TheThe LeodLeod VoiceVoice Clan MacLeod Societies Canada National Council Newsletter # 56 Spring, 2012

Congratulations to Malcolm & Karen MacLeod, CMS Vancouver Island who can boast that their tent has received the Best Display at the Games for the second year in a row! Spring, 2012 Page 1 President’s Report

and St. Anne’s to feel the ancient wisdom around the stones. The Gaelic College is always a treat and a reminder to me that I still can’t speak Gaelic. If I don’t try to learn the language, then how can I expect the next generation to give it a sec- ond thought. The “Tartan Dinner” By Dr Donald McLeod attended with Betty McLean from Halifax was a highlight and the Happy Tartan Day Past (April 6), entertainment shone. Tom Wallace nce again the warm weather spoke and piping and poetry kept is here and I know it pervades the ears ringing. CanadaO because I was in Halifax Nova Scotia is a special place this morning and now in the Oka- and everyone knows the MacLeod nagan it is a similar 27 degrees C. of Lewis tartan there. Nowhere Christine and I went to Halifax else in the world, besides Japan mostly to see our new granddaugh- and , can there be a claim ter by Magnus and Jodianne. We to that kind of interest in a pat- suggested a potpourri of names tern. Emails were collected for that are from the clan but young Ian MacLeod (Richmond) for people have their own ideas. I think more Internet Society members. I have squeezed Annabelle into the It seems that many of the young proper name mix after Brayenda. people are paperless and want only All sorts of tartan gifts and Celtic email newsletters (no magazines!) adornments followed. “C’est la Vie” as they say from the I had a terrific time with Don- “Auld Alliance”. We will discover ald Roy MacLeod (our great-great the spark that stimulates the young grandfathers were brothers) fol- clan members into action. lowed by a visit to Gordon McLeod For now I wish all of you at the Pictou farm and then time continued MacLeod Luck and with Sandy McLeod at St. Anne’s. Longevity and hope to see all of All the other visits were impromptu you in Alexandria for another ex- and didn’t quite materialize. traordinary event for all the Clan I did my wanderings through June 28 to July 1. the cemeteries of Englishtown Hold Fast the Shine

CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 2 News from Halifax - Scottish Cultural Festival of Nova Scotia by Betty MacLean

ver the past few summers, officers, several committees and and again in 2012, the Hali- by-laws to be drawn up. To allow faxO Games have been time to achieve approval, organize, postponed. For many years, this formulate plans and contact many event brought highland games, agencies, the first annual Scottish dancing and music competitions Festival is tentatively scheduled and displays to entertain the public for September 2013. Meanwhile, in Metro. The Games also offered committees will be actively seek- exposure to all Clan Societies, al- ing volunteers, corporate sponsors lowing clans people to learn about and obtaining information on legal their heritage, as well as to view requirements. This event will be historical displays and associ- held indoors, and booths will be ated materials. This exposure also available for Clan Societies, retail brought new members to various outlets, art and handcraft displays, Clan Societies. etc. Among events will be special The Antigonish Highland activities directed toward youth Games are scheduled; however, participation, as well as demonstra- with the loss of the Halifax High- tions of Scottish piping and danc- land Games, our Scottish culture ing by various groups. has no collective exposure in the As of this writing, a meeting is Metro area. Our Scottish culture, to be held early in June. Please keep to remain in the forefront, needed this new Scottish Festival in mind. to find a new annual major event to If you have a bit of time to spare remain in the public eye. and would like to support this ini- Jean Watson, past president of tiative, your help will certainly be the Federation of Scottish Culture appreciated. Further updates will of Nova Scotia (FSCNS) sug- be provided as time goes on. gested that a new and separate For persons interested in at- organization be formed to promote tending individual Clan Society a Scottish Festival in our area. events in Nova Scotia for 2012, it is On April 28, eighteen persons at- suggested you view the website for tended a meeting to discuss the the Federation for Scottish Culture matter, to elect an executive, and of Nova Scotia www.scotsns.ca to barnstorm for ideas. Thus, the The schedule of events across our “Scottish Cultural Festival of Nova province are posted and updated as Scotia”, (name pending approval) received. Have a safe and happy was established with a slate of summer. Spring, 2012 Page 3 CMS VANcouver ISLAND by Malcolm MacLeod Jim Maxwell, the Games presi- e had a great weekend at the dent gave a short welcoming Victoria Highland Games, speech and we were piped off. Had Wwhich started on Friday night, we been 45 minutes later it would May18 with a torchlight parade have been gloamin enough to get in front of the Provincial Legisla- the full effect of the torches. They tive buildings in Victoria. Most of plan to make this an annual event the Clans that attended the Games and next year the pagaent will start took part. The ceremony started later. off with the Canadian Scottish The representative of the Clan Regiment’s Band (Princess Mary’s) MacNicol claimed as their tradi- marching in and playing several tional territory, “The lands that the tunes. Each Clan representative MacLeods stole from us on Skye.” took a torch (propane on a 4-foot I visited their tent at the Games and pole), went in front of the micro- asked to buy their book but was told phone and identified their Clan. I that I would have to join their clan proudly stated that “I am Malcolm in order to get a copy. I declined MacLeod of Clan MacLeod repre- but curiosity has since given me a senting Clan MacLeod Vancouver change of heart. Island. Our Motto is Hold Fast, Most of the participants ad- plant badge is the red whortleberry journed, to the Bard and Banker and our traditional lands are Skye, pub - which is a beautiful ex-bank Lewis and Harris, , and and is very Victorian in its wood- Raasay.” We then took our place work. Karen and I returned to our in the formation of a St. Andrew’s hotel for a nightcap with friends cross. visiting for the games. I was up and at the field at 6:15 the next morning setting up our tent and helping others as needed. The Victoria Games are now held at Topaz Park, a very suitable venue and is a two-day event billed as Highland Games and Celtic Festival, incorporating more Irish piping, singing and dancing events and in my opinion, exceedes the BC Highland Games Malcolm on the right, holding his torch held in Coquitlam (a Vancouver

CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 4 judged throughout the day. The outer field is used on Sun- day as a Pipeband warm up field. I feel that you can’t get better entertain- ment value for your money at $12 per day for adults, suberb). Topaz Park has four large $10 for youth and fields on three different levels. The seniors and under twelve free. A upper field hosts the Heavy Events very full weekend of entertainment accompanied by a beer garden so if you can take it all in. that the spectators have their choice Sadly, we missed our usual of watching either from the stands Clan members that help us out or the beer garden. This year the (Dr. Don and Chris from Merritt, Canadian championships had a Ian C from Richmond, and Judy field of 10 athletes at an average Tipple from Saturna.) This meant age of 32 years and an average that Karen and I were tied to our weight of 248 pounds. The oldest Clan tent for the two days with was 48 and the youngest 24. Two only short breaks individually. Clan years ago Victoria hosted the World MacLeod had a steady stream Heavyweight Championships, you of visitors and we were flabber- likely saw several photos of the gasted to be awarded the Best Clan athletes in the Fall 2010 issue of Display for the second year in a the Leod Voice. The athletes love row. We were apparently judged it here, treated well with first class by persons unknown to us who hotel accomodation and all found. visited the different displays and The middle field has all the differ- who unanimously selected us best, ent tents featuring entertainment, based not only on our display, but vendors, culture groups, heritage more on knowlege, enthusiasm and organizations, piping associations, our interaction with everyone who dancing clubs, the Ceremonies stopped by. I thank the judges and stage, food vendors, beer gar- a special thanks goes to Karen! den, kids area and Clan tents. The As is true of all of our societies, lower field has Sheep Dog Trials we have people that join and pay and Shearing Demonstrations. dues for a year or so and then drop On Saturday and Sunday Pip- out. Typically Scottish? Whatever! ing and Dancing competitions are We don’t hold that against them Spring, 2012 Page 5 but invite and welcome them to Next year is the 150th anniversary our gatherings. We also welcome and bigger and better things are others such as our neighbour down being planned, so if possible please the street; Alvin Wallace arrived at come and join us. We have room our back yard Gathering two years and welcome visitors. ago, shirtless, on his bicycle when I’ve told this story before, but I he heard the pipes being played in think it bears repeating. Two years our driveway. The pipers were Dr. ago, Karen and I were walking Don, his daughter Skye, Heather back to our hotel after dinner with MacLeod from Bamfield and our Don and Chris at the Bard and son Callum. Banker when we met an Oriental This year at the Games we had couple. They were very impressed three families join our Society. to see me in my kilt gear and were While Duncan Scott McLeod was trying to, not very discreety, take filling out his application form, his my picture, saying to each other, cousin John happened by and they “McWoud, McWoud”. Karen and I met with glee. One had been to the couldn’t figure out how they knew other’s wedding. Lorne MacLeod that I was a MacLeod and looked Daniel joined and Neil MacK- down to see if I had my name tag iskill MacConnell also. Neil was on. We invited the gentleman to originally from the Isle of Berneray have his picture taken between leaving with his family when he Karen and I and his lady nearly was seven years old. Since my piddelled her pants while taking people are also from Berneray we the picture. We realised that they agreed that we have more research had been watching the movie The to do and results to share; we could Highlander and recognised the well be related. MacLeod tartan from the film. Back to the Victoria Games: Hold Fast, Mac and Karen

CMS Greater Vancouver (photos left and on next page) Some of those attending the Spring Gathering graciously hosted by Bill G. and Edith in Richmond, BC Ray Eagle (top left) introduced us to his new book CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 6 SCOTLAND - A Photographic Journal by Ray EAgle he book is self-published by Isles, and Seton Gordon the natu- Raymond Eagle and printed ralist/historian whose biography Tby Friesens of Altona, Manitoba I wrote, which was published in on high quality paper. It has a soft- Scotland in 1990. cover and is 8-1/2” by 11” with 96 The words at the bottom L/H pages. The price is $20 plus postage of the cover are from The Uist (total $25 in Canada - $30 to US.) Tramping Song, which was written I have taken the photos over by Hugh Roberton and is quoted in several years on my visits to the full in the book. The cover scene is West Coast of Scotland and the shot from Sleat at the southern end Inner and Outer Hebrides. There of Skye looking north to the Cuillin are approximately 100 photos of Hills, with the ruins of Dunscaith various sizes from full-plate to Castle in the mid-foreground. 1/4 page. It includes some his- torical text and four biographical profiles that I wrote for The High- lander magazine: Marjory Ken- nedy-Fraser, who researched and published the three volume Songs of the Hebrides; Sir Hugh Roberton who founded and conducted the famous Glasgow Orpheus Choir; the Rev. Kenneth MacLeod who collaborated with Kennedy-Fraser, and also wrote The Road to the

Spring, 2012 Page 7 Findin one’s Roots [The following is an exchange of emails that brought to my attention just how we can help each other in our genealogical research. I have exerpted from the email exchange between Glen McLeod (Winnipeg Bob and Connie’s son) and Bob McLeod (Great Lakes USA RVP) with their permission. Editor] ubject: McLeod genealogy:To family including where they came SBob & Connie McLeod (Win- from in Argyle, but nothing about nipeg): Judy Tipple sent me a copy my McLeods. I have a good friend of the last Leod Voice. I was very that lives in , Durrant interested in your article and the MacLeod, who Sandy and I visited similarities between our two fami- in 2006. Unfortunately, we had lies. I was wondering if you had no luck. It seems that everyone in participated in the DNA project? town is either a MacLeod or Mack- I have been trying to trace my roots enzie, and Donald seems to be the back to Scotland in hopes of finding most common name. I also know some relatives over there but have that the former President of CMS had no success yet. This is what I USA, John B. McLeod also has know and I think you can see the roots in Assynt and Kincardine. I similarities: was hoping that possibly you had My great grandfather, Donald some information to help me with McLeod, was born in Assynt. He my research. I hope to meet you at was born in 1820 or 1821 just the North American Gathering this outside of Lochinver, Suther- summer in Alexandria. land. In about 1845 he immigrated Bob McLeod RVP Great Lakes to Canada. In 1848 he arrived in Region Clan MacLeod USA. Kincardine, Ontario along with the From Connie & Bob McLeod family of James Rowan. In 1849 he [email protected] married James’ daughter Isabella Hi Judy...... Thanks for your Rowan. The book about Kincar- reply re: clan members, etc. Yes, dine, Tears, Toil and Triumph lists we rec’d the email from Bob their marriage as one of the first McLeod U.S.; sent it on to our there. They had 10 children, my 3rd son Glen who has completely grandfather Hugh Donald McLeod picked up the genealogy bug, and being the youngest born in 1876. below is his reply to Bob. All but one of the seven boys be- From: Glen McLeod came Great Lakes sailors. To: Bob & Sandy CMS USA While at the North American My parents, Bob and Connie Gathering in 2008 in Ottawa I McLeod, forwarded your email to visited the National Archives and me asking if I could reply. Finding found information on the Rowan this kind of stuff all very interest- CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 8 ing, I jumped at the opportunity. With that as my starting-point As you know from the latest edi- I located your family on the cen- tion of Leod Voice, our McLeod suses from 1852 to 1901 (except line also originated in Assynt, for 1891). immigrating in 1848. Upon arrival From this information, I noted in Canada they first settled in the that your family appears to have Woodstock-Stratford ON area, closely followed the customary before moving up to Kincardine Highland naming pattern, of nam- sometime between 1850-52. My ing the 1st daughter and 2nd son after great-great grandfather was also the mother’s parents. named Donald McLeod, and was In this case, the Kincardine born in Clashnessie, Assynt, in book indicates that Isabella’s par- 1822. He married Margaret McIver ents were James and Catherine. The in 1848 just before immigrating to names of Isabella’s 1st daughter Canada. and 2nd son followed this custom So our families appear to have exactly. a very similar heritage. You asked It’s reasonable to presume, whether we’ve had a yDNA test therefore, that the 1st son and 2nd performed and both my father and daughter would’ve been named I have in fact done so, through after Donald’s parents. So Donald’s FamilyTree DNA. For reasons un- parents would have been, by this known, all of our yDNA matches analysis, John and Margaret. are to McDonalds. We are even The naming pattern in this an identical 67-0 match with one family appears to have been so McDonald family whose ancestors strong that after the “first” Marga- emigrated to the southern USA in ret died at a young age, the next- the early 1800s. We would love to born daughter was given the same find some close yDNA McLeod name. matches, but thus far nothing even So from here I went to the remotely close. Have you had a Scotlands People website www. yDNA test? scotlandspeople.gov.uk, which I Although we do not appear to recommend very highly, if you’re be directly related, I nevertheless not familiar with it. did some digging around this morn- On this site I ran a search of ing and may have a possible lead births/baptisms in the Old Parish for you. I’ll explain it in point form Records (OPRs) using the follow- just to make it easier: ing parameters: I also have the Kincardine his- o name: Donald McLeod tory book (Toil, Tears & Triumph) o father: John McLeod and located your family at p. 354. o Parish of Assynt, Spring, 2012 Page 9 o Jan 1, 1820 to Dec 31, 1829 more searches of the Assynt birth o [I didn’t use “Margaret” as a pa- OPRs, using some other param- rameter due to the many variations: eters, before confirming that this Margaret, Margt., Marg, Peggy, lead is the correct one. The Assynt and even the Gaelic “Merran”] birth OPRs go back to 1798, so you This search gave three results, may also be able to find siblings of as follows: this Donald. If you know the names (1) Donald McLeod, b. Dec 1820 of some siblings through research to John McLeod and Margaret or oral family history, just search Sinclair for them using their forenames. If (2) Donald McLeod, b. July 1822 you don’t know the names of any to John McLeod and Katherine siblings, you can find out what McKenzie other children this John McLeod (3) Donald McLeod, b. Nov 1825 and Margaret Sinclair may have to John McLeod and Annabella had just by searches using only Kerr their names. Perhaps you’ll find So, in my view, (1) appears to an Angus or a Murdoch—names be a promising lead. It’s the only which appear in your family in the “Donald McLeod” born to a John 1871 census. As I mentioned, it’s a and Margaret McLeod in Assynt good website with a well-designed Parish in the 1820s. Further, when search engine, so you may have you examine the actual OPR, you some success. can see that the birth occurred in The Assynt marriage OPRs “Straan”, which is just outside of also go back to 1798, so I couldn’t Lochinver. resist looking for the marriage of I’ve attached a copy of the this John McLeod and Margaret OPR. You’ll have to zoom-in and Sinclair. I found it in 1801. Mar- this entry is near the middle of the garet Sinclair was from Torbreck page. Let me know if you have (just outside of Lochinver) and difficulty opening it. Straan was John McLeod was from ?? (Bad- also spelled at various times as didaroch? Badnaban?) “Strachan”, “Strathan” and “Stra- If you agree that this lead is han”, but always pronounced as worth following through a bit more, “Strawn”. I believe the markings you may be able to locate some of following baby Donald’s name is these people on the 1841 Scotland a contraction of “lawful”, so that census. Using the Scotlands People it reads, “Donald lawful son to website, you can quite readily John…”—meaning, of course, that browse through the various Assynt he wasn’t born out of wedlock. towns page-by-page on the 1841 You should probably run a few census. I’ve searched through the CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 10 settlements of Clashnessie, Oldany Woodstock-Stratford area. and Balchaldich house-by-house in Let me know if any of this helpful. I searching for our ancestors. It costs hope I haven’t sent you down a a bit and takes a bit of time, but is wrong path with this lead but I be- likely well worth it. lieve it’s a good lead that you might The Assynt OPRs never includ- wish to investigate further. ed death records. So death records Best regards, Glen McLeod (Win- before 1855 (when the Scotland nipeg, Canada) public register began), are almost non-existent. Where did You One final point: the 1891 cen- Come From? sus gives Donald’s birthday as by Lesley McCrimmon, “May 24”. Unless you have other CMSC Genealogy information verifying this as cor- Coordinator rect, I wouldn’t put much stock into o you know where your ances- it. Many (most?) elderly Highland- tors have come from? Our ers at that time had no idea when databaseD of MacLeod’s and their they were born; in this case, it’s septs is slowly growing. With your possible that Donald just gave the familys’ information, perhaps we reigning Queen’s birthday as his can connect more clan members to- own. It’s been a major holiday in gether. Please e-mail me lmccrim- Canada since the 1840s, and we [email protected] or write Lesley continue to celebrate it as a holiday McCrimmon, 16619 Innis Lake long weekend even now! In other Road, Caledon, ON L7C 3A4 and words, I wouldn’t discard the Dec. I will send you genealogy forms to 1820 baptism solely on account fill in. Who knows, you may also of that birthday being listed in the embark on an exciting journey that 1891 census. will bring you unexpected twists Similarly, the 1845 date of emi- and turns but will inevitably give gration may not be exact. I know you more insight that will help you from searching some of my other to answer the question “Where did Canadian lineages that this date I come from?” is, as often as not, inaccurate. Of course it could be correct, but the Duke of Sutherland did perform a major clearance of his estate in Assynt in 1848, including the boat that our ancestors were on with 400 other people from Assynt, all of whom originally settled in the Spring, 2012 Page 11 the DNA Project? From the ACMS-genetics web site he concept of a genetics study Man. An additional 12% revealed for Clan MacLeod was first a common haplogroup compatible proposedT to the Associated Clan with Scandanavian origins. Both MacLeod Societies [ACMS] in of these groups are consistent with 1974 as a chromosomal analysis, our oral traditions and history. definitive DNA analysis not being As we increase the numbers of readily available at that time. The samples we hope to further clarify proposal was declined because and define both of these initial in the minds of the leadership at findings and also reveal additional that time such would be “an inva- information sion of privacy.” Now, thirty years There are currently four proj- later, the ACMS has completed a ects underway: study involving over 550 initial DNA testing of surviving volunteers under the auspices of cadet families of both the Har- University College London [UCL]. ris/Dunvegan and Lewis/Raasay This Study had two arms: an inves- branches of Clan MacLeod. tigation of possible surname DNA DNA testing of descendants of linkages and a search for Viking MacLeods (however spelled) who DNA linkages. settled in the Sandhills section of This Group Name Project, North Carolina. now being continued through the DNA testing to delineate a premier commercial genetic gene- McLeod family with three McLeod alogy company, FamilyTreeDNA, lines, created where two McLeod is aimed at the same two linkages, females from one line married male and, in addition, hopes to further McLeods from two other lines. clarify the relationships between DNA testing for any interested haplogroups even further. Also, MacLeod as part of the continuing the Study now has been extended general project. to include Sept names. If you want to participate in the The UCL Study revealed two Gentics studies further information elements of interest. Some 32% of is available in the ACMS Genetics the volunteers revealed a common brochure downloadable from the haplogroup compatible with ori- web site. www.acms-genetics gins 1,000 years ago on the Isle of qwwwwwwwwwe qwwwwwwwwwe asssssssssd asssssssssd zxxxxxxxxxc zxxxxxxxxxc

CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 12 Reference books to aid your Genealogical research The Genetics of Clan MacLeod, Did you have ancestors by Julia Abernethy who attended Upper The MacLeods of Herries, by Canada College? Sir Robert Douglas of Glenbervie Then you may find this book The Ancestry of the MacLeods useful in your research: A History and The MacLeods of Lewis, by of Upper Canada College, 1829- William Matheson 1892: With Contributions by Old The Origin of Leod, by Alick Upper Canada College Boys, Morrison Lists of Head-Boys, Exhibitioners, The Ancestry of the MacLeods University Scholars and Medallists Reconsidered, by W. D. H. Sellar and a Roll of the School, by G. The Ancestry of Leod, by An- Mercer and George Dickson. drew P. MacLeod Short Tales on Sir George Wil- liam Ross: and on how the Gaels settled in Upper Canada(1915) http://www.archive.org/stream/ gearrsgeoilairsi00fras#page/n5/ mode/2up This Gaelic book is available for viewing at the link above.

Gaelic Phrases

Slainte, sonas’s sith dhuibh uile: Good Health, Happiness and Peace to all A’ chuid as fhearr dhen ghnothach: The very best of everything! Tha mi cuimseach: I’m okay, in response to How are you? Tha mi a’ gluasad: I’m moving, I’m able to get around. A response to “How are you?” by some with senior status. Cum na tha air fhagail: Keep what’s left. If referring to money, it would mean: keep the change!

Spring, 2012 Page 13 A McCuaig Heritage Tour by Judy Tipple n 2010, Margaret McCuaig- congeniality Johnston and her husband Paul that Marga- IJohnston made a lifelong dream ret and Paul trip to search out the roots of Mar- met at every garet’s McCuaig ancestry and also stage of their to attend the MacLeod Parliament, tour were so McCuaig being a sept of Clan typical of the MacLeod. The report of their tour experiences was beautifully produced in a well many of us put together booklet of text and h a v e h a d photos which has been so gener- while travel- ously shared with me. ling in Scot- Before making her journey, land. Margaret did her homework using Margaret ancestry.ca and many other re- referenced several books she ac- sources passed on to her from rela- quired and read on her journey and tives and friends. She discovered I include them here: that in her great great grandfather’s David Caldwell, Islay: The line that her ‘great’ (times 8) grand- Land of the Lordship (Edinburgh: parents, John and Janet (Gilchrist) Birlinn, 2008) McCuaig, were born in 1635 and Gilbert Carmichael, Old Islay 1644 respectively in Islay, (not in (Catrine, Ayshire, Scotland: Sten- Scotland) but in Arequipa, Peru. lake Piblishing, 1998) Their son Henry had maintained Freda Ramsay, John Ramsay of a connection with Scotland by Kildalton (Toronto: Peter Martin choosing his bride from the Isle of Associates, 1969) Islay, raising a son Duncan there Joanna Andersen McEwen and then returning to Peru for their (editor) Kith ’n Kin (Orillia: Dy- aging years. ment-Stubley, 1978). Margaret relates the highlights An exciting discovery Margaret of their trip from Ottawa to Lon- had at the CMSC meeting was that don to Edinburgh to Islay, on to Jim McCuaig of Lethbridge AB Skye, then return to Edinburgh to had commissioned and registered fly home to Ottawa. Only an eight a McCuaig tartan. Margaret now day tour of Scotland but filled sports a full length kilt in that very with a month’s worth of activi- handsome tartan and so generously ties. The welcome, hospitality and sent me a sample piece.

CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 14 Scottish Gaelic Mouth Music cottish Gaelic mouth music or the bagpipes, using humorous and puirt-a-beul is an unaccompa- sometimes bawdy lyrics in a dan- niedS form of vocal dance music cable rhythm. However, according common throughout the Highlands to several present-day scholars, and Islands. Lively and excit- this story is utterly apocryphal and ing, its combination of haunting nothing more than unsubstanti- Celtic melody, fast rhythms and the ated legend. Port-à-beul could be magical Gaelic language is a once- much older than 1746, and why heard never-forgotten experience. not? Humans haven’t always had For some excellent mouth music, instruments at their disposal, and look up Erik Christensen, a folk what would have kept them from performer who lives in Tasmania. inventing their own music? And His repertoire contains a strong ele- there are similar styles in other Eu- ment of Irish and Scottish Gaelic- ropean regions – lilting in Ireland, language song. Erik’s consuming for example, and in Norway with a passion is Gaelic language, poetry fiddle imitation known astralling . and music. His blas (pronuncia- Regardless, this legend is a nice tion and accent) and renditions of lead-in to discuss a recording of traditional songs have been praised real mouth music. by native speakers. Recordings of traditional mu- According to the Garland En- sic from England, Scotland, and cyclopedia of World Music, after Wales, are by far the exception the Battle of Culloden in 1746 rather than the norm. While the where the Jacobite Rising, consist- Gramophone Company of London ing largely of Scotsmen from the was cavorting around the world Highlands, was brutally crushed recording all manner of peoples by forces loyal the British govern- and cultures and exploiting new ment, a ban on musical instruments markets in the first half of the 20th was placed on the people of the century, the regional and folk mu- Highlands. This is the predominant sic in their back yard went largely reason for the existence of one of unnoticed. There are a number of the most enduring folk traditions important exceptions, of course. of Scotland: port-á-beul (or puirt- The Beltona label of Scotland re- á-beul), also known as “mouth corded many folk bands and unac- music.” When no instruments were companied singers from the 1930s available, bards from the Highlands onward. People like Cecil Sharpe would sing for dancing, often and Ralph Vaughn Williams helped imitating the rhythms and music of to usher in a folk revival. Carrying Spring, 2012 Page 15 the byline Lon Dubh Na H-Albainn guson recorded several records or The Blackbird of Scotland, the by MacLeod ca. March of 1957. Gaelfonn label was in operation in One of the tunes recorded is Tha the late 1950s. The outfit was run Fionnlagh Ag Innearadh or Finlay by a well-known Gaelic singer, is Spreading Manure. For another Murdo Ferguson (1923-2005), track by MacLeod, look for the who recorded performers on tape new 2-CD collection by Fremeaux, in Glasgow and had the records 60 Years of Scottish Gaelic, put pressed in London. together by Scottish discographers Angus MacLeod was born on Bill-Dean Myatt and Nigel Bar- the island of Scalpay in the Outer rett. Hebrides (2001 population: 322) From: http://excavatedshellac. and died in 1970. Murdo Fer- com/2012/01/17/angus-c-macleod- puirt-a-beul/ How Scandinavian is Scotland? by Jon Kelly BBC News Magazine

he Scottish government is ex- independence is passed. Tploring closer links with Nordic It’s a plan which might appeal nations in the event of indepen- to those who support the SNP’s dence, reports have suggested. But drive for a sovereign Scotland, and just how similar is Scotland to its might be expected to attract opposi- northern neighbours? tion from supporters of the union. They don’t make bridies in But regardless of contempo- Bergen or Tunnock’s Tea Cakes rary politics, looking north reveals in Torsby. Nor is Hakkebøf half much about a little-discussed as- as popular in Hamilton or Hel- pect of how the national character ensburgh as it is in Hvidovre. But was forged. the North Sea which separates “In countries where it’s dark Scotland from Scandinavia could half the year, you do tend to have a become slightly less of a divide if great tradition of storytelling” says political leaders in Edinburgh have Ian Rankin, crime writer. their way. The union with the rest of the According to reports, strategists UK may be more widely discussed within the Scottish National Party in a political context, and Scot- (SNP) government have drawn up land’s Gaelic and Celtic heritage plans to shift the country’s focus might be widely celebrated. But the away from the UK and towards the long history of Viking and Norse Nordic countries if a referendum on settlement in Scotland has left an CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 16 indelible mark. has meant the Nordic influence has Scots words like bairn (child), been downplayed, according to midden (dump), muckle (large) Norwegian-born Dr Arne Kruse, and even kilt (from the verb kjalta, senior lecturer in Scandinavian meaning “to fold”) are derived studies at the University of Edin- from Old Norse. Places like Ding- burgh, who has lived in Scotland wall, Wick, Lerwick and Tinwald for 22 years. can all trace their etymology back “There are so many similari- to the same source. ties, especially in terms of our This heritage is most visible relationship to nature - the oil, the during the Up Helly Aa fire festi- fisheries, the fish farming, the re- vals in Shetland, which culminate newables,” he says. “There are so in the burning of a replica Viking many parallels galley. “In particular,” he says, “Scot- An oft-repeated tale has Jo land’s Presbyterian heritage mir- Grimond, former Liberal MP for rors Scandinavia’s Lutheran tra- Orkney and Shetland, being asked dition, lending both peoples an to give the name of his nearest egalitarian suspicion of rank and a rail station on a parliamentary ex- strong emphasis on the importance penses form, and writing “Bergen, of education. Norway”. “It’s like two cousins who have And for centuries there were gone their own ways - only one of political links across the North them still has his own hair. In many Sea. The first Viking raid on Iona ways, Scotland is the southern, fer- is thought to have taken part in tile end of the Nordic empire.” 794, and much of the Hebrides Not surprisingly, many Scots and Caithness would come under strongly identify with their Gaelic Norse rule. Orkney and Shetland heritage. Estimates suggest that a continued to be earldoms under third of Glasgow’s population has Norway until 1468. family ties with Ireland. This settlement resulted in the It’s true that Glasgow will be Scandinavian-derived Norn lan- looking to Ireland as a Celtic nation guage being spoken on Orkney and whereas the east looks both to the Shetland until the 18th Century, Nordics and the low countries. and influencing the Shetlandic and Orcadian dialects to this day. Do articles such as these But this Norse settlement did interest you? not, in the main, affect the central Your feedback is needed. Email belt - the most populous, culturally your comments and requests to dominant part of the country. This the editor at [email protected]

Spring, 2012 Page 17 Gaelic news available he Gaelic Affairs Media Moni- the British Empire and Canada. toring Report is a monthly An Teachdaire Gàidheal came reportT issued by Gaelic Affairs, out sporadically over 10 years a Division of the Department of (1924-1934). The 45 online issues Communities, Culture and Heri- include news, letters, commentary, tage, Government of Nova Scotia songs, stories, folktales, historical and contains a wealth of informa- information and Gaelic lessons. Am tion on things Gaelic going on Mosgladh (1922-32) was a monthly in Nova Scotia. To receive the publication of the Scottish Catho- monthly Report, phone toll free lic Society in Sydney. Although 1-888-842-3542 and request to be predominately in English, it offers put on the email list. Gaelic proverbs, prayers, conversa- Several items in this issue have tional Gaelic lessons, songs, news been gleaned from this source. and folktales. An Solus Iùil (1925) www.gov.ns.ca/oga focused on Presbyterian news, in- Nova Scotians will now be able cluding mission efforts, ministerial to learn more about the province’s appointments and church meetings. rich Gaelic history through a col- The 12 digitized issues also include lection of newspapers digitized humorous anecdotes and historical by the Nova Scotia Archives. The information. online collection will include Fear na Céilidh (The Visitor), Teach- n updated version of The daire nan Gàidheal (The Messen- Celtic Lyre, Gaelic songs col- ger of the Gaels), Am Mosgladh lectedA by Henry Whyte between (The Awakening) and An Solus 1883 and 1895 has recently been Iùil (Guiding Light). Web visitors republished by SIOL Cultural can explore 1435 pages of Gaelic Enterprises, St. Andrews, Nova and English content. Pages are Scotia. In the past, the book has presented in a zoom-viewer that al- been reprinted often; however, lows the reader to examine them in this edition has both updated and detail. Newspapers can be browsed staff and solfa notation, with a by year and month. special preface on the music of the Fear na Céilidh (1928-1930), songs by Aindrias Hirt, the Music an all-Gaelic monthly, offers opin- Editor. ions on topics as diverse as the Publisher Trueman Matheson Chinese Civil War, trans-Atlantic hope that this new version will be flight attempts, the weather and especially helpful to Gaelic learn- Gaels’ contribution to building ers who wish to learn the songs. CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 18 This ‘n That stunning rock hill with a gorgeous ova Scotia Gaelic has its view of the area. Believed to have origins in Scottish Gaelic been part of the inauguration cer- and,N like Irish Gaelic and Manx, emony of early Scottish Kings, is a branch of the family of Celtic a 1500 year old foot print carved languages. It has been spoken in into the rock is still in evidence at Nova Scotia since at least 1773 the summit. and is rich in cultural expression through song, traditional fiddle and pipe music, step dancing, storytell- ing as well as customs and beliefs. NS Gaelic continues to make cul- tural, social, educational and eco- nomic contributions to Nova Scotia society. he book I Never Knew That About Scotland compiled by ChristopherT Winn contains the fol- lowing interesting fact: Meikleour Music doth soothe the savage beast Beech Hedge on A93 in Perth- shire is the world’s Tallest Hedge. Planted in 1745 by Robert and Jean Mercer, the hedge is made up of trees with dense leaves from the ground to a height of 120 feet (37 metres) and half a kilometre long. After Robert Mercer was killed at the Battle of Culloden it was left to grow wild and is now maintained by a local trust that cuts and mea- A Kind Hearted Scotsman! sures it every 10 years in an opera- ... Indeed! tion that takes four men six weeks My wife and I walked past a to complete. swanky new restaurant last night. cotland’s first capital of “Did you smell that food?” she Dunadd was founded by Fergus asked. “Incredible!” MhorS around 500 AD and is lcated Being the nice guy I am, I south of Oban on highway A816. thought, “What the heck, I’ll treat While nothing remains of the Dark her!” Ages fort, its location was atop a So we walked past it again. Spring, 2012 Page 19 Caribbean Ceilidh in March by Dr don mcleod, cmsc president ruises in the Caribbean often on cruise ships and the Scotch malt have the best weather and whisky brought by Jay was tested, Cthere seems to be an unlimited examined and classified by profes- number of ports of call. sionals (us). In March the McLeod family We made plans to continue from Merritt joined the McClure cruising with more attractions for family from Palm Bay, Florida on a other Clan MacLeod members Royal Caribbean cruise for a Scot- since the trips are so memorable tish Ceilidh. Jay and Pam McClure and immersion in so many things were excellent travel companions Scottish is easy. Donald brought his and Jay and Donald had some pro- power point projector and Celtic ductive meetings and educational music to play on the balconies and sessions. decks. Donald brought his bagpipes We would like others to try and Scottish finery was displayed and join us for another warm wind, on various occasions. Lachlan, blue sky, fun walking and gastro- Emma, Skye, Kevin and Christine nomic adventure next year. If you kept busy with all the ships ameni- are interested please contact me at ties. The food is always wonderful [email protected]

Jay and Pat McClure (centre) answered the call when CMSC President Dr Don and Chris announced their plan to add a Scottish component to a cruise of the Caribbean they were taking in March with some of their family CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 20 Dear Editor, I want to thank Dr Don 50+ year olds. McLEOD for having the impromp- As the old saying goes, we tu Canadian cruise out of Port Scots come in two colors, white Canaveral FL. We had a great time and red, and Dr Don sported the drinking single malts and solving Canadian white tan, while I wore the world’s problems. The Cana- the “sunburned red” color so preva- dian and American contingents lent when Scots appear outside of were in full agreement for all issues the snow belt. We had a good time addressed. All meetings began and on shore excursions and Don and ended on time. Dr Don appropri- I actually swam with the stingrays. ately used his indoor pipes, and I All in all, a great time was had supplied the 30 year old Talisker by all! We laughed, we cried, all (though the security confiscated the emotions were touched. Can’t wait Talisker Distiller’s edition). Don’s for the next MacLEOD cruise and potential future son-in-law was I’m sure it will be a blast. Looking quite impressed to drink whisky forward to Dr Don’s land cruise at that was older than he was. The age the next parliment. differences were definitely crossed Holding Fast in Forida. during this meeting as the young 20 Jay McClure (CMS USA, year-olds were interacting with the former editor newsletter) Flowers of the Forest Estelle Lydie Luce MacLeod Estelle, wife of Donald Alister MacLeod, was born August 6, 1916 in St Helier, Jersey and died May 30, 2011 in Edinburgh aged 94. Estelle was brought up on the Isle of Jersey. At school she love reading and with a good knowledge of the classics, she was fascinated by DK Broster’s Flight of the Heron set in 18th century Scotland. Training as a State Registered Nurse in Jersey, her reading about Scotland prompted her to move to Edinburgh in 1936 where she started training as a midwife. After the outbreak of war, Jersey was occupied by the Germans. Not being able to return home, Estelle was posted to the Military Spring, 2012 Page 21 Hospital in Bangour Wales. It was Donald G. MacLeod there that she met and fell in love with a dashing young wounded Donald officer, Donald Alister MacLeod, passed away whom she married in April 1944. February 28 Donald worked in Birmingham after a brief and the family lived in Comley illness. Born Bank, moving in 1966 to Barnton September and finally to Ravelston in 1982. 17, 1928 in Estelle had strong links with the Montreal, Church wherever she lived. Mr. MacLeod Together Estelle and Don- grew up in the ald enjoyed the counrtyside and Preston, ON. Upon graduation cycling and made their base for from PHS, he served as an Angli- outdoor activities at a cottage they can lay reader at residential schools puchased in 1958 on Loch Tay. in northern Canada. In 1947 he After retiring from nursing, entered the reserve officers’ train- Estelle began writing children’s ing course at Camp Borden and stories, articles on nursing and fas- was commissioned in 1948 as a cinating historical snipets, many of lieutenant in the Highland Light which were published in monthly Infantry of Canada, forming a magazines. proud life-long association with Donald served as President the regiment. of the Clan MacLeod Society of His beloved wife Beth A. An- Scotland and also Treasurer of As- derson predeceased him after 43 sociated Clan MacLeod Societies; years of marraige. Dearly loved and they travelled to many MacLeod deeply mourned by his second wife functions in USA, Canada, Aus- Christina Weylie of Kitchener; his tralia and New Zealand, visiting three children, John A. MacLeod her sister in Vancouver and their (Christine) of Cambridge, ON, Ja- daughter in New Zealand. net E. Bates (Ronald) of Kelowna, Arthritis and unsuccessful cor- BC and M. Kathryn Rosenstein rective surgery led to amputation (Hagop Artinian) of Montreal; of her left leg, though immobi- Donald Weylie of Vancouver, BC lized Estelle still attacked life with and Catherine Weylie of Eng- vigour. In 1999 Estelle suffered a land; his four brothers and sisters, stroke and had to go into care, but Marjorie Oldfield of Cambridge, to the end she enjoyed her life. John R. MacLeod of London, An- drew MacLeod of Waterloo and Molly Ridsdale of Aberfoyle; nine CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 22 adoring grandchildren; two affec- University of Waterloo. In demand tionate great-grandchildren; also as a speaker on a range of topics, numerous nieces, nephews. he was an active member of the Donald attended Harvard Uni- Conference Board of Canada, the versity Graduate School of Busi- Confederation Club, the Harvard ness Administration, graduating a Club of Toronto and the Probus George F. Baker Scholar in 1958. Club, as well as being honoured As an employee of Savage as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary Shoes, he was a pioneer in the International. use of computer technology in Donald’s son John had this to business. He rose to the position say of his Uncle: of President, first of the Canadian He was a gifted raconteur, an subsidiary, Savage-Interco, and excellent host and a unique and later of the independent Canadian eccentric individual. A graduate company, Savage Shoes Ltd. He of Harvard University Graduate was a leader in the activities of the School of Business, he claimed Shoe Manufacturers Association of that he chose to attend an Ameri- Canada and served several terms as can Ivy League school because no its president. “elitist Canadian institution” would Following his retirement from take him without an undergraduate Savage, he was active as a busi- degree. During his lifetime he was ness consultant and lecturer at the an Anglican missionary, an army University of Waterloo. He also officer, a business executive, an worked extensively for Canadian energetic lobbyist for the Cana- Executive Services Overseas, pro- dian shoe industry, a University viding entrepreneurial leadership lecturer, a business consultant to and advice to businesses around the various enterprises around the world. His travels for CESO took world on behalf of the Canadian him to various exotic locations in and US governments, a backroom South America and Asia, but his politico, a president of the Stratford particular specialty was advising Shakespeare Festival, collector of companies in the former Soviet shoes (370 pairs in his heyday) Block. and suits (300+ in his heyday), and Donald was a staunch sup- an out-of-control bibliophile. In porter of the Conservative party between these activities, he never- at both the national and provincial theless found time to drink copious level. His abiding love of English amounts of Scotch and to smoke literature led him to membership numerous large cigars. on the Board of Governors of the [Sent to me by David Rosenstein, son of Stratford Festival, serving as its Donald’s daughter Kathryn (MacLeod) president in 1983. He was a long- Rosenstein and Donald’s eldest grand- serving member of the Board of the son.] Spring, 2012 Page 23 The Editor’s Page One of the benefits of being the editor of the Leod Voice is the enjoyment I get from the communications that cross my screen. Such has been the case with the exchange of emails between Bob (USA RVP) comparing his family genealogy with Bob (Winnipeg) as a result of an article in the Leod Voice, and then having Bob’s son Glen (Winnipeg) assist with the research that may result in some common anscestory (pages 8-11). I felt a similar excitement when I read Margaret McCuaig’s wonderful 33-page Heritage Tour booklet she so kindly sent me. I felt part of the tour as she described the sights, sounds and feelings she and Paul experienced (page 14). My concern about the demise of CMS Halifax has been alleviated some- what by Betty McLean’s report of the committee working on the Scottish Cultural Festival of Nova Scotia (page 3). The hope is that we have a phoenix rising from the ashes that will give a new and broader exposure to all Clan Societies in the Halifax area and to all those seeking a greater knowledge of their Scottish heritage. Why become involved with the Clan MacLeod Society, some might ask? My answer is to enrich your life! Since my involvement in the world of Clan MacLeod Societies over 40 years ago, I have met, corresponded and become friends with, visited and been visited by, so many wonderful people. Involvement had taken me across Canada and USA several times, to Britain (always including Scotland) eight times, even though I have yet to visit the Continent, and has presented me with the opportunity to join the Clan Hunter Society to investigate my paternal roots. For what more could one ask? CMSC President Dr Don has mentioned that many of our younger po- tential members are interested in being paperless. To this end, when Ian’s Internet Society has 20 members signed up, I will undertake to produce a parallel issue of the Leod Voice with colour photographs to email to them. So, twenty-somethings, get with it, sign up, pay the $20 membership and make this seventy-something editor give you the format you want. Oh yes, one more requirement will be for you to contribute some photos and news. Newsletter I would be grateful if members would please Timelines: humour me and adhere to the timelines for submis- sion of newsletter articles and membership lists on Spring—May 1 the right. Fall—October 1 Membership and My address: Judy Tipple, P.O. Box 111 Executive Changes: Saturna Island, BC Canada V0N 2Y0 March 1 Phone: 250-539-5475 and September 1 E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] CMSC Newsletter # 56, Page 24