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Electric Scotland News
From what I understand on the Canadian elections it was the older folk who mostly supported the liberals due to fear. Not a good way to elect a new government.
-------
47%
The proportion of Britons in a relationship who are keeping a secret money stash that their partner is unaware of. Source: Aviva.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Reform rise could damage Labour's by-election bid
Reform could hamper Labour’s chances of victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, Professor Sir John Curtice has warned. The polling guru said he would not be surprised if Nigel Farage’s candidate took 10% of the vote in the "tight" contest, triggered by the death of the SNP’s Christina McKelvie.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/HU8aC
Tools dating back 11,000 years found on Skye
Archaeologists have discovered ancient tools which they believe show evidence of one of the earliest human populations yet known in Scotland.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwvgqv2y57o
Explore the Isle of Rum with new local, Elle Duffy
Elle Duffy is a former BBC and Herald journalist, who ditched life in Glasgow for the remote Isle of Rum last year.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/my-sco...al-elle-duffy/
Deafness links to dementia spur call for faster access to NHS hearing tests
Leading dementia experts are urging quicker access to NHS hearing tests because of the increased link between deafness and dementia.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/deafne...hearing-tests/
80,000 children currently live in 'very deep poverty'
New figures revealing 80,000 children are living in 'very deep poverty' must be a wake-up call for the Scottish Government, a leading charity has warned.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/jmuhj
The BBC, bias, and what happens next with the licence fee
I was tidying out some cupboards the other day and there they were: some old copies of The Herald and an old version of me. The papers were mostly from around 2010 when I was reviewing TV and watching pretty much every new programme every week.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/uvgRu
How will Mark Carney govern?
In one of the most striking political turnarounds in recent memory, Mark Carney won last night's Canadian election. But despite his victory, the Liberals are still in for a bumpy ride. Unlike Trudeau, Carney has fewer traditional allies to rely on. He'll have to pull together a wild and woolly coalition to prop up his minority government.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/r8zxm
Whatever happens in the local elections, the mainstream is dead
There are five parties that now seriously have a chance of making inroads with voters
Read more at:
https://archive.is/nfJhw
Scottish education is broken says teachers' leader
The head of Scotland's second largest teaching union has told the BBC that "education is broken".
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2xr243eryo
Canada has chosen managed decline
How on Earth has the Liberal Party won again?
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/canada-has-c...naged-decline/
Border crossings, egg prices and jobs - Trump's 100 days speech fact-checked
President Trump used a rally in Michigan to mark what he claimed had been "the most successful first 100 days of any administration in the history of our country, according to many, many people".
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5rd35wg4ro
Power cuts bring chaos, connection and revaluation of digital dependency
People share their experiences of Monday’s massive power outage across Spain, Portugal and parts of France that upended modern life
Read more at:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...tal-dependency
Why young voters flocked to Canada's Conservatives
As Mark Carney settles into the role of Canada's prime minister, he will not only have to take on US President Donald Trump, but also wider divisions within his own country.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6j9z3dqg8o
Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival 2025 sees huge crowds on Calton Hill
Thousands of revellers gathered in Scotland’s capital to mark the turning of the seasons and reconnect with nature at this year’s Beltane Fire Festival.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/wtSgd
Electric Canadian
A Sketch of the Life and Times of Judge Haliburton
By Robert Grant Haliburton (1897) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...Haliburton.pdf
My Canadian Experience Report for April 2025
Elections in Canada and continued matters on Trump Tariffs. Also trip to Toronto for the Easter weekend and a visit to the Hospital. Completed this months report with a video of the Prime Ministers victory speech.
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add20.htm
The Journal of the Engineering Institute of Canada
To facilitate the acquirement and interchange OF Professional Knowledge amongst its Members. To promote their professional interests. To encourage original research. To develop and maintain high standards in the Engineering Profession and to enhance the usefulness of the Profession to the Public.
You can read the first volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...ngineering.htm
George MacLean Rose
Printer and Publisher (pdf)
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...clean-rose.pdf
Forest and Stream
A weekly Journal devoted to field and aquatic sports, practical natural history, fish culture, the protection of game, preservation of forests, and the inculcation in men and women of a healthy interest in outdoor recreation and study by Charles Hallock, Managing Editor. Added Volume 2 (1875) (pdf)
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...tandstream.htm
Canadian Journal of Industry, Science and Art
Volume VIII (1863) (pdf)
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...njournalr8.pdf
Canadian Almanac 1926 (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nacm00unse.pdf
CCGS Henry Larsen
Climb aboard the CCGS Henry Larsen as she does an ice patrol around the sub-zero waters of the Notre Dame Bay area of Newfoundland and Labrador. Built for the cold, she is capable of the year-round operations in the high Arctic. Added this video to the foot of the page.
You can watch this video at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 27th day of April 2025 - Elections
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...2025-elections
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 5 No. 3 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...r-June1925.pdf
Electric Scotland
Baptism in the Highlands
By Rev. John MacInnes, Ph.D. (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/b...ehighlands.pdf
A Contribution to the Bibliography of Scottish Topography
By the Late Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B., and C. G. Cash, F.R.S.G.S., Cork. Mem Hoc. Ant. Scot. in two volumes
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...topography.htm
Highland Archive Service
Got a copy of their April 2025 Newsletter
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...hive/index.htm
Sketches of Sutherland Characters
By Alexander MacKay, Treasurer of The Sutherland Association, Edinburgh (1889) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...Characters.pdf
The Road of Life
A Study of Pilgrim's Journey as far as Vanity Fair by John Kelman, D.D. (1911) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/t...00kelmuoft.pdf
The Parishes of Medieval Scotland
By Ian B. Cowan (1967) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...alScotland.pdf
The Last Duel (1845)
"How Lieut. Hawkey and Capt. Seton quarrelled at Hollingsworth's Rooms, and the duel that resulted from it." From the Annals of Portsmouth by William S. Saunders, published in 1880. (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...stDuel1845.pdf
Clan Munro of Australia Newsletter
Got in their April 2025 newsletter
You can read this issue at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...unro/index.htm
Report on the Manuscripts of the Earl of Mar and Kellie
Preserves at Alloa House, N.B. (1904) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...anuscripts.pdf
Report by Thomas Tucker upon the Settlemt of the Revenues of Excise and Customs in Scotland
THE Work which I present to you as my contribution to the Club, contains some curious and apparently very authentic information relative to the Trade and Shipping of Scotland in the year 1656. (pdf)
You can study this at:
https://electricscotland.com/busines...71tuckuoft.pdf
Disruption Worthies
A Memorial of 1843 with an historical sketch of the Free Church of Scotland from 1843 down to the present time by The Rev. James A. Wylie, L.L.D. (1881) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/d...rthi00wyli.pdf
Disruption Worthies of the Highlands
Another Memorial of 1843 (1877) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/D..._Highlands.pdf
Story
This is taken from the book, Disruption Worthies of the Highlands, the book listed just above.
Rev. David Carment, was born on 28th September 1772, at Keiss, near Wick, where his father, James Carment, kept a school. His ancestors belonged to the south of Scotland, his father being a native of the parish of Irongray. His grandfather, John Carment, was born in 1672, and was baptised in the hills, under cloud of night, by John Welsh, the outed minister of Irongray.
Mr Carment received his early education from his father. When thirteen years of age, he went to the parish school of Canisbay, where he was taught Latin and Greek. He made rapid progress; and when he had just completed his seventeenth year, was appointed parochial school-master of Kincardine, in Ross-shire. He remained there only one year, and being desirous to pursue his studies at college, he entered King’s College, Aberdeen, in November 1791.
His father was not in circumstances to afford him pecuniary aid, and he had a hard struggle to get through his college course. At the close of the first session, he obtained the situation of tutor in the family of the Rev. George Munro, minister of South Uist. This enabled him to complete his attendance at the arts classes. He passed through the curriculum with much credit; and at the close of the session in the spring of 1795, obtained the degree of Master of Arts. He was then appointed parish schoolmaster of Strath, in the Isle of Skye, where he remained for four years. Having completed during this period his attendance at the Divinity Hall in Aberdeen, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Skye on 4th April 1799.
After being licensed, he gave up the parish school, and became tutor in the family of Mr Macdonald, tacksman of Scalpa, a small island adjoining Skye. Mr Carment always referred to this as one of the happiest periods of his life, and it is believed that it was while here he underwent a saving change.
In March 1803, he was appointed assistant to the Rev. Hugh Calder, minister of the parish of Croy, near Inverness, where the principal ministerial duties had to be performed in the Gaelic language. Mr Carment, not being a Highlander, knew nothing of Gaelic till he went to Uist in 1792, and the preparation of his Gaelic discourses taxed him severely.
His preaching soon proved attractive, and many from neighbouring parishes came to hear him. He preached with power and energy those truths which, not long before, had become realities in his own experience. Not a few had cause to bless the Lord for sending them such a ministry.
In January 1810, he was chosen minister of the new Gaelic chapel in Duke Street, Glasgow, and having been ordained by the Presbytery of Nairn, he removed to Glasgow in April following. He continued to labour there for twelve years, and these were, perhaps, the busiest years of his life. Besides two Gaelic services, he had an English sermon on the Sabbath evening, which was largely attended by many who were not Highlanders. He took an active part in the management of the various religious and charitable institutions of the city; and formed the friendship of Dr Love, Dr Balfour, Dr Hamilton of Strathblane, and Dr Chalmers. His labours in Glasgow were much countenanced and blessed.
In 1815 he married Margaret Stormonth, daughter of the Rev. James Stormonth, minister of Airlie, in Forfarshire. She was a woman of very superior mind and eminent piety. She survived her husband for many years, and died in her son’s house in Edinburgh, in October 1874.
In December 1821, Mr Carment was presented to the parish of Rosskeen, in the Presbytery of Tain, as assistant and successor to the Rev. John Ross. He was inducted shortly after, and entered upon his ministerial duties in the spring of 1822. Mr Ross was an old man, disabled from duty, and died soon after Mr Carment's induction. The charge was an arduous one. There were three villages in the parish, besides a large rural population, the total population being about 2600. The parish was at that time in a very rude state. Its educational requirements were inadequately provided for, and many of the people had no copy of the word of God. He set himself vigorously to remedy this state of things, and ere long there were four schools in the parish, besides the parochial school in the village of Invergordon. He also made an arrangement with the British and Foreign Bible Society, by which he obtained from them large supplies of Bibles and Testaments, both in Gaelic and English. Hundreds of copies were distributed in this way, the price being regulated according to the means of the parties, and none being given without payment, except to parties in very poor circumstances. Every one in the parish able to read, had soon a copy of the word of God.
Mr Carment’s preaching made a great impression in the parish from the outset, and he soon acquired an influence over the people such as is rarely attained. This may be thought the more remarkable, as he had no Celtic blood in his veins, and his character was thoroughly Saxon. His preaching was eminently practical, and there was a directness and terseness in his style to which Highlanders, at that period at least, were not much accustomed. He was a man of large bodily presence, and of almost herculean strength. His utterance was clear and distinct, and his voice had a compass which enabled him, without straining or apparent effort, to be heard by the largest assemblages in the open air.
In 1822, the system of “The Men" was dominant in Easter Ross. Mr Carment’s straightforwardness and independence of spirit did not suit them, and he and they soon came to an open rupture. Such an event, in ordinary circumstances, was fatal to a minister’s influence. The people left him, and followed “The Men.” In Mr Carment’s case, however, this result was, for the first time, reversed. The people left “The Men," and followed the minister.
The limits within which this sketch must be confined do not admit I of any detailed account of Mr Carment’s unwearied labours in the parish during the remainder of his life. His own impression was, that a considerable portion of his ministry in Rosskeen was less fruitful of spiritual results than his ministry in Glasgow and Croy; but in the year 1840, there was a remarkable revival of religion in Rosskeen, in common with many other places, and he had reason to believe that many were brought to the saving knowledge of the truth.
Mr Carment was seldom absent from his own parish, though he occasionally visited other districts, where his services were much prized.
He enjoyed being returned to the General Assembly, where he made not a few highly effective appearances.
He took an active part in the pre-Disruption controversy, and in preparing his people for the result. And when the day of trial came, the people almost to a man followed their minister. Out of a population of upwards of 3000, it is believed, not fifty remained behind. Mr Carment did not go out till the middle of June. He preached for the last time in the parish church on 18th June, taking his text from 2 Samuel xv. 25, 26. .
It was a day long to be remembered. At the close of the sermon he read a solemn protest, which he recorded in the minute book of the kirk-session, where it still remains. It breathes much of the spirit of his covenanting ancestors.
The manse had been built for Mr Carment some years after his induction. It was situated in a lovely spot, with a lawn in front, fringed by a small stream, which in those early days contained wondrous trout. There was a sweet garden, which had all been laid out under his own superintendence. The churchyard was within a few hundred yards of the manse. Six of Mr Carment’s children lay buried there. They were the flower of the flock. Often, as the twilight drew on, the old man stole out to the churchyard to visit the graves of his loved ones. Their very dust was dear to him.
The pecuniary sacrifice which the Disruption involved, though large in itself, was as nothing compared with the disruption of those tender and hallowed ties, which linked father and mother and the surviving children to the manse and garden and glebe and the solemn churchyard.
Mr Carment was one of those who doubted whether the Church, before resorting to disruption, should not have longer continued the fight with the civil courts; but the pecuniary results never for a moment influenced his judgment in the matter. The emoluments told for very little; but to leave to strangers the manse, hallowed by so many deathbeds; the garden, and its quiet walks; the green lawn, with the little babbling brook—places sanctified by communion and fellowship with his God — and the churchyard and its sacred memories; this was a sore trial.
It was in the true spirit of martyrdom that Mr Carment and his saintly spouse turned their backs on the commodious manse, and took up their abode in a small house in the village of Invergorden. It was a noble thing for a man with a family to sacrifice an income of between £300 and £400 a-year for conscience sake. But to tear asunder all those tender ties and associations, which bound their hearts to the manse and its surroundings, was worse than death. Still, they bore it bravely; Martyrs, not by mistake — but martyrs for conscience sake.
After the Disruption, Mr Carment had two Sabbath services—one in a small chapel in Invergordon, for the east part of the parish; another on a moor, some four miles from Invergordon, where the inhabitants of the upper part of the parish met to worship. There was a good deal of excitement in the district when a new minister came to take possession of the manse and parish church; but, though there was some rioting, nothing serious occurred. Mr Carment’s influence was sufficient to prevent that. Within two years, a commodious church, seated for eleven hundred, was built in a central situation, and was filled to overflowing. He continued to discharge the whole parochial duty till July 1852, when he was within a few months of eighty years of age. His strength at last began to give way, and the Rev John H. Fraser was appointed assistant and successor. Mr Carment continued to preach once every Sabbath until March 1855. He died on 26th May 1856.
The following quotation from an article, written at the time of Mr Carment’s decease by the late Rev. Andrew Gray of Perth, one of his most intimate and valued friends, may fitly conclude this sketch:—
“In 1825 Mr Carment was a member of the Assembly. He spoke in the great debate upon Pluralities. In his own homely and earnest way he drew a Bible from his pocket, and read to the house a passage or two respecting pastoral duties and responsibilities. The Assembly gave signs of impatience, and derisive murmurs assailed him. Mr Carment’s spirit was kindled within him. ‘Moderator,’ he cried, ‘are there men in this house that will not hear the word of God? For my part, I was sent up to this Assembly,’ added he, producing his commission, and reading from it, ‘to consult, vote, and determine in all matters to the glory of God and the good of His Church, according to the word of God.’ 'Read on,’ said some of the doctors near the table; ‘read on.’ Mr Carment obeyed: ‘According to the word of God, the confession of faith, and agreeably to the constitution of this Church.’ No sooner had he read the clause, ‘and agreeably to the constitution of this Church,’ than the great phalanx of moderatism before which he stood, broke into explosions of merriment and shouts of laughter. ‘Wait a little,’ whispered Dr Andrew Thomson, who was present as a spectator, and was looking gravely on, ‘wait a little, and you will see that Carment is a match for them.’ Mr Carment drew himself up, and glancing round the hall with an expression of face, in which indignation and glee were strangely mingled, exclaimed, in a voice that put down the storm instantly—‘Moderator, I was not aware that the learned doctors and lawyers on the other side would have been so ready to confess that their views of the constitution of this Church are not according to the word of God.’ They never laughed at him again.”
J. C.
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
From what I understand on the Canadian elections it was the older folk who mostly supported the liberals due to fear. Not a good way to elect a new government.
-------
47%
The proportion of Britons in a relationship who are keeping a secret money stash that their partner is unaware of. Source: Aviva.
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers
I am partly doing this to build an archive of modern news from and about Scotland and world news stories that can affect Scotland and as all the newsletters are archived and also indexed on search engines it becomes a good resource. I might also add that in a number of newspapers you will find many comments which can be just as interesting as the news story itself and of course you can also add your own comments if you wish which I do myself from time to time.
Here is what caught my eye this week...
Reform rise could damage Labour's by-election bid
Reform could hamper Labour’s chances of victory in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, Professor Sir John Curtice has warned. The polling guru said he would not be surprised if Nigel Farage’s candidate took 10% of the vote in the "tight" contest, triggered by the death of the SNP’s Christina McKelvie.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/HU8aC
Tools dating back 11,000 years found on Skye
Archaeologists have discovered ancient tools which they believe show evidence of one of the earliest human populations yet known in Scotland.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjwvgqv2y57o
Explore the Isle of Rum with new local, Elle Duffy
Elle Duffy is a former BBC and Herald journalist, who ditched life in Glasgow for the remote Isle of Rum last year.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/my-sco...al-elle-duffy/
Deafness links to dementia spur call for faster access to NHS hearing tests
Leading dementia experts are urging quicker access to NHS hearing tests because of the increased link between deafness and dementia.
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/deafne...hearing-tests/
80,000 children currently live in 'very deep poverty'
New figures revealing 80,000 children are living in 'very deep poverty' must be a wake-up call for the Scottish Government, a leading charity has warned.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/jmuhj
The BBC, bias, and what happens next with the licence fee
I was tidying out some cupboards the other day and there they were: some old copies of The Herald and an old version of me. The papers were mostly from around 2010 when I was reviewing TV and watching pretty much every new programme every week.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/uvgRu
How will Mark Carney govern?
In one of the most striking political turnarounds in recent memory, Mark Carney won last night's Canadian election. But despite his victory, the Liberals are still in for a bumpy ride. Unlike Trudeau, Carney has fewer traditional allies to rely on. He'll have to pull together a wild and woolly coalition to prop up his minority government.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/r8zxm
Whatever happens in the local elections, the mainstream is dead
There are five parties that now seriously have a chance of making inroads with voters
Read more at:
https://archive.is/nfJhw
Scottish education is broken says teachers' leader
The head of Scotland's second largest teaching union has told the BBC that "education is broken".
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2xr243eryo
Canada has chosen managed decline
How on Earth has the Liberal Party won again?
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/canada-has-c...naged-decline/
Border crossings, egg prices and jobs - Trump's 100 days speech fact-checked
President Trump used a rally in Michigan to mark what he claimed had been "the most successful first 100 days of any administration in the history of our country, according to many, many people".
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy5rd35wg4ro
Power cuts bring chaos, connection and revaluation of digital dependency
People share their experiences of Monday’s massive power outage across Spain, Portugal and parts of France that upended modern life
Read more at:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/20...tal-dependency
Why young voters flocked to Canada's Conservatives
As Mark Carney settles into the role of Canada's prime minister, he will not only have to take on US President Donald Trump, but also wider divisions within his own country.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6j9z3dqg8o
Edinburgh Beltane Fire Festival 2025 sees huge crowds on Calton Hill
Thousands of revellers gathered in Scotland’s capital to mark the turning of the seasons and reconnect with nature at this year’s Beltane Fire Festival.
Read more at:
https://archive.is/wtSgd
Electric Canadian
A Sketch of the Life and Times of Judge Haliburton
By Robert Grant Haliburton (1897) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...Haliburton.pdf
My Canadian Experience Report for April 2025
Elections in Canada and continued matters on Trump Tariffs. Also trip to Toronto for the Easter weekend and a visit to the Hospital. Completed this months report with a video of the Prime Ministers victory speech.
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add20.htm
The Journal of the Engineering Institute of Canada
To facilitate the acquirement and interchange OF Professional Knowledge amongst its Members. To promote their professional interests. To encourage original research. To develop and maintain high standards in the Engineering Profession and to enhance the usefulness of the Profession to the Public.
You can read the first volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...ngineering.htm
George MacLean Rose
Printer and Publisher (pdf)
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/make...clean-rose.pdf
Forest and Stream
A weekly Journal devoted to field and aquatic sports, practical natural history, fish culture, the protection of game, preservation of forests, and the inculcation in men and women of a healthy interest in outdoor recreation and study by Charles Hallock, Managing Editor. Added Volume 2 (1875) (pdf)
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...tandstream.htm
Canadian Journal of Industry, Science and Art
Volume VIII (1863) (pdf)
You can read this volume at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...njournalr8.pdf
Canadian Almanac 1926 (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...nacm00unse.pdf
CCGS Henry Larsen
Climb aboard the CCGS Henry Larsen as she does an ice patrol around the sub-zero waters of the Notre Dame Bay area of Newfoundland and Labrador. Built for the cold, she is capable of the year-round operations in the high Arctic. Added this video to the foot of the page.
You can watch this video at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forces/index.htm
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 27th day of April 2025 - Elections
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...2025-elections
The Beaver Magazine
Added Volume 5 No. 3 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...r-June1925.pdf
Electric Scotland
Baptism in the Highlands
By Rev. John MacInnes, Ph.D. (pdf)
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/b...ehighlands.pdf
A Contribution to the Bibliography of Scottish Topography
By the Late Sir Arthur Mitchell, K.C.B., and C. G. Cash, F.R.S.G.S., Cork. Mem Hoc. Ant. Scot. in two volumes
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...topography.htm
Highland Archive Service
Got a copy of their April 2025 Newsletter
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...hive/index.htm
Sketches of Sutherland Characters
By Alexander MacKay, Treasurer of The Sutherland Association, Edinburgh (1889) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...Characters.pdf
The Road of Life
A Study of Pilgrim's Journey as far as Vanity Fair by John Kelman, D.D. (1911) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/t...00kelmuoft.pdf
The Parishes of Medieval Scotland
By Ian B. Cowan (1967) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...alScotland.pdf
The Last Duel (1845)
"How Lieut. Hawkey and Capt. Seton quarrelled at Hollingsworth's Rooms, and the duel that resulted from it." From the Annals of Portsmouth by William S. Saunders, published in 1880. (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...stDuel1845.pdf
Clan Munro of Australia Newsletter
Got in their April 2025 newsletter
You can read this issue at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...unro/index.htm
Report on the Manuscripts of the Earl of Mar and Kellie
Preserves at Alloa House, N.B. (1904) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...anuscripts.pdf
Report by Thomas Tucker upon the Settlemt of the Revenues of Excise and Customs in Scotland
THE Work which I present to you as my contribution to the Club, contains some curious and apparently very authentic information relative to the Trade and Shipping of Scotland in the year 1656. (pdf)
You can study this at:
https://electricscotland.com/busines...71tuckuoft.pdf
Disruption Worthies
A Memorial of 1843 with an historical sketch of the Free Church of Scotland from 1843 down to the present time by The Rev. James A. Wylie, L.L.D. (1881) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/d...rthi00wyli.pdf
Disruption Worthies of the Highlands
Another Memorial of 1843 (1877) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/bible/D..._Highlands.pdf
Story
This is taken from the book, Disruption Worthies of the Highlands, the book listed just above.
Rev. David Carment, was born on 28th September 1772, at Keiss, near Wick, where his father, James Carment, kept a school. His ancestors belonged to the south of Scotland, his father being a native of the parish of Irongray. His grandfather, John Carment, was born in 1672, and was baptised in the hills, under cloud of night, by John Welsh, the outed minister of Irongray.
Mr Carment received his early education from his father. When thirteen years of age, he went to the parish school of Canisbay, where he was taught Latin and Greek. He made rapid progress; and when he had just completed his seventeenth year, was appointed parochial school-master of Kincardine, in Ross-shire. He remained there only one year, and being desirous to pursue his studies at college, he entered King’s College, Aberdeen, in November 1791.
His father was not in circumstances to afford him pecuniary aid, and he had a hard struggle to get through his college course. At the close of the first session, he obtained the situation of tutor in the family of the Rev. George Munro, minister of South Uist. This enabled him to complete his attendance at the arts classes. He passed through the curriculum with much credit; and at the close of the session in the spring of 1795, obtained the degree of Master of Arts. He was then appointed parish schoolmaster of Strath, in the Isle of Skye, where he remained for four years. Having completed during this period his attendance at the Divinity Hall in Aberdeen, he was licensed to preach by the Presbytery of Skye on 4th April 1799.
After being licensed, he gave up the parish school, and became tutor in the family of Mr Macdonald, tacksman of Scalpa, a small island adjoining Skye. Mr Carment always referred to this as one of the happiest periods of his life, and it is believed that it was while here he underwent a saving change.
In March 1803, he was appointed assistant to the Rev. Hugh Calder, minister of the parish of Croy, near Inverness, where the principal ministerial duties had to be performed in the Gaelic language. Mr Carment, not being a Highlander, knew nothing of Gaelic till he went to Uist in 1792, and the preparation of his Gaelic discourses taxed him severely.
His preaching soon proved attractive, and many from neighbouring parishes came to hear him. He preached with power and energy those truths which, not long before, had become realities in his own experience. Not a few had cause to bless the Lord for sending them such a ministry.
In January 1810, he was chosen minister of the new Gaelic chapel in Duke Street, Glasgow, and having been ordained by the Presbytery of Nairn, he removed to Glasgow in April following. He continued to labour there for twelve years, and these were, perhaps, the busiest years of his life. Besides two Gaelic services, he had an English sermon on the Sabbath evening, which was largely attended by many who were not Highlanders. He took an active part in the management of the various religious and charitable institutions of the city; and formed the friendship of Dr Love, Dr Balfour, Dr Hamilton of Strathblane, and Dr Chalmers. His labours in Glasgow were much countenanced and blessed.
In 1815 he married Margaret Stormonth, daughter of the Rev. James Stormonth, minister of Airlie, in Forfarshire. She was a woman of very superior mind and eminent piety. She survived her husband for many years, and died in her son’s house in Edinburgh, in October 1874.
In December 1821, Mr Carment was presented to the parish of Rosskeen, in the Presbytery of Tain, as assistant and successor to the Rev. John Ross. He was inducted shortly after, and entered upon his ministerial duties in the spring of 1822. Mr Ross was an old man, disabled from duty, and died soon after Mr Carment's induction. The charge was an arduous one. There were three villages in the parish, besides a large rural population, the total population being about 2600. The parish was at that time in a very rude state. Its educational requirements were inadequately provided for, and many of the people had no copy of the word of God. He set himself vigorously to remedy this state of things, and ere long there were four schools in the parish, besides the parochial school in the village of Invergordon. He also made an arrangement with the British and Foreign Bible Society, by which he obtained from them large supplies of Bibles and Testaments, both in Gaelic and English. Hundreds of copies were distributed in this way, the price being regulated according to the means of the parties, and none being given without payment, except to parties in very poor circumstances. Every one in the parish able to read, had soon a copy of the word of God.
Mr Carment’s preaching made a great impression in the parish from the outset, and he soon acquired an influence over the people such as is rarely attained. This may be thought the more remarkable, as he had no Celtic blood in his veins, and his character was thoroughly Saxon. His preaching was eminently practical, and there was a directness and terseness in his style to which Highlanders, at that period at least, were not much accustomed. He was a man of large bodily presence, and of almost herculean strength. His utterance was clear and distinct, and his voice had a compass which enabled him, without straining or apparent effort, to be heard by the largest assemblages in the open air.
In 1822, the system of “The Men" was dominant in Easter Ross. Mr Carment’s straightforwardness and independence of spirit did not suit them, and he and they soon came to an open rupture. Such an event, in ordinary circumstances, was fatal to a minister’s influence. The people left him, and followed “The Men.” In Mr Carment’s case, however, this result was, for the first time, reversed. The people left “The Men," and followed the minister.
The limits within which this sketch must be confined do not admit I of any detailed account of Mr Carment’s unwearied labours in the parish during the remainder of his life. His own impression was, that a considerable portion of his ministry in Rosskeen was less fruitful of spiritual results than his ministry in Glasgow and Croy; but in the year 1840, there was a remarkable revival of religion in Rosskeen, in common with many other places, and he had reason to believe that many were brought to the saving knowledge of the truth.
Mr Carment was seldom absent from his own parish, though he occasionally visited other districts, where his services were much prized.
He enjoyed being returned to the General Assembly, where he made not a few highly effective appearances.
He took an active part in the pre-Disruption controversy, and in preparing his people for the result. And when the day of trial came, the people almost to a man followed their minister. Out of a population of upwards of 3000, it is believed, not fifty remained behind. Mr Carment did not go out till the middle of June. He preached for the last time in the parish church on 18th June, taking his text from 2 Samuel xv. 25, 26. .
It was a day long to be remembered. At the close of the sermon he read a solemn protest, which he recorded in the minute book of the kirk-session, where it still remains. It breathes much of the spirit of his covenanting ancestors.
The manse had been built for Mr Carment some years after his induction. It was situated in a lovely spot, with a lawn in front, fringed by a small stream, which in those early days contained wondrous trout. There was a sweet garden, which had all been laid out under his own superintendence. The churchyard was within a few hundred yards of the manse. Six of Mr Carment’s children lay buried there. They were the flower of the flock. Often, as the twilight drew on, the old man stole out to the churchyard to visit the graves of his loved ones. Their very dust was dear to him.
The pecuniary sacrifice which the Disruption involved, though large in itself, was as nothing compared with the disruption of those tender and hallowed ties, which linked father and mother and the surviving children to the manse and garden and glebe and the solemn churchyard.
Mr Carment was one of those who doubted whether the Church, before resorting to disruption, should not have longer continued the fight with the civil courts; but the pecuniary results never for a moment influenced his judgment in the matter. The emoluments told for very little; but to leave to strangers the manse, hallowed by so many deathbeds; the garden, and its quiet walks; the green lawn, with the little babbling brook—places sanctified by communion and fellowship with his God — and the churchyard and its sacred memories; this was a sore trial.
It was in the true spirit of martyrdom that Mr Carment and his saintly spouse turned their backs on the commodious manse, and took up their abode in a small house in the village of Invergorden. It was a noble thing for a man with a family to sacrifice an income of between £300 and £400 a-year for conscience sake. But to tear asunder all those tender ties and associations, which bound their hearts to the manse and its surroundings, was worse than death. Still, they bore it bravely; Martyrs, not by mistake — but martyrs for conscience sake.
After the Disruption, Mr Carment had two Sabbath services—one in a small chapel in Invergordon, for the east part of the parish; another on a moor, some four miles from Invergordon, where the inhabitants of the upper part of the parish met to worship. There was a good deal of excitement in the district when a new minister came to take possession of the manse and parish church; but, though there was some rioting, nothing serious occurred. Mr Carment’s influence was sufficient to prevent that. Within two years, a commodious church, seated for eleven hundred, was built in a central situation, and was filled to overflowing. He continued to discharge the whole parochial duty till July 1852, when he was within a few months of eighty years of age. His strength at last began to give way, and the Rev John H. Fraser was appointed assistant and successor. Mr Carment continued to preach once every Sabbath until March 1855. He died on 26th May 1856.
The following quotation from an article, written at the time of Mr Carment’s decease by the late Rev. Andrew Gray of Perth, one of his most intimate and valued friends, may fitly conclude this sketch:—
“In 1825 Mr Carment was a member of the Assembly. He spoke in the great debate upon Pluralities. In his own homely and earnest way he drew a Bible from his pocket, and read to the house a passage or two respecting pastoral duties and responsibilities. The Assembly gave signs of impatience, and derisive murmurs assailed him. Mr Carment’s spirit was kindled within him. ‘Moderator,’ he cried, ‘are there men in this house that will not hear the word of God? For my part, I was sent up to this Assembly,’ added he, producing his commission, and reading from it, ‘to consult, vote, and determine in all matters to the glory of God and the good of His Church, according to the word of God.’ 'Read on,’ said some of the doctors near the table; ‘read on.’ Mr Carment obeyed: ‘According to the word of God, the confession of faith, and agreeably to the constitution of this Church.’ No sooner had he read the clause, ‘and agreeably to the constitution of this Church,’ than the great phalanx of moderatism before which he stood, broke into explosions of merriment and shouts of laughter. ‘Wait a little,’ whispered Dr Andrew Thomson, who was present as a spectator, and was looking gravely on, ‘wait a little, and you will see that Carment is a match for them.’ Mr Carment drew himself up, and glancing round the hall with an expression of face, in which indignation and glee were strangely mingled, exclaimed, in a voice that put down the storm instantly—‘Moderator, I was not aware that the learned doctors and lawyers on the other side would have been so ready to confess that their views of the constitution of this Church are not according to the word of God.’ They never laughed at him again.”
J. C.
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair