his participation in youth theatre, Lady Fiona MacGregor receiving a campus is hosting a series of lectures, Royal Television Society award in 2017. with the School’s degree in Health and Heughan became a patron for Youth conferences and other events. For details Social Policy. Theatre Arts Scotland in 2014. see: www.gla.ac.uk/events/dumfries European honour for Shetland he UK’s northernmost point has In response to Shetland’s inclusion in Camperdown Robert Burns earned its place as one of the Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe, Tourism top must-see destinations for Secretary Fiona Hyslopsaid: “Shetland’s Scottish Festival international travellers in Europe place in the list of top European destinations Tthis year. Travel authority Lonely Planet, is richly deserved. Its many islands have has revealed that Shetland has been so much to offer visitors of all ages, from 5th - 7th July 2019 listed at number six in its top 10 ‘Best in amazing wildlife and scenery, a rich culture Europe’ destinations for 2019 – the and history, to the warmth and hospitality only UK destination to be included. of the local people. Anyone who is looking ERIC BOGLE The islands’ “awesome coastal trails, wicked for a break somewhere a little different this Eric Bogle with wildlife watching and fabled fish and chip summer should consider Shetland.” Emma Luker & Celebration of Scottish shops” are singled out for praise and it Steven Coutts, Leader of Shetland Peter Titchener Performing his 1971 hit: music & culture says visitors can “spot otters and orcas Islands Council said: “Shetland has long ‘ And the Band Played Nick Martin Shane O’Mara Fiona Ross from craggy headlands, then ease into the been known as a welcoming destination for Waltzing Matilda’ evening at one of Lerwick’s local pubs.” travellers, and it’s great to have made Lonely For decades Shetland has attracted Planet – and Europe’s – top ten this year. visitors from every corner of the globe, Those of us who live here know how fantastic who are drawn to its breathtaking scenery the islands are, with stunning scenery and and coastline, beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife on our doorstep. crystal-clear waters, unique archaeology, We’re an outward looking community and Luke Plumb & Kate Burke The Cornerhouse Band history, culture and wildlife, welcoming there’s a growing number of local businesses locals, delicious local food and drink and organisations showcasing the best John McAuslan and its wide variety of outdoor pursuits. of our islands to visitors. We’ve a vibrant Shetland is also a UNESCO Global Geopark economy, tremendous natural resources and - consisting of a group of more than 100 a beautiful environment, all of which makes Claire Patti islands, only 15 of which are inhabited – Shetland an excellent place to live, work, and is more geologically diverse than any study and visit.” similar sized area in Europe. • Warrnambool Pipes & Drums • The Likely Celts • Tuniversal Band • Peter & Maree Daffy, Nick Martin, Andy Rigby, Geoff McArthur • Lakes & Craters Band • The Twa Bards • Burns lectures • Scottish Country Dance for Families (Free) • Whisky Tasting • Burns dinner • Informal music sessions in the pubs • Games and craft activities for kids • Bagpipes Stunning scenery and • School holidays ‘pre-festival’ Music Workshop for adults & children, (singing & instrumental) 3rd - 5th July • Golf incredible wildlife Best in Europe 2019 is a highly-anticipated Tickets available in Camperdown, Victoria. Check website below for details. annual collection which has been Weekend early bird tickets $80 (before 14 June) (excludes Burns dinner) compiled by Lonely Planet’s travel experts, In the beautiful historic Tickets $100 (after 15 June) weekend ticket performances only (excludes Burns dinner) town of Camperdown, Individual events and weekend tickets available online: www.camperdownburnsfestival.com 2¼ hours from Melbourne who for over 45 years, have trodden every Melbourne Camperdown cobbled street and admired every view on Sumburgh Lighthouse, Shetland. the continent, searching for those great Photo: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam. new experiences for visitors.

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 3 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Send us your inquiries on life’s little question marks. Ever wanted to know what happened to your old pal from home, how to make SCOT POURRI your favourite Scottish meal, or wondered about a certain bit of Scottish history? Atholl Gathering FROM OUR SOCIAL MEDIA Send your photos or letters via social media Loch Restil

Loch Restil, Argyll Saturday morning the light was amazing. GN Photography Scotland Wallace Monument & Stirling Bridge Photo: Derek Maxwell. Derek Photo:

Sarah Muir celebrates being declared She was placed second in the March, overall winner at the Atholl Gathering. Strathspey and Reel. On a wet and windy day at Blair This piping event is sponsored by Castle, Sarah from Campbeltown, the William Grant Foundation. won the Piobaireachd and the March, Derek Maxwell Strathspey and Reel. Scotland

Ron Dempsey Scottish education I wish to add my warmest thanks to Ron for I was interested in the article The his great work uncovering What’s In A Name Scottish School System (the Scottish over the years. My usual practice, when I Banner, April, 2019), as I am one who received the Banner was to read the Editorial has benefited from the system. and then straight to Ron Dempsey’s article, One must remember that Scotland which I always enjoyed reading. had five universities at a time when I have corresponded with Ron over England had only two, Oxford and the years, particularly with regard to Cambridge, and entry to them for Clan Donnachaidh. some time was restricted to members I wish Ron a very happy retirement. of the Church of England. London Regards, University was founded in the mid Gordon Robertson nineteenth century. Wallace Monument & Stirling Bridge. Secretary Clan Donnachaidh Society New Scotland’s first University, St. Andrew’s, Robert Gibb South Wales Inc. was founded in the fourteenth century Scotland Australia quickly followed by Aberdeen. Then in Thank you Ron 1452 Glasgow was founded, followed by a The Society of John De Graeme second university in Aberdeen and then I wanted to write to the Scottish Banner Edinburgh University followed. after reading Ron Dempsey has written his last column of What’s In a Name. I Bursaries and scholarships were often thououghly enjoyed his monthly column available from the local authority, who and have learned so much about so many also helped with travelling expenses, and unique names. I often would read about a Andrew Carnegie, the Scottish American friend or co-workers surname and surprise philanthropist created bursaries too. them with a tid bit of information of their They were available to children on a own name, which often was met with great meritocracy basis, and my late husband surprise and thanks. I also hope Ron and was a fortunate recipient of one. the Banner knows this column has given me We must not forget Scotland’s a passion for genealogy and looking into contribution to the world via its where I came from all those generations excellent education system. ago. Ron as you hang up your keyboard At present my great grandson is in please do so with pride knowing you have his second year at Glasgow University, brought a great deal of interest to so many. where he is one of some thirty odd I continue to enjoy the Scottish Banner dating from 1910 who have graduated every month, a link to the land of my from this august establishment, ancestors- as I have confirmed through my covering many disciplines. own genealogy journey. Yours, In May 1296 as Wallace rose up against English occupation in the south Sir Andrew De Kaye Robertson Mrs June Laws Moray raised the Standard at Avoch, today its known as the Northern Rising Toronto, Ontario Little Mountain, Queensland P Jamieson & C Halliday Canada 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 • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scotland’s mythical beasties imprint on sandstone near the riverbank Wulver left behind by this supernatural predator. While werewolves have earned a It is said that in the early morning or at reputation as a fearsome predator, a half dusk, if you are still and listen carefully man, half wolf transformed by the light of enough, you might just catch its mournful a full moon, their Shetland equivalent, the song floating along the gently flowing Scottish Wulver, was known as a kind- current. But venture no further than that, hearted spirit, who generously helped the unless you wish to meet your doom. needy and unfortunate, feeding the hungry To marvel at an immortalised version and guiding the lost home. With the body of the Kelpie, head to The Helix, where of a man and the head of the wolf, the two impressive 30-metre-high sculptures Wulver hails from Shetland. According to pay tribute to the supernatural breed. legend, the wulver evolved from wolves Or why not say hello to their smaller and was not the victim of an unfortunate cousins ‘the Wee Kelpies’, scale models of curse like the fabled Werewolf. The Wulver the famous installations currently stabled is said to live by itself in a cave on Shetland at Ardrishaig Harbour. with the last reported sighting taking place over a 100 years ago. Selkie For more Scottish myths and legends Largely associated with the waters of visit: www.ebooks.visitscotland.com/ Bridge of Orchy near Glencoe. Orkney and Shetland, a Selkie (the ghosts-myths-legends Orcadian dialect for seal) refers to a creature that can capture the hearts of ilm fans can delight in seeing Frigate Unicorn, Scotland’s only surviving human beings. Resembling a seal in the the Scotland on the big screen example of a wooden warship and one of water and taking human form on land, the once again, as Pokémon Detective the six oldest ships in the world. graceful selkie entrances its admirers, and Pikachu has recently hit screens. then disappears forever into the ocean, FThe Highlands around Glen Nevis as well Nessie leaving behind a few broken hearts. It is as Bridge of Orchy in Argyll are among Probably the most ‘sighted’ of Scotland’s thought that both male and female selkies the locations providing a magnificent monsters. The legends of what lies can elegantly emerge from the water backdrop for the new blockbuster. But beneath Loch Ness has become a tourist as beautiful people and have powerful while you might be hard pushed to catch sensation, worth millions to the country’s seductive powers over humans. your very own pocket monster here, the economy. From as far back as the sixth After finding love and spending years on country is home to its fair share of elusive century there have been many unsettling land, ‘selkie folk’ will always crave a return beasts for those who fancy a monster hunt. accounts of a strange, dinosaur-shaped to the sea, their rightful home. In some Scotland’s myths and legends have creature who lives in the Loch. But despite tales, humans hide the seal skins to prevent The Kelpies. fascinated and intrigued visitors for many attempts, to this day the existence them returning home to the ocean. generations, with many hoping to be of Nessie remains one of the world’s most among the privileged few to catch a of fascinating mysteries. Discoveries already glimpse of these secretive creatures. made within Loch Ness include: a crashed Whether it’s Scotland’s national animal, Wellington bomber from the Second World the noble unicorn – a fictional creature War, a 100-year-old Zulu class sailing whose heraldic image can still be found fishing vessel and parts of John Cobb’s outside many of the country’s historic speed record attempt craft Crusader which buildings. Or possibly the world’s most crashed at over 200mph in 1952. famous monster, Nessie, who many believe still lurks in the depths of Loch Ness, there are plenty of places to start your monster Scotland’s myths and legends search. So here are some handy hints of where to look as you begin your journey… have fascinated and intrigued Unicorns visitors for generations, with Unicorns were written about by the ancient Persians, Romans, Greeks and Celts, and many hoping to be among were often described as an elegant white the privileged few to catch a horse-like creature with a single horn capable of magical properties. They’ve of glimpse of these secretive been linked to Scotland for centuries and were used as an early form of the Scottish creatures. coat of arms by William I in the late 1300s. As well as inspiring a form of currency in the 15th and 16th century, their distinctive Fortunately, even if you don’t come face appearance left a legacy on the country’s to face with Nessie, the Loch and nearby cities and towns, many of which, to this Drumnadrochit is an area of outstanding day, still bear unicorn heraldry. natural beauty and close to Scotland’s Statues and heraldic images of most northerly city, Inverness. unicorns can be found outside the National War Museum at Edinburgh Kelpies Castle, at the Queen’s Gallery in the This shape-shifting water spirit is another Palace of Holyroodhouse and on the creature associated with Scotland’s lochs, fountain in the courtyard at Linlithgow although legends suggests its presence Palace and atop the Mercat Cross in possesses a far more sinister outcome. Often Dunfermline, Jedburgh, Melrose, Culross, appearing as a horse, the Kelpie emits a Crail and Cupar plaintive cry to attract its prey or lures onlookers Pay a visit to Stirling Castle and you’ll to join it for a ride on its back before violently find the beautiful Mystic Hunt of the plunging them down to a watery grave. Unicorn tapestry while in Dundee you’ll For proof of their existence play a visit find the country’s only water-based the grounds of the ruined Vayne Castle in unicorn. Docked in the River Tay is HM Angus. Here you will find a hoof-shaped

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 5 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Scotspeak is a selection of quotes which made headlines in SCOTSPEAK Scotland last month on a variety of current Scottish affairs. “Scotland’s space sector is young, but Katy Malone, Bumblebee Conservation James Stockan, leader of Orkney Islands Jenny completed her feat in 124 days and has strong potential and an appetite Trust’s Scotland Conservation Officer, said Council, said that over £300,000 will be invested 11 hours, shaving almost three weeks off for significant growth. There is already as people taking their holidays in northwest in key Orkney historic sites to preserve them the previous world record. She rode 18,000 international interest in opportunities here Scotland this summer are being asked to help and enhance the visitor experience for tourists miles across 15 countries, starting in Berlin for design, manufacturing and supply chain identify some of the last locations of one of and locals alike. The island boasts some of on June 16 last year. On average, she cycled businesses, and launch operations. HIE is the UK’s rarest bumblebees, in a new bid by Scotland’s most stunning Neolithic sites and 156 miles a day, totally unsupported and delighted to be working with our partners in the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to pull attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year. carrying all of her kit. the Spaceport 1 consortium to develop these the insect back from the brink of extinction. ambitious plans for the Outer Hebrides.” The conservation charity wants people to hunt for the rare Great Yellow bumblebee at Rachel MacKenzie, area manager for sites ranging from Tiree, the Uists, Harris and Highland and Islands Enterprise Innse Gall, Lewis, across Sutherland and Caithness on the said that North Uist residents are set to get mainland, to Orkney and Shetland. During the a taste of the space race after plans were past century, the UK’s bumblebee populations unveiled to create the UK’s first vertical- have crashed, and two species went extinct. launch commercial spaceport on the Outer Loss of flower-rich habitat – including the Hebridean island, creating up to 70 jobs. The loss of at least 97% of wildflower meadows local government council is investing around – is the biggest threat to the survival of these £1m to purchase the land where the launch important pollinators. Climate change, “We want to hear about what the people “We can no longer sweep this under the facility will be constructed, from where disease and pesticides may also be major of Glasgow want to say about a beloved carpet. The fact remains there are females rockets will be launched vertically, offering threats. Today, 24 bumblebee species remain – public space which is a huge part of our in Shetland who wish to participate but low-cost, safe and efficient access to sun several of which have declined dramatically. civic life and history. So we are now looking who are being prevented from doing so synchronous and polar orbits. “We wanted the visitor experience to be at the to properly and meaningfully engage our solely because they are women or girls. One heart of Ardnahoe. Our family business values citizens, businesses and visitors about of our main concerns is the message that and our distillery team, most of whom are George Square’s use or design through this is being sent out to schoolchildren and islanders and steeped in the whisky industry, public engagement, and this will then allow young people who are preparing for their offer a warm Islay welcome to all who want to us consider and develop future plans.” future participation in a modern society which does not accept exclusion from events be part of the Ardnahoe journey.” A Glasgow City Council representative said and festivals on the grounds of one of the as the Council is planning to transform the Andrew Laing, export director of the Protected Characteristics under the Equality area and one of Glasgow’s most iconic places. Ardnahoe Distillery on Islay said. Ardnahoe Act 2010, whatever the justification may Decisions are likely to focus on the debate is the first new distillery on Islay since 2005. be. Shetland should not become known over whether to ban or restrict vehicles from The distillery, on the island’s north-east coast, as the one place in the country where the four surrounding streets. expects to welcome 20,000 visitors each year, discrimination is permitted and in fact “We need to know more about where the with up to 30 people employed in retail, “I was curious to see how far I could go and encouraged by the local authority.” Great Yellow bumblebee is holding on, so we dining, tours and other events. now I’m officially a world record holder. can take action to protect it before it’s too Sally Huband, leader of the Up Helly Aa for When I set off this time last year, I wasn’t sure late. Anyone can get involved with this citizen “This is a significant day in the long Aa group, said as campaigners have vowed what lay ahead, but the journey was awe- science initiative to save a species. Because history of our World Heritage site and the to continue campaigning to allow females inspiring, exhausting and ultimately life- this iconic insect’s last havens are in some of internationally important monuments it to take part in a male-only Viking festival changing. I’d encourage anyone to get out on the country’s most far-flung corners, we don’t contains. The agreement signed commits us after four schoolgirls had their applications their bike and discover they are capable of have enough volunteers to find and record to working side-by-side to care for the site to join the junior parade rejected. Every far more than they think they are.” its whereabouts. So we’re asking people and ensuring the best possible arrangements January 1000 men and boys march through holidaying in the northwest Highlands and are in place to manage visitor numbers in Jenny Graham, a cyclist from Inverness, said the streets of the town during the festivity’s Islands this year – as well as those living in the best interests of the site, the monuments as she officially became the fastest woman parade, before hurling flaming torches onto a these beautiful places – to help.” and our community as a whole.” to circumnavigate the world by bike. Viking longboat in Lerwick, Shetland Islands. 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 need a wee peek at a Scots dictionary 8 9 or a map. Or, if you are really stuck, the answers can be found on page 20! 10 11 12 CLUES ACROSS CLUES DOWN 13 14 1) Fishing town on Banff Bay (7). 1) Firth stretching from Inverness (5). 4) To make a Scot do something (3). 2) Village near Nairn (6). 8) Blade (3). 3) Shetland island (5). 9) Town near Blairgowrie (5). 4) Colourful regiment (5). 15 16 17 18 19 20 10) The mountain ash (5). 5) Island east of Skye (6). 12) Time period (3). 6) An evergreen shrub (6). 21 13) A Scot off the straight (5). 7) Pipes for beginners (8). 14) The deil (5). 11) Joiner’s fastener (4). 22 23 24 15) Strath near Bridge of Cally (5). 15) Away to a Scot (3). 19) Scots cowshed (4). 16) Mouth of a river (5). 25 21) Winter sportsman (5). 17) A composition (5). 22) Village on River Lossie (6). 18) Tell a Scotsman no (5). 26 27 28 29 30 23) Town on Cromarty Firth (6). 19) Scots hillsides (5). 25) Miss Laurie (5). 20) A series of hills (5). 31 32 33 26) Cautious (4). 28) A Highlander’s dagger (5). 22) Town near Edinburgh (8). 34 35 34) Praise lavishly (5). 24) Transgression (3). 35) Power units (5). 26) Interwoven building twigs (6). 36 37 36) The first lady (3). 27) Change one’s mind (6). 37) Male voice (5). 29) A large Scots box (4). 38 39 38) Hooked claw (5). 30) Place of business (6). 39) Scots view with them (3). 31) Peebles’ river (5). 40 41 40) On it you’re alone (3). 32) Scots street gutter (5). 41) Site of 1645 victory by Montrose (7). 33) Town on River Tay (5).

Page 6 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER The covers come off the historic Abbey Strand Buildings at the Palace of Holyroodhouse For the past year, the Abbey Strand gardens of Holyrood Abbey. A formal buildings had been covered with a arrangement of raised flowerbeds nine-metre-high scaffold wrap, behind will be planted to reflect the design which the specialist restoration work of the royal gardens, as documented was carried out. The ground and first in a 1647 map of Edinburgh by James floors will house a new Learning Centre, Gordon of Rothiemay. In addition, opening in late 2019. The buildings’ new a physic garden will reimagine the pink lime-mortar coating is a rough-cast lost 17th century garden originally finish that has been used in Scottish established at the Palace of construction for hundreds of years. Holyroodhouse by Sir Robert Sibbald The pink colour was produced using mineral and Dr Andrew Balfour, two of the pigment from the red sandstones of founding members of the Royal Dumfries, which yield a red-ochre tone. College of Physicians of Edinburgh. Over their 500-year history, the Abbey Strand buildings have served The buildings’ new pink many purposes. In 1541 they were used as a weapon store for James V of lime-mortar coating is a Scotland during his campaign against the English and in the 18th century they rough-cast finish that has been were reputedly home to Lucky Spence, the brothel keeper immortalised by the used in Scottish construction Edinburgh poet Allan Ramsay in his Abbey Strand buildings © The Royal Collection Trust. for hundreds of years. ballad Lucky Spence’s Last Advice. Tim Knox, Director of the Royal he newly restored exterior of at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Collection, said: “The unveiling of the the Abbey Strand buildings in The colour of the buildings, which was restored exterior of the Abbey Strand the Canongate at the end of produced using traditional methods, 900-year history buildings is a significant stage in the Royal Mile in Edinburgh was chosen by The Duke of Rothesay Adjacent to the buildings, a new our Future Programme project. The Twill soon be unveiled to reveal a new (The Prince of Wales’s title when in public garden is being created, next milestone will be the opening pale-pink facade. The restoration Scotland). His Royal Highness is known inspired by some of the earliest of the Learning Centre as a place for work was undertaken as part of Future for his interest in heritage buildings recorded gardens at the Palace of schoolchildren, adults and the local Programme, a major programme of and, as Chairman of The Royal Holyroodhouse. Within the garden, community to engage with the Royal investment by The Royal Collection Collection Trust, is closely involved a flowering meadow of medicinal Collection and the 900-year history of Trust to improve the visitor experience with the project. plants will evoke the monastic the Palace of Holyroodhouse.” Tartan of the Month

Fort William Tartan

The Scottish Banner is pleased his month we feature the Fort William to be offering the Tartan of the Tartan (SRT reference: 699) which was designed in 1819. Fort William is Month series highlighting a the major town of the south-western variety of different, unique and THighlands of Scotland. The original Sindex colourful tartans from around notes: ‘Lochcarron of Galashiels 1976 used the world which are registered lavender for Azure. The pattern books of the with the Scottish Register of old firm of weavers, Wilson’s of Bannockburn provide a reliable early source for this tartan. Tartans in Edinburgh. Wilson’s were in business with a monopoly to The Scottish Register of Tartans supply tartan to the regiments in the second Inspired, designed and made in Scotland. half of the 18th century before this pattern was established by an act of the was recorded. Wilsons of Bannockburn a The Fort William Tartan Collection Scottish Parliament in November weaving firm founded c1770 near Stirling. 2008 and promotes and preserves The Pattern books are in the National Museum Tote £105 (£87.50) Scarf £69 (£57.50) information about historic and of Antiquities, Edinburgh. Copies of the Clutch £49 (£40.85) contemporary tartans from Pattern books and letters are in the Scottish Tartans Society. A woven sample of this tartan Price (excl. UK/EU Tax) Scotland and throughout the world. has been received by the Scottish Register of Text and image use is courtesy of the Tartans for permanent preservation in the dunmorescotland.com + 44 (0)1968 660 078 Scottish Register of Tartans (SRT). National Records of Scotland.

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 7 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Perth’s Palette of Colour By: David McVey

A riot of Branklyn colour.

Visit the Fergusson Gallery (featuring the work of Scottish Colourist JD Fergusson) then cross the Tay by the footpath slung next to the railway bridge that takes you to the East Bank via Moncrieffe Island (which features the UK’s only golf course set entirely on a river island). After visiting Branklyn Garden, if you still have the energy, climb Kinnoull Hill Blue Poppy. for its breathtaking view across the Tay, and return on foot to the city centre by here’s a small patch of hillside in Branklyn is famous for its collection of They are plants of the Arctic and northern the Geddes Way, a path that honours Sir Perth that explodes into colour Meconopsis, the Himalayan Blue Poppy. mountain ranges and, just like so many Patrick Geddes (1854-1932), the polymath every spring and summer, and Meconopsis seeds first arrived at Branklyn Himalayan plants, they seem to like this who had close links to Perth. It was which becomes heady with the in the 1930s from plant hunters Ludlow corner of Perthshire. Geddes, and not some recent Californian Tperfume of flowers both familiar and and Sherriff; one of the five species now at There is colour throughout spring and environmental guru, who first coined the exotic. I mean, of course, the National Branklyn is, in fact, Meconopsis Sherriffii. summer at Branklyn. In the height of term ‘think global, act local’ and the phrase Trust for Scotland’s Branklyn Garden, There are also 25 meconopsis cultivars summer look particularly at the alpines in is commemorated in the memorial seat at situated low on the western flank of the growing at Branklyn, varieties developed on the scree and rock gardens, and there is the summit of Kinnoull Hill. city’s towering Kinnoull Hill. site. Some of these cultivars aren’t even blue. always something of interest in the burn, That would be a full summer’s day, but The garden extends to less than two acres the pond and in the small area of bog a memorable one. And at the heart of it - it’s really surprisingly small - yet it’s possible adjacent to the pond. More than plants, would be the gem of Branklyn Garden, to lose yourself on the paths that thread the Examples of these plants too, since there are toads and newts in the Perth’s palette of colour. greenery or, at least, to lose your sense of pond. Other wildlife likes the garden too; I time as you discover new colours and scents. began arriving at Branklyn saw my first butterfly of 2019 at Branklyn. Branklyn House was built in the 1920s, and in time, a small corner in a pleasing arts and crafts style, by John A real insight into Perth and Dorothy Renton. They bought the of Perthshire began to hold Finding your way around is simple; just use land in 1922 from Orchardbank Nursery the map in the guidebook to navigate the and two pear trees still survive from the a nationally important paths, or just lose yourself. I prefer the latter garden’s previous life. There was no grand collection of Himalayan plants. option, just wandering at will and finding plan for the garden, just the idea of a leafy new things at every corner. As I’ve stressed refuge and the assurance of privacy. before, Branklyn is small but there is a great But the Rentons had interests in botany They are a haunting and compelling sight, deal to see. The surprising thing is, given that and, in particular, the plants of mountain the blue poppies of Branklyn, and they it’s just off the Dundee Road, how peaceful it Asia. They also had contacts with a number really are a must-see. However, around is. The house, by the way, is not open to the of doughty plant-hunters, including George 3500 species grow at Branklyn, but the blue public, although part of it is now a tearoom. Forrest, Frank Ludlow and George Sherriff. poppies are not the only stars of the garden. Parking for Branklyn is signposted, and These were men who travelled to China, For example, the national collection of the 39 bus to Arbroath stops in Dundee Bhutan, Kashmir and Tibet looking for new cassiope is held here; these are a genus of Road just yards from the garden. But for a plants and who sent samples to botanic small, shrub like plants. They flower in early real insight into Perth, how’s this for a day Fergusson Gallery. gardens in the United Kingdom. summer, May to June, typically. out entirely on foot? Examples of these plants began arriving at Branklyn and in time, a small corner of Perthshire began to hold a nationally important collection of Himalayan plants. The Rentons lived for many years at Branklyn, but Dorothy died in 1966 and John in 1967. John Renton left the house and garden to the National Trust for Scotland and they took over its management from 1968. Memorial to Geddes. Meconopsis, the Himalayan Blue Poppy My most recent visit to Branklyn came on a bright spring day in April when there were already impressive displays of flowering rhododendrons. There were plenty of daffodils, of course, but also a couple of late snowdrops, in their giant ‘polar bear’ form. All the same, perhaps the most spectacular time to visit Branklyn is May Blue Poppy. Perth from Moncrieffe Island. when its speciality is in bloom.

Page 8 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Did you know? Ian Rankin gifts archive to the nation • The National Library of Scotland celebrated 20 years of Ian Rankin’s alter “Ian Rankin is a well-known face to ego with the Rebus20 exhibition in 2007, us here at the National Library. We the first time a contemporary author was knew him when he was researching honoured in this way by the Library. Muriel Spark as part of his PhD, and we knew him when he penned his • The first Rebus novel Knots & Crosses was published in 1987 when crime first novels here in our very reading had a small niche market and authors rooms. Little did we know then just like Colin Dexter and Ruth Rendell how successful he was to become, were the top sellers. and that in time, his archive would • Black and Blue is a school syllabus novel. be as gratefully received as Spark’s. It will be preserved into perpetuity • Rankin’s books have revolutionised the alongside other Scottish literary giants. way crime titles are published. Ian has Author Ian Rankin. Images courtesy of Rankin’s main protagonist, John Rebus, been credited with establishing the the National Library of Scotland. has walked George IV Bridge many ‘literary crime novel’ in the minds of the UK book-buying public, thus giving times, and frequently visited this very greater credibility to the genre. he UK’s biggest-selling crime resonated with millions throughout Library while researching cases. We novelist, Ian Rankin, has the world – with his novels translated are honoured to be a character in • His book sales account for 10 per cent donated his literary archive into 36 languages. Totalling around 50 the Rebus novels alongside the city of all UK crime sales (2003). to the National Library of boxes of material, which in shelving of Edinburgh, and we feel this is the • He is the UK’s most high-profile crime TScotland. Often cited as the ‘godfather terms is more than 21 feet, the archive rightful home for Ian’s archive. Because writer – regularly on TV and radio. of tartan noir’, Ian Rankin’s work has includes typescripts of manuscripts of his generosity, readers will be able to • His website, ianrankin.net, receives with handwritten annotations and gain insight into the creative process of more than 40,000 hits a month – it is notes by the author. Also included is this wonderful writer.” one of the industry’s best and most correspondence with literary figures Ian Rankin said: “I remember that visited author sites. such as J.K. Rowling, Iain Banks, in my first week as a postgraduate • He is published all over the world, Ruth Rendell, Val McDermid and Jilly student we were given a tour of the but also has massive export sales Cooper, as well as figures from across National Library of Scotland, including (50 per cent of the hits on his the political and cultural spectrum. access to the basement levels. Those website are from abroad). Not surprisingly, police officers feature vaulted underground corridors would • Total UK sales to date is almost regularly in correspondence. Described reappear in the climactic scenes of 20 million copies. by Rankin as “a pretty complete author’s my firstRebus novel. The Library has • The Rebus TV series was the biggest th life, late-20 century-style”, the archive seemed like a friend ever since, so it TV ‘debut’ of 2006; nine million material dates from 1972–2018. seems fitting – as well as a thrill and an people watched it. honour – that my archive should find a • In 2017 Rebus had an entire literary The rightful home for Ian’s archive permanent home there.” festival dedicated to him: RebusFest, National Librarian Dr John Scally The National Library also announced Ian Rankin gifts archive to the which celebrated 30 years of the nation: Knots & Crosses. welcomed Ian Rankin to the Library that it will recruit a curator to catalogue character in fiction. to accept the collection. He said: and promote the Ian Rankin archive. Did you know? Castle Stalker

• Castle Stalker is located on a tidal • During the Jacobite Rising in 1745 Castle island on Loch Laich, north-east Stalker was used as a troop garrison. of Port Appin, Argyll, Scotland. • In 1908 basic reconstruction work • The castle is a keep with 4 floors. was carried out by Charles Stewart. • The islet upon which the castle sits is In 1965 Lt. Col. D.R. Stewart Allward known as the Rock of the Cormorants. fully restored the building. • The castle can only be reached by boat. • Castle Stalker has appeared in several films, including,Monty Python and the • In the 14th century a small fort stood Holy Grail and Highlander: Endgame. where Castle Stalker stands today. It was built by Clan MacDougall. • James IV of Scotland often visited Castle Stalker when he was on • In the mid-15th century, the Stewarts hunting trips to Argyll. constructed the castle as it looks today. • In Gaelic, Stalker means ‘hunter’ or ‘falconer’. • The castle was abandoned in around 1840, ownership having passed • The castle is currently privately owned. backwards and forwards between the The public can tour the building between Stewart clan and the Campbell clan. the months of March and October.

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 9 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Page 10 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

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

To the best of my knowledge there and hard-working people, who got on well was never any sectarian trouble on the together, each and every day, without any street where I lived. Our good neighbours evidence of bigotry. But I may have been downstairs were the Kelly’s, a Roman especially lucky where I lived as a child and Catholic family. Across the side fence were I accept that I would not have been party the Gallagher’s, another Catholic family. to knowing half of what might have been Upstairs and through the wall were the going on. But I have admired my parents Smarts, a Protestant family and downstairs and our neighbours since, for maintaining from them another protestant family. good relations amongst themselves.

The Orange Walk The juxtaposition of the two Yet on the Saturday closest to the 12th of religious faiths was to bring July, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, I would be found standing on Argyll about a Glasgow humour Street with my father, watching the Orange Walk and listening to children’s chants of and culture, born of diversity, ‘Are you a Billy or a Dan or an auld tin can?’ adversity and conflict that was and hear them sing, The Sash my father A postcard of Glasgow Cathedral Wore. My father had taught me religious from 1913. One of Glasgow’s destined to eventually enrich tolerance but here we were watching the many places of worship. banners and bands turn around the corner the life of the city and to produce from St Enoch Square into Argyll Street. At that time there were 85 places of a born Glasgow comedian on Many of the onlookers were singing The Billy’s, Dan’s and worship in the city, 40 belonging to the Sash, in memory of the seemingly sacred Church of Scotland, 39 to the dissenting every street corner. orange bandolier worn by the victorious Auld Tin Cans Protestant churches, 4 to the Episcopalians King William of Orange, their hero from If ye’r lookin’ for trouble, and 2 to the Roman Catholics. The Irish the Battle of the Boyne, against King Ye’ve come to the right place, potato famines were about to change all of The boys and girls who I played with were James VII. My dad had a very low opinion If you’re lookin’ for a fight, that. The famines and the continuing rapid both Roman Catholic and Protestant and of Orangemen and very little respect for I’ll smack ye in the face. industrialisation of the city brought about were scattered throughout our Street. the Orange Lodge for he saw them as an influx of Irish Catholic immigrants, in There were lots of kids around our street trouble-makers and bigots, but he loved to e looked the same; we talked search of work and a living. They could and in the early days my circle of friends be part of a big crowd and he was always the same and we even buy a cheap sixpenny deck passage and never needed to extend any further. attracted by their stirring music and street thought the same, - at least make their way easily and quickly to It was a close-knit community, probably processions. On 12th July each year he at first. We had all tumbled Glasgow to look for a new opportunity. because we were literally on the very edge took me to see the parades and here we Winto this diverse city from our mothers’ That influx by large numbers of people of the Pollok Housing Scheme. All of our were once again entranced by the music wombs to breathe the same polluted air of a different religious tradition was to neighbours seemed to be honest, reliable and the spectacle. and to live on the same grey streets. change the face and culture of Glasgow So perhaps Glasgow’s children would have irrevocably in the late 19th and early done themselves, and their city, a great 20th centuries. At this same time there favour if they had all decided to answer was much new building going on such as ‘tin can’ to the question “are you a Billy, the four storey Victorian tenements that a Dan or an auld tin can?”, that is rather were to become a feature of the city. But than Protestant or Catholic. The religious although some of Glasgow’s new industrial divide between the Protestant and Roman wealth brought into existence some of its Catholic populations of Glasgow showed later much admired rich, Victorian public Available at a itself as one of the city’s darker attributes. buildings, it also created a great deal of The idea that “one person’s religious poorly-built public housing. opinion and adherence was better than another’s” was very much alive in Glasgow Some of the worst housing supermarket near you and sat happily with the idea that “my conditions in Britain God is better than your God.” The havoc, Housebuilding could not keep pace with death and destruction such naïve views the flood of newcomers, not only from have caused throughout history were Ireland but also from the Highlands and often ignored. rural areas of Scotland, all seeking work. By 1831 it was estimated that there were Glasgow became Scotland’s main around 163,000 Scots, 36,000 Irish 3,000 population centre English, and about 500 ‘foreigners’ living After the Reformation of 1560 and up until in Glasgow. Many people had no choice the 18th century, Glasgow was a small, but to lodge in overcrowded, wretched, staunchly protestant city. At the time of unsanitary hovels in the vennels and Union with England it was still a homely wynds of the old city. provincial city with a population of 12,000. As Glasgow began to acquire its other It was only during the 1820’s and 1830’s title as ‘the workshop of the Empire’ that Glasgow became Scotland’s main and as the population continued to population centre and that smoke began increase towards a million people, it to spew from its hundreds of factories to also acquired a reputation for having blacken its buildings for us still to come. some of the worst housing conditions By 1821 its population had reached 147,043 in Britain and a reputation for violence and it now surpassed Edinburgh’s 138,235 born of those conditions. Although its and the population figures for all other Irish immigrants were to contribute to towns and cities in the British Empire, the city’s overcrowding in its tenements, except of course, London. As it poised to more importantly the juxtaposition of the BRITISH PROVENDER Pty Ltd enter the Victorian age, it became entitled two religious faiths was to bring about to call itself the Second City of the British a Glasgow humour and culture, born of www.britishprovender.com.au Empire; and when the youthful Queen diversity, adversity and conflict that was Ph: (08) 9256 1555 Victoria came to the throne in 1837, the destined to eventually enrich the life of Email: [email protected] city’s population had exploded and grown the city and to produce a born Glasgow into a quarter of a million people. comedian on every street corner.

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 11 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Boondooma Homestead celebrates 10 years of Scots in the Bush Scots in the Bush has evolved over ten time we were entertained by Dalby Thistle years. Seventy-two people celebrated in Pipe Band. RAAF Amberley Pipes and the first year in August 2010 and in 2018, Drums made their way for the first time in 340 caravans were on site and just on 1000 2018 and they were very well received. people attended the three-day event. Amy Bromham from Burdekin Celtic It has developed from just being a Scottish Dancers thrills the Irish with the ever- celebration to one where all the Celtic popular Irish dancing. Walk-up artists countries are represented. It has become will be invited to perform on Wednesday an annual major event for the South evening and Thursday morning. Burnett Region and attracts Scots and Ceilidh Bands, Celtic Psychosis, Ishka, other Celts from all over Australia. Celtic Crossover, Tartan Time, Moreton Moreton Celtic Fiddle Club. It does provide a boost to the South Fiddle Club, Limerick and Velcro Burnett economy in August each year. continue to support the event and keep Tartan Time the audience toe tapping and joining in This is going to be a great celebration. A real gathering of the clans the singing and dancing. We can’t forget Come 15-18 August for a great family few he Clans will gather at Boondooma The entertainment includes pipe bands, our artists, Darryl Craft, Brian Letton and days. Enjoy the food, the entertainment and Homestead, 8262 Mundubbera- ceilidh bands, highland dancing, Scottish Vince Pagett who entertain the crowd the highland sports. No need to book but be Durong Road, Boondooma in country dancing, Highland sports and with those beautiful well-known Scottish prepared for a bush camping experience. the South Burnett Region of vocalists and other musicians. It is a real and Irish songs. David Rowan with his For further information and enquiries TQueensland to celebrate the settlement gathering of the clans. The Rum City piano accordion is great. Ray Ellington phone 07 4168 0159, 0427 364 026 or see: of the original Boondooma Station. Highland dancers will once again perform. from Celtic Thunder Australia enthrals www.boondoomahomestead.org.au Three Scotsmen, Robert and Alexander They have been there from the beginning. the crowd with the history of the kilt and Lawson and Robert Alexander arrived They come every year from Bundaberg. the bagpipes. at Boondooma with 100,000 sheep. The Clan, a pipe band including pipers It would not be a Scottish Celebration Boondooma Station dates to a key period and drummers from all-over South-East without the Haggis. South Burnett’s in the pastoral settlement of Queensland. Queensland was at the first event and own Scotsman, Gervais Fullerton is just The Boondooma Homestead complex is only missed two because of their visit fantastic with his dramatic Address to the owned by South Burnett Regional Council to Scotland to compete in International Haggis. He usually finishes off with the and leased to Boondooma Museum & Championships. This year they will be song An Eriskay Love Lilt. Heritage Association Inc. Ten years ago, joined by Murrumba Pipes and Drums, a Once again, the Wondai/Proston the Management Committee decided to competition band that gained recognition Baptist Church will conduct the church celebrate the settlement by the Scotsmen in Scotland in 2018. Noosa and District service on the Sunday in the Boondooma and recognize the significance of the Scottish Pipes and Drums have supported the Gardens. Join in with the clans for the RAAF Amberley Pipes and Drums. influence on the South Burnett region. event for many years. Last year, for the first Kirkin ‘o’ the Tartan. Being Scottish is Bags of Fun! Most bag styles also includes a handy inside key/coin zip pouch.

Keep Calm and The Multi Scottie Scottie Dog Single Highland Coo Tartan Scottie Jute Bag Wear Tartan Jute Bag Dog Canvas Bag Canvas Bag Jute Bag This sturdy bag comes Show your Scottish pride with this brand new The sturdy canvas bag comes with a lovely pattern This sturdy bag comes with a This sturdy bag comes with a colourful with a tartan Scottie pattern, jute bag style. In a lovely purple tartan design of Scottish Terrier Dogs. Includes an interior classic pattern of a Scottish Terrier pattern of bonnie Highland coo’s. handle and gussets. with webbed handle. key/coin pouch and strong black webbed handles. dog with sturdy handles. H: 20cm, W: 20cm, D: 14cm H: 20cm, W: 20cm, D: 14cm H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm H: 30cm, W: 40cm, D: 15cm H: 30cm, W: 40cm, D: 12cm From the Scottish Banner the canvas and jute bag collection direct from Dundee, Scotland. These great and fun bags show off your Scottish pride wherever you go and have many uses. Make shopping or going to the beach fun with these multi use carry bag’s. Great for yourself or as a unique gift! $24.95 plus $9.50 postage or $16 for up to 3 multi-bag orders Australia wide (NZ orders please add $10 airmail postage fee). To order yours simply Tartan Stag Jute Bag Highland Cow and Thistle Jute Bag Royal Stewart Jute Bag contact us on 02 9559 6348 This sturdy bag features a tartan Calf Canvas Bag or email: [email protected] Scottish stag pattern, with red This sturdy bag comes with a lovely This sturdy bag comes in Scotland’s most famous handles and tartan gussets. A lovely design of a Highland Coo mother and pattern of Scottish thistles. With purple tartan design-the Royal Stewart and includes inner online at: www.scottishbanner.com/shop calf. With sturdy black webbed handles. tartan gusset and purple webbed handle. key purse for coins and keys. Webbed handle. H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm More bag styles available online! H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm H: 30cm, W: 30cm, D: 20cm

Page 12 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER “Without a word of a lie, I’m Donald from Skye.” Meet the animated character created to help tourists visiting popular Scottish island

for a few nights – I’m the man for the job and can tell you everything you need to know. “I’ve got my own short film, giving information on Skye, and, can you believe it, I’ve even got a range of merchandise! Have a wee look at my YouTube channel and go to the website to ask me anything about the island. Fergie and I hope to see you soon on Skye!”

A friendly face for the island Creator Calum MacDonald was inspired by a previous drawing by his niece, Sadie Calum MacDonald and Donald. MacDonald. Calum said: “In November 2017, following on from Skye receiving negative publicity during that summer, I “I hope Donald from Skye will be was inspired by a drawing my niece had informative and entertaining for both drawn of her family. I came up with the idea tourists and locals, and enhance their of creating a character from Skye, acting as experiences on this beautiful island.” isitors to the Isle of Skye will now Visitors can ask Donald any questions a friendly face for the island and having him be welcomed by Donald, who they have about their visit and a short help solve the problems Skye was facing. will answer their questions and animated film of Donald from Skye will be “Since then Donald has developed into give them important information available on Donald’s YouTube channel; an animated character and is the star, Vwhilst staying on the island. The creation acting as a unique and informative source along with Fergie the Tractor, of his own of local businessman Calum MacDonald, it for anyone wishing to visit Skye. animated film. Donald and Fergie answer is hoped that Donald from Skye will act as any questions visitors might have about a friendly face for the island and even build Beauty of an island Skye on the website and we hope to add up his own following with his trademark Commenting on the launch, Donald from further episodes of Donald from Skye soon. ginger beard, kilt and quirky catchphrases. Skye said: “Without a word of a lie, I’m “The Donald from Skye website acts Donald from Skye is an animated Donald from Skye! I’m here with my pal as a hub of information for visitors, with character and the star of a short film about Fergie the Tractor to help anyone who’d like business listings, a ‘recommended by the island. Donald, assisted by his trusted to visit this beauty of an island that I’ve called Donald’ list and clips of Donald and companion Fergie the Tractor, tells visitors home all my life. Whether you’re looking for Fergie. Donald from Skye is also on social to Skye all they need to know – from where somewhere to get a tasty meal or have a wee media, allowing visitors to see updates and to stay and what to do, to how to drive dram; looking for a tour from a local like me; recommendations from Donald directly on For more details see: safely on the roads and where to park. or need somewhere to rest your wee head Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.” www.donaldfromskye.com Game of Thrones Kingdom-wide takeover

Doune Castle in Stirlingshire renamed to celebrate the legacy of HBO’s Game of Thrones.

ollowing the most anticipated finale have all grown to know and love with the in television history, Doune Castle, following signs being unveiled: along with three other places in the Winterfell – formerly known as Doune UK, have been been transformed Castle, Stirlingshire, Scotland. Finto the World of Westeros to mark the Highgarden – formerly known as Digital Download release of Game of Covent Garden, London. Thrones: The Final Season. In this Kingdom- Castle Black-pool – formerly wide takeover, Doune Castle, Essex, known as Blackpool. Blackpool and London’s Covent Garden Essos – formerly known as Essex. have all pledged their allegiance to the legacy of the show by unveiling signs with Gillian Macdonald, Head of Business their new names, encouraging members Development and Enterprise at Historic of the public to find them. For one week, Environment Scotland, said: “We are Doune Castle was renamed Winterfell after delighted to be involved with theGame being used as the filming location for the of Thrones takeover. Doune Castle was Stark family home in the pilot episode. featured as the location for Winterfell in the Thrones-fever has been ever present pilot episode so it’s fantastic to be chosen as throughout the UK, and around the the much-loved Westeros location now that world, since the show’s opening episode the TV series is coming to an end. We hope in 2011. People up and down the country fans of Game of Thrones across the country now have had the opportunity to relive will visit Doune Castle and enjoy walking in and celebrate the fictional locations we the footsteps of Jon Snow and the Starks!”

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 13 THE SCOTTISH BANNER National Museums Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council announce Partnership Agreement

We also look forward to Kirkcudbright Galleries being a venue for our touring exhibitions from the national collections.” Councillor John Martin, Vice Chair of Communities Committee said: “The Agreement is very significant. I would like to thank National Museums Scotland for working with the Council to broker an arrangement which provides both organisations with a very satisfactory outcome. In Dumfries and Galloway we occupy a place on a complex and longstanding network of routes to the centre and North of Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Wales, England and beyond that to the European continent. The Hoard’s varied and far flung points of origin emphasises that we have occupied this position during the last 2 National Museums Scotland in 2017 for millennia and more. The Mitchell Gallery the sum of £1.98 million, the Hoard is at Kirkcudbright has been specifically currently being conserved and researched designed to accommodate exhibits such as at the National Museums Collection the Galloway Hoard and I look forward to Centre in Edinburgh. seeing the Hoard return home to tell part The Hoard, which brings together of the story of our cultural heritage”. the richest collection of rare and unique Viking-age objects ever found in Britain or Ireland, is of international significance and will transform our understanding of this period of Scottish history. Buried at the beginning of the tenth century, it comprises in excess of 100 gold, silver and other items, some of which are unique.

ational Museums Scotland and A significant and representative portion Cultural heritage Dumfries and Galloway Council of the Hoard will then be displayed long Dr Gordon Rintoul, Director of National have agreed the terms of a 25- term at Kirkcudbright, with the rest being Museums Scotland said: “We are delighted year Partnership Agreement on display in Edinburgh at the National to make this joint announcement with Nwhich will enable the organisations to Museum. The Hoard will subsequently Dumfries and Galloway Council of a work together across a number of areas, be loaned for a further period when the 25-year Partnership Agreement. National including future displays of the Galloway Scottish galleries at the National Museum of Museums Scotland is keen to extend Hoard at the newly opened Kirkcudbright Scotland are redeveloped at a future date. access to the national collections to people Galleries. As part of the Partnership from across Scotland and beyond and this Agreement Kirkcudbright Galleries The richest collection of rare and agreement helps to achieve that ambition. Did you know? • The Galloway Hoard brings together will also become a venue for National unique Viking-age objects We hope that as many people as possible the richest collection of rare and Museums Scotland’s touring exhibitions The Galloway Hoard was discovered in from the local area or visitors to it, will take unique Viking-age objects ever from the national collections. 2014 at a site on Church of Scotland land the opportunity to view the Hoard and found in Britain or Ireland. It is of In addition to lending the Hoard in Galloway. Following its acquisition by enjoy this wonderful collection. international significance and will itself, National Museums will support transform our understanding of this the display through loans of relevant period of Scottish history. additional material from the national collections. The Partnership will also • Uncovered by a metal detectorist involve National Museums Scotland in Dumfries and Galloway, the sharing digital assets (for example Galloway Hoard comprises in excess 3D scans and digital photography), of 100 gold, silver and other items educational resources, and research from the Viking Age. It was buried at outcomes related to the Hoard with the beginning of the tenth century, the Council. Following display at the although some of the items within the National Museum of Scotland, the Hoard date from an earlier period. Hoard will be seen in an exhibition at • The bulk of the find is a rich Viking- Kirkcudbright Galleries where it will age hoard of silver jewellery and be on display for nine months from ingots. However, it also contains an December 2020 to August 2021. outstanding range of exceptional precious metal and jewelled items including a rare gold ingot, a gold bird-shaped pin and a decorated silver-gilt cup of Continental or Byzantine origin.---The Galloway Hoard is unique in bringing together a remarkable variety of objects in one discovery, hinting at hitherto unknown connections between people across Europe and beyond.

Page 14 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER By: Ross Manson McEwen The largest gathering of Clan MacEwen in nearly 600 years takes place in Scotland

Sir John and the Clan Chairman, retired US marine Sean McCuin.

ver 100 kinsmen and women further term or of course, object to his The Spessart Highlanders on parade at gathered at the Kilfinan Hotel (at nomination. The convention of MacEwens the spot where Castle MacEwen once the ancestral home of the Clan nominated Sir John to remain Commander stood, overlooking Kilfinan Bay in Argyll. in Kilfinan, Scotland), which for another 5-year term (he also agreed!) Osits a mere single mile / 0.6km from the while the Clan leadership continues with Vice Chairman Achim, the Clan’s ruins of Castle MacEwen ancestral home the process to install him as the first Pipe Major and leader of the Spessart of Kilfinan, Scotland. These attendees MacEwen Chief in over 500 years. Highlanders Pipe Band from Germany, travelled from New Zealand, Australia, We were delighted to have in dressed in full regalia while on parade. Europe, The United States (including attendance the Honourable Adam Bruce, Hawaii and Alaska) and Canada. the Marchmont Herald to the Court of the The historic story of our clan is a rather Lord Lyon, King of Arms – The Court of sour one, with the clan disbanding in the law which regulates Heraldry in Scotland. 1430s due to financial disputes with the Marchmont attended as an observer and Campbells of Inverarey. The final Chief to officially report back to Lyon with the Swene McEwen passed away in 1496 and Clan’s choice for Commander and that his the clan disbanded and spread across nomination as the Clan’s choice of Chief SCOTTISH Scotland and the world subsequently. remains unopposed. For more information on Clan MacEwen ACCESSORIES SHOPPE The first MacEwen Chief in see: www.clanewen.org over 500 years KILT HIRE The gathering/convention in June was not merely any normal Clan Gathering, MacEwen have been pursuing the installing of a new Clan Chief for several years. The Clan’s choice for chief is their current Commander Sir John R.H McEwen 5th Baronet of Marchmont and Bardrochat. Sir John was sworn in as Commander of the name in 2014 and this past weekend was the opportunity Sir John McEwen. for the Clan/Convention to approve a • Sydney’s Finest Highland Regalia • Australia’s largest supplier of authentic Stockist. Tartan Scarves, Ties, Bow Ties, Caps, • Kilts and Tartan skirts made to order. Sashes, Tammies and much more. • Stockists of Quality Giftware including • More than 600 different Scottish & Irish Jewellery, Pewter Flasks, Tankards, Tartans on display with over 5,000 Quaiches & Clan Badges. Tartan items in stock.

Come and visit our store at 25 The Strand, Croydon NSW 2132 Close to Croydon Railway Station, with plenty of free parking! Tues-Fri 10.00am-6.00pm Sat 9.00am-2.00pm MAIL ORDER TO ANY POSTAL LOCATION Tel: (02) 9747-8270 Email: [email protected] Facebook: www.facebook.com/scottishaccessories Website: www.scottishaccessories.com.au A group of the convention stood at the cairn which marks the spot Castle MacEwen once stood.

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 15 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Robert the Bruce premiers at the Edinburgh International Film Festival Did you know? • Robert was born on July 11, 1274 in Ayrshire. His father was Robert de Brus, 6th Lord of Annandale. Robert was also a fourth great grandson of David I, King of Scots. His mother, Marjorie was a fearsome woman who was also the Countess of Carrick. Robert had nine siblings and was the third eldest child of his parents. • Robert was well read and educated and spoke Scots, Gaelic, French and Latin. • Robert loved to eat eel. • In the winter of 1306, he was forced to flee Scotland and was exiled to a cave on Rathlin Island in Northern Ireland. • After the death of William Wallace, Robert was determined to win Scotland’s independence from England.

Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce. • At the Battle of Bannockburn

Images courtesy of Signature Entertainment. courtesy of Signature Images in June 1314, Robert the Bruce defeated a much larger English The film, made by Australian director army under Edward II, confirming Richard Gray, will be receiving its World the re-establishment of an Premiere at the prestigious Edinburgh independent Scottish monarchy. International Film Festival. The epic story of Scotland’s greatest heroes will play in competition at the 73rd edition of the world’s longest running and highest regarded film festival in June. Scotland 1306, Robert the Bruce crowns himself King and takes the ambition of Scotland’s freedom as his own.

On location in Scotland. • Robert the Bruce adorned Scottish money for decades. In 1981, the Clydesdale Bank began issuing £1 obert the Bruce is a hard-hitting Also starring Daniel Portman (Game of Robert the Bruce notes with Bruce on them. Bruce historical epic covering the Thrones) Anna Hutchinson (Cabin in the held his position on that banknote turbulent time after William is a hard-hitting historical Woods), Jared Harris (The Crown), Zach until the Clydesdale Bank finished Wallace’s victories depicted in McGowan (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Patrick printing £1 notes in 1989. Bruce was RBraveheart. Angus Macfadyen reprises the epic covering the turbulent Fugit (Almost Famous), Kevin McNally moved onto their £20 notes instead. role he played so memorably in Braveheart time after William Wallace’s (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Emma as Scottish leader Robert the Bruce in this Kenney (Shameless), featuring original • The Declaration of Arbroath is a retelling of the legendary story. In the lost victories depicted in music from Scottish national treasure, Lulu. letter written in 1320 by the barons months after the injured king’s forces have Robert the Bruce picks up where and whole community of the been decimated, he finds himself hunted Braveheart. Braveheart left off in a thrilling, brutal and kingdom of Scotland to the pope, across the snowy Highlands. Robert takes breath- taking fashion. asking him to recognise Scotland’s independence and acknowledge shelter with stoic Morag (Anna Hutchison) Robert the Bruce was released in UK and her brave children, who restore him to cinemas 20th June and will be released Robert the Bruce as the country’s health and help him find the resolve to rally But he cannot overcome England’s power: on DVD and Digital in October. lawful king. It is the most famous the Scots and lead them to independence. defeated again and again, his army is document in Scottish history. scattered and Scotland’s nobility abandons • Robert the Bruce was of poor health him. Hunted, with a price on his head, during his final years. Its reported he finds himself alone and wounded. that he suffered from leprosy or a The cause of freedom seems lost once more. similar skin disease. Robert died on Thrilling, brutal June 7, 1329 at Manor of Cardross and breath- taking near Dumbarton. He was buried in Dunfermline Abbey in Fife. He Hidden secretly in a secluded croft of a was then succeeded by his son, clan pledged to England, and close to David II as King of Scotland. death Robert is nursed back to life by a young widow and her orphaned children. • There are several statues of His determination to do what is right, Robert in Scotland, including one in Edinburgh Castle and Anna Hutchison as Morag, regardless of the cost, reinvigorates his also at Bannockburn. with Patrick Fugit. passion to rise again. But it’s not revenge Angus Macfadyen as Robert the Bruce. he desires. It’s freedom. Now.

Page 16 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Piping Inverness attracts international bands to the Highlands Mesa Caledonian Pipe Band from Arizona, USA. Pipe Band Caledonian Arizona, from Mesa

Australia, whilst closer to home, pipe There was also a Highland Dance Delighted with her role as Chieftain, bands came from Inverness, Ross and competition as well as traditional craft the Provost of Inverness, Helen Cromarty, Dornoch, and Skye. Thirty-four stalls, live entertainment and food and Carmichael said in the lead up to the Juvenile Bands also entered, with some of drink outlets, which all combined to make event: “It really is a tremendous honour the pipers as young as nine participating in this a fun-filled family event. and privilege to be the Chieftain for this much coveted competition. such a prestigious event. Not only will The European Pipe Band Superb pipe band competition the Championships bring significant Championships are a one-day Rebecca Corbett of LCC Live, the economic benefit to the city, but it is competition, with bands and Drum organisers of Piping Inverness, said: also a great opportunity to showcase Majors competing in nine categories. “Piping Inverness, which incorporates what Inverness and the whole Highlands Ian Embleton, Chief Executive of the the European Pipe Band Championships, can offer. I very much look forward to Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is proving exceptionally popular with welcoming the many competitors and (RSPBA), said: “We’re delighted that so bands travelling from around the world, spectators from across the world to many bands have entered the European and visitors coming from near and far what I am sure will be a terrific occasion iping Inverness took place Pipe Band Championships as part of to enjoy what will be a superb pipe filled with lots of memorable sights and in June, with over 140 bands Piping Inverness, and with 12 Grade One band competition. To have eight bands rousing pipe bands to savour.” competing, including eight Pipe bands taking part this year, it’s set to be a travelling from Australia and 12 Grade Piping Inverness the European Pipe Bands from Australia, one from tightly fought competition. Good luck to One Pipe Bands competing reinforces the Band Championships will be held in Pthe USA, and one from Switzerland. all the competitors!” popularity of the Championships, but also Bught Park Inverness for a three-year Piping Inverness encompasses the Piping Inverness also featured a the appeal of Inverness as it plays host to run from 2019-2021. European Pipe Band Championships, Highland Dancing competition, live the event for the first time.” This edition of the Scottish Banner was which attracts 4,000 pipers and drummers entertainment and activities for all ages, published prior to the results of Piping and dancers to Inverness’ Bught Park. including the 4 Scots and 7 Scots Regular Inverness being available. For more This year entries have exceeded and Reserve Regiment’s climbing wall, Piping Inverness took information see: www.pipinginverness.com expectations, with the bands travelling inflatable assault course as well as their place in June, with over 140 from as far afield as Melbourne in military vehicles on view. bands competing, including eight Pipe Bands from Australia, one from the USA, and one from Switzerland.

Inverness’ first female Provost was chosen as the Chieftain for the European Pipe Band Championships, the first female to take on the role in over six years. Provost of Inverness, Helen Carmichael said she was honoured to be asked to fulfil the role of Chieftain for the European Pipe Band Championships. As Chieftain, Provost Carmichael met with competing bands, handed out awards to those recognised for their playing and meet Scotch College Melbourne Pipe Band from Australia. the thousands of visitors attending the Drummers in competition. inaugural Piping Inverness.

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

IN SCOTLAND TODAY

recovered similar collections in five more crannog sites across the Island. These pottery finds suggested the crannogs could date to the Neolithic period and led the researchers to investigate using a combination of ground and underwater survey, photogrammetry, palaeoenvironmental coring and excavation. They concluded there was evidence of artificial islet construction in the Outer Hebrides during the Neolithic. Archaeologist at the University of Southampton, Professor Fraser Sturt, comments: “These crannogs represent a monumental effort made thousands of years ago to build mini-islands by piling up many tons of rocks on the loch bed.” Substantial quantities of Neolithic ceramic vessels were recovered from the lochs and their large fragmental sizes suggest that at least some, and possibly all, were complete when they entered the water. In other words, there was a systematic and possibly ritualised deposition from the islets. Although the Outer Hebrides have a significant number of crannogs, they are also common across the rest of Scotland Calls to help save the Waverley and Ireland. Just 10 per cent have been radiocarbon dated and only 20 per cent Paddle Steamer Waverley is the world’s Scotland’s best beaches 2019 True age of mysterious Scottish in total have been dated at all. Professor last sea-going paddle steamer and has ‘artificial islands’ revealed Sturt concludes: “It appears most probable had to cancel all summer sailings due to that many more Neolithic crannogs will her boilers in need of urgent repair. In be found. Our research shows this is a 1974 she was famously gifted for £1 to new type of site for the British Neolithic, the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society indicating different forms of prehistoric (PSPS). Waverley Steam Navigation Co. Ltd, practice. It is very exciting to think about a charity registered in Scotland, was set up the potential that these sites hold for to operate the ship and her first sailing in improving our understanding of the past.” preservation was May 21st, 1975. Waverley then began a second career as one of the Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding country’s best-loved tourist attractions. Recovering Neolithic pottery from outfits go on display in Edinburgh Since she has carryed over 5 million Loch Arnish in 2012. Photo: C Murray. passengers from over 80 ports around the UK. Waverley is a unique piece of Britain’s maritime heritage, bringing pleasure to Environmental charity, Keep Scotland tens of thousands every summer. She has Beautiful, has announced that 61 Scottish been magnificently restored with towering beaches from across the country have funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish been recognised this year for the high and brass. 2003 saw the completion of a standards provided to users - from major restoration project, which returned keeping sand litter free to providing Waverley to the original 1940s style in which excellent information and accessible she was built. 2017 marked 70 years since amenities. The annual Scottish Beach Waverley’s maiden voyage on 16 June, 1947. Awards act as the national benchmark In May 2019 it was announced that for local environmental quality all Aerial view of islet in Loch Waverley was withdrawn from service along Scotland’s coastline. Scotland’s Langabhat. Photo: Fraser Sturt. Photo: The Royal Collection Trust. for the 2019 season as her boilers require coastlines and waters attract thousands replacing. The charity which owns Waverley of visitors every year. These beach users has no reserves to fund this project and is can be assured that where they see the Archaeologists from the University of A Royal Wedding: The Duke and Duchess of requesting support to ensure that Waverley Scottish Beach Award flag they will have Southampton, working with colleagues Sussex features the wedding outfits worn sails again. Without new boilers the ship the experience they are looking for: a at the University of Reading and local by the couple at their wedding in May will never steam again. To help save the clean beach, excellent amenities and archaeologist Chris Murray, have 2018. The Duchess of Sussex’s wedding Waverley see: www.waverleyexcursions. signposting about the local area, as well as discovered that some Scottish ‘crannogs’ dress was created by the British designer co.uk/friends-of-waverley/donate information about water quality. date to the Neolithic period – far earlier Clare Waight Keller, Artistic Director at the Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of than previously assumed. historic French fashion house Givenchy. Lord Of The Rings TV series to be Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “This year’s These artificial islands, constructed The Duchess chose Ms Waight Keller for filmed in Scotland 61 winning beaches, across 11 regions in lakes and sea inlets, have, until now, her timeless and elegant aesthetic, and for Amazon’s Lord Of The Rings TV series will included Irvine Beach - Front Shore, an thought to have been built, used, and re- the impeccable tailoring of her creations. begin filming in Scotland later this year, award winner for the first time since 2009. used over 2,500 years between the Iron Age The Duchess and Ms Waight Keller worked according to reports. Filming is expected 2019 also sees many long-standing award and the post-medieval period. However, closely together on the design. to take place at a new television and film participants return, including Gullane researchers have now conclusively The Duke of Sussex’s wedding outfit was studio in Leith. The show is set to have Bents and St Andrews West Sands, both radiocarbon dated four crannog sites in the frockcoat uniform of the Household one of the biggest budgets in television of which celebrate 27 consecutive years the Outer Hebrides to c.3640–3360 BC – Cavalry (the ‘Blues and Royals’), made by history, costing a whopping $1 billion as award winners.” Fife retains its title as shifting the timeline by thousands of years. tailors at Dege & Skinner on Savile Row. (£710 million) which is 3.5 times more the region with the most awards, home to Their findings are published in the journal As the uniform specially commissioned expensive than Peter Jackson’s film trilogy. 14 winning beaches. The Highlands was Antiquity. for the occasion is required for use by The filming contract will continue the run second with 12 successful award winners. In 2012, extraordinarily well-preserved His Royal Highness, an identical uniform of productions being made in Scotland will Award flags will be flying at beaches the Early/Middle Neolithic pots were made for The Duke by Dege & Skinner a be worth millions of pounds to the Scottish length and breadth of Scotland. Find discovered on a loch bed by Lewis resident few years is on displayed. The exhibition economy. Amazon’s Lord Of The Rings is award winning Scottish beaches at: www. Chris Murray. Later, working with Mark takes place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse expected to be released in 2021. keepscotlandbeautiful.org/beachawards Elliot from Museum nan Eilean, he in Edinburgh until October 6th.

Page 18 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scotland is Out of this World The Development of Tourism Act came and Galloway and Tomintoul and Glenlivet into force in 1969 – the same year as the in Cairngorms National Park are two of Moon landing – and an official Scottish only 15 International Dark Sky Parks in Tourist Board was established with Europe. It means they are some of the best government funding. VisitScotland has places on Earth to study the sky at night. teamed up with Sent Into Space to send The Isle of Coll was also Europe’s first the toy Highland cow into the sky attached “Dark Sky Island” and Moffat, in Dumfries to a weather balloon – with footage of its and Galloway, was its first “Dark Sky Town”. journey released in time for the Moon The International Dark-Sky Association landing’s anniversary. which certifies International Dark The Coosmonaut’s spacesuit was Sky Parks defines the term as “a land specially made by Vintage Bunting in the possessing an exceptional or distinguished Scottish Borders using Clan Armstrong quality of starry nights and a nocturnal tartan supplied by Lochcarron of Scotland. environment that is specifically protected Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and for its scientific, natural, educational, Michael Collins formed the three-man cultural heritage, and/or public NASA mission which set off on 16 July enjoyment”. 1969, to land on the surface of the Moon. On 20 July 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin touched down on the lunar surface. he world’s first-ever Highland astronaut Neil Armstrong’s historic Ian Martin, Project Manager at Coosmonaut is set to be launched walk on the lunar surface as well as Gilnockie Tower, said: “Gilnockie Tower, into ‘near space’ as part of a new the 50th anniversary of VisitScotland. the ancestral home of Clan Armstrong, tourism campaign announced Ohio-born Neil Armstrong was said to was opened last year and has attracted Tby VisitScotland, to celebrate Scotland’s be proud of his Scottish heritage. visitors from across the world interested connection to the first Moonwalk. Primary The ancestral home of Clan Armstrong in tracing their family roots and history. As school-aged children across Scotland have been is Langholm in Dumfries and Galloway well as the 50th anniversary of the moon invited by the national tourism organisation to and in 1972 he become the town’s first landings, we are also celebrating the 500th name the heroic cuddly toy Highland coo (Scots and only Freeman. anniversary of the rise of Gilnockie Tower word for cow) which will be sent almost On accepting the honour, Armstrong - a truly special year for Langholm and 40,000 metres into the stratosphere wearing told the gathered audience: “It’s said that our celebrated links to the most famous a Clan Armstrong tartan spacesuit. the most difficult place to be recognised Armstrong of them all – Neil Armstrong.” is in one’s own home town. And I consider A truly special year for Langholm this, now, my home town.” Dark skies The Scotland is Out of this World Scotland is Out of this World is among a Travel guide publisher, Lonely Planet, has th campaign will mark the 50 anniversary series of activities created this year to mark identified dark skies as a tourism trend for Gilnockie Tower. of the Apollo 11 mission and US VisitScotland’s 50th anniversary. 2019. Galloway Forest Park in Dumfries From the Far East to Scotland’s North East The Romantic Scotland exhibition has gone on display at Duff House following an exhibition in China. SCOTS’ Scottish identity and perception of the country internationally. This exhibition, in juxtaposing the romantic interpretations of Scotland’s landscapes with historical CORNER photographs and objects, explores the With David Keith different stories these items tell of this On106.7 Phoenix FM period in Scotland’s history.” Romantic Scotland arrived at Duff Monday 2:30 to 4:30pm House following an exhibition in China, Traditional, Folk & Gaelic Music where it was on display at Nanjing Museum, one of the country’s largest Scottish News Views & Blethers cultural institutions. Duff House is a masterpiece of baroque architecture and Live Streaming one of the most important buildings in www.phoenixfm.org.au the north of Scotland. It was designed in 1735 by the renowned Scottish architect A historic metal helmet, part of the Romantic Scotland exhibition. William Adam and is now a five-star visitor attraction, run in partnership by Historic Listen to Scottish he late 18th century ushered displayed alongside artefacts and exhibits Environment Scotland, the National in a new cultural movement from the same period, contrasting artists’ Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire in Scotland, which developed creations with documentary photographs, Council. This summer, Duff House is Radio S.A. throughout the 19thcentury and archive material and tangible objects. extending its opening hours to open daily Ttransformed the country’s art, literature from 9.30am to 5.30pm. and national identity. The impact and Shaping both Scottish legacy of this period is explored in identity and perception Romantic Scotland, which is on display Claire Whitbread, Exhibitions Manager at Duff House in Banff until Sunday 29 at HES, said: “Romanticism in Scotland September 2019. sought inspiration from the country’s Tuesdays: 12:30pm – 1:30pm Curated by Historic Environment natural surroundings, particularly Saturdays: 5:00pm – 6:00pm Scotland (HES) and The National Galleries the wild and dramatic landscapes of of Scotland, the exhibition showcases the Highlands, and often involved an 5EBI 103.1 fm paintings from some of the leading emotional response to nature. The Scottish artists of the 18th and 19th romantic image of Scotland popularised Digital EBI World: centuries - from Alexander Nasmyth in the late 1700s and early 1800s has and William McTaggart to Glasgow Boys had lasting influence and significance, A painting from the collection. WWW.5ebi.com.au Sir James Guthrie and Sir John Lavery – playing an important role in shaping both

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 19 THE SCOTTISH BANNER SCOTTISH BANNER EVENTS Having a Clan event? Know of a highland games? Know where the pipes will be playing? Let Scottish Banner readers know of Scottish events both near and far with the Scottish Banner events page. Send us your community event, concert, meeting or anything with a Scottish twist! Please submit events either online at www.scottishbanner.com/events or email [email protected]. Please ensure you submit your event in the exact format we use below, events not submitted in this way cannot be guaranteed to be printed. Events will run both in print and online and is a free service.

17 - Hobart, TAS- Hobart Winter Ball 27 - Wellington - New Zealand - Gaelic Ball 2019 26 - Langholm - Langholm Common Riding AUSTRALIA A evening of Scottish music and dance. Music Scottish music, food and dance hosted by Wellington A week of celebration culminate in a ceremonial by Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt at Hobart Gaelic Club (Communn Gaidhealach Wellington). procession. The procession is led by the cornet and JULY Town Hall, Macquarie St. Info: Sally Ord Info:www.wellingtongaelicclub.org.nz his mounted supporters, accompanied by brass and 01 - Nationwide - Australia - Tartan Day 03 6249 8880 or [email protected] pipe bands, horse-racing, athletics, Cumberland An international event that celebrates the lifting of the AUGUST wrestling and Highland games; with an open air English ban that prevented the wearing of tartan from 31 - Mackay, QLD - Mackay Bluewater Fling 02 - Auckland - Scottish Celtic Music Group dance in the evening and a closing ceremony. Info: 1746 to 1782. Wear some tartan today with pride today! The Mackay and District Pipe Band is hosting their Monthly on the first Friday at St Luke’s Church, www,returntotheridings.co.uk/langholm-common-riding annual community event ‘The Mackay Bluewater 03 - 07 - Camperdown, VIC - Robert 130 Remuera Rd. All instruments welcome to read Fling’ at the Bluewater Quay. The event commences 27 - Dufftown - Dufftown Highland Games Burns Scottish Festival through favourite Scottish tunes and dance sets. with a massed bands march across the Forgan A full programme of Light and Heavy Events, With great music, guest performers, and lecture series Info: John Hawthorn: [email protected] Massed Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing and there coordinated by the Camperdown Historical Society, Bridge at 3pm. Visiting pipe bands from around Queensland and Highland dancing will be featured 09 - Auckland - New Zealand - is a chance to take part too with the Overseas Highland Dancing, poetry, Golf Day, Pipes and Drums. Race. Info: www.dufftownhighlandgames.org New events will include music workshops and master during the afternoon. Info: Deborah 0408 877 Scottish Fiddle Club Night classes, in-schools music program, dinner at the Masonic 806 or [email protected] 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM at St Luke’s Church, 130 Remuera Rd. 27 - Dumbarton - Scottish Pipe Band Championships Pipe band contest, all grades. Info: www.rspba.org Lodge with haggis and Toast to the Immortal Memory of 31 - Toowoomba, QLD- Ceilidh Info: www.freewebs.com/aucklandscottishfiddleclub Robert Burns, music and dancing. Info: Chris Maguire Toowoomba Caledonian Society & Pipe Band Inc. is 24 - Wellington - New Zealand - Capital City 27 - Nationwide - Bagpipe Appreciation Day 0428 346 165 or www.camperdownburnsfestival.com.au holding a Favourite Scottish Character themed Ceilidh in and Johnsonville Shared Annual Dance Show your love of the pipes by playing your 06 - Aberdeen, NSW - Aberdeen Highland Games the Drayton Hall starting at 7pm. Come along & enjoy Scottish Country Dance event at Ngaio Town Hall, pipes today or listen to favourite band. Be sure Throughout the day there will be fun for all the family - a night of Scottish entertainment. Prizes will be awarded Ottawa Road, Ngaio. Info: www.wellingtonscd.org.nz to listen to some bagpipe music today! there will be Highland and Country Dancing, Pipe Band for the best costume/s. Lots of community Scottish 28 - St Andrews, Fife, - St. Andrews Highland Games displays, Strong Man events with the Tartan Warriors to country dancing (all dances are called). Watch a Highland One of the top Highland Games in Fife with a enjoy as well as tug-of-war, three-legged races, and the dancing display and enjoy the pipe band’s entertainment. SCOTLAND full traditional program at Station Park. Info: famed Kilted Dash to participate in. The 2019 Games will Cost of the evening is $10pp Adults, School children Over JULY www.standrewshighlandgames.co.uk be a very special event marking the 20th anniversary of the 13 $5.00 and Under 13 free; a plate of food for supper. Games. Info: 02 6540 1300 orwww.aberdeenhighlandgames Contact Marg 0429700217 for larger group bookings. 03 - Kenmore - Kenmore Highland Games AUGUST Traditional Highland games with a heavy event 06 - Adelaide - SA - Tartan Day Celebration 02 - 24 - Edinburgh - The Royal unique to Kenmore, throwing the Tirnie Stones Edinburgh Military Tattoo A concert in the Burnside Community Centre Hall NEW ZEALAND -an almost spherical stone found on Tirinie Farm, commencing at 11.00 am. The program will include The Edinburgh Tattoo is a spectacular like no other. A Kenmore. Info: www.kenmorehighlandgames.com stories about the history of tartan, the rebellion of JULY kaleidoscope of music, dance and entertainment. All set the Jacobites leading to the banning of the wearing 01 - Nationwide - Tartan Day 06 - Arbigland, Dumfries - John Paul against the iconic backdrop of Edinburgh Castle. See your of tartan, pipe band music played by students of An international event that celebrates the lifting of the Jones Birthday Celebration evening burst into life with a colourful blend of Scottish Seymour College, Highland dancing, an Address to the English ban that prevented the wearing of tartan from John Paul Jones was one of the greatest Founding Fathers pipe and drum bands, highland dancers and performers Haggis and haggis tasting. Bookings need to be made 1746 to 1782. Wear some tartan today with pride today! of America and The Father of the US Navy for his heroics from across the world. Info: www.edintattoo.co.uk with the Burnside Library telephone 08 8366 4280 05 - Auckland - Scottish Celtic Music Group in the American Revolutionary War. Come celebrate his 02 - 26 - Edinburgh - The Edinburgh Festival Fringe 06 - Fremantle, WA - Scottish Masonic Monthly on the first Friday at St Luke’s Church, birth (July 6, 1747) at the place of his birth and childhood, The largest arts festival in the world featuring Charitable Foundation of WA Tartan Ball 130 Remuera Rd. All instruments welcome to read The John Paul Jones Birthplace Cottage and Museum performers from across the globe at locations Celebrate International tartan Day in Scottish style through favourite Scottish tunes and dance sets. located on Arbigland Estates just outside of Dumfries. The across Edinburgh. Info:www.edfringe.com with an Address to the Haggis, Perth Metro Pipe Band Info: John Hawthorn: [email protected] US Consulate and other dignitaries will be paying their 02 - 26 - Edinburgh - The Edinburgh and Heel and Toe Ceilidh Band at the Esplanade International Festival 06 - Tauranga - Tauranga Performing respects. The Scottish Sea Scouts will preform the flag Hotel. Info: 0433 707 716 or www.smcfwa.com.au For three weeks in August, Scotland’s capital becomes Arts Highland Dance Competition raising ceremony along with a drill demonstration. The an unparalleled celebration of the performing arts 07 - Ipswich, QLD - Piobaireachd Group Queensland Social Highland dance competitions and events at local fire and rescue boat organizations will have exhibits and an annual meeting point for people of all nations. Piping event at Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band Hall, Graham Young Youth Theatre, Tauranga Boys on hand. Admission to the museum is free for the event. Festival programmes featuring dance, opera, music and cnr Lion & Moffat Sts. Info: 07 3398 4659. College, 664 Cameron Road. Info: Mrs Helene Info: Robert McCall 1387 88 0613 or www.jpj.demon.co.uk theatre at venues across Edinburgh. Info: www.eif.co.uk 07 - 13 - Parkville, VIC – 44th Australian Karton 07 544 2024 or [email protected] 07 - 12 - Isle of South Uist - The Ceolas Summer School 03 - Nationwide - Scotland - Scottish Country Dance Winter School 07 - Christchurch - Tartan Day Lunch Unbeatable tuition in Gaelic music, dance and International Scottish Gin Day The Melbourne & District Branch extends a warm Presented by the Canterbury Scottish Heritage Council. language from the best traditional musicians in International Scottish Gin Day aims to help a invitation to all dancers to meet at University College, Celebrate Tartan Day. Info: [email protected] Scotland and Canada; guided walks, house ceilidhs and global audience discover the wonderful world of College Drive, University of Melbourne, for a fun filled village-hall dances in the strongest Gaelic-speaking 12 - Auckland - Scottish Fiddle Club Night Scottish Gin and to create a special day established week of Scottish Country Dancing with great teachers community in the world; authentic Hebridean culture 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM at St Luke’s Church, 130 Remuera Rd. to raise the profile of Scottish Gin, which accounts and musicians. Info:www.melbourne2019ws.com alive in its heartland. Info: www.ceolas.co.uk Info: www.freewebs.com/aucklandscottishfiddleclub for 70% of the UK’s overall gin production. 12 - 21 - Melbourne, VIC - The 13 - Balloch - Loch Lomond Highland Games Melbourne Tartan Festival 13 - 14 - New Plymouth - New Zealand 03 - 10 - Braemar - Clan Farquharson Gathering 2019 Athletics, pipe bands and more at Moss o’ Balloch th th A diverse range of Scottish events across Melbourne Highland Dancing Championships Celebrate the Clan Chiefs 100 birthday and his 70 Park, Loch Lomond. Info: www.llhgb.com including: a Ceilidh Dance, Gala Dinner, Genealogy Highland dance competitions and events at The Devon anniversary of becoming Clan Chief with a variety of Day, Pipe Bands and more. Info: 0417 125 013 Hotel, 390 Devon Street East. Info: www.scotdancenz.co.nz 17 - 20 - Stornoway Isle of Lewis - HebCelt Clan focused events. Info:www.farquharson-clan.co.uk or www.melbournetartanfestival.com.au 19 - 20 - Waipu - Waipu Museum Art’nTartan The Hebridean Celtic Festival is an international Celtic 05 - Edinburgh - Clan Baird Society General Meeting 13 - Hawthorn, VIC - Hawthorn Pipe Band: Taking Flight Wearable Art is for everyone. Celebrate the migration of music festival, which takes place annually with a variety Clan Baird Society is hosting its General Meeting, St. Hawthorn Pipe Band, the Grade 2 Australian the Scottish settlers to Waipu, and revel in the vibrant of performers and events. Info: www.hebceltfest.com Trinnean’s Room, St. Leonard’s Hall, 18 Holyrood Park Champions, present Taking Flight, a night of top- multi-cultural Waipu of today. The designers’ creations 20 - Falkirk - The Battle Of Falkirk Rd. A representative from the Office of the Lord Lyon quality Australian piping and drumming. Taking Flight will be front and centre, as Art’nTartan continues to 1298 Commemoration 2019 is coming to hear the state of the Bairds and to explain is a nod to their upcoming journey to the World Pipe develop its reputation as a very creative wearable arts Commemoration The Battle Of Falkirk 1298. On the processes for more organization of the family. All Bairds event at Waipu Celtic Barn, 47 The Centre. Info: 0800 BUY Band Championships in Scotland and promises to be 22nd of July 1298 Sir William Wallace Guardian of are invited to attend. You do not have to be a member TIX (289 849) or www.waipumuseum.com/art-n-tartan a night of Scottish music at its finest at Hawthorn Arts Scotland and high protector of the Realm and his of Clan Baird Society to be a part of this meeting. Info: Debra Baird, President, [email protected] Centre, 360 Burwood Rd. Info: www.hawthornpb.com 20 - Palmerston North - Robert Burns’ Winter Dinner army of Scotsman stood in defiance of tyranny against 20 - Argenton, NSW - Peter Adams Caledonian Night An evening of fine tradition that is Robert Burns’ King Edward I of England at Falkirk Trinity Church. 09 - 11 - Inverness - Clan Munro Gathering Bob McInnes Band and lots of dancing Winter Dinner hosted by the Manawatu Scottish Info: www.facebook.com/events/661098897603239 Clan Munro Clan event to commemorate the Battle of with the Hunter Valley Scots Club at Club Society. Enjoy the fantastic three-course traditional Glen Shiel in 1719 where the Munros took to the field for 21 - Stonehaven - Stonehaven Highland Games Macquarie 7.00pm. Info: www.hvsc.org.au meal, superlative entertainment, lively speakers and the last time as a clan. Info: www.clanmunro.org.uk unique warmth of atmosphere at Manawatu Scottish Highland dancing, athletics and Pipe Band 20 - Brisbane, QLD - International Tartan Day 10 - 16 - Glasgow - Piping Live! Hall, 52 Princess St. Info: Neil Doherty or Brent Le Competition at Mackie Academy Playing Fields. King George Square, 9am to 4pm. A free day Info: www.stonehavenhighlandgames.com Piping Live! brings together musicians from across of family entertainment Pipe Bands, Highland Quesne on 06 354 2370 or 027 289 8711 respectively. the globe, who come to Glasgow with pipe bands Dancing, Scottish Country Dancing, Celtic Choir, 27 - Nationwide - New Zealand - 26 - Isle of Skye - Alasdair Fraser’s and music groups from many different countries to Family History and Genealogy and much more. Bagpipe Appreciation Day Mammoth Fiddle Night take part. With Pipe Idol, The Piping Live! Big Band, Info: www.aussie-scots.org.au or 07 3359 8195. Show your love of the pipes by playing your Prepare for a string spectacular and experience the The Masters, Evening Concerts, the festival club, 20 - Morley, WA - The Celtic Shindig pipes today or listen to favourite band. Be sure sound of over 130 fiddles and cellos lifting the rafters Street Café and more, the festival has something Perth Metro Pipe Band is hosting a Christmas in July to listen to some bagpipe music today! of Sabhal Mr Ostaig. Info:www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/en/ for everyone. Info: www.pipinglive.co.uk event as part of the 2019 Celtic Shindig. It promises to be a great night, filled with music, dancing, games and prizes. Info: https://www.trybooking.com/BAPME Scottish Genealogical Research 22 - Toowong, QLD - Queensland Solutions from Highland Pipers Society Social DID YOU Jig contest at the Walrus Bar, Regatta Scotword page 6 Hotel. Info: 07 3397 4512. Let us build 27 - Inglewood, WA - Caledonian Society KNOW? ACROSS 34 Extol. 7 Chanters. of WA Xmas in July Ceilidh 1 Macduff. 35 Watts. 11 Nail. Put on your Santa hat and sing and dance to The Scottish Banner is 4 Gar. 36 Eve. 15 Awa. your Scottish Heel N Toe Ceilidh band. Listen to our Piper. Supper supplied at the Bob Daniels Community the #1 source for Scottish 8 Oar. 37 Tenor. 16 Delta. Centre, 895 Beafort St. Info: 0427 990 754. 9 Alyth. 38 Talon. 17 Essay. Family Tree! 27 - Nationwide - Australia - Bagpipe Appreciation Day events in Australasia! 10 Rowan. 39 Een. 18 Dinna. Show your love of the pipes by playing your 12 Era. 19 Braes. 40 Tod. pipes today or listen to favourite band. Be sure With hundreds of Scottish 13 Agley. 20 Range. to listen to some bagpipe music today! 41 Kilsyth. Ron Dempsey 14 Satan. 22 Dalkeith. events listed from around AUGUST 15 Ardle. 24 Sin. General Delivery 14 - Teralba, NSW - Hunter Valley Scots Club Social Night the world and updated 19 Byre. DOWN 26 Wattle. Udora, Ontario 7pm at Teralba Community Hall, Cnr Margaret St 21 Skier. 1 Moray. 27 Relent. & Anzac Pde. Info: [email protected] weekly. See our most up to 22 Dallas. 2 Cawdor. 29 Kist. L0C 1L0, Canada 15 - 18 - Boondooma QLD - Scots in the date listings and add your 23 Alness. 3 Foula. 30 Agency. Bush Scottish & Celtic Festival 4 Greys. A weekend of great Celtic fun with pipe bands, event anytime at: 25 Annie. 31 Tweed. entertainment, ceilidh dancing and combined band 26 Wary. 5 Raasay. 32 Stank. For details email: performances, Kirkin O’ the Tartan and more at Historic www.scottishbanner.com/events 28 Skean. 6 Myrtle. 33 Perth. [email protected] Boondooma Homestead, 8262 Mundubbera-Durong Rd. Info: 07 4168 0159 or www.boondoomahomestead.org.au

Page 20 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER New book looks at pros and cons of reintroducing lynx to Scotland countries since the 1970s – including in no significant impact on threatened busy areas more densely populated than species such as wildcats and capercaillie. the Highlands, and which are used for Meanwhile, lynx are known to routinely farming, hunting, forestry and tourism. prey on foxes, which do prey on capercaillie The lynx’s shyness and small size mean and can compete with wildcats for food. attacks on humans are virtually unknown. A major benefit of a healthy lynx “The lynx is staging a comeback across population would be to reduce the impacts Europe – but in Scotland returning top and costs of browsing by deer. Scotland’s predators remains a prickly conversation, high numbers of woodland deer – which often based on misunderstandings. currently lack natural predators – can have This book aims to address that by offering a costly impact on forestry and on wildlife a balanced discussion,” said Peter Cairns, habitats through heavy browsing. Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture. Lynx could offer opportunities for In Scotland, there would be scope for Scotland’s tourism industry, especially conflict between lynx and human hunters important in economically fragile areas such of deer, but probably less so than in other as the Highlands. Nature-based tourism is countries, where there are fewer deer and growing, and has been calculated to have a more hunters. Impact on red deer stalking direct economic benefit to Scotland of £1.4 is unlikely to be significant because lynx billion and 39,000 full-time jobs annually. are shy ambush-hunters, which avoid Much of the infrastructure and market open areas and instead prefer smaller for absorbing the lynx into Scotland’s woodland deer such as roe and sika. nature tourism market already exists. Lynx also avoid red deer stags, which are As the UK’s only top predator, the species most sought after by human hunters. would be a major wildlife icon that could “Attacks by lynx on sheep grazed in be used to help promote Scotland’s wilder open pasture are relatively rare, but places to visitors. Cairngorms-based occasionally happen. Switzerland’s 250 Hetherington has studied Europe’s lynx for lynx cause livestock losses of 20 to 50 over a decade. His University of Aberdeen animals each year, while preying on 12,500 doctorate focused on the feasibility of wild roe deer and chamois annually. reintroducing the species to Scotland. Eurasian lynx, Jura Mountains, Switzerland © Laurent Geslin. Nevertheless, farmers here would need to The Lynx and Us is the second book in a series be reassured that negative local impacts from SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, which stunning new book published prey. His previous research indicates that could be managed,” said Hetherington. produces stunning visual media promoting by SCOTLAND: The Big Picture the Highlands could support a population the benefits of a wilder Scotland for people looks at what it might be like if of at least 400 wild lynx. Nature-based tourism and wildlife. It follows The Red Squirrel: A future in the forest by Neil McIntyre and the Eurasian lynx returned to This could be achieved by using and Polly Pullar. For more information see: AScotland. The Lynx and Us- by ecologist A comeback across Europe adapting methods tested in other countries www.scotlandbigpicture.com Dr David Hetherington, with stunning Following centuries of decline due for years – such as livestock protection Do you think the lynx should be photography of wild lynx from Laurent to deforestation, persecution and measures, compensation schemes, and reintroduced to the Scottish Highlands? Geslin – aims to inform a growing debate overhunting, the lynx has been even lethal control. Based on evidence Share your thoughts with us by email, post about the possibility of reintroducing this reintroduced to several European from other countries, there would be or at www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us charismatic predator to Scotland after an absence of more than 400 years. Drawing upon evidence from across Europe, the book AUSTRALIAN SCOTTISH examines what it would be like to have an apex predator living in our midst once again. COMMUNITY (QLD) Inc. ABN 27 277 574 370 presents… The Scottish Highlands International Tartan Day Lynx numbers are on the rise in Europe, King George Square, Brisbane CBD through natural colonisation and reintroductions – sparking calls for the Saturday 20TH July 2019 species’ return to Britain. Whilst this may 9am to 4pm be undesirable for some, Hetherington 5 Pipe Bands says tangible benefits would include Highland Dancing helping to control the damaging effects of deer in commercial woodland, and Eurasian lynx with town lights, Swiss Jura Scottish Country Dancing opportunities to boost Scotland’s appeal © Laurent Geslin. Celtic Choir for nature-based tourism. “Reintroducing Small Pipes lynx would be a milestone for British Fiddle Orchestra nature conservation. By preying on Scottie Dog Mascots roe deer, they could play a vital role in Family History and Genealogy maintaining healthy woodlands. But the Clan Information and Stalls lynx’s return could bring challenges too, so and much…much more! a respectful dialogue with those who live Proudly supported by and work in the countryside is essential before any reintroduction could ever happen,” said David Hetherington. Evidence suggests that lynx survived in Britain until after the Middle Ages. President – Ian Campbell DU.a PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 4101 The Scottish Highlands may be where it E: [email protected] held out longest, and this is also where Web: www.aussie-scots.org.au Hetherington says a modern-day lynx The Scottish Highlands PH 07 3359 8195 population could live, given the area’s © Mark Hamblin. abundance of forest and woodland deer as

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 21 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN THE SCOTTISH KITCHEN

Divide the mushroom mixture into 12 same pan fry them until golden. To serve, portions and spread a portion down the place the cauliflower florets neatly around centre of each square of pastry, leaving a the serving plate. Put some of the purée in 2cm/1in gap at the top and bottom. the centre. Place the scallops on top and In a bowl, mix the sausage meat with the spoon around the caper and raisin sauce. black pudding and mould into 12 sausage Decorate the dish with chervil. shapes. Place on top of the mushroom paste and then spread the caramelised onions on top of each sausage. Slow cooker bean chilli Make two small diagonal cuts from each Ingredients: corner of the pastry, to remove a small 2 tbsp olive oil triangle. Then fold the top and bottom 2 onions, thinly sliced ‘wings’ over the ends of the sausage meat. 2 garlic cloves, crushed Cut a 1cm/½in fringe all the way down the 1 tsp hot smoked paprika pastry on each side of the filling. Bring one 1 tsp. ground cumin strip over the filling from one side, then 1 tsp. ground coriander Black Pudding Sausage Rolls one from the other and so on, crossing the ¼ tsp ground cinnamon Oven chips Ingredients: strips over to form a plaited effect. Tuck 150ml/5fl oz. hot vegetable stock (made with 1 stock cube) Ingredients: For the shortcut puff pastry: the ends of the pastry under the plate, 2 x 400g/14oz. cans chopped tomatoes 2 large sweet potatoes, scrubbed 600g/1lb 5oz. plain flour trimming off any excess if necessary. 2 x 400g/14oz. cans black beans or red 1-2 large potatoes, scrubbed pinch salt Repeat with the remaining squares kidney beans (or a mixture), rinsed and 4 sprigs thyme, leaves only 300g/10½oz. butter, 100g/3½oz. chilled of pastry until you have 12 mini sausage drained 1 tsp ground cumin and cut into cubes, 200g/7oz. frozen plaits. Place the plates on a baking tray, brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with 1 tsp dried oregano 1 pinch chilli flakes For the filling: 1 tbsp. olive oil sesame seeds. sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 300g/10½oz. chestnut mushrooms, trimmed 2 tsp. hot smoked paprika Bake for 20 minutes, until the pastry 2 tbsp thyme leaves Method: sea salt flakes is golden-brown. Leave to cool for five 1 tbsp sunflower oil Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry minutes or so, then serve hot or cold. Method: 25g/1oz. unsalted butter the onions for 5 minutes, or until softened Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Cut 2 red onions, thinly sliced and lightly browned, stirring frequently. the sweet potatoes into thick wedges and 2 tsp soft brown sugar Celtic scallops Add the garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander put into a large mixing bowl. Cut the white 1 tbsp sherry vinegar Ingredients: and cinnamon and cook for a further minute. potatoes into slightly thinner wedges (they 300g/10½oz. good-quality sausage meat Transfer to the slow cooker. Stir in the scallops (hand-dived if possible) take longer to cook so need to be slightly 100g/3½oz. black pudding, cut into stock, tomatoes, drained beans, tomatoes 1 medium cauliflower smaller for an equal cooking time) and add 2cm/1in pieces and dried oregano. Stir well then cover 500ml/16½fl oz. full fat milk to the bowl. Add the remaining ingredients 1 free-range egg, beaten, to glaze with the lid and cook on low for 8–10 icing sugar and toss until the wedges are evenly coated. 1 tbsp sesame seeds hours, or until the sauce is thick and the 150g/5oz. unsalted butter Season with sea salt then spread over a non- spices have mellowed. Serve hot. 30g/1oz. chopped shallots stick baking tray in an even layer. (Put the Method: 30g/1oz. chopped button mushrooms sweet potatoes in the centre and the white For the shortcut puff pastry, mix the flour potatoes round the edge of the tray where and salt together in a bowl. Rub in the 1 bouquet garni Ginger Biscuits it will be hotter.) Cook for 20-25 minutes, chilled butter using your fingertips until 100ml/4oz. dry white wine checking after 10 minutes, shaking and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. 100ml/4fl oz. double cream turning occasionally, until cooked through. Gradually add enough water to form a 50ml/2fl oz. virgin olive oil If the sweet potatoes are cooked before the dough (about 4-6 tablespoons of water). 30g/1¼oz. water soaked raisins others are ready then remove them from the Roll the dough out into a rectangle on 30g/1¼oz. washed salted button capers oven and leave the rest to cook for longer. a lightly floured work surface. Coarsely (baby capers have more flavour but others grate the frozen butter over the bottom are fine) Highland Salad two-thirds of the dough. Fold down the 15 leaves of fresh chervil top third and fold up the bottom third as if Method: folding a letter. Ingredients: Using a table knife prise the scallop open. 1 x 300g/10½oz. sirloin or fillet steak Turn the folded dough 90 degrees Lift the scallop from its shell and remove salt and freshly ground black pepper on the work surface and roll out into a the roe and beard (keep the beards for the Ingredients: 25ml/1fl oz. rapeseed oil rectangle again. Fold again in thirds, wrap sauce and the roes can be used in a salad). 110g/4oz. margarine, plus extra for greasing 1 red chilli, finely chopped the dough in cling film and set aside to Keep the scallops on a cloth in the fridge 110g/4oz. caster sugar 1 tbsp. palm sugar rest in the fridge for 30 minutes. Repeat until ready to cook (this keeps them dry for 110g/4oz. golden syrup 2 garlic cloves, sliced the rolling, folding and turning process frying in oil). 225g/8oz. self-raising flour, plus extra for 2 tbsp. fresh coriander, plus extra for the salad a further two times, chilling in between To make the cauliflower, cut the dusting 2 tbsp. fresh mint each turn. In total you will have done four cauliflower into even sized florets. Break 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp. fish sauce turns. Rest the pastry in the fridge while off 15 florets and set aside. Slice the 1 tbsp. soy sauce you make the filling. Preheat the oven to remaining cauliflower, and cook in the Method: 1 lime, juice and zest 200C/400F/Gas 6. milk, with enough salt to taste, until tender Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4 and 1 round lettuce For the filling, put the mushrooms in a and remove from the milk. Purée in a grease a baking tray. 50g/1¾oz. sugar-snap peas, halved food processor and season with salt and liquidizer using 50ml/2fl oz. of the double Melt the margarine, caster sugar 6 radishes, sliced pepper. Pulse until the mushrooms are cream until smooth, adjust seasoning and golden syrup gently in a pan over a Method: broken down to a rough paste. Add the where necessary. To make the sauce, gently medium heat. Once melted, remove from Preheat a barbecue or griddle pan to hot. thyme and give the mix a final pulse. Put fry the scallop beards in 30g/1oz. butter the heat and cool slightly. Add all of the dry Season the steak with lots of black pepper, the mushroom mixture into a dry frying without any colour. Then add the shallots, ingredients to the pan to make a dough. drizzle with oil and place onto a hot barbecue pan set over a medium-high heat and mushrooms, bouquet garni and cook for Once cool enough to handle, with or griddle pan for five minutes, turning half- cook, stirring often, until all the moisture a few more minutes. Pour in the wine floured hands, roll the dough into 50p-size way through. To make the dressing, put the has evaporated from the mushrooms. and reduce by 9/10ths. Add 50ml/2oz. of balls. Place these individual balls onto the chilli, palm sugar, garlic and a teaspoon of Remove from the pan and leave to cool. the double cream and bring to the boil. greased baking tray with enough room salt into a pestle and mortar. Grind for 1-2 Meanwhile, using the same pan, heat Remove to a low heat and stir in 120g/4oz between each biscuit to allow them to minutes, then add the coriander and mint the oil and butter over a medium-low of butter. Adjust the seasoning and pass spread during cooking. Mark the top of and grind for another minute. Mix in the fish heat. Add the onions and sugar and cook through a fine sieve onto the raisins and each ball with a fork. The dough should sauce, soy sauce, lime juice and zest. slowly until the onions are very soft and capers. Do not allow this sauce to get too make about 30 biscuits. Put the baking tray Cut the lettuce into six wedges and place sweet. This will take at least 20 minutes. hot or cold (store in a warm place). Cook into the oven for about 10 minutes, or until in a bowl. Top with the sugar-snap peas, Once caramelised, stir in the sherry the scallops in a non-stick pan to your the biscuits are golden-brown. Remove radishes and a few coriander leaves. Pour vinegar. To assemble, roll out the pastry liking. Season, to taste, with salt and freshly from the oven, leave to cool slightly and the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. into a 60x45cm/24x18in rectangle, and ground black pepper. Dust the cauliflower transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice the beef and lay it on top of the salad. cut into 12 squares. florets liberally with icing sugar and in the To serve, garnish with lemon peel.

Page 22 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Orca Watch takes place in Scotland watch to gather information on how they give us information about where orcas use this area and what might and when particular species occur, be the consequences of such an from which we can identify important installation. Watches were conducted areas and habitats, as well as determine at Duncansby Head, Caithness, the changes in their status and distribution. main viewpoint, around Orkney and Such knowledge helps provide better Shetland. There were also volunteer informed conservation measures”, observers onboard the John O’Groats concludes Chiara. ferry (connecting mainland to Orkney), Orca Watch takes place annually in collecting sightings and effort data. May and this year’s National Whale and More than two thousand people Dolphin Watch takes place between 27th have contributed sightings to the Sea July and 4th August. For details see: Watch Foundation’s National Database www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk that currently comprises over 60,000 records, making it one of the largest and longest-running sightings schemes in the world. Scientists and volunteers Orcas photographed off the John O’Groats Ferries, in do complete sightings forms for Sea the Pentland Firth, this May. Photo: Steve Truluck. Watch, recording not only the sightings they make but, where possible, also the number of hours spent watching or the very year, scientists at the Sea science projects in the world. As Orca’s distance travelled in a boat. Even when Watch Foundation lead a campaign travel south from Iceland to Shetland, and no cetaceans are seen, it is important to involve members of the general Scotland in search of food. Each May, the to have a measure of effort in order to public in collecting records of Pentland Firth welcomes back the charity’s interpret sightings more effectively. Eorcas, and any other cetacean species annual Orca Watch event during which “Being able to sight so many utilising the waters of the Pentland Firth the North coast is visited by hundreds of different cetacean species in Caithness, and neighbouring seas. For over forty whale enthusiasts, tourists and local media Orkney and Shetland so close to shore years, Sea Watch Foundation scientists as wanting to witness the passage of orcas is something truly amazing!” says well as volunteer observers all around the close to shore. Dr Chiara Giulia Bertulli, Sea Watch coasts of the British Isles from Shetland Sightings Officer and lead organiser to the Isles of Scilly have been reporting The largest and longest-running of this year’s event. “What we hope for sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises sightings schemes in the world is to be able to collect sightings data (cetaceans) to inform Sea Watch’s massive With the possibility of underwater involving members of the general Orca’s in Scottish waters. database of records. The scheme is one turbines installed in the area, a decision public, helping each other while sharing Photos: Colin Bird. of the oldest and longest running citizen was made to establish a seasonal skills. Sightings are important because THE SCOTTISH BANNER ORDER FORM The Scottish Banner, P.O Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204, Australia Ph: 02 9559 6348, Email: [email protected] ‘Phantom’ volcanoes discovery signals new We accept: Visa, Mastercard,Cheques and Money Orders. You may post, fax, telephone or email your order details to us. QTY TITLE / DESCRIPTION / SIZE PRICE hope for North Sea oil and gas exploration EACH TOTAL donated to us by Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) with well data to take a fresh look at the Rattray Volcanic Province. What we found has completely overturned decades of accepted knowledge. Previously, it was believed the area contained old magma chambers - the plumbing systems of three Name:...... SUBTOTAL

Jurassic-era volcanoes – that effectively ruled POST Address:...... CHARGE out the potential for oil and gas discoveries...... Post Code:...... “However, our study has shown TOTAL Tel:...... Email:...... Plus Postage, please add eologists at the University of these volcanoes never existed at all, and (Bags $9.00 Per item-Multi orders max. charge $16.00) Visa/MC...... (CD’s $4.50 Per CD-Multi orders max. charge $8.00) Aberdeen have discovered a that the fireworks preceding the North Scarves $8.50 (Book’s $9.50 Per Book-Multi orders max. charge $16.00) huge swathe of the North Sea left Sea’s attempt to create an ocean with Expiry:...... Signature:...... (NZ Orders in AU$. Please add $10.00 to above for air mail) unexplored for oil and gas because Europe came via a series of lava fissures. Please note that these are speciality items imported from the U.K allow, at times, approx 4 weeks for delivery. Thank you for using Gof so-called ‘phantom’ volcanoes they have Essentially this gives us back a huge the Scottish Banner mail order service. For more offers or to see our full range and terms please visit www.scottishbanner.com proven don’t exist. The 7000 sq km area, amount of gross rock volume that we never known as the Rattray Volcanic Province, was knew existed, in one of the world’s most previously thought to contain the remains prolific regions for oil and gas production” of three volcanoes that erupted 165 million The study’s findings raise the prospect years ago, when the North Sea tried to of future discoveries in the area, which create an ocean between itself and Europe - has been left untouched over 50 years of a ‘rifting’ episode geologists have described exploration activity in the North Sea. as a failed ‘Jurassic Brexit’ attempt. “There is a huge area under there For decades it was assumed that the that hasn’t been looked at in detail for area contained the empty remains of a long time, because of the previously old magma chambers, ruling out the incorrect geological model,” Dr Schofield TH possibility of oil and gas discoveries. said. “That’s not to say that exploration SATURDAY 6 JULY 2019 However, a study led by Dr Nick Schofield wouldn’t be challenging, but technology Jefferson Park and PhD student Ailsa Quirie from the is constantly improving and there are still New England Highway, Aberdeen NSW University’s School of Geosciences, with big discoveries being made in the North EXPERIENCE THE VIBRANT ESSENCE OF colleagues from Heriot-Watt and the University Sea, as we’ve recently seen in the Central SCOTLAND IN THE UPPER HUNTER VALLEY of Adelaide, has overturned this view. Graben and Viking Graben areas. As the Bookings and information Scone Visitors Centre 02 65401300 Dr Schofield explained: “Building old saying goes, often the best places to www.aberdeenhighlandgames.com on methods we have used to look at look for oil are in places near to where prospectivity in volcanics elsewhere in you’ve already found it, and the North Sea the UKCS, we combined 3D seismic data is a prime example of that.”

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 23 THE SCOTTISH BANNER THIS MONTH IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Names & Places In The News From Today And The Past

1 - The reconvened Scottish Parliament was 6 - The Piper Alpha oil platform in the North 15 - National Portrait Gallery for Scotland 25 - Charles Macintosh, inventor of the plastic officially opened. After a devolution referendum Sea was rocked by a huge explosion. Blasts opened in Edinburgh. 1889 mac, died. Macintosh discovered the first showed resounding support for the reconvening continued on the platform throughout that rainproof cloth in 1818, by joining two sheets 16 - David II, son of Robert I (the of the Scottish parliament, plans were put into night, and by morning 167 men had died. 1988 of fabric together with dissolved indiarubber. Bruce) married Joan, sister of Edward motion for the creation of such a body. The Although Macintosh is best known for his 7 - John Knox became the first Protestant III (he was 4, she was 7). 1328 parliament would sit in the Church of Scotland eponymously titled coats, he made significant minister appointed in Edinburgh. 1559 Assembly Hall in Edinburgh. Elections were held 16 - 13th Commonwealth Games advances in many fields of chemistry. As well on May 1, 1999 and the first sitting of the body opened in Edinburgh. 1970 as inventing a revolutionary bleaching powder took place on May 12 of that year. The official with Charles Tennant, he also discovered a - A Shetland fishing tragedy occurred leaving opening on July 1 saw the Queen transfer full 16 fast method of using carbon gases to convert 105 fishermen dead as their boats got lost at constitutional powers to Edinburgh. 1999 iron to steel, and devised a hot-blast process sea. 31 Shetland sixern boats perished leaving which produced high quality cast iron. 1843 devastation to the island community. 1832 26 - James IV responded to pleas for assistance from France and declared war on England. Aside from assisting the French, who had been invaded by an English army, James was also 7 - The novel Waverley, by Sir Walter Scott, was aggrieved at England’s seizing of two Scottish published. Waverley was Scott’s first novel, and ships and the non-payment of part of the written mainly as a way of proving himself a dowry for his wife, Margaret Tudor. 1513 superior literary talent to Byron. Although it 17 - Bank of Scotland, first bank to be was published anonymously as a safety net established by an Act of the Scottish 1 - Seal granted by Edinburgh Town against its failure, it was an open secret who Parliament, opened. 1695 the author was. Scott needn’t have worried: the Council to the Incorporation of Barbers 18 - John Paul Jones, naval hero of the book was a runaway success and Scott became and Surgeons to practise their craft. The American Revolution, died; he was born regarded as the leading author in Europe. organisation is now known as the Royal 1814 in Kircudbrightshire in 1747. 1792 College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. 1505 - King Alexander II died on Isle 8 18 - Birth of Jim Watt, Scottish boxer. After of Kerrara, Oban Bay. 1 - Proscription Act Repealed, thus 1249 a successful amateur career, Watt turned allowing again the wearing of tartan and 9 - Queen’s Park Football Club, first senior professional in 1968 and quickly rose to the carrying of weapons (banned as a 27 - The Forth and Clyde Canal was football (soccer) club in Scotland formed. the top of the lightweight division before 1867 opened from the Firth of Forth to the Firth result of the 1745 Uprising in support adding British and European titles to his of Clyde, with the first boat navigating its of Bonnie Prince Charlie). 1782 9 - Simon Fraser, Lord Lovat, the Chief of Clan collection during the 1970s. 1948 Fraser, Scottish aristocrat and soldier was born. channel in August of that year. The length - Treaty of Perth, Norway renounces 2 Fraser, a Second World War hero, played a key 19 - Battle of Halidon Hill in which Sir of the Canal from eastern sea lock to the claim on the Hebrides. 1266 role in the development of the commandos Archibald Douglas (guardian of David II) routed western sea lock was 35 miles. 1790 and was actively involved in both the Dieppe by Edward Balliol and Edward III. Scots losses 2 - Dumfries reached a temperature of 27 - Battle of Killiecrankie in which Graham Raid, 1942, and D-Day landings, 1944. were nearly 600, English losses 14. 1333 32.8C (91F), the highest recorded. 1908 1911 of Claverhouse (Bonnie Dundee) leading 2 - Scottish architect Sir John Burnett died. 10 - King James III born at Stirling. 1451 19 - A.J Cronin, the Scottish novelist, an army of Highlanders in support of the was born. Cronin is most fondly Jacobite cause, defeated King William’s army His most famous commissions include the 10 - Glasgow Rangers signed Maurice Johnston. Royal Institute of Fine Arts; the Alhambra, remembered as the creator of the hugely under General Hugh Mackay. 1689 One of the last bastions of Scottish Protestant popular character, Dr.Finlay. 1896 and the Athenaeum, all in Glasgow, and sectarianism, Rangers shocked many of its 28 - The Royalist Marquess of Montrose beat the North front of the British Museum, the supporters when the club, under manager 20 - Battle of Inverkeithing. Royalist General Baillie in a skirmish which was part of Institute of Chemistry, and the extension Graeme Souness, signed Maurice Johnston from force supporting Charles II failed the English Civil War at Dunkeld, Perthshire. to Selfridges, all in London. 1938 the French club, Nantes, for £1.5m. Johnston to halt advance of army of Oliver For a war of positions the Highlanders had 3 - John Logie Baird transmitted had not only played for arch-rivals Celtic, but Cromwell heading for Perth. 1651 neither aptitude nor inclination, and at Dunkeld first colour television.1928 was the first well-known Roman Catholic player the greater part of them went home. 1645 to sign for Rangers in modern times. 1989 3 - Robert Adam, the Scottish architect, furniture and interior designer, was born. 11 - Robert the Bruce born at Turnberry Adam is regarded as a leading exponent Castle, Ayrshire. After the death of William of the neoclassical revival in the latter Wallace, Bruce led the campaign to regain part of the 18th century. 1728 Scottish independence, culminating in his stunning victory at the Battle of 3 - The Clyde shipyards suffered their worst Bannockburn in June 1314. 1274 accident when the SS Daphne capsized at her launch. The packet steamer had been built by 12 - Darien expedition left the Linthouse yard of Alexander Stephen and Leith for Panama. 1698 Sons and immediately sank into the River Clyde, 13 - King Alexander III crowned 21 - Robert Burns dies in Dumfries, aged taking the lives of the 195 workmen on board. It at Scone. 1249 37. The cause of death appears to have been 29 - Mary, Queen of Scots, married Lord was later discovered that the 460-ton ship had heart failure, probably brought on by the hard Darnley, in a Catholic wedding. 1565 little stability when it was launched, and rolled physical work done in his youth. His widow, Jean over forty-five degrees, taking huge amounts Armour, gave birth to a son on the day of her 29 - King James VI (aged 13 months) crowned of water through a large deck opening. 1883 husband’s funeral. However, Maxwell, named at the Church of the Holy Rude, beside Stirling after Burns’s doctor, died in infancy. 1796 Castle, following the abdication of Mary, 4 - Lanarkshire-born James Keir Hardie Queen of Scots, five days earlier.1567 became the first socialist to win a seat 22 - The army of the English King in the UK Parliament. 1892 Edward I, using longbows for the first 30 - First edition of the long-running time, defeated the Scots led by Sir William Beano comic was published. 1938 5 - Final run of the Edinburgh to Wallace at Battle of Falkirk. 1298 London mail coach (a route which 30 - The beginning of the work-in at John - Scottish National War Memorial opened. was taken over by rail). 1847 14 22 - Oliver Cromwell invades Scotland Brown’s Clydebank Shipbuilding Yard, The National War Memorial for Scotland was and proceeds to the eastern edge of organised by stalwart Socialist, Jimmy Reid. 5 - Border reiver, John Armstrong of Gilnockie, established by Royal Charter to commemorate Edinburgh. The Scots form a defensive This was in response to the Ted Heath Tory and 50 of his men were hanged for blackmail the sacrifice of Scots in the Great War, Second line within the city. 1650 government’s plans to liquidate the yard - by James V. Armstrong was a well-known laird World War and subsequent conflicts. The Reid exposed these as unethical. 1971 in the Borders area, and although a frequent Memorial within Edinburgh Castle houses 23 - Charles Edward Stuart landed on Eriskay - Cigarette advertising banned marauder in England, he is not known to have and displays the Rolls of Honour of Scots at the start of the 1745 campaign. July 24 31 on television in Britain. 1965 attacked in Scotland. However, his wealth servicemen and women from all the Armed 1567 - Mary Queen of Scots abdicated and the and power in a troublesome region brought Services, the Dominions, Merchant Navy, young James VI acceded to Scottish throne. 31- The first edition of Robert Burns’ poems, the resentment of James V. Armstrong was Women’s Services, Nursing Services and civilian The Earl of Mar was appointed regent. 1745 The Kilmarnock Edition, was published by tricked into attending a royal hunt only to be casualties of all wars from 1914 to date. 1927 John Wilson of Kilmarnock, under the title of 24 - The Princess Royal formally opened the seized on his arrival. He faced the king, and Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect. It cost 14 - Cavalry units from the Scottish Engager Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National volubly remonstrated with him that he had three shillings and the entire print run of 612 army clashed with Lambert’s Parliamentarian Park, Scotland’s first national park.2002 “asked grace at a graceless face”. Legend has it copies sold out within a month. 1780 cavalry at Penrith. The Engager forces were that the trees at Carnlanrig, where Armstrong 24 - The Battle of Harlaw took place commanded by the Duke of Hamilton, who - French naval forces in support of the and his followers were hanged, withered, at Inverurie. Nearly 2000 Highland and 31 made several mistakes in planning and Catholic Mary Queen of Scots bombard St and none have grown there since. 1530 Crown soldiers fought over an area of land executing his advance south, and quickly made Andrews Castle and capture the Protestant called the Earldom of Ross. 1411 6 - John Paul Jones, hero of the US Navy, themselves unpopular with the local population rebels. These include Protestant John Knox, born Kirkbean, Dumfries. 1747 for their plundering and excesses. 1648 25 - King James I born. 1394 who is sent to become a galley-slave. 1547

Page 24 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER A newly discovered Lewis Chessman is discovered

The 13th century Lewis Lewis Chess pieces at the National Museum of Scotland. Chessman Warder piece. Photo: ©National Museum of Scotland.

ne of the highlights of the Old Of those 93 pieces, 82 are in the British There is certainly more to the story of this unaware he had purchased an important Master Sculpture & Works of Museum in London and 11 are in the warder still to be told, about his life over the historic artefact. It was stored away in his Art auction in London on 2 July collection of the National Museum of last 188 years since he was separated from home and then when my grandfather died will be a newly discovered Lewis Scotland in Edinburgh, the whereabouts his fellow chessmen, and just as interesting, my mother inherited the chess piece. OChessman. Bought for £5 by an antiques of the remaining five pieces unknown. about the next chapter in his journey now My mother was very fond of the Chessman dealer in Edinburgh in the 1960s, the piece Now, on 2 July in London, Sotheby’s that he has been rediscovered.” as she admired its intricacy and quirkiness. is estimated to bring £600,000-1,000,000. will offer what appears to be the first A family spokesperson said: “My She believed that it was special and Rightly regarded as the most famous chess additional piece from the Lewis hoard to grandfather was an antiques dealer based thought perhaps it could even have had pieces to have survived from the medieval have been discovered since 1831. in Edinburgh, and in 1964 he purchased an some magical significance. For many years world, the Lewis Chessmen secured their Acquired for £5 in 1964 by an antiques ivory chessman from another Edinburgh it resided in a drawer in her home where place in history when they were found dealer in Edinburgh and passed down dealer. It was catalogued in his purchase it had been carefully wrapped in a small in 1831 on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer the same family by descent, the ‘new’ ledger that he had bought an ‘Antique bag. From time to time, she would remove Hebrides. The remarkable hoard constituted Lewis Warder will be presented with an Walrus Tusk Warrior Chessman’. From this the chess piece from the drawer in order to the greatest ever discovery of medieval estimate of £600,000-1,000,000 in the description it can be assumed that he was appreciate its uniqueness.” chess pieces, and from the moment they Old Master Sculpture & Works of Art sale. were unearthed, the Lewis Chessmen Its appearance marks the first time that evoked their own mysterious world, steeped one of the chessmen has ever come up in folklore, legend and the rich tradition of for sale at auction. story-telling. They have continued to inspire every new generation, from the classic Magical significance British 1960s children’s animated television Alexander Kader, Sotheby’s Co- series, The Sagas of Noggin the Nog, to, Worldwide Head of European most recently, Harry Potter, in the Warner Sculpture & Works of Art, said: “With Bros. production of Harry Potter and the fond memories from my childhood Philosopher’s Stone, and Japanese Manga, in of the brilliantly animated television Hoshino Yukinobu’s Professor Munakata’s series that paid full tribute to the PROGRAM British Museum Adventure. inspiration of the Lewis hoard, this is Friday 12th July ‘Drams & Drama’ – Whisky Tasting event and The hoard comprised 93 objects, the one of the most exciting and personal Scottish movie! - Mini British Film Festival Scottish majority carved from walrus ivory, which rediscoveries to have been made during Film advance screening - Palace Cinema Como, could make four complete sets of figure my career. Today all the chessmen are South Yarra pieces, with the exception of one Knight a pale ivory colour, but the new Lewis th and four Warders. In addition to the 59 Warder’s dark tone clearly has the Saturday 13 July Genealogy Seminar – RACV City Club, Bourke St. chessmen, there were 19 pawns and 14 potential to offer valuable and fresh ‘Taking Flight’ - Hawthorn Pipes & Drums Concert flat, circular games pieces and one belt insight into how other Lewis chessmen – Hawthorn Arts Centre buckle (the only outsider in the hoard). may have looked in the past. Victorian Pipers Association Championships Presbyterian Ladies College, Burwood Sunday 14th July “In the footsteps of Jean Redpath” with Fiona Ross Venue to be advised Pop-up performances – City CBD Tuesday 16th July Mini British Film Festival Scottish Film private daytime screening - Kino Cinema, Collins Street Thursday 18th July Ceilidh Dance – Abbotsford Convent Friday 19th July Genealogy Day – GSV Lvl 6, 85 Queen St. Melbourne Saturday 20th July Gala Dinner & Concert – Melbourne Town Hall (Entertainment by Melbourne Fiddle Club, Hawthorn Pipe Band, John Carlo Belotti, Glenbrae Celtic Dancers and Claymore) Sunday 21st July Kirkin 'O the Tartan – Scots Church, Collins Street. Tartan Day Parade - Pipe Band Parade – Collins St. To book events and for regular event updates visit: The Norse Kingdom of Man and the Isles, C. 1150. https://www.melbournetartanfestival.com.au

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

By: Eric Bryan The Scottish Scamp The Scamp’s prospects continued to Mr McIntyre remembered having great look rosy when a journalist for the Press fun putting the Scamps through trials Association test drove the car and reported on the Prestwick Airport taxiways and its ease of handling, its decent acceleration secondary runway. He confirmed that for a battery-powered vehicle (0-30 mph in early on there were issues with the steering 10.5 seconds), and its surprising roominess boxes, but these were overcome on sets and visibility due to the high roof and tall one and two. On the claim that during windows. More good news came from the testing the rear hatch flew open, McIntyre press when the July 1966 issue of Popular remarked that driving the Scamp on the Science voiced praise for the Scamp, noting airfield’s bumpy taxiways would surely that electric micro-cars could be the solution have been enough to jar the lid open if this to the problem of congestion in British cities. had been a chronic issue, but this problem Furthermore, the July 1966 edition of the wasn’t encountered during Scottish Design Journalfeatured the Scamp in an Aviation’s own trials. article (by the aptly-named Richard Carr) Of the original 12 Scamps produced, presenting various town car concepts. there are said to be only three or four The walls began to close in on the surviving. One is in the Myreton Motor Scamp programme when the CEGB Museum, Aberlady; another is in the initiated testing of the car, specifically with National Museum of Flight, East Fortune. the Motor Industry Research Association A third Scamp, at the time of writing, was (MIRA), during which the car’s suspension for sale by a private owner near Inverness. The seller describes the car as a two-to- three occupant vehicle built in 1965, with The Scamp ultimately took two electric motors and a full-charge range shape as a micro-car whose of 30 miles. This example is missing its batteries, but wouldn’t it be interesting to fit it with current-technology cells and get A 1966 Scottish Aviation Scamp at the National Museum lines evoked those of some this icon of colourful Scottish mid-1960s of Flight, East Fortune, Scotland. Photo: Creative Commons. of the bubble cars of the inventiveness driving again? 1950s and early ‘60s. ong before the current Tesla hit the Early design proposals of the Scamp market a Scottish aviation company included a door-less body concept, a The heritage of the in Ayrshire began plans for an three-wheeled arrangement like that of system took such a battering that it broke electric car. The revolutionary the Reliant Regal, and one with a rhombus down. Other test results proclaimed that Scottish electric car LScottish Aviation Scamp was a small shaped chassis. The Scamp ultimately took the cabin flooded in wet conditions, concept electric city car that was designed shape as a micro-car whose lines evoked the steering was imprecise, and that the between 1964 and 1966 by Scottish those of some of the bubble cars of the narrowness of the car caused the driver’s Aviation as Eric Bryan explains. 1950s and early ‘60s. At seven feet long and knee to be bruised by the door handle. By the early 1960s, as a result of just under four feet wide, the Scamp had Other portions of the test results read political turmoil and unfortunate business a tall windscreen and windows and a high like an automotive comedy of errors: water decisions, the British aircraft industry was roof for occupant comfort and visibility. surged beneath the soaked seat cushion in a slump. Some aircraft manufacturers The car’s kerb weight was 1000 lb, with the while a pond one inch deep luxuriated contemplated auto production as an batteries’ weight totalling 400 lb. over the floorboards; the speedometer avenue to make up profits. Manoeuvrability and ease of parking ceased to function; the driver’s safety belt Traffic congestion in towns and cities were high on Dr Watson’s list of prerequisites persistently slipped off of his shoulder; and encouraged the design and manufacture for the Scamp, qualities exemplified by the the speed controller cut in and out until of small economy cars such as the Mini, car’s tight turning radius of only 16.5 feet. the car stalled altogether amidst the crisp and concerns over air pollution pushed Astonishingly, this was nearly half that of fragrance of burning electrics. the micro-car concept into the realm of a Mk 1 Mini. The Scamp could go to a top Perhaps most preposterous of all, one • The first rudimentary electric electric powered vehicles. speed of about 35mph, which was enough claim was that the boot suddenly flipped carriage was invented in Scotland in for a car intended for in-town shopping open of its own accord, and the spare the 1830s by Robert Anderson. As the The Farm Cart excursions and errands, but the Scamp wheel tumbled out! Who was the test lead-acid rechargeable battery wasn’t In 1964, Scottish Aviation Ltd in Prestwick was faced with the bugaboo which afflicted driver, an earlier incarnation of Mr Bean? created until 1859, Anderson’s vehicle began work on plans for a small economical most all electric vehicles: limited range. was driven by primary power cells city car. The project, led by John Chalmers The Scamp’s maximum open road travel Scottish mid-1960s inventiveness which had to be replaced once flat. and Dr WG Watson, resulted in a battery- distance was 30 miles nonstop, and where These allegations seem like overkill and powered prototype design by Dr Watson, many stops were involved such as in towns have the mark of negative propaganda • Scottish-born William Morrison christened (perhaps affectionately or and cities, this was reduced to 18 to 20 miles. intended to torpedo the Scamp project. created one of the world’s first humorously) ‘The Farm Cart’. Dr Watson Perhaps some higher-ups were nervous electric cars, in Iowa in the 1890s. refined the design into an electric vehicle Electric micro-cars about the positive press this electric car was This was an 800 lb vehicle fitted which became the Scamp. Made of Despite the Scamp’s range disadvantage, receiving and the dent it had the potential with a 24-cell battery. This four fibreglass, aluminium and wood, the Scamp the Central Electricity Generating Board to make in the petrol-driven micro-car horsepower machine could go had four 48-volt Lucas Industries batteries (CEGB) was optimistic about the car. In an market. Nonetheless, the disappointing to 14 mph. Morrison’s car made and two 2.7 hp motors which turned the agreement with the CEGB, Scottish Aviation outcome of the tests caused the CEGB to quite a splash at the World’s rear wheels via chain drive. began production of the Scamp. With an eye back out of talks, and led Scottish Aviation Columbian Exposition in 1893. toward the CEGB promoting the car through to shelve the Scamp and focus again on • Another Scottish innovation, the its string of showrooms, Scottish Aviation aircraft manufacture in 1968. Neale Electric Car, was made in went on to build 12 Scamps, delivering Robert McIntyre, who worked as an Edinburgh in 1897 by Douglas Neale. most of them to the CEGB. There were apprentice electrician for Scottish Aviation on It had a 405 lb lead 15-cell battery, demonstrations of the car in London and the Scamp project, recalled a small workshop each cell with a 115 amp hour Bristol, and champion racer Stirling Moss with an assembly area for perhaps six of the capacity. This direct-drive vehicle, even got behind the wheel of one, lending cars. He noted that Dr Watson’s technique of when laden to a gross weight of some high-profile publicity to the project. series / parallel batteries arrangements was 900 lb, had a range of 35 miles. Myreton Motor Museum, Aberlady, East One Scamp was displayed at the 1967 Ideal used in aircraft at least into the 1990s, and Lothian, Scotland. Photo: Creative Commons. Home Exhibition in London. perhaps to the present day.

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

Ancient Scottish birch water By: Nick Drainey

Harvested from the wild birch woods of Perthshire

n the forests of Perthshire, a Although still known about in other Gabrielle gave up a job as a chiropractor 5,000-year-old tradition is being countries Rob says there could be a simple to concentrate on the business. And while recreated with birch trees being reason its use died out here. “They have Rob still works as a forester, he aims to tapped for the health-giving sap a very different history to us in Scotland. concentrate on their start up business full- Icontained within the ancient trees. People were cleared away to the New World time. Internationally, the market is worth For the first time, a commercial operation and that connection to the land was severed.” millions of dollars and Gabrielle and Rob has begun in Scotland to take and bottle Sat amid the birch trees of Grandtully were introduced to it when a friend gave them the “birch water” and sell it to the public. Forest in Perthshire, Rob explains the a bottle marked ‘Made in Finland’. Gabrielle Gabrielle and Rob Clamp use maple unique taste: “I like the silkiness of it, says: “We thought someone must make it in syrup kits bought from Canada to syphon almost creamy. There is a very slight Scotland but no.” As a result, they became off the natural tonic which is reputed to sweetness, depending on the tree or the the only Scottish producers on a commercial Rob and Gabrielle Clamp. cleanse kidneys and liver, ease arthritis and season. Some people compare it to melons level, selling to local delicatessens and rheumatism, and help strengthen teeth. or cucumber, it is very subtle.” through a wholefood distributor. The process is popular in Finland and the When they first tapped the sap last year Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 31, Baltic countries and the water is drunk by Gabrielle said she was excited: “We realised has written about birch water on her celebrities including Victoria’s Secret model the taste of fresh sap was different from the In the forests of Perthshire, Facebook page saying the “nutrient-dense Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. But it has never bottle we had before – we really loved it. liquid” is a “hero ingredient”. Despite the been seen in Scotland on a large scale. That is why we use glass bottles to keep the a 5,000-year-old tradition is trendy, modern feel to the product Rob taste right. And, if you warm it up slightly being recreated with birch insists its 5,000-year history means what History of birch water in Scotland the flavours are more intense.” they are doing is “nothing new”. He adds: However, there is a history of birch water in trees being tapped for the “What we are saying is ‘hello, you should Scotland going back millennia. Rob, whose Pure sap be drinking this stuff’.” company Birken Tree collects around 5,000 There is usually only a three-week window health-giving sap contained Hayley Bruce, Commercial Marketing litres of sap each year, says: “We trace to gather the sap in spring because as within the ancient trees. Intelligence Manager at Scotland Food it back at least 5,000 years. There was a the warmer months arrive it develops & Drink, said: “Scotland has a rich Neolithic lady whose body was dug up in a bitter taste. However, the season has heritage when it comes to food and Caithness where I am from and there was been is longer this year though because Gabrielle adds: “There are lots of drink production and it is great to see evidence of some food and some of that the warmer weather in February meant vitamins and minerals, enzymes and traditional techniques being adopted in was birch sap. In the Highlands there are they started in the second week of March. amino acids. There is xylitol as well which the modern world. Searching through the records of people using it as a tonic after a They collect about 5,000 litres a year but is good for the teeth. A lot of people ask if it past for inspiration, whether looking for long winter; giving it to babies, themselves estimate that each tree only loses a tiny is (normal) water because it is called birch ancient wisdoms, indigenous ingredients and even cattle. It makes sense because it amount of its sap. Rob says: “We take water but no, it is pure sap.” or heritage produce, can open up some is so full of minerals and vitamins and it is about one per cent. We know they take up fantastic new opportunities for the a lean period (in nature).” 100s of litres a day and we take about five.” Ancestral Scottish tradition Scottish food and drink sector.” The sap ferments in three days so they freeze it and then pasteurise it a little to give it a longer shelf life. Rob says: “At some point it would be nice to focus on it full time and we have launched a crowdfunding campaign.” Growing the business will mean adding flavours such as cranberry, bilberry and meadowsweet and also creating sparkling birch water which has been asked for by high end hotels and restaurants. Birch tapping. We are so proud that we have been able to revive this ancestral Scottish tradition and unlock the huge potential that these native Birch trees can offer. We have injected so much energy, enthusiasm and money into our business - but now we need help to take it further. We’ve been so grateful for all the support we’ve received so far and hope that this campaign will encourage more people to get behind us and play an active part in the use and conservation of our native Birch water collecting bag. Birch woodlands.”

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 27 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Kenny The Giant MacAskill MacAskill

The Giant Macaskill Museum on the Isle of Skye.

Nowadays he be a major hit in iron men competition and doubtless on TV shows. It was the same then though with different mediums. Entering the circus, he worked for the legendary PT Barnum appearing with Tom Thumb. It seems that sadly not just that but other crueller and more barbaric sights whether human or animal were also on show, in what would now be considered almost a “freak show”. It must have been hugely undignified but it was simply reflective of the age and the desire to see such an unusual man. Doubtless, he was also well paid for it which was why he did it. But it didn’t A museum display of Angus MacAskill. seem to concern or upset him and it allowed him to travel both across North Kenny MacAskill was an SNP MSP and Justice Secretary from 2007-2014. He is now a columnist with the America and back to Europe that he’d left as a child. The substantial funds he Herald and Scotsman, as well as contributing to other papers and magazines. He has written several books received for it allowed him to buy land, on the Scottish Diaspora along with former First Minister Henry McLeish, as well on his own on Scottish a mill and a store back in Englishtown. politics, the Lockerbie Bombing and a biography of the trade union leader Jimmy Reid, recently released. Life seemed settled until the summer of 1863 when he had gone to ’m just over 6 feet tall and my eldest The family settled in Englishtown, He was fortunate in that he never had buy supplies in Halifax and took ill. He son’s even taller. However, height’s Nova Scotia in 1831 and it was there that any problem with his spine, an issue that returned to his parents’ house but sadly neither normal in my family nor he stated to grow and grow. The town was can often affect unusually tall people as the died from what was described amongst Scots as a people, unlike say then largely a fishing community and growth spurt weakens the skeletal frame. as a “brain fever” at the age of 38. Ithe Dutch or the Lithuanians. Sporting predominately Gaelic speaking, where he However, it appears that as his growth His death was mourned across the land competition can often show the disparity was nicknamed Gille Mor or the Big Lad in and height were perfectly natural albeit and many turned out for his funeral. Buried and Scottish international football English. As he continued to stretch, it soon abnormally large, he was fit and healthy. in the Auld Cemetery in Englishtown his managers have been known to lament changed to the Cape Breton Giant or Angus That allowed for feats of strength which headstone towers over that of his parents, the small stature of their squad. Mor. His size didn’t detract from his good were to become as legendary as his size. forever the Giant MacAskill. However, there was one Scot and a looks, possessing deep blue eyes and a deep Becoming a fisherman in St Ann’s, namesake of mine, Angus MacAskill, voice which was thought both gentle and Nova Scotia as a young man his strength who towered over everybody. He was melodic, which was probably the Gaelic lilt. was put to good use. He was able to no relation as far as I know, although simply tip his two-ton boat over its we have both have our roots in the beam end to empty bilge water, as other Western Isles and the surname is also However, there was one fishermen had to repeatedly bail out their spelt similarly. He grew to an almost Scot and a namesake of boats. Equally he could set a 40-foot (12 incredible 7’ 9” which is 2.26 meters m) mast in a schooner unaided. for those that operate in metric and mine, Angus MacAskill, who It’s said he could lift to chest height would have even me craning my neck towered over everybody. a ships anchor weighing in 2800lbs speaking to him. (1,300kg) and was also reputed to have He was born in 1825 on the Island carried barrels weighing 350lbs (160kg) of Berneray that’s linked by a causeway His size wasn’t just in his incredible under each arm. It’s also suggested he to North Uist and lies across the Sound height but in other aspects of his stature. raised a fully-grown horse over a 4-foot from the Isle of Harris. Moving, as did so He weighed a mighty 425 lbs (193kg) but fence and carried a hundredweight many from those parts, to Canada he’s was always lean and other measurements (50kg) with two fingers whilst holding it buried ironically in Englishtown, Nova were equally immense. His chest measured at arm’s length for 10 minutes. Angus MacAskill, the Cape Breton Scotia. His fame therefore straddles the 80 inches or 200 centimetres which is the A gentle man Giant, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, 1863. Atlantic with museums commemorating largest for any non-obese person. Photo: Library and Archives Canada. him in both Skye and Cape Breton. That’s almost twice mine and I’m no shrinking In spite of his feats of strength he was violet. His shoulders measured 44 inches considered a gentle man, his power Gille Mor (110cm) and even the circumference of his belying a passive nature. Perhaps It seems that height was unusual in wrists was a stunning 13.5 inches (34cm). because as a young man an incident family. Neither his parents nor any of his brought home the potential damage his Did you know? 12 siblings were exceptionally tall nor was Abnormally large sheer power could do. A disturbance at There is a Giant Macaskill Museum he a particularly large baby when born. The palm of his hand was 8 inches(20cm) wide a dance he’d been taken to by fishing on the Isle Of Skye. Set in a restored At the age of 6 his parents emigrated to and 12 inches (30cm) long, the size alone of crewmates saw him knock a man out. Highland croft, the museum shows Canada with it being suggested that they some new born infants. His ankles were 18 So, concerned was he about what he off the greatness of Angus MacAskill, were cleared from the land that now lies inches (46cm) around which is more than the might have done that the ship’s captain who was born in 1825 and grew to quite desolate and largely depopulated scale of most people’s thighs. There were no found him praying for the man’s recovery. a mighty 7’9” tall. In 1981 he was today; moving initially to Stornoway, in shoes produced which could fit him and they That seemed a salutary lesson and he recorded in the Guinness Book of the Isle of Lewis, before heading across had to be specially made to order but measured never again was known to raise his fists Records as the tallest “true giant”. the seas to a new life. 17.5 inches(44cm). A mighty foot print indeed! or use his strength in anger.

Page 28 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Retrospective exhibition of Linda McCartney’s photography to be shown in Glasgow Sir Paul McCartney said: “Linda The exhibition was first shown at the would have been so proud of this Kunst Hausn Wien museum, Vienna and exhibition being held in Scotland, a subsequently at The Pavillon Populaire, country she loved so much and spent so Montpellier and Daelim Museum, Seoul. many happy days in.” Themes including The Sixties, Family Life, Self Portraits, Observations – Animals and Nature, Ahead of her time on every level and Scotland, featuring pictures taken at Stella McCartney said: “Through these the family home in Argyll and of people images you meet the real mother I knew. from local communities in Campbeltown, You see her raw and deep talent and shape this significant retrospective. passion for her art, photography. Linda McCartney became a professional Ahead of her time on every level this photographer in the mid-1960s, known for mother of four still held her camera her portraits of Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling close like a companion, she captures the Stones and The Beatles, among many others. In 1968 she was the first female photographer whose work was featured as “Linda would have been so the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, with a portrait of Eric Clapton. In 1974, when Linda proud of this exhibition being and Paul appeared on Rolling Stone’s cover, held in Scotland, a country she she became the first person to have been major retrospective of 1960s displayed in public for the first photographed and taken a photo for the cover photography by Linda McCartney time and bringing new insight into the loved so much and spent so of the magazine: a neat reflection of Linda’s will be shown in the UK for the contemporary music scene of the era life both in front of and behind the lens. first time at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and the beginnings of her photographic many happy days in.” Following her marriage to Paul McCartney Aand Museum, Glasgow from 5 July 2019 career. Cameras used by Linda McCartney in 1969, Linda’s photographs became more to 12 January 2020. The Linda McCartney and held in her archive will be displayed intimate and emotional, exploring the natural Retrospective, which is curated by Paul, in public for the first time, along with world around her through her eyes and world, family life and social commentary. Mary and Stella McCartney, features Polaroids and Contact Sheets to explore this can be seen on the walls around the Linda McCartney continued to work iconic names and moments in music from her creativity and use of the different exhibition. Her humour, her love of family prolifically as a photographer until her the 1960s along with more intimate and techniques. The range of material to be and nature and her moments framed with death from breast cancer in 1998. Her work emotional later work by this acclaimed displayed reflects the McCartney family’s a slight surreal edge... Scotland was one has been exhibited by institutions including and prolific photographer. passion for Linda’s work and their desire of her favourite places on earth, and so the International Center of Photography The retrospective also includes one for the extensive contents of her archives many images were taken there. Enjoy her in New York, the Victoria & Albert Museum of Linda McCartney’s diaries from the to be accessible to a wider audience. passion and compassion…” and the National Portrait Gallery in London. Borders rail explores Berwick extension Wrap up in your Scottish heritage this winter

ptions to extend the Borders this option from my constituents. Railway could see the route The Transport Scotland report notes that far join with up with the East Coast more people access the Borders Rail from Mainline near Berwick-upon- the south than from the east, so bringing OTweed, according to a study released by the line to Hawick and on to Carlisle Transport Scotland. Borders services were would seem to benefit more people.” re-introduced between Edinburgh and He added that in his view, the business Tweedbank in 2015 and campaigners have case for bringing the line through Hawick been pushing for the former Waverley to Carlisle is even stronger than the case Line route to be reopened in full south for the current line. towards Hawick and Carlisle in England. Improved bus services, enhanced park Details of the alignment for a Borders rail and ride facilities and an active travel extension are revealed in the ‘Borders network across the Borders council area Transport Corridors study draft report’ are also suggested. The six week public Keep warm this winter with our great selection of Clan scarves! Made in the Scottish which contains 21 options to improve consultation on the document takes place Borders and available in over 100 Clan tartans by Ingles Buchan, these soft lambs wool road, public transport and active travel ahead of the forthcoming second Strategic are both comfortable and elegant, suitable for any occasion and anyone. 100% new wool. links in the region. Transport Projects Review. Transport Most major tartans available. Ask us for your tartan today! Berwickshire, Roxburgh & Selkirk MP Minister Humza Yousaf said: “This national John Lamont said: “The suggestion that review will ensure that we deliver transport $44.95 plus $8.50 postage the line could be extended to the East improvements for all of Scotland which are To order use our coupon found on page 23, call us on 02 9559 6348, Coast Mainline is an interesting one, fit for the 21st century. I would encourage email: [email protected] or at www.scottishbanner.com/shop but there is certainly less appetite for anyone with an interest to have their say.”

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 29 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Canna and Sanday map out the future

considerably more detailed, affordable and flexible. My colleagues in the Trust were blown away by the results and the possibilities of this technology – the cameras allied to ‘self-learning’ software will be able to help us do things like seabird counts, as well as habitat and coastal erosion monitoring that are currently expensive and labour-intensive.”

Detailed maps produced Paul Georgie added: “One of the Trust’s concerns was that bird life shouldn’t be disturbed by the survey work. As it happens, we were more worried about the drone being attacked by the white-tailed sea and golden eagle populations, and we had evasive functions at the ready, from barrel rolls to Immelmann turns, to avoid contact. Fortunately, although birds did take a passing interest, we had no need to use this over Canna.” The Trust is now studying the detailed maps produced and will use them to update archaeological records The GeoGeo drone. and to prepare for future groundwork and excavations. In the meantime, the technology platform ‘Alba3D’ developed he inner Hebridean islands of The drone not only achieved this We spent five days on Canna last by GeoGeo is being improved almost Canna and Sanday have emerged but also revealed hitherto unknown November in miraculously calm and daily, providing new opportunities to as world leaders in the application archaeology. The images have been clear weather, with our flying robot analyse and integrate other datasets, of digital mapping technology. processed to create a minutely detailed navigating itself over 400km to capture drawn from local community TOwned by conservation charity the 3-D map of Canna and Sanday, which is over 4000 images of the islands. We then knowledge and observation as well as National Trust for Scotland, they are now even capable of being used in a 3-D printer took this data and processed on self- Scotland’s public/private agencies, into the subject of the most detailed mapping to create scale models of the islands. built super computers to produce the a virtual 3D world. exercise ever undertaken of any islands most complete 3-D map of the islands Paul said: “This is a fantastic moment anywhere on the planet. The world’s largest complete to date. This not only shows detailed for geography and the geospatial With project funding generously donated island dataset captured by drone topography and vegetation at a game- industry, with autonomous drones and by its Members’ Centres in London, Argyll Paul Georgie, Founder & Lead Geospatial changing three centimetres resolution big data platforms like Alba3D helping to and Angus, the Trust commissioned Technologist of GeoGeo said: “The drones but, with over 420 million data points, democratise Scotland’s ability to monitor Glasgow-based GeoGeo to carry out a we use aren’t those commonly for sale is currently the world’s largest complete increasingly changing environments and drone survey of the island in November to the public; they represent the most island dataset captured by drone.” share our local geographies with a global 2018 using an ultra-high definition camera advanced autonomous systems available audience in new and innovative ways.” with the aim of pinning down the exact – miniature fixed wing aircraft built for The isles of Canna and Sanday locations of archaeological features. larger mapping missions like this. are the westernmost of the Small The inner Hebridean islands Isles archipelago, in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. They were given to of Canna and Sanday have the National Trust for Scotland by emerged as world leaders their Gaelic folklorist and scholar John Lorne Campbell in 1981. Canna in the application of digital House is the repository of nationally important archive of Gaelic culture mapping technology. and language he amassed.

Derek Alexander, the National Trust for Scotland’s Head of Archaeology said: “We’ve previously recorded archaeology on Canna and Sanday which proves that there were inhabitants as far back as the Neolithic but this survey gives us information and detail we just haven’t had until now. We’ve been able to obtain exact plots of known sites but also recorded the extensive traces of cultivation, such as rig and furrow field systems that range in from the Bronze Age onwards. At its peak in the 19th century, agriculture on Canna and Sanday was capable of supporting a population of 400. “The detail is simply astounding – aerial surveys for archaeology have been around since the end of World War Two Derek Alexander, Head of Archaeology Paul Georgie of GeoGeo on Canna. but this new technology takes everything at National Trust for Scotland into a completely new realm, being

Page 30 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019 THE SCOTTISH BANNER By: Sarah Clark The birthplace of Peter Pan opens its doors he new National Centre for raised funds to repair and restore building, Children’s Literature and installing a myriad of interactive exhibits Storytelling has opened in the spread across its three storeys exploring its Dumfries house where JM Barrie special significance. Tplayed as a small child. You can see where Children’s toys from the early 20th the legend of Peter Pan first took flight in century are displayed among artefacts the Scottish writer’s imagination at this connected to JM Barrie, including a small brand-new family attraction. Rescued from bell the playwright would ring on stage demolition by local community activists, to represent Tinker Bell during the story’s Moat Brae has finally received recognition original theatrical run. In the attic there as one of Scotland’s most significant is a recreation of the Darling children’s literary landmarks: the birthplace of Peter nursery where children can try to ‘catch’ Pan. Restored to its original Georgian Peter’s shadow and crawl into the family

glory, this beautiful Dumfries house and its dog Nana’s kennel to play with an array of www.Scotland.org garden celebrates the legacy of Scots-born dressing-up props. There are also plenty JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. It is now also a space of comfortable spots where visitors can sit where children and their families can down and read from a collection spanning come together and experience the power thousands of books which will soon of storytelling. provide a free, out-of-hours community Text courtesy of Text We all know the story of Peter Pan - in library for local children. fact there are few characters in children’s seanchaidh, a Gaelic word meaning The Orkney Folklore & Storytelling literature that are as iconic as the ‘Boy ‘bearer of old lore’, during a time when Centre is at in the heart of the UNESCO Who Wouldn’t Grow Up’. Along with Mary It’s said that Peter Pan owes his the laws and history of the land weren’t World Heritage Site, The Heart of Neolithic Poppins, Winnie-the-Pooh, Harry Potter inscribed, but memorialised through Orkney, the centre hosts an array of and others, there is no doubt that he very existence to a Georgian epic poems recited in front an audience. workshops and events which summon the holds a special place in the pantheon of villa and its terraced gardens in Over time the seanchaidh would evolve mysterious legends and time-honoured great British literary creations. Peter Pan into the figure of the Bard, represented songs of the Orcadian isles. made his debut in JM Barrie’s hit London Dumfries called Moat Brae. today by the 19th century poet and Few people know that many of Beatrix play in 1904, Peter Pan: The Boy Who lyricist, Robert Burns. Here are a few Potter’s stories were inspired by the Wouldn’t Grow Up, leaving audiences ways can experience the art of Scottish childhood holidays she spent with her family instantly spellbound by his and the darling In short, Moat Brae represents a new storytelling – whatever your age. in Dunkeld, Perthshire. Part of the Birnam children’s adventures, which saw them fly generation of Scottish visitor attraction; The Scottish Storytelling Centre, in Arts Centre, it incorporates a delightful from their London home in Kensington one spearheaded by passionate locals Edinburgh, is a vibrant arts centre that vintage play area for kids, while the centre’s Gardens to magical Neverland. resolute in creating shared community boasts a year-round programme of live year-round events programme features Having undergone many retellings spaces that preserve Scotland’s endangered storytelling, poetry readings, drama, storytelling, theatre, comedy, and more. over the years, Peter Pan may be forever historic sites while also helping families to music, exhibitions, workshops, and many Find out more about Moat Brae at linked to the English capital but like the actively enrich their daily lives through art other family-friendly events and festivals. VisitScotland.com equally iconic Sherlock Holmes, Peter and literature. In Moat Brae’s case, through is a character with definite Scottish the simple pleasure of a good book and the origins. It’s said that Peter Pan owes his joy of imaginative play, both of which, most very existence to a Georgian villa and its would agree, play an invaluable role in terraced gardens in Dumfries called Moat early childhood development and beyond. Brae. It’s here that James Barrie, born in Kirriemuir, near Dundee in 1860, spent The Scotland of JM Barrie five happy years as a student at Dumfries academy, and many carefree afternoons frolicking in the house’s garden with school friends Stuart and Hal Gordon whose parents owned the property.

An enchanted land Those hours of playtime on the garden’s sloping banks overlooking the River Nith were to plant the seeds of what would become one of the most enduring works The childhood home of JM Barrie in Kirriemuir. of literature of all time. Recounting the inspiration behind his fantasy Exclusive to the Scottish Banner masterpiece, Barrie wrote fondly of Moat Moat Brae is not the only place in Scotland Brae: ‘a certain Dumfries garden which connected with James Barrie which you was an enchanted land to me was certainly can visit. The Angus-born writer spent Scotland: The Board Game - From 2 to the map before your opponents, find the genesis of that work’. his childhood in a modest, whitewashed 5 players aged 8 and up can play this out whether Nessie is willing to help or The family home was eventually sold cottage on Brechin Road in the small town delightful board game which takes hinder you, and be the first player to and spent a long period as private hospital of Kirriemuir. The son of a weaver, he you on a trip through 2000 years of move their (Highland Cattle) piece to and nursing home. Following the closure lived with his seven brothers and sisters Scotland’s history, travelling through the end of the Time Track, -which will of these businesses, Moat Brae lay vacant in two upstairs rooms, while his father its landscape from Melrose to the make you the winner! and was facing an uncertain future until worked downstairs. The washhouse in the Orkneys and featuring 30 of its most the intervention of a local trust which yard served as Barrie’s first theatre where This board game is fun for the whole he would entertain his siblings with his famous citizens in its history! Try to family and has been designed by one of early plays. Now a National Trust property, visit the most important locations on the UK’s most talented young designers. the building has been restored and now appears as it would have during Barrie’s The contents: 1 game board • 5 Highland Cattle movers • 15 Cabers • 20 Location tiles childhood. You can also visit the town’s 110 cards: 5 Player cards • 35 Location cards • 50 Character cards • 20 Nessie cards • 1 set of rules Camera Obscura which was gifted to the town by Barrie in in 1930. Price: $49.95 plus $18.00 postage Australia wide. Storytelling sessions Scotland is proud of its storytellers and To order: Scottish Banner: PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 Moat House, Dumfries. rightly so. Its storytelling tradition has P: 02 9559 6348 or www.scottishbanner.com/shop its roots in the ancient Celtic role of the

The Scottish Banner • July 2019 • Page 31 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Explore the Past Lives of Leith at the Museum of Edinburgh

the town and those who lived and died in it from the many strands of evidence has been a fascinating process.” John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, added: “Leith and the surrounding area has a rich archaeological history. These excavations have unearthed a cemetery thought to date from the 14th to the 17th centuries. The discoveries of these burials in this location, although always a possibility, was nevertheless a surprise.

Visitors can now see what the Medieval residents of the former burgh might have looked like 600 years ago.

This exhibition is a conclusion to a Past Lives of Leith exhibition. fascinating project which has truly changed what we thought we knew about the history of Constitution isitors to the Museum of Key findings that can be explored project altered our understanding of Street and the inhabitants of Leith. Edinburgh can now explore the in the exhibition include: the area’s history and its inhabitants. It has allowed us to highlight the lives results of the largest excavation • The excavations - how the The work here is a fascinating look at of the ordinary person, by putting a of a medieval graveyard discovery happened. our ancestors, with nearly 400 human face to these individuals and showing Vundertaken in Edinburgh. Past Lives of remains found. The work carried how they lived and died. Allowing • Historic background - how the excavation Leith, which delves into the fascinating out by our archaeologist, Headland us to compare and contrast with site fits into the history of Leith. work carried out by experts from Archaeology and Dundee University findings across Scotland and the UK. Headland Archaeology and the City • Who was buried in Constitution Street? has meant we can now get not only an The forensic reconstructions have of Edinburgh Council. Following the How the analysis reveals key facts about idea of how these medieval residents really helped to identify these remains discovery in 2008 of medieval burials their age, sex, build and pathology. might have looked, we are also able to as those of members of the public, outside Leith Parish Church, a six-month • How were they buried? How the determine how old they were, if they rather than merely deeming them as archaeological excavation was carried different forms of burials discovered were local and even how they died. archaeological findings, and how alike out in 2009 in advance of the then led to clues about social status I would encourage anyone with an they are to modern day inhabitants of expected construction of the Edinburgh and how they may have died. interest in the history of our capital Leith and Edinburgh. Additionally, the Tram line to Leith and Newhaven. In • Isotope analysis: how scientific analysis to pay the exhibition a visit. This is a project allowed us to develop important total, these excavations recovered the was used to discover more about fascinating insight into a little-known partnerships with the Universities of remains of 378 people and provided a where the people buried were from piece of our people’s history.” Dundee and Aberdeen, which led to further th window into life in Leith from the 14 to and even details about what they ate. areas of collaborative work and research the mid-17th centuries, rewriting part of Rich archaeological history into the former inhabitants of Edinburgh – • New dating for the graveyard: how the local history of the area. Julie Franklin from Headland Archaeology such as the 3D reconstructions on display the uncovered remains, which said: “Leith has persevered through in our exhibition.” precedes the South Leith Parish sieges, famines, economic hardships and Church graveyard, changes what we Past Lives of Leith runs to Sunday 6 October endless plagues. Weaving the sometimes know about the history of the area. 2019 at the Museum of Edinburgh. For details harrowing, sometimes surprising story of see: www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk Seven centuries of Scottish life and times The exhibition also showcases the work undertaken by the Council and colleagues from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee to bring this historic find to life, through the process of forensic facial reconstruction to depict the faces of the 14th to 17th century remains. Visitors can now see what the Medieval residents of the former burgh might have looked like 600 years ago. Councillor Donald Wilson, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Spanning 10 years of painstaking Example of the forensic facial archaeological fieldwork and scientific reconstruction to depict the faces of analysis, cutting through seven centuries of Scottish life and times, this exhibition the 14th to 17th century remains. A woman with allergies, an example of forensic facial reconstruction. explains how the Edinburgh Trams

Page 32 • The Scottish Banner • July 2019