sign in sign up
<<
Home , Clan Ramsay, Clan Wallace, Kilt, The Gathering 2009

The Thistledown Scottish Society of Tidewater, Inc.

SUMMER 2009 VOLUME 26, ISSUE NUMBER 3 Unlock Your Genealogy Secrets: DNA Testing By Marcey Hunter, With Assistance from Robert Chisholm

Scottish Clans DNA Project, where H ave you ever wondered who many of the clans participating in your Scottish ancestors were? Who the projects are listed. did you descend from? Was it a How many genetic cousins do Gaelic warrior or a Pictish tribes- you have around the world, i.e. man, a Norwegian Viking who ram- people who descended from the paged down the west coast of same ancestor prior to the era of , a Danish Viking from surnames? As a DNA test partici- Yorkshire, or an Angle settler from pant, you will have access to a the ancient kingdom of Bernicia? huge searchable database. How about a Roman soldier, left For any of the Clan DNA Projects behind on Hadrian’s Wall, or could to provide valid conclusions, it it be some dashing young Norman needs to have a wide base. The knight who established himself in object of the various clan projects the Borderlands? Perhaps none of is to have as many participants as the above but, rather, a lonesome ten years have enabled genealogy possible, thereby having a larger sailor cast ashore when the 1588 to be aided by genetics research. pool of genealogical data to com- Armada was wrecked on the In recent years, a number of Scot- pare. coasts of Britain, or a luckless tish Clan Associations like Donald Now to the details: there are two Spanish soldier left behind above Donnachaidh, Gregor, Hamilton, types of tests – Y-DNA and Kintail after an aborted Jacobite Chisholm, Maxwell, Montgomery, mtDNA. The Y-DNA Geographical uprising. Scott, Cameron and Wallace have Project verifies a possible point of If you’ve ever wondered about undertaken studies to identify pat- origin for the paternal line. For ex- any of this, or if you’ve toiled over terns of their clansmen. In fact, 66 ample, let’s say your surname/clan family records for years trying to of the 80 Highland & Border Clans is Fraser. If you are a Fraser male find the Holy Grail of genealogical have initiated DNA Surname Pro- descended from a Fraser male, evidence, then perhaps a DNA test jects at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) you carry genetic information on will be just the ticket. of Houston, Texas. Family Tree your Y chromosome only from your Scientific advances over the past DNA even has a special section of male Fraser ancestor. Only males

Continued on page 8

PAGE 2 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 About the Scottish Society of A Few Words from the President Tidewater, Inc. Greetings! Things have been fairly slow since the election but your board has not let any grass T he Scottish Society of Tidewater exists to grow under our collective feet. We have insti- promote the preservation and study of Scottish cul- tuted an additional Board meeting each quarter ture, including music, language, art, history, folk- to discuss, in further detail, any issues that may lore, dance, literature, athletics, and all other things impact the society. Thanks to Marcey for host- distinctively Scottish among interested persons in ing us. Often we just don’t have enough time at the Hampton Roads, Virginia area and to cooperate the monthly Board meetings to fully cover things with like-minded persons, groups and organizations that are on our minds. Our last meeting con- here and abroad. cerned membership retention. We had a very A meeting is held on the first Wednesday of each lively time with many ideas discussed. If you month at the Virginia Beach Central Library, 4100 have any thoughts or ideas that you want to be Va. Beach Blvd., in meeting rooms "A" and "B." considered for action, please let one of us know Social time begins at 7:00pm, and the meeting and we’ll be happy to put it on the agenda. I starts at 7:30pm. Anyone interested in Scottish cul- think that we have an excellent Board with many ture and history is invited to attend. diverse outlooks. I strongly urge everyone, Rob Lockwood Board and General members alike, to “think P.O. Box 3733, Norfolk, VA 23514-3733 outside the box” when it comes to events and other situations that may www.tidewaterscots.com arise. You may have an excellent idea that no one has considered; one that can really help the society. Thanks! SST Executive Board At our May meeting, we had the President of the Williamsburg Scottish President: Festival and the CEO of Rockahock Campgrounds, where the festival is Rob Lockwood [email protected] held, as our speakers. They presented a detailed report of upcoming Vice President: events at the festival. They also presented a Celtic Music Festival on the John McGlynn [email protected] Secretary: weekend after the May meeting, which I understand from all accounts Marcey Hunter [email protected] was a success. It still needs a bit of tweaking, but for the first one, it was Treasurer: good. The WSF will be held on Saturday October 3. We will have a tent Jeanne Rider [email protected] there, so sign up to help man the tables. For more information see either Board of Directors: the society or the festival website and page 7 of this newsletter. June Lockwood [email protected] The Meadow and Celtic Festival (formerly Richmond Donna Looney [email protected] Highland Games and Celtic Festival) will be held on Saturday October 24 and Sunday October 25 at their new home, The Meadow Event Park, Linda Lucas [email protected] near Doswell, VA, also the new home of the Virginia State Fair (they’ve George Phillips [email protected] moved from the Richmond International Raceway). Again, see our or their website for more information. Terri Woodward [email protected] Our June speaker was society member Tina Gutshall, who works for Trish Young [email protected] the Mariner’s Museum. She gave a most interesting program on the USS Monitor and the efforts to preserve the items which were brought SST Committees up from the wreck. There’s even a Scottish connection to the Monitor. Webmaster: Scott MacGregor [email protected] There may even be a personal connection for me to one of the sailors Membership: who were trapped inside and drowned when the ship sank. I’m going to Marcey Hunter [email protected] contact Tina for more information and some possible DNA work to see if Program: there is a relationship. How exciting! The SST Board of Directors Sunshine: Instead of meetings in July and August, we’re holding Pub Nights. We June Lockwood [email protected] will meet on Wednesday, July 1, about 7:00pm, at Finn McCool’s Fish Newsletter Editor: House and Tavern in the Landstown Commons Shopping Center (corner Marcey Hunter [email protected] of Princess Anne and Dam Neck Rds, in VB). On August 5, about 7:00pm, we’ll be at Conklin’s Irish Rover on Virginia Beach Blvd. Our Society Picnic will be held on Saturday, September 26, from 1:00pm to 4:00pm, at the picnic shelter of The Church of the Ascension. More information will follow, as the time grows nearer. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President. Yours Aye for Scotland, Rob

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 3 Flowers of the Forest

It is with great remorse and sadness What can I say, Russell was a that I learned of the passing of Rus- wonderful friend who along with Pam sell. I had sat next to him at the always brought a ray of sunshine and Tattoo and he was his usual friendly warm greetings to the Scottish society and gregarious self, kindly chiding meetings and our MacGregor Clan tent this old Yankee in the way he always at the various Highland Games around did. Russell was a great supporter Virginia. Russell will be fondly re- and help when I was president. He membered every time I see someone had a way of keeping one on their toes, wearing his original design “Scots so to speak, with his to-the-point and Rebel” t-shirts. concise questions. However, his firm Scott MacGregor and friendly handshake always reas- Russell E. Darden Past Vice President, Scottish Soci- sured you he was "on your side". ety of Tidewater My thoughts and prayers go out to the Darden Family. Russell will be greatly missed. Russell was always so happy to Lawrence McCauley greet anyone he knew and happy to Past President, Scottish Society of meet someone that was new. Tidewater Rita Hamilton Past Vice President, Scottish Society On May 5, 2009, the SST lost a of Tidewater very dear friend. Russell Darden was a wonderful man, husband and father. Our Scottish-American community Russell served on the SST Board of Directors during my term as has been greatly enriched by his dedi- President. I always appreciated his wise counsel and "can do" attitude. I cation and passion. We all loved especially remember fondly his help with one of the City of Virginia Beach's Russell and we’ll miss him so very early Heritage Day events. Russell was there to assist in promoting our much. Scottish heritage was a tremendous asset. Marcey Hunter Nancy Miller Secretary, Scottish Society of Past President, Scottish Society of Tidewater Tidewater

Russell was, in every sense, a true southern gentleman. He was kind, polite, hard-working, and had that certain irresistible charm that just made people like him. During my tenure as SST president, Russell was always tremen- dously supportive. He and Pam have worked tirelessly for the Society for many years, most often doing jobs that no- body else would volunteer to do - the hospitality committee for our monthly meetings, the annual SST picnic, as well as manning the SST table at various Highland games and other festivals. You never really had to ask Russell; he knew when help was needed, and was always the first person to step up and provide it. I will always remember his warm smile and friendly greeting of "Hello, Mr. President", whenever I saw him. That is a memory that I will always cherish. Edward Brash Immediate Past President, Scottish Society of Tidewater

PAGE 4 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 Spring Kirking o’ the

The Saint Andrew's Society of Williamsburg, the Saint Andrew's Society of Richmond, the Scottish Society of Richmond, the Scottish Society of Tide- water, the Tidewater Saint Andrew’s Society, the Williamsburg Scottish Festival and The Foundation for Historic Christ Church recently sponsored the annual regional gathering of all Tidewater/Richmond area Scottish organizations for a Kirkin’ o’ th’ Tartan at Historic Christ Church, Irvington, Virginia, on Sunday, April 26, 2009. It was a grand time, and plans are already underway for next year’s event.

Kilmarnock & Dist. Griffin of Jamie courtesy All photos Flag bearers lead worshipers into the kirk.

The beautiful Historic Christ Church was the Heather, left, and Scottie Phillips took part in setting for a very memorable day. the Fellowship.

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

Shelba & Stuart Bossom Catriona Roy & Bradley Dunphy 1354 Wakefield Dr. 1460 Ashland Circle Virginia Beach VA 23455-4900 Norfolk VA 23509 757-318-6760 [email protected] 757-693-0083 [email protected] Clan Robertson

Gayle Chene Deborah Campbell & Aaron Johnson 1132 Hillock Crossing 5604 Cobden Rd. Virginia Beach VA 23455 Virginia Beach VA 23455 757-460-4788 [email protected] 757-499-7793 [email protected] Clans Drummond/Campbell Clans Campbell / Hamilton

Bernadette McClain P.O. Box 8383 Virginia Beach VA 23450 757-508-3482 [email protected] Clan MacLaine

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 5 Gathering chief calls for tartan trademark to protect Scots By Mark McLaughlin, Scotsman.com, 16 June 2009 THE director of the world's biggest clan gathering has called for an "tartan trademark" to prevent cut-price kilts being passed off as authentically Scottish. Lord Jamie Sempill, director of and vice-convener of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, said peddling budget kilts and knitwear was a "disservice" to international visitors. Edinburgh-based Lord Sempill, a former peer who inherited the chiefdom of the 500-year-old Sempill clan in 1995, said: "The point is to make it very clear that when you pick up a tartan scarf or other tartan product, that there is a legal re- quirement for it to state its country of origin. "Tartan is produced and woven around the world to a very high quality, but there is a difference between something that is produced in Scotland as opposed to something produced in Lahore. "I have no problem with the quality of some of these items necessarily, but I think we're doing a great disservice to international visitors who want to take home something genuinely Scottish but end up going away with something pro- duced in China or India." Mr Sempill, an ex-Tory candidate, added that any trademark would not preclude budget kiltmakers such as The Gold Brothers, whose budget stores Leading the charge for authentic “Made in Scotland” tartan is The Rt. Hon. the Lord Sempill [with cro- dominate the , continuing to sell cheap internationally produced prod- mach], Chief of Clan Sempill, Vice Convener of the ucts as long as they made it clear they were made abroad. Standing Council of Chiefs, and, Director of the Inter- However, Gold Brothers partner Galab Singh said all of their products already national Gathering of the Clans in Edinburgh on 24 had the country of origin clearly marked on the label. and 25 July 2009. Mr Singh also claimed to have been approached to sell Gold Brothers clothing at The Gathering, something denied by Lord Sem- pill. He said: "We told them we weren't interested. We've got too many commitments on the Royal Mile. We were approached by one of their agents who asked us if we'd be interested in setting up a stall but we declined." Brian Wilton, director of the Scottish Authority, has already called on the European Parliament to extend its geographical protection scheme to include products other than food and drink, giving heavyweight legal protection to descriptions such as "Scottish tartan", "Scottish " or "Highland kilt". He said: "If we can get Lord Sempill on board then perhaps we can get the powers-that-be to sit up and take more notice before the last vestiges of Scotland's heritage slip down the pan. "The Scottish Tartans Authority has been grappling with this problem for quite some time and regrettably it isn't as simple as might be imagined. "Almost every scheme we've looked at is open to abuse if companies are determined to mislabel imported products and hoodwink visiting shoppers."

CHEAP kilts costing less than £20 have been labelled a joke by traditional tartan retailers. Scottish gift shop chain Gold Brothers yesterday slashed the price of their kilts to £19.99 after supermar- ket company Lidl revealed the national dress would be hitting the aisles with a price tag of £25. But tartan specialists have branded the discount kilts as nothing more than tartan women'. Pic shows Pablo Tittarelli a workers at the shop Heri- tage of Scotland on the Royal Mile wearing one of the £20 kilts From Flickr.com

PAGE 6 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 Membership news

♦ Congratulations to Edward Brash for being named the Chair of the Physics Dept. at Christopher Newport University. This is a wonderful accomplishment! Weel done, laddie! ♦ We will soon be welcoming home Skip Hunter, who returns from a six-month deployment this sum- mer. Skip is the OIC on the USNS Big Horn. Hopefully he will be able to join us for the August Sum- mer Pub Night at Conklins! ♦ One of our newest members, Belinda Nash, recently attended the June SST meeting. Several folks thought she looked quite familiar. As we found out, she re-enacts Grace Sherwood, the famous “Witch of Pungo”! In fact, it was due to Belinda’s efforts that Gov. Kaine issued a formal pardon to Grace in 2006! Belinda is also a member of Clan MacGregor. Failte, Belinda & Herbert Nash! ♦ Dave and Nancy Montgomery have made their yearly trek to Nova Scotia, in part to escape our summer heat. As usual, they expect to host many family members and friends at their summer home in Pictou County. We are always glad to hear how things are going in New Scotland, and Nancy kindly shares some N.S. news on page 9 of the Thistledown. ♦ The classes (we have THREE going now!) wound up their “school year” in early June. A celebratory “School’s Out” Ceilidh will be held at the home of Marcey & Skip Hunter. These students really have come a long way in their studies, and are working hard to keep Scottish Gaelic alive and well. We are so grateful for the continued support we have received from the SST. ♦ Rob & Jan Lockwood found out recently that they will be grandparents again in October. How ex- citing for you both! ♦ Marcey & Skip Hunter are planning a trip to Boston in October. Both Marcey & Skip have deep an- cestral roots in Boston, and they hope to do a little “ancestor worship” while they are there. Oh, and perhaps visit an Irish Pub or two (or twenty…)

EDITOR’S CORNER

I’ll be taking a wee summer break from the newsletter, so there won’t be another newslet- ter until fall, most likely right after the Williams- burg Scottish Festival. A special “thanks” goes out to all the contribu- tors of the Thistledown this past year. I’m al- ways looking for a good ideas for newsletter articles, and it’s gratifying to know that people want to contribute. THANK YOU!

I hope to see you around the games and SST Member Belinda Nash in her role as Grace other upcoming events, including the Summer Sherwood, the “Witch of Pungo.” Pub Nights, the Wallace Day Commemoration, the SST picnic in September, and the Williams- burg Scottish Festival. Have a wonderful and safe summer!

- Marcey Hunter, Editor

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 7 Coming Soon! The 32nd Annual Williamsburg Scottish Festival

I t won’t be long now! Organizers are busy working on the 32nd An- nual Williamsburg Scottish Festival and Celtic Celebration, October 2 & 3, at Rockahock Campgrounds in Lanexa, Virginia. This year’s honored clan is . There will be many clans represented, perhaps even yours! It’s a great way to connect and get involved. In the past, many SST members have hosted clan tents at the WSF, including the MacGregors, the Hamiltons, the Ramsays, the Campbells, the McCauleys, the Maxwells, the McDougalls, the Stewarts, the Wallaces and many others. Also, over the years several of our SST members have been vendors at the WSF, including Carolyn & Randy Bruce, and Jeanne and Bob Rider. Skip Hunter and James Taylor will once again participate in the re-enactment camps, with the 76th McDonald Highlanders of Foot. And Stacy Apelt has done blacksmithing demonstrations in the past, which always draws a crowd. This year’s theme is a salute to our nation’s military and first responders. There is also a heavy athletics competition, piping & drumming competitions, Highland dance competition, children’s activities, and plenty of vendors. The traditional Friday Night Balmoral reception will go on as always. Both a Friday night and Saturday night Ceilidh are planned. Bands that have been lined up are Alasdair Fraser, Albannach, Warpipe, and several others. As always, the SST will have a table at the festival. This is our best recruiting event of the year, and we can use all the help we can get. An added “perk” is that you can use the SST tent for your “homebase” as you visit the vendors, watch the athletics and listen to the bands. We are asking for folks to commit to 2-hour shifts. It’s fun and a great way to meet people, while performing an important function for the SST. Interested? Contact Marcey Hunter at 480-4217, or [email protected]. So be sure to mark this festival on your calendar, and help celebrate 32 years of Scottish-American culture in southeastern Vir- ginia! Www.wsfonline.org

Joyce Cowan helps at the SST tent, and recruits several new Members of , at left, and SST members participate in members. the Parade of Clans.

June & Rob Lockwood The Parade of Clans includes & Clan MacGregor. at the tent.

PAGE 8 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 Continued from Page 1 can take the Y-DNA test. And it is your specific genetic markers and of the Clan Chisholm Society. My this test, which reveals the male to those of others in the database will editorial counterpart in New Zea- male line, that will be most reveal- then be performed and you will be land, Robert Chisholm, and I ex- ing and useful to your respective notified if another person matches changed many e-mails concerning Clan DNA Project. your results perfectly. The whole newsletter details, etc. He became If you are a female tracing your process takes about 10 weeks. the “go to” person for the DNA pro- Scottish ancestry through your fa- Now a word on privacy: the Fam- ject for our Society. To make a ther and his father, etc., you will ily Tree DNA Project follows strin- long story short, he forwarded to need to recruit a male sibling or a gent policies for protecting your me a random bit of information he cousin to take the Y-DNA test for privacy according to the State of had come across, and lo and be- you. Texas legislation guidelines. hold, it lead me to find a living Females can take the the mtDNA FTDNA controls the Surname Da- male descendent of my Chisholm Geographical Project, which will tabase Library and genetic testing line, Colin Chisholm in Ontario. I verify a possible point of origin for scores. FTDNA contracts with an quickly contacted him, and he was the maternal line. This is the test offsite depository, the University of also heavy into genealogy re- that would be used if you were Arizona testing lab, to store the search, and he was happy to take tracing your mother’s line; both genetic library. Federal and State the DNA test (we split the cost). males and females can take the confidentiality laws also bind the Now you won’t believe this, but the mtDNA test. This is no doubt good University of Arizona. results showed that Colin and I are information to have, but this is not Also, FTDNA is ONLY searching a match with…wait for it…the very the test that is so critical to the your DNA for genealogical data: same Robert Chisholm in New Clan DNA projects. they are NOT testing for diseases Zealand! Since then, we have Interested? Contact your Clan or paternity. In addition, you have found two and possibly three other Society and see if there is a DNA the right to remove your DNA re- exact matches throughout the Project already initiated. Or you cords from the project at any time. world. We are all working out the can just go to the Family Tree DNA For more information on privacy details of who is who and how we website, (www.familytreedna.com) issues, visit the FTDNA website. relate. It’s just amazing! and type a surname in the search Allow me to share with you a suc- So why not give it a try, or en- box. On this website, you can re- cess story of sorts. courage a male in your family to quest a DNA package. In my genealogical research, I take the plunge? Your children’s Depending on the test you opt thought that all of the males in my children will thank you for it, and for, the costs range from $100- Chisholm line had died off. If there you will be helping to map out your $400. This may seem cost prohibi- were any living, I certainly didn’t Clan family tree, thus helping your tive, but for those of involved in our know about them. As you may Clan tremendously. It may be the genealogical research, it’s a small know, I also edit the Clan Chis- best way for you to discover your price to pay for cracking some of holm newsletter for the US Branch deeper Scottish ancestral heritage. the genealogical nuts that have kept us awake at night these many years. Maybe you and a cousin can split the cost. Maybe you and your siblings can pur- chase one for your dad. After you have placed your or- der, a genetic test kit and instruc- tions will be mailed to you. The test consists of a painless cheek scraping to obtain DNA. You then mail your test kit to FTDNA and your genetic sample will be proc- essed. The results will be entered into a secure, private and confi- dential non-web-based genetic library. A comparison between

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 9 Notes from New Scotland by Nancy Montgomery

T his coming August will mark the 60th anniversary of the Ceilidh Girls’ Pipe Band of New , Nova Scotia. In August, 1950, eight pipers and five drummers made its first public appearance, marching down the main street to celebrate the town’s 75th anniversary. With various mutations, the band continues today. Among all the many great pipe bands to come out of Nova Scotia over the years, our band’s claim to fame is having been the first all-girls junior pipe band in Canada, and possibly North America. As with many organizations, it began out of need and neces- sity. There were many highland dancers in the area, myself among them, but it was difficult to find a piper to accompany us. Miss Eveline Dunbar, our dancing teacher, spoke with Pipe Major Fraser Holmes, the father of one of the dancers, and he began teaching chanter lessons to fourteen eager girls. He was a tireless band leader for 23 years. Captain John Nicholson, a World War II veteran, agreed to be our drumming instructor. He gave freely of his time as well. Of course the band would not have existed without the efforts of the parents. The Mothers’ Club was responsible for a myriad of tasks, including fundraising, chaperoning, knitting the socks and preparing meals. The arrived from Scotland with great fanfare, each set costing a whopping $75. The original drums were manufactured by Potters of Aldershot, England. All drums were of rope tension and the side drums weighed only 6 ¾ pounds, a manageable weight for the 9-year-old drummers. Each girl wore her own tartan. Usually bands are decked out in one tartan of choice, so you may wonder why the Ceilidh Girls did not dress uniformly. Think of our Scottish history and ask yourselves, “Where will I find a group of Scots completely in accord in their opinion about anything?” So instead of arguing about the choice of tartan each girl was allowed to wear her family tartan or tartan of choice. Thus, you see the Red Cameron in sync with the Hunting MacKinnon and the Holme being worn proudly along side the MacGregor. Even the Campbells and the MacDonalds wore their respective colorful kilts with no ensuing battles! Soon the band’s popularity resulted in a long waiting list of would-be pipers and drummers. My older sister secured a spot as a piper. My opportunity to play side drum came in 1954 for the laying of the cornerstone of New Glasgow’s Aberdeen Hospital. Over the years we have played for appreciative audiences all over the Maritime provinces of Canada and the Eastern United States. As a naïve 12-year-old I was very disappointed not to find skyscrapers as we crossed into the U.S. at Calais, Maine, for the first time. I had a rich imagination when it came to the U.S., probably from watching American movies. Throughout our history the Ceilidh Girls’ Pipe Band repeatedly took first place in competitions at the Gaelic Mod (St. Ann’s), Anti- gonish Highland Games, Pugwash Highland Gathering and the Festival of the Tartans. We also won the New England champion- ship in Brookline, Mass., in 1961. However, it was not all gain and glory. One of our drummers recently recalled how we began to take winning at the Antigonish Highland Games, our primary competitive event, for granted. We even made fun of the upstart MacDougall Girls from Dominion, Cape Breton…until they soundly beat us! It was not haggis, but large helpings of humble pie we had to swallow that memorable year in Antigonish. It seems the MacDougalls discovered that practice, practice, practice makes a winner. We were devastated! With our 60th anniversary approaching we can look back and see how this band so strongly shaped our youth. Not only did we eventually learn to win and lose gracefully in competitions, we acquired many more valuable life lessons. We realize now that through our band experiences we have carried on our Scottish heritage for future generations. Those chanter lessons Fraser Holmes began in his living room in 1948 have ripened and multi- plied into many hundreds of accomplished, polished pipers. He was the unsung hero of my youth, a soft-spoken gentleman who changed the lives of so many of us for the better. There have been many changes over the years. In the early The Ceilidh Girls’ Pipe Band of New Glasgow circa 1950. 1970s boys were allowed to join the band. Some of you may remember Scott Long, the piper for Seven Nations. He was part of the addition of boys. Also, the Fraser Holmes Memorial Ladies Pipe Band was formed by members from the early Ceilidh band, as well as at least three other bands from the County. This band has performed at our Norfolk Tattoo. And so it continues. As our 60th anniversary draws near I realize how much being part of the Ceilidh Girls’ Pipe Band has taught me about the joys of Scottish music, and it has given me greater appreciation of my Scottish heritage. I’m looking forward to a great Ceilidh when the “girls” gather in August .

PAGE 10 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 NEW SCOTTISH BOOKS AND AUDIOVISUALS At the Virginia Beach Public Library ADULT NON-FICTION BOOKS:

Compendium of Celtic Crafts by Judy Balchin, Courtney Davis, Vivien Lunniss and Suzen Millodot. Turn- bridge Wells, England: Search Press Ltd., 2008.

The Pictish Symbol Stones of Scotland by Iain Fraser, ed. Edinburgh: Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, 2008.

Glasgow by Charles Jamieson. London: Frances Lincoln Ltd., 2009

ADULT FICTION BOOKS

Caledonication: a . With Jokes. By John K. V. Eunson. Edinburgh: Hachette Books Scotland, 2008.

Highland Scandal by Julia London. New York: Pocket Books, 2009.

Highland Scoundrel by Monica McCarthy. New York: Ballantine, 2009.

Death and the Lit Chick: A St. Just Mystery by G.M. Malliet. Woodbury, MN: Midnight Ink, 2009.

The Darkness and the Deep by Aline Templeton. London: Hodder, 2006.

CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH BOOKS

The Battle for Duncragglin by Andrew H. Vanderwal. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2009.

MUSIC

Braveheart Trilogy by Celtic Pipes & Strings. Scotdisc, 2009.

Skyedance by Alasdair Fraser. Culburnie Records, 1996.

Inchcolm by William Jackson. Linn Records, 2002.

Live by Natalie Macmaster. Rounder Records, 2002.

The Music and Song of Greentrax. Greentrax Records, 2002.

Robert Burns: A Tribute for Auld Lang Syne. Scotdisc, 2009.

- Submitted by Nancy Miller, MSLS, Virginia Beach Public Library

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 11

“The Gaelic Corner”

THE CHISHOLM STONE The Crossroads at Struy Start from central Strathglass, at the point where the crossroad from Struy joins the Eskadale road. Find a standing memorial stone -a rough stone slab, about 6’ high, with an inscription which the passer by may not be able to make out, and if he does he may not be much the wiser. The stone stands where William Chisholm said goodbye to his wife, Christine Ferguson, before Culloden. He was standard bearer to the Chisholm of Chisholm. According to local lore his widow hoped he would come back until she recognised her husband’s old coat on a travelling tinker. She composed the song “Mo Run Geal Og” (Cumha Uilleim Siosail) -”My Fair young beloved” (A Lament for William Chis- holm), a composition of great emotional depth which is a classic of it’s period. www.glenaffric.org

A Lament for William Chisholm Och a Thearlaich Òg Stiùbhart Oh young Charles Stewart, 'S e do chuis rinn mo leireadh Your campaign is the cause of my sorrow. Thug thu uam gach ni bh'agam You took from me everything I had Ann an cogadh a d'aobhar In the war in your name Cha chrodh is cha chairdean It's not cattle and sheep I'm lamenting, Rinn mo chhradh ach mo cheile But my husband. O'n la dh'fhàg thu mi 'm aonar Since the day you left me alone Gun sion 's an t-saoghal ach leine With nothing in the world but a shroud Mo rùn geal òg My fair young love

O gur a mis' thair mo sgaradh Oh I am devastated 'S ged a chan am cha bhreug e And I tell you it's no lie 'S ioma tè bha na bantraich Many a woman has become a widow who never Nach d'fhuair samhladh do 'm cheile Had a husband like mine Fear do cheille 's do thuigse A man of your sensitivity and understanding was Cha robh furasd r' a fhaotuinn not easy to find 'S cha do sheas ann Cullodair And no other man of your kind stood at Culloden, Fear do choltais bu treine With such bravery Mo rùn geal òg. My fair young love

PAGE 12 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 At Your Service MUSIC CELTIC DANCE

Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps Scottish Highland Dancing Tom Crouch [email protected] Scottish Ceilidh (Social) Dancing, & http://newportnewspolicepipe.homestead.com Scottish Step Dancing Lynnette Fitch Brash [email protected] Pipers For Hire Southside Ceili(dh) Class & Rob Lockwood [email protected] Irish Ceili Dancing http://www.roblockwood.com Lisa Hunt [email protected]

Harper MISC. Rita Hamilton [email protected] Kilts, Alterations Folk Music Christine Lawler [email protected] James West [email protected] http://jameswestmusic.com/ Photography - British Isles Manny Willis [email protected] Scottish Gaelic Song Performances Edward Brash [email protected] Photography - Scotland Linda Lucas [email protected] Traditional Celtic Music Celtic Band for hire at an economical price Scottish Gaelic Lessons Third Degree Burn Scots Gaelic Society of Tidewater Parties Dance Music Fund Raisers Marcey Hunter [email protected] 1-804-553-9702 1-757-420-1285 [email protected] Travel in Scotland Also solo violin/fiddle music Celtic and Old Timey at Highland Ways your request. Affordable $ - Free fiddle lessons Arthur & Anne Korff 757-596-6063

Scotch Whisky Tasting Mike Lawler [email protected] In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

Scottish regiments were well to the fore in the battles in France during both world wars and many fell in Flanders Fields. Here is a poem by a Canadian surgeon, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae during a lull in the 1915 Battle of Ypres. John McCrae's grandfather had emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1849. The inspiration behind the poem is thought to have come from the death of one of McCrae's friends.

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 13 Please join us for Summer Pub Nights! In lieu of the July and August SST meetings, we will be having “Summer Pub Nights.” We’ll gather on Wednesday, July 1 at Finn McCools in the Landstown Commons Shopping Center, Va. Beach. And we’ll meet again on Wednesday, August 5 at Conklins, at The Village Shoppes at Rose Hall, Va. Beach. These Summer Pub Nights will be a good way for us to relax and enjoy some good food and fellowship with our fellow SST members. It will let us reconnect with some old friends, and hopefully make new ones. Please join us! NOTE: Please let Rob know whether you can attend, so that he can give the pubs a proper head count. Contact Rob at 473-0784, or [email protected].

SST Summer Pub Night SST Summer Pub Night Wednesday, July 1, 7pm Wednesday, August 5, 7pm Finn McCool’s Conklin’s Landstown Commons Shopping Center The Village Shoppes at Rose Hall 3388 Princess Anne Rd., Suite 311 3157 Virginia Beach Blvd. Virginia Beach, VA. Virginia Beach, VA http://finnmccoolsvb.com/ http://www.conklins-irish-rover.com/

SAVE THE DATE!

G et ready for the annual SST picnic will be held on Saturday, September 26th, 1pm-4pm at the Church of the Ascension, located on Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach. As usual, it will be a “pot luck” affair, with the SST providing hot dogs & hamburgers, and beverages. Please bring a dish to share. You may also bring along your favorite adult libation if you are so inclined. If you’ve not been to one of our picnics before, be sure to come hungry and you won’t be disappointed. If you would like to help, please contact Rob Lockwood at piob- [email protected].

4th Annual SST COMMEMORATION August 23, 2009 We are planning the 4th Annual William Wallace Com- memoration, but as of press time, our venue is not con- firmed. Rob will send out an e-mail to the SST when all is set. Or you can the website for updates. Stay tuned!

PAGE 14 THISTLEDOWN SUMMER 2009 Calendar of Upcoming Events

June 13-14 August 23 Potomac Celtic Festival 4th Annual Wallace Day Commemoration Leesburg, VA Join us in remembering William Wallace on the http://www.potomaccelticfest.org/ 704th anniversary of his murder. Location TBD.

July 1 September NOTE: There will be NO SST MEETING IN JULY NOTE: There will be NO SST MEETING in Octo- in lieu of a special ber in lieu of the SST Annual picnic. “Summer Pub Night.” Finn McCool’s, 7pm September 26 Landstown Commons Shopping Center SST Annual Picnic 3388 Princess Anne Rd., Suite 311 Church of the Ascension, Virginia Beach Virginia Beach, VA. 1 - 4 pm. Please bring a dish to share http://finnmccoolsvb.com/ October July 9-12 Monthly SST meeting Grandfather Mountain Highland Games Date and Location TBA MacRae Meadows on Grandfather Mountain near Linville, NC October 2-4 http://www.gmhg.org/ Williamsburg Scottish Festival Lanexa, VA August 5 Want to help with the SST table? Contact Marcey NOTE: There will be NO SST MEETING IN Hunter at 480-4217, or [email protected] AUGUST in lieu of a special Www.wsf.org “Summer Pub Night.” Conklin’s, 7 pm October 19 The Village Shoppes at Rose Hall Yorktown Victory March 3157 Virginia Beach Blvd. Yorktown, VA Virginia Beach, VA This all day event and short parade commemorates http://www.conklins-irish-rover.com/ our victory over the British in the American Revolutionary War. Want to participate? Contact Al Cowan at 587-8913 or [email protected]

SUMMER 2009 THISTLEDOWN PAGE 15 A Taste of Whisky Enjoying the Uisege Beatha, the “Water of Life” Various & Sundry Whisky News

Scottish Hotel Creates globally using email, SMS, and “What is of concern, though, is Coffee To Go With direct mail. Consumers will be in- any product that tries to take un- vited to register on the Explorers fair advantage of 's Whisky section of the Glenfiddich website international reputation by adopt- by Deidre Woollard Jun 5th 2009 at www.glenfiddich.com via an ing a Scottish-sounding name.” A Scottish hotel has created a email marketing programme and coffee blended to pair with a an online banner campaign. Scotch Barbecue Sauce whisky. The Cuillin Hills blend was The Glenfiddich Explorers mi- Looking for the perfect Father’s created by the Cuillin Hills hotel on crosite, Day recipe? Try this: Skye to match whisky from the www.glenfiddich.co.uk/explorers/, island's Talisker distillery. The features a blog and four sections 2 cups ketchup blend was created by Edinburgh which demonstrate the range of 1/2 cup mild flavored (light) molas- Tea and Coffee Company to the Glenfiddich Single Malt Scotch ses specification of Peter Sim, the ho- whiskies. 1/3 cup Scotch (highland park 15 tel's general manager and is a yr. old works great!) mixture of Indonesian and South Big Win for Cape Breton 1/4 cup Dijon mustard American beans. The Talisker 18- 3 tablespoons hot pepper sauce year-old was used as the pairing Distillery 2 tablespoons Worcestershire companion but the coffee will work Susan Krashinsky sauce with any whisky. The blend has Globe and Mail Jun. 12, 2009 2 teaspoons paprika notes of dark chocolate, caramel Glenora Distillers International 1 teaspoon garlic powder and toffee with hints of liquorice Ltd., won a major victory Thursday 1 teaspoon onion powder and cinnamon. Sims says the cof- when the Supreme Court of Can-

fee was developed to ada refused to hear an appeal that Combine all ingredients in heavy "complement and showcase malt could have blocked the company saucepan. Bring to boil over me- whisky as the ideal after dinner from using “Glen” in the name of dium heat, stirring occasionally. drink." its Glen Breton Rare whisky. Reduce heat to medium-low; sim- For nine years, the Edinburgh- mer uncovered until sauce thick- Glenfiddich launches based Scotch Whisky Association has fought to protect the Scottish ens and flavors blend, stirring fre- global CRM programme integrity of the “Glen” name, which quently, about 15 minutes. (Can featuring online commu- its members say implies a connec- be made 1 week ahead. Cover, nity tion to household names in chill.) Makes about 2 1/2 cups. by Noelle McElhatton, Marketing Scotch, such as Glenlivet and Direct 27-May-09, 09:40 Glenfiddich. Dr. MacGregor checked over LONDON - Glenfiddich, the sin- The decision could pave the way his patient and said with a gle malt scotch whisky brand, has for big changes for the Cape puzzled frown, "I can't really launched a global relationship Breton distiller. By allowing Glen tell what the trouble is. I think marketing programme, the core of Breton to be registered as a trade- it must be due to drink." Willie which is a new web-based com- mark, the tiny, 35-person distillery said, understandingly, "Ach, munity, Glenfiddich Explorers, cre- can market its whisky more ag- that's all right doctor. I'll come ated by integrated agency Kitcatt gressively on a global scale. back when you're sober." Nohr Alexander Shaw. “We have no objection to the production of single malt whisky in The Explorers RM programme is Sources attempting to cultivate direct rela- Canada,” said the association's Luxist.com spokesman David Williamson. Brandrepublic.com tionships with whisky consumers Theglobeandmail.com

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

CALL FOR ARTICLES

Want to contribute to the newsletter? Some suggestions:

History/Re-enactments - Book and/or music reviews - Photos, both old and new (do you have a vintage SST photo to share? We would love to see it!) - Gathering & Games information - Poetry/Fiction - Recipes - Jokes/Cartoons Please e-mail Marcey Hunter at [email protected]

Remember: This is YOUR newsletter! Members of the Tartan Day Committee busy at work planning next year’s event.