THE SCOTS CANADIAN Issue XXX Newsletter of the Scottish Studies Society: ISSN No. 1491-2759 Fall 2009 Canadian heroine receives Scot of the Year Award

DAVID HUNTER Since 2003, thanks to Flora Special Report and her foundation, communities in central Afghanistan have Earlier this year I spent some time in planted 850,000 trees and in the Highland region of Lochaber provided solar-powered lighting -- a rugged and wild area of stunning beauty for 400 families and clean water with dramatic mountain landscapes. to more than 50 villages. It was in Lochaber that Bonnie Prince They have established local Charlie arrived in Scotland in his ill-fated government, creating more than attempt to claim the British throne. And it 100 local councils with a woman was in that region, after his defeat at as the leader of one of them, a Cullodon, he hid out, protected by loyal first for that region. Highland supporters while awaiting a ship to Eight new schools have been carry him back to France. built and 13 more registered and Now, regardless of which side of that 10 villagers have now qualified Flora MacDonald (Scot of the Year 2009) with historic conflict one's sympathies lie, there is for entrance to university to be Michael Russell, MSP, the Scottish Government's unanimous agreement on one point -- that the trained as teachers. Minister for Culture, External Affairs and loyalty, honour and integrity of the Literacy training and Constitution. Michael first met Flora in New Delhi in Highlanders in their pledge to protect the employment for villagers, February 2000 when he represented the Scottish Prince, at the threat to life itself -- holds a especially for women is Parliament at the first Commonwealth Parliamentary unique place in all the heroic acts in the underway and funding for sports Association event the new Scottish Government had Scottish experience. programs has now established been entitled to attend. Even so, as Government troops swarmed about 50 soccer teams the region, the Prince would surely have All of this is quite remarkable been captured had it not been for the heroism for a woman in her 80’s especially after a at the National Defence College and was of a young Highland girl who helped him long and distinguished career in public life. elected to Parliament in October 1972, escape. And her name was Flora Flora MacDonald was born in North serving as until November 1988. MacDonald. Sydney, Nova Scotia, a sixth generation During that time, she held three cabinet And in Canada, we have another Flora Canadian whose ancestors came to Canada posts and was the first woman in Canada to MacDonald who is every bit a heroine. Our from the in the 1790s. be named to the Foreign Affairs portfolio. Flora MacDonald has been spending time in Her fascination with Afghanistan came On leaving politics, Flora held numerous another rugged and wild area of stunning about as a result of her reading her national and international posts and has been beauty but one much more dangerous than grandfather’s account of his experiences an advisor to many organizations. the Scottish Highlands. there as a soldier round about the time of the She has been awarded the Pearson Peace Flora has been going to Afghanistan since Boer War. In his journals he had described Medal and the Churchill Society's “Award 2001 when the Taliban still formed the his journey, starting in what was then India for Excellence in the Cause of Parliamentary government and had control over most of (now Pakistan) through the Khyber Pass and Democracy” and was the first Canadian to that country. into Afghanistan. receive India's highest award to civilians for Flora is both a humanitarian and a Intrigued by these reports as a girl, Flora distinguished service in the field of public visionary and the foundation which she was delighted when an opportunity to retrace affairs. established, known as Future Generations his footsteps presented itself while on an Flora holds honorary degrees from Canada or FGC, is a grassroots organization assignment to India. universities in Canada, the United States and dedicated to the empowerment of the Afghan She found that, not only was the stark the United Kingdom. people as they work towards a better Afghan landscape just as her grandfather had And believe it or not, she is still adding to standard of living for their people. described it, but the condition of much of the a travelogue that includes at least 100 Operating in the fields of health, population had not changed, and the position countries in her concern for the plight and education, economy, environment and of women seemed more rigid than ever -- a progress of women in developing countries. peaceful society, FGC provides training and stark contrast with Flora’s life in Canada, guidance to help the Afghan people help despite the entrenchment of men in power Thanks to CBC's Carole MacNeil for input to themselves with long-term development here in the early stages of her career. this report. solutions. She was the first woman to be enrolled in the graduate course in International Relations

organizers of the event donated the proceeds of THE SCOTTISH STUDIES their raffle to the FOUNDATION Foundation and it was with great pleasure that I accepted a cheque from RBANA`s Ron Ballantyne. On Sunday, September 6, we celebrated our 18th P.O. Box 45069, Annual Tall Ship Cruise aboard Canada's largest 2482 Yonge Street sailing ship, the Empire Toronto, Ontario, Sandy. Once again, we Canada M4P 3E3 were blessed with glorious weather and a www.scottishstudies.com record attendance with people of all ages Professor Robert Crawford from the University participating. Thanks of St Andrews and Professor Graeme Morton, Dear fellow members, again to our Vice Chair of Scottish Studies, University of Guelph President, Maggie Once again, the summer is over and it's time McEwan for championing this for me to get back down to Scottish Studies Andrew Hinson gave a wonderfully event. persuasive talk outlining the many reasons business after spending some time in After a rather long hiatus, caused in part Scotland and in Muskoka, trying to be a you should buy the book! by the demise of the Bow & Arrow pub, the Looking to the future, we are looking pioneer by helping my son rebuild an old “Oor Club” got underway again at noon on loggers house. forward to our participation in the Friday September 18 at the Duke Of York International Festival of Authors event, Since the last newsletter, our big event was pub in Toronto when Scottish Studies the Scottish Studies Society's Writing Scotland, which will take place from Director and renowned Canadian publisher, October 21 to November 3 at Harbourfront Day/Scot of the Year Award in April and we Douglas Gibson gave a talk entitled Three were delighted to have last year's recipient, Centre in Toronto. Taking place in Great Scottish-Canadian Authors --- Hugh partnership with the Edinburgh International Donald Stewart, present the award to Flora MacLennan, Alistair MacLeod, and Alice MacDonald. Scottish Development Book Festival and timed to coincide with Munro. Scotland’s Year of Homecoming, the event International and Visit Scotland sponsored On Saturday, September 26, the Scottish the evening and the SDI team came together will celebrate Scottish authors and Canadian Studies Fall Colloquium took place with the writers of Scottish descent. from all over North America for the event. I 2009 Frank Watson Prize for the best would like to acknowledge the wonderful Next year, we will be sponsoring the East Scottish History book going to Professor Side Players’ production of Mary Stuart by support given to the Foundation over the John McGavin for Theatricality and years by SDI’s Michael Corish, Senior VP Friedrich Schiller (translation by Peter Narrative in Medieval and Early-Modern Oswald). This production dramatizes the from Toronto and Isobel Bell, Assistant VP Scotland. from Chicago. personal struggle between the devoutly Dr. Jenny Wormald, Honorary Fellow of Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, and her Representing the Government of Scotland the University of Edinburgh, delivered the was Michael Russell, MSP, Minister for Protestant cousin Queen Elizabeth of Third Annual Jill McKenzie Memorial England and focuses principally on the Culture, External Affairs and Constitution Lecture. Her talk was entitled Godly and we were delighted to give him a $1,000 strong emotional conflict between the two Scotland: myth or reality? queens, and on the vicious, life-and-death cheque to present to Simon Fraser Also from Scotland was Dr. Jeremy Crang, University’s Centre for Scottish Studies as intrigues at the English court. You are Assistant Director of the Centre for the Study invited to a special preview of this event on that was the next stop on his itinerary. of the Two World Wars at Edinburgh Next, it was time for our Annual Meeting, February 17, 2010 (details on our website). University who presented a talk on Scotland But before then, our own Burns which took take place at the Spring and the Second World War, with special Colloquium at Knox College in Toronto. We aficionado, Gordon Hepburn, has again emphasis on the 51st Scottish Highlanders. booked the Granite Club in Toronto on were honoured to have Professor Robert And, of course, from Canada, we had Dr. Crawford from the University of St Andrews January 22 for another wonderful evening Mairi Cowan from the University of Toronto st give a talk at the event on the occasion of the celebrating the 251 anniversary of the birth who spoke on Kindred spirits: kinship, of Robert Burns. Gordon emphasizes that Canadian launch of The Bard, his new identity and religious responsibility in biography of Robert Burns. Also at the event this event always sells out fast, so please call Scottish towns, 1350-1560, and Dr Gillian him at 905-881-5780. were Dr Michael Vance (St Mary's Leitch from the Université de Montréal who University), Professor Andrew Blaikie And so, until next time thank you all for presented her research on Commemorating your generous support. It is truly (University of Aberdeen), Dr Sarah Tolmie Burns in 19th century Montreal. (University of Waterloo), and Jeremy appreciated. Hot off the press at the event was the new Bellsmith of Knox College in Toronto. publication, Ties of Bluid, Kin and Countrie: Shortly after, I was delighted to attend the Sincerely, Scottish Associational Culture in the 29th Annual Dinner of the Robert Burns Diaspora. Its editors, Graeme Morton and Association of North America -- a wonderful David Hunter, Andrew Hinson from the University of President, Scottish Studies Foundation evening with the best recitation of Tam Guelph waited eagerly for the arrival of the o`Shanter I have heard. Very generously, the [email protected] books, hand delivered by myself, and

2 The Scots Canadian Outer Hebrides. Then The Wanderings of followed for the Prince many weeks of sore privations and Prince Charlie hairbreadth escapes in Benbecula, Scalpay, by the Rev. A.E. Robertson, B.D. and Loch Boisdale. Eventually, near A brief itinerary of the wanderings of Prince Ormaclett, on the west Charlie in the Highlands after Culloden. coast of South Uist, he met Flora MacDonald, and had it not been for the clever resource of he was fought on that brave lady the 16th of April 1746. It began at undoubtedly he would T one o’clock, and in half an hour the have been captured, Jacobite forces were routed and the Prince hemmed in as he now forced to fly to the Western Highlands for was by Government The view from the path leading to Prince Charlie’s hiding place France and safety. troops and the ever- Crossing the River Nairn at the ford of -- MacEachine’s Refuge, about a mile north of the west end of vigilant Government Loch Eilt. Faillie, accompanied by a small band of half ships. Securing a pass a dozen horsemen, he took the road up Strath for herself and her maid, she dressed the at the foot of Gleann Còsaidh. Creeping Nairn by Tordarroch to Aberarder, and then Prince up in female attire as Betty Burke, and down to the glen foot, they skulked across, over into Strath Errick and on to Gorthlick in this disguise she managed to smuggle him still above and within the line of the said (Gortleg), a house on the west side of what is across the Minch in a boat, landing at camps. They now climbed up the hill now called Loch Mhòr. Here old Simon Kilbride in Trotternish, Isle of Skye, on the immediately in front of them (Leac na Fraser, Lord Lovat, was awaiting news of the 29th of June. She then took him to Fearna), then down into Coire Beithe and, in battle; and the arrival of the Prince in full Kingsburgh House and the next day, at the early morning of the 21st, they passed flight must have disconcerted that crafty old Portree, he said farewell to his brave rescuer. between two of the sentries in Corrie Hoo gentleman not a little. Riding on through the After a day in the Island of Raasay with two (probably just to the south of Loch Coire night by the then existing Wade road up or three followers and guides, he got back to Shùbh), thus breaking through the cordon Strath Errick, the Prince reached Fort near Portree and, skirting past the head of that had hemmed them in in the Clanranald’s Augustus and then on to Invergarry Castle, Lich Sligachan, eventually reached Elgol, on country. where he arrived in the early hours of the the east shore of Loch Scavaig, where he Reaching Coire Sgoir-adail, they spent the morning of 17th April. took boat for the Mainland. day in “a bit of hollow ground covered with Resting here till the afternoon, the Prince On 5th July the Prince landed at long heather and branches of young birch with three faithful followers again set out, Mallaigvaig (Mallaig Beag), where he found bushes”, in full view of the soldiers and taking the old bridle track on the west shelter at Cross, a mile south of the bridge encamped at the very head of Loch Hourn. side of Loch Lochy, he made for the far end over the Morar River. Thence to a cave in Setting out that night, they stumbled up Coire of Loch Arkaig by Clunes, the Dark Mile, the shore below Borrodale House. On the Sgoiradail in failing light, and over the and Murlaggan, eventually finding shelter for 13th July he shifted to Macleod’s Cove upon Bealach Duibh Leac down to Glen Shiel, the night at the home of Donald Cameron in a high precipice in the woods of Borrodale, where they found shelter for the day behind a Glen Pean. The evening of the next day saw and, on the 17th, to MacEachine’s Refuge, great boulder on the north side of the river, the Prince on the road again. He was now on high up in the corrie about a mile north of the about a mile east of Achnangart. This foot, as the Braes of Morar were too rough west end of Loch Eilt. boulder is well known to the local for horses. It must have been heavy going Endeavouring to escape through the line of inhabitants, and it is pointed out as “Prince then, as it is today, up Glen Pean by the camps and sentries that had now been Charlie’s Stone”. Turning eastwards, they boggy, squelching track over the bealach, established from the head of Loch Eil to the now made for Strath Glass by Glen Shiel and and down to Oban at the east end of Loch head of Loch Hourn, the Prince’s route was Strath Cluanie, spending a night near the Morar. On the night of the 20th he walked to briefly as follows: summit of Sgùrr nan Conbhairean “wet to the Borrodale, on the north shore of Loch nan Sgùrr a’ Mhuidhe, east end of Loch Eilt; skin and devoured by midges.” Uamh, via Glen Beasdale, from whence he Fraochbheinn; Coire Odhar; Mam na Sgùrr On 24th July they fell in with the famous set sail, on the 26th, for Benbecula in the Choileam (O.S. Sgùrr Thuilm); upper Glen eight Glen Moriston men who had fought for Dessarry; Coire nan Gall; the Prince at Culloden and had taken refuge NOTE: and then on to a “fast in a cave in Coire Mheadhoin, at the head of For a full and detailed account of the wanderings of Prince place” at the head of Loch Coire Dho in Ceannacroc. This cave is a Charlie after Culloden, the reader is referred to the three Quoich, which was most interesting place, and it is well worth a volumes of The Lyon in Mourning (Scottish History Society), a reached in the early hours visit. It resembles the Shelter Stone in the veritable mine of information. The companion volume to it, the of 20th July. Cairngorms, being formed of several large late Mr. W. B. Blaikie’s Itinerary of Prince Charles Edward Leaving at eight boulders massed together which have fallen Stuart, will be found indispensable. The above brief notes have o’clock that night, the from the rocks of Tigh Mòr na Seìlge. been largely compiled from these volumes, together with a Prince and his party, six In this cave the Prince stayed for over a personal knowledge of the whole route traversed by the Prince in all, climbed to the top week, and on the first day of August, starting on the Mainland. of Meall an Spàrdain and at night, he, with his whole party, crossed A.E.R. observed the enemy’s over to Athnamulloch, at the west end of camps, close below them, Loch Affric, thence eastwards down Glen Affric to the Braes of Strathglass, finding

The Scots Canadian 3 shelter in a “Sheally hut” in the depths of Loch Laggan, then up Fasnakyle woods. They then moved on into the Moy Burn over the Glen Cannich, and climbed to the crest of the western ridge of Creag ridge between Meallan Odhar and An Soutar, Meaghaidh, and down just north of Liatrie (Leitry), in order to meet by the Uisge na a messenger who had been sent to Poolewe Fiehead to the head of for tidings of the French ship there. This is Glen Roy. On the night the most northerly point Prince Charlie of the 15th they crossed reached. the River Lochy, and so Receiving the intelligence that the ship at on to Achnacarry, then Poolewe had sailed, he resolved to make his along, by the south side way back to Locheil’s Cannich River at of Loch Arkaig, to Muchrachd, then through by Fasnakyle, past Gleann Camgharaidh. Comar, Tomich, over the old drove road by Spending the night Loch na Beinne Bàine to the Braes of Glen there, they traveled up Moriston. Then westwards up Glen on Glen Pean, reaching Moriston, and over to Loch Loyne by the Loch nan Uamh on the The Rev. A.E. Robertson in later years down at sea level River Loyne, and down to the Garry, near 19th September 1746, with his wife on route to the Hebrides. His intimate Tomdoun. Fording the Garry with difficulty, where the Prince, with a knowledge of the Scottish Highlands gave him an they traveled across the hills to Achnasaul, at large party of his appreciation of the challenges facing Prince Charlie in Loch Arkaig, which they reached on 15th followers, embarked on his attempt to hide out and avoid capture in that wild August. In this neighbourhood the Prince board a French ship and and rugged terrain. spent nearly a fortnight, hiding in sundry sailed for France.  “fast places” – one in Gleann Cia-aig, unnecessary climbing another in the Dark Mile, another in Torr a’ His interest in the outdoors was first Mhuilt. A.E. Robertson: The sparked on family holidays on the Isle of On 28th August the Prince set forth for Arran and around 1882 he made a solo ascent Badenoch to join Locheil and Cluny first “Munro Bagger” of Goat Fell, the highest peak on the island. Macpherson, travelling by the headwaters of According to Robertson's diaries, which are now in the National Library of Scotland, the Roy, over the ridge of Creag Meaghaidh In 1891, after much painstaking research, Sir (probably through the “Window”), down it was in 1890 that his conversion to the hills Hugh Munro published a list of 283 was finally made. That summer, while Coire Arder, and so to Ardverikie, eventually mountains in Scotland over 3,000 feet high. finding shelter with Locheil and Cluny holidaying at Onich, just north of Glen Coe, It caused quite a stir at the time once people he made a solo walk up Ben Nevis, enjoying Macpherson in Cluny’s “Cage”, which had came to realize just how many distinct been constructed out of wood and moss in tea in the Hotel which then graced the mountains over this height actually existed in summit, next to the Observatory. Four days the high steep ground overlooking Loch Scotland and soon the term “Munro” was Ericht, in the corrie a quarter of a mile north- later he was on an ascent of Bidean nam coined to denote them. His list soon Bian, in the company of four experienced east of Alder Bay. Here he remained for a stimulated early climbers to ascend as many week. mountaineers. As Robertson wrote… "This as possible and the first to achieve the day first showed me the delights of scientific On 13th September, at one o’clock in the complete list was the Rev. Archibald Eneas morning, hearing of the arrival of the French mountaineering the use of maps, aneroid, Robertson (A.E. Robertson). compass etc. and ever since that day I have ships at Borrodale, the Prince started back Robertson was born in Helensburgh, the again for the west. Crossing over by the Allt steadily pursued the Quest." son of a prosperous merchant and began Robertson took just over a decade to climb a’ Chaooil-reidhe and Loch a’ Bhealaich climbing Munros in 1889, two years before Leamhain, he reached Moy at the west end of his Munros, finishing with Meall Dearg in Sir Hugh Munro created Glen Coe, the east end of the Aonach Eagach his list. ridge. The date was September 1901. On Robertson had climbed 45 this he was accompanied by his wife, Kate, Munros by the time he and his good friend Sandy Moncrieff. It is joined the Scottish famously reported by Robertson that after Mountaineering Club in toasting the event with champagne (he 1893. He accumulated carried up a quart bottle provided by further conquests Moncrieff)… "Sandy made me first kiss the gradually through the cairn and then my wife!" succeeding years until, in To add to his efforts, the good Reverend 1898 and 1899, he often carried a heavy whole-plate camera and undertook a determined his outstanding photographs are still in use campaign which resulted today. Unlike Munro, Robertson was an in him reaching the top of accomplished mountaineer, happy on rock a further 147 Munros. and snow as well as the hillside. He was also This campaign made an accomplished cabinetmaker, building a extensive use of both the fine cabinet to house his photographic developing rail system and collection, and a sturdy table, which saw Waterfall in the Dark Mile near Gleann Cia-aig – another of his trusty bicycle, and many decades of hard use in the Prince Charlie’s hiding places was carefully planned to mountaineering hut on Ben Nevis.  link the peaks in the most efficient manner, without

4 The Scots Canadian They found the party and all A Funny Thing was well until it started to rain. Everyone flocked to the area where the limos were to collect Happened … the guests. As each car pulled up on the way to the Palace! to the area the driver gave the attending butler the names of the Maggie McEwan tells of her harrowing guests that he was to collect. The experience in getting to Buckingham Palace names were announced and the in time. corresponding guests were driven away, protected from the rain. y father was born in the Vale of You’ve guessed it…. No car Leven, an area about 20 miles from for the McEwans! When it M , and attended the Royal became clear that there would be Technical College, now Strathclyde no car and the butler was getting University. He always remembered that edgy, they set off, walking across when he was growing up he and his siblings the quadrangle and out through had to hide when the man from the co-op the palace gates. came round to collect money. He ended up Not a taxi was to be found so working in Preston, Lancashire, in charge of they traveled by underground to the British branch of Miehle, Goss Dexter, a Hyde Park Corner station and walked up Park Lane to the company that built newspaper printing Maggie, shown here on the right, with her father presses. Dorchester. and mother outside Buckingham Palace gates In 1971 he was awarded the CBE – By this time my mother’s new Commander of the British Empire – for sandals were squelching water at exports at a time, I believe, when British every step, and the newspaper in exports were in decline and this story is my father’s too-big top hat was restaurant and retired to our adjoining rooms about some things that happened leading up sodden and the hat was down around his for an early night. I was in bed reading to his investiture. ears. when there was a tap on the adjoining door. Some years earlier, my parents had been My father always walked quickly when It had just been announced on the TV news invited to a garden party at Buckingham embarrassed and when he was somewhat that the Queen had chicken pox and had Palace in recognition of my father’s company ahead of my mother, she shouted to him, cancelled all official functions. having received several "Queen's Award to “Alex, we look damned silly walking up here So much for our early night and all the Industry" awards. As you can imagine this but we look even sillier with you walking six best laid plans of “the London office.” All I was a really big deal. My mother bought a feet ahead of me.” So after that they walked could think of was how to persuade my boss new outfit, including a pouffy hat, especially arm in arm up Park Lane and into the that I needed another week off and how I for the occasion. My father rented tails and a Dorchester Hotel. could fit into my outfit if everything were grey top hat that was too big for him and had It took my mother a couple of years before postponed for a couple of months. newspaper stuffed inside to keep it in place. she could tell people that story. My father’s first thought, “Phone Doris,” The photographer and reporter from the Fast-forward to 1971 and the CBE his long-suffering secretary. No answer. local Lancashire newspaper arrived and an investiture. Dad was allowed to invite one Doris had taken the opportunity of her boss’ article appeared in the local paper. Copies of spouse and one child. Having only one of absence to enjoy her bridge club. It was the photos were sent to everyone they could each the decision was easy. By this time I 10.30pm after all. Much pacing back and think of. was living over here, working at U of T, forth with mutterings about people who play Whilst they were in London, my parents married and three months pregnant, in that bridge when they are needed for more stayed at the Dorchester Hotel on Park Lane order. important matters. What the poor woman and it was there that the limo duly arrived to I had a new dress and jacket made, that I was going to do from Lytham St Annes that take them to the palace. The big thrill for my could still just fit into, and an enormous hat. we couldn’t do from London I never did mother was the expectation of sweeping In those days, the only way to get a cheap figure out. Anyway, we eventually contacted through the front gates of Buckingham ticket across the Atlantic was to be a member some official and were told that the Queen palace and being driven across the of a club that was chartering a plane. I still Mother was assuming all of her daughter’s quadrangle. have my membership card in the CN functions. Phew! On the way to the palace the car broke Employees Recreation Club. We flew from The next morning arrived, expected last down. A call was made for a replacement Niagara Falls, NY to Stanstead Airport, minute panics about lost gloves etc. ensued, car, which never arrived. Eventually, the which in those days was a god-forsaken hole. and we were told that our cars had arrived. It driver suggested that they hail a taxi, which I made my way, north, to Southport. turned out that “the London office” had they did, and with strong assurances from the The day before the investiture, Mum and I arranged for two cars, each with special driver that a limo would be sent to collect traveled by train to London from Liverpool, window sticker, to show up…. Just in case! them at the end of the function, they arriving at the same time as my Dad’s train This time everything went smoothly and continued on their way to the palace. The from Preston. We were met by people from my mother got her wish of sweeping through taxi, of course, did not have the special “the London office,” who fussed around us. the gates and across the quadrangle to the window sticker allowing it into the grounds They were going to make sure that nothing palace. of the palace, but the cab driver knew of a amiss was going to happen to THIS visit to Some things I remember from the side gate that would allow Mum and Dad to Buckingham Palace. experience…. join the party. At least they didn’t have to The three of us were driven to our hotel, The guard wearing the Busby at the gate, scale the walls. enjoyed a pleasant dinner in a little French was, of course absolutely still as we passed,

The Scots Canadian 5 but his eyes followed our car to see if we whose vision led to were important. Confederation in When we got out of the car at the entrance, 1867 and the helped by the butler, onto the red carpet. building of the Dad was taken to the room with the other transcontinental investees and Mum and I walked up a very railway, completed wide staircase. I thought it interesting that in the 1890s. The there were statues at the edges of alternate only person whose steps. Then I realized that they were real birthday Canadians people – members of the household cavalry, I celebrated was think! Queen Victoria. We walked along a corridor lined with In 2001, Rudyard display cases holding examples of Ming Griffiths, of the Dynasty artifacts and into a large room with Dominion Institute a stage and a balcony where the Band of the (dedicated to Grenadier Guards was playing. A gentleman championing came on stage to teach us how to behave, Canadian history in when to stand, when to sit, no schools and society photographs…. at large; The ceremony lasted for about two hours www.dominion.ca), Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald and Lady and that little lady, the Queen Mother, said that there should Agnes (a.k.a. Brian and Renee Porter) pictured here at the wearing high heeled shoes and standing for be a day, ideally a Scotland Week/Tartan Day event on April7, 2009 the entire time – we were allowed to sit – national holiday, to spoke to every single person who was honour Canada’s He could talk with anybody at any level of receiving an award, MBEs, OBEs, CBEs, historic figures. society. “This man was able to go to Great Knights and Dames. She was wonderful. And in Brockville, Ontario lives a man Britain and talk with kings and nobility, or After the ceremony we all walked across who most certainly agreed with Griffiths. come back home, stand on a wagon in a field the quadrangle in the lovely fall weather and Brian Porter, a retired school teacher, has and laugh and connect with farmers. He through the gates to where “the London always been interested in history. In 1998, could catch a ‘loose fish’ and reel him in to office” had arranged for photographers and when the Brockville Infantry Company his side of a political question.” reporters from several London newspapers to (1862) re-enactors held an encampment at Porter is glad the Canadian government photograph and interview us. the Brockville Museum, Porter, an has finally created a Sir John A. Macdonald The “London office” heaved a communal infantryman, was asked if he would play the Day, but since it is not a statutory holiday sigh of relief as they lived to work another role of Sir John A. Macdonald, coming to and is barely four years old, it tends to pass day!  review the troops. He borrowed a tailcoat without much notice. and did his best in the part. “I’m concerned the man is being Ed: Maggie McEwan is Vice-President of the In no time he was hooked on Sir John A. forgotten. There may be a day of Scottish Studies Foundation. He began reading everything he could find recognition, but what good is it if nothing’s about the man. He still studies photographs done? The government should send out a to get a better idea what clothes Macdonald press release and say: Everyone have a toast wore, so he can be more authentic in his to Sir John A. Macdonald!” impersonation. He has even grown his hair So Porter does what he can to make long and has it cut in Macdonald’s style. He Raise a glass for Sir Macdonald and his times accessible to our collects Macdonald memorabilia, and his 21st century mentality. He knows not only wife, Renee, quilted a wall hanging depicting what Macdonald did, but why he did it. He John, eh? a patriotic John A. Macdonald. has studied the external influences (from He has visited countless classrooms, Father of Confederation’s birthday should be Great Britain and the United States) and the playing the role and staying in character as etched in our memory, Brockville historian internal conditions that helped shape the children ask him questions. To them it is says Canadian history. as if the 19th century politician had come to Press a button and Brian Porter can talk life, showing them his top hat, talking about sk an American what famous happily for hours about the Scottish his wife and child, telling them about his American’s birthday is on February immigrant (born 1815 in Glasgow) who dreams for the new country. A 22 and just about anyone will became a Kingston lawyer and was already Porter not only gathers Macdonald answer: George Washington, first president wanting to quit politics in 1864 after 20 years material but also constantly synthesizes it and the Father of our Country. in office, never dreaming the most significant into an evolving living portrait of this Ask a Canadian what famous Canadian’s years of his political career were only just powerful if imperfect Canadian personality. birthday is on January 11 and just about beginning. everyone will offer only a blank look. Macdonald, then a member of the “I want to be accurate. My serious intent The answer? Sir John A. Macdonald, first legislature of the Province of Canada (now is to promote the history of this country. prime minister and a Father of Ontario and Quebec), was blessed with the Some of our early leaders were intellectual, Confederation. ability to see the big picture. He saw the very knowledgeable and skilled politically. Until March 2002, when Parliament United States in the throes of civil war in the Certainly Macdonald was. I like to play on adopted the Sir John A. Macdonald Day early 1860s and knew Canada, with its roots his humour, his quick wit. He did not take (January 11) and the Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day in French and British culture, could fall into himself seriously.” (November 20) Act, Canadians didn’t even civil war too if its different regions were not officially observe the birthdate of the man brought together under a strong central

6 The Scots Canadian government. He wrote some 50 of the 72 biographical study, John A. Macdonald: resolutions in the British North America Act, Young Politician and John A. Macdonald: which became the constitution of the new Old Chieftain. The Toronto Star’s Richard Dominion of Canada, established on July 1, Gwyn is writing a major biography of 1867. Macdonald, The Mythmaker: Sir John A. He also saw the big picture after Macdonald, His Life and Times, published by Confederation and knew something was Random House Canada. needed to pull together this vast country with Now, why not bake a cake and bring it to its tiny population strung mainly along the class or work on Wednesday to celebrate the St. Lawrence River. life and achievements of Sir John A. The 19th century was a time of rapid Macdonald, the great Canadian you see every developments in communication and time you take a $10 bill out of your wallet? transportation. Macdonald could see that a As Porter says, “When you honour men transcontinental railway would give the new such as Macdonald and Laurier, you honour nation the ability to grow and prosper. He some of the beginnings of your nation.” set tariffs to protect Canadian producers, who “History can be divisive, but that is our then could begin shipping their products west roots – where our nation came from. You as the Canadian Pacific Railway crossed the can’t understand Canada unless you know country. how it came about.” Settlers went west, too, on the trains and Adapted from an article in The Recorder & Lady Agnes Macdonald became a market for eastern goods. Times (Brockville) by Chris Stesky A third example of his ability to see the big picture was his decision to acquire the 1878-83. Louise was glamorous; Agnes Northwest Territory. Lady Agnes fancied large crucifixes upon her bosom. Initially he had been happy to leave it Louise was a talented artist; Agnes also along for the next 50 years, but he had to painted, but badly. move much faster when he saw the United the Daredevil The rivalry between the two powerful States buying Alaska and eyeing the The adventurous life of Sir John A.'s wife women dates to an incident in 1867 at the Northwest Territory. He purchased the land Grand Opera House in London long before from the Hudson’s Bay Company and ady Agnes Macdonald had a taste for the princess ever set foot in Ottawa. From the brought in the North West Mounted Police to thrills, unusual in Victorian times. royal box, Louise rose to acknowledge establish law and order in the west so settlers L The second wife of Canada's first applause from the audience. To the princess's could come in. prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, horror, the visiting prime minister's wife rose Several times in the second half of the strapped herself onto the cowcatcher of a too, thinking the applause was for her. A war century, Macdonald thought of retiring from Canadian Pacific Railway train in 1886 and began. politics. But he was too committed to the rode that way for about 1,000 kilometres Years later in Ottawa, a somewhat idea of Canada to leave the job half done. across the Rocky Mountains to the West intoxicated Sir John A. almost had to be “He said he had to wait until the gristle Coast. tossed from Rideau Hall for taking "liberties" (the newly laid foundations of the country) As the train ascended the Great Divide, with the dazzling Louise, by now the hardens into bones,” quotes Porter. Agnes cooed: "This is lovely," according to a governor general's wife. We can but guess Macdonald won a fourth consecutive new book, Private Demons: The Tragic what those "liberties" were, but, most electoral victory in March 1891 but died Personal Life of John A. Macdonald by assuredly, the incident did little to make three months later in office as prime minister. Patricia Phenix. Then, racing downwards Agnes and Louise soul sisters. Macdonald’s biography on the Library and from Kicking Horse Pass, Agnes was said to As for Agnes, she lived to a ripe old 84 Archives Canada website have exclaimed: "It is all so delightful." and in one respect, she got the last laugh on (www.collectionscanada.ca/primeministers) Sir John thought his wife was rather Princess Louise because of her various train describes Canadians’ reaction to his death as "ridiculous." excursions out west. There is a Mount Lady follows: “Grieving Canadians turned out in Luckily for Agnes, John insisted on Macdonald near Canmore, Alta., to honour the thousands to pay their respects while he stopping frequently in British Columbia so the woman on the cowcatcher. There is also a lay in state in Parliament and they lined the he could shake hands, chase votes and Lake Agnes. tracks to watch the train that returned his replenish his brandy. The stops allowed Everyone has heard of Lake Louise, one of body to Kingston.” Agnes to pick the squashed bugs from her Canada's major tourist attractions in the Every year, on June 6, at 1:30 p.m., a dishevelled hair and sooty face. Rockies. But did you know there is a ceremony is held at his gravesite in the Away from trains, Agnes was a prim and trailhead at the lake for hikers to visit Lake Cataraqui Cemetery, sponsored by the proper Victorian lady. Well, except when Agnes, which is 3.5 kilometres away? Kingston Historical Society. confronted with Queen Victoria's daughter, Lake Agnes is 390 metres higher than Young people interested in learning more Princess Louise. Canada was simply not big Lake Louise. Agnes can, in perpetuity, look about Macdonald will find an entertaining enough for two such ladies. down upon Louise. account in Sir John A. Macdonald, The Louise was only one of Agnes's critics. These and many other anecdotes are Rascal Who Built Canada: The “warts and John Thompson, Macdonald's successor as related in great, gossipy detail in Ms. all” story of Canada’s 1st prime minister, by prime minister, once called Agnes a "mole- Phenix's book from McClelland and Stewart Jacqueline A. Brown, published by JackFruit catcher of a wife," the Phenix book tells us. publishers. Press Ltd., Toronto (2005), ISBN 0- Agnes retaliated by trying, but failing, to Adapted from an article in the Ottawa 9736406-0-X. keep Thompson from becoming prime Citizen by Paul Gessell. Adults might enjoy Donald Creighton’s minister. highly readable classic 1955 two-volume Louise was the wife of the Marquess of Lorne, who served as governor general from

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