the www.scottishbanner.com Scottishthethethe North American EditionBanner 37 Years StrongScottish - 1976-2013 BannerA’ Bhratach Albannach ScottishVolumeScottish 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international BannerBanner Scottish newspaper May 2013 41 Years Strong - 1976-2017 www.scottishbanner.com Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international ScottishA’ Bhratach newspaper May 2013 Albannach VolumeVolumeVolume 40 36 36 NumberNumber Number 911 11 TheThe The world’sworld’s world’s largestlargest largest internationalinternational international Scottish Scottish Scottish newspaper newspapernewspaper May May March 2013 2013 2017 Dressed to returns to New York » Pg 14

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Volume 36 Number 11 The world’s largest international Scottish newspaper May 2013 Editor & Publisher Valerie Cairney The Scots and the Irish -Close knit cousins Australian Editor Sean Cairney Inner . In order to make The legacy of left EDITORIAL STAFF Jim Stoddart Ron Dempsey, FSA Scot their visits together easier Finn Scotland with a great sense of pride The National Piping Centre David McVey McCool conjured up the Causeway and nationhood and doesn’t history Angus Whitson Lady Fiona MacGregor as stepping stones to enable visits unfold in some strange ways? And Marieke McBean David C. Weinczok between the two that much easier. I ideas often come to each one of us Judy Vickers Nick Drainey personally think it’s a lovely story, and sometimes in the most surprising OFFICES OF PUBLICATION want with all my heart to believe it! of circumstances. A warrior king Australasian Office: North American Office: had learned from a tiny Irish spider! PO Box 6202 PO Box 6880 Robert the Bruce and the spider King Robert was smart enough to Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 Hudson, FL 34674 Tel:(02) 9559-6348 Tel:(866) 544-5157 Not far away from the general area remember that lessons can be learned Fax:(02) 8079-6671 Fax:+ 1 727-826-0191 where these two lived, is tiny Rathlin from the most surprising sources. [email protected] [email protected] by Valerie Cairney Island. Strange to tell, that here in Canadian Address: this watery outpost, is a Immigration to Scotland PO Box 724 ealising that this is our direct connection to Scottish Scots and Irish have been travelling Niagara Falls, ON, L2E 6V5 Tel:(866) 544-5157 March issue, makes me Independence. For it is to Rathlin across the sea for centuries and the Fax: + 1 727-826-0191 remember that St. Patrick’s Island that King Robert the Bruce fled link between the two has survived [email protected] Day will be with us again after his 1306 defeat by the English. generations. Between 1841 and 1851 www.scottishbanner.com Rvery soon. While this will mean a the Irish population of Scotland Printed monthly in , Canada and the USA. ISSN 0707-073X great deal of merriment and green increased by 90%.Irish farmers Australia Post Print Approved PP:100004806 Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No.40022115 frothy drinks for many people, it Scots and Irish have been relied on the potato crop, as they Published monthly by Scottish Banner Publications also brings to mind how close the can be grown on a small piece of PO Box 6880 Hudson, FL 34674 USA Scots are to their Irish cousins. travelling across the sea land. Between 1845 and 1848 a USA-Periodical Postage Paid at Sarasota, FL 34231 Geographically the two nations potato blight struck the harvest and additional Entry Offices (USPS 9101) for centuries and the are within sight of each other for in Ireland and this resulted in the U.S. Postmaster send corrections to: PO Box 6880 Hudson, FL 34674 many miles of their rocky coastline link between the two has ‘Great Famine’. Approximately two The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue or omit any advertisement or to - particularly on Northern Ireland’s million people left Ireland to escape cancel any advertising contract for reasons satisfactory to the publisher, without notice, and without penalty to either party. All advertising and reading matter is subject to picturesque Causeway Coast. survived generations. starvation with many coming to Publisher’s approval. Right reserved to revise or reject advertising and reading material in accordance with standards acceptable to the Scottish Banner, without notice. The The Mull of is just twelve Scotland and ready to start a new advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors miles away from certain parts of life. Today the sharing of music, in advertising beyond the amount of space paid for, whether such errors are due to negligence, copy right or otherwise. The publisher does not endorse the historical County Antrim, which as we know, It was while sitting in this cave on language, recipes and more make accuracy of the editorial stance of materials submitted for publication. The publisher reserves the right edit all submitted material prior to publication. is in Ireland. This means that it is Rathlin, while he was totally alone the Scots and Irish true Celtic The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author(s)and already close enough for some Scots and dejected, that Bruce watched cousins. During the month of March, do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. workers in Ireland to row themselves a now famous spider. This creature it is often said that “Everybody wants Trouble getting the Scottish Banner each month? Use the subscription form below to subscribe, or you may contact back to their own church on Sunday has since become very famous, to be Irish”. Let’s go one step further, our distributors for your nearest sales outlet. morning - providing the water is as it laboriously tried to climb yet let us say; “The Scots are closer to AUSTRALIA: Integrated Publication Solutions 1 800 606 407 suitably calm. They could also row repeatedly fell back again. Yet it the Irish than anybody.” CANADA: Disticor-1 905 619 6565 NEW ZEALAND: Gordon & Gotch: 09 979 3018 themselves back again for work again would not give up. The wee spider However this month also sees USA: 866 544 5157 the following morning. Indeed it is finally, as Bruce watched, succeeded other members of our Celtic family The Scottish Banner-Uniting Scots Around the World for 40 Years! along this stretch of coastline that to climb on its slim silvery thread celebrating with both the Welsh the two neighbours can and do share and eventually reached its objective. celebrating the life of their patron THE SCOTTISH BANNER many common factors. Right to the top and never gave up saint, St David, and the Welsh culture st Subscribe to the worlds largest international and achieved its mission. on March 1 . Saint Piran’s Day is Scottish culture newspaper online or use below: The Giant’s Causeway celebrated each year on 5th March in Australia: Print: 1 Year / $45.00 AUD 2 Year / $85.00 AUD Sometimes called ‘Ulster’s stepping Cornwall so a great month of Celtic stones to Scotland’, this giant and Today history relates the rest and celebration lies ahead. New Zealand: Print: 1 Year / $60.00 AUD 2 Year / $99.00 AUD very famous causeway, is one of the tells of Bruce’s future victory. Yet All of us here at the Scottish U.S.A.: Print: 1 Year / $36.00 USD 2 Year / $68.00 USD world’s great natural wonders. It is eventually it still took another eight Banner wish all of our readers and Canada: Print: 1 Year / $40. 00 CDN 2 Year / $76.00 CDN comprised of a mass of strangely years before Bruce could achieve his friends a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Overseas: Print: 1 Year Air Mail: US/CDN $70.00, AU $ 75.00 shaped columns - which are objective. It wasn’t until 1314, that celebrating our Celtic friends and Australia/New Zealand: T (+61) 02 9559-6348 spread out from the coast until Bruce himself finally rode victorious even more importantly, family. North America: T + 1 866 544-5157 they disappear beneath the cold from Bannockburn’s bloody field, Do you have links to another Celtic www.scottishbanner.com turbulent waters of the North despite being outnumbered two- nation? Tell us your Celtic story and Subscription are non-refundable. Channel. These strange mass of to-one and facing what was seen as share with us your views by email, post or Cheques, money orders, Visa and MasterCard accepted. columns stretches their rocky fingers the best army in the medieval world. at www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us out to the sea, attracting thousands Scottish Banner Australia/New Zealand: of visitors to its slippery surface. PO Box 6202, Marrickville South, NSW, 2204 Folklore reigns supreme in these Scottish Banner Canada: parts, and the Causeway comes with PO Box 724, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2E 6V5 its own fascinating tales offering Scottish Banner USA: reasons for it’s being. PO Box 6880 Hudson, FL 34674 The myth and legend behind the Giant’s Causeway in County Antrim involves Irish warrior Finn McCool Name:...... and the Scottish giant Benandonner. Address:...... The legend of Finn MacCool states Post Code: ...... he had an ongoing rivalry with Scots Tel/Email:...... Benandonner or the “Red Man”. The two giants would yell insults to each 1 Year 2 Years other from across the seas between New Subscription Renewal Ireland and Scotland. However things Gift Subsc. From...... between the Scots and Irish were To...... not all bad as Finn McCool had a Visa/MC...... Exp...... girlfriend who lived in Fingal’s Cave The Giant’s Causeway. Signature...... on the tiny Isle of in Scotland’s ...... Gracing our front cover: Miss World Scotland, Lucy Kerr, stops traffic in New York for Dressed to Kilt. Photo: JohnMaslinPhoto.com.

Page 2 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Remarkable Mary Queen of Scots Conservationists highlight history goes to display in Celtic Rainforest letter is rarely allowed to be displayed and stripped of all her possessions.” She was only the last time it was on show at the National 44 on her execution day. Although born in Library was in 2009. Linlithgow Palace, Mary spent the early part of her life in and was given a French The 430-year-old handwritten education. This is reflected in her last letter which was written in French. letter is one of the most Two conservation charities have Historical significance powerful documents in joined forces to share the secrets Scottish history, written by The Library has some 26 million physical of one of the UK’s richest and most items in its collection but few surpass the mysterious habitats – the Celtic arguably its most famous and historical significance of the Mary Queen Rainforest. The National Trust for controversial figure. of Scots letter. Other collection material Scotland, the charity that conserves relating to Mary Queen of Scots was also and promotes Scotland’s heritage and on display including a letter she wrote to Plantlife Scotland, the organisation Execution day her mother during her childhood years that is speaking up for our wild flowers, This letter was written at two o’clock in the in France; a letter signed by Mary and plants and fungi, have held events at morning on Wednesday 8 February 1587 her second husband Lord Darnley; and a Balmacara in which will as Mary prepared to meet her death at pardon issued by Mary in 1549 with her explore the flora that thrives in the Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire. Great Seal attached. “The life of Mary Queen damp, ancient forests of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots. Writing to Henri III, King of France – the of Scots has fascinated people of all ages for Events including guided walks and Images courtesy of the National Library of Scotland. Library courtesy of the National Images brother of her first husband - she says: “I am generations. She is one of Scotland’s most storytelling are planned for the launch he last letter of Mary Queen of to be executed like a criminal at eight in the famous monarchs,” said National Librarian of a new Plantlife Scotland leaflet exploring this important plant area Scots, written just six hours before morning.” Her “crime”, as she makes clear in Dr John Scally. “The National Library is have recently taken place. National her execution, has recently been the letter, was her loyalty to her Catholic faith pleased to provide this opportunity to see Trust for Scotland ranger at Balmacara put on public display by the which, together with her claim to the English the last letter she ever wrote only hours estate, Gavin Skipper said: “You do not TNational Library of Scotland to mark the throne, made her a considerable threat to her before her execution. This is a rare chance to have to travel to Brazil to experience a anniversary of her February death. The cousin, Elizabeth I of England. In the letter see a remarkable piece of Scottish history.” rainforest. There are amazing examples 430-year-old handwritten letter is one of she also expresses concern for the servants of the Celtic Rainforest on Scotland’s the most powerful documents in Scottish she will leave behind who had served her so West Coast. They are teeming with history, written by arguably its most famous loyally during her 19-year imprisonment in life and just as fascinating. We hope and controversial figure. It marks the end England. Towards the end of the letter, she that this initiative highlights these of a life that has been immortalised in beseeches King Henri to have “prayers offered beautiful habitats to more people and novels, film, poetry, drama and song down to God for a queen who has borne the title Mary’s signature on her last letter. encourages them out to explore.” the centuries. For preservation reasons, the Most Christian, and who dies a Catholic, Scotland’s own tube map for walkers and cyclists Chief of Name and Arms of Currie Edinburgh, and from Helensburgh to St National Walking and Cycling Network - Scotland Andrews via Linlithgow. There are even

Stromness

Skaill ISLANDS

Norwick Evie Belmont canoe trails to view. Gutcher

Tankerness Ulsta YELL

St Margaret’s Hope Toft

Burwick Voe

Weisdale Eswick John o’ Groats Thurso Sandwick

Strathy Sumburgh MAINLAND National Walking and

Borgie

Tongue Altnaharra Cycling Network Crask Inn

Rhian

Lairg

Bonar Bridge Ness The map is part of National Walking and Borve Dingwall Tain Nairn Forres Cullen Banff

Arnol Nigg

Callanish Cromarty Elgin Peterhead New Deer Fortrose Culloden Moor Fochabers Cycling Network’s (NWCN’s) ambitious Balallan Moy Ellon Tomintoul Oldmeldrum Maraig

Tomatin Grantown- Tarbert on-Spey Dyce Dochgarroch Cairngorms National Park Sellebost Ballater Banchory Carrbridge Boat of Garten Fort Augustus Leverburgh programme of work to connect Scotland’s Aviemore

Berneray Mallaig Invergarry

Sollas Newtonmore Banavie

Claddach Ben Nevis Cove Bay Dalwhinnie Hacklet FORT WILLIAM Spittal of paths across the country. Right now, Glenshee Duror N Ballachulish Corrychurrachan Kinlochleven Pitlochry Bornais Ledaig Alyth Kirkmichael Montrose Lochboisdale Dunbeg Blairgowrie Arbroath Ludag Birnam Aberfeldy Dundee Monifeith PERTH Carnoustie Loch Lomond Fionnphort Craignure Dalmally & The National Park Bridge there are about 6400 kilometres of trails Crieff of Earn Newburgh Leuchars Kilchrenan Balquhidder St Andrews Ellenabeich Ardmhòr Inveruglas Tayport Anstruther Borve Arrochar Cupar Crinan Falkland Kirkcaldy Balloch Crook Glenrothes Helensburgh of Devon Kinross Lochgilphead Burntisland Dumbarton Dunfermline Aberfoyle Ormidale for walking, cycling, horse-riding and Otter N Queensferry Ardrishaig Ferry Dunoon Bowling Ardtaraig Alloa Kincardine North Berwick S Queensferry Millhouse Kilpatrick Kirkintilloch Grangemouth Portavadie Milngavie Greenock EDINBURGH Musselburgh Haddington Dunbar Ardlamont Inverkip Paisley Cumbernauld Falkirk Linlithgow Ratho Longniddry E Linton Tarbert Skelmorlie E Kilbride Dunglass canoeing across Scotland. This includes Kilchattan Bay Larkhall Roslin Carradale BUTE Bathgate Livingston Hunterston Johnstone Dalkeith

W Kilbride Lochwinnoch Cockburnspath

Campbeltown Ardrossan Kilbirnie Penicuik Eyemouth Lochranza Saltcoats Lanark Sannox ARRAN Scotland’s Great Trails, the National Southend Irvine Kilmarnock Ayton Burnmouth

Brodick Darvel Troon W Linton Berwick-upon-Tweed Prestwick Biggar Maldens Douglas Peebles Lauder Norham Ayr Sorn Muirkirk Glenbuck Galashiels Girvan Maybole Cycling Network & The Scottish Canals Kelso Ballantrae Innerleithen Melrose Coldstream

St John’s Traquair Glenapp Town of Dalry Wanlockhead Selkirk Bargrennan Portpatrick Wooler Lindisfarne Stranraer Sanquhar - Call for Representers - Moffat Network. NWCN plans to extend this Beattock Hawick Jedburgh Lockerbie Ae

Kirkcudbright network by 1750 kilometres through 50 Glenluce Wigtown Newton Gatehouse Castle Dumfries Annan Stewart of Fleet Douglas KEY NATIONAL CYCLING NETWORK FERRY TERMINALS Mull of NWCN PROJECT / POTENTIAL ROUTE ENGLAND SCOTLAND’S GREAT TRAILS CANOE TRAILS separate projects over the next 20 years, Family Convention to be held at the Trades Hall of Schematic map of the NWCN © SNH August 2016 by creating new routes and joining up the missing links. Glasgow, Scotland on 15 August 2017 at 2:00 PM new tube-style map, showing SNH chairman, Ian Ross, said: “Our The Clan Currie Society seeks to facilitate the formal recognition of a paths where walkers and cyclists walking and cycling tube map is an easy Chief of Name and Arms of Currie by the . Having can link up routes throughout way to start planning your next journey – Scotland, has been published whether it’s a trip between two towns or an armigerous Chief, Currie would then be constituted and regarded Aby Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). a week-long cycling or walking holiday. as a learned family in its own right. With just a quick look, users can see Scotland is such a wonderful place to walk both existing routes across Scotland and and cycle. It’s easy to take for granted how The Convention will be held under the supervision of Liam Devlin, Unicorn Pursuivant, planned routes which will link to even many paths we already have in so many as the appointed Supervising Officer and representative of the Lord Lyon. more paths, cities and places of interest beautiful areas, and I’m thrilled that we’ll in the future. Walkers and cyclists can have even more paths to enjoy in the Those wishing to be considered as interim Commander, chosen at a Family also easily see that, for example, they coming years.” Convention as above, should request fuller information from the Chaplain of the can journey off-road on paths from Mull The tube map, as well as more information of Galloway to Inverness via Glasgow, about the National Walking and Cycling Clan Currie Society, the Revd. Dr. David A. Currie: [email protected] from Berwick-on-Tweed to Dundee via Network, is available at www.snh.gov.uk.

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 3 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scots language website launches Wee Windaes throws new light on Scots language in the vast collections of the National Library, where he has collaborated Library. The oldest is a performance poem with the Library’s Learning Team on from the 1440s The Buke of the Howlat, developing the site. through to the 20th century writings of Hamish MacDonald said: “It is a novelist and playwright Jessie Kesson. privilege tae reenge amang the byous Examples of contemporary writing will be National Library collections, whan ilka added as the site develops further. sairch leads tae some new an unexpectit discovery, shawin throu literature Essential element of our the depth an wunner o a treisured an nation’s culture and heritage irreplaceable tung.” It shows the use of Scots in many different forms including song, folk tale, scripture, Cultural identity satire, drama, fiction and poetry. The site As its name suggests, the site is based itself is written in Scots with an English on a series of ‘windaes’ (windows), each version. Visitors to the site can listen to containing a link to more information many examples of spoken Scots, as well as about the various texts, most of which are reading it in written form. being made available online for the first Mr Swinney said: “The Scots language time. More authors and texts will be added is an essential element of our nation’s to the site throughout 2017. culture and heritage and this Government The Library will also be is committed to promoting and preserving participating in a research afternoon it in all its distinct regional and local for staff and students at the University variants, which are spoken by around 1.5 of Edinburgh to showcase the work million people. I very much welcome the being done to promote Scots language launch of the Wee Windaes website, which and literature. National Librarian Dr he Scots language as it has awareness of the history, richness and shines a light on the breadth of Scots John Scally said: ‘The Scots language is been spoken, written and cultural significance of Scots from its influence on our rich literary heritage very much part of our cultural identity enjoyed down the centuries use as the language of the state in the throughout the centuries.” and we are keen to help it thrive. By is revealed in a new project Middle Ages to its appearance in 20th Wee Windaes has been developed by using the website, people will be able Tdeveloped by the National Library of century novels and poetry. the Scots Scriever, Hamish MacDonald, to get a better understanding of how Scotland. Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary The Wee Windaes website is based who was appointed in 2015 by Creative Scots has been used and how it has for Education, John Swinney, launched on a careful selection of Scots language Scotland to raise awareness of the changed over five centuries.’ the new website that aims to raise material from the countless examples language. He is based at the National You can visit the site at: www.wee-windaes.nls.uk Did you know? - The unconventional Mount Stuart marble hall. Look up and you will see House on the Isle of Bute is one of ‘the stars in their courses’ mapped above the most remarkable neo-Gothic you, as well as remarkable stained glass structures in the world. windows depicting the signs of the zodiac. - Mount Stuart, family seat of the - Stella McCartney , the fashion designer Marqueses of Bute, contains the and daughter of Sir Paul McCartney world’s first indoor heated swimming married at Mount Stuart House at a star pool. It was also the first house in studded event in 2003. Scotland to be lit by electricity, have - Recently in the library it was discovered central heating, a telephone system a unrecorded copy of William and a Victorian passenger lift. Shakespeare’s First Folio, a collection - Themes for astrology and astronomy 36 of Shakespeare’s plays, worth grace the stunning vaulted ceiling of the millions of pounds was authenticated. of the Month - St. Piran Cornish Flag The Scottish Banner is pleased to be offering in conjunction with Donald Rawe of Padstow the Tartan of the Month series highlighting in 1983. There was a very complicated a variety of different, unique and colourful High Court parting of the ways however from around the world which are and Donald Rawe abandoned his claims registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans to the rights of this tartan (which had been in Edinburgh. The Scottish Register of Tartans registered by Abi Armstrong Evans) and went was established by an act of the Scottish on to design the St Piran Dress tartan (#1685, Parliament in November 2008 and promotes original Scottish Tartans Authority reference). and preserves information about historic and To avoid confusion, Abi Evans then changed contemporary tartans from Scotland and the name of this ‘St Piran’ to the ‘Cornish throughout the world. Text and image use is Flag’. Still available from Abi Evans of courtesy of the Scottish Register of Tartans. Trevecca. This update at 21st 2005. Free St Piran’s Day (Cornish: Gool Peran) is for anyone to weave (Abi Evans May 2006). the national day of our Celtic cousins in The white cross on the black represents the Cornwall, held on 5 March every year. This flag of Cornwall and the symbol of St Piran, tartan was originally called the St Piran (The patron saint of the Cornish tin miners. The Patron Saint of Cornwall) and was to be red represents the scarlet leg and beak of the woven by Abi Armstrong Evans and marketed Cornish chough, the national bird.

Page 4 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Scotspeak is a selection of quotes which made headlines in SCOTSPEAK Scotland last month on a variety of current Scottish affairs. “Galloway Forest Park was the first area along the river in full accordance with the Barker said in the lead up to Scotland’s in Europe to achieve dark sky park status objectives of the plan. It is also relevant first ice swimming championships at and we are keen to share our experience that the proposal will increase the Loch Lomond. The 1km swim requires the and learn from others by being the first in awareness and the attractiveness of the temperatures to be no more than 5C and Europe to host such a major conference. Finnieston Crane and with options for swimmers cannot wear wet suits. This is really good news for putting the future lighting around the crane.” south west of Scotland on the map as an “The magnetic activity of the sun ebbs A planning statement from Clydeside international stargazing destination. and flows in predictable cycles, but Restaurants Ltd said as plans have been All the partners involved will be working there is also evidence that it is due to submitted to have Glasgow’s first floating together to ensure the conference is a plummet, possibly by the largest amount restaurant adjacent to the Finnieston success and showcases Galloway as a great for 300 years. If so, the northern lights Crane and next to the Scottish Exhibition place to live, work and play. We’re very festival now. The demand for some phenomenon would become a natural Centre and Hydro Arena. This area excited about this major event and the shows way outstripped the tickets that show exclusive to the polar regions, due to of Glasgow has seen a boom in hotel, potential spin offs it should create for the were available. Celtic Connections is a lack of solar wind forces that often make restaurant, office and retail making it one local economy.” becoming a whole festival experience, it visible at lower latitudes.” of Glasgow’s hippest spots. especially at the weekend, when people University of Reading researcher Dr Forest Enterprise Scotland visitor services are going to three or four shows. One of “What really makes our project different Mathew Owens said that the breathtaking manager Keith Muir said as the south of the many true joys of the festival is that and new is the vast majority of our data is views of the Northern Lights could Scotland will host the first ever dark sky within our tradition of Celtic music coming from Burns himself, through his disappear from the Scottish skies within park conference to be held in Europe. and international collaborations, we letters, his journals and his commonplace three decades as solar wind levels The event will take place in September do not think about creative boundaries. books. What we have done is to build plummet. The Aurora Borealis, as the in Gatehouse of Fleet in Dumfries and Instead, we present on our stages some a methodology based on the modern extraordinary light show is formally known, Galloway. The nearby Galloway Forest Park of the most brilliant musicians working clinical standards used in relation to has traditionally been best observed within was the first area in Europe to achieve dark today and explore the richness and mood disorders and we have identified the UK in Scotland. sky park status. Organisers said they hoped diversity of the music we are celebrating. 12 different areas across activity, it would further help to cement south The journey we have been on through behaviour and state of mind. From that, “Scotland inspires and captivates the west Scotland’s reputation as a premier Celtic Connections this year has shown we can go through and track all of his imagination of international visitors destination for stargazing. the power of live music to connect with correspondence and highlight points in through our history, heritage and individual lives and to resonate with the his life which look interesting as he might archaeology. “Evidence of our history is wider world in which we all live.” Artists impression. be suffering from abnormal moods which edged in our landscape, from surviving Image: ADF Architects. might be clinically significant.” Donald Shaw, artistic director of Celtic Neolithic tombs and homes, to carved Connections said, as the annual music stones, to medieval castles, renaissance PhD student Moira Hansen said as Scottish and culture festival in Glasgow wrapped palaces and some of the finest surviving researchers are using modern psychiatry up with excess of 100,000 people attending Georgian urban-planning anywhere in methods to assess if poet Robert Burns performances across the city. 80 per cent of the world. With an estimated 50 million may have suffered from depression or been performances at the 18-day festival, which people worldwide claiming Scottish bipolar. Using his letters and personal takes place each January/February were ancestry, attracting visitors to Scotland accounts of his state of mind and well- completely sold out. to experience our country’s history is a being researchers have been studying if growing and important market.” Burns had depressive periods or mania. “There is a real interest in this, especially Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop Factors such as appearance, alcohol from women of my age. I like to make a “The proposal also provides a return on said that Scotland’s rich and dramatic consumption and extra marital affairs have fuss of my swimmers because it is quite investment for city council investment history is proving a vital part of the Scottish also been studied. extreme so we’ve got a bagpiper who will in the SECC and Hydro and adds to the tourism industry. A recent poll indicated lead the swimmers to the loch and some attraction of this area of the city. The “We’ve definitely had the highest ever that up to 32% of international visitors to girls doing dancing.” proposal will also increase the range proportion of sold out events this year. Scotland want to engage with the nation’s of choice in quality and style of activity There is great momentum behind the 50 year old distance swimmer Pauline history whilst they visit.

CLUES ACROSS SCOTWORD 1) Scotland’s only venomous snake (5). 4) It goes wi’ tatties (5). Here is a fun crossword for you to try with a few of the answers to be found in 11) Famous Scottish song (6, 1, 3, 5). Scotland! If you are in doubt, you may need a wee peek at a Scots dictionary or 12) Related by blood (4). a map. Or, if you are really stuck, the answers can be found on page 23! 13) Whisky measures (5). 14) Advantage on the border (4). th 15) Mr. Breck! (4). 17) Useful at St. Andrews! (4). 18) Cathedral city on River Lossie (5). 20) Montrose is on what coast? (4). 21) Variable star (4). 25) Mormon territory (4). 26) They talk Scots! (5). 27) Get infected by a Scot (4). 30) Ghostly container! (6, 2, 7). 31) Scots kids (5). 32) A passageway to a tenement (5). CLUES DOWN 2) MacBeth’s fortress (9, 6). 40 3) Old measures (4). 5) She’s a flower (4). 6) Scottish lassies (10, 5). 7) A broad Scottish valley (6). 8) Dull to a Scot (5). Celebrating 9) Suffer in Scots (5). 10) Wee islands (6). 16) It’s the aim in soccer (3). 17) Small hotel (3). 40 years of 19) Hallowe’en bangers (6). 22) Skilled worker (6). 23) Part of the Highland dress (5). 24) A hip one is handy! (5). publication! 28) Highland family (4). 29) Spin round in Scots (4).

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 5 THE SCOTTISH BANNER SCOT POURRI Send us your inquiries on life’s little Calling Duries to the Edinburgh This Lord De’Walden was very popular 78th Fraser Highlanders question marks. Ever wanted to know what Tattoo 2017 and ‘The Duries & with the people of Kilmarnock, each year Pipe Band happened to your old pal from home, how Four Scottish Queens’ tour during the Kilmarnock fair holidays he to make your favourite Scottish meal, or would enter a horse at the Ayr races. The wondered about a certain bit of Scottish people of Kilmarnock would hear about history? Pose your questions on Scottish this and would place there monies on related topics to our knowledgeable the horse which would most time be the readership who just may be able to help. Our winner thereby providing the Kilmarnock letters page is a very popular and active one people with money for their holidays. and many readers have been assisted across In 1735 the castle was heavily damaged the world by fellow passionate Scots. Please by fire and in 1899 the th8 Lord De’Walden keep letters under 200 words and we reserve restored the castle. There are a collection the right to edit content and length. Letters, L: Top: St Margaret, Mary of Guise, of arms (swords) and coats of Armour also photos and any other items posted to the Bottom: Mary Queen of Scots and many fine pieces of historical musical Scottish Banner cannot be returned. We Queen Anne. R instruments contained in the castle Keep. prefer letters to be emailed to your nearest The Durie Family is to feature with the Currently the castle is undergoing a office or please visit our online Scotpourri Bruce’s - another Fife family - at the form at www.scottishbanner.com, major transformation to bring the castle world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Photo: Louise Gunn. alternatively you may post or fax your letters and grounds back to its former glory Tattoo 2017 in “A Splash of Tartan”. to us. Please ensure you include your full thanks to a Scottish Heritage grant of Attached is a photo of the 78th Fraser Come and join us on Friday 25thAugust. contact details, when emailing it is best to several millions of pounds this is a work Highlanders Pipe Band performing at Each night the Chiefs of the Clans and include your post address for those without currently in progress that will take some our St. Andrew’s Day concert back in Families featured will appear on the internet access. This page belongs to our two years to complete. It is my belief this November. In the past, we staged the Castle esplanade, accompanied by Clan readers so please feel free to take part! Thanks would be of interest to the Scottish Banner Burns Night to make a profit for equipping and Family members, with the VIP taking to all our readers from around the world who readers and a castle worth visiting. the soldiers but now that the band and the have made this such a special page. the salute. Aspects of the Families’ part I hope you will find this castle to be worth in Scotland’s heritage will be presented Tartan Guard are both financially self- your time to explore for a future issue, it supporting, we now stage the event to offer and their tartans projected on to the also featured in an episode of the TV series Castle and Esplanade. The traditional the great evening that folks expect from us. The Palace of Holyroodhouse Outlander during the filming last year! Edward Gunn Quaich ceremony will follow and then Regards Captain-Lieutenant all to their seats and the 2017 Tattoo will Bill Kelly begin. Special Durie focussed activities Canada Fort St. Andrew’s Garrison are planned for the weekend: ‘The Duries Ed note: Thanks Bill for sharing this 78th Fraser Highlanders and Four Scottish Queens’ - a day tour to piece of history with us and what Quebec City, Quebec Fife and one in Edinburgh. We want as a special place to get married. Canada many Duries as possible there on Our Night - Friday 25th August 2017! Seats are Cairngorm Reindeer being held. And come on the day trips too. SENT TO OUR FACEBOOK Thank you very much for printing the For more information: see OR TWITTER PAGES article about the Wentworth Weeping www.duriefamily.co.uk (Send us your photos or Elms at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, or e-mail: [email protected] letters via social media) Edinburgh in the November edition of Note: Not a Durie nor a Bruce? But want the Scottish Banner (Rare trees found Bannock to take part in your Clan or Family’s at the Palace of Holyroodhouse). I am Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2017 very interested and fascinated and special night? Visit: [email protected] told my younger cousin and she said or the website www.clanchiefs.org.uk “awesome” and that sums it up nicely. As my Grandfather and her Great Dean Castle Grandfather Alexander Duthie went to work as a qualified gardener at the Palace in January 1902, so he would have nursed The article about the reindeer herd in these seedlings/saplings for the next 45 the Cairngorms brought back so many years, then his son George for the next 25 happy memories (Rambling Scotland- years-that was 70 years of family care for the Cairn Gorm and Britain’s only reindeer We had a ‘Multicultural Morning Tea’ at trees. Grandfather became Head Gardener herd, Scottish Banner, December, 2016). church this weekend. This was partly to in 1915 and the family moved into Croft- I knew Mikel Utsi and his wife as well celebrate the Chinese New Year, since an-Righ House which was divided into two as visiting them at “Reindeer House” in we have a few members with Chinese sections with the Palace guide Mr Graham the Cairngorms. I visited Mr Utsi many heritage. Members were asked to bring living there and Mr Reid before him. At times at his home in the town of Jokmokk some food representing their heritage. Having read January’s edition I observe in northern Sweden and have happy Others brought things like pavlova, and that ere it all came under the jurisdiction the article with reference to Brodie Castle of Ancient Monuments, Ministry of memories of riding on a pulka pulled lamingtons. To represent my Scottish having undergoing a transformation by reindeer thru the birch woods. Works, George Street, Edinburgh. heritage, I baked this bannock. The and investment of £2,800,000. I Thank you for the article. recipe was from the Scottish Banner. As a child during the second World War thought you might like to be made R.A Baillie Scott McPhee I spent many happy hours on the Palace aware of another castle undergoing the Prospect Vale, Tasmania Melbourne, Victoria grounds under supervision of course, but same transformation. Dean Castle in Australia Australia sadly I don’t recall the trees. There was Kilmarnock, this castle is where I met my a weeping tree in the NE area which I’m wife 56 years ago married there 1962 and Informative publication Blackness Castle sure was a willow, it almost touched the resided for a few years prior to emigrating Many thanks on producing such a high ground and was cold and darkish under to Canada 1967, it is a romantic location quality and very informative publication. the big canopy so I gave it a wide berth. I’d and a jewel in the area! As castles go the Since my pen pal ( ouch! dated term), like to know where about in the grounds Bruce Scotland donated a subscription Dean Castle is a very attractive castle of these trees were planted as they can grow to me some months ago I have learned which encompasses a Palace and Keep. to 100, they must have a big canopy and so much about Scotland. This is despite Has a history, Robert The Bruce gave not too close to the buildings. None of me being an avid reader of both Scottish the lands to Sir Robert Boyd for faithful them were planted on the northern side and national newspapers. The articles of the Palace because when the bomb hit service during the wars of independence. on Christmas and New Year tradition the sundial area it would have been killed. Around 1350 it became the seat of were superb. Keep up the good work. I enjoy the Banner and thank you once the Boyd’s. in 1745 Lord William Boyd Kind regards, again for taking me down memory lane. supported the Jacobite rebellion for which Ron Scrimgeour Designed to look like a ship by Archibald Marion L Cousins he was executed for treason 1746. My wife’s Forfar, Angus Douglas who suffered by seasickness, Chinchilla, Queensland parents were custodians of the castle at Scotland wonderful Blackness Castle. th Australia which time was owned by the 9 Lord Ed note: Thanks Ron for your note to us and Scotland Traveloholic Ed note: Thank you Marion for sharing your Howard De’Walden until 1974 when he we are always thrilled to hear such positive Scotland story and interesting childhood with us. gifted the castle to the town of Kilmarnock. feedback from our Scottish based readers.

Page 6 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN SCOTLAND TODAY

part of a trade network that linked western Prehistory of Great Britain celebrated Britain with Ireland and Continental Europe. with Royal Mail Special Stamps In fact, research now shows that over the late sixth and early seventh centuries AD Gaulish merchants were making a beeline for the Galloway coast, ignoring Cumbria entirely. The excavation revealed that one of the reasons for this may have been to acquire materials like copper and lead. Isotope analysis of a lead ingot found during the excavation of Trusty’s Hill was found to have originated in the Leadhills of south-west Scotland, demonstrating that this mineral sourcewas being mined and used to make leaded bronze objects at this time.

World’s first Gaelic Wikipedian appointed The Royal Mail has released of eight stamps Last paddle steamer built in featuring some of the most inspiring objects and atmospheric sites of British prehistory. The stamps explore how people lived in Britain to come back to life prehistoric times and depict famous iconic The last paddle steamer to be built in Britain medieval kingdom that was once pre- sites as well as some of the most exceptional may soon have a new lease of life and sail eminent in Scotland and Northern England. artefacts from around the UK. The stamps again across Scotland’s Loch Lomond. A The kingdom of Rheged is probably the most present a timeline of prehistory, from a £5.5 million project to restore the Maid of elusive of all the sixth century kingdoms of glimpse of ancient ritual of 11,000 years the Loch, Loch Lomond’s Paddle Steamer, Dark Age Britain. Despite contributing a ago, to the Iron Age of around 300 BC. They to steam operation once more has launched rich source of some of the earliest medieval indicate a huge degree of organisation and hopes the steamer may again be poetry to be composed in Britain - the in ambitious building projects, and plying the water in 2018. Maid of the Loch poetry of Taliesin who extolled the prowess sophistication in exquisite metal working. was built in 1953-the same year as the of its king, Urien of Rheged - and fragments The Gaelic language is to be promoted Philip Parker, Stamp Strategy Manager, Royal Queen’s coronation- and was withdrawn of early medieval historical records of through one of the world’s most popular Mail, said; “The UK has an incredibly rich from service in 1981, having carried over Urien’s dominance in southern Scotland websites thanks to a new role based at the heritage of prehistoric sites and exceptional 3 million passengers. She has been owned and northern England, the actual location of National Library of Scotland. Dr Susan Ross, artefacts. These new stamps explore some by several different companies but has Rheged has long been shrouded in mystery. who learned Gaelic as a teenager and has of these treasures and give us a glimpse of remained tied up at Balloch ever since. By While many historians have assumed it since gained a doctorate in Gaelic studies, everyday life in prehistoric Britain, from 1992 the Maid had been vandalised and was centred around Carlisle and Cumbria, has been appointed the world’s first Gaelic the culture of ancient ritual and music damaged and was in danger of sinking. no evidence has ever been found to back this Wikipedian. The year-long post will see her making to sophisticated metalworking When The Maid was built on the Clyde she up. However, new archaeological evidence working with the Gaelic community across and the building of huge hill forts.” was immediately dismantled to be shipped in from the excavation of Trusty’s Hill Fort at Scotland to improve and create resources Scotland is represented in the series railway wagon-sized chunks to Loch Lomond. Gatehouse of Fleet in on Uicipeid, the Wikipedia. which also includes locations in England, It was a technique called up and down, usually now challenges this assumption. “What drew Wikipedia is the world’s most popular online Wales and Northern Ireland. used to send ships across the globe for local us to Trusty’s Hill were Pictish symbols carved encyclopaedia of which Uicipeid forms Village in Orkney has its very own stamp in assembly. Conservation expert Jim Mitchell on to bedrock here, which are unique in this one part. It has been in existence since the series. Fierce storms in 1850 stripped said that this has made easier. region and far to the south of where Pictish 2004 and currently has more than 14,000 away sand dunes on Orkney’s west coast “We have been extremely lucky in that lots carvings are normally found,” said Ronan pages of information in Gaelic. Dr Ross will to reveal traces of stone-walled houses. of the builders’ drawings have survived,” he Toolis of GUARD Archaeology, who led the work with the existing community of users Subsequent excavations uncovered ten explained. “So we have things like pipework excavation which involved the participation of to identify priorities for development and structures arranged on either side of a layout drawings so we can put all the copper over 60 volunteers. “The Galloway Picts Project encourage new users to begin contributing. subterranean alleyway. The full extent of pipe back in the engine room pretty much as was launched in 2012 to recover evidence for Over the coming year Dr Ross will the settlement is not known, but middens it was, because we have the great gift of those the archaeological context of these carvings collaborate with Gaelic speakers, community containing domestic waste from centuries drawings.” The Loch Lomond Steamship but far from validating the existence of groups and organisations to improve Uicipeid of occupation surrounded the houses. There Company, a charity registered in Scotland, ‘Galloway Picts’, the archaeological context content by offering training and edit-a-thons. was evidence that some houses had been were given the ship – free of charge – and revealed by our excavation instead suggests The work will also seek to promote use of replaced and the village remodelled during have owned her since 1996. They hope the carvings relate to a royal stronghold and the extensive Gaelic resources held by the its long history. Each house is roughly square to return the Maid to steam operation on place of inauguration for the local Britons National Library of Scotland, many of which in plan with a single entrance, a central Loch Lomond by late next summer. of Galloway around AD 600. Examined can be accessed online. Dr Ross, who has hearth, a dresser opposite the door and in the context of contemporary sites been contributing to Uicipeid since 2010, bed-boxes and storage facilities to either Discovery of lost Dark Age across Scotland and northern England, said: ‘Contributing to Gaelic Wikipedia builds side. Some have small cells built into the kingdom In Galloway the archaeological evidence suggests that a 21st century information source where thick walls, perhaps privies or stores. The Galloway may have been the heart of the lost knowledge, in Gaelic, about both the Gaelic inhabitants used beautifully decorated Dark Age kingdom of Rheged, a kingdom world and the wider world, can be stored and Grooved Ware pottery and had a rich that was in the late sixth century pre-eminent shared. It is a great opportunity for Gaelic material culture of worked stone and bone. amongst the kingdoms of the north.” speakers to exercise reading and writing Their diet was based on domesticated The excavation revealed in the decades skills in a creative, informal, collaborative crops, wild plants, fish, seabirds and the around AD 600, the summit of the hill was environment and I’m excited about the products from sheep, goats, pigs and cattle. fortified with a timber-laced stone rampart. possibilities to get more people involved.’ The stamps provide a timeline across Around the same time supplementary The initiative is a partnership between the thousands of years - from a glimpse of a defences and enclosures were added to its National Library of Scotland and Wikimedia mesolithic ritual of 11,000 years ago, to lower-lying slopes transforming Trusty’s Hill UK, the charity that supports and promotes exquisite metalworking of the Iron Age from A laser scan image of the Pictish symbols carved into a nucleated fort, a type of fort in Scotland the free online encyclopaedia. The National 300 BC and also feature the Battersea shield; at Trusty’s Hill, comprising a z-rod-and-double- that has been recognised by archaeologists as Library has some of the best collections of the Star Carr headdress; Grime’s Graves flint disc symbol on the left and a dragon-pierced-by- high status settlements of the early medieval Gaelic material anywhere in the world and has mines; Avebury stone circles; the Mold Cape a-sword symbol on the right © DGNHAS / CDDV. period. The excavation also found the been working hard in recent years to make (Wales); the Drumbest horns (Northern Archaeological research led by GUARD remains of a workshop that was producing much of this material as available online. This Ireland) and Maiden Castle hill fort. Skara Brae, Archaeology has just been published which high status metalwork of gold, silver, bronze material demonstrates the key role played forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage reveals the location of a hitherto lost early and iron. The royal household here was also by Gaelic in Scottish history and culture. site known as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 7 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Angus Whitson century. The reality is that it never was kailyaird, but its vernacular vocabulary certainly had the effect of restricting its readership to vernacular speakers and those familiar with the idiom. Scottish poets such as WD Cocker and Scotland’s Joseph Lee, Dundee’s forgotten war poet, Ewart Alan Mackintosh, Charles Murray, JB Salmond who became editor of The Scots Magazine, and Hugh MacDiarmid all wrote predominantly in their vernacular. At the time they were ranked alongside the best of the English war poets and their work does not deserve to have fallen into obscurity.

Scotland’s indigenous poetry A further obstacle was that after the end of the First World War and up until even the 1950s, it became a general tenet of Scottish education that, whatever was spoken in the playground or outside school in the family, within the classroom vernacular speech was banned. forgotten poetry Within the classroom, other than Robert Burns, John , Robert Louis Stevenson’s Child’s Garden of hen I was growing up in expression through their verse. They had Annie Laurie and a number of rousing Verses and rare exceptions such as the north-east of Scotland benefitted from the Kirk’s insistence after Jacobite ballads and poems is no better Charles Murray’s The Whistle, and The town and port of Montrose the Scottish Reformation that it should be remembered. Likewise Galloway poet Boy in The Train by M.C.S., which were I occasionally drove with a national priority to have a school in every Alexander Anderson (born 1845) who set as competition pieces to recite, Wmy father to a viewpoint at the top of parish to ensure that everyone, rich and wrote under the pseudonym Surfaceman, Scottish schoolchildren had little or no Garvock Hill overlooking the neighbouring poor alike, could read the Bible which, of has fallen into undeserved obscurity. formal introduction to their own poetry. village of Laurencekirk course, is written in English. The problem, simply, was that it had English, not Scottish, literature was and the broad, fertile plain of Strathmore What truly is admirable is that their become accepted wisdom in Scotland taught in schools. Scots was provincial, which stretches from Stonehaven to Perth. creativity was not stifled by the rigid social that if you wanted to get on in life you inferior, for conversation only round On a clear day, he would tell me, you can system that denied them the opportunities spoke standard English. Vernacular the family table and it failed to meet see the church spires of Perth to the west to make more of their talents. There was Scots was regarded as a provincial accepted standards. It was generally felt and those of Aberdeen to the east. And a receptive market for locally composed language, unsuited to the wider world of that “proper” English better prepared there he read me the poetry of Violet Jacob. poetry which was published locally but, commerce, law and politics. a child to make his or her way in the That was my introduction to Scottish lacking the benefits of modern marketing The Education (Scotland) Act of world and prosper. vernacular poetry - the poetry of the networks, denied the poet a wider audience. 1872 stipulated that English should After so many years in eclipse it would farmer and the ploughman, the fisherman, be the language of education which be good to think that Scotland’s indigenous the shepherd and the soldier, the country effectively excluded Scottish in all its poetry could stage a comeback. There is so minister, the lawyer and the doctor English, not Scottish, various district dialects from the school much pleasure to be had from reading it. written, more often than not, in their curriculum. One writer suggested that it I know of efforts to repopularise Dundee’s distinct district idiom. literature was taught in was a good idea to ”propagate their (the Joseph Lee and one of the north-east’s Robert Burns is the archetypal Scottish schools. Scots was provincial, Scots) language as inferior”. Still today, finest vernacular poets, Violet Jacob, who vernacular poet. He was a professional English is the international language of died in 1946. It is but a modest start. poet, one of the few lucky ones of his inferior, for conversation business and politics. I have been building up my own generation to make a living from his poetry library of vernacular poetry from all over - a story teller and a composer of songs only round the family table Great War poets Scotland. I am currently writing a book at a time when spontaneous home-made and it failed to meet The First World War produced a wealth of linking poems to stories from my Saturday entertainment was central to family life. poetry written in Scottish vernacular but, a countryside column, Man with Two Dogs, Taking an arbitrary timeframe, a torrent accepted standards. hundred years on, little of it is read or even which appears in the Dundee-published of vernacular poetry was written during known. A slate memorial slab in Poets’ newspaper The Courier. the period 1750 to 1950. Some of it is quite Corner in Westminster Abbey is inscribed It occurs to me that Scottish Banner dreadful, much of it is highly entertaining Robert Burns, the Ploughman Poet, with the names of sixteen of the Great War readers may have collections of vernacular and tells rattling good stories and some might well have suffered a similar fate poets. With one exception they are English. poetry inherited from forebears who would reduce you to tears with the had the Kilmarnock Edition of his Charles Hamilton Sorley, the one left Scotland to seek new lives. I would intensity of its sentiment. Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect, Scot, left Scotland at the age of six and be interested in hearing about such The best of it, in my view, is the equal not received flattering reviews. By great received all his education in England. collections as they are all part of the fabric of anything Robert Burns wrote – the good fortune he was taken up by the His poetry shows little influence of his of our national identity. Every one of problem is tracking it down. Why should it Edinburgh establishment as a literary Scottish contemporaries that one might them is important. I can be contacted on be that only a handful of the makars in the and social phenomenon and became have expected had he remained in his [email protected] century following Burns’ death in 1796 are the darling of their social gatherings. country of birth. For more content check out my remembered today? Of his generation, only Sir , The majority of the Great War poets blog at manwithtwodogs.com Of an evening, after the exertions of and James Hogg, The Ettrick Shepherd, commemorated in Poets’ Corner were their daytime job, the amateur or hobby received such enduring recognition. officers. In the context of the inflexible poets sat down by the soft light of an oil Vernacular poetry was not confined to social backdrop of the times, the war lamp, or the guttering flame of the doup the “working man”. Gifted female poets poems of officers attracted exposure and (stump) of a candle or even the smoky such as Lady Carolina Nairne (born approval as much because the poets were illumination of a rush wick cruisie lamp 1766) deserve to be better known today. socially acceptable officers, as for the lit with fish oil, to commit to paper the Her best known songs and poems – The poetry’s unquestioned quality. They wrote ideas and the lines that had been ringing Hundred Pipers, Charlie is My Darling, in timeless Standard English, making through their heads all day. The Rowan Tree, The Laird o’ Cockpen, them accessible to the wider British Caller Herrin’ - are remembered by reading public generally. Educated men and women a diminishing readership, but their By contrast, much of Scottish It is clear that many of the recreational authorship is largely unknown. How vernacular Great War poetry was afflicted poets were intelligent, educated men and many readers know that one version of by the unfair assumption that it reflected women. They had the words to express Auld Lang Syneis attributed to her? the sentimentalised kailyaird writing themselves and the mentality to find Lady John Scott (died 1900) who wrote of the last decades of the nineteenth

Page 8 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER By: Ron Dempsey WHAT’S IN A NAME? Have a name that has you stumped? Scottish Banner readers can send in their name queries direct to Ron via the Scottish Banner by post or email:[email protected]. Ron will do his best to help you with your name query and may just add that extra piece to your genealogy puzzle.

became a distinct nation there was much that evolved from milling are Mill or Ireland. This request came in time for to-ing and fro-ing across that same Milne for the place of the occupation. St. Patrick’s Day and the March issue of channel over the millennia which re the Scottish Banner. introduced some more Irish genes into Duncan Scotland as a surname is most the mix. In the early 19thcentury many Mr. Parry asked about some names that common in the pre-1974 counties of Fife Irish workers were brought over to help have a common element in that they are and Clackmannan. One obvious source with the annual harvests. Some of them all affiliated with Clan Donnachaid. Not is from a place known as Scotlandwell chose to stay. Later in the century that being familiar with Gaelic grammar but I found in the parish of Portmoak in was strong influx of economic refugees am assuming this translate in Clan of the Kinross shire. However, the national who came to Scotland and other parts Duncans. I’m sure a member of the clan nature of the name probably would of Britain to escape the famine caused will steer me correctly. have had a bearing on the surname. It by the loss of the potato harvests of 1845 This clan is better known as the is recorded as early as 1178 when it was and 1847. As a result most lowland Scots Robertsons. The clan is descended written as surname for an individual in will find that in their genealogy they will from Duncan a descendant of Conan of the Latin form as de Scocia. The name has probably have an Irish granny somewhere Glenrochie, who was a younger brother of been recorded as Scotland for person’s in their ancestry. While they may the Earl of . Duncan was in support of surname down through the centuries. acknowledge their Irish past most will Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn. Duncan Similarly for the surname Ireland. This t double Celtic month, in that we wish look upon themselves as true Scots. died in 1355 and was succeeded by Robert is very much for a person who was Irish or our Welsh cousins a Happy St. David’s from whom the clan is more generically had an Irish heritage. Again it has antiquity Day, the patron saint of Wales on Parrish known. Now from Mr. Parry’s list are two as a surname in Scotland with the earliest March 1st. Also to our Irish cousins on Back in May, we received an e mail from surnames that are associated with the clan, record being 1228. This record also had a Ithe 17th. The world seems to know about Ray Parry, Casio, NSW, Australia and in it those being Duncan and Duncanson. In Latin form of Ybernias (Hibernias). The St. Patrick’s Day, patron saint of Ireland. he a had an unusually long list of surnames Gaelic the names translates as brown warrior. name would be not from the same family For many decades the descendants of Irish from his family research that he wished me The pronunciation of two words donn throughout the centuries but as newcomers immigrants on the streets of New York and to address. I have offered my findings for and dùn translate from Gaelic to brown from Ireland, to Scotland, the name would Boston celebrated the day wearing green about a third of them but have digressed and fort in English respectively . However, I have been an apt fit. One different source garb and drinking green beer. It is only to other subjects since. So now I am back believe the generally accepted meaning of as the name Ireland in Orkney. The name recently that Dublin of all places realized on the trail and now wish to look at more the name is “brown warrior”. was Anglicized to Ireland from the Old that it might not be a bad idea to celebrate on the list. The first surname is Parrish. Norse Eyrr-land which translates as gravelly the day in a party manner too. What One couldn’t be blamed for assuming Scotland and Ireland beach, so no connection to Ireland. better way to draw tourists to the home that it is from parish and ecclesiastic land Jan McKinnon of Auckland, NZ wrote to Speaking of Ireland, a Happy Saint of St. Patrick in off tourist season March. area. However, the derivation is from us about the surnames for members of Patrick’s Day. Enjoy your March and Now this column is mostly about Scottish Paris meaning the bearer was known as her Scottish dance group, Scotland and please keep those letters coming. surnames and their origins so why are we the Parisian or a person from Paris. Local deliberating on things Irish? dialect has added “Sh” to the name. It also may have evolved from the French Actor Tommy Flanagan to be Grand Marshall Irish genes form of the personal Patrick through the History has shown us that the Irish of Latin Patricius. Included on the list are of 19th Annual New York Tartan Day Parade Ulster settled in the Islands and Highlands names that seem explanatory either as a Flanagan stars in the upcoming of Scotland some 1500 years ago. From descriptive name or an occupational name. movie Guardians of the Galaxy, Volume this incoming the dominant language 2, scheduled for release in May 2017. in Scotland was old Irish which evolved Little His acting career spans 25 years, from into Scots Gaelic. From this language Little as a surname on face value says that Braveheart, Gladiator, and Alien vs surnames developed into many of the the bearer’s ancestor was a small person Predator, to seven seasons on FX Network’s Clan names we know today. or his neighbours were being ironic in that drama, Sons of Anarchy, one of the his stature was above average. The name network’s highest-rated shows, where he could have been confused with the land plays fan-favorite ‘Chibs,’ a loyal member History has shown us that name Liddell or Liddle from a place of the of a motorcycle gang. same name in . There was the Irish of Ulster settled in also a another place with same name in Diverse range of events Cumberland. Similarly, the surname name The NTDNYC is comprised of the St. the Islands and Highlands Small is a descriptive some one of slender Andrew’s Society of the State of New and short stature unless again the reverse York, the New York Caledonian Club, the of Scotland some 1500 years was used in a jocular manner. Various American-Scottish Foundation and Clan ago. From this incoming spellings are attributed to the name, Campbell. The New York Tartan Day Parade Smeal, Smale, Smeall, etc. began 19 years ago with a handful of Scots the dominant language in One more name in this series of he National Tartan Day New and Scottish-Americans walking down a miniscule names is Vaughan or Vaughn. York Committee (NTDNYC ) sidewalk, and now includes thousands Scotland was old Irish which It is a Welsh that originally was “bychan” President, Kyle Dawson has marching through the heart of Manhattan. which evolved to “Vychan” meaning announced that acclaimed actor It is the culminating event of Tartan Week, evolved into Scots Gaelic. small or little in Old Welsh. TTommy Flanagan, born and raised in the annual Scottish festival that has grown Glasgow, Scotland, will be the Grand up around April 6, Tartan Day, the national Miller Marshal of the 19th Annual New York holiday to recognize the contributions of Any name preceded by the “mac” and Miller is an old occupational name, for Tartan Day Parade, which will take Scots and Scottish-American to the United there are lots of them show some remote a person who grinds grains. He was an place on Saturday April 8th. “It is an States. Celebrations will run from April tie to those early Irish invaders. One’s DNA essential member of the community honor to celebrate my culture,” said 2nd to 9th, and include a diverse range is another indicator of this same Irish for the local people to be able enjoy Mr. Flanagan about his appointment to of events throughout New York City, from ancestry, even if in the course of that same their daily bread. In the middle ages, Grand Marshal. “I have great pride in my concerts, business seminars, a Pre-Parade 1500 years there is a mix of Scandinavian, the local tenants had no choice of heritage. Although I now live in Malibu, Ceilidh, and much more. Strathclyde Welsh and Anglo Saxon which miller to use or to grind their I visit Scotland regularly with my family. For further information ancestry introduced as well. own grain, since they were usually I’ll have my daughter flying her flag regarding the New At the narrowest point Scotland and obligated to use the miller designated forever.” The parade steps off at 2:00pm York Tartan Day Ireland are only separated by 13 miles by their feudal lord. This obligation was and marches up Sixth Avenue from 44th Parade and events see: of sea. Therefore, even after Scotland known as “thrilling”. Other surnames Street to 55th Street. www.nyctartanweek.org

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 9 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

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

industry, yet only as far back as the youthful homes there but with so many of them upon how they coped with these multiple years of my Great Grandparents the lands of having been born and raised there, it was the tragedies but I did know my grandmother. Plantation and its environs were still mainly blood, sweat and tears of families like mine She was a gentle, religious and caring open fields and hedgerows, dotted with that was to give industrial Govan its soul. The woman until her own death, in 1958, aged the mansions and estates of rich Glasgow centre of Glasgow reflected the wealth that 80, in the end having out-lived her younger merchants. Contemporary writers in the 19th industrialization had created, the well paved sister. I didn’t appreciate then what she must century described a rural and picturesque roads and fine statues financed by public have had to bear in her own childhood and landscape, with the old Plantation House subscription gave evidence of that but away youth seeing her little brother and sisters mansion embowered in ash, elm and oak from the main streets were the blackened taken to untimely deaths in Victorian forming a charming centerpiece to idyllic factories, the slag heaps, the cramped streets Glasgow, or for that matter the tragedies country scenes as people set out for a Sunday and closes and the overcrowded tenements. she had to bear in the future as a mother afternoon stroll between the City, Plantation herself. The echoes of some of her sibling’s An Angel in Plantation and old Govan. The village of Govan, itself, Victorian Glasgow names and her own deceased children’s Plantation might be difficult for the reader even as late as 1850 was still being described My maternal grandmother inherited her names were passed down through the to find on a modern Glasgow map for it was as a straggling congregation of thatched parents’ family bible. It was destined to family in the years to come. Perhaps these an old district within the ancient Burgh of houses surrounded by elegant villas with become an important source of the dates names inherited by her descendants helped Govan. Kinning Park and Govan were still cozy garden plots, screened by hedge-rows of family births and deaths and provides us a little to console her. suburban burghs in their own right and were and trees, inhabited “by well-to-do citizens with a humbling insight into tenement life My parents and my uncles and aunts only annexed to the City of Glasgow as late who could afford to combine the pleasures in Victorian Glasgow. For some families, always talked about having come from as 1905. The Paisley Road Toll was at the fork and profits of the city with the charms of like mine, life was a risky business, fraught Plantation, rather than Govan proper. in the roadways taking people from Glasgow rural retirement”. with uncertainty and tragedy. My maternal The very name Plantation suggested to either Paisley or Renfrew and had existed great grandfather, Robert Robertson, a something quite different from the from time immemorial. It was there that the Tenements steamship fireman and his wife Elizabeth tenement streetscape, familiar to me golden angel statue stood high up on Ogg’s Twenty years later, things had changed Robertson (née Kerr) had five children and in the 1940’s. I became intrigued by the building, looking towards the city, with the dramatically and writers were speaking of their simple record of births and deaths in name as a child. It conjured up images of Plantation District stretching out behind her, the march of commerce and the speculative their family bible quietly tells something cotton fields from the ‘Song of the South’ wedge-shaped, like a big piece of cheese. It builder having “swept away the handiwork of working class life and gently tells of with Brer’ Rabbit in the briar patch, Ol’ seemed to me as a child that her shoulders of nature leaving a sorry substitute,” that is untold tragedy as the record of the short Brer’ Fox chasing him, and Uncle Remus and wings were shielding and protecting of industry and tenements. It was into this lives of three of those five indicate. As the with his bluebirds and zippity - do – das, those of us who were lucky enough to live version of Plantation that my relatives were family bible records, Janet, (Jennet) my and even Tom Sawyer lazily sailing an behind her, and in her shadow. born, raised, married in the latter part of the grandmother’s, younger sister, was her old raft down the Mississippi River. As it 19th century and during the first half of the only sibling to survive beyond infancy and turns out I was not entirely wrong, but Picturesque landscape next. Rich men and their dynasties were the into adulthood. the plantations that gave rise to the name Plantation had for a long time been a busy owners of the estates and lands of Plantation. I know very little about my maternal lay in the West Indies and not in the deep hub of activity, a place of commerce and My relatives only rented their tenement great grandparents and can only muse south of the United States. CalMac at home on the sea – pushing the boat out with Skipinnish for unique film at almost 30 locations by specialist dances with the tides in Oban Harbour Edinburgh projection company Double and grainy footage of a woman casting Take over 12 nights in the summer. a line shimmers on a rocky outcrop at Burg on Mull, while the company’s MV Lifeblood for the communities of Loch Seaforth glides across the world- the Clyde and Hebrides famous walls of Dunvegan Castle on It encapsulates the importance of the ferries Skye. “We are a progressive, modern as lifeblood for the communities of the company,” said CalMac’s Managing Clyde and Hebrides at work and at play; Director Martin Dorchester. “But we imagery and music tap into the special are also proud of our heritage and this lure of the area as archival footage finds a film combines old and new seamlessly comfortable home alongside bang-up-to- as we look ahead with great pride to the date clips of the modern isles and today’s future. The state-of-the-art projection life and pursuits. High-powered projectors technology captures much of the MV Loch Seaforth projected onto the world-famous beamed images on to an incredible array essence of Scotland’s western islands walls of Dunvegan Castle on the . of subjects from entire mountains, ancient and Highlands, as those who live there castles and a cathedral, to rowing boats, go about their daily lives. CalMac is part harbours and a bothy. Each projection was of those lives – past, present and future. n an innovative film exploring its It is hoped that Your West Coast will recorded using timelapse cameras and the There is a really special quality to the enduring role at the heart of Scotland’s also inspire islanders and travellers alike film was created from this footage. In the film and we are delighted with the result west coast, CalMac launches Your to share their memories and stories film, massive scale projections of campers and its celebration of the very people West Coast campaign– a collaboration about what Scotland’s western seaboard roasting marshmallows light up the side and places which form the beating heart Iwith well-known band Skipinnish. At means to them, creating a unique record of Duart Castle on Mull and the full height of the Clyde and Hebrides.” three-and-a-half minutes long, the video of first-hand accounts and tales captured of Lighthouse suddenly CalMac is hoping that what moves incorporates imagery from the 1944 David in the individual voices of those who rely transforms in to a highlander dancing a fling these contributors to share their MacBrayne filmIslands of Youth and other on these much-loved ferries – whether while Mingary Castle flickers with images of thoughts will also inspire others to add new CalMac footage physically projected travelling fleetingly or regularly, from the surfers running towards the waves. to the collection. onto the west coast landscape. It highlights Clyde to the Hebrides. Unfolding to the The film and a collection of vignette videos both a modern sea change for the iconic melody and words of Home on the Sea Essence of Scotland’s western captured throughout the summer at events Scottish ferry company, as well as the by festival regulars Skipinnish – who fuse islands and Highlands like Best of the West Festival and Iona Music reassuring and enduring stability born of Highland tradition with contemporary Barrels are pounded in to shape on the Festival are available on CalMac’s website 165 years’ service. sounds –Your West Coast was filmed elevation of Castle Stalker, a CalMac ferry at www.calmac.co.uk/your-west-coast

Page 10 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Lady Fiona Lady MacGregor’s Scotland MacGregor Lady MacGregor of MacGregor – otherwise known as British broadcaster Fiona Armstrong. Fiona is currently news reading for the BBC. But she also leaves the studio from time to time to report on matters Scottish. She lives in Scotland with her husband, the MacGregor clan chief. Sir Malcolm is Convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, and Fiona is an active member of , so their lives are interwoven with all things tartan. The couple have moved from the borderlands to the lowlands, home is now a white tower house between Perth and Dundee, although filming and writing takes Fiona all over Scotland. Robert Burns Mausoleum at St Michael’s Church. time to craft memorable lines. One of my new book lands on my lap. Stewart Stewart places - among them the Isabella favourites is ‘the best-laid schemes o’ mice Heritage is a weighty tome. It offers 300 Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. an’ men. Gang aft a-gley.’ So very true… pages of detail on this very Scottish of Canada has the Stewart Historical Museum reetings from Scotland where Burns was buried in Dumfries, by St families, tracing the line from its origins in and the Stewart Museum. Canada also has things have turned a bit colder. Michael’s Church. And it was here we Brittany to the present day. As you might a Stewart River in the Yukon Valley. There We could grumble about it. Well, gathered to mark his life. The great and expect, there is a lot of blue-blood around. is the Stewart Mountain Dam in Arizona, we do grumble about it. Good, the good were there in force. A dozen Indeed, Stewart DNA appears to indicate named after an old Stewart ranch. Stewart Gbad, or indifferent, the weather is one of presidents of Scottish Burns Clubs arrived that half the Stewart men descend from Island is the third largest in New Zealand. the main topics of conversation here. to pay homage, their clanking chains of Scottish royal family And don’t forget America’s Stewart No matter, the snowdrops are up, putting office gleaming in the candlelight. Local However you spell it - ‘Stuart’, ‘Steuart’, International Airport. bobbing heads above the frost parapet. Our school children read poetry and sang ‘Stewart - this work tells of ‘love, courage, The book has been put together by an bulbs are well-established and great swathes songs. It amazes me how even the tiniest power, tragedy and enterprise.’ There are the industrial chemist and businessman, and of white blanket the grass around the house. tot will have a go at reciting To a Mouse. We famous faces: the legendary Mary Queen a aristocrat whose family owns I try to stop naughty dogs from running then went outside to lay thistle wreaths at of Scots; the Hollywood actor, Brigadier Grantully Castle. Dr Charles Kinder Bradbury through them. It is not always a success, but the great man’s mausoleum. General James Stewart; the British rock star, got together with Henry Steuart Fothringham these hardy blooms seem to bounce back. Later that week, I also attended a Burns Rod Stewart and Martha Stewart, American - and the resulting work is something to supper. Yes, they are still going on here. It businesswoman, writer and TV host. treasure. I talk to Henry about the effort Robert Burns was an entertaining night: the speakers Then there are the lesser known folk: involved. ‘Sourcing all the photographs and Flowers are not the only things flourishing. inspirational, the songs moving. The only Allan Stewart was an Edwardian artist. maps was a labour of love. But we are really As the Queen’s personal representative slight problem was the great chieftain The nineteenth century’s Rear Admiral pleased with the end result and hope it gives in this part of Scotland, the invitations to of the pudding race. The haggis came Charles Stewart had a distinguished career a detailed story of the Stewart name.” Henry attend civic and charity events are coming swimming in whisky. Which made me in the American navy. Charles Stewart was is a keen historian. He is also an antiques in. Not least is a request for the Lord worry about driving home. It would not be a Canadian pioneer farmer who entered expert and a leading authority on Scotland’s Lieutenant to attend a service in Dumfries a problem. As any Burns supper aficionado politics. Another Charles Stewart was Chief goldsmiths, silversmiths and jewellers. He is to remember the birthday of Robert Burns. knows, these tartan events go on until the Judge for the US court of appeals. Edith a past President of the Stewart Society. They Dumfries is where Scotland’s national wee small hours and by that time a dram Stewart, Lady Londonderry, was an English must be celebrating this latest gem to the poet lived and worked. It is also where will surely have passed through the system. political hostess and a fighter for women’s family story… he wrote some of his finest poetry. Burns rights. Professor George Rippey Stewart Follow the MacGregor clan chief, Sir was a bon-viveur, a well-kent face in Stewart Heritage was an American historian and novelist. Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor, local hostelries. Yet, in between the tax- Burns wrote a poem called You’re Welcome Musicians, botanists and ship Convenor of the Standing Council of collecting and the carousing, there was Willie Stewart and this month a fabulous merchants bear the name. There are Scottish Chiefs, on twitter.com/theclanchiefs Heading for the stars in Shetland Sacramento Valley unique visitor attraction in headland. Earlier houses were abandoned Shetland which allows people to and later ones built on top. Sand blown by delve into more than 4,000 years the wind from the nearby dunes settled in of human settlement has been between the layers and eventually sealed Aawarded VisitScotland’s highest Quality and protected the whole site. Assurance grading. Prehistoric and Storms eventually revealed the hidden Norse Settlements, in Sumburgh, managed site in the 1890s and excavations then, as by Historic Environment Scotland, have well as in the 1930s and 1950s, uncovered attained their 5 Star Historic Attraction the remarkable sequence of stone Quality Assurance award from the national structures spanning the low headland that tourism organisation. are still visible today. & From prehistory into history World-class archaeological sites Visitors to Jarlshof can journey from Jarlshof is a monument rich in history prehistory into history. Neolithic people and has a range of different types of first settled on this site around 2700 BC interpretation, which all help visitors and it remained in use until the AD 1600s. to engage with and learn about the Vikings from Norway settled at Jarlshof in history of the site and Shetland. Steve the 800s. The traditional longhouse at the Mathieson, VisitScotland Islands heart of the farm is still clearly visible. Manager, said: “Jarlshof Prehistoric and The farmstead grew and shrank in size Norse Settlements thoroughly deserve over some 12 to 16 generations. By the late this recognition following all the excellent 1200s, this settlement had been replaced work done at the site, which is one of the by a farmhouse to the east, with a barn best known and important of Shetland’s and corn kilns numerous world-class archaeological attached. The sites. This historic attraction is an headland above ideal fit for Scotland’s themed year for the natural 2017 – the Year of History, Heritage and harbour of West Archaeology. Discoveries made here Voe was the ideal include a wide range of archaeological place to settle treasures in one place, such as late Yolo County Fairgrounds, for communities Neolithic houses, a Bronze Age village, an Woodland spanning several Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse millennia. Layer longhouse, a medieval farmstead and a upon layer 16th century laird’s house.” of settlement For more information on Jarlshof, visit: SacramentoScotGames.org built up on the www.historicenvironment.scot

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 11 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

out on the amazing music transition that has happened in Glasgow. I came home to Glasgow in 2001 and though I came back each year I never had really got a full appreciation to what the scene in Glasgow was actually like. It was when I came back to work on my Robert Burns album I realised the folk scene that I was involved in had suddenly resurged itself and became this blossoming thing with many young people involved. Celtic Connections is amazing and I love going there every year. People from all over the world show up in the audience and on stage. The music scene is so eclectic and everything really goes. The young people today have an entire musical palate to choose from which is fantastic. I have been told by someone it wasn’t because you left the folk scene but the folk scene left you because really in the 80’s the folk scene has died and I moved into the pop world. So It is great to see it back so strong and vibrant.

SC: Scotland has a rich musical history dating very far back in history and as we have discussed the nation is making its own unique sound today. Have any Scottish artists inspired you and your music whether they be past or present?

Songs and stories of our past connects us with the land and is in our DNA. I really began to see the value of The Scottish Banner Scotland’s cultural identity speaks to Eddi Reader when I came home. ER: There is so much great stuff coming out of Scotland today from Julie Fowlis, Scottish singer-songwriter Eddi Reader has had a musical career spanning more than three The Churches, Kathleen MacInness, decades and has gone from busking on Glasgow’s Sauchiehall Street to touring the world. Capercaillie just to name a few. When I was younger Billy Connolly was where Eddi took the time to speak to the Scottish Banner’s Sean Cairney on her musical journey it was at. He was a folkie who was also and how important it has been for her to rediscover her true love for Scotland. telling jokes and connecting with people in a very natural way. Billy was also talking about “us”. He inspired me because he SC: Eddi thank you for taking the time and nobody had a set list. I am sort of better than anybody else but I was also made being us alright and made it funny to speak to the Scottish Banner. You have applying that method on stage! encouraged, if you had an ability we were to be us. He was the first alternative just performed at Celtic Connections and encouraged to go for it. comedian was also a folkie so played folk about to embark on an Irish, Australian SC: Eddi, you came from a large family music. Scotland is a very funny place and UK tour, can we begin by you telling and life began in a Glasgow tenement. Can SC: Glasgow has a vibrant music scene and the folk clubs often had some great us audiences what we can expect from you tell us what your childhood was like and is a UNESCO City of Music. Eddi you comedic talent. People on the street can your live shows and do you yourself have and when your love for music developed? have gone from busking on Sauchiehall be very funny as well, the working class a highlight to perform during your shows? Street to playing at the Royal Concert Hall humour is very attractive to me and I like ER: I remember being surrounded by for Celtic Connections. How has Glasgow leaning on that. When I think of Glasgow ER: I am usually as surprised as anybody adults and people that loved me. I never helped shape your musical journey? I think of people that are very wise, they else what gets performed at a show. We questioned that I had people around me, ask the right questions when you meet don’t tend to have a set list and we just even though I may not have realised it ER: To be honest when I was a teenager them like what’s your name, who do kind of busk it really, I enjoy being in the when I was a teenager! My family have there wasn’t much on offer for me. There you support and do you like Elvis? And moment with the audience. The highlight great use of humour and were very funny was certainly a folk scene and I was depending on your answers that’s you is always what is going to come out, what people. We were always laughing, and involved with that and went to the folk becoming friends for life. song we will create for the audience and sometimes arguing, but it was always clubs. I played my acoustic guitar and I enjoy that process. I much prefer it to passionate. On my mother’s side my learned songs which was so great as there SC: Whether it be poetry or music Scots planning a set and maintaining a set grandmother was very gentle, soft and was a strong oral tradition in that music. know how to tell a story and embrace performance list all the way through. quiet and my dad’s side was a bunch When I look back to the late 1970’s there tradition. How important is it for you to I really like living in the moment so to of rock’n rollers who went crazy on a was a real differentiation from say the tell a story through your music and in a speak. When we get on stage we tend to Saturday, drinking, jiving and singing. I pop and folk scene. The folk scene was live performance does this enhance your pluck a first number out of the air and got a good balance from that. Music was very underground at that time and nearly connection with the audience? really just go from there. When I was a always there because everybody loved considered radical. That was a secret little little girl that was how the parties used singing. My Glasgow upbringing gave scene which I loved. At home my family ER: I found a long time ago when I to happen in the house. Whether it was me a lot of strength and determination had the radio on with pop music. listened to other folk musicians that my parents’ house or my grandparents’ growing up. I am from a very poor, working As years went by I left Glasgow and telling a story before a song really helps house there would be a sing song class family. In our family nobody was went to France and London and missed to bring people in. It does not have to

Page 12 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER be a long story but is a wonderful tool in Scotland as would my kids. It was a sticky to connect with the audience and them transition for my kids but they settled and with you. Telling people about the song found a whole new life in Scotland. can change someone’s perception as they When I began to look to do the album I may hear it a very different way. When thought I would reconnect with Scottish I get a song explained to me before a musicians and do some traditional Scottish performance I feel much more intimate songs, as a tribute to Scotland. What I with the story. I find it as an absolute rule discovered was a lot of the songs were that if you include the audience, then Robert Burns songs. Then I was asked to do they include you and you become part of a Robert Burns concert with an orchestra their landscape. The only way to do that is at Celtic Connections in Glasgow and then to talk to them and explain what you are something seemed to happen to my body doing and why. It changes a song when when I sang Green Grow the Rashers O and you get a little clue about it. really felt the orchestra behind me and something shifted in my head. I just knew SC: Your seventh studio album was it was magical and had to do more of it and entitled Songs of Robert Burns and we sold out at Royal Concert Hall for Celtic the album really re-introduced a new Connections. When the album came out generation to the words and music of we weren’t sure if only Scots would buy it Burns. As a Scot how important was it or if it would get any British press interest for to present the bards work with both but people fell in love with the Burns record the respect and also the contemporary who have nothing to do with Scotland and emotion you did? that makes my heart soar.

ER: Well anything I choose I respect and SC: Eddi you have said when you fell in fall in love with. That goes from Fairground love with Robert Burns that you also fell Attraction to the Burns collection of music. back in love with Scotland and Scottish The reason I chose them was I had some culture. Can you tell us what you mean by connection to the songs. Many of the songs this and how important being Scottish is I had heard either in folk clubs or simply for your life today? growing up. Ae Fond Kiss I first heard at Kilmarnock Folk Club in the late 1970’s and ER: I was falling in love with the idea of it has stayed with me forever. Some songs home, with the music of Burns, Scottish I first heard when I was living in London. culture and a Scottish man! I always I had decided I wanted to go home and longed to go back home but I left Scotland leave London. I had brought my kids up because I was an adventurer and wanted in London but there was still a transient to see places with my music. For a girl quality to life there and I noticed people did with a guitar back then I wanted to see the not make close attachments in London. I world and have an adventure and it took did not like that or the aggression I noticed me a long time to come back home. When me like my father and uncles and I thought able to use and he wrote in the 1930’s and in London. I felt I would be better off back I had my children people started dying on this is crazy I want to be home. I don’t want 40’s. My great uncle was a great brain and to be a ghost in London and be people knew so much about Scottish history and who don’t have that family connection. it’s amazing but brutal reality. From wars I went home and when the kids went to and secret societies that tried to interrupt school and brought back songs to sing that Scotland flourishing. He also connects were theirs and even with their London a great deal to Ireland and our historical accents they were connecting to Scottish links with Ireland. It has been really juicy music. I could not believe how they felt, for me because there is so much Scottish they connected to the music and owned history I never learned in school and today these Scottish songs and they became it is like a magnet to me and I want to theirs. Songs about the streets we are living know why I don’t know it. on and they never got that in London. For example there is a mythical creature Scotland like all countries needs a sense known in Ireland as Cuculain and if you go of their own culture and language, to have to the main post office in Dublin there is people get a sense of belonging and also a statue to him. It is said in the myth that understand our history. Songs and stories Cuculain learned how to fight in the land of of our past connects us with the land and the shadows and taught by a woman called is in our DNA. I really began to see the Skaigh. The Isle of Skye means the land of value of Scotland’s cultural identity when I shadows and Skaigh means the woman came home. of Skye. So it turns out the Irish hero was taught how to fight by a Scots woman from SC: And finally Eddi you have said that Skye and many Scots don’t know that, but you find learning more about Scottish and the Irish do. That is what being back in Gaelic culture and pre-history and history Scotland has been for me, getting to know fascinating, can you tell us more and has our history. Through my great uncles diary this grown more since returning home? he is telling me what his grandfather told him and even his great grandfather, this ER: Doing the songs is great because you passing of the stories was interrupted in get taken on a journey with the music, it my family because of the wars and losing is like a little train ride going somewhere some of my family. One other fascinating else. With the aspects of music you can piece of my family history through the find all kinds of things and learn about diary I learned about 10 years after making things like love, poverty, social history and my Burns album was my great grandfather how people used to be. People got sick, the Charles Reader sung Robert Burns songs elderly were not properly taken care of, all over Scotland, this information was young people died in the throes of youth. recorded in 1930 and I only read about There is so much wisdom in our music. it in 2011 and I felt my ancient past was When I was growing up I didn’t get much screaming out to me saying “hello, we love family history but when I came home to and you are one of us”. Scotland I started a family archive and my For information on Eddi Reader please great uncle left a diary which I have been see: www.eddireader.co.uk

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 13 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Dressed to Kilt Lucy Kerr, Miss World Scotland 2016/17. Lucy Kerr, Miss World returns to New York Scottish fashion, culture and a nod to military heroes Photos courtesy of Dressed to Kilt/ Getty Runway Images and JohnMaslinPhoto.com. Images Getty to Kilt/ Runway courtesy of Dressed Photos

of the Denver Broncos; former Navy Seal and star of CBS’ The Hunted, Andy Stumpf; former Bachelor contestant Olivia Caridi; and Real Housewives of New Jersey Star, Delores Catania.

Considered the largest and most prestigious Scottish fashion event in the world, Dressed to Kilt once again lured celebrities and world- class athletes from both Piping in the fashion. sides of the Atlantic.

eturning from a two-year hiatus, Dressed to Kilt came back with Scotland’s hottest designers a bang to kick off New York Dressed to Kilt transported guests to Fashion Week 2017 on January Scotland for an evening in the castle- R27, 2017. Considered the largest and most like Grand Hall of the High Line Hotel prestigious Scottish fashion event in the in Chelsea where guests decked in their world, Dressed to Kilt once again lured finest , ball gowns and black tie garb celebrities and world-class athletes from began the evening with Scottish highland both sides of the Atlantic including Real dancing following by a full fashion show Housewives of New York cast members featuring some of Scotland’s hottest Luann D’Agostino, Dorinda Medley, designers modeled by a mix of celebrities, Sonja Morgan, Carole Radziwill and professional models and military heroes. Ramona Singer. Other celeb guests Former Navy Seal Andy Stumpf walked included Miss Scotland, Lucy Kerr; Mr. the finale with Navy Seal Foundation CEO Scotland, Tristan Cameron-Harper; Robin King. The fashion show showcased Model and America’s Next Top Model the latest designs from Johnstons of Elgin On the runway. Alum, Renee Bhagwandeen; NFL and Siobhan Mackenzie, the Top Young Superbowl Champion, Brandon Marshall Scottish Designer of 2016.

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Special honour was paid to both US Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Florent Grobert, U.S. Army, and UK recipient, Lance Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry VC – The Princess’s Royal Regiment and the Navy Seal Foundation revealed their own Scottish tartan pattern which was unveiled at the event on the runway in a custom gowned designed by top Scottish designer, Siobhan Mackenzie.

Special relationship After the show guests were treated to whiskey tastings from Usquaebach Scotch Whisky, delectable bites and more Scottish and contemporary dancing in the High Line Hotel’s gorgeous old-world setting complete Tartan unites. with stags and a Scottish bagpiper. The evening was a celebration of the “special relationship” that has existed between the USA and the UK for over 100 years and raised funds for the Navy Seal Foundation. Cisco Co-founder Sandy Lerner sought to shed light on an additional cause by auctioning off an antique Scottish Wildcat Pin to raise money for the Scottish Wildcat Foundation aimed at helping to save the feline creatures, of which only 35 are left. Dressed to Kilt has raised significant funds for wounded veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan over the past decade, and this year’s proceeds will benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation. The Foundation is committed to America’s elite warriors, supporting U.S. Navy SEALS, their community and providing critical support to their families. For more information on the Dressed Kilt Celtic inspiration. Teeing off. please see: www.dressedtokilt.com.

Mr. Scotland, The Real Housewives of Tristan Cameron-Harper. New York’s Sonja Morgan.

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 15 THE SCOTTISH BANNER By: Judy Vickers the annual Laurel and Hardy triple bill. “I love Laurel and Hardy. Lots of people know Hippodrome dome. them from the sound era but they started in silent films and there is just nothing better than a silent Laurel and Hardy with Golden silence live musical accompaniment,” says Alison. Live music This year the comedy duo’s triple bill is Putting Pants On Philip, in which Stan in Bo’ness arrives to stay with Uncle Ollie wearing a kilt, The Finishing Touch and Battle of the Century, which features a massive pie fight. All will be accompanied, as all the films in So for the audience – which has the festival are, by live music. For while the included descendants of original screen itself may be silent, the auditorium usherettes and projectionists, a 91-year- at the round corner cinema, with its star- old who watched silent movies at the painted ceiling and curved balcony, is full cinema the first time around and many of sound. Live musicians – as many as 32 who remember Dickson, who died aged squeezed into the bijou 105-year-old cinema 84 in 1962 – there are plenty of crowd- – heighten the tension of melodramas or pleasers, not least the tradition of dressing- provide the musical punchlines to slapstick up 20s-style for the Friday showing. by reacting instantly to the action. But there are also less familiar offerings “There is an incredible three-way thing such as the originalChicago, made in with the audience, the music and the 1924, more than 70 years before the screen. There’s a synergy that happens Richard Gere version; Hands of Orlac, a Scotland’s only festival 20s German horror about a concert pianist who is given a hand transplant after an Nowhere is that accident – but the hands’ previous owner, dedicated to silent cinema a murderer, still has a terrible influence past more evident, though, over them; and The Grub Stake, a gold- Live music accompanies all the films. All images: Alex Hewitt. Alex All images: music accompanies all the films. Live than in the annual silent film prospecting tale written, performed and Bo’ness is a coastal town on the south bank of the Firth of Forth directed by Canadian film-maker Nell festival which takes place known for its major port and the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway, as Shipman. “Which does make it sound like every March. a vanity project, but she was an amazing well as being home to one of Scotland’s oldest purposebuilt woman who has just been completely cinemas, the Hippodrome in Bo’ness, which is also home to the written out of cinema history,” says Alison. that’s just amazing,” says Alison. This year, Something that’s never likely to happen to country’s only silent film festival. The town has silently been several original scores performed live the Hippodrome. adding to the allure of Hollywood for over a hundred years and this will complement films from around the For more details on the Hippodrome world, a two-fold reflection of the movie Silent Film Festival 2017 see: month all ears will again be on Bo’ness as Judy Vickers explains. world of the time; usually there was no www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/ set soundtrack so the music would alter hippodrome/silent-cinema t was a brilliant business idea – film silent film in Scotland, which runs this from cinema to cinema, depending on folk out in all their finery for the year from March 22 to 26. Dickson clearly the talents and repertory of the resident biggest day in the town’s calendar, then loved cinema and style – his house was pianist; and film-making was far more charge them a penny a week later to called Hollywood and he drove around international as a quick language change Icome and see if they can spot themselves the town in his Rolls Royce. But he also on the intertitles meant the film was good on the big screen. Cinema pioneer and cherished being part of a community, never to go in another country. entrepreneur Louis Dickson started filming expanding his business into a chain like Bo’ness Children’s Fair Day – then the many of his contemporaries, and running Cinema history Miner’s Day Gala – in the early 20thcentury. the cinema himself until 1946, a love the There is even a movie from the 1950s His screenings, a week after the July event, community was able to pay back many which wasn’t originally a silent film at all. proved so popular that by 1912 he was able years after his death in 1962. The cinema, Together paints a picture of the isolated to take the massive gamble of building a seating 1004 over two levels and designed world of a pair of deaf dockers, starring cinema to screen them in. by local architect Matthew Steele, showed the late Eduardo Paolozzi, the Scottish But with hindsight it was definitely one its last film in 1975. It survived another acclaimed pop art pioneer. And while it Dressed up for the hippodrome worth taking – more than 100 years on, five years as a bingo hall before being originally had a soundtrack, there is no silent film festival. the cinema he built in Bo’ness, the former abandoned and left to fall into dereliction. dialogue between the two main characters. whaling town on the banks of the Forth, is But the grade-A listed building was given a Alison admits it’s a gamble as purists may the oldest surviving purpose-built cinema in new lease of life in the 21st century when well not be happy. Scotland. And he would be tickled to know it reopened its doors as a cinema after a that not only do audiences still flock to his three-year £2.15 million renovation – which creation but that it still screens his Fair Day even saw the Art Deco toilet signs restored. films, as part of its annual silent film festival. Now locals and visitors alike flock to the Falkirk Council-owned cinema for Community showings of classics and art-house movies “It is one of the highlights. It’s always a as well as mainstream blockbusters. delight to be able to show them to new Features such as the Saturday morning audiences,” says Alison Strauss, director Jeely Jar specials, with two tickets for the of the festival, the only one dedicated to price of one on children’s films in exchange for a clean jam jar, reflect its history – in its heyday the cinema gave kids a free ticket for an empty jeely jar. Nowhere is that past more evident, though, than in the annual silent film festival which takes place every March. “Some silent film festivals are almost like academic conferences, a bit fusty, but we wanted this to be about the Alison Strauss, director of the festival. joy of cinema,” says Alison. Little wonder, Interior of hippodrome. Exterior of Hippodrome. then, that the first showing to sell out is

Page 16 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

had already pushed his luck, and it finally By: David C. Weinczok gave way. Somewhere near Burntisland the king became isolated as his horse struggled to find a path (I like to think he could have played ‘Marco Polo’ with his esquires, but alas Marco did not return to the west for another nine years). Whether due to fright, fate or a simple falter the king and his horse plummeted to their doom on the rocks below, where they were found the following morning. The ensuing The Fife coast near Seafield. succession crisis ended with Edward I’s In the errant footsteps of a direct intervention and invasion in 1296, and the rest is truly history. One for the bucket list King on the Fife Coastal Path This is but one of the dramas that unfolded along what would become the Fife Coastal Path, in particular the southwest stretch of it, The Fife Coastal Path links the Forth and Tay Estuaries and runs through the varied landscapes of Fife. This beautiful with several written in stone along the way. A stretch of coastline takes in picture perfect fishing villages, dramatic shores as well as some of Scotland’s most drama of a very different sort continues at the picturesque coastal scenery and the home of golf, St Andrews. The Fife Coastal Path is also where King Alexander remarkable ruin of Seafield Tower, a fifteen- minute walk from the likely site of Alexander’s III took his fateful tumble on March 18th 1286 and changed Scottish history as David C. Weinczok explains. downfall. Here the 16th century tower, a stout construction with walls five feet thick he history of Scotland has been coast. Along the way it takes in some of the all could have been different. By 1283 all and impressive views across the Forth to radically and repeatedly altered Lowlands’ most beautiful yet least known of Alexander’s children by his first wife, Edinburgh, is ceaselessly fighting a centuries on countless occasions through scenery, from quintessential Scottish Margaret, a daughter of England’s king old war with the elements. Further along a tragic mix of well-intended fishing villages to cliff-top castles and Henry III, had died. The year 1285 saw him the Path past Kirkcaldy stands MacDuff’s Tpassions and outrageous misfortune. beguiling beaches. Established in 2002 it is again married, this time to the apparently Tower, and yes, it’s ‘that’ MacDuff of MacBeth James II died ironically when one of the increasingly attracting tourists, history and beautiful and certainly youthful French fame. Though a modest tower much in ruin, cannons he was so fond of introducing heritage enthusiasts, athletes, campers princess Yolande of Dreux. No doubt combined with the breathtaking Wemyss into Scottish armies exploded at the siege and families, though in my experience it’s spurred on by only the noblest of intentions, Caves immediately below which contain of Roxburgh Castle. His grandson, James he departed Edinburgh Castle for the still quiet enough to enjoy some splendid enigmatic Pictish carvings it makes for one of IV, sought to recreate Scotland’s past crossing at Queensferry to meet his bride at isolation along the way. Fife’s, if not one of Scotland’s, most intriguing battlefield glories by charging headlong It hit me quite suddenly one day during Kinghorn on the opposite side of the Forth. and unexpected heritage sites. into the fray at Flodden, a valiant act a bit of ‘castle hunting’ on the stretch of the While I avoid using the phrase ‘it was a Living in Edinburgh myself, with the site which got himself and countless more Path between Dalgety Bay and Kirkcaldy dark and stormy night’ at nearly all costs, of Alexander’s fall within squinted view across predictably killed. Yet perhaps the most that I was walking along one of the most in this case it’s entirely apt. Undeterred the Forth, the Fife Coastal Path is always a purely misfortunate case is remembered fateful trails in Scotland. Alexander’s fall by the lashing rain and the protests of his tempting prospect for a quick and easy day on Fife’s Coastal Path, along the changed everything for Scotland, and I nobles, he and his small party reached trip. Anyone visiting Scotland would also do treacherous cliffs lining the Forth near found myself wondering along the way if I the ferryman. In a wonderful example of well to remember it in their itineraries. For Burntisland. There on the 19th of March was standing at the very spot of his demise the ancient Scottish proclivity to speak while many prioritise grand royal palaces and 1286, fuelled by a feast and impatient (such thoughts also prompted me to check plain sense to the powerful, the ferryman Highland glens during their stay here, let it to rendezvous with his new French wife that my footing was sure a little more often allegedly told his king that while he not be forgotten that perhaps the single most Yolande, king Alexander III took a late than usual – I may be fascinated by the thought the crossing to be a thoroughly haphazard and game-changing event in night tumble off a cliff and plunged past but I’m in no hurry to repeat it). terrible idea, ‘it would be a great honour to Scotland’s history occurred in no such place, Scotland into the Wars of Independence. share the fate of your father’s son.’ but rather along an inconspicuous path A Royal Tumble Arriving at Inverkeithing in the above the cold waters of the Forth in Fife. The Fife Coastal Path For those unfamiliar with the story, it’s a pitch black of a medieval night and David C Weinczok is a heritage professional, The Fife Coastal Path is a 117-mile (183km) hair-puller; if sense had prevailed over accompanied by only three esquires, the presenter and adoptive Scot based in footpath covering the entirety of Fife’s passion at any of a number of points, it king began the trot towards Kinghorn. He Edinburgh. Twitter: @TheCastleHunter

Seafield Tower.

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 17 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows Celebrating 250 years of Edinburgh New Town dinburgh’s New Town, a centrepiece significant building in Edinburgh’s & Georgian House the late 18th century with period furniture of the city’s UNESCO World history, and one of the few buildings to and decoration. Visit Georgian House Heritage area, is 250 years old in be mandated by the plan, there being to complete your journey in the past of 2017. To celebrate this milestone in very little prescription on land use. Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows. EEdinburgh’s history, and as a signature event Construction finished in 1789, in Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and making it the first custom-built public Scotland’s fascinating stories Archaeology 2017, an atmospheric lumière record repository in Britain. Today it Manuela Calchini, VisitScotland Regional experience will bring the city’s Georgian past also holds the distinction of being the Partnerships Director said: “2017 is the and its residents back to life right alongside world’s oldest purpose-built archive year to delve into the past and discover their present-day counterparts. Every building still in use as well as having Scotland’s fascinating stories through a evening between 5:30pm and 8:30pm until been the site of Britain’s first hot-air range of exciting experiences and events in 26 March a trail through the heart of the New balloon ascent, by James Tytler. celebration of the Year of History, Heritage Town will highlight its beautiful architecture Its place on the Edinburgh’s and Archaeology. Scotland’s history & and immerse you in history. Follow the Georgian Shadows trail and its heritage is defined by its people, both past linkboys on your trail through Edinburgh’s illumination highlight the innovative Leading Scottish Architect & present, so it is fitting that Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows, and experience the planning the New Town brought to designed . Though Georgian Shadows will commemorate the Edinburgh of over 200 years ago. city-building at 2 Princes St. alterations to his plans were made 250th anniversary of ’s plan Beginning at the centre of St Andrew after his death, elements of the square for the New Town, and indeed many of Square, projections onto the Melville Assembly Rooms remained faithful to his design. Bute House the wonderfully elegant buildings that Monument will tell the story of the New (home of Scotland’s First Minister) and still continue to hold a place in the heart Town’s origins and take you on a journey its neighbours are central to Charlotte of both locals and visitors to Edinburgh.” through detailed plans of the city’s streets, Square’s north side, and an example of Using lighting in inventive, creative ways, highlighting key buildings in the Edinburgh’s Adam’s original design at 5-7 Charlotte this event reveals and celebrates the Georgian Shadows trail. Turn to 24 and 25 St Square. The frontages of the house and its story of Edinburgh’s New Town and these Andrew Square and see the building come neighbours together create the illusion of buildings with a rich history to tell are to life, bathed in light and filled with the an unbroken palatial façade; Edinburgh’s brought to life over the winter evenings, shadows of former residents. Follow the trail Georgian Shadows will see Bute House and highlighting their architectural features to explore the New Town as you’ve never seen its neighbours illuminated, highlighting and telling the story of the people who it before, alongside the people who walked the beauty and detail of Adam’s lived there in Georgian times. the streets over 200 years ago, as you follow architectural vision. Georgian House has Full information about Edinburgh’s the trail of Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows. been restored to preserve an example of Georgian Shadows is available at: The Assembly Rooms, built on a site a typical Edinburgh New Town House of www.edinburgh.org/shadows donated by the Town Council, was completed in January 1787 for the Caledonian Hunt Ball and provided a place for social functions in the New The Scottish Banner Town, bringing with it a distinct shift of focus for the city’s wealthy and elite from the Old Town onto the New. The The 2016 Royal Assembly Rooms located at 54 George St has played host to guests including Edinburgh MilitaryFull coverage of the 67th RoyalTattoo Edinburgh Military Tattoo Charles Dickens, Seamus Heaney, J K live from the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. The world’s Rowling, as well as Her Majesty Queen most spectacular military Tattoo will host a parade of Elizabeth II. As you wander the trail, Originally a private mansion commissioned follow the linkboy and catch a glimpses talent from all around the world celebrating ‘Tunes of by MP Sir Lawrence Dundas (1712 – 1781), of the hubbub inside one of Georgian Glory’. Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh construction of Dundas House finished Edinburgh’s favourite venues, with Castle, the spine-tingling presentation includes the New in 1774 with the building eventually being guests flocking to and fro. Zealand Army Band, Imps Motorcycle Display Team, acquired by The Royal 1825 Tattoo Highland Dancers, crowd favourites the Massed who have owned it ever since. Attention will be Sir Walter Scott’s Home Pipes and Drums plus many more. drawn to the building’s distinct neo-classical Set against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh architectural features across its frontage. As Castle, the spine-tingling presentation includes the you move around the square, residents and New Zealand Army Band, The Royal Marines Band buildings will be resurrected in light, with Scotland, Tattoo Highland Dancers, crowd favourites illustrations based on real Edinburgh residents the Massed Pipes and Drums plus many more. located at 36 St Andrew Square, Registered Massed Pipes And Drums: The Office of the . Dragoon Guards, The Royal Dragoon Guards, 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, The Scottish Gunners,1st Battalion , The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment Of Scotland, 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, Combined Scottish University, Officer Training Corps, Vancouver Police, Scots College NSW & The Pipers Trail. A great gift for family, friends or yourself! Scottish literary giant Sir Walter Scott lived in the beautiful and spacious EMTDVD133: US$39.95/CDN $44.95 + shipping available and handling. three-storey Georgian townhouse at 39 Limited number of 2015 Tattoo DVDs North Castle Street with his family for + shipping & handling the majority of his married life. Glance for $20.00 USD / $24.00CDN into the residence’s ground-level bay windows and you’ll see Sir Walter at This DVD will play in All Regions Intended as a purpose-built archival work in his home, kept company by a facility, General Register House is a faithful companion. To order call 1 866 544 5157

Page 18 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER THIS MONTH IN SCOTTISH HISTORY Edinburgh’s Georgian Shadows Names & Places In The News From Today And The Past 1 - The Advocate’s Library (known as 7 - Sculptor and artist Sir Eduardo 16 - King Robert the Bruce convened his 25 - King Robert I (“The Bruce”) crowned at the National Library of Scotland since Paolozzi born in Leith, the eldest first parliament, at St Andrews.1309 Scone. Bruce was crowned by Bishop William 1925) opened by its founder, Sir George son of Italian immigrants. 1924 de Lamberton in front of the banner of the Mackenzie, the . 1682 16 - Death of Simon Fraser, , kings of Scotland, wearing royal robes which Celebrating 250 years of Edinburgh New Town 7 - The world’s first golf club was founded chief of the Fraser clan. He developed had been hidden from the English. 1306 1 - Scots voted in favour of Devolution, in Edinburgh. The Honourable Company the Commando force in the but failed to reach the required 40% of the of Edinburgh Golfers held their first and was active in the Dieppe Raid (1942) 25 - The Commercial Bank of Scotland population in favour of implementing it - due meeting on Leith Links and petitioned and the D-Day landings (1944). 1995 was founded in Edinburgh by John Pitcairn, to 36% of the electorate not voting. 1979 the Edinburgh Council to provide a Lord and others. 1810 17 - between King silver club for competition. 1744 1 - Actor David Niven was born, roles included Robert I and Edward III which recognised 26 - Car driving tests introduced The Pink Panther and Around the World in 8 - Kenneth Grahame, author of The Wind Scotland’s independence, ending the 30 for the first time.1934 Eighty Days. Niven had claimed several times in the Willows born in Edinburgh. 1859 years of Wars of Independence. 1328 that he was born in Kirriemuir, but according to 27 - King Robert II crowned at Scone. 1371 his birth certificate, was born in London.1910 8 - The Oor Wullie cartoon strip first 17 - Scotland won Rugby “Grand 27-Scottish chemist Sir James appeared in the Sunday Post. 1936 Slam” at - the - King Robert II born in Paisley, the first Dewar, inventor of the Dewar Flask, 2 first time in 59 years.1984 monarch of the House of Stewart. He was the 9 - David Rizzio, Mary Queen of Scotland’s which later became known as the son of Marjorie Bruce, daughter of Robert the secretary, murdered by Lord Ruthven 18 - Earl of Leven raises a Border regiment Thermos flask, died.1923 Bruce, and Walter, High Steward of Scotland. in the Palace of Holyrood. 1566 to hold Edinburgh against the Jacobites. 27 - King James VI died at Theobalds Robert acted as regent three times during It later becomes the King’s Own Scottish Park, Hertfordshire and buried at 9 - Wealth of Nations by Adam the reign of his uncle, David II, and acceded Borderers. In 2006, the Kings Own Scottish Westminster Abbey. Succeeded by Smith published. 1776 to the throne in 1371. He died in 1390 and Borderers Regiment was amalgamated with his son, King Charles I. 1625 was succeeded by his son Robert III. 1316 10 - Birth of James Herriot, author of the Royal Scots to form the Royal Scots 27 - David Coulthard, Grand Prix All Creatures Great and Small. Borderers, which became the 1st Batallion 3 - Robert Adam, architect, died. Among 1916 racing driver born in Twynholm, Royal Regiment of Scotland. 1689 his many works were Culzean Castle, 10 - St Kessog, the Irish missionary in the Dumfries and Galloway. 1971 Fort George, The Town House, Inveraray Lennox area and southern Perthshire, was 19 - King Alexander III died after crossing and Glasgow Trades Hall. 28 - King Robert the Bruce captured 1792 killed. Kessog was Scotland’s patron saint the river Forth to Fife at Queensferry. 1286 Berwick on Tweed. 1318 before Andrew, and his name was used as 3 - Alexander Graham Bell born Edinburgh. 19 - David Livingstone, missionary Bell was scientist, inventor, engineer, and a battle cry by the Scots. Son of the king of and explorer, born Blantyre. 1813 innovator who is credited with patenting Cashel in Ireland, St Kessog is said to have the first practical telephone and died in worked miracles, even as a child. 560 20 - King Malcolm IV born. 1141 Nova Scotia, Canada in 1922. 1847 11 - Sir Alexander Fleming, discoverer 21 - National Gallery of Scotland 4 - Sir Henry Raeburn, renowned for of penicillin, died. 1955 opened in Edinburgh. 1859 painting the portraits of many of the citizens of Edinburgh, born. 1756 11 - The birth of Binkie Stuart, the child film actress, in Kilmarnock. Born Elizabeth Alison Fraser, she was hailed as Britain’s answer to Shirley Temple and enjoyed huge fame as a child star. 1932 12 - The last salmon was caught in the River Kelvin. The salmon population in the river had been in decline due to the rise of 28 - The Scots Guards Regiment was industrial pollution in the area. However, formed when King Charles I issued a in February 1999, after £43 million of commission to the Marquess of , Chief of , authorizing investment, salmon again spawned in the 21 - MurrayfieldStadium in Edinburgh 4 - Forth Rail Bridge opened by him to raise in Scotland a regiment of river and anglers were allowed back. 1852 opened, becoming the home of Scottish Prince of Wales. 1890 1,500 men. The King’s ‘Lyfe Guard of 13 - Death of poet and historian John rugby. Scotland marked the occasion Foot’ became the Scots Guards. 1642 4 - Jim Clark, Formula I World motor Barbour, author of “The Bruce” recounting by beating England 14-11 and winning racing champion, born Fife. 29 - Longannet, Scotland’s last deep 1936 the history of King Robert I. their first Grand Slam. Unfortunately, 1395 coal mine, closed, ending centuries of 5 - King David II born. 1323 the Scottish rugby team have only managed to repeat this success twice mining tradition. The Fife mine was 5 - Flora Macdonald, who helped to save more, in 1984 and 1990. 1925 put into liquidation after being flooded Prince Charles Edward Stewart during on the 23rd, when a dam separating his flight after the defeat at the Battle of 22 - Neil Gow, first of a famous family of old workings from new seams under Culloden, died in Kingsburgh, Skye (in the Fiddle players and composers, born at the river Forth collapsed. 2002 same bed in which Bonnie Prince Charlie Inver, near Dunkeld, Perthshire. 1727 29 - The Royal Society of Edinburgh had slept during his escape). 1790 22 - Last fully public hanging in Scotland incorporated by charter. 1783 - that of Joseph Bell at Perth. 1868 30 - King James I captured by 23 - The Free Church of Scotland English near Flamborough Head settlement at New Edinburgh, New on his way to France. 1406 13/15 - Blitz of Clydebank by Zealand was founded under Rev Thomas 30 - sacked the German Luftwaffe. 1941 Burns, a nephew of the poet Robert Scottish town of Berwick. The English Burns. The settlement later became - First television programmes army destroyed the town and decimated 14 Dunedin, one of the largest towns in the broadcast in Scotland. 1952 the population of around 15,000. This country, and one which still retains a act was retaliation for the widespread 14 - The birth of Scottish lawyer, Dame distinctive Scottish character. 1848 carnage perpetrated in the north of Margaret Kidd. Not only was Kidd 5 - The Maid of the Loch paddle steamer - Roddy McMillan, the Scottish stage England, and what Edward considered Scotland’s first woman advocate, but she 23 was launched, she was built in Glasgow and TV actor, was born. His credits include to be the treacherous stab in the back was also the first woman King’s Counsel of the Scottish-French alliance. Berwick and was the largest ever vessel to be built the TV series, The View From Daniel Pike, in Britain and the first woman to plead was rebuilt by Northumbrians, and the for an inland waterway in Britain, this was and the play, The Revellers. However, before the House of Lords. 1900 Scottish-English border forever after also the last of a series of steamers to sail on he will be most fondly remembered for Loch Lomond, dating back to 1818. remained north of this town. 1296 1953 15 - Sir George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh his portrayal of Para Handy, the captain 6 - King James II decreed in an Act of founded Advocates’ Library “equipped of the Vital Spark in the much loved 31 - Scottish Regalia (crown, sceptre Parliament that there should be regular target with works written by lawyers”. 1689 television series of the 1960s. 1923 and sword) saved from invading army of Oliver Cromwell by James Granger, practice and military parades and that “football 15 - The end of two nights of heavy German 24 - Union of the Crowns of England minister at Kinneff, , after and golf be utterly cried down and not used”. bombing of Clydebank. The Clydebank Blitz, and Scotland on the death of Queen they had been smuggled from Dunnottar This was the first time that the games had been as it became known, destroyed a third of mentioned in Scottish documents. 1457 Elizabeth I and the succession of Castle which was under siege. 1652 the buildings of Clydebank, leaving 35,000 King James VI of Scotland. 1603 6 - Scotland’s first radio broadcast took place. people homeless. A thousand German 31 - General Patrick Gordon was born. The broadcast took place from Rex House, bombers were used in the raid and the 24 - An estimated one million people Gordon led a remarkable life. Upon leaving 202 Bath Street in Glasgow. By the summer of devastation of the town was so complete watched the Queen Mary leave the Clyde for Scotland, he entered the Russian army as a 1924, stations had opened in Edinburgh and that only eight buildings remained entirely the first time. However, the sailing did not major and soon rose to become a close advisor Aberdeen, and, by the eve of the Second World unscathed after the bombing. To further quite go to plan: despite extensive dredging to Russian Tsar, Peter the Great. Gordon rose War, over 90% of the Scottish population compound Clydebank’s misery, only two having taken place, the liner ran aground to the rank of General-in-Chief and was made were served by BBC transmitters. 1923 enemy planes were shot down. 1941 twice on the way to Gourock. 1936 an admiral of the Russian navy. 1635

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 19 CALLING THE CLANS in VICTORIA Proudly affiliated with Clan Donald Australia, Victorian Scottish Welcome to the Scottish Banner’s Calling the Clans section. Our “Clansified” listing of Union and Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group. Represented at all major Highland gatherings in Victoria. Scottish Clans, Societies and Clubs. If you would like to add your Clan to these pages CLAN DONALD VICTORIA please contact your nearest Scottish Banner office for full details. Our address and phone President: Mr Norman A. Macdonald numbers are located on page 2. If you are contacting your Clan be sure to tell them you Contact: Secretary [email protected] saw them in the Scottish Banner and please support these great community organisations. Formed in 1934, with membership from many MacDonald, McDonald and Macdonald families living in Victoria. Membership available, with dance classes for Baird Society Worldwide Country Dance most Friday evenings in Gardenvale. Membership is open to those descended THE CLAN Clan Chief: Captain from Baird, Barde, Bard, Beard, Beaird, Brd, CAMPBELL SOCIETY CLAN MACDONALD YARRAVILLE A.A.C.Farquharson, MC of Invercauld Bayard, Bardt, Barth and Biard or varied OF AUSTRALIA Hon Chief: Mrs Christina Milne Wilson spellings of the name of Scottish origin. Contact: Secretary In addition to the Society newsletter and the opportunity [email protected] to associate with fellow clansman members may The Society exists for the benefit of all A hereditary clan society formed by the children of query the Society geneologist. For information write: its members. Norman Hume Macdonald and Johan McKenzie The Secretary All Campbells or descendants of Dr. Debra J. Baird, President Association Australia Campbells and members of Clan Macdonald (nee Munro) who departed Scotland in 1854. 3491 County Road 3459, Haleyville, AL 35565 PO Box 585 are most welcome to join the Society. Email: [email protected] SPRINGWOOD, NSW 2777 Branches exist in NSW, Vic, Qld & SA. Regional Directors for Australia or by Email to: [email protected] David and Patricia Benfell For information contact the Email: [email protected] National Secretary Judy Campbell website: www.clanbairdsociety.com Ph: (08) 8260 3637 Society of New South Wales Inc., Email:[email protected] Australia CLAN FERGUSSON SOCIETY www.clan-campbell.org.au Duncan Robertson Reid OF NORTH AMERICA People who bear any of the above names or names of any of the Septs of the Clan (see advertisement from CA USA) are invited One of the oldest Highland Clans, to join with us in our activities to promote Clan Donnachaidh, stretches back in history to the “The Children of Duncan” by participating in the various activities Clan Campbell Society conducted by Scottish Societies. founder of Scotland’s monarchy, For information & membership application, contact King Fergus 1. (North America) Gordon Robertson A society for Campbells, members of 58/157 Marconi Rd. Bonnells Bay NSW 2264 President: BJ Ferguson recognized septs, their descendants, and their friends. Recognized septs include: Ballantine, Please address inquiries to: Burnett, Burns, Caddell, Calder, Harris, B. J. Ferguson, President, CFSNA Hastings, Loudon, MacArthur, MacConachie, MacDiamid, MacIver, McKellar, MacKelvie, 192 Hawthorne Hill Rd, Jasper, GA USA 30143 MacKessock, MacNichol, MacTavish, CLAN DONNACHAIDH SOCIETY MacThomas, Moore, Muir, Orr, Pinkerton, Chief Gilbert Robertson of Struan

Thomas, Thompson. Membership invited to all who share the Sept names: Duncan, Robertson, Reid, Collier, Dobson, Hobson, MacConachie, MacIvor, MacJames, MacLagan, Stark, and all variations. Prospective members inquire to: Worldwide Clan Society Branches: Secretary ([email protected]) UK: London & Southern Counties * Rannoch & Highlands Clan Campbell Society, (NA) Canada: Ontario * Western Canada 963 Plum Tree Lane Australia: New So. Wales * Victoria * Queensland * Western Australia Fenton, MI 48430 New Zealand: North Island of New Zealand USA: Arizona * Carolinas * Florida * Gulf Coast * Mid-Atlantic * www.ccsna.org Mid-West * Northeast * Northern California * Pacific Northwest * Texas South * Rocky Mountains * Southern California * Upper Mid-West

Learn more about Clan Donnachaidh * our History * Membership * our Clan Museum in Bruar, Scotland * the DNA Project * locate a Branch near you. Visit our website: The Society of North America is one of the five

Charles Diman http://www.donnachaidh.com/ authorized national societies operating worldwide under the Membership Chairman Facebook: The Clan Donnachaidh Society authority of the Rt Hon. Lady Saltotm, Chief of the Name of 3413 Sunnybrook Dr. Email: [email protected] Fraser, and the Rt. Hon. Lord Lovat, Chief of Clan Fraser of Charlotte, NC 28210 Lovat. Members receive a newsletter, “The Nessie’ and support in Email: [email protected] doing genealogical research. All those bearing the name of Fraser, recognized Septs thereof and their descendants are cord ially invited to contact the following for membership information:

cfsna.com

Clan Davidson Society in Australia Inc. CHEIF: Grant Davidson of Davidston cordially invites to membership all who bear one of the Clan Names, and all who can trace their descent from an ancestor bearing one of these Names: Davidson; Davison; Dawson; Davis; Davie; Davey; Davy; Day; Dye;Dyson; Dawson; Dea; Dean; Deane; Deas; Deason; Dees; Dee; Dey; Daw; Dow; Dhai; Kay; Keay; Key; Keys; MacDade; MacDaid; MacDavid; MacDavett; MacDagnie; MacDagny; MacDhai; McKeddie. In addition we welcome into membership all who have a family association with the . Applications may be made on our website www.clandavidson.org. au or contact the Hon. Secretary Mr Dennis Hill, J.P, P.O. Box 519 Baulkham Hills NSW 1755 [email protected] 0431 527 662

CLAN DONALD AUSTRALIA “under the patronage of the High Council of the Chiefs of Clan Donald” High Commissioner Mr Lachlan Macdonald State Commissioners NSW Mr Lachlan Macdonald Qld Mr A. Neil Macdonald Membership inquiries SA Ms Therese McCutcheon welcomed from MacGregors Vic Mr Norman A Macdonald WA Ms Pamela McDonald of all spellings and Septs www.clandonaldaustralia.com Gregor Grier MacAdams MacNish Magruder There is no joy without Clan Donald McGehee Gregory King Peter Fletcher Gregg Lecky Black and many others Jeanne P. Lehr 11 Ballas Crt. St. Louis, MO 63131-3036 Phone: 314-432-28742, [email protected] website: www.acgsus.org

Clan Cameron NSW Inc. Clan Donald, U.S.A., Inc. 2018 Australian Gathering Membership is open only to persons of Details on website http://www.clan-cameron.org.au the blood of Macdonald, however spelled or of the blood of a recognized associate President: James Lachlan Cameron family or is related by marriage or legal adoption to either of these write for more [email protected] info and a complete Sept list. Diane Carey-Schmitz Secretary: Lynnette Cameron 1685 Casitas Avenue [email protected] Pasadena, CA 91103, [email protected] CLAN DONALD CALLING THE CLANS in VICTORIA SOCIETY Proudly affiliated with Clan Donald Australia, Victorian Scottish of Australia Welcome to the Scottish Banner’s Calling the Clans section. Our “Clansified” listing of Union and Scots of Victoria Coordinating Group. Represented at all major Highland gatherings in Victoria. and New Zealand Scottish Clans, Societies and Clubs. If you would like to add your Clan to these pages Clan Chief: Hon Alexander John Leslie CLAN DONALD VICTORIA Enquiries invited from Leslies around the world, please contact your nearest Scottish Banner office for full details. Our address and phone President: Mr Norman A. Macdonald as well as the Septs of Clan Leslie: numbers are located on page 2. If you are contacting your Clan be sure to tell them you Contact: Secretary Abernethy, Bartholomew, Cairney, Lang, Moore etc in all their spellings. saw them in the Scottish Banner and please support these great community organisations. [email protected] Formed in 1934, with membership from many MacDonald, Contact:Conta Malcolmct: J Barrie W. Leslie Leslie D.Ua. McDonald and Macdonald families living in Victoria. 117/30343 Rosedal Springe RStreet.d. Gordon, NSW, 2072, Australia. Membership available, with dance classes for Scottish Sheri Lambert, Treasurer Kearney’s Spring, Qld, 4350, Australia. Phone:Phone: +61 +61 2 7 46359418 83582262 Clan Baird Society Worldwide Country Dance most Friday evenings in Gardenvale. P.O. Box 5399 [email protected] • www.clanleslie.org Membership is open to those descended THE CLAN Clan Chief: Captain Vernon Hills, IL 60061 [email protected] www.clanleslie.org Association from Baird, Barde, Bard, Beard, Beaird, Brd, CAMPBELL SOCIETY CLAN MACDONALD YARRAVILLE A.A.C.Farquharson, MC of Clan Macpherson welcomes enquiries from Macphersons Bayard, Bardt, Barth and Biard or varied Hon Chief: Mrs Christina Milne Wilson Invercauld and members of our Associated families. For information � contact your local representative, our web site spellings of the name of Scottish origin. OF AUSTRALIA Clan MacDougall Society of Contact: Secretary North America, Inc. www.clan-macpherson.org/branches, or the ‘Official In addition to the Society newsletter and the opportunity � � Clan Macpherson Association’ Facebook page [email protected] �a���� �a��al��������� � to associate with fellow clansman members may The Society exists for the benefit of all ���M���������� A hereditary clan society formed by the children of MacDougall MacDowall Australia. John L Macpherson Canada. John C Gillies query the Society geneologist. For information write: ������a������������������ll�� ��������� its members.  [email protected] [email protected] Norman Hume Macdonald and Johan McKenzie The Secretary phone +1 705 4460 280 ��a�l�� ���o��a��o��all�o��� � �������o����a���� www��a��o��all�o��� � phone +61 2 4871 1123 All Campbells or descendants of Dr. Debra J. Baird, President Clan Farquharson Association Australia Campbells and members of Clan Septs Macdonald (nee Munro) who departed Scotland in 1854. �a���oo��� �www��a���oo���o���la��a��o��all� 3491 County Road 3459, Haleyville, AL 35565 PO Box 585 � New Zealand. Tim McPherson Scotland. Bill Macpherson Email: [email protected] are most welcome to join the Society. EĂŵĞƐƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞĚǁŝƚŚůĂŶDĂĐŽƵŐĂůůŽĨƌŐLJůů [email protected] [email protected] SPRINGWOOD, NSW 2777 phone +44 1577 830 430 Branches exist in NSW, Vic, Qld & SA. ĂŶĚůĂŶDĂĐŽǁĂůůŽĨ'ĂůůŽǁĂLJ  phone +64 3 234 5098 Regional Directors for Australia or by Email to: [email protected] Clan MacLeod David and Patricia Benfell For information contact the �o�l����� Ma��o�l� Ma�o�al� USA. Ken Croker Clan Museum. Curator Societies of Australia [email protected] Email: [email protected] National Secretary Judy Campbell Clan Donnachaidh �o�a����� Ma��o�a����� � [email protected] �o�l������ Ma��o�l�� � Membership is open to MacLeods, phone +1 559 658 6189 phone +44 1540 673 332 website: www.clanbairdsociety.com Ph: (08) 8260 3637 Society of New South Wales Inc., �ol������ Ma��ol������ Ma���ll����� Septs (of any spelling) and descendants. (1 April to 30 October) �o�al������ Ma��o�al��� M��o��al����� Email:[email protected] Australia �o��al����� Ma��o��all����� Ma��o��al���� Askey MacAndie MacCorkill www.clan-campbell.org.au CLAN FERGUSSON SOCIETY �o��l�� M��o��l�� M��o��al�� Beaton MacAskill MacCrimmon Duncan Robertson Reid ���al����� Ma����al����� Ma����l������ Bethune MacAulay MacGillechallum OF NORTH AMERICA �owall������ Ma��owal����� Ma��owall����� People who bear any of the above names or names of any of the Caskie MacCabe MacRaild Norie One of the oldest Highland Clans, Ma��ow�ll��� Ma��ow�ll� M��ow�ll����� Septs of the Clan (see advertisement from CA USA) are invited ��ll�������� M���ll�������� Ma���ll�������� Harold MacCaig MacWilliam Tolmie to join with us in our activities to promote Clan Donnachaidh, stretches back in history to the Ma���llo������� M���llo������� Ma���lla��� Lewis MacClure Norman Williamson Clan Campbell Society “The Children of Duncan” by participating in the various activities founder of Scotland’s monarchy, Ma��l���o������� Ma�����o��� M�����o������ NSW, ACT & Qld - Peter Macleod 02 4397 3161 conducted by Scottish Societies. Ma��al������ M��o�l���� Ma�����l���� Victoria & Tas - David Dickie 03 9337 4384 King Fergus 1. Ma��ow�ll���� Ma��owa������ M��ow�� For information & membership application, contact South Australia - Nicole Walters 0415 654 836 (North America) Gordon Robertson Ma�����a�� M’Gowall� Ma��a��ll� A society for Campbells, members of 58/157 Marconi Rd. Bonnells Bay NSW 2264 President: BJ Ferguson Ma����a�� Ma����a�� � Ma������ Western Australia - Ruth MacLeod 08 9364 6334 recognized septs, their descendants, and their ^ƉĞůůŝŶŐsĂƌŝĂƚŝŽŶƐDĂLJsĂƌLJŽƌKŵŝƚƚŚĞDĂĐ͕DĐ Email: [email protected] friends. Recognized septs include: Ballantine, Please address inquiries to: Burnett, Burns, Caddell, Calder, Harris, B. J. Ferguson, President, CFSNA Hastings, Loudon, MacArthur, MacConachie, MacDiamid, MacIver, McKellar, MacKelvie, CLAN DONNACHAIDH SOCIETY 192 Hawthorne Hill Rd, Jasper, GA USA 30143 MacKessock, MacNichol, MacTavish, The Clan MacFarlane Society, Inc. MacThomas, Moore, Muir, Orr, Pinkerton, Chief Gilbert Robertson of Struan Founded 1911 Glasgow and London Thomas, Thompson. Membership invited to all who share the Sept names: Duncan, Robertson, Reid, Collier, Dobson, Hobson, MacConachie, MacIvor, MacJames, MacLagan, Stark, and all variations. Re-established 1973 GrandFather Mountain, NC Prospective members inquire to: Worldwide Clan Society Branches: Secretary ([email protected]) UK: London & Southern Counties * Rannoch & Highlands www.macfarlane.org Clan Campbell Society, (NA) Canada: Ontario * Western Canada 963 Plum Tree Lane Australia: New So. Wales * Victoria * Queensland * Western Australia David & Moyra Millar, Membership Fenton, MI 48430 New Zealand: North Island of New Zealand Clan MacFarlane Society SOCIETY USA: Arizona * Carolinas * Florida * Gulf Coast * Mid-Atlantic * www.ccsna.org Mid-West * Northeast * Northern California * Pacific Northwest * Texas Bridgend Cottage West, South * Rocky Mountains * Southern California * Upper Mid-West ® CHIEF: IAN MAITLAND Auchmuirbridge, Leslie, Glenrothes, Learn more about Clan Donnachaidh * our History * Membership * our Clan Museum Fife, KY6, 3JD, Scotland in Bruar, Scotland * the DNA Project * locate a Branch near you. Visit our website: The Clan Fraser Society of North America is one of the five THE EARL OF Email:[email protected] Charles Diman http://www.donnachaidh.com/ authorized national societies operating worldwide under the Membership Chairman Facebook: The Clan Donnachaidh Society authority of the Rt Hon. Lady Saltotm, Chief of the Name of WE ARE ALL RELATED! 3413 Sunnybrook Dr. Email: [email protected] Fraser, and the Rt. Hon. Lord Lovat, Chief of Clan Fraser of Contact your local society Charlotte, NC 28210 Lovat. Members receive a newsletter, “The Nessie’ and support in Email: [email protected] doing genealogical research. All those bearing the name of Fraser, of Craighall Society Clan MacInnes CLAN MAITLAND NORTH SOCIETY AMERICA recognized Septs thereof and their descendants are cord ially Rosemary Maitland Thom invited to contact the following for membership information: For all of the name and lineage of Hope International Association of Clan INTERNATIONAL & USA AUSTRALIA [email protected] www.clanmaitlandna.org MacInnes (Aonghais) CHIEF: IAN MAITLAND President: Convenor: All spelling variants of MacInnes are welcome AUSTRALIA Richard Rex Hope Stephen Hope THE EARL OF Carole LAUDERDALE Maitland [email protected] [email protected] worldwide: (Mc)Angus, (Mc)Kinnis, (Mc)Innis, cfsna.com (Mc)Ginnis, (Mc)Ninch, (Mc)Neish, (Mc)Canse, 4230 Colac- Lavers Hill Road Weeaproinah. VIC. 3237 Membership Chair: (Mc)Masters, (Mc)Innes, (Mac)Masters WE North ARE [email protected]! ALL America Janet Hope Higton www.clanmacinnes.org Clan Macnachtan Contact your local society [email protected] NEW ZEALAND Eric Perry, Director-Member Services 14 Jakes Lane, Association Worldwide Rosemary Maitland Thom Clan Davidson Society in Australia Inc. [email protected] Judette Maitland Dexter, ME 04930; [email protected] Sir Malcolm F. Macnaghten of CHEIF: Grant Davidson of Davidston cordially www.clanhope.org www.clanhopeaustralia.org www.clanmaitlandna.org33 AustraliaDisley Street, Highbury, Wellington 6012. NZ invites to membership all who bear one of the Clan Macnaghten, Bart - Chief of Clan [email protected] Names, and all who can trace their descent from an Chairman - Peter McNaughton - 360-686-8451 We welcome all with Maitland, Lauderdale, ancestor bearing one of these Names: Davidson; Carole Maitland Davison; Dawson; Davis; Davie; Davey; Davy; Day; We welcome membership from all Scots named MacNaughton 4230 Colac-­‐Lavers Maitlen Hill and Road similar name spelling. or any of the Septs on our Website: Contact the Membership Dye;Dyson; Dawson; Dea; Dean; Deane; Deas;  Weeaproinah. See the entire VIC. 3237 list and your family history at: Deason; Dees; Dee; Dey; Daw; Dow; Dhai; Kay; Secretary, Vice-Chairman or Regional Commissioners in: [email protected] Keay; Key; Keys; MacDade; MacDaid; MacDavid;    New Zealand Australia - Regional Commissioner - Bruce McNaught MacDavett; MacDagnie; MacDagny; MacDhai; McKeddie.  +61 7 3266 2047 [email protected] In addition we welcome into membership all who have a family Judette Maitland association with the Clan Davidson.  W. Canada - Regional Commissioner - Miles MacNaughton 33 Disley Street, Highbury, Applications may be made on our website www.clandavidson.org.    250-999-9636 [email protected] Wellington 6012. NZ au or contact the Hon. Secretary Mr Dennis Hill, J.P, P.O. Box 519  New Zealand - Regional Commissioner - John Macnaughtan [email protected] MacTavish,U.S.A. Baulkham Hills NSW 1755 [email protected] 0431 527 662  +64 9 441 4984 [email protected] Under the patronage of Chief Steven MacTavish of Dunardry invites you to join us  USA - Membership Secretary - Mary Nivison Burton We welcome all with Maitland , Lauderdale,  Maitlen and similar name i n spelling. celebr ati ng our history. Cash, Holmes, 541-401-2613 [email protected] MacTavish, Stephenson, Stevens, Thompson,  See the entire list WWW.CLANMACNAUGHTON.NET and your family historyT hom at: son, Todd & other variants.  www.clanmactavish.org www.clanmaitland.org.uk CLAN DONALD Membership Info: [email protected] or AUSTRALIA PO Box 686, Milford, OH 45150-0686 “under the patronage of the High Council of the Chiefs of Clan Donald” High Commissioner Mr Lachlan Macdonald State Commissioners NSW Mr Lachlan Macdonald Qld Mr A. Neil Macdonald Membership inquiries CLAN MATHESON SA Ms Therese McCutcheon welcomed from MacGregors SOCIETY Vic Mr Norman A Macdonald WA Ms Pamela McDonald of all spellings and Septs Chief of the Clan www.clandonaldaustralia.com Gregor Grier MacAdams MacNish Magruder Major Sir Fergus Matheson of There is no joy without Clan Donald McGehee Gregory King Peter Fletcher CLAN MACNICOL SOCIETY, INC. Matheson Gregg Lecky Black and many others Member of The Highland Clan MacNeacail Federation 7th Baronet of Invites all Mathesons/Mathiesons or Kin Jeanne P. Lehr Welcomes persons of the names to join our Clan Society. Nicolson, Nicol, MacNicol 11 Ballas Crt. in all spellings Contact the Chief's Lieutenants in USA U.S.A. St. Louis, MO 63131-3036 For membership inquiries, contact: Malcolm Matheson, III Phone: 314-432-28742, [email protected] USA CANADA P.O.Box 307, The Plains, VA 20198 website: www.acgsus.org Jeremy Nicholson Jacques McNicoll Tel: (540) 687-6836, Fax: (540) 687-5569 P.O. Box 501166 202 Berlioz Apt 203 [email protected] Atlanta, GA 31150-1166 Verdun, QC H3E 1B8 Canada www.clanmatheson.org [email protected] Email:[email protected] www.clanmacnicol.org www.clanmacnicolcanada.com Society NSW Inc. Clan Mackintosh Clan MacNeil Association 2018 Australian Gathering Clan Donald, U.S.A., Inc. Madam Jean Moffat, Chief of the Membership is open only to persons of Membership in Clan Mackintosh of North OF AUSTRALIA Name and Arms of the Family of Details on website http://www.clan-cameron.org.au the blood of Macdonald, however spelled America is available to all persons bearing the or of the blood of a recognized associate name of any of the clans or septs of Clan For all enquiries about the clan and Moffat, welcomes Moffats of all President: James Lachlan Cameron family or is related by marriage or legal Mackintosh. Associate memberships are also membership contact. spellings. Spouses and those legally adoption to either of these write for more [email protected] available to those interested in the clan. adopted by Moffats are also eligible info and a complete Sept list. John McNeil Diane Carey-Schmitz Canada U.S.A. 21 Laurel Avenue, Linden Park, for membership. Secretary: Lynnette Cameron 1685 Casitas Avenue Mr. David J. Elder Margaret McIntosh, Secretary SA 5065 [email protected] Pasadena, CA 91103, 46 Dunvegan Dr. 301 Smugglers View [email protected] Chatham, Ont. N7M 4Z8 Jeffersonville, VT 05464 Email [email protected] Website: http://www.ClanMoffat.org/      Scottish Heritage USA, Inc.  P.O. Box 457  Pinehurst, NC 28370  Welcomes membership of anyone interested in the exchange of people and ideas between Scotland and the United States.    Write or phone for our free brochure.  www.scottishheritageusa.org   email: [email protected]  (910) 295-4448          Australia Group Clan Chief: The Duke of Buccleuch K.B.E Commissioner: Heather de Sylva Membership welcome from Scotts and Septs: Balwearie, Harden, Laidlaw, Geddes & Langlands. Info: Secretary, PO Box 320, Maclean, NSW, 2463 E: [email protected] Scottish Associations W: clanscottaustraliagroup.moonfruit.com and Societies

Clan Shaw Society Email: [email protected] Invites membership or inquires from all: Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy, Australian Scottish Communtiy (Qld) Inc. MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Promoter of International Tartan Day, Mike Shaw Brisbane, Queensland Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria Secretary PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 4101 2403 West Cranford www.scottishgaelicsocietyvic.org Murray Clan Society Denison, TX 75020 Bi-Monthly Newsletter, All things Founded in 1905 of North America Scottish Applications for membership are invited from Scottish Gaelic Choir: Murray’s and the following allied families: Australia All persons of Scottish Descent Wednesdays 10:30 am to Balneaves, Dinsmore, Dunsmore, Fleming, , welcome. www.aussie-scots.org.au,Email: 12:30 pm during school terms Murrie, Neaves, Piper, Pyper, Smail, Smale, Small, Membership and enquiries from all Sinclairs, [email protected], Ph 07 3359 8195 Smeal, and Spalding. Sinclair Septs and Sinclair descendants at The Kildara Centre, rear of In Canada contact: In the U.S. contact: William J.M. Murray Kathy Wolf For further info contact 39 Stanhope Street, Malvern. 1001 Cordero Crescent 5764 S Kline Street Campbell River, BC V9H 0C3 Littleton, CO 80127-2021 President Secretary Language Class: Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:30 pm WayneSinclair Liane Sinclair (004173) 9 814673 4717461 (03) 9348 2663 during school terms at the Celtic Club, Cnr Queen and Latrobe Streets, Melbourne. E: [email protected] Contact Maurice Fowler 0408 223 277 Email: [email protected] Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If you are a descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Poulk, Poolke, Pogue - you are cordially invited to contact: A. D. Pollock, Jr. PO Box 404 Greenville, KY 42345 e-mail: [email protected]

Clan Skene Association, Inc. Caledonian Club Invites membership from Skene and Of septs Cariston, Carney/Carnie, Currehill, Dyas, Dyce, Dyer, Hall, Florida West (Sarasota, FL) Halyard/Hallyard, MacGalliard, The Society of St. Andrew Rennie, and Skains. of Scotland 2017 Spring Schedule: AlDorna McGalliard Comp (Queensland) Limited PrePresidentsident Feb. 4: Scottish Games ABN 30 093 578 860 273103 Amy Sumners Clegg Alle Drivey Mar. 25: Thistle Ball Summerville,Gray, GA, SC 31032 29485 Apr. 2: Kirkin’ O’ Tartans Invites membership of all people of Email:Email: [email protected] [email protected] May 6: Annual General Luncheon Scottish descent or association. Summer Socials: TBA Jack Vaudin, Hon Secretary, P.O. Box 3233 The Secretary,South Brisbane,P.O. Box BC,3233, QLD, South 4101, Brisbane, Australia BC,. Ross Clan in Australia Ross Clan in Australia The Stewart Society Contact: Robert Howard, President 941-376-5514 QLD, 4101,www Australia..standrewsociet www.standrewsociety.comy.com TheThe clan is active again in Australia clan is active again in Australia Email: [email protected] for information contact Welcomes Stewarts, however spelled, by name, Web site: www.caledonianclub.org Commander Des Ross(By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of and Balnagowan) for information contact Commander Des Ross FOUNDED 1974 (By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) birth, or descent, from all over the world. Annual Gathering in historic, Stewart-related properties in FOUNDED 1974 St. Andrewís Society We would be pleased to hear from anyone with Ross Clan St. Andrewís Society We wouldheritage and interest. be pleased to hear from anyone Scotland. Newsletter. Annual magazine. of Vermont contact Commander Des Ross at with [email protected] Clan heritage and interest Please inquire: of Vermont The Secretary P.O. Box 484 contact Commander Des Ross 53 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HT, Essex Junction,P.O. Bo xVT 48 405453 at [email protected] Tel/Fax 0131 220 4512 www.stewartsociety.org Invites membership Essexinquiries Junction,. VT 05453 Invites membership inquiries. David Campbell - President (802) 878-8663 David Campbell - President (802) 878-8663 Clan Society of North America, Inc. The Society cordially invites membership of Victorian Scottish Union all Sutherlands (however the name is spelled) Established 1905 and of the associated families: Cheyne, Umbrella group representing the interest Duffus, Gray, Frederith, Mowat and Oliphant. of Scottish Clans and Societies in Victoria. Richard Langford Affiliated Clans & Societies for 2013-2014: 1106 Horshoe Lane Ballarat Highland Dancing Geelong Highland Gathering Association Blacksburg, VA 24060 Balmoral Highland Dancing Society Geelong Scottish Dance e-mail: [email protected] Begonia City Highland Dancing Society Glenbrae Celtic Dancers Brunswick Scottish Society Horsham & District Highland Dancing Club Clan Cameron Kilmore Celtic Festival Illinois Saint Andrew Society Clan Donald Victoria Maryborough Highland Society Illinois’ oldest, largest Scottish Mornington Peninsula Caledonian Society Society Clan Lamont Australia Scottish Country Dance Victoria Society organization and owner of The Scottish Clan Macdonald Yarraville Inc St Andrews First Aid of Australia Home. A unique “assisted living” of Australia The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne The Society welcomes membership of all facility located in a beautiful wooded Australia The Royal Caledonian Society bearers of the Sutherland name and any of Clan Sinclair Association Warrnambool & District Caledonian Society their septs- (Cheyne, Duffus, Frederith, setting. Glenmaggie Scottish Folk Festival Warrnambool Caledonian Highland Dancing Society Mowat (or any variation of the spelling). Marie Hodgkinson For more information on Society membership and Jan Macdonald: Secretary 212 MacKenzie Street Toowoomba, 4350 programs or The Scottish Home, contact Victorian Scottish Union Queensland, Australia T: 03 9360 9829 M: 0438 584 930 e-mail: [email protected] Gus Noble, President E: [email protected] http://goldenvale.wix.com/clansutherlandaus 708-447-5092 or www.chicago-scots.org www.victorianscottishunion.com THE SCOTTISH BANNER SCOTTISH BANNER EVENTS Having a Clan event? Know of a ? Know where the pipes will be playing? Let Scottish Banner readers know of Scottish events both near and far with the Scottish Banner events page. Send us your community event, concert, meeting or anything with a Scottish twist! Please submit events either online at www.scottishbanner.com/events or email [email protected]. Please ensure you submit your event in the exact format we use below, events not submitted in this way cannot be guaranteed to be printed. Events will run both in print and online and is a free service.

27 Ottawa, ON - Coalmines, Council Houses & 1 Dunedin, FL - Dunedin 6 - 11 Stranraer & Newton Stewart CANADA Corsets: The Life & Times of a Scottish Granny Highland Games & Festival - Galloway Music Festival  MARCH 2017 Walk down memory lane to a time when A full day of Scotland at Highlander Competitive music festival for amateur musicians     religious segregation, clan wars and class Park, 1920 Pinehurst Rd. Info: www. of all ages and a festival concert on the final Scottish Heritage USA, Inc. 3 - 5 Belleville, ON - Belleville structure were alive and well in the small dunedinhighlandgames.com. day. Info: www.gallowaymusicfestival.org.uk.  P.O. Box 457 Workshop Weekend and Ball Pinehurst, NC 28370 coal-mining town of Cambusnethan in the 9 - 26 Glasgow - Glasgow  Music by Scotch Mist and Scottish country 2 Sarasota, FL - Kirkin’ ‘o’ the Tartans  lowlands of Scotland at the National Arts International Comedy Festival Welcomes membership of anyone interested in the exchange of dance teachers from Scotland. Info: Bill Join us as we celebrate the annual Blessing of the people and ideas between Scotland and the United States. Centre. Info: www.ottawastorytellers.ca. Glasgow’s comedy festival birls back into your   Tartans, at the Church of the Palms. Info: William and Jan Cunningham 613-965-4212. life, getting ever more impressive with each  Write or phone for our free brochure. Wallace (941) 378-0085 or www.caledonianclub.org.  www.scottishheritageusa.org 3 Toronto, ON - The Scottish Studies “Oor Club” outing. Info: www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com.  Hector’s Cargo:The Scots of Nova Scotia by USA 6 Nationwide - Tartan Day  email: [email protected] 9 - 19 Glasgow - Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival  (910) 295-4448 Douglas F. Campbell at the Duke of York MARCH 2017 A celebration of Scottish heritage on April Located in the iconic Mitchell Library Aye  pub. Info: Pearl Grieve-Nixon at 416-926- 4 - 5 Phoenix, AZ - 53rd Phoenix 6, the date on which the Declaration Write! remains committed to celebrating         7233 or [email protected]. Scottish Games of Arbroath was signed in 1320, and Scottish and international writers and Clan Scott Australia Group 4 Vancouver, BC - The Gaelic Scotland in the desert at Steele Indian started by a Scottish Banner reader! writing. Info: www.ayewrite.com. Clan Chief: The Duke of Buccleuch K.B.E Society of Vancouver Cèilidh School Park, 300 E Indian School Rd. Info: 8 - 9 Huntersville, NC - Loch 9 - 12 Aviemore - Aviemore Adventure Festival Commissioner: Heather de Sylva Dancing, tea, coffee, & goodies served & 480-788-6694 or www.arizonascots.com. Norman Highland Games A celebration of adventure and sport with outdoor Membership welcome from Scotts and Septs: door prize at Scottish Cultural Centre: 8886 4 Redding, CA - Redding Bagpipe Competition This festival celebrates Scottish Heritage, enjoy activities, filmmaker workshops, guest talks and Balwearie, Harden, Laidlaw, Geddes & Langlands. Hudson St. Info: www.vancouvergaelic.com Solo piping competition Grade 1 through Celtic music, Highland dance, Highland heavy film screenings. Info:www.aviemoreadventure.org . Info: Secretary, PO Box 320, Maclean, NSW, 2463 4 Winnipeg, MB - Winnipeg Scottish Festival 4. Indoor event. Ceilidh after the athletics, historic encampments, Scottish 10 Nationwide - International Bagpipe Day Celebrating Scottish Heritage at Canad Inns Polo event at Red Lion Hotel. Info: www. E: [email protected] Scottish Associations food and more at historic Rural Hill. Info: This is a day initiated by The Bagpipe Society Park. Info: www.winnipegscottishfestival.com. reddingbagpipecompetition.com W: clanscottaustraliagroup.moonfruit.com 704-875-3113 or www.lochnorman.com. to celebrate the world’s many bagpipes 10 Nationwide - International Bagpipe Day 4 Plantation, FL - Southeast 8 New York, NY - New York Tartan Day Parade and piping traditions. Every March 10th and Societies you are invited to go out and play your This is a day initiated by The Bagpipe Society to Florida Highland Games Pipe bands, Clans and more marching down Full day of Scottish event at Plantation pipes – anywhere, anyhow to anyone! celebrate the world’s many bagpipes and piping Sixth Avenue with pride for Tartan Day, and a Clan Shaw Society Heritage Park, 1100 S. Fig Tree Lane. Info: Email: [email protected] traditions. Every March 10th you are invited to go out love of Scotland and all things Scottish, and to 10 Glasgow - Celtic Ceilidh Dinner and Dance Invites membership or inquires from all: and play your pipes – anywhere, anyhow to anyone! 954 460 5000 or www.sassf.org. A three-course dinner, followed by a ceilidh with Shaw, Ayson, Adamson, Esson, MacAy, Australian Scottish Communtiy (Qld) Inc. celebrate the unique friendship of Scotland MacHay, Shiach, Sheach, Sheath, Seith, music from Haud Yer Lugs to raise money for the St Seth, Skaith, Scaith and Shay. Promoter of International Tartan Day, 11 Calgary, AB - St Giles Workshop and Ball 4 Panama City, FL - Panama and the USA. Info: www.nyctartanweek.org. Join for the St. Giles Dance Club’s annual City Scottish Festival Margaret of Scotland Hospice at Òran Mór, 731-735 Mike Shaw Brisbane, Queensland 11 - 16 New York, NY - Scottish Ballet Scottish Gaelic Society of Victoria Workshop, Ceilidh and Ball at the Winston Heights Florida’s annual Scottish festival and Highland Great Western Rd. Info: www.oran-mor.co.uk. Secretary PO Box 3188, South Brisbane 4101 at the Joyce Theater, New York 2403 West Cranford www.scottishgaelicsocietyvic.org Mountview Community Association, 520-27th games at Frank Brown Park, presented 28 - 31 Glasgow - National Piping Murray Clan Society Denison, TX 75020 Bi-Monthly Newsletter, All things The Scottish Ballet will showcase its innovative Founded in 1905 Ave NE. Info: Janyn Bertram 403-585-3842. by The Celtic Heritage Alliance. Info: 850 Centre Adult Spring Gathering of North America Scottish 556 5714 or www.pcscotfestival.com. and inspiring work in New York, through Scottish Gaelic Choir: 17 Hamilton, ON - Scottish Rite Club of Includes practice time, social events, lessons, Applications for membership are invited from a triple bill performance from critically workshops and much more at The National Murray’s and the following allied families: Clan Sinclair Australia All persons of Scottish Descent Wednesdays 10:30 am to Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day Lunch 10 Nationwide - International Bagpipe Day Balneaves, Dinsmore, Dunsmore, Fleming, Moray, welcome. www.aussie-scots.org.au,Email: acclaimed choreographers at a theatre with a Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater St. Info: +44 (0) 12:30 pm during school terms Irish-inspired lunchtime at 4 Queen This is a day initiated by The Bagpipe Society Murrie, Neaves, Piper, Pyper, Smail, Smale, Small, Membership and enquiries from all Sinclairs, [email protected], Ph 07 3359 8195 reputation for delivering the highest quality 141 353 0220 or www.thepipingcentre.co.uk. Smeal, and Spalding. Sinclair Septs and Sinclair descendants at The Kildara Centre, rear of Street South. Info: (905) 522-1622 ext. to celebrate the world’s many bagpipes In Canada contact: In the U.S. contact: and piping traditions. Every March 10th dance. Info: www.scottishballet.co.uk 39 Stanhope Street, Malvern. 29 or www.Scottishriteclub.ca. William J.M. Murray Kathy Wolf For further info contact you are invited to go out and play your 29 - 30 Las Vegas, NV - 13th Annual APRIL 2017 1001 Cordero Crescent 5764 S Kline Street 18 Vancouver, BC - The RSCDS Vancouver Campbell River, BC V9H 0C3 Littleton, CO 80127-2021 President Secretary Language Class: Wednesdays 7:00 to 8:30 pm pipes – anywhere, anyhow to anyone! Las Vegas Highland Games 1 Spean Bridge - Highland Haggis Festival WayneSinclair Liane Sinclair Branch Heather Ball Weekend during school terms at the Celtic Club, Cnr Queen A full weekend of Scottish events at Floyd Lamb Celebrate Scotland’s national dish and eat, drink, (004173) 9 814673 4717461 (03) 9348 2663 Music and dance featuring Luke Brady’s 18 Madison, WI - Madison Scottish and dance. Info: www.highlandhaggisfest.co.uk. and Latrobe Streets, Melbourne. Scottish Dance Band from Scotland at Scottish Country Dancers 40th Anniversary Ball Park. Info: www.lasvegascelticsociety.org. E: [email protected] 1 - 2 Balloch - Springfest: The Scottish Cultural Centre, 8886 Hudson St. Info: 604 With musicians extraordinaire Alasdair Contact Maurice Fowler 0408 223 277 29 - 30 Woodland, CA - Sacramento Food and Drink Festival Email: [email protected] 922 6842 or www.rscdsvancouver.org. Fraser and Natalie Haas at Union South, Valley Scottish Games & Festival University of Wisconsin-Madison. Info: www. One of the largest food and drink festivals Clan Pollock 25 Brampton, ON - West End A weekend of Scotland at the Yolo County in the country. Around 80 food and drink Among the most ancient families of Scotland. If madisonscottishcountrydancers.org. Fairgrounds. Info: www.sacramentoscotgames.org you are a descendant of Pollock, Pollok, Pook, Workshop and Tea Dance producers and suppliers set up their stands on Polk, Polke, Paulk, Poalke, Poulk, Poolke, Pogue Full day workshop and tea dance for 18 Dothan, AL - Southeast 29 Modesto, CA - The San Francisco the stunning banks of Loch Lomond Shores. - you are cordially invited to contact: Scottish Country Dancers in the Toronto Alabama Highland Games Scottish Fiddlers Live Info: www.lochlomondspringfest.co.uk. Clans, kids events, pipe bands and more at The A. D. Pollock, Jr. area. Lunch and afternoon tea included More than 100 fiddlers backed by piano, drums, 2 Edinburgh - Geological Walk PO Box 404 Houston County Farm Center, 1701 E Cottonwood at Turner Fenton Secondary School, 7935 cellos, guitars, harps and even flutes at the Gallo The geology of the Water of Leith forms the Greenville, KY 42345 Rd. Info: www.wiregrasshighlandgames.com. e-mail: [email protected] Kennedy Rd. Info: www.dancescottish.ca Center for the Arts. Info: www.tickets.galloarts.org. foundation for its character, shaping it into 25 Victoria, BC - Vancouver Island Scottish 22 Chapel Hill, NC - Tales and Tunes an important source of both water power and Country Dance Workshop and Ball of the building stone. This walk in the Dells provides an Scottish country dance events. An evening of traditional stories and bagpipe SCOTLAND opportunity to see many of its geological features Info: www.viscds.ca. tunes from the Scottish Highlands and the North including Carboniferous sedimentary rocks, American Gaelic diaspora: tales of landscape MARCH 2017 glacial features and fossils, as well as the site of Caledonian Club 25 Montreal, QC - Curling for Dummies- Association, Inc. goddesses, sea maidens, shape-shifting, tragic 1 - 5 St Andrews - StAnza: Scotland’s Poetry Festival Redhall Castle. Info: www.waterofleith.org.uk. Invites membership from Skene and Of St. Andrew’s Society Curling Night Joining the locals for readings, performances, septs Cariston, Carney/Carnie, love, heroic struggle and unexpected encounters 10 - 13 Glasgow - Young Stars Spring Piping School Currehill, Dyas, Dyce, Dyer, Hall, Florida West (Sarasota, FL) The St. Andrew’s Society is calling on all those slams and open mics, jazz, films, workshops Halyard/Hallyard, MacGalliard, The Society of St. Andrew at Morehead Lounge, Graham Memorial 109, Specially tailored for 16 and Unders, this 4 day who are interested in trying their hand at curling and poetry-related art exhibitions, installations Rennie, and Skains. of Scotland Univ. N. Carolina. Info: www.gaelicusa.org. school will enhance their piping with practice, 2017 Spring Schedule: at The Montreal West Curling Club, 17 Ainslie and films are a host of local and international AlDorna McGalliard Comp (Queensland) Limited 25 Sarasota, FL - Caledonian Club of lessons, games, workshops and more at The PrePresidentsident Feb. 4: Scottish Games ABN 30 093 578 860 Road Montreal West. Info: www.standrews.qc.ca. wordsmiths. Info: www.stanzapoetry.org. 273103 Amy Sumners Clegg Alle Drivey Mar. 25: Thistle Ball Florida West 31st Annual Thistle Ball National Piping Centre, 30-34 McPhater St. Info: +44 Summerville,Gray, GA, SC 31032 29485 Apr. 2: Kirkin’ O’ Tartans Invites membership of all people of APRIL 2017 Celebrate with us at our annual formal Scottish 1 - 15 Various - Scottish Snowdrop Festival (0) 141 353 0220 or www.thepipingcentre.co.uk. Email:Email: [email protected] [email protected] May 6: Annual General Luncheon Scottish descent or association. Each year the Scottish Snowdrop Festival gathers Summer Socials: TBA 4 Ottawa, ON - Senators dinner dance. Wear your finest Scottish attire 15 Strathpeffer - Eddi Reader Live Jack Vaudin, Hon Secretary, P.O. Box 3233 -Scottish Heritage Night and dance the night away with us at Palm Aire together some of the best gardens and woodlands From the traditional to the contemporary, The Secretary,South Brisbane,P.O. Box BC,3233, QLD, South 4101, Brisbane, Australia BC,. where you can see swathes of snowdrops, so that Ross Clan in Australia QLD, 4101, Australia. www.standrewsociety.com Includes bagpipes and Celtic music at Country Club. Info: Mary Ellen McMahon Eddi Reader brings life to all forms of song at Ross Clan in Australia The Stewart Society Contact: Robert Howard, President 941-376-5514 www.standrewsociety.com you won’t miss out on the arrival of these dainty TheThe clan is active again in Australia clan is active again in Australia Email: [email protected] Canadian Tire Centre, 1000 Palladium Dr. (941)-888-2412 or www.caledonianclub.org. Strathpeffer Pavilion. Info: www.eddireader.co.uk. for information contact Web site: www.caledonianclub.org little flowers – one of the most delightful signs (By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) Welcomes Stewarts, however spelled, by name, Info: www.ottawasenators.com/TARTAN forCommander Des Ross information contact Commander Des Ross 31 Annapolis, MD - USNA Pipe Band Concert 18 Falkirk - Scotland in Six- FOUNDED 1974 that spring is on it’s way. Info: www.nts.org.uk. (By appointment David Ross Bt Chief of Clan Ross and Balnagowan) birth, or descent, from all over the world. Annual Gathering in historic, Stewart-related properties in FOUNDED 1974 St. Andrewís Society 6 Edmonton, AB - Edmonton United States Naval Academy, the only World Heritage Day 2017 We would be pleased to hear from anyone with Ross Clan St. Andrewís Society Scottish Society Tartan Ball active duty pipe band in the Department 3 Perth - The Red Hot Chilli Pipers Live On World Heritage Day 2017, Scotland We wouldheritage and interest. be pleased to hear from anyone Scotland. Newsletter. Annual magazine. of Vermont contact Commander Des Ross at A unique brand of ‘bag rock’ (that’s bagpipes plus celebrates our six iconic World Heritage [email protected] Please inquire: Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish of the Navy, live at Mahan Hall. Info: with Ross Clan heritage and interest ofP .VermontO. Box 484 The Secretary Heritage that is held on April 6th, the day www.navyperforms.showare.com. rock, if you were wondering) with stirring tunes Sites with six toe-tapping, mouth-watering, contact Commander Des Ross 53 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2HT, Essex Junction,P.O. Bo xVT 48 405453 on which the Declaration of Arbroath was and energetic performances. Info: www.rhcp.scot. jaw-dropping, heart-pumping events from Essex Junction, VT 05453 at [email protected] Tel/Fax 0131 220 4512 www.stewartsociety.org Invites membership inquiries. signed in 1320. Info: https://sites.google. APRIL 2017 4 Lanark - Blazin’ Fiddles Live dawn to dusk.Info: www.digit2017.com. Invites membership inquiries. com/site/edmontonscottishsociety2016 1 Minneapolis, MN - RSCDS Twin On fiery form, these contemporary fiddle 23 Edinburgh - Great Edinburgh Run David Campbell - President (802) 878-8663 6 Nationwide - Tartan Day Cities Branch 41st Annual Ball players from the Highlands and Islands mix solo A ten mile race in Scotland’s capital taking David Campbell - President (802) 878-8663 Clan Sutherland Society A celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the date In celebration of the Auld Alliance at Columbia and ensemble sets to create a unique blend of in landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, of North America, Inc. on which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed Manor, and will feature a music workshop on energy and sensitivity. Info: LanarkMemorial@ Greyfriar’s Bobby and the Royal Mile. Info: Victorian Scottish Union in 1320 and started by a Scottish Banner reader! Saturday morning. Info: www.rscds-twincities.org. southlanarkshireleisure.co.uk. www.greatrun.org/great-edinburgh-run. The Society cordially invites membership of Established 1905 all Sutherlands (however the name is spelled) 8 - 10 Lethbridge, AB - Lethbridge Scottish and of the associated families: Cheyne, Umbrella group representing the interest Duffus, Gray, Frederith, Mowat and Oliphant. of Scottish Clans and Societies in Victoria. Country Dance Club Beginners Workshop Answers to Scotword on Page 5 Richard Langford Affiliated Clans & Societies for 2013-2014: Learn and develop Scottish country Scottish Genealogical Research 1106 Horshoe Lane Ballarat Highland Dancing Geelong Highland Gathering Association dancing. Info: 403 329 3582 or www. ACROSS -1 Adder; 4 Mince; 11 Tangleotheisles; Blacksburg, VA 24060 Balmoral Highland Dancing Society Geelong Scottish Dance lethbridgescottishcountrydance.org. e-mail: [email protected] Begonia City Highland Dancing Society Glenbrae Celtic Dancers 12 Akin; 13 Gills; 14 Edge; 15 Alan; 17 Iron; 18 Elgin; Brunswick Scottish Society Horsham & District Highland Dancing Club 8 Toronto, ON - Tartan Day Celebration Let us build your Clan Cameron Kilmore Celtic Festival 20 East; 21 Nova; 25 Utah; 26 Gaels; 27 Smit; Illinois Saint Andrew Society Clan Donald Victoria Maryborough Highland Society Presented by the Sons of Scotland. Info: (416) Scottish Family Tree! Illinois’ oldest, largest Scottish Clan Grant Mornington Peninsula Caledonian Society 482-1250 or www.sonsofscotland.com. 30 Bottleofspirits; 31 Weans; 32 Close Clan Sutherland Society Clan Lamont Australia Scottish Country Dance Victoria Society organization and owner of The Scottish Clan Macdonald Yarraville Inc St Andrews First Aid 20 Toronto, ON - The Scottish Studies Ron Dempsey of Australia Home. A unique “assisted living” Clan Mackenzie of Australia The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne The Society welcomes membership of all Society’s 25th Annual Tartan Day General Delivery DOWN - 2 Dunsinanecastle; 3 Ells; 5 Iris; facility located in a beautiful wooded Clan Maclean Australia The Royal Caledonian Society bearers of the Sutherland name and any of Clan Sinclair Association Warrnambool & District Caledonian Society Dinner and Scot of the Year Award their septs- (Cheyne, Duffus, Frederith, setting. Glenmaggie Scottish Folk Festival Warrnambool Caledonian Highland Dancing Society Udora, Ontario 6 Caledonianmaids; 7 Strath; 8 Dowie; 9 Thole; Mowat (or any variation of the spelling). Commemorating the signing of the Marie Hodgkinson For more information on Society membership and Jan Macdonald: Secretary L0C 1L0, Canada 212 MacKenzie Street Declaration of Arbroath in Scotland on the 10 Islets; 16 Net; 17 Inn; 19 Squibs; 22 Artist; Toowoomba, 4350 programs or The Scottish Home, contact Victorian Scottish Union 6th April 1320 at University of Toronto’s Hart Queensland, Australia T: 03 9360 9829 M: 0438 584 930 Email: [email protected] for details. 23 Jabot; 24 Flask; 28 Clan; 29 Birl e-mail: [email protected] Gus Noble, President E: [email protected] House. Info: David Hunter 416-699-9942 http://goldenvale.wix.com/clansutherlandaus 708-447-5092 or www.chicago-scots.org www.victorianscottishunion.com or [email protected].

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 23 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

IN THE SCOTTISH KITCHEN This month we celebrate our Celtic cousins of Cornwall, Wales and Ireland who will be celebrating St David’s, St Piran’s and St Patrick’s Day. People in Wales and those of Welsh origin celebrate the life of their patron saint, St David, and the Welsh culture on March 1st. Saint Piran’s Day is celebrated each year on 5th March as the day of Cornwall. The Irish Saint Patrick will be celebrated across the world on March 17th by the Irish community, a toast for St Patrick’s Day, “May the roof above us never fall in, and may we friends beneath it never fall out.”

Use a spoon to gently combine the Method: ingredients. Then use your hands to Preheat the oven to 400F/200C/Gas 6. Tip crush everything together, bringing the the flours, salt and bicarbonate of soda into a ingredients together as a fairly dry dough. large mixing bowl and stir. Make a well in the Turn out the dough onto a clean work centre and pour in the buttermilk, mixing surface (there’s no need to put flour or oil quickly with a large fork to form a soft dough. 3 carrots, cut into quarters or 12 baby carrots, onto the surface because it’s a tight rather (Depending upon the absorbency of the scrubbed and left whole than sticky dough). flour, you may need to add a little milk if the Leek soup salt and freshly ground black pepper Knead the dough to combine the dough seems too stiff but it should not be Ingredients: 1 tbsp. chopped thyme ingredients properly. Use the heel of your too wet or sticky.) Turn onto a lightly floured For the vegetable stock: 2 tbsp. chopped parsley hand to stretch the dough. Roll it back up into surface and knead briefly. Form into a round 1 carrot, grated 10 cloves of garlic, crushed and grated a ball, then turn it, stretch and roll it up again. and flatten the dough slightly before placing 1 onion, grated 425ml/15fl oz. red wine Repeat this process for about 5-6 minutes. on a lightly floured baking sheet. Cut a cross 2 sticks celery, grated 425ml/15fl oz. chicken or beef stock The dough will start to become smooth as on the top and bake for about 30 minutes or 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped For the roux the shortening breaks down. If the dough until the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. salt and pepper 50g/2oz butter feels grainy, keep working it until it’s smooth Cool on a wire rack. stalks from a small bunch of parsley 50g/1¾oz flour and glossy. Don’t be afraid to be rough – you’ll For the leek soup: champ, to serve need to use lots of pressure and work the Welsh cakes olive oil Method: dough vigorously to get the best results. 1 onion, finely chopped Ingredients: Brown the beef and bacon in the olive oil in a When the dough is smooth, wrap it in 200g/7oz floury potatoes, peeled and 225g/8oz. self-raising flour, sieved hot casserole or heavy saucepan. Remove the cling film and put it in the fridge to rest for chopped into cubes 110g/4oz. (preferably Welsh) salted butter meat and toss in the onions, mushrooms and 30–60 minutes. 350g/12oz celeriac, peeled and chopped 1 egg carrots, one ingredient at a time, seasoning While the dough is resting, peel and cut 1 sprig thyme, leaves only handful of sultanas each time. Place these back in the casserole, the potato, swede and onion into cubes about 4 leeks, finely sliced milk, if needed along with the herbs and garlic. Cover with 1cm/½in square. Cut the beef into similar sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 85g/3oz. caster sugar red wine and stock and simmer for one hour sized chunks. Put all four ingredients into a 1 small bunch chives, finely chopped extra butter, for greasing or until the meat and vegetables are cooked. bowl and mix. Season well with salt and some Method: To make the roux, in a separate pan melt freshly ground black pepper, then put the Method: To make the stock, put the grated carrot, the butter, add the flour and cook for two filling to one side until the dough is ready. Rub the fat into the sieved flour to make onion, celery and garlic into a large heatproof minutes. When the stew is cooked, remove Lightly grease a baking tray with breadcrumbs. Add the sugar, dried fruit bowl. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and the meat and vegetables. Bring the remaining margarine (or butter) and line with baking and then the egg. Mix to combine, then pour over 1 litre/1¾ pints of boiling water. Set liquid to the boil and add one tbsp. of roux. or silicone paper (not greaseproof). form a ball of dough, using a splash of milk aside to steep for 10-15 minutes while you Whisk the mixture until the roux is broken Preheat the oven to 170C (150C fan if needed. Roll out the pastry until it is a prepare the soup. Heat a large heavy-based up and the juices have thickened, allowing to assisted)/325F/Gas 3. 5mm/¼in thick and cut into rounds with a saucepan or casserole dish over a medium boil. Replace the meat and vegetables, and Once the dough has had time to relax, take 7.5-10cm/3-4in fluted cutter. heat. Add a dash of oil and, once hot, add the taste for seasoning. Sprinkle with chopped it out of the fridge. The margarine or butter will You now need a bakestone or a heavy onion, potatoes, celeriac and thyme leaves. parsley and serve with champ. have chilled, giving you a tight dough. Divide iron griddle. Rub it with butter and wipe the Cook over a medium heat for 10 minutes, or the dough into four equal-sized pieces. Shape excess away. Put it on to a direct heat and until the vegetables have softened. Strain the Classic Cornish pasty each piece into a ball and use a rolling pin to wait until it heats up, place the Welsh cakes stock through a sieve into the pan of celeriac. roll each ball into a disc roughly 25cm/10in on the griddle, turning once. They need Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the wide (roughly the same size as a dinner plate). about 2-3 minutes each side. Each side needs celeriac is nearly tender. Add the leeks, cover to be caramel brown before turning although Spoon a quarter of the filling onto each the pan and cook for a further 5-7 minutes, some people I know like them almost burnt. disc. Spread the filling on one half of the or until the leeks are wilted and tender but Remove from the pan and dust with disc, leaving the other half clear. Put a knob still bright green. Remove from the heat caster sugar while still warm. Some people of butter or margarine on top of the filling. and blend in batches until really smooth. leave out the dried fruit, and split them when Carefully fold the pastry over, join the (Blend for a minute or longer for a really cool and sandwich them together with jam. velvety texture.) The soup can be stored in edges and push with your fingers to seal. the fridge or frozen at this stage. Transfer the Crimp the edge to make sure the filling is Irish coffee blended soup to a clean pan. Reheat the soup Ingredients: held inside – either by using a fork, or by if necessary, taste and season with salt and making small twists along the sealed edge. For the pastry: pepper to taste. To serve, spoon into bowls Traditionally Cornish pasties have around 500g/1lb 1oz. strong bread flour and garnish with chopped chives. 20 crimps. When you’ve crimped along the 120g/4oz. vegetable shortening or suet 1 tsp. salt edge, fold the end corners underneath. Irish beef stew 25g/1oz. margarine or butter Put the pasties onto the baking tray 175ml/6fl oz. cold water and brush the top of each pasty with the 1 free-range egg, beaten with a little salt egg and salt mixture. Bake on the middle (for glazing) shelf of the oven for about 45 minutes or For the filling: until the pasties are golden-brown. If your 350g/12oz. good-quality beef skirt, rump pasties aren’t browning, increase the oven steak or braising steak temperature by 10C/25F for the last 10 Ingredients: 350g/12oz. waxy potatoes minutes of cooking time. A good measure of Irish whiskey 200g/7oz. swede 1 tsp. brown raw cane sugar 175g/6oz. onions Irish soda bread 1 heaped tbsp. whipped cream salt and freshly ground black pepper hot strong coffee to fill the glass Ingredients: Ingredients: knob of butter or margarine 1½kg/3lb 5oz. stewing beef, cut into cubes 170g/6oz. self-raising wholemeal flour Method: 175g/6oz streaky bacon Method: 170g/6oz. plain flour Use warmed coffee glasses and add the 3 tbsp. olive oil Tip the flour into the bowl and add the ½ tsp. salt whiskey. Add the sugar and dissolve in the 12 baby onions, peeled shortening, a pinch of salt, the margarine ½ tsp. bicarbonate of soda whiskey. Add the coffee and stir well. Float 18 button mushrooms, left whole or butter and all of the water. 290ml/½ pint buttermilk the whipped cream on top and serve.

Page 24 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER Scotland’s magical station namesBy: David McVey border in Cumbria; Alexandria to Aspatria. number of other wonderful station names magic, as if King Arthur and his Knights You can imagine Hercule Poirot revealing that you pass through on your next visit to might appear on the train at some point; the identity of the murderer in the lounge Scotland. You can also try spotting Scottish Liskeard car of that train. station names that mirror international Lostwithiel Fort Matilda is the stop just before the one’s (Australian readers get no points for Par terminus at Gourock on the line from ‘Perth’ though; way too obvious). St Austell Glasgow Central. It sounds like a place that Truro might feature in one of Bernard Cornwell’s Railway name lore Redruth Sharpe novels. There was a fort here, There is, of course, railway name lore St Erth built in 1814 to protect the approaches far beyond Scotland. I often travel from You can taste the music of these names to Glasgow from the French and it Glasgow Central to Edinburgh using the when you stand on the concourse at subsequently went through a number of CrossCountry trains that continue to Glasgow Central or Edinburgh Waverley e change at Perth for military uses, but it’s now long-demolished. distant English termini like Plymouth and and read the departure board. You may Pittenweem,’ says the Bairn, Only the evocative name remains. Penzance. The very long list of stops in the need a lot of willpower to prevent yourself playing at being a railway guard, For two of the most intriguing and far southwest has a real touch of poetic from just climbing aboard… in a classic The Broons cartoon exotic-sounding Scottish station names ‘Ystrip. In fact, even before Pittenweem we must travel towards Larkhall in disappeared from Scotland’s railway . Now, even its most devoted map, it’d be odd to change at Perth to get natives would admit that Larkhall isn’t very Did you know? there, wherever you were travelling from. glamorous. However, go there by train, and Gaelic names first appeared on Yet there’s a pleasing sound to it; ‘Perth on the way you’ll be transported first to Scottish station signs in 1996. These for Pittenweem’. And Scotland’s railway rural France and then to Regency England. were largely confined to stations on stations, with names that are magical and Highland lines, although they also forbidding, funny and beautiful as well as Chatelherault feature at Glasgow Queen Street, sometimes just plain daft, can still provide Your train leaves Hamilton Central Dumbarton Central, Dalmuir, a little poetry to ease your journey. (Hamilton’s two stations are mundanely Partick and Largs. A few years ago, there was an announcer named ‘West’ and ‘Central’ - poor show, For the 2014 Commonwealth at the cavernous Glasgow Central Station Hamilton) and the next stop is Chatelherault. Games stations were renamed with who spoke with a strong Australian accent. Local folk render the name something She did well, but supposing she had been like ‘Shattly Row’. It’s a handy station for a fun, sport inspired names such as posted to Inverness instead, and her Chatelherault Country Park, centred round Falkirk High (Falkirk Higher, Dingwall first task had been to announce the next the eponymous building that was created (Ding!Ding!Wall), Longniddry train to Kyle of Lochalsh and reel off the as the Duke of Hamilton’s hunting lodge in (Longerniddry), Musselburgh intermediate stops? Here we go; 1723-4 by William Adam. It was convenient (Muscleburgh), Polmont (Polevault) Beauly for the duke’s seat, Hamilton Palace, which and Springburn (Sprintburn). was demolished in the 1920s when badly Conon affected by subsidence from coal mining. Dingwall Chatelherault itself is magnificent enough, Garve and has been beautifully restored as a visitor No problems so far. Next, though… centre. Its name comes from a French Lochluichart dukedom also held by the Hamiltons. Achanalt Back on the train, the next stop is Achnasheen Merryton, one pesky additional ‘r’ away from Achnashellach… sharing its name with the fictional village featured in Pride and Prejudice. I don’t know NOW OPEN! Whiff of the exotic if large gangs of Jane Austen enthusiasts The Argyll Things get a little easier afterwards in period costume climb off trains here in Western Hotel (Strathcarron, Attadale…) but that’s a homage to their heroine - but I hope so. forbidding piece of throaty Gaelic verse. And there are other examples elsewhere on Company named Scotland’s railways; think of Drumfrochar, Singer Station in Clydebank has nothing Garelochead, Auchinleck and one even I’d to do with performing or karaoke, but is struggle with, Gilshochill. named after the vast Clydebank Singer Of course, these names are very Scottish Sewing Machine factory that used to be but other stations have names with a whiff alongside, but which has now been swept of the exotic. Your train to Balloch on Loch away. As well as this public station, there Lomondside, for example, will call at the were also six private platforms served by grandly-named Alexandria. Unlike its works trains every day until 1963. Another namesake in Egypt, this Alexandria was Scottish station that still boasts a company never visited by Alexander the Great; it was name is IBM on the Glasgow Central - named after Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Wemyss Bay line. There’s no longer an Smollett, a member of a prominent local IBM presence at the industrial site it 3 Night stay for £150 family who was killed at the Battle of serves (they once employed 5,500 people 3 Night stay for £240 Enjoy 3 nights Bed & Breakfast and a delicious dinner on the first Alkmaar in 1799. I’ve often thought it there) and the station is one of very few in Enjoy 3 nights Bed & Breakfast andevening. a delicious dinner on the first evening. would be great to buy and keep a ticket Scotland whose usage is declining. from here to a station not far south of the The 1960s Beeching railway cuts removed Terms & Conditions: Prices are for 2 adults sharing a twin/double room three Terms & Conditions: Prices are for 2 adults sharing a twin/double room three many stations with intriguing names, , consecutiveconsecutive nights. nights. Dinner Dinner is isbased based on onour our pre-theatre pre-theatre (2 course) (2 course) menu. menu. Offer Dava, Joppa and Salzcraggie, but there are Offerdoes does not applynot apply to room to room service. service. Single Single supplements supplements apply; apply; phone phone for details. still many off-the-wall delights. The odder- Subject to availability. sounding names can be fun to form into Subject to availability. Please quote the Scottish Banner when booking. poems. Here’s one I made earlier; 973 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Bowling, Drem The Argyll Hotel Glasgow The Argyll Western Hotel Scotland, G3 7TQ and Stow 973 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, Scotland, G3 7TQ 6 Buckingham Terrace, Glasgow, G12 8EB. Tel 00 44 (0) 141 337 23313 Busby, Beasdale Tel + 44 (0) 141 337 3313 Tel: + 44 (0) 141 339 2339 Whifflet, Kingsknowe. [email protected] Fax 00 44 (0) 141www.argyllwestern.co.uk 337 3283 Chatelherault County Park. You can add more verses using Breich, [email protected] Croy, Rannoch, Troon, Tain, Largs or any www.argyllhotelglasgow.co.uk

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 25 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Nick Drainey The seeds of genetic diversity

Safeguarding the future of Scotland’s native trees Collecting blueberries at New Lanark with Dr Markus Ruhsam. Saxifraga hirculus field work at Fealar Estate. at field work hirculus Saxifraga

The UK National Tree Seed Project has been established to allow environmental groups to compile a million visitors each year. Its mission a national tree seed collection for long term conservation and safeguard the genetic diversity of the is “To explore, conserve and explain the world of plants for a better future”. UK’s native trees. Scotland is playing its part to facilitate research to better understand and manage Meanwhile, The Royal Botanic Gardens, the native trees, regardless of the weather, as Nick Drainey explains. Kew was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in July 2003 and celebrated its 250th alking across the high plateau of resistance and to increase our understanding herb seeds still need to be found. anniversary in 2009. Wakehurst is home to the Cairngorms or over boggy of the biology and ecology of British plants. Dr Markus Ruhsam, RBGE plant Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the largest marshland can be difficult even Seeds collected from trees form the UK’s first molecular ecologist, added: “It can be quite wild plant seed bank in the world. Clare in good weather. But when a national collection of this type. challenging to collect seeds in adverse Trivedi, UK National Tree Seed Project Co- Wgale is nearly knocking you off your feet, RBGE staff and volunteers have been conditions the Scottish weather is likely ordinator at Kew Gardens, added: “Building the task can be become nearly impossible, searching for natural, non-planted plant to throw at you. Although we were lucky up our seed collection of the nation’s especially when you are trying to collect tiny, populations to ensure that all collected seeds most of the time in terms of weather and favourite and most important tree species rare seeds from the plants that grow across are local origin and genetically diverse. The midges, I particularly remember trying to is a vital step in combating the multiplying Scotland. But scientists from the Royal first collections started in June last year with find a small alpine plant in gale force winds pests and diseases which threaten to Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) are going elm trees, and finished seasonally with holly gusting to more than 60 mph at 1300 metres alter our landscape dramatically. We are out and doing exactly that in a bid to help in December. As the first seeds emerge in on top of Ben Macdui in the Cairngorms. delighted that RBGE is supporting this preserve the nation’s rare plants and trees. spring the seed collectors are getting back to Even if I had been able to locate the plants I project to help us ensure that seeds from The seeds of Scottish species they collect work. So far, RBGE staff and volunteers have wouldn’t have been able to collect any seeds, across the UK are collected and conserved.” go into the UK National Tree Seed Project worked together to ensure that more than as the seed bags would have been instantly and the UK Flora Project. Both projects 200,000 seeds have been collected. shredded or blown out of my hand.” aim to protect British plants and are Dr Aline Finger, conservation geneticist The UK National Tree Seed Project Species targeted in coordinated across the UK nations by the and RBGE project co-ordinator, explained: launched in May 2013 with the aim of Royal Botanic Gardens Kew’s Millennium “RBGE has a wealth of experience working securing genetically diverse collections of UK the project include: Seed Bank (MSB), with funding from with rare Scottish plants and the partnership native trees and shrubs. The species target - Common juniper (Juniperus players of People’s Postcode Lottery. with the MSB is a perfect opportunity to list takes into account factors such as the communis) : This evergreen species strengthen our conservation efforts by storing species conservation status, its prevalence in is one of only three native conifers in Diversity of British native plant species seeds for future needs. We are particularly the landscape and vulnerability to pests and Britain and is at risk from the fungus-like With the co-operation and support of excited in managing to find seeds from diseases. The target species include many pathogen Phytophthora austrocedrae. landowners and volunteers, the projects extremely rare species such as the Marsh trees which underpin the UK’s wider plant - Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris): are working to increase the diversity Saxifrage. This plant rarely sets seed because and animal diversity, as well as supporting The national tree for Scotland is of British native plant species that are of the effect of overgrazing, and it is therefore the woodland industry, tourism and increasingly at risk from pests and collected, seed banked and then made a great success to have its seeds stored safely recreation, such as ash, juniper, Scots pine, diseases including Dothistroma available for wider use. Collected seeds are at the MSB for future conservation work.” alder, beech, silver birch and yew. needle blight, pinewood nematode, processed and stored at the MSB, which The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Scottish weather pine processionary moth, and already stores seed from over 30,000 plant (RBGE) is a leading international research the pine tree lappet moth. species from across the globe. Last year, RBGE scientists collected seeds from organisation delivering knowledge, The collections will serve as insurance in 14 trees and 29 conservation priority herbs education and plant conservation action in - Common ash (Fraxinus excelsior): case species are lost from the landscape. But this year, to help deliver. By the end of this year more than 50 countries around the world. Threatened by ash dieback (Chalara they also provide seed material for current all tree collecting will have been completed In Scotland, its four Gardens at Edinburgh, fraxinea), which first came to the research needs, such as testing for disease but the work will continue next year as many Benmore, Dawyck and Logan attract nearly public’s attention in spring 2012. This fungus kills the leaves and bark tissue, causes shoot death, cankers, crown dieback and ultimately the demise of the entire tree. Ash is also at potential risk from the emerald ash borer beetle. - Common alder (Alnus glutinosa): This water-loving species, typically found in wet woodlands or alongside streams and rivers, is at risk from the pathogen Phytophthora alni. - Silver birch (Betula pendula) and downy birch (Betula pubescens): The silver birch is a genuine native, growing in the UK since the end of the Ice Age. Its papery-white bark distinguishes Saxifraga hirculus field Cicerbita alpine field it from the downy birch, which has work at Fealar Estate. work at Caenlochan. reddish bark that turns grey with age.

Page 26 • North American Edition • March 2016 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

Friday 10th March 2017 Crofters memorial International Bagpipe Day planned for Skye

The Staffin Trust has secured funding from Creative Scotland to investigate creating a permanent memorial to recognise the crofters’ uprising in Staffin in the 1870s in the face of landlord

By: The National Piping Centre, Glasgow Piping Centre, The National By: The variety of bagpipes. Images scourtesy of The National Piping Centre. oppression which, coupled with similar protests elsewhere in the west nternational Bagpipe Day is a day of corners of the globe coming together to Highlands, eventually led to a historic celebration for The Great Highland compete and share music. When the Royal law offering more protection for crofters. Bagpipe, and all types of bagpipe, Edinburgh Military Tattoo recently toured to The Trust’s directors and development where people are encouraged to go out Melbourne Australia, the music wowed the officer are working with the Skye and Iand play, find out more about piping across audiences and showed how the bagpipes Lochalsh arts organisation ATLAS to the globe and fall in love with pipe music. continue to thrill audiences and resonate develop an attractive and eye-catching First held in March 2012, it was with people worldwide. memorial which would serve as a fitting inaugurated by The Bagpipe Society, an The National Piping Centre is delighted to tribute. No location for the Staffin institution which was set up in 1986 to welcome visitors fascinated by our instrument Crofters’ Memorial has yet been decided. promote bagpipe revival across the world. to our Museum of Piping which holds part of The final decision will be taken in full There are so many global events which the National Museums Scotland’s collection consultation with the Staffin community. celebrate the diversity in piping, and of artefacts. We hope that this affection In 1877 in the Peninsula of their development. Events like Festival continues for many years to come. So, on north east Skye, crofters were in dispute Interceltique de Lorient, Celtic Connections Friday 10th March, we will be joining with with landowners due to high rents, their and Piping Live! showcase the amazing pipers around the world, to play a tune in lack of rights to land, and the prospect diversity with different bagpipes from across celebration of our fantastic instrument in all of eviction to make way for large-scale the world, as well as different styles of music its forms from across the globe. farming operations. After years of and performance. The World Pipe Band unrest, and following the 1883 Napier Do you love the pipes? Tell us what it is Championships held annually in Glasgow, Commission recommendations, the about this instrument that inspires you also shows how the Great Highland Bagpipe Crofters’ Act was finally passed in 1886. at: www.scottishbanner.com/contact-us has travelled, with pipe bands from the four Facial reconstruction Burns violin’s voice restored of Orkney’s St Magnus Scotland’s heritage, arranged for David wrote that he hoped dancing would ‘give Rattray, the Kirkcaldy-based violin my manners a brush.’ More likely, he expert to restore the instrument to how realised dancing lessons were an excellent it would have been in the 18th century, form of rebellion, as his father frowned upon when Burns danced to it. The fiddle is a such sinful behaviour. I feel it is important decorated baroque violin of provincial-type to play music of the period, particularly the construction dating to the mid-18th century. music of Niel Gow who Burns met in 1787. It is made from pine, bird’s-eye maple and The tone of the instrument has a sweetness plain cut sycamore. It has now been repaired which enhances the character of these A graduate who studied in Forensic Art and restored and has been restrung with gut great old tunes.” and Facial Identification at The University strings as it would have originally. According The violin is part of the National Trust of Dundee has recreated the face of St Magnus, who was over 900 to experts at the museum, around 1779 the for Scotland’s collection at the Robert years ago. The reconstruction, created by adolescent Robert Burns began attending Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. The forensic artist Hew Morrison, was based dancing lessons in Tarbolton. instrument was played at the Burns Big on photographs taken of St Magnus’s Birthday Bash at Burns Cottage and this skull in 1925. While the skull was not Form of rebellion was the first time in many years that people available for direct examination, Hew Bachelors’ Club in Tarbolton. Curator Sean McGlashan said: “Burns have heard the violin as Burns did in 1779. was able to analyse the photographs and use these to create a digital depiction of St Magnus’s head. The photos are violin which Robert Burns is said to of what is believed to be the skull of th have danced to has sounded again the 12 Century Norse earl and were this past Burns Night as it did in discovered in a wooden box in one of the pillars of St Magnus Cathedral in the 18th century, after the National Kirkwall. Hew said, “The photographs ATrust for Scotland had the piece restored from 1925 were fortunately of good to its original condition. The instrument is quality, but most importantly a scale thought to have belonged to Burns’ tutor ruler was photographed alongside William Gregg and accompanied Robert these photographs, which allowed me Burns’ dance lessons at the Bachelors’ Club to scale the skull up to size.” As there in Tarbolton. Over the years, a series of were no samples of St Magnus’s DNA repairs and modernisations, including the available, Hew was unable to determine adding of a chin cup, had been made to the St Magnus’s exact hair and eye colour. violin using modern style strings. However, Hew used St Magnus’s heritage to influence the colours he used. “Taking Baroque violin into regard St Magnus’s Scandinavian ancestry,” he said, “light-coloured hair Last year, the National Trust for Scotland, and blue eyes were added to the face.” the charity which conserves and promotes

North American Edition • March 2016 • Page 27 THE SCOTTISH BANNER

By: Lois Ann Baker The () Highland Games will miss Connie Blaney

put words together. In fact one time, she about being at the first games, competing was also instrumental in creating the used to do the games releases. at the Games and just her sense of history official Glengarry Highland Games of the Games. She has been there since tartan. “It’s worn by the pipe band and Grand lady of the Games the beginning, first as a competitor then anyone associated with the Games “She had a real way with words and as a director and part of the executive and usually wears it,” she said. everyone appreciated her sense of even president of the Games.” Cruickshank “Connie and another Games director humour.” Cruickshank said Blaney was said with her passing, they were losing a Marjorie Stewart were critical in getting larger than life. “She was a robust person, major piece of their history. “It’s just not that tartan created, designed and she was witty, she was charming. the passing of a grand lady of the Games, produced. It’s our tartan and it has a it’s the passing of a large part of our history. history and a story. Connie was very much You know how you always think you should a part of that.” Cruickshank said she was Connie was a trailblazer, whose have asked for the stories and then it’s too also the director of the Games history late? I guess that’s how I feel about Connie.” along with Jean Campbell, who also determination and success as a attended the very first highland games. The Glengarry Highland The two were the Games’ historians. young female piper competing Games tartan Photo: Courtesy of the Glengarry on the Ontario circuit in the Trailblazer Celtic Hall of Fame. “She was a huge supporter of the Games. 1940s and 1950s enabled Respected for her many accomplishments lengarry county is in mourning future generations of women in the community and in the piping after the passing of Glengarry’s world, Connie will be missed, and her sweetheart. Connie to play and compete at the contributions to the Games will never Blaney, who has been associated be forgotten,” said Games President Gwith the Glengarry Highland Games since highest level of piping and in Anne Stewart in a press release. “Connie The Glengarry Highland Games tartan. its inception, died on Wednesday January was a trailblazer, whose determination 25, 2017. “There are so many facets to pipe bands worldwide. and success as a young female piper Connie and the Games,” said the Games Cruickshank said when they celebrate competing on the Ontario circuit in director of advertising and past-president the 70th Games this year, there will be the 1940s and 1950s enabled future Dona Cruickshank. “She was a competitor People loved to engage her in conversation a major piece missing. “You will wait to generations of women, including my in piping and champion so many times. because she would keep them enthralled hear the sound of her laughter, you will eldest daughter, to play and compete at She was one of the originating members with her stories. She was a fascinating wait to say ‘Oh Connie would know that’ the highest level of piping and in pipe of the pipe band and she formed an lady.” Cruickshank said it was doubly sad and that is gone,” she said. “That’s part bands worldwide. Her smile, her laugh, all-girls pipe band at one time that that Blaney won’t be at this year’s Highland of the loss you feel, the loss of being able her knowledge ... Connie is irreplaceable encouraged piping for girls.” Cruickshank Games because they are celebrating 70 to go to that person and ask them the and we will miss her terribly.” said Blaney had a very good sense of years as an event. “I was so looking forward questions or just hear their response to First published in the humour and she certainly knew how to to having Connie there to tell the story something.” Cruickshank said Blaney Cornwall Standard – Freeholder.

st 51 Annual

Dunedin Highland Games & Festival Saturday, April 1, 2017

Highlander Park, 1920 Pinehurst Road, Dunedin, Florida

Friday, March 31 Pipe Band March

Downtown Dunedin

**all free**

Ceilidh in the Park

Featuring MacGilliossa

& Off Kilter

Saturday, April 1 8:00 am to 7:00 pm Highland Games & Festival Competitions begin at Chieftain of2017 the Games Highland Trail 5K Over 30 Music by: 8:30am Alan McHale • Celtic Conundrum Scottish Clans Heavy Athletics MacGilliossa & Societies • Highland Dancing Seven Nations • Piping & Drumming Off Kilter • Pipe Band Competitions Kidz Zone Presented by Sheep Dog Demonstrations www.dunedinhighlandgames.com Food Vendors

Page 28 • North American Edition • March 2016