Rampant Scotland Newsletter
Glenallan
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Just sign up for it. I get it every week. The Web version is terrific.
Cheers
Glenallan
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Rampant Scotland Newsletter - Issue Number 178, dated 9 September 2000.
Your weekly insight into what has been happening in Scotland, snipped from
the Scottish media - plus some elements of Scottish culture.
A Web version of this Newsletter, with some graphics and newspaper-style
layout is currently available at
http://users.colloquium.co.uk/~scott_awa/letter.htm as I'm still having
problems with http://www.RampantScotland.com !!
If you have been passed a copy of this Newsletter by someone else, but
would like to receive your own copy direct from Scotland, just send an
email to sco...@cqm.co.uk with "Subscribe" in the subject line.
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CURRENT AFFAIRS
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Parliament Reopens
The new session of the Scottish Parliament got off to a lively start as the
Education Minister Sam Galbraith was grilled by MSPs about the failures of
the Scottish Qualification Authority over the summer. Initially, only 15
minutes had been allocated for questions but the Presiding Officer, Sir
David Steele, bowed to pressure and cancelled a debate on "the creative
economy". The Education Minister claimed that he had no authority to
instruct the SQA to do anything and that the assurances which the
organisation had given him on a number of occasions proved to be
"worthless." In First Minister's Questions next day, Donald Dewar was
challenged over this statement - the Education Act appeared to give the
Minister power to give SQA "directions of a general or specific character".
Exam Results Appeals Soar
The number of appeals on the Higher and Standard Grade papers could be as
high as 120,000 and the number of "urgent" appeals from pupils needing the
result of their appeal for University entrance has risen to 6,250 (normally
the figure is 400). On Wednesday, the Education Minister claimed that all
the 5,000 corrected Higher and Six Year Studies certificates had been
produced (though it later emerged that some were being posted on the day of
the debate). Parliament has now set up two committees to investigate the
SQA, including one to look into the relationship between Ministers and that
organisation.
Reallocation of Health Spending
Following a two-year review of the way in which the Health service in
Scotland spends its money, a revised system was announced this week. It
will mean that more cash will be allocated to deprived and rural areas
where there is a greater need, rather than on a per capita basis. The
result is that cities such as Glasgow and rural areas such as the Western
Isles will get an increased allocation, which will be phased over the next
five years.
Labour Popularity Falls Following Exam Chaos
The latest System Three opinion poll for the Herald newspaper shows that
once again the Scottish Nationalists have taken the lead in voting
intentions for the Scottish Parliament. Labour's share of the vote has
fallen from 37% to 34% in the last month while the Scottish National Party
has risen from 35% to 36%. Labour's coalition partners, the Liberal
Democrats, also saw their share of the vote falling, from 10% to 9%.
Historic Scotland Attack Design of Scottish Parliament
The way in which the historic Queensberry House is being integrated into
the design of the new Scottish Parliament came under fire this week from
the Government's own conservation agency, Historic Scotland. They are
unhappy about the installation of concrete floors and the creation of a
grass-roofed foyer building which they claim will spoil the relationship
between Queensberry House and Holyrood Park beyond. They say that creating
doors from existing windows in Queensberry House is also "unacceptable".
But later in the week, Edinburgh City Council largely approved the plans -
including the use of granite instead of sandstone as the cladding for the
new Parliament building.
Concern at Reallocation of Island Funding
The local authorities looking after the Western Isle, Orkney and Shetland
share in a special allocation of 28 million pounds of government funding
called the "Special Islands Needs Allowance (Sina). It takes into account
the increased costs of providing services in remoter islands. But a leaked
consultant's report to the Scottish Executive suggests that the amounts
paid should be reduced - and the money allocated to other councils serving
small islands such as Coll, Rum, Eigg and Canna. Needless to say, councils
currently receiving the allowance have expressed alarm and concern about
the prospect of such changes. But it was emphasised that it was only a
discussion document and one of many studies being undertaken.
Support for Gaelic?
Gaelic activists were angry at a statement this week by the First Minister,
Donald Dewar, which appeared to express doubts about a pre-election pledge
to give the Gaelic language "secure legal status". It was reported that he
had said that he did not wish to go down the same road as the Welsh
Language Act. This would force local councils to provide Gaelic schooling
if there was reasonable demand and allow people to give evidence in court
in Gaelic, resulting in translation services being required. He was not
convinced that such an Act would ensure the successful development of the
language. There are 50,000 Gaelic speakers in Scotland (1% of the
population). The Scottish Executive allocate over 20 million pounds each
year in support of Gaelic, including finance for TV and radio programmes.
Petrol Prices Rise Again
As the French ports ground to a halt because of the actions of their
fishermen, farmers, taxi drivers and road hauliers protesting at the high
prices of fuel there, prices in the UK (already much higher than France
because of taxes) are set to rise by another 10p a gallon to 3.86 pounds
(US$5.63 - and the UK gallon is smaller than the US). Since 1995 the cost
of petrol in the UK has risen from 53.5p to 84.2p a litre.
Best Rail Route in Britain
The rail service between Edinburgh and Glasgow has won the title "Best Rail
Route in Britain" at the National Rail Awards this week. The increased
frequency (every 15 minutes), comfortable new 100mph TurboStar trains and a
96% punctuality rate all helped to win the title. Both Queen Street Station
in Glasgow and Waverley Station in Edinburgh have also had a facelift,
contributing to passenger comfort. However, the "Best Station in Scotland"
title went to Glasgow Central Station.
Eurolink Ferry "Preferred Operator"
The Scottish Executive announced this week that the Greek based Superfast
Ferries company was the "Preferred Operator" for the direct ferry service
from Scotland to mainland Europe. The service will run from Rosyth in Fife,
probably to Holland, and could be in operation by 2002. The new ferry will
not only be of benefit to Scottish industry but the Scottish Tourist Board
described it as a "fantastic opportunity for tourism in Scotland."
Another Scottish Mutual Company Swallowed
Abbey National, once a mutual building society but now an aggressive High
Street banking company with a Stock Exchange listing, has agreed to a two
billion pound takeover of Scottish Provident, the Edinburgh-based mutual
insurance company. The deal allows for the continuation of the Scottish
Provident name. There were the usual assurances about job security but
there will be concern among the 2,000 Provident staff (1,200 in Scotland)
that the only way that Abbey can make savings is by cutting jobs. Abbey
National has already swallowed up another Scottish insurance organisation,
Scottish Mutual.
New Call Centre to Employ 800 in Dundee
The mobile phone company One 2 One has announced that it is to set up a new
call centre in Dundee to add to the centre already located in Greenock. The
number of people employed in call centres in Scotland is now around 40,000.
Increased Investment in North Sea Oil
The oil giant Shell gave a massive boost to confidence in the recovery of
the North Sea oil industry this week by announcing that it is to increase
its planned investment in capital projects by 50% next year to a massive
$1.2 billion. And BP, celebrating 25 years of oil production from its North
Sea "Forties" field, announced that it was also increasing expenditure in
the oil and gas fields in Scottish waters - $4 billion over the next four
years. BP are on the point of awarding a contract for design work on the
Clair field, which has the largest known reserves on the Atlantic frontier,
west of Shetland. The higher price of crude oil is clearly helping to
encourage the companies to increase the search for more reserves.
Motorola Announce 550 Research Centre Jobs
Motorola are currently Scotland's biggest manufacturing employer with 6.650
staff. This week they announced that they were setting up a research and
development centre for the semiconductor industry which will create another
550 new jobs over the next few years. The new facility is to concentrate on
embedded software and chip design technology. Most of the jobs will be
filled by engineering graduates from Scottish universities.
Glasgow's Latest Crimefighter
The most advanced police helicopter in Britain took to the skies over
Glasgow this week. The Eurocopter 135 has the latest surveillance and
search equipment and will replace a helicopter which is now 20 years old.
The new machine has a longer range and is fitted with rotor blades which
minimise the engine sounds so that criminals on the ground may be unaware
that they are being followed. Strathclyde police cover not only Glasgow but
a large area of the west of Scotland so the new chopper will also be used
in remote areas to assist mountain rescue teams.
Glasgow - Culture Capital of Europe - Again?
When Glasgow became Culture Capital of Europe in 1990, there was some
astonishment, not just in Edinburgh where they thought they had a monopoly
on "culture" but also in Glasgow where the locals were equally astonished.
But the judges had selected Glasgow on the basis of the evidence in support
of their bid and by the end of the year the city had acquitted itself well.
Now the opportunity has arisen to bid for the title in 2008 and Glasgow is
already considering a bid for the prestigious title. The competition was
launched this week and UK cities have 18 months to prepare their bids.
Castaways Walking Out
With six of the 36 Castaway 2000 participants already departed, another of
the Taransay islanders has left to return to her family. Hilary Freeman,
aged 52, quit after eight months on the island. She decided to leave after
a visit by relatives at the end of July. The mother of three grown-up
children has now returned to her home and husband in Scarborough
Back on the island, there were rumours that Ben Fogle, a former picture
editor of the Tatler magazine, was also considering walking out. 29 adults
and 7 children were selected to spend a year on the remote island of
Taransay in the Outer Hebrides as part of a TV documentary on setting up a
community and staying there for a full year. They are growing some of their
own food but there is a regular supply boat and electricity is supplied by
a wind-driven turbine. The next episode of the series is scheduled to be
shown on BBC TV later this month. One of the castaways is a trained video
camera operator and there is also a video in a room in which the
participants can record their views and feelings. Edited highlights of the
video footage is then televised every few months.
Lord Lyon Lays Down His Arms
The Lord Lyon King of Arms, who is responsible for all things heraldic in
Scotland, is laying down his regalia and retiring early next year. Sir
Malcolm Innes of Edingight (no, that's not a typing error) has been doing
the job for 19 years and, for the first time since the post was created in
1318, the post is to be advertised. So the new incumbent might be a Lady
Lyoness. The Lord Lyon's office approves all the coats of arms of
individuals and companies in Scotland, taking the rules of heraldry into
account. The Lord Lyon can also enforce the law and woe betide anyone who
uses coats of arms without authority. They are subject to fines of 100
pounds a day, though throwing miscreants into the dungeons in Edinburgh
Castle is probably no longer an option.
Sheriff Court House for Sale
Glasgow's Sheriff Court (where more minor crimes are heard) moved to a new,
modern building overlooking the river Clyde more than ten years ago. The
old Sheriff Court building, a massive building on an island site in an area
known as the "Merchant City", has lain empty ever since. There have been
various proposals made for an alternative use ranging from a hotel to a
fashion centre but they have all fallen by the wayside. Having successfully
found a purchaser for the former Post Office building in the centre of the
city (also derelict for ten years) attention is now falling on the old
Sheriff Court. Scottish Enterprise Glasgow are marketing the building and
are looking for a joint partnership with private enterprise. The building,
completed in 1840, was originally the headquarters for the city council
before it became the Sheriff Court and jail.
Smuggling from Ireland
The high price of petrol in the UK is encouraging smugglers to bring
bootleg petrol from the Republic of Ireland, to Northern Ireland, which is
now saturated with illegal petrol. Now the criminal gangs involved are
looking for "new markets" and are transporting petrol to Scotland on
commercial ferries. They use plastic containers in lorries, creating a
potentially lethal situation where a spark could cause a massive explosion
on board. Petrol in the UK carries duty of 48.8p a litre and in Eire it is
only 29.4p per litre. The difference for diesel fuel is even larger and the
situation is made worse as a result of differing exchange rates making
petrol even cheaper in the Republic of Ireland.
Heather Honey Price Buzzes Up
Because the weather was dry in July, a crucial time in its growing season,
the amount of nectar heather plants produced this year was well below
average. As a result, the quantity of heather honey has dropped, forcing up
the price to ten pounds a pound. Heather honey is much in demand by
connoisseurs. Those who can make do with honey from plants such as Rosebay
Willowherb are in clover, however, as the crop this year was good.
Council Restrains Housing Developers
St Andrew's College is located in the centre Bearsden, one of the most
desirable residential areas in the greater Glasgow area. There are 28 acres
of landscaped area as well as administration and residential accommodation.
So when Glasgow University announced that they were closing down the
college, housing developers sat up and took interest. But East Dumbarton
Council are insisting that it is zoned for use as an educational or
research establishment and any builder who sought planning permission for
housing would be in for a long battle.
Seagulls Attack Festival Fireworks
The spectacular fireworks display last Saturday, which marked the end of
the Edinburgh International Festival, was nearly ruined - by seagulls.
During the week they constantly pecked at the silver foil and plastic wraps
which protect the fireworks and the sequence in which they are fired.
Organisers could not explain why the problem had arisen this year. But
there was speculation that the gulls thought that they were giant milk
bottle tops and that they would get a good drink if they pecked through the
foil. But the seagulls must have been of the older generation - glass
bottles with foil tops are not seen very often these days as producers have
moved to cartons instead. 300,000 people packed into Edinburgh city centre
to see the 100,000 fireworks against the backdrop of the castle.
New Cash Crop - Lupins
Pressure is being brought to bear on the Scottish Executive to recognise
lupins as a farm crop and so qualify for area aid payments to increase the
attractiveness of the plant. Payments are made to farmers in England but so
far have not been grown in sufficient quantities in Scotland to prove that
they are viable here. But now seeds are being planted as far north as
Caithness. Lupins produce a high protein crop which is fed to cattle and is
particularly suitable for herds of Jersey cows which require a high protein
diet in a concentrated form to produce milk for luxury ice-cream.
Scots Go "Back to Nature" With Woodland Burials
Friends of the Earth in Scotland are reported to be increasingly opting for
a last resting place in a bio-degradable cardboard coffin in unmarked
graves in woodland settings. So far, there is only one woodland graveyard
in Scotland (in Edinburgh's Corstorphine Hill) but another five are
planned. Cremations account for 70% of all funerals each year but
environmentalists are critical of the carbon dioxide released from burning
all those coffins. Many traditional cemeteries are becoming overcrowded and
planning permission for new graveyards are usually resisted by residents
near any proposed sites.
Weather in Scotland This Week
Some sunshine and some showers this week, with the best of the sunshine in
the east, especially at the start of the week. After a chilly start with
temperatures in the range 12/15C (54/59F) most places saw the thermometer
rising to 17/19C (63/66F) later in the week. The outlook over the next few
days is continuing changeable with a number of weather fronts heading in
from the Atlantic.
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HISTORICAL AFFAIRS - Topical Items from Scotland's Past
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Forth Road Bridge - Ancient Monument
Historic Scotland has started the process of designating the Forth Road
Bridge, a category 'A' listed construction. The suspension bridge opened on
September 4, 1964. At the time it was the fourth longest suspension bridge
in the world and the longest in Europe. It now carries 40,000 vehicles each
day. Having "listed building" status will not affect its operation but any
changes which affect its outward appearance (such as painting it a
different colour) would require Scottish Executive approval.
Stone Age Tomb a "Once In A Lifetime" Find
Archaeologists excavating on the remote Orkney island of Westray have
uncovered a well preserved tomb which is estimated to be 5,000 years old.
The researchers describe it as a "once in a lifetime find". The large
chamber is 23ft by 15ft and only Maeshowe, on Orkney's Mainland, has one
larger than this. No large bones have been found but small finger and toe
bones have been found scattered on the surface and the archaeologists hope
to find more remains of the Stone Age people when they return to the site
next summer.
Eighth Annual Pumpathon
Last weekend the streets of Glasgow played host to the largest gathering of
vintage fire engines in Scotland. 26 old machines, including one from 1915
and believed to be the oldest working fire engine in Scotland, took part in
a procession in the centre of the city.
Fires Going Out in 200 Year-Old Bakery
A coal-fired bakery oven which has remained lit for 200 years may soon go
out for ever, as economic pressures are forcing it to go out of business.
The oven was lit in 1810, shortly after the Napoleonic War, in Alloa,
Clackmannanshire. It is the oldest working oven in the country but the
competition from supermarkets and with a reduction in the number of people
employed in the area, the High Street shop is finding it hard to make ends
meet.
This Week in History
September 10 1547 - English defeated Scots at Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, near
Edinburgh.
September 10 1771 - Birth of explorer Mungo Park at Foulshiels, near
Selkirk.
September 11 1297 - Battle of Stirling Bridge, Wallace (as famously
portrayed by Mel Gibson in "Braveheart") defeats Edward I.
September 11 1700 - James Thomson, Scots author of "Rule Britannia", born.
September 11 1997 - Referendum on Devolution, which approved the creation
of a new Scottish Parliament by a substantial majority.
September 12 1715 - Jacobites defeated government forces at Battle of
Sheriffmuir.
September 12 1315 - Thomas Dun, a privateer, sailed into Holyhead, captured
an English ship and over-ran Anglesay.
September 13 1645 - Marquis of Montrose defeated by Covenanters led by
David Leslie at Battle of Philiphaugh.
September 13 1938 - John Smith, politician and leader of the Labour Party,
born.
September 14 1402 - Scots led by 4th Earl of Douglas defeated at the Battle
of Homildon Hill by English army led by Percy 'Hotspur' .
September 15 - St Mirren Day (patron saint of Paisley).
September 15 1773 - The "Hector" leaves Loch Broom, near Ullapool, to sail
to Pictou, Nova Scotia, carrying emigrants escaping from the "Clearances".
For the other 51 weeks in history and a large chronology of Scottish events
see http://scottishculture.About.com/library/bltimeline.htm
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ENTERTAINMENT
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Underground Tunnel to Connect Art Galleries
Details of the 36 million pound (US$52.5 million) project to connect the
National Gallery of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh by
an underground tunnel have been unveiled. As well as connecting the two
buildings, there will be 15,000 sq ft more exhibition space, a lecture
theatre and a café. The project will be the greatest structural change to
the neo-classical buildings, designed by William Henry Playfair, since they
were opened in the middle of the 19th century by Queen Victoria's consort,
Prince Albert. But the new space will not change the outside of the
building - work is all being done underground. However, a new entrance,
below street level, will be created from Prince Street Gardens.
New Scottish "Soap"?
BBC Scotland are apparently looking at the possibility of commissioning a
TV series based on a Scottish city. The drama is said to "break the
stereotypes of Glasgow hardmen and winsome Highlanders". The BBC allocated
additional programme funding to the regions earlier this year and a number
of independent production companies have been asked to submit proposals.
The only current Scottish soap is "High Road" about the fictional
"Glendarroch" (in reality, the pretty village of Luss, on the shores of
Loch Lomond).
Prince Harry at Braemar Gathering
The Queen Mother got the loudest cheer from the crowd at the Braemar
Gathering on Deeside as the Royal Family continued the tradition of
attending the event. Prince Harry, dressed in a suit rather than th kilt
worn by his father, Prince Charles, also proved popular with the crowds.
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and his wife Cherie, also attended.
Paddle Steamer on the Move
The newly returned paddle steamer "Waverley" will have to move from its
present berth on the river Clyde in Glasgow if plans for the new road
bridge are approved. The only sea-going paddle steamer in the world will
move to a new berth at Pacific Quay - beside the new Science Centre. The
new bridge will be too low to allow the steamer to pass underneath.
Micawber in Edinburgh
A new TV series based on the Charles Dickens character Micawber is to start
filming shortly in the streets of Edinburgh. The Victorian costume drama
will star David Jason, better known as "Del Boy" in "Only Fools and Horses"
and Jack Frost in the detective series "A Touch of Frost". Edinburgh was
selected because of its many Georgian streets.
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SPORT
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Mid-week Results - CIS Insurance Cup, 3rd Round
Celtic 4 Raith Rovers 0
Dundee United 0 Airdrie 0 (Dundee United won 4-3 on penalties)
St Johnstone 0 Kilmarnock 1
St Mirren 3 Dundee 0
Livingston 0 Hearts 2
Rangers 4 Aberdeen 2
Dunfermline 2 Motherwell 0
Falkirk 1 Hibernian 2 (After extra time)
Scottish Premier League Results - 9 September 2000
Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 1
Celtic 3 Hibernian 0
Dundee 1 Rangers 1
Hearts 2 Dunfermline 0
Kilmarnock 1 Dundee United 0
St Mirren 0 Motherwell 1
Scottish League Division One Results - 9 September 2000
Airdrie 2 Alloa 2
Falkirk 2 Raith Rovers 1
Inverness 1 Clyde 2
Livingston 2 Ayr United 0
Greenock 0 Ross County 1
League Tables
Celtic are now at the top of the Premier League with an unbeaten record of
18 points from six games, followed by Hibernian with 16 points from seven
games. Rangers are third with 13 points from six games. At the foot of the
Premier Division, Dundee United are struggling with one point from six
games and St Mirren are only two points above them after the same number of
games. In the First Division, Livingston have accumulated 13 points from
five games to lead the table, three points ahead of Ayr United.
Rugby - BT Scotland Premiership
Hawick 45 Boroughmuir 17
Heriot's FP 41 Gala 30
Kirkcaldy 28 Currie 23
Melrose 20 Jed-Forest 21
Watsonians 3 Glasgow Hawks 33
Celtic Chief Executive Resigns
A week after Celtic's impressive win over local rivals Rangers, Allan
MacDonald, the chief executive of Celtic Football Club, tendered his
resignation. He was formerly an executive with British Aerospace and joined
Celtic in May 1998. He has been frustrated by the slow decision making
processes of the Celtic Board and has not been popular with the Celtic
supporters on the terracing. However, MacDonald will continue in his
present role until a replacement has been found.
Manager Wants to Stay
Craig Brown, manager of the Scotland football (soccer) team says that he
wants to stay on after his contract expires in January 2002 so that, if
Scotland qualify for the World Cup in Japan and South Korea later that
year, he would still be in charge. He has already been manager of the team
for more games than any previous manager - the game against Latvia last
weekend was his 62nd in charge of the team. Brown's ratio of wins is
amongst the best in post-war years and he has always pointed to the fact
that under his guidance Scotland have never lost two successive matches.
"Demolition Derby" Video
Celtic have rushed into production a video of their recent surprise 6-2
defeat of rivals Rangers. And they have cheekily entitled the video
"Demolition Derby". It was Celtic's highest scoreline against Rangers since
1957.
Michael Mols Returns
Dutch striker Michael Mols returned to the Rangers side on Saturday after a
ten month lapse. He has been recovering from an injured knee in the
European match against Bayern Munich last November.
Liz McColgan Opts For Motherhood, Not Medals
35-year-old Liz McColgan, who failed to produce a qualifying time to allow
her to join the British Olympic team in Sydney because of persistent
injury, has announced that she is now expecting another child. Liz, who has
had a long and successful running career, already has two children. Despite
her pregnancy, she is still training hard and has hopes of being able to
compete in the Commonwealth Games in 2002. She won the 10,000 metres world
championship 12 days after the birth of her first child.
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SCOTLAND THE WHAT?
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The Encyclopedia of the Loch Ness Monster
The story of the Loch Ness Monster goes back (they say) to AD565 when St
Columba chased away the evil monster with a blessing. Over the years (but
particularly in the 20th century) there have been numerous reported
sightings of "Nessie" who, despite her shyness, (she is rarely seen) has
become an important part of the tourist industry in the area. Now someone
has produced the definitive A-Z of the creature in a book entitled "The
Encyclopedia of the Loch Ness Monster". There is even a section headed
"hoax" (yes, there have even been a few of those, over the years).
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SCOTTISH QUOTATIONS
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While exploring in a wild and uncharted part of Africa, the explorer Mungo
Park (who was born in the Scottish Borders in 1771), came across a gibbet.
He later remarked:
"The sight of it gave me infinite pleasure, as it proved that I was in a
civilised society"
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CLAN/FAMILY NAMES
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The clans and family histories which have appeared in this section over the
last few months have been assembled onto a separate Website which now
covers over 70 different names. The URL is
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/weekly/aa070199.htm
Agnew
There are at least two possible derivations of this name. Firstly, from the
Norman French barony of d'Agneux, via England and Liddesdale in the
Scottish Borders. Secondly, from a branch of O'Gnimh, who were the
hereditary poets of the O'Neils in Antrim, Ireland. The name was written in
English as O'Gnive, then O'Gnyw and later O'Gnew.
Whatever its origins, the family became established in Wigtownshire in
south-west Scotland. Andrew Agnew was appointed hereditary Sheriff of
Wigtown in 1451 and his descendants hold that office to this day. Lochnaw
Castle was their base with another branch in Lochryan. Andrew Agnew of
Lochnaw was killed at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.
The family prospered and there were a number of judicious marriages with
other wealthy families in the area. The 5th Baronet, Sir Andrew, commanded
a regiment at the Battle of Dettingen, Bavaria in 1743 when King George II
commanded the English and Hanoverian troops against the French (the last
monarch to do so directly). When the king commented on the way the French
cavalry had penetrated Sir Andrew's troops he replied "Yes, please your
Majesty, but they didna win back again". Sir Andrew later held Blair Castle
in Perthshire against the Jacobite forces.
The 6th Baronet married the daughter of the Irish Lord Kingsdale and the
7th Baronet inherited the title and estates. He set about rebuilding
Lochnaw castle (though it is now no longer in Agnew hands). A number of
Irish Agnews emigrated to the American colonies, especially in
Pennsylvania. The 11th Baronet, Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, is one of
Scotland's leading heraldic experts and is the Rothesay Herald at the Court
of the Lord Lyon.
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FAMOUS SCOTS
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The notes on the famous Scots who have featured in this section of the
Newsletter over the last year have been gathered together on a Web page at
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/weekly/aa111599.htm
Malcolm Canmore (King Malcolm III) (1031-1093)
Malcolm "Canmore" ('ceann' means head or chief and 'mor' means great) was
the son of King Duncan I and went into exile in Northumberland when his
father was killed by Macbeth (in 1040 in Forres, Morayshire). With the
support of the English King, Edward the Confessor, and his uncle Earl
Siward of Northumbria, he defeated and killed Macbeth at Lumphanan in
Aberdeenshire in 1057. Lulach, Macbeth's stepson, took over the throne but
Malcolm killed him also in the following year.
Malcolm founded the dynasty of the House of Canmore which lasted 200 years
until the House of Stewart. By his first marriage to Ingibiorg (daughter of
Thorfinn of Orkney) he had two sons, Duncan II (who became king after
Malcolm) and Donald. Following Ingibiorg's death, around 1069, he married
Margaret, the sister of Edgar Atheling. Edgar would have become King of
England if William the Conqueror from Normandy had not over-run the
country. By this marriage there were six sons, three of whom (Edgar,
Alexander and David) would become king.
Margaret introduced English customs and language into the Scottish court
and church procedures but she never learned Gaelic which was spoken by a
substantial number of Scots at that time. The large number of English
exiles who had gathered in the court and raids by Malcolm into Northumbria
and Cumbria became a concern to William who marched north. Malcolm was
forced to submit and sign the Treaty of Abernethy in 1071 and agree to his
son Duncan becoming a hostage in England.
Malcolm made two more raids into England in 1079 and 1091, and again he
lost and had to submit to the English king. After the English had driven
out the Scots from their hold on Cumbria, Malcolm led a final incursion in
1093. This led to his defeat and death at Alnwick. His son and heir Edward
died in the same battle and Queen Margaret died four days later. Margaret
was later canonised for her patronage of the church.
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SCOTTISH HUMOUR
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Many of the jokes which have appeared in this section have been assembled
onto a separate Scottish Humour Web Page at
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/blhumourindex.htm
A minister in Aberdeen wanted to sell his car and inserted this
advertisement in the local paper: "Heavenly body, religiously maintained,
host of extras. Could be the answer to your prayers".
A farmer in Buchan won a large prize on the National Lottery. He was asked
how he would spend it - a fancy car, a world cruise, a new tractor? "Na,
na," he replied. "I'll just carry on farming till all the money goes done."
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SCOTTISH POETRY and SONG
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This song was written by Harry Gordon and Tommie Connor and became a
regular feature of the repertoire of such Scottish singers as Robert Wilson
and Kenneth MacKellar.
Down in the Glen
Twilight is softly falling as the sun sinks in the West,
The one I love is calling, "Shepherd, come home to rest."
Chorus:
At hush of even-tide,
O'er the hills beyond the Clyde,
I go roaming to my heaven,
Down in the Glen
Though humble it may be,
There an angel waits for me,
In that lonely little heaven,
Down in the glen.
Chorus
Across the moonlit heather,
My lassie calls as I roam,
'Tis soon we'll be together
In that heaven we call "home".
Chorus
The sheep are in the fold,
And there's peace worth more than gold,
For that shepherd in that heaven,
Down in the glen.
Chorus
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BEST OF THE RECENT ADDITIONS TO RAMPANT SCOTLAND DIRECTORY
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Note that many of the sites which have been highlighted here each week for
the last few years have been gathered together into a "Sites in the
Spotlight" Web Page at http://www.RampantScotland.com/hot.htm
Flowers of Scotland - Summer
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/weekly/aa083000a.htm
A variety of beautiful flowers can be found all over Scotland. To
illustrate this, here is a selection of 30 flowers of Scotland which were
photographed in various parts of the country from May to August.
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PLACES TO VISIT in SCOTLAND
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Note that the places to visit which have been highlighted here each week
have been gathered together into a "Places to Visit" Web Page at
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/weekly/aa081599.htm
Huntingtower, Perthshire
This well preserved castle is popular with tourists, not just because of
its proximity to the "Fair City" of Perth but also as a result of the
romantic story of the "Maiden's Leap" across the space between the
battlements of its two towers. The Earl of Gowrie's daughter is said to
have been visiting her lover in his bedroom in one tower and, fearing that
she was about to be discovered by her mother, leapt across to the second
tower and her own chamber. She eloped the next night!
The Ruthven family who owned the castle, took their name from the barony of
Ruthven, near Perth. Thor and his son Swein came to the area towards the
end of the 12th century. Like most other landowners, Walter Ruthven was
forced to sign the Ragman Roll of English King Edward I in 1296 but he also
assisted William Wallace at the siege of Perth and in the capture of
Jedburgh Castle from the English.
The original tower house dates from the 15th century and a second tower was
built later, three metres west of it. It is possible that one tower housed
the first Lord Ruthven and the other was allocated to his son. It was not
until the late 17th century that the two buildings were connected with the
addition of more apartments between the two. The building was originally
named "Ruthven Castle"
The third Lord Ruthven was a leading supporter of the Protestant
Reformation. In 1565 he entertained Mary Queen of Scots and her husband,
Lord Darnley, at Huntingtower during their honeymoon. But he was also one
of the ringleaders in the murder at the Palace of Holyroodhouse of David
Riccio, the Queen's favourite. In 1582, a group of nobles, including Lord
Ruthven, kidnapped the young King James VI and held him captive for ten
months in Ruthven castle. The King and the Ruthven family were later
involved in 1600 in the "Gowrie Conspiracy" in which the 3rd Earl of Gowrie
seems to have plotted again against King James. Gowrie was killed and later
in the year the Gowrie name was "proscribed" or banned by the Scottish
Parliament. The castle was taken over by the crown and renamed
"Huntingtower".
Visitors to the castle (now owned by Historic Scotland) can climb to the
top of both of the original buildings and look down on the "Maiden's Leap"
- which looks just feasible, because of the lower level of the battlements
on the second tower. The building also contains a painted wooden ceiling
and the remains of wall paintings dating back to before 1513.
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SCOTTISH RECIPES
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The Scottish recipes which appear here each week are all available at
http://scottishculture.About.com/library/blrecipe_index.htm
Forfar Bridies
These are said to have been made by a travelling food seller, Maggie Bridie
of Glamis (in the days when the county of Angus was called Forfarshire).
They were mentioned by J M Barrie (author of Peter Pan) who was born in
Kirriemuir in that county. The original recipe used suet but since that is
not always to everyone's taste, you can use butter or margarine.
Ingredients (for six bridies):
1½ lbs (700g) boneless, lean rump steak. Lean minced beef can also be used.
2 oz (2 rounded tablespoons) suet or butter or margarine
1 (or 2) onion, chopped finely
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
Quarter cup rich beef stock
Salt and pepper to taste
1½ lbs flaky pastry (home made or from a pastry mix packet)
Method:
Remove any fat or gristle from the meat and beat with a meat bat or rolling
pin. Cut into half-inch (1cm) pieces and place in a medium bowl. Add the
salt/pepper, mustard, chopped onion, suet (or butter/margarine) and stock
and mix well.
Prepare the pastry and divide the pastry and meat mixture into six equal
portions. Roll each pastry portion into a circle about six inches in
diameter and about quarter of an inch thick and place a portion of the
mixture in the centre. Leave an edge of pastry showing all round. Brush the
outer edge of half the pastry circle with water and fold over. Crimp the
edges together well. The crimped edges should be at the top of each bridie.
Make a small slit in the top (to let out any steam). Brush a 12 inch square
(or equivalent area) baking tray with oil and place the bridies in this,
ensuring that they are not touching. Place in a pre-heated oven at
220F/120C/gas mark 8 for 15 minutes then reduce the temperature to
320F/180C/gas mark 4 and cook for another 45/55 minutes. They should be
golden brown and if they are getting too brown, cover with greaseproof
paper (vegetable parchment).
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DID YOU KNOW?
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Greyfriar's Bobby
According to the commonly accepted story, Bobby was a Skye Terrier dog
belonging to a Jock Gray, a farmer from the Pentland Hills, who regularly
dined at an inn in Grassmarket, not far from Greyfriar's Churchyard. When
Jock Gray, died in 1858, the dog refused to leave his master's grave. He
turned up regularly for 14 years at the inn at Grassmarket which had been
frequented by his master and was fed there by locals who were taken by the
dog's devotion. The story may have been embellished by John Traill, the
owner of the restaurant.
Other versions suggest that the dog belonged to a local policeman and that
while the dog was frequently found in the churchyard, it was also looked
after by residents in the houses in nearby Candlemaker's Row.
Greyfriar's Bobby died on 14 January 1872. The story first came to
prominence in the 1890s when Eleanor Atkinson, an American, first wrote the
story which became a first reading book for a generation of many Americans
who now love the story so much.
The cute life-size statue to Bobby (undoubtedly the most photographed dog
in Edinburgh) was erected on top of a drinking fountain outside Greyfriar's
Churchyard shortly after the dog's death and in more recent times Walt
Disney made a film about the dog's devotion.
Scottie
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http://scottishculture.About.com
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