Tweet
Electric Scotland News
MyHeritage
Now Live: 4 Major U.K. and Ireland Collections — Passenger Lists and Nonconformist Vital Records. Learn more at:
https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/01/...vital-records/
Celebrate Australia Day with Free Access to 2.2 Billion Australian Records. From January 22–27, 2026, MyHeritage is offering free access to 2.2 billion Australian historical records at:
https://www.myheritage.com/research/...tion=Australia
---------
An Evening of Burns & Ambition
Launching Our Fundraising Campaign by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
To celebrate the launch of our £1.5 million fundraising campaign to create a new home for the Society and a national heritage hub for Scotland, we are hosting a special online event on Burns Night, Sunday 25 January.
An Evening of Burns & Ambition: Launching Our Fundraising Campaign will begin at 8pm (UK time) and will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers and guests. We are particularly thrilled to present a performance by 'Scotland's pre-eminent singer-songwriter and... national musical treasure' (SingOut USA), Dougie MacLean OBE FSAScot.
A Fellow of the Society, Dougie is internationally renowned for his song 'Caledonia', music for 'Last of the Mohicans' and inspired performances. He is also the recipient of two prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Specially recorded for this event, Dougie will sing 'Caledonia' followed by 'Auld Lang Syne', a performance exclusively available to those who attend the event on 25 January.
The programme will also provide attendees with the opportunity to learn more about our fundraising campaign and how Fellows can support this significant chapter in the Society’s history.
To watch the free event from the comfort of your own home, please register via Eventbrite through the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-ev...-1978113701330
Do feel free to share the link to this event with those in your networks who care about Scotland’s past and who might like to join us to celebrate the Bard, and learn more about our exciting project.
We look forward to seeing you online this weekend.
Kind regards,
Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot
Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
----------
My Canadian Experience
Continued to add videos and this week covered topics such as: Carney Lands in Qatar For New Deal, Canada on the global stage: PM Mark Carney seeks wealth for mega projects, With the China deal on tariffs I thought I'd highlight a couple of videos about their cars, Why Davos matters at this critical moment, Good News for CANADA's Economy, Canada's Coldest Weekend Since 2000 , Ontario Premier Doug Ford and auto reps take aim at Canada-China EV deal, various speeches by Canada, EU, France and China at DAVOS, Environment Canada issues High Impact Warnings - 6 Regions Face -50ºC Cold Lasting 3 Days, Carney speaks ahead of federal cabinet retreat and more.
You can watch these at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add29.htm
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers and other media
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...
Bringing back Scotland's ancient pine forests
Scots Pines once dominated the landscape of Scotland, part of the vast Caledonian Forest which began to spread some 10,000 years ago after the end of the last ice age. Now only one per cent of the original forest remains in more than 80 pockets scattered mainly across the Highlands.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7zg4j0jrgo
Living their best life? What the Highland lynx did next
Three lynx that were found starving after being abandoned in the Highlands a year ago are now thriving in a wildlife park, say their keepers.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2y1ygjmy2o
The Conservatives are doomed
The opportunity to change with the times has been decisively lost
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/the-conservatives-are-doomed/
Buckle up for the era of self-driving cars
Electric vehicles should no longer be the focus of debates over transport. We are entering a much more exciting era. From social mobility to the nature of the automobile industry itself, self-driving cars will prove revolutionary, and upcoming trials in London will be key to establishing awareness and confidence.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/buckle-up-for-the-er...f-driving-cars
CANZUK and the new currency of hard power
Why CANZUK is the answer to a crumbling global order
Read more at:
https://tertiusbonnin.substack.com/p...rrency-of-hard
Conrad Black: Formidable Trump changes the world
He is advancing U.S. interests without putting American lives at risk
Read more at:
https://archive.is/Xe1P9
Check your blood pressure, it could help fight risk of strokes
Mum’s warning for younger age groups ahead of Prevention Day
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/stroke...ounger-people/
Electric Canadian
Canada 4K
Unreal Natural Beauty on Earth – Turquoise Lakes, Vast Forests & Silent Wilderness. Streamed live on Jan 20, 2026. Added this 12 hour video to the foot of our Tourism page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/transport/tourism.htm
Memorials of the Life and Ministry of the Rev. John Machar, D.D.
Late Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Kingston, edited by members of his family (1873) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Religion/machar.pdf
Venezuelans in Canada
Added this ethnic group to our collection of histories of Canadian peoples at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/Venezuela.htm
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning on the 18th day of January 2026 - Offence & Inspiration
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...ce-inspiration
To the Members of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada
In connection with the Church of Scotland, and especially to the members and adherents of St. Andrew's Church, (Church of Scotland) Montreal (1875) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...-of-Canada.pdf
A History of the Island of Newfoundland
Containing a description of the island, the Banks, the Fisheries, and Trade of Newfoundland, and the Coast of Labrador by The Rev. Lewis Amadeus Anspach, Late a Magistrate of that Island and Missionary for the District of Conception Bay (1819) (pdf)
You can read this history at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...andn00ansp.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 3 Outfit 265 December 1934 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...cember1934.pdf
Electric Scotland
Memorials of Four Old Families
Viz. Campbell of Kilmartin, Gordon of Lesmoir, Irvine of Drum and Wimberley of South Witham & Beechfield with pedigrees and a few illustrations by Captain Douglas Wimberley, Formerly of the 79th or Cameron Highlanders (1894) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...d-families.pdf
The Gorbals
Videos and books about The Gorbals
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...thegorbals.htm
Historical Account of the Noble Family of Kennedy
Marquess of Ailsa and Earl of Cassillis with Notices of some of the Principle Cadets thereof by David Cowan (1849) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...f-Cassilis.pdf
Sir Walter Scott's Society Fellows Fundraiser To Establish A Permanent HQ
A Global Response is anticipated from a quite unique charitable fundraising campaign centred on a "transformative vision" by the Edinburgh-based the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to create a new permanent home for the organisation and a heritage hub for the nation. An article by Bill Magee.
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/magee/article0045.htm
How We REALLY Feel About The SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Added this video to our Moidart page.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s/romance2.htm
Highlanders - the aristocrats of democracy
Documentary from 1995 looking at the Scottish Highlands History language and people. After reading the recent BBC Scotland web news Nov 16 2013 I was dismayed to read that the number of folks speaking Gaelic in the Highlands is falling. It reminded me of this documentary I had recorded many years ago when I lived down south in the big smoke when optimism was high for revival of things Gaelic anyway here it is narrated by Scotlands most famous thespiann.
You can watch this at:
https://youtu.be/7FA-9LuyVnE?si=cMSTSpevI35GD_YN
Records of the Family of Cassels and Connexions
Edited by Robert Cassels (1870) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...of-Cassels.pdf
Records of the clan and name of Fergusson, Ferguson and Fergus
Supplement volume to the above (1899) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...Supplement.pdf
The Works of Robert Burns
Published by James Thin, publisher to the University of Edinburgh In six volumes (1895) . I seem to have acquired this collection in 2018 but seems I never made it available on the site so have now done so.
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/works.html
Wyseby
A Legend of the first Irvings by E. W. Thom (1844) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclans/stoz/Wyseby.pdf
Weir's Way: Eriskay
Added this video to our Bonnie Prince Charlie page about his arrival in Eriskay.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/charles/2.htm
Story
Thought I'd offer a few videos for you to watch... first three short ones that I found hilarious about cats and dogs and then one longer story...
Do let me know if this is something you enjoy or would prefer I don't include in future editions.
First the three short ones...
https://youtube.com/shorts/dlb_BdUIF...oqjdR5GVzKltIn
https://youtube.com/shorts/FuAga82kS...rvIudpCty9x94t
https://youtube.com/shorts/7oX_PmFSy...XyoYzjqWRDQglS
And then the longer story...
Poor Single Dad Helped a Billionaire’s Disabled Daughter
A poor single dad never imagined his life could change from one quiet act of kindness. When he helped a disabled little girl without asking for anything in return, he believed it was simply the right thing to do. He had no idea who her father truly was — or how powerful the consequences of that moment would become.
The next day, everything changed.
What followed wasn’t just gratitude, but a life-altering turn he never saw coming. This emotional story reveals how compassion can cross every social boundary, connecting a struggling single dad and a powerful billionaire in the most unexpected way.
Sometimes, the smallest acts of humanity create the biggest miracles — for a child in need, and for the one brave enough to care when no one else would.
Watch until the end. You won’t forget this story.
https://youtu.be/QnwtUZTD7UE?si=LunO1W9Uc2ni4UeG
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you and I hope you'll make it to a Burns night in your local area or if not take advantage of the online event mentioned above. Or indeed browse our own Burns page at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/index.html
Alastair
MyHeritage
Now Live: 4 Major U.K. and Ireland Collections — Passenger Lists and Nonconformist Vital Records. Learn more at:
https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/01/...vital-records/
Celebrate Australia Day with Free Access to 2.2 Billion Australian Records. From January 22–27, 2026, MyHeritage is offering free access to 2.2 billion Australian historical records at:
https://www.myheritage.com/research/...tion=Australia
---------
An Evening of Burns & Ambition
Launching Our Fundraising Campaign by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
To celebrate the launch of our £1.5 million fundraising campaign to create a new home for the Society and a national heritage hub for Scotland, we are hosting a special online event on Burns Night, Sunday 25 January.
An Evening of Burns & Ambition: Launching Our Fundraising Campaign will begin at 8pm (UK time) and will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers and guests. We are particularly thrilled to present a performance by 'Scotland's pre-eminent singer-songwriter and... national musical treasure' (SingOut USA), Dougie MacLean OBE FSAScot.
A Fellow of the Society, Dougie is internationally renowned for his song 'Caledonia', music for 'Last of the Mohicans' and inspired performances. He is also the recipient of two prestigious Tartan Clef Awards, a place in the Scottish Music Hall of Fame, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
Specially recorded for this event, Dougie will sing 'Caledonia' followed by 'Auld Lang Syne', a performance exclusively available to those who attend the event on 25 January.
The programme will also provide attendees with the opportunity to learn more about our fundraising campaign and how Fellows can support this significant chapter in the Society’s history.
To watch the free event from the comfort of your own home, please register via Eventbrite through the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-ev...-1978113701330
Do feel free to share the link to this event with those in your networks who care about Scotland’s past and who might like to join us to celebrate the Bard, and learn more about our exciting project.
We look forward to seeing you online this weekend.
Kind regards,
Dr Simon Gilmour FSAScot
Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
----------
My Canadian Experience
Continued to add videos and this week covered topics such as: Carney Lands in Qatar For New Deal, Canada on the global stage: PM Mark Carney seeks wealth for mega projects, With the China deal on tariffs I thought I'd highlight a couple of videos about their cars, Why Davos matters at this critical moment, Good News for CANADA's Economy, Canada's Coldest Weekend Since 2000 , Ontario Premier Doug Ford and auto reps take aim at Canada-China EV deal, various speeches by Canada, EU, France and China at DAVOS, Environment Canada issues High Impact Warnings - 6 Regions Face -50ºC Cold Lasting 3 Days, Carney speaks ahead of federal cabinet retreat and more.
You can watch these at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add29.htm
Scottish News from this weeks newspapers and other media
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...
Bringing back Scotland's ancient pine forests
Scots Pines once dominated the landscape of Scotland, part of the vast Caledonian Forest which began to spread some 10,000 years ago after the end of the last ice age. Now only one per cent of the original forest remains in more than 80 pockets scattered mainly across the Highlands.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7zg4j0jrgo
Living their best life? What the Highland lynx did next
Three lynx that were found starving after being abandoned in the Highlands a year ago are now thriving in a wildlife park, say their keepers.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2y1ygjmy2o
The Conservatives are doomed
The opportunity to change with the times has been decisively lost
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/the-conservatives-are-doomed/
Buckle up for the era of self-driving cars
Electric vehicles should no longer be the focus of debates over transport. We are entering a much more exciting era. From social mobility to the nature of the automobile industry itself, self-driving cars will prove revolutionary, and upcoming trials in London will be key to establishing awareness and confidence.
Read more at:
https://capx.co/buckle-up-for-the-er...f-driving-cars
CANZUK and the new currency of hard power
Why CANZUK is the answer to a crumbling global order
Read more at:
https://tertiusbonnin.substack.com/p...rrency-of-hard
Conrad Black: Formidable Trump changes the world
He is advancing U.S. interests without putting American lives at risk
Read more at:
https://archive.is/Xe1P9
Check your blood pressure, it could help fight risk of strokes
Mum’s warning for younger age groups ahead of Prevention Day
Read more at:
https://www.sundaypost.com/fp/stroke...ounger-people/
Electric Canadian
Canada 4K
Unreal Natural Beauty on Earth – Turquoise Lakes, Vast Forests & Silent Wilderness. Streamed live on Jan 20, 2026. Added this 12 hour video to the foot of our Tourism page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/transport/tourism.htm
Memorials of the Life and Ministry of the Rev. John Machar, D.D.
Late Minister of St. Andrew's Church, Kingston, edited by members of his family (1873) (pdf)
You can read about him at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Religion/machar.pdf
Venezuelans in Canada
Added this ethnic group to our collection of histories of Canadian peoples at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/history/Venezuela.htm
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning on the 18th day of January 2026 - Offence & Inspiration
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...ce-inspiration
To the Members of the Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Canada
In connection with the Church of Scotland, and especially to the members and adherents of St. Andrew's Church, (Church of Scotland) Montreal (1875) (pdf)
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/Reli...-of-Canada.pdf
A History of the Island of Newfoundland
Containing a description of the island, the Banks, the Fisheries, and Trade of Newfoundland, and the Coast of Labrador by The Rev. Lewis Amadeus Anspach, Late a Magistrate of that Island and Missionary for the District of Conception Bay (1819) (pdf)
You can read this history at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...andn00ansp.pdf
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 3 Outfit 265 December 1934 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...cember1934.pdf
Electric Scotland
Memorials of Four Old Families
Viz. Campbell of Kilmartin, Gordon of Lesmoir, Irvine of Drum and Wimberley of South Witham & Beechfield with pedigrees and a few illustrations by Captain Douglas Wimberley, Formerly of the 79th or Cameron Highlanders (1894) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...d-families.pdf
The Gorbals
Videos and books about The Gorbals
You can get to this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...thegorbals.htm
Historical Account of the Noble Family of Kennedy
Marquess of Ailsa and Earl of Cassillis with Notices of some of the Principle Cadets thereof by David Cowan (1849) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...f-Cassilis.pdf
Sir Walter Scott's Society Fellows Fundraiser To Establish A Permanent HQ
A Global Response is anticipated from a quite unique charitable fundraising campaign centred on a "transformative vision" by the Edinburgh-based the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to create a new permanent home for the organisation and a heritage hub for the nation. An article by Bill Magee.
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/magee/article0045.htm
How We REALLY Feel About The SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
Added this video to our Moidart page.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s/romance2.htm
Highlanders - the aristocrats of democracy
Documentary from 1995 looking at the Scottish Highlands History language and people. After reading the recent BBC Scotland web news Nov 16 2013 I was dismayed to read that the number of folks speaking Gaelic in the Highlands is falling. It reminded me of this documentary I had recorded many years ago when I lived down south in the big smoke when optimism was high for revival of things Gaelic anyway here it is narrated by Scotlands most famous thespiann.
You can watch this at:
https://youtu.be/7FA-9LuyVnE?si=cMSTSpevI35GD_YN
Records of the Family of Cassels and Connexions
Edited by Robert Cassels (1870) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...of-Cassels.pdf
Records of the clan and name of Fergusson, Ferguson and Fergus
Supplement volume to the above (1899) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...Supplement.pdf
The Works of Robert Burns
Published by James Thin, publisher to the University of Edinburgh In six volumes (1895) . I seem to have acquired this collection in 2018 but seems I never made it available on the site so have now done so.
You can read these volumes at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/works.html
Wyseby
A Legend of the first Irvings by E. W. Thom (1844) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclans/stoz/Wyseby.pdf
Weir's Way: Eriskay
Added this video to our Bonnie Prince Charlie page about his arrival in Eriskay.
You can watch this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/charles/2.htm
Story
Thought I'd offer a few videos for you to watch... first three short ones that I found hilarious about cats and dogs and then one longer story...
Do let me know if this is something you enjoy or would prefer I don't include in future editions.
First the three short ones...
https://youtube.com/shorts/dlb_BdUIF...oqjdR5GVzKltIn
https://youtube.com/shorts/FuAga82kS...rvIudpCty9x94t
https://youtube.com/shorts/7oX_PmFSy...XyoYzjqWRDQglS
And then the longer story...
Poor Single Dad Helped a Billionaire’s Disabled Daughter
A poor single dad never imagined his life could change from one quiet act of kindness. When he helped a disabled little girl without asking for anything in return, he believed it was simply the right thing to do. He had no idea who her father truly was — or how powerful the consequences of that moment would become.
The next day, everything changed.
What followed wasn’t just gratitude, but a life-altering turn he never saw coming. This emotional story reveals how compassion can cross every social boundary, connecting a struggling single dad and a powerful billionaire in the most unexpected way.
Sometimes, the smallest acts of humanity create the biggest miracles — for a child in need, and for the one brave enough to care when no one else would.
Watch until the end. You won’t forget this story.
https://youtu.be/QnwtUZTD7UE?si=LunO1W9Uc2ni4UeG
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you and I hope you'll make it to a Burns night in your local area or if not take advantage of the online event mentioned above. Or indeed browse our own Burns page at:
https://electricscotland.com/burns/index.html
Alastair