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Have continued to document what is going on in Canada and certainly there are encouraging signs of progress. Many people are saying how, thanks to Donald Trump, Canada is starting to make great progress into becoming a Super Power in Energy and Minerals and also by eliminating internal tariff barriers.
You can follow this work in my July entry for My Canadian Experience at:
https://electriccanadian.com/canada_add23.htm
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I'm starting to look more closely at Drones from an Armed Forces perspective due to the Ukraine / Russia war. It just seems to me that traditional military of heavy tanks, aircraft and naval warships is at an end.
If you have any sources you'd recommend then please let me know.
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While I continue to add new material to the sites I am increasingly finding material that I put up many years ago that still makes interesting reading. I'm thinking about creating a new entry for the newsletter where I might highlight some of these to you.
Perhaps let me know what you think about this idea? I've used this weeks story to bring you an older book on the site to illustrate some of the content that is available.
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...
Island Games: Everything you need to know about Orkney 2025
The Island Games will be taking over Orkney this week, with thousands of visitors from around the world expected to descend on the Scottish archipelago. An estimated 2,000 competitors and volunteers will swell Orkney's population by almost 10%, but many spectators are also expected to make the trip.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjkkd92rm2o
Trump threatens 35% tariffs on Canadian goods
US President Donald Trump has said he will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods starting on 1 August, even as the two countries were days away from a self-imposed deadline to reach a new trade deal.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg819n954mo
BRICS: The Rise of a New Global Order?
The BRICS group of emerging-market powers–the acronym stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa–has gone from a slogan dreamed up by former Goldman Sachs head of Global Economic Research Jim O’Neill to a real-world club with growing economic and political weight. It almost doubled in size in 2024, pairing several major energy producers including the United Arab Emirates and Iran. US President Donald Trump’s policies and his "America first" mantra has created an opening for the group to position itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions. But with a lack of shared values and identity, can it become a meaningful global force?
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/RgIVKTky8ss?si=JWzO6LaZnS4IRr0U
Ukraine Turns Russian-Occupied Donetsk Into HELL ON EARTH
Ukraine has just shattered Russia’s summer offensive in Donetsk. With two precision strikes, it eliminated Russia’s local command structure and obliterated the ammunition depot meant to sustain a massive assault on Pokrovsk. The result: chaos, fire, and exposed Russian troops with no leadership or supplies. As Ukrainian forces tighten control over the skies and roll out homegrown weapons, Russia’s plans for Donetsk are crumbling fast and Ukraine is only just getting started.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/lSI6vkAqopM?si=kUHr-1KD019KyqN_
Donald Trump deals huge blow to EU with 30% tariffs slapped on bloc
Donald Trump has announced 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico to begin on August 1.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world...uge-blow-to-EU
Zonal Pricing: What Happened
Zonal pricing of electricity is not going to happen. The UK Government’s decision brings to an end three years of intense lobbying from supporters and opponents. Which camp did the SNP belong to? And why? Did some of the lobbying exaggerate the truth? And does the SNP have a coherent vision for electricity market reform?
Read more at:
https://www.these-islands.co.uk/publ..._happened.aspx
Trump's EU tariff announcement sparks potential 'global trade war' concerns
The Switzer Report founder Peter Switzer has discussed the retaliatory tariffs on US exports being delayed by the European Union. This comes after US President Donald Trump wrote a letter to EU President Ursula von der Leyen announcing his 30 per cent tariff imposition coming August 1.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/_aTOwfNTpBk?si=XCmqR8dCakFwIB-0
Quangos cost Britons billions
For the first time, the Government has revealed how much quangos raise in fees and levies. In 2022-23, this was £9.5bn, accounting for 2.6% of their total budgeted income. Some of these bodies are necessary, but many aren't. Taxpayers shouldn't be expected to stump up for them.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/britains-quangos-nee...ificant-reform
Finally: UK Unveils Tempest 6th-Gen Fighter Jet to Replace Typhoon!
After years of intense planning, the UK is ready to reveal its most powerful and futuristic warplane ever the Tempest 6th-Gen Fighter Jet. Designed with stealth, speed, and AI in mind, Tempest is set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and rival elite jets like the F-35, J-20, and Su-57.Built in collaboration with Italy, Sweden, and Japan, this jet will reshape the future of aerial combat, drone coordination, and pilot AI assistance. With cutting-edge engines by Rolls-Royce, smart sensors by Leonardo UK, and advanced weapons systems by MBDA, Tempest leads the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Set to take flight by 2025, Tempest isn’t just a jet it’s a symbol of post-Brexit independence, aerospace innovation, and the UK’s return to global air superiority. Will it truly outperform America’s best? Watch to find out!
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/R_FOUwe_GBY?si=dKI_fwNiUlhfz-1L
Electric Canadian
A History of the Scotch Presbyterian Church
St. Gabriel Street, Montreal by the Rev. Robert Campbell, The Last Pastor (1887) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...etMontreal.pdf
Generals Die in Bed
By Charles Yale Harrison (2014) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...lsdieinbed.pdf
Father Corson
Or, The old style Canadian Itinerant; embracing the Life and Gospel labours of The Rev. Robert Corson, Fifty-Six Years a Minister in Connection with the Central Methodism of Upper Canada, edited by The Rev. John Carroll, D.D. (1879)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...therCorson.htm
Farewell Sermon
Delivered by Rev. Robert Campbell, D.D., on retiring from the Ministry of St. Gabriel Church, Montreal, October 3, 1909 (pdf)
You can read this sermon at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...onde00camp.pdf
Emigration and Colonization
Embodying the results of a mission to Great Britain and Ireland, during the years 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842; including a correspondence with many distinguished noblemen and gentlemen, several of the Governors of Canada, etc.; descriptive accounts of various parts of the British American Provinces; with observations, statistical, political, etc.; by Thomas Rolph, Esq., Late Emigration Agent for the Government of Canada (1844) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion...ni00rolp_0.pdf
Construction
Added Volume 8 1915 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...08macduoft.pdf
Canadian Civics
New edition by R.S. Jenkins, M.A. Ontario Edition (1918) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...cs00jenk_2.pdf
Scrap Book of the Black Watch of Montreal (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...crapbook08.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 13th day of July 2025 - Secrets
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...y-2025-secrets
My Canadian Experience
Continuing to update my July 2025 entry.
You can watch my work in progress at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add23.htm
Songs of the 85th Overseas Battalion
Canadian Expeditionary Forces, Nova Scotia Highlanders (1917) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...vers00cana.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 4 Outfit 258 March 1928 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...rMarch1928.pdf
Electric Scotland
Out of the Briars
An Autobiography and Sketch of the Twenty-ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers by A. H. Newton, D.D., Member of the New Jersey Annual Conference of the A. M. E. Church with Introduction by Rev. J. P. Sampson, D. D. (1918) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...utob00newt.pdf
Lecture of W. Livingston
Author of “Vindication of the Celtic Character,” &c., &c., &c. delivered on the evening of Tuesday, 27th March, 1860 in the Protestant Laymen's Hall, 53 Candleriggs, at the request of the United Highlanders of Glasgow, Mr Charles M'Ewen in the Chair (pdf)
You can read this lecture at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...ure_00livi.pdf
The Life of a Regiment
The History of the Gordon Highlanders From its Formation in 1794 to 1881 by Lt.-Col. C. Greenhill Gardyne in two volumes (1903) which I've added to the foot of our Gordon Highlanders page.
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...sketches83.htm
A Brief History of Maine
By George J. Varney, Member of Maine Historical Society (1890) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00varniala.pdf
Three Weeks with Dr. Candlish
A Highland Tour by Alex Beith, D. D., Stirling (second edition) (1874) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00beituoft.pdf
The traditional games of England, Scotland, and Ireland
With tunes, singing-rhymes, and methods of playing according to the variants extant and recorded in different parts of the Kingdom by Alice B. Gomme in two volumes (1894)
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/kids/traditional-games.htm
The Kentucky Highlanders
From A Native Mountaineer’s Viewpoint by Josiah Henry Combs, Member of the American Folk-Lore Society (1913) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...land00comb.pdf
Historical Record of the 71st Regiment Highland Light Infantry
From its Formation in 1777, under the Title of the 73rd, or McLeod's Highlanders up to the year 1876 compiled by Lieutenant Henry J. T. Hildyard, 71st H. L. I. (1876) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00hildiala.pdf
Chatham-Kent in Ontario
Added several historic videos of the area I live in to our page on the area.
You can watch these at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...hathamkent.htm
Historical Records of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00goffuoft.pdf
An Historical Account of the Highlanders
Describing Their Country, Division into Clans, Manner of Living and Fighting; their Habit, Arms, and Government under their Lairds, &c. Set forth in A View of the Rebellion in Scotland, with some Enquiries, What we have to fear from them? And, What is the properest Method to take with them? Re-printed in the Year, 1715 (pdf)
You can read this old text at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...coun00dubl.pdf
The Galax Gatherers
The Gospel among the Highlanders by Edward O. Guerrant, Belvoir, Wilmore Jessamine County, Kentucky, edited by his daughter, Grace (1910) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...xgatherers.pdf
Frank Hilton
Or, The Queen's Own by James Grant (1870) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifestyle/frankhilton.pdf
Is this the most Scottish town in Italy?
By Mike MacEacheran
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/italy/Barga.htm
Story
The Popular Superstitions and Festive Amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland
By William Grant Stewart (New Edition) (1851)
A new and revised Edition of the following Treatise on the superstitions and amusements of the Highlanders, which was very favourably received by the Public on its original publication, has often been called for; but the Author’s urgent professional avocations did not permit of earlier attention to the matter. At the request of many friends and countrymen, the Author has now, however, been induced to reprint the present Edition, in order to record more fully the fast-fading Tales and Traditions which lately formed, and still to a certain extent form, the Winter’s Evening Entertainments of the happy Highland Homes.
Viewville, Glen Urquhart,
July, 1851.
No part of the United Kingdom has of late years attracted a greater portion of public attention than the Highlands of Scotland. Formerly isolated as the inhabitants were from their fellow subjects, by a different language and separate interests, their character was but little known and less admired. Devoted to their chiefs and feudal institutions, they entertained a sovereign contempt for their neighbours; and, in their occasional intercourse with them, displayed feelings and manners little calculated to gain confidence or secure esteem.
But when the Rebellion in 1745, and its consequences, nearly annihilated feudal power, and broke down the wall of partition, by which the mountaineer was so long divided from the inhabitant of the plain, a new light was reflected upon his manners and habits. The gradual establishment of commercial and friendly relations with the inhabitants of other countries, accelerated the decay of mutual prejudices; and the virtues of the Highlander, which were previously reserved for home consumption, were now duly appreciated by the world. He no longer appeared the rude and unprincipled depredator, but the generous and disinterested character, whose romantic and chivalrous habits were rendered peculiarly interesting, as the remains of those boldly defined virtues which distinguished our primitive ancestors. Accordingly, the genius of the age became speedily alive to the importance of so novel and interesting a character. Shaping its course to the Highland monntains, it discovered among their unexplored recesses, those plentiful materials, on which are founded some of the most splendid works which adorn the circle of British literature.
Nor have all those superstructures yet exhausted so fertile a mine. Notwithstanding all the research that has been employed in tracing the origin, and delineating the manners of the inhabitants, and the many ingenious descriptions we have had of their local scenery, there are still many hidden treasures left for discovery, which presently languish in obscurity. This observation applies with great truth to those more remote and romantic regions, which, from their secluded situations, had been long inaccessible to the approach of learning and genius; and where the native inhabitants, from want of intercourse with their more refined and effeminate countrymen, are the true representatives of our ancient forefathers in their various feelings and habits.
Of the manners and character of this noble and poetic race of mountaineers, little was known further than what may be collected from the manners of their contemporaries, in more accessible parts of the country. The great defect which especially exists in the delineation of the Highlander’s superstitions, becomes peculiarly apparent to one, who had an opportunity of investigating those relics of the less polished ages of the world, as they are still exhibited in the habits of the people of whom we are writing. Many of the more prominent and common features of this branch of our national peculiarities have, indeed, been long ago celebrated by the pens of the immortal Burns, Ramsay, Sir Walter Scott, and others of less note, while much light has been thrown on the general character of the Scottish Highlander, by the ingenious Mrs. Grant of Laggan, and the gallant General Stewart of Garth; but the more interesting and latent peculiarities have been left to expire in the dark. The want of a complete and systematic account of the Highland and Scottish Superstitions, is a desideratum in our national literature, which the philosophic mind will readily regret; and this regret will be the more sincere on reflecting, that, from the fading aspects those interesting relics have now assumed, it is a desideratum which, in the course of a few years, cannot be supplied. The decline of popular romance is keeping pace with the progress of knowledge. and civilization,—which, as they illumine the unenlightened mind, open it to the folly of its prejudices; and thus the time is hastening its approach, when the natives of our remotest glens shall be no longer inspired with reverence for the fairy turret, nor shall their social circle be contracted by the frightful tale.
Far be it, however, from the writer of these pages to wish the reign of superstition prolonged. But, while he would hail with delight, the total extirpation of every prejudice tending to enslave the mental energy of the noble Gael, he would as ardently desire their perpetuation on the page of history, as his ancient peculiarities. Divested as they will soon be of their formidable character, we would preserve them as the most ancient relics we could transmit to our posterity, to whom, in the course of a few centuries, they may appear as preposterous and incredible, as the Poems of Ossian do now to the more sceptical part of the present generation.
It was not, however, the writer’s conviction of the utility of such a work as this alone, that induced him to undertake a task for which, he is afraid, he will be found to have been ill qualified. A considerable time ago, and at a very early period of life, an impaired state of health rendered it necessary for him to abandon his professional labours for a time, and to retire from the metropolis to the place of his nativity. The lassitude of mind consequent on a total remission from all employment, induced him to seek some rational source of amusement; and the idea of investigating the opinions and customs of his countrymen, was suggested to him by various circumstances, as likely to afford instruction as well as entertainment. His opportunities were most ample, and his task of course, comparatively easy. Surrounded by the most original, brave, and ingenous class of Highlanders existing, and possessing considerable knowledge of their language and manners, the writer found it no difficult matter to become completely acquainted with their prejudices and habits. By visiting the most celebrated professors of traditional lore in the district, he speedily acquired not only a fundamental knowledge of the reigning principles of superstition but likewise an inexhaustible store of tales and traditions. And by mingling occasionally with the peasantry in their public and private festivities, he was enabled, from personal observation, to draw faithful portraits of those scenes of mirth and festivity, for which the inhabitants are so eminently distinguished. The result of his observations afforded him so much satisfaction that he thought it worth while from time to time, to commit the particulars to paper, not with the view of urging them on the public, but for his own private amusement. But the increasing avidity with which traits of the Highland Superstitions have been received as developed in the tales of the day, suggested to him the idea of submitting his gleanings to the public, in the form of a detailed account of the Superstitions and Festivities of the Highlanders of Scotland; and he hopes, however defective may be its execution, the design is not altogether unworthy of public patronage.
To arrange his gleanings in a connected and systematic order, was an undertaking far more tedious than the collection of them. The traits of Highland superstition are of so various and heterogeneous a character, that it appeared almost wholly impracticable to connect and digest them into the form of a connected narrative; and yet in any other shape they would necessarily loose much of the interest which they possess in their present form. Sensible of this he has endeavoured to the best of his ability, to arrange the different traits under their proper heads, in the most systematic and connected manner practicable, without introducing extraneous matter, which would not only destroy the native complexion of the subject, but also swell the limits of the work. By excluding solemn dissertation from such ludicrous relations as the following, he has been enabled to compress many particulars into little space, while his delineations possess a greater degree of truth and fidelity. To illustrate the various traits set forth, the writer has interspersed his delineations with a collection of the most popular tales of the day. These tales, whether they be the creation of the imagination, or the offspring of the credulity of their own original authors, cannot now fail to interest the philosopher or the antiquary, while they may amuse the less profound. For, utterly destitute of all probability, and broadly ludicrous as they may appear to the polished reader, they are, nevertheless, those interesting channels, by which the feelings and habits of our earliest forefathers have been kept alive and transmitted down, through so many changeful ages, to their posterity of the present day.
The length of those primitive relations is necessarily much abridged, but a strict regard has been had to their original style and phraseology. The language is almost entirely borrowed from the mouth of the Highland narrator, and translated, it is hoped, in a manner so simple and unvarnished, as to be perfectly intelligible to the capacity of the peasant, for whose fire-side entertainment this little volume may, perhaps, be peculiarly adapted.
THE HIGHLAND SUPERSTITIONS.
CHAPTER I. OF THE HIGHLAND GHOSTS IN GENERAL.
Of whatever country, station, or character the reader may be, we presume it will be unnecessary for us, on this our outset, to intrude upon his time by entering into a logical definition of the term Ghost. There is perhaps no nation or clime, from California to Japan, where that very ancient and fantastic race of beings called Ghosts is not, under different terms and different characters, more or less familiar to the inhabitants. We do not mean, however, to follow this fleeting race of patriarchs throughout their wide course of wandering and colonisation from the beginning of time to the present day—as, in all likelihood, our research would turn out equally arduous and unprofitable; we confine our lucubrations to the colony of the tribe which, from time immemorial, have settled themselves among the inhabitants of the Highland Mountains.
Be it known then to the reader, that, so early as the days of Ossian, the son of Fingal, and ever since, ghosts have been at all times a plentiful commodity among the hills of Caledonia. Every native Highlander has allied to him, from his birth, one of those airy beings in the character of an auxiliary or helpmate, who continues his companion, not only during all the days of the Highlander’s life, but also for an indefinite period of time after his decease. It will be readily believed that this ancient class of our mountaineers cannot have descended through so many changeful ages of the world without sharing, in some measure, those revolutions of manners and habits to which all classes and communities of people are equally liable. Accordingly the ghost has suffered as great a degeneracy from that majesty of person and chivalry of habits which anciently distinguished the primitive inhabitants of Caledonia, as his mortal contemporary, man. Unlike the present puny, green, worm-eaten effigies that now-a-days stalk about our premises, and, like the cameleon, feed upon the air, the ancient race of Highland ghosts were a set of stout, lusty, sociable ghosts, “as tall as a pine, and as broad as a house." Differing widely in his habits from those of his posterity, the ghost of antiquity would enter the habitation of man, descant a lee-long night upon the news of the times, until the long-wished-for supper was once prepared, when this pattern of frankness and good living would invite himself to the table, and do as much justice to a bicker of Highland crowdie as his earthly contemporaries. Indeed, if all tales be true, many centuries are not elapsed since those social practices of the ghosts of the day proved: an eminent pest to society. With voracious appetites, those greedy gormandizers were in the habit of visiting the humble hamlets, where superabundance of store seldom resided, and of ravishing from the grasp of a starving progeny the meagre fare allotted to their support.
Beyond their personal attractions, however, it is believed they displayed few enviable qualities; for, besides their continual depredations on the goods and chattels of the adjacent hamlets, they were ill-natured and cruel, and cared not a spittle for woman or child. The truth of this remark is well exemplified in the history of two celebrated ghosts, who “once upon a time" lived, or rather existed, in the Wilds of Craig Aulnaic, a romantic place in the district of Strathdown, Banffshire. The one was a male, and the other a female. The male was called Fhua Mhoir Bein Baynac, after one of the mountains of Glenavon, where at one time he resided; and the female was called Clashnichd Aulnaic, from her having had her abode in Craig-Aulnaic. But, although the great ghost of Ben-Baynac was bound, by the common ties of nature and of honour, to protect and cherish his weaker companion, Clashnichd Aulnaic, yet he often treated her in the most cruel and unfeeling manner. In the dead of night, when the surrounding hamlets were buried in deep repose, and when nothing else disturbed the solemn stillness of the midnight scene, “oft,” says our narrator, “would the shrill shrieks of poor Clashnichd burst upon the slumberer’s ears, and awake him to any thing but pleasant reflections."
But of all those who were incommoded by the noisy and unseemly quarrels of these two ghosts, James Owre or Gray, the tenant of the farm of Balbig of Delnabo, was the greatest sufferer. From the proximity of his abode to their haunts, it was the misfortune of himself and family to be the nightly audience of Clashnichd's cries and lamentations, which they considered any thing but agreeable entertainment.
One day, as James Gray was on his rounds looking after his sheep, he happened to fall in with Clashnichd, the Ghost of Aulnaic, with whom he entered into a long conversation. In the course of this conversation he took occasion to remonstrate with her on the very disagreeable disturbance she caused himself and family, by her wild and unearthly cries,—cries which, he said, few mortals could relish in the dreary hours of midnight. Poor Clashnichd, by way of apology for her conduct, gave James Gray a sad account of her usage, detailing at full length the series of cruelties committed upon her by Ben-Baynac. From this account, it appeared that her cohabitation with the latter was by no means a matter of choice with Clashnichd; on the contrary, it appeared that she had, for a long time, led a life of celibacy with much comfort, residing in a snug dwelling, as already mentioned, in the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic; but Ben-Baynac having unfortunately taken it into his head to pay her a visit, he took a fancy, not to herself, but her dwelling, of which, in his own name and authority, he took immediate possession, and soon after expelled poor Clashnichd, with many stripes, from her natural inheritance; while, not satisfied with invading and depriving her of her just rights, he was in the habit of following her into her private haunts, not with the view of offering her any endearments, but for the purpose of inflicting on her person every degrading torment which his brain could invent.
Such a moving relation could not fail to affect the generous heart of James Gray, who determined from that moment to risk life and limb in order to vindicate the rights and revenge the wrongs of poor Clashnichd the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic. He therefore took good care to interrogate his new protege touching the nature of her oppressor’s constitution, whether he was of that killable species of ghost that could be shot with a silver sixpence, or if there was any other weapon that could possibly accomplish his annihilation. Clashnichd informed him that she had occasion to know that Ben-Baynac was wholly invulnerable to all the weapons of man, with the exception of a large mole on his left breast, which was no doubt penetrable by silver or steel; but that, from the specimens she had of his personal prowess and strength, it were vain for mere man to attempt to combat Ben-Baynac the great ghost. Confiding, however, in his expertness as an archer—for he was allowed to be the best marksman of his age—James Gray told Clashnichd he did not fear him with all his might,— that he was his man; and desired her, moreover, next time he chose to repeat his incivilities to her, to apply to him, James Gray, for redress.
It was not long ere he had an opportunity of fulfilling his promises. Ben-Baynac having one night, in the want of better amusement, entertained himself by inflicting an inhuman castigation on Clashnichd) she lost no time in waiting on James Gray, with a full and particular account of it. She found him smoking his cutty, and unbuttoning his habiliments for bed; but, notwithstanding the inconvenience of the hour, James needed no great persuasion to induce him to proceed directly along with Clashnichd to hold a communing with their friend Ben-Baynac the great ghost. Clashnichd was a stout sturdy hussey, who understood the knack of travelling much better than our women do. She expressed a wish that, for the sake of expedition, James Gray would mount himself on her ample shoulders, a motion to which the latter agreed; and a few minutes brought them close to the scene of Ben-Baynac's residence. As they approached his haunt, he came forth to meet them, with looks and gestures which did not at all indicate a cordial welcome. It was a fine moonlight night, and they could easily observe his actions. Poor Clashnichd was now sorely afraid of the great ghost. Apprehending instant destruction from his fury, she exclaimed to James Gray that they would be both dead people, and that immediately, unless James could hit with an arrow the mole which covered Ben-Baynac's heart. This was not so difficult a task as James had hitherto apprehended it. The mole was as large as a common bonnet, and yet nowise disproportioned to the natural size of his body, for he certainly was a great and a mighty ghost. Ben-Baynac cried out to James Gray, that he would soon make eagle’s-meat of him; and certain it is, such was his intention, had not James Gray so effectually stopped him from the execution of it. Raising his bow to his eye when within a few yards of Ben-Baynac, he took an important aim; the arrow flew—it hit—a yell from Ben-Baynac announced its fatality. A hideous howl reechoed from the surrounding mountains, responsive to the groans of a thousand ghosts; and Ben-Baynac, like the smoke of a shot, evanished into air.
[Nothing can appear more surprising to the refined reader, than that any human being, possessing the rational faculties of human nature, could for a moment entertain a notion so preposterous as that a ghost, which conveys the idea of an immortal spirit, could be killed, or rather annihilated, by an arrow, dirk, or sixpence. It was, however, the opinion of the darker ages, that such an exploit as killing a ghost was perfectly practicable. A spirit was supposed to be material in its nature, quite susceptible of mortal pain, and liable to death or annihilation from the weapons of man. Such an opinion is repeatedly expressed in several passages of the Poems of Ossian, and in the doctrine of the Seanachy, down to the present day.]
Clashnichd, the Ghost of Aulnaic, now found herself emancipated from the most abject state of slavery, and restored to freedom and liberty, through the invincible courage of James Gray. Overpowered with gratitude, she fell at James Gray’s feet, and vowed to devote the whole of her time and talents towards his service and prosperity. Meanwhile, being anxious to have her remaining goods and furniture removed to her former dwelling, whence she had been so iniqui-tously expelled by Ben-Baynac the great ghost, she requested of her new master the use of his horses to remove them. James observing on the adjacent hill a flock of deer, and wishing to have a trial of his new servant’s sagacity or expertness, told her those were his horses,—she was welcome to the use of them; desiring, when she had done with them, that she would inclose them in his stable. Clashnichd then proceeded to make use of the horses, and James Gray returned home to enjoy his night’s rest.
Scarce had he reached his arm-chair, and reclined his cheek on his hand, to ruminate over the bold adventure of the night, when Clashnichd entered, with her “breath in her throat,” and venting the bitterest complaints at the unruliness of his horses, which had broken one-half of her furniture, and caused more trouble in the stabling of them than their services were worth.
Oh! they are stabled, then?” inquired James Gray. Clashnichd replied in the affirmative. “Very well,” rejoined James, “they shall be tame enough to-morrow.”
From this specimen of Clashnichd the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic’s expertness, it will be seen what a valuable acquisition her service proved to James Gray and his young family; of which, however, they were too speedily deprived by a most unfortunate accident. From the sequel of the story, and of which the foregoing is but an extract, it appears that poor Clashnichd was but too deeply addicted to those guzzling propensities which at that time rendered her kin so obnoxious to their human neighbours. She was consequently in the habit of visiting her friends much oftener than she was invited, and, in the course of such visits, was never very scrupulous in making free with any eatables that fell within the circle of her observation.
One day, while engaged on a foraging expedition of this description, she happened to enter the Mill of Delnabo, which was inhabited in those days by the miller’s family. She found the miller’s wife engaged in roasting a large gridiron of fine savoury fish, the agreeable effluvia proceeding from which perhaps occasioned her visit. With the usual inquiries after the health of the miller and his family, Clashnichd proceeded, with the greatest familiarity and good humour, to make herself comfortable at the expense of their entertainment. But the miller’s wife, enraged at the loss of her fish, and not relishing such unwelcome familiarity, punished the unfortunate Clashnichd rather too severely for her freedom. It happened that there was at the time a large caldron of boiling water suspended over the fire, and this caldron the beldam of a miller’s wife overturned in Clashnichd’s bosom! Scalded beyond recovery, she fled up the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic, uttering the most melancholy lamentations, nor has she been ever since heard of to the present day.
You can read the entire book at:
https://electricscotland.com/humour/...00stewuoft.pdf
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
Have continued to document what is going on in Canada and certainly there are encouraging signs of progress. Many people are saying how, thanks to Donald Trump, Canada is starting to make great progress into becoming a Super Power in Energy and Minerals and also by eliminating internal tariff barriers.
You can follow this work in my July entry for My Canadian Experience at:
https://electriccanadian.com/canada_add23.htm
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I'm starting to look more closely at Drones from an Armed Forces perspective due to the Ukraine / Russia war. It just seems to me that traditional military of heavy tanks, aircraft and naval warships is at an end.
If you have any sources you'd recommend then please let me know.
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While I continue to add new material to the sites I am increasingly finding material that I put up many years ago that still makes interesting reading. I'm thinking about creating a new entry for the newsletter where I might highlight some of these to you.
Perhaps let me know what you think about this idea? I've used this weeks story to bring you an older book on the site to illustrate some of the content that is available.
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...
Island Games: Everything you need to know about Orkney 2025
The Island Games will be taking over Orkney this week, with thousands of visitors from around the world expected to descend on the Scottish archipelago. An estimated 2,000 competitors and volunteers will swell Orkney's population by almost 10%, but many spectators are also expected to make the trip.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czjkkd92rm2o
Trump threatens 35% tariffs on Canadian goods
US President Donald Trump has said he will impose a 35% tariff on Canadian goods starting on 1 August, even as the two countries were days away from a self-imposed deadline to reach a new trade deal.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg819n954mo
BRICS: The Rise of a New Global Order?
The BRICS group of emerging-market powers–the acronym stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa–has gone from a slogan dreamed up by former Goldman Sachs head of Global Economic Research Jim O’Neill to a real-world club with growing economic and political weight. It almost doubled in size in 2024, pairing several major energy producers including the United Arab Emirates and Iran. US President Donald Trump’s policies and his "America first" mantra has created an opening for the group to position itself as a counterweight to Western-led institutions. But with a lack of shared values and identity, can it become a meaningful global force?
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/RgIVKTky8ss?si=JWzO6LaZnS4IRr0U
Ukraine Turns Russian-Occupied Donetsk Into HELL ON EARTH
Ukraine has just shattered Russia’s summer offensive in Donetsk. With two precision strikes, it eliminated Russia’s local command structure and obliterated the ammunition depot meant to sustain a massive assault on Pokrovsk. The result: chaos, fire, and exposed Russian troops with no leadership or supplies. As Ukrainian forces tighten control over the skies and roll out homegrown weapons, Russia’s plans for Donetsk are crumbling fast and Ukraine is only just getting started.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/lSI6vkAqopM?si=kUHr-1KD019KyqN_
Donald Trump deals huge blow to EU with 30% tariffs slapped on bloc
Donald Trump has announced 30% tariffs on goods from the European Union and Mexico to begin on August 1.
Read more at:
https://www.express.co.uk/news/world...uge-blow-to-EU
Zonal Pricing: What Happened
Zonal pricing of electricity is not going to happen. The UK Government’s decision brings to an end three years of intense lobbying from supporters and opponents. Which camp did the SNP belong to? And why? Did some of the lobbying exaggerate the truth? And does the SNP have a coherent vision for electricity market reform?
Read more at:
https://www.these-islands.co.uk/publ..._happened.aspx
Trump's EU tariff announcement sparks potential 'global trade war' concerns
The Switzer Report founder Peter Switzer has discussed the retaliatory tariffs on US exports being delayed by the European Union. This comes after US President Donald Trump wrote a letter to EU President Ursula von der Leyen announcing his 30 per cent tariff imposition coming August 1.
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/_aTOwfNTpBk?si=XCmqR8dCakFwIB-0
Quangos cost Britons billions
For the first time, the Government has revealed how much quangos raise in fees and levies. In 2022-23, this was £9.5bn, accounting for 2.6% of their total budgeted income. Some of these bodies are necessary, but many aren't. Taxpayers shouldn't be expected to stump up for them.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/britains-quangos-nee...ificant-reform
Finally: UK Unveils Tempest 6th-Gen Fighter Jet to Replace Typhoon!
After years of intense planning, the UK is ready to reveal its most powerful and futuristic warplane ever the Tempest 6th-Gen Fighter Jet. Designed with stealth, speed, and AI in mind, Tempest is set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and rival elite jets like the F-35, J-20, and Su-57.Built in collaboration with Italy, Sweden, and Japan, this jet will reshape the future of aerial combat, drone coordination, and pilot AI assistance. With cutting-edge engines by Rolls-Royce, smart sensors by Leonardo UK, and advanced weapons systems by MBDA, Tempest leads the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Set to take flight by 2025, Tempest isn’t just a jet it’s a symbol of post-Brexit independence, aerospace innovation, and the UK’s return to global air superiority. Will it truly outperform America’s best? Watch to find out!
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/R_FOUwe_GBY?si=dKI_fwNiUlhfz-1L
Electric Canadian
A History of the Scotch Presbyterian Church
St. Gabriel Street, Montreal by the Rev. Robert Campbell, The Last Pastor (1887) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...etMontreal.pdf
Generals Die in Bed
By Charles Yale Harrison (2014) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...lsdieinbed.pdf
Father Corson
Or, The old style Canadian Itinerant; embracing the Life and Gospel labours of The Rev. Robert Corson, Fifty-Six Years a Minister in Connection with the Central Methodism of Upper Canada, edited by The Rev. John Carroll, D.D. (1879)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...therCorson.htm
Farewell Sermon
Delivered by Rev. Robert Campbell, D.D., on retiring from the Ministry of St. Gabriel Church, Montreal, October 3, 1909 (pdf)
You can read this sermon at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...onde00camp.pdf
Emigration and Colonization
Embodying the results of a mission to Great Britain and Ireland, during the years 1839, 1840, 1841, and 1842; including a correspondence with many distinguished noblemen and gentlemen, several of the Governors of Canada, etc.; descriptive accounts of various parts of the British American Provinces; with observations, statistical, political, etc.; by Thomas Rolph, Esq., Late Emigration Agent for the Government of Canada (1844) (pdf)
You can read this report at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/pion...ni00rolp_0.pdf
Construction
Added Volume 8 1915 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/maga...08macduoft.pdf
Canadian Civics
New edition by R.S. Jenkins, M.A. Ontario Edition (1918) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/life...cs00jenk_2.pdf
Scrap Book of the Black Watch of Montreal (pdf)
You can read this book at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...crapbook08.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 13th day of July 2025 - Secrets
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...y-2025-secrets
My Canadian Experience
Continuing to update my July 2025 entry.
You can watch my work in progress at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add23.htm
Songs of the 85th Overseas Battalion
Canadian Expeditionary Forces, Nova Scotia Highlanders (1917) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/forc...vers00cana.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 4 Outfit 258 March 1928 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...rMarch1928.pdf
Electric Scotland
Out of the Briars
An Autobiography and Sketch of the Twenty-ninth Regiment Connecticut Volunteers by A. H. Newton, D.D., Member of the New Jersey Annual Conference of the A. M. E. Church with Introduction by Rev. J. P. Sampson, D. D. (1918) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...utob00newt.pdf
Lecture of W. Livingston
Author of “Vindication of the Celtic Character,” &c., &c., &c. delivered on the evening of Tuesday, 27th March, 1860 in the Protestant Laymen's Hall, 53 Candleriggs, at the request of the United Highlanders of Glasgow, Mr Charles M'Ewen in the Chair (pdf)
You can read this lecture at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifesty...ure_00livi.pdf
The Life of a Regiment
The History of the Gordon Highlanders From its Formation in 1794 to 1881 by Lt.-Col. C. Greenhill Gardyne in two volumes (1903) which I've added to the foot of our Gordon Highlanders page.
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...sketches83.htm
A Brief History of Maine
By George J. Varney, Member of Maine Historical Society (1890) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00varniala.pdf
Three Weeks with Dr. Candlish
A Highland Tour by Alex Beith, D. D., Stirling (second edition) (1874) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00beituoft.pdf
The traditional games of England, Scotland, and Ireland
With tunes, singing-rhymes, and methods of playing according to the variants extant and recorded in different parts of the Kingdom by Alice B. Gomme in two volumes (1894)
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/kids/traditional-games.htm
The Kentucky Highlanders
From A Native Mountaineer’s Viewpoint by Josiah Henry Combs, Member of the American Folk-Lore Society (1913) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...land00comb.pdf
Historical Record of the 71st Regiment Highland Light Infantry
From its Formation in 1777, under the Title of the 73rd, or McLeod's Highlanders up to the year 1876 compiled by Lieutenant Henry J. T. Hildyard, 71st H. L. I. (1876) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00hildiala.pdf
Chatham-Kent in Ontario
Added several historic videos of the area I live in to our page on the area.
You can watch these at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...hathamkent.htm
Historical Records of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...00goffuoft.pdf
An Historical Account of the Highlanders
Describing Their Country, Division into Clans, Manner of Living and Fighting; their Habit, Arms, and Government under their Lairds, &c. Set forth in A View of the Rebellion in Scotland, with some Enquiries, What we have to fear from them? And, What is the properest Method to take with them? Re-printed in the Year, 1715 (pdf)
You can read this old text at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...coun00dubl.pdf
The Galax Gatherers
The Gospel among the Highlanders by Edward O. Guerrant, Belvoir, Wilmore Jessamine County, Kentucky, edited by his daughter, Grace (1910) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...xgatherers.pdf
Frank Hilton
Or, The Queen's Own by James Grant (1870) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/lifestyle/frankhilton.pdf
Is this the most Scottish town in Italy?
By Mike MacEacheran
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/italy/Barga.htm
Story
The Popular Superstitions and Festive Amusements of the Highlanders of Scotland
By William Grant Stewart (New Edition) (1851)
A new and revised Edition of the following Treatise on the superstitions and amusements of the Highlanders, which was very favourably received by the Public on its original publication, has often been called for; but the Author’s urgent professional avocations did not permit of earlier attention to the matter. At the request of many friends and countrymen, the Author has now, however, been induced to reprint the present Edition, in order to record more fully the fast-fading Tales and Traditions which lately formed, and still to a certain extent form, the Winter’s Evening Entertainments of the happy Highland Homes.
Viewville, Glen Urquhart,
July, 1851.
No part of the United Kingdom has of late years attracted a greater portion of public attention than the Highlands of Scotland. Formerly isolated as the inhabitants were from their fellow subjects, by a different language and separate interests, their character was but little known and less admired. Devoted to their chiefs and feudal institutions, they entertained a sovereign contempt for their neighbours; and, in their occasional intercourse with them, displayed feelings and manners little calculated to gain confidence or secure esteem.
But when the Rebellion in 1745, and its consequences, nearly annihilated feudal power, and broke down the wall of partition, by which the mountaineer was so long divided from the inhabitant of the plain, a new light was reflected upon his manners and habits. The gradual establishment of commercial and friendly relations with the inhabitants of other countries, accelerated the decay of mutual prejudices; and the virtues of the Highlander, which were previously reserved for home consumption, were now duly appreciated by the world. He no longer appeared the rude and unprincipled depredator, but the generous and disinterested character, whose romantic and chivalrous habits were rendered peculiarly interesting, as the remains of those boldly defined virtues which distinguished our primitive ancestors. Accordingly, the genius of the age became speedily alive to the importance of so novel and interesting a character. Shaping its course to the Highland monntains, it discovered among their unexplored recesses, those plentiful materials, on which are founded some of the most splendid works which adorn the circle of British literature.
Nor have all those superstructures yet exhausted so fertile a mine. Notwithstanding all the research that has been employed in tracing the origin, and delineating the manners of the inhabitants, and the many ingenious descriptions we have had of their local scenery, there are still many hidden treasures left for discovery, which presently languish in obscurity. This observation applies with great truth to those more remote and romantic regions, which, from their secluded situations, had been long inaccessible to the approach of learning and genius; and where the native inhabitants, from want of intercourse with their more refined and effeminate countrymen, are the true representatives of our ancient forefathers in their various feelings and habits.
Of the manners and character of this noble and poetic race of mountaineers, little was known further than what may be collected from the manners of their contemporaries, in more accessible parts of the country. The great defect which especially exists in the delineation of the Highlander’s superstitions, becomes peculiarly apparent to one, who had an opportunity of investigating those relics of the less polished ages of the world, as they are still exhibited in the habits of the people of whom we are writing. Many of the more prominent and common features of this branch of our national peculiarities have, indeed, been long ago celebrated by the pens of the immortal Burns, Ramsay, Sir Walter Scott, and others of less note, while much light has been thrown on the general character of the Scottish Highlander, by the ingenious Mrs. Grant of Laggan, and the gallant General Stewart of Garth; but the more interesting and latent peculiarities have been left to expire in the dark. The want of a complete and systematic account of the Highland and Scottish Superstitions, is a desideratum in our national literature, which the philosophic mind will readily regret; and this regret will be the more sincere on reflecting, that, from the fading aspects those interesting relics have now assumed, it is a desideratum which, in the course of a few years, cannot be supplied. The decline of popular romance is keeping pace with the progress of knowledge. and civilization,—which, as they illumine the unenlightened mind, open it to the folly of its prejudices; and thus the time is hastening its approach, when the natives of our remotest glens shall be no longer inspired with reverence for the fairy turret, nor shall their social circle be contracted by the frightful tale.
Far be it, however, from the writer of these pages to wish the reign of superstition prolonged. But, while he would hail with delight, the total extirpation of every prejudice tending to enslave the mental energy of the noble Gael, he would as ardently desire their perpetuation on the page of history, as his ancient peculiarities. Divested as they will soon be of their formidable character, we would preserve them as the most ancient relics we could transmit to our posterity, to whom, in the course of a few centuries, they may appear as preposterous and incredible, as the Poems of Ossian do now to the more sceptical part of the present generation.
It was not, however, the writer’s conviction of the utility of such a work as this alone, that induced him to undertake a task for which, he is afraid, he will be found to have been ill qualified. A considerable time ago, and at a very early period of life, an impaired state of health rendered it necessary for him to abandon his professional labours for a time, and to retire from the metropolis to the place of his nativity. The lassitude of mind consequent on a total remission from all employment, induced him to seek some rational source of amusement; and the idea of investigating the opinions and customs of his countrymen, was suggested to him by various circumstances, as likely to afford instruction as well as entertainment. His opportunities were most ample, and his task of course, comparatively easy. Surrounded by the most original, brave, and ingenous class of Highlanders existing, and possessing considerable knowledge of their language and manners, the writer found it no difficult matter to become completely acquainted with their prejudices and habits. By visiting the most celebrated professors of traditional lore in the district, he speedily acquired not only a fundamental knowledge of the reigning principles of superstition but likewise an inexhaustible store of tales and traditions. And by mingling occasionally with the peasantry in their public and private festivities, he was enabled, from personal observation, to draw faithful portraits of those scenes of mirth and festivity, for which the inhabitants are so eminently distinguished. The result of his observations afforded him so much satisfaction that he thought it worth while from time to time, to commit the particulars to paper, not with the view of urging them on the public, but for his own private amusement. But the increasing avidity with which traits of the Highland Superstitions have been received as developed in the tales of the day, suggested to him the idea of submitting his gleanings to the public, in the form of a detailed account of the Superstitions and Festivities of the Highlanders of Scotland; and he hopes, however defective may be its execution, the design is not altogether unworthy of public patronage.
To arrange his gleanings in a connected and systematic order, was an undertaking far more tedious than the collection of them. The traits of Highland superstition are of so various and heterogeneous a character, that it appeared almost wholly impracticable to connect and digest them into the form of a connected narrative; and yet in any other shape they would necessarily loose much of the interest which they possess in their present form. Sensible of this he has endeavoured to the best of his ability, to arrange the different traits under their proper heads, in the most systematic and connected manner practicable, without introducing extraneous matter, which would not only destroy the native complexion of the subject, but also swell the limits of the work. By excluding solemn dissertation from such ludicrous relations as the following, he has been enabled to compress many particulars into little space, while his delineations possess a greater degree of truth and fidelity. To illustrate the various traits set forth, the writer has interspersed his delineations with a collection of the most popular tales of the day. These tales, whether they be the creation of the imagination, or the offspring of the credulity of their own original authors, cannot now fail to interest the philosopher or the antiquary, while they may amuse the less profound. For, utterly destitute of all probability, and broadly ludicrous as they may appear to the polished reader, they are, nevertheless, those interesting channels, by which the feelings and habits of our earliest forefathers have been kept alive and transmitted down, through so many changeful ages, to their posterity of the present day.
The length of those primitive relations is necessarily much abridged, but a strict regard has been had to their original style and phraseology. The language is almost entirely borrowed from the mouth of the Highland narrator, and translated, it is hoped, in a manner so simple and unvarnished, as to be perfectly intelligible to the capacity of the peasant, for whose fire-side entertainment this little volume may, perhaps, be peculiarly adapted.
THE HIGHLAND SUPERSTITIONS.
CHAPTER I. OF THE HIGHLAND GHOSTS IN GENERAL.
Of whatever country, station, or character the reader may be, we presume it will be unnecessary for us, on this our outset, to intrude upon his time by entering into a logical definition of the term Ghost. There is perhaps no nation or clime, from California to Japan, where that very ancient and fantastic race of beings called Ghosts is not, under different terms and different characters, more or less familiar to the inhabitants. We do not mean, however, to follow this fleeting race of patriarchs throughout their wide course of wandering and colonisation from the beginning of time to the present day—as, in all likelihood, our research would turn out equally arduous and unprofitable; we confine our lucubrations to the colony of the tribe which, from time immemorial, have settled themselves among the inhabitants of the Highland Mountains.
Be it known then to the reader, that, so early as the days of Ossian, the son of Fingal, and ever since, ghosts have been at all times a plentiful commodity among the hills of Caledonia. Every native Highlander has allied to him, from his birth, one of those airy beings in the character of an auxiliary or helpmate, who continues his companion, not only during all the days of the Highlander’s life, but also for an indefinite period of time after his decease. It will be readily believed that this ancient class of our mountaineers cannot have descended through so many changeful ages of the world without sharing, in some measure, those revolutions of manners and habits to which all classes and communities of people are equally liable. Accordingly the ghost has suffered as great a degeneracy from that majesty of person and chivalry of habits which anciently distinguished the primitive inhabitants of Caledonia, as his mortal contemporary, man. Unlike the present puny, green, worm-eaten effigies that now-a-days stalk about our premises, and, like the cameleon, feed upon the air, the ancient race of Highland ghosts were a set of stout, lusty, sociable ghosts, “as tall as a pine, and as broad as a house." Differing widely in his habits from those of his posterity, the ghost of antiquity would enter the habitation of man, descant a lee-long night upon the news of the times, until the long-wished-for supper was once prepared, when this pattern of frankness and good living would invite himself to the table, and do as much justice to a bicker of Highland crowdie as his earthly contemporaries. Indeed, if all tales be true, many centuries are not elapsed since those social practices of the ghosts of the day proved: an eminent pest to society. With voracious appetites, those greedy gormandizers were in the habit of visiting the humble hamlets, where superabundance of store seldom resided, and of ravishing from the grasp of a starving progeny the meagre fare allotted to their support.
Beyond their personal attractions, however, it is believed they displayed few enviable qualities; for, besides their continual depredations on the goods and chattels of the adjacent hamlets, they were ill-natured and cruel, and cared not a spittle for woman or child. The truth of this remark is well exemplified in the history of two celebrated ghosts, who “once upon a time" lived, or rather existed, in the Wilds of Craig Aulnaic, a romantic place in the district of Strathdown, Banffshire. The one was a male, and the other a female. The male was called Fhua Mhoir Bein Baynac, after one of the mountains of Glenavon, where at one time he resided; and the female was called Clashnichd Aulnaic, from her having had her abode in Craig-Aulnaic. But, although the great ghost of Ben-Baynac was bound, by the common ties of nature and of honour, to protect and cherish his weaker companion, Clashnichd Aulnaic, yet he often treated her in the most cruel and unfeeling manner. In the dead of night, when the surrounding hamlets were buried in deep repose, and when nothing else disturbed the solemn stillness of the midnight scene, “oft,” says our narrator, “would the shrill shrieks of poor Clashnichd burst upon the slumberer’s ears, and awake him to any thing but pleasant reflections."
But of all those who were incommoded by the noisy and unseemly quarrels of these two ghosts, James Owre or Gray, the tenant of the farm of Balbig of Delnabo, was the greatest sufferer. From the proximity of his abode to their haunts, it was the misfortune of himself and family to be the nightly audience of Clashnichd's cries and lamentations, which they considered any thing but agreeable entertainment.
One day, as James Gray was on his rounds looking after his sheep, he happened to fall in with Clashnichd, the Ghost of Aulnaic, with whom he entered into a long conversation. In the course of this conversation he took occasion to remonstrate with her on the very disagreeable disturbance she caused himself and family, by her wild and unearthly cries,—cries which, he said, few mortals could relish in the dreary hours of midnight. Poor Clashnichd, by way of apology for her conduct, gave James Gray a sad account of her usage, detailing at full length the series of cruelties committed upon her by Ben-Baynac. From this account, it appeared that her cohabitation with the latter was by no means a matter of choice with Clashnichd; on the contrary, it appeared that she had, for a long time, led a life of celibacy with much comfort, residing in a snug dwelling, as already mentioned, in the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic; but Ben-Baynac having unfortunately taken it into his head to pay her a visit, he took a fancy, not to herself, but her dwelling, of which, in his own name and authority, he took immediate possession, and soon after expelled poor Clashnichd, with many stripes, from her natural inheritance; while, not satisfied with invading and depriving her of her just rights, he was in the habit of following her into her private haunts, not with the view of offering her any endearments, but for the purpose of inflicting on her person every degrading torment which his brain could invent.
Such a moving relation could not fail to affect the generous heart of James Gray, who determined from that moment to risk life and limb in order to vindicate the rights and revenge the wrongs of poor Clashnichd the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic. He therefore took good care to interrogate his new protege touching the nature of her oppressor’s constitution, whether he was of that killable species of ghost that could be shot with a silver sixpence, or if there was any other weapon that could possibly accomplish his annihilation. Clashnichd informed him that she had occasion to know that Ben-Baynac was wholly invulnerable to all the weapons of man, with the exception of a large mole on his left breast, which was no doubt penetrable by silver or steel; but that, from the specimens she had of his personal prowess and strength, it were vain for mere man to attempt to combat Ben-Baynac the great ghost. Confiding, however, in his expertness as an archer—for he was allowed to be the best marksman of his age—James Gray told Clashnichd he did not fear him with all his might,— that he was his man; and desired her, moreover, next time he chose to repeat his incivilities to her, to apply to him, James Gray, for redress.
It was not long ere he had an opportunity of fulfilling his promises. Ben-Baynac having one night, in the want of better amusement, entertained himself by inflicting an inhuman castigation on Clashnichd) she lost no time in waiting on James Gray, with a full and particular account of it. She found him smoking his cutty, and unbuttoning his habiliments for bed; but, notwithstanding the inconvenience of the hour, James needed no great persuasion to induce him to proceed directly along with Clashnichd to hold a communing with their friend Ben-Baynac the great ghost. Clashnichd was a stout sturdy hussey, who understood the knack of travelling much better than our women do. She expressed a wish that, for the sake of expedition, James Gray would mount himself on her ample shoulders, a motion to which the latter agreed; and a few minutes brought them close to the scene of Ben-Baynac's residence. As they approached his haunt, he came forth to meet them, with looks and gestures which did not at all indicate a cordial welcome. It was a fine moonlight night, and they could easily observe his actions. Poor Clashnichd was now sorely afraid of the great ghost. Apprehending instant destruction from his fury, she exclaimed to James Gray that they would be both dead people, and that immediately, unless James could hit with an arrow the mole which covered Ben-Baynac's heart. This was not so difficult a task as James had hitherto apprehended it. The mole was as large as a common bonnet, and yet nowise disproportioned to the natural size of his body, for he certainly was a great and a mighty ghost. Ben-Baynac cried out to James Gray, that he would soon make eagle’s-meat of him; and certain it is, such was his intention, had not James Gray so effectually stopped him from the execution of it. Raising his bow to his eye when within a few yards of Ben-Baynac, he took an important aim; the arrow flew—it hit—a yell from Ben-Baynac announced its fatality. A hideous howl reechoed from the surrounding mountains, responsive to the groans of a thousand ghosts; and Ben-Baynac, like the smoke of a shot, evanished into air.
[Nothing can appear more surprising to the refined reader, than that any human being, possessing the rational faculties of human nature, could for a moment entertain a notion so preposterous as that a ghost, which conveys the idea of an immortal spirit, could be killed, or rather annihilated, by an arrow, dirk, or sixpence. It was, however, the opinion of the darker ages, that such an exploit as killing a ghost was perfectly practicable. A spirit was supposed to be material in its nature, quite susceptible of mortal pain, and liable to death or annihilation from the weapons of man. Such an opinion is repeatedly expressed in several passages of the Poems of Ossian, and in the doctrine of the Seanachy, down to the present day.]
Clashnichd, the Ghost of Aulnaic, now found herself emancipated from the most abject state of slavery, and restored to freedom and liberty, through the invincible courage of James Gray. Overpowered with gratitude, she fell at James Gray’s feet, and vowed to devote the whole of her time and talents towards his service and prosperity. Meanwhile, being anxious to have her remaining goods and furniture removed to her former dwelling, whence she had been so iniqui-tously expelled by Ben-Baynac the great ghost, she requested of her new master the use of his horses to remove them. James observing on the adjacent hill a flock of deer, and wishing to have a trial of his new servant’s sagacity or expertness, told her those were his horses,—she was welcome to the use of them; desiring, when she had done with them, that she would inclose them in his stable. Clashnichd then proceeded to make use of the horses, and James Gray returned home to enjoy his night’s rest.
Scarce had he reached his arm-chair, and reclined his cheek on his hand, to ruminate over the bold adventure of the night, when Clashnichd entered, with her “breath in her throat,” and venting the bitterest complaints at the unruliness of his horses, which had broken one-half of her furniture, and caused more trouble in the stabling of them than their services were worth.
Oh! they are stabled, then?” inquired James Gray. Clashnichd replied in the affirmative. “Very well,” rejoined James, “they shall be tame enough to-morrow.”
From this specimen of Clashnichd the Ghost of Craig-Aulnaic’s expertness, it will be seen what a valuable acquisition her service proved to James Gray and his young family; of which, however, they were too speedily deprived by a most unfortunate accident. From the sequel of the story, and of which the foregoing is but an extract, it appears that poor Clashnichd was but too deeply addicted to those guzzling propensities which at that time rendered her kin so obnoxious to their human neighbours. She was consequently in the habit of visiting her friends much oftener than she was invited, and, in the course of such visits, was never very scrupulous in making free with any eatables that fell within the circle of her observation.
One day, while engaged on a foraging expedition of this description, she happened to enter the Mill of Delnabo, which was inhabited in those days by the miller’s family. She found the miller’s wife engaged in roasting a large gridiron of fine savoury fish, the agreeable effluvia proceeding from which perhaps occasioned her visit. With the usual inquiries after the health of the miller and his family, Clashnichd proceeded, with the greatest familiarity and good humour, to make herself comfortable at the expense of their entertainment. But the miller’s wife, enraged at the loss of her fish, and not relishing such unwelcome familiarity, punished the unfortunate Clashnichd rather too severely for her freedom. It happened that there was at the time a large caldron of boiling water suspended over the fire, and this caldron the beldam of a miller’s wife overturned in Clashnichd’s bosom! Scalded beyond recovery, she fled up the wilds of Craig-Aulnaic, uttering the most melancholy lamentations, nor has she been ever since heard of to the present day.
You can read the entire book at:
https://electricscotland.com/humour/...00stewuoft.pdf
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair