ES Community http://www.electricscotland.org/ en Thu, 23 May 2013 20:57:59 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.electricscotland.org/images/misc/rss.png ES Community http://www.electricscotland.org/ <![CDATA[Here's A Poem That My Mom And I Did Together.]]> http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3985-Here-s-A-Poem-That-My-Mom-And-I-Did-Together?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 20:49:58 GMT Fun In The Sun Romping in the grass with all abound. Full of mischief and plenty to go around. We tug and we play, and wrestle to the ground.... Fun In The Sun

Romping in the grass with all abound.
Full of mischief and plenty to go around.
We tug and we play, and wrestle to the ground.
Leaping and jumping, splashing all around.
Leaving our care givers laughing on the ground.

Digging to escape our outdoor pin of fun.
Watching our care givers jump up and run.
As they pick us up and put us in our pen to play.
We do it again two to three times a day.

Splashing in the pool, swimming and diving, having lots of fun.
Bopping, popping, hopping and running all around.
Dooking, chirping, and clucking all in play.
Wrestling and tugging creating joyous sounds.

The time to go in has come around.
As we are all tired and have slowed down.
We are all cranky and dozing off.
As we will continue playing in our sleep.

by Mary McDonald
&
Beth Cowan

In loving tribute to my two pet ferrets Einstein & Dixie and my mother Beth Cowan. ]]> celticpride http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3985-Here-s-A-Poem-That-My-Mom-And-I-Did-Together FREE Home Energy Improvements http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3984-FREE-Home-Energy-Improvements?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 19:04:17 GMT This may be of general interest but for those in Canada of genuine benefit. I was told about this scheme by Union Gas in Ontario where to... This may be of general interest but for those in Canada of genuine benefit.

I was told about this scheme by Union Gas in Ontario where to qualified customers you get...

Free Home Energy Assessment
Free Insulation
Free Water Saving Items
Free Programmable Thermostat

Depending on how many people live in your home there is an upper level for earnings and as long as you are below that all this is free. Thus you don't need to apply for a grant... they actually do the work at no cost to you.

I applied as I found I was just under the upper limit for a single person home. The only problem I had was that when asked if I had Nob & Tube electrical wiring in my home I had to admit that I did. That being the case I had to have it disabled and then get the company to certify they had done the work and send them a copy of the report which I did.

I might add here that I actually have more Nob & Tube wiring than I had thought and this apparently is common in older homes. It ended up costing me $700 to get everything sorted but in some ways I was happy about that. Apparently there is code that a special box needs to be fitted for every Nob & Tube circuit which acts the same way as a breaker works with normal electrical circuits. I didn't have these but now do. I also learned that all the electric points on the upper floor were still Nob & Tube whereas I thought it was only in the attic. So I am now feeling safer knowing about about this.

I might add that when I first got my home I got a contractor to do various repairs before I moved in and one of the tasks was to check the wiring and to sort out any problems they discovered. I was informed there was just a bit of Nob & Tube in the attic so nothing to worry about. So if I had known about this I would have got the work done regardless after all this can be a cause of fires.

Anyway... having done that I emailed then to confirm it had all been done and within two weeks an inspector came to visit and he brought some installation to wrap around water pipes and a new shower head. He also had new tap heads for the sinks but as I already had new taps installed they weren't needed.

He discovered I have no installation in the walls, basement and only some in the attic and doing an air test discovered I was definitely losing heat out of the house. While he said he couldn't guarantee I would get the free installation he was certain i would as the savings I should get would be significant. In fact he even said in the winter my heating bill should be halved. Overall this means the house will be warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

I will be contacted within the next four weeks or so to be told what they are doing so now just waiting to hear from them.

I might add that they will simply come and do the insulation at no cost to me under this scheme. The old scheme that was in place offered you a grant of up to $6,000 but you needed to get the work done first and pay for it before you could apply for the grant and it would be around 3 months before you got your grant money back.

The inspector told me I will get full insulation in the basement, which is apparently some backing board to be attached to the walls then 4 inches of insulation and another backing board on the other side. Then all the outside walls will be insulated. He thinks that this will involve removing the siding from the house and then they will inject the insulation into the walls and then put back the siding. Then they will also insulate the attic. From what I understand they will also check my programmable thermostat to check it is working ok and if not they will replace it.

All in all that's around $6,000 of work and all for free.

You can learn more about this at http://www.uniongas.com/helpinghomes where there is also a video giving you some tips on how to keep your home warmer.

So hope some of you will get some direct benefit from this scheme if you live in Canada.

Alastair ]]> Electric Canadian Alastair http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3984-FREE-Home-Energy-Improvements new and proud if my heratage http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3982-new-and-proud-if-my-heratage?goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 18:38:40 GMT Hi my name is Mairi McDonald. I live in the USA, but I have been taught by my grandmum about the history of Scotland and in the old ways. I will... Hi my name is Mairi McDonald.

I live in the USA, but I have been taught by my grandmum about the history of Scotland and in the old ways. I will not fly the american flag with out the St, Andrues flag. I beleave in the old ways and I'm trying to live that way as much as i can. I have seen the pictures that my da took when he went there and it's like i have been there before, but I have never left the USA. ]]> New Members celticpride http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3982-new-and-proud-if-my-heratage Scottish Business Network Australia http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3981-Scottish-Business-Network-Australia?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 04:51:16 GMT Hello to anyone of Scottish descent who is in business in Queensland, Australia. The Scottish Business Network Australia has been operating out of... Hello to anyone of Scottish descent who is in business in Queensland, Australia. The Scottish Business Network Australia has been operating out of Sydney for some time, but we have now opened a Queensland branch. Membership is free - you just need to be of Scottish descent and a professional involved in running/managing a business in Queensland. The aim of the SBNA is to provide networking opportunities for local members, and open up opportunities locally and globally. If you would like to join, email the Queensland Chair, Carmel, at scotsnews@iinet.net.au. ]]> Business AussieScot http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3981-Scottish-Business-Network-Australia Tornado in Oklahpma http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3980-Tornado-in-Oklahpma?goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 02:27:17 GMT That was a really terrible tornado in Oklahoma today. Last I heard there were 57 dead and many injured. Some 24 kids are still missing from the... That was a really terrible tornado in Oklahoma today. Last I heard there were 57 dead and many injured. Some 24 kids are still missing from the local school and others still missing.

Alastair ]]> Breaking World News Alastair http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3980-Tornado-in-Oklahpma <![CDATA[Can't Do It Hugh]]> http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3979-Can-t-Do-It-Hugh?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 22:46:24 GMT Hugh, Here is the thing........I absolutely can not figure these enigma machines out! I am smart, or so I thought!!!! Now I am not so sure.:gotme:... Hugh,
Here is the thing........I absolutely can not figure these enigma machines out! I am smart, or so I thought!!!! Now I am not so sure.:gotme: It takes a lot to admit it, however, I was wondering if there are some hints from you that might help me.:pullhair: Hope you are doing good. ]]> Diane http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3979-Can-t-Do-It-Hugh Labour party lied over true worth of North Sea Oil admits former Chancellor http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3978-Labour-party-lied-over-true-worth-of-North-Sea-Oil-admits-former-Chancellor?goto=newpost Mon, 20 May 2013 20:15:02 GMT Quite a revelation... see... Quite a revelation... see http://www.newsnetscotland.com/index...mer-chancellor

Alastair ]]> Scottish Independence Alastair http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3978-Labour-party-lied-over-true-worth-of-North-Sea-Oil-admits-former-Chancellor Enigma Machine #17 http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3977-Enigma-Machine-17?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 16:00:10 GMT Here is #17. Click on picture for a larger version. Good luck! Cheers, Hugh Attachment 1461... Here is #17. Click on picture for a larger version. Good luck!

Cheers,

Hugh

Click image for larger version.  Name: EM17.gif  Views: 11  Size: 12.6 KB  ID: 1461
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version.  Name: EM17.gif  Views: N/A  Size: 12.6 KB  ID: 1461  
]]> Hugh http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3977-Enigma-Machine-17 Space Oddity http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3976-Space-Oddity?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 12:26:47 GMT Canadian astronaut Chris Hatfield records and releases his own version of David Bowie's Space Oddity on his last day on the International Space Station.

]]> General Messages Lizzie http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3976-Space-Oddity A History of the Parish of Neilston http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3975-A-History-of-the-Parish-of-Neilston?goto=newpost Sun, 19 May 2013 03:29:49 GMT By David Pride (1910) PREFACE The many and great changes that have taken place in the parish of Neilston in recent years have been such as to... By David Pride (1910)

PREFACE

The many and great changes that have taken place in the parish of Neilston in recent years have been such as to render the information contained in the different historical accounts now extant very misleading, and in many particulars quite incorrect. The public works described as flourishing at the time the accounts were written, have in many instances now ceased to exist altogether, and new forms of labour and enterprise, in which the parish has taken a forward part, are altogether unrecorded. Properties have changed hands, noble and illustrious proprietors, once large holders of land, have ceased to be possessors in the parish where they at one period flourished, and industries unheard of at the date of the latest of the former records, have brought new men and new business into prominence; whilst by the union of several small hamlets, unimportant places a few years ago, what was lately the town, now the Burgh, of Barrhead, has become a busy centre of industry and influence; and the spread of various railway systems throughout the parish has brought the whole community into closer touch with the outside world and its affairs.

For these and other reasons, the writer has thought good, whilst not neglecting or leaving unconsidered the landmarks of the past, to put on record, however imperfectly, the following statements bearing upon the conditions of the parish as they present themselves at this date.

The objects aimed at have been to trace succinctly the origin of the parish and its people from the earliest periods to the present times; to describe the progress and advancement that have been made socially, politically, and economically., and, with the changes, to indicate the vast improvements everywhere visible in these respects.

It has also been the writer’s aim, as far as is compatible with the character of the book, to consider the Archaeology and Antiquities of the parish, ami presen e some record of such of the ancient mansions as are last passing away under the corroding influences of time and neglect. In connection with the earlier of these studies, an endeavour has been made to trace the origin—or “whence?”—of the numerous Place-Names that have come down through the ages to us attached to the great, though familiar, outstanding landmarks of the parish— a record, in short, of things old and new as affecting the parish and the community.

To friends from whom the writer has received help and guidance, he desires to express his grateful thanks, and though, for the most part, he has refrained from adding foot-notes of the several works consulted, yet he gladly acknowledges both the authors and the works he has been indebted to for valuable information, and from which he has frequently made extracts, and without which, in short, the book could not have been written.

In closing this record of an ancient parish, there comes the forceful presentiment that its rural conditions are silently, but surely, undergoing change. Public opinion, which quite recently was little more than in embryo, is now so rapidly expanding, that, ere many decades pass, the simple customs, frugal habits, and kindly manners that characterised the earlier and more primitive people, will have largely passed away, giving place to more strenuous and exacting conditions. For good, or otherwise, many things are contributing to this end, and nothing will stay it, even were it desirable to do so.

No one is more sensible than the writer of a certain want of sequence or continuity in the work. But this was to some extent almost unavoidable from the fact that it was written at spare intervals as opportunity presented during the arduous practice of a country professional life.

You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ston/index.htm

Alastair ]]> Alastair http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3975-A-History-of-the-Parish-of-Neilston Storm Clouds http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3974-Storm-Clouds?goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 21:10:21 GMT Our UK weather, has today given a link, to spectacular photos of storm clouds. Scroll down to select the photos. ... Our UK weather, has today given a link, to spectacular photos of storm clouds.

Scroll down to select the photos.

http://uk.weather.com/story/travel/u...hotos-20130430

If you look out of your window, I hope you do not see one !

Ranald ]]> Ranald http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3974-Storm-Clouds Live long enough to enjoy the fruits!! http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3973-Live-long-enough-to-enjoy-the-fruits!!?goto=newpost Fri, 17 May 2013 19:32:10 GMT Interesting stuff! http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=r13uYs7jglg Interesting stuff!

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=r13uYs7jglg ]]> Health Lizzie http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3973-Live-long-enough-to-enjoy-the-fruits!! Newsletter 17th May 2013 http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3972-Newsletter-17th-May-2013?goto=newpost Thu, 16 May 2013 23:36:55 GMT *CONTENTS* *Electric Scotland News* *Electric Canadian* Canada and its Provinces Hot jobs (and not-so-hot jobs) in Canada Illustrations,... CONTENTS

Electric Scotland News
Electric Canadian
 Canada and its Provinces
Hot jobs (and not-so-hot jobs) in Canada
Illustrations, Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians
The History of the Northern Interior of British Columbia
An Article about Newfoundland Author Wayne Johnstone
The Flag in the Wind
Electric Scotland
The Scottish Historical Review
Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
The Annals of Scottish Natural History
Caledonia Monthly Magazine
Songs by John Henderson
British Artisan Expedition to America
The Criminal and The Community
Christina's Column
Tasmina's Column
Scottish Stories for Young Readers
Summer Sailings
The Life of Robert Napier of West Shandon (New Book)
The Tartan Herald
The Bold Tartan Men of Ulster
The Liddle family
William Henderson MacLeod (1925-2010)
Friends in High Places
and finally

Electric Scotland News

Got in an email from a friend who is holidaying in San Francisco. He told me he was heading out the next day to have a ride on the cable cars and noted a wee historical item...

The inventor of the cable car was Andrew Hallidie, a Scottish engineer and wire rope manufacturer. Hallidie's inspiration came after observing a team of four horses struggling to haul a public conveyance up a steep San Francisco hill. The cobblestone street was slick from the fog, and when one horse slipped, the car rolled backwards, dragging all four horses with it. Hallidie then designed a cable railway system, and at 5:00 a.m. on August 2, 1873, Hallidie guided the first cable car down Clay Street.

A very good bio of him can be read at http://www.sfmuseum.net/bio/hallidie.html

-----

I sure enjoyed the closing scenes of Chris Hadfield completing his mission on the Space Station and what a wonderful video he produced to round out his time. I created a wee page for him on our Electric Canadian site and embedded the video for you to view which you can see at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/makers/chris_hadfield.htm

-----

The ScotNews feed is starting to get more stories. It used to be that you could visit once a week and catch a good selection of news about Scotland or anything Scots orientated from around the world. I now think you'll need to visit at least twice a week to catch all the stories. Mind you can read all this news on our index page at http://www.electricscotland.com

There is of course more information and debate on Scottish Independence and I am trying to keep everyone up to date on what is being discussed. There is still a big debate about Pensions and joining the EU, whether we should have our own currency, even the time scales for separation should we vote for independence.
This week I've also been posting up news links so we can see what Prince Harry was getting up to in the USA. In addition, when I find an interesting story, I'll add that as well and a couple this week include...

"Funding for electric microcar tourism project" and "Train view app to highlight Scottish landscape".

I am also announcing each issue of our weekly newsletters in this feed and that does seem to be raising our viewing numbers. Mind also that if you have a Blog or Web site you can embed a bit of code and thus take this feed onto your own online site which of course gives you dynamic content as it's updated daily.

-----

Clan Scott in Scotland are starting to build a new web site. In the meantime they have created a temporary site athttp://clanscottscotland.moonfruit.com/

Electric Canadian

Canada and its Provinces
Now added The Province of Ontario Volume 18 - Section IX.

You can get to this collection towards the foot of our Canadian History page at
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nada/index.htm

Hot jobs (and not-so-hot jobs) in Canada
Nearly a third of Canadian businesses say they’re having difficulty finding workers with the skills they need. According to a new report by CIBC World Markets, that’s double the percentage that said the same in 2010. This article will show you the jobs in demand and the jobs with surplus workers so you can plan what jobs you might study for.

Read more about this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/lifestyle/jobs.htm

Illustrations, Manners, Customs, and Condition of the North American Indians
With Letters and Notes written during eight years of travel and adventure among the wildest and most remarkable tribes now existing with three hundred and sixty engravings from the authors original paintings by Geo. Catlin. in two volumes (1857).

Due to the huge number of engravings we make this available in pdf format but have included the full Introduction on this page.

You can read this at http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ustrations.htm

The History of the Northern Interior of British Columbia
Formerly New Caledonia (1660 - 1880) By the Rev. A. G. Morice (1906)

I've posted up the introduction to this book and then it can be downloaded as a pdf file at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...rior/index.htm

An Article about Newfoundland Author Wayne Johnstone
His book about Newfoundland written by David Robinson of the Scotsman newspaper.

I noted this article in the Scotsman newspaper and it starts...

Newfoundland. No matter how hard I try, I can’t pronounce it the way the locals do, the way Wayne Johnston does, with the accent on the “land” not the “new” or the “found”.

Oddly, for a faraway place of which I knew nothing before I started reading his books, it matters. Bear with me and I’ll try to explain why. Who knows – I might even be able to make the case why I think he is the most relevant foreign novelist for Scottish readers right now.

And so that of course tweaked my interest so thought I'd share this with you and it can be read at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist..._johnstone.htm

-----

As to pdf files. We do make quite a few of these available on the site and so I just thought I'd mention that I find them faster to download if I right click on the link then select to "save target as" or similar depending on what OS you are using. You can then either save them to your desktop or create a folder to keep them in.

The Flag in the Wind
This weeks edition was compiled by Jim Lynch but he admits to a bit of a mix up this week so it just contains the Synopsis.

You can read this issue at http://www.scotsindependent.org

Electric Scotland

The Scottish Historical Review
We have now started on Volume 6 and added this week January 1909. You can get to this at::
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...w/volume06.htm

You can read the previous issues at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/review/

Songs Of Scotland, Prior To Burns
This book is by Robert Chambers who is famous for collecting old Scottish Songs.

Added this week are...

The Weary Town O' Tow
Wood and Married and A'
Auld Rob Morris

You can get to this book at the foot of the page at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ers_robert.htm

The Annals of Scottish Natural History
Now added Volume 9

You can read this at the foot of the page at: http://www.electricscotland.com/natu...al_history.htm

Caledonia Monthly Magazine
Have added additional articles from this magazine...

Sketches of Irvineside
John Morrison - Poet, Musician and Travelling Showman by Donald J. Jolly

You can get to these at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...pers/caledonia

Songs by John Henderson
Got in another song from John...
Speyside Glens In ScotlandLyrics composed by John Henderson on the 21st of April, 2013,
to fiddler Gemma Donald's interpretation of the bonnie 'Twilight Waltz'.

Glossary:
wids=woods; sypit=soaking; ablo=below; Bens =mountains: skelpt=dashed;
fult=filled; thow'd snaa=thawed snow; gyte=wild; Merch=March;
reyns=rains; crafts=crofts; feedles=fields; pleugh'd=ploughed;
staun=withstand; dems=dams; jibble ow'r=overflow;
naarhan=nearly; baet=beaten; rase=rose; mullarts=millers;
yetts=gates; ticht-steek=tightly shut; claes=clothes; throw=through;
tholed=endured; happ'd=clad; skreek o' day=dawn; widder=weather;
fey=strange; fower=four; teeps=types; sizzon=season; swaty=sweaty;
broos=brows; aisly=easily; cottars=small farmers


We leuk'd tae the wids an' sypit glens
Sae braw ablo oor crags, an' Bens,
An' saw hoo fest the burnies skelpt
Weel fult by thow'd snaa an' gyte Merch's reyns;
Losh oor wee crafts wi' a' thur feedles pleugh'd
We howp'd cud staun the spate,
Tho' gif ony dems micht jibble ow'r,
We shair wad be naarhan baet.

The dems'-watters rase as oors gaed by,
An' aye the reyn poor'd doon, an' doon;
Mullarts kep a' yetts ticht-steek
Fyle we a' san-bagged oor stane-hooses roon;
A' nicht lang wi' a' oor claes weet throw
We tholed the cauld sae happ'd,
Till the skreek o' day brocht waarmin' wins,
An' syne the reyn at laist stapp'd.

In crafts in Kincardine's Speyside glens
Nar Sooth'ren sister Bens,
We weel ken the widder's fey
Wi' fow'r teeps o' sizzon aft in ae day;
Sae we are a' fu' redd syne wi' swaty broos
Tae thole fit comes oor way,
'Fur aye naithin' guid is aisly gat'
Is fit a' us cottars say.

You can read more of his songs at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerels.htm

British Artisan Expedition to America
Equipped and sent out by and at the expense of the Dundee Courier and Dundee Weekly News Newspapers.

We've now added a further chapter...

Chapter 10 - New York, Canada, Return Home and Conclusion

You can read this chapter and the rest of the book at: http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...expedition.htm

The Criminal and The Community
By James Devon (1912)

We're now onto Part III of this book and you can read the new chapters we've published at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/criminal/

Christina's Column
Got in her column for 16th May 2013 in which amongst other information she's taking about wee Amy Carmichael, 8 years old.

You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...vie/130516.htm

Her other columns can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...lvie/index.htm

Tasmina's column
Got in her column for 16th May 2013 in which she's talking about Britain in Uurope - The US Factor

You can read this weeks issue at http://www.electricscotland.com/life...ina/130516.htm

The rest of her columns can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/lifestyle/tasmina

Scottish Stories for Young Readers
Having discovered from our stats that we have a lot of young readers coming to the site to read our many children's stories I decided to publish some old children's stories which are also very readable for adults as well.

I have now added the third book, The Young West Indian.

The following little history, the author thinks, cannot fail to interest her young readers. It occurred many years ago; when it was her good fortune to meet, at a friend’s house, the two children represented in the history under the names of the little West Indians. Surprising as it may appear, that a boy of so tender an age could be capable of exercising so much prudence and resolution, it nevertheless is an absolute feet, that this child, in all the leading points in the tale, did actually conduct himself as is described. When the author saw him, he was on his way to his friends, to whom the magistrate was sending him, after he had, in so singular a manner, put himself and his sister under the protection of the law. The little fellow related what had occurred to him, amply and clearly, describing his feelings and great anxiety for his sister, in the most natural affecting manner; and though it is long since the occurrence took place, yet it made such an impression on the author’s mind, that she believes she has not omitted any of the material circumstances which were then related to her. A few incidental embellishments are all that she has permitted her pen to adopt; but, in the main features, this history does not at all differ from the simple fact.

You can get to this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/stories/

Summer Sailings
By an Old Yachtsman, Archibald Young (1898)

Have now completed this book. Here is how Chapter II - A Yacht Cruise through the Caledonian Canal starts...

Few things are more delightful than a yacht cruise during the long bright days of our short northern summer, but there are many qualifications indispensable on the part of the yachtsmen to enable them fully to enjoy the pleasures of such a cruise. Among the most important of these are freedom, from sea-sickness, fondness for beautiful scenery, and, above all, a fund of good humour. No sea stock is so valuable as this last gift. On board a yacht there are no conveniences for being separate and sulky in the event of a quarrel, and gloomy faces and sour looks are intolerable, where all must constantly meet on the same deck and at the same table. But when the above requisites exist, such a cruise is a source of the greatest pleasure. If the members of the party have different tastes, all may be gratified during a voyage through the Caledonian Canal, or amongst the western islands and lochs of Scotland. The lover of sport will find wild-fowl shooting and a great variety of sea and freshwater fishing; the admirer of grand and beautiful scenery will find the widest scope for his admiration; whilst the sketcher will revel amidst an endless choice of subjects. And then, too, how free and independent is such a life—how different from that of the traveller by steamboat, coach, or rail, constantly liable to be hurried away from the loveliest scene just as he is beginning to appreciate and enjoy it, and dependent upon the pleasure of innkeepers, drivers, and stokers!

That single gentleman, with the carpet-bag and sketchbook, seems, certainly, in an enviable position, free and unencumbered, but then he must abandon his unfinished sketch, or hurry over his dinner, at the sound of the steamboat bell, the railway-whistle, or the horn of the coachman. And what shall we say of that unfortunate, with a couple of ladies and a dozen packages, his temper constantly fretted and worried by the extent of his responsibility, and his feeling for the beautiful merged in his anxiety for the fate of a bandbox? From these vexations and disappointments the yachtsman is exempt; his time is regulated by his taste; he stays where he will, and as long as he will; if becalmed, there are sketches to finish and journals to bring up; and if assailed by a storm on any part of the west coast of Scotland, there is always a good harbour at hand. Much of the finest scenery, too, in that part of our island is accessible only in this way, for there are no steamboats to some of the finest of our Scottish sea lochs. Lochs Swin, Sunart, Hourn, Nevis, Laxford, Erriboll, and many others whose shores and mountains are inferior in picturesque beauty and wild grandeur to no scenery in Great Britain, can thus only be visited and explored.

You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ings/index.htm

The Life of Robert Napier of West Shandon
Chevalier of the Legion of Honour; Knight Commander of the Order of Dannebrog; President of the Mechanical Engineers by James Napier, M.A., F.R.S.E.

It is often said that the Clyde made Glasgow, and the object of this volume is to relate in some detail the life of one who, by his energy and perseverance, caused the Clyde to become the most famous shipbuilding centre in the world, and thereby contributed most materially to building up the fabric of what is now called the second city in the Empire.

You can read this book at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...pier/index.htm

The Tartan Herald
Got in the April edition of their newsletter.

This can be read at http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3925-Tartan-Newsletter?p=12715#post12715

The Bold Tartan Men of Ulster
A gritty novel by James Gray.

A great read for those interested in Irish Sagas and for those without a nervous disposition. Nevertheless, this is more acute because it is based on facts and with a Protestant intro into that world of looming civil war against a backdrop of those who lived thru the Irish troubles with their own detached agenda.

It is largely said that the Ulster troubles could have been ended earlier with a real committed contribution from those in the middle class socio economic groups who often were satisfied that it never encroached their lives. Often said, who where more in keeping the status quo as it favored their financial interests.

For all its aims, this is essentially a tense gritty read with the ever looming threat to the trio this account is centered around, and hard to believe that this took place in contemporary Britain..

THE BOLD TARTAN MEN OF ULSTER,, is a protestant account for once of the Ulster TROUBLES,, and at last, a departure from the usual republican POV.
The author let us put up this entire book in pdf format and there will be two more book coming in the series.

You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...ish/tartan.htm

The Liddle family
Created a page for the Liddle family.

I was looking for some information on the Little family when I came across a book about the Liddle family. I then found I had no information on the Liddle family on the site so thought this would be a good time to add a page for them which you can now see at:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...ol/liddle.html

I might add that I did also discover a book on the Little family and so added that to the site as well and you can read that book at http://www.electricscotland.com/webc...ol/little.html

William Henderson MacLeod (1925-2010)
A small bio of this person who is also related to our John Henderson.

You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/poet...on/macleod.htm

Friends in High Places
By Kenneth C. Jack

Got in an article from Kenneth about... What is it that connects a very old and respected Crieff family with a former President of the United States of America?

You can read this at http://www.electricscotland.com/hist...es/friends.htm

And finally...

Happily Unhappy

PROOF that there is none so miserable as a Scot, comes the just-published book Wha's Like Us?, subtitled On the Unrealities of being Scottish by Andrew Burnside.

Andrew tries to sum up what it means to be Scottish these days and his musings in the book include:

We won't change. We're satisfied being dissatisfied with ourselves.

Lack of initiative - a critical survival strategy for the Scot at home. It equips him to endure familiar failings, helps him avoid the criticism of getting above himself, and avoids the risk of major failure had he aspired.

The Scot imagines he's a world beater; occasionally he gets glimpses of how far he falls short of that; so he returns to the comfort blanket of myth.

Golf - quintessential game of the Scot. In it, you struggle against yourself forever and never quite win.

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Glasgow Definition of a Drunk

He wis stoatin an his wallies wis floatin'!

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And that's it for now and hope you all have a great Weekend and that our Canadian readers enjoy their Victoria Day weekend.

Alastair
 ]]> Weekly Newsletter Alastair http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3972-Newsletter-17th-May-2013 Colour video of 1927 London http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3971-Colour-video-of-1927-London?goto=newpost Wed, 15 May 2013 22:16:03 GMT My brother sent this on to me, as we were over in England living for three years of our lives. Enjoyed the looks of the big city, but also noted the... My brother sent this on to me, as we were over in England living for three years of our lives. Enjoyed the looks of the big city, but also noted the emissions. When I was there, Westminster Abbey was very dark looking on outside....similar to this. Also the Houses of Parliament were dark then too. So, this does take me back...:bigwink:


http://m.wimp.com/rarelondon/ ]]> History FriedaKateM http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3971-Colour-video-of-1927-London From the mining village of New Cumnock to a new life in Australia http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3970-From-the-mining-village-of-New-Cumnock-to-a-new-life-in-Australia?goto=newpost Tue, 14 May 2013 23:44:14 GMT “Mr Murdoch,” Willie called to the teacher who was now standing at the head of the class. “Why are ye teaching us in English, when ye should be... “Mr Murdoch,” Willie called to the teacher who was now standing at the head of the class. “Why are ye teaching us in English, when ye should be teaching us in Scots?” he asked cheekily. Murdoch began to turn red again. Willie continued. “Are we no’ in Scotland, and not England, so why do we no’ speak in oor ain language? Why are we learning aboot Willie Shakespeare when we have oor ain Rabbie Burns, the greatest poet of all, who hails from right here in Ayrshire?”
That was my father as a nine-year-old at his school in New Cumnock. He survived a serious accident in the pits, helped his mother through the hard times after WWII and travelled to Australia to fill his pockets - but he never returned home, and broke his mother's heart.
Far Across The Sea is the sequel to Ours, Yours and Mines, but it is a stand-alone story so you don't need to have read the first book to enjoy the second. It's a good source of information about life in Scotland from 1913 to 1950 and the assisted passage scheme for migrants. It also provides a snapshot of Brisbane and Ipswich in the 1950s. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
http://www.amazon.com/Far-Across-Sea...ACROSS+THE+SEA ]]> Books AussieScot http://www.electricscotland.org/showthread.php/3970-From-the-mining-village-of-New-Cumnock-to-a-new-life-in-Australia