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Electric Scotland News
On January 31 I celebrated my three quarters of a century birthday reaching 75 years old.
While I don't really celebrate my birthdays I thought this was a special highlight so I forgot about my diabetic routine and ate a few things I've avoided for years now. My mother had a saying... that a little of what you fancy does you good... and so I took that saying to heart and enjoyed myself.
---------
Marty MacIntyre, the author of the Clan MacIntyre book, is terminating his life later this month due to having Parkinson's. He sent me in a video of him relating his life and work and have added that to our MacIntyre page.
I'm in hospice with Parkinson's. I will use the California "dying with dignity law" on my 89th birthday, Feb. 18, 2026. This video link and password encapsulates my life story. Please do me a favor and share it with the appropriate ElectrricScotland family. I will have my ashes placed over the newly constructed MacIntyre Memorial at Glenoe that my family started in 1976 (see Return of the MacIntyres on YouTube)
You can watch both videos at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...tyre/index.htm
I hope some of you will take the opportunity to send him an email before he goes so he knows you are thinking about him and I've included his email address on the page and also the password to watch his video.
---------
My Canadian Experience
Completed the January 2026 entry which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add29.htm
And made a start at the February entry which already includes videos about the Gripen and Avro Arrow aircrafts and also Former PMs Stephen Harper and Jean Chrétien talk Canadian unity in fireside chat, How Canada Turned a $100B Submarine Contract Into an Auto Industry Revival Plan, Unveiling of Stephen Harper’s official portrait, Energy Minister Hodgson on India, PM Carney announces new measures to transform Canada's auto manufacturing sector.
You can read this as I add more on a regular basis throughout the month at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add30.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...
The 109km trail opening up the Canadian Rockies
Away from Banff and Jasper national parks, a new rail trail is opening up a previously inaccessible corner of Canada and teaching travellers about the nation's past.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/2...nadian-rockies
Pierre Poilievre sails through leadership review as Conservatives deliver a strong endorsement
More than 87% of party delegates endorse Poilievre's continued leadership
Read more at:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/con...view-9.7069573
How Elon Musk will Build Moon Base Alpha
Inside SpaceX's Ultimate Survival Plan
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/Fayc9nxu9lI?si=RYhakLPZ_HH3UQc5
Scots children 'paying the price' for SNP failure on housing as record numbers in temporary accommodation
Shelter, a leading housing charity, warned high levels of homelessness in Scotland were becoming "the new normal".
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...e-snp-36661195
Arctic Frontiers 2026: Turn of the Tide
It’s a privilege to be here with you today in the beautiful Sápmi region of Norway. Arctic Frontiers has never been more relevant. I am grateful for the important discussions it has sparked, to help shape the future of the Arctic.
Read more at:
https://www.gg.ca/en/media/news/2026...iers-turn-tide
Nigel Farage has come a long way since Canons’ Gait
AS THE long campaign for the Holyrood election on May 7 began last week, a political tremor has been running through Scotland: electoral politics as we have known them for decades are transforming before our eyes.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2026/02/ni...e-canons-gait/
And that was the news
The decline of quality journalism amid a “jungle of drivel” on social media
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/issues/febru...-was-the-news/
Electric Canadian
Why The World Is Fighting Over Saskatchewan
Added this video to our Saskatchewan page towards the bottom of the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ewan/index.htm
This is the Richest Family in QUEBEC, CANADA
Added this video to our Quebec page around half way down the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ebec/index.htm
Read about the Avro Arrow history in wiki pdf format
Canada's once world leading fighter aircraft.
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/img/...-105_Arrow.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 1st day of February 2026 - Legacy
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...ry-2026-legacy
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 1 Outfit 266 June 1935 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...erJune1935.pdf
Electric Scotland
Blaggis Roll
Scottish Haggis & Black Pudding Roll Recipe
You can see this at:
https://electricscotland.com/food/Blaggis-Roll.htm
American Clan Lockhart Society Newsletter
Added the latest two newsletters for 2025
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...hart/index.htm
Fluctuating Fortunes of Two Scots Unicorn Contenders
Quote - "Ambition in Scotland is just as strong as the US" -
"Honorary Scot" Deborah Magid, former IBM global talent scout Now MD NextStar Venture Partners out of Burlingame CA. An article by Bill Magee.
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/magee/article0046.htm
Scottish Influence in Russian History
By A. Francis Steuart (1913). Found a pdf of the original book which I've added to the foot of the page at:
https://electricscotland.com/history.../russiandx.htm
Clan MacKenzie Podcast
Seaforth Highlanders History
You can watch this at:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v6Udb9iUEyq7JLUTjnIMz
Robertson, Charles Alexander Lockhart
Best known as C. Lockhart Robertson, was a Scottish asylum doctor and spiritualist
You can learn about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s-lockhart.htm
Annual Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland
Added three reports for 1885, 1897 and 1919.
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/thomson/FisheryBoard.htm
Lockhart
Updated the links to their Scottish and American societies.
YOu can see them on our Clan Loackhart page at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan.../lockhart.html
Military memoirs of Great Britain: or, A history of the war
1755-1763 by David Ramsay of Edinburgh (1778) (pdf)
One where the letter f is used for the letter s and you can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...irso00rams.pdf
Notes on Burghead
Ancient and Modern with an appendix containing notices of families connected with the place at different periods, and other information by Robert Young (1868) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...n-Burghead.pdf
Huchesonia
Giving the Story of Partick Castle; and an account of the Founders of Huchesons Hospital, their parentage, family, and times in letters to David Mackinlay, Esq., of Owaldham, Preceptor of the Hospital by Laurence hill, Esq., LL.D. (1855) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...Huchesonia.pdf
Story
The History of the Thirty Years War
(1618-1648)
If you have been reading our Domestic Annals of Scotland you'll have seen reference to the fact that up to 30,000 Scots went to fight in this war on the side of Germany although it is also true to say that Scots also fought on the other side as well. Great concern was shown in Scotland at that time as to the many young men that were leaving the country. It is for this reason that I wanted to bring you a story of this war so we can better understand why so many Scots went to fight in it.
From our book Scots in Germany - "But only when the bloody torch of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) shed its lurid light over the whole of Europe and when Gustavus Adolfus’ fame, not only as that of a saviour of the cause of protestantism, but also as that of an unusually brilliant general and strategist, rapidly spread over the civilised world, a great number of Scottish officers, many of them of noble rank, enlisted in the Swedish Army, to go, as it were, through the high school of military training, and Scotland became the country in which by far the most numerous levies of soldiers for the "Lion of the North," were raised. Between twenty and thirty thousand men made the cause of the Swedes and of German Protestantism their own."
The History of the Thirty Years' War
by Frederick Schiller
Translated from the German by the Rev. A. J. W. Morrison, M.A.
Preface
The present is the only collected edition of the principal works of Schiller which is accessible to English readers. Detached poems or dramas have been translated at various times, and sometimes by men of eminence, since the first publication of the original works; and in several instances these versions have been incorporated, after some revision or necessary correction, into the following collection; but on the other hand a large proportion of the contents have been specially translated for this edition, in which category are the historical works which occupy this volume and a portion of the next.
Schiller was not less efficiently qualified by nature for an historian than for a dramatist. He was formed to excel in all departments of literature, and the admirable lucidity of style and soundness and impartiality of judgment displayed in his historical writings will not easily by surpassed, and will always recommend them as popular expositions of the periods of which they treat. Since the first publication of this edition many corrections and improvements have been made, with a view to rendering it as acceptable as possible to English readers.
You can read his book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/30ndx.htm
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair
On January 31 I celebrated my three quarters of a century birthday reaching 75 years old.
While I don't really celebrate my birthdays I thought this was a special highlight so I forgot about my diabetic routine and ate a few things I've avoided for years now. My mother had a saying... that a little of what you fancy does you good... and so I took that saying to heart and enjoyed myself.
---------
Marty MacIntyre, the author of the Clan MacIntyre book, is terminating his life later this month due to having Parkinson's. He sent me in a video of him relating his life and work and have added that to our MacIntyre page.
Feb 2, 2026
Dear Alistair and Alastair,I'm in hospice with Parkinson's. I will use the California "dying with dignity law" on my 89th birthday, Feb. 18, 2026. This video link and password encapsulates my life story. Please do me a favor and share it with the appropriate ElectrricScotland family. I will have my ashes placed over the newly constructed MacIntyre Memorial at Glenoe that my family started in 1976 (see Return of the MacIntyres on YouTube)
You can watch both videos at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan...tyre/index.htm
I hope some of you will take the opportunity to send him an email before he goes so he knows you are thinking about him and I've included his email address on the page and also the password to watch his video.
---------
My Canadian Experience
Completed the January 2026 entry which you can view at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add29.htm
And made a start at the February entry which already includes videos about the Gripen and Avro Arrow aircrafts and also Former PMs Stephen Harper and Jean Chrétien talk Canadian unity in fireside chat, How Canada Turned a $100B Submarine Contract Into an Auto Industry Revival Plan, Unveiling of Stephen Harper’s official portrait, Energy Minister Hodgson on India, PM Carney announces new measures to transform Canada's auto manufacturing sector.
You can read this as I add more on a regular basis throughout the month at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/canada_add30.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...
The 109km trail opening up the Canadian Rockies
Away from Banff and Jasper national parks, a new rail trail is opening up a previously inaccessible corner of Canada and teaching travellers about the nation's past.
Read more at:
https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/2...nadian-rockies
Pierre Poilievre sails through leadership review as Conservatives deliver a strong endorsement
More than 87% of party delegates endorse Poilievre's continued leadership
Read more at:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/con...view-9.7069573
How Elon Musk will Build Moon Base Alpha
Inside SpaceX's Ultimate Survival Plan
Watch this at:
https://youtu.be/Fayc9nxu9lI?si=RYhakLPZ_HH3UQc5
Scots children 'paying the price' for SNP failure on housing as record numbers in temporary accommodation
Shelter, a leading housing charity, warned high levels of homelessness in Scotland were becoming "the new normal".
Read more at:
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/p...e-snp-36661195
Arctic Frontiers 2026: Turn of the Tide
It’s a privilege to be here with you today in the beautiful Sápmi region of Norway. Arctic Frontiers has never been more relevant. I am grateful for the important discussions it has sparked, to help shape the future of the Arctic.
Read more at:
https://www.gg.ca/en/media/news/2026...iers-turn-tide
Nigel Farage has come a long way since Canons’ Gait
AS THE long campaign for the Holyrood election on May 7 began last week, a political tremor has been running through Scotland: electoral politics as we have known them for decades are transforming before our eyes.
Read more at:
https://thinkscotland.org/2026/02/ni...e-canons-gait/
And that was the news
The decline of quality journalism amid a “jungle of drivel” on social media
Read more at:
https://thecritic.co.uk/issues/febru...-was-the-news/
Electric Canadian
Why The World Is Fighting Over Saskatchewan
Added this video to our Saskatchewan page towards the bottom of the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ewan/index.htm
This is the Richest Family in QUEBEC, CANADA
Added this video to our Quebec page around half way down the page.
You can watch this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/hist...ebec/index.htm
Read about the Avro Arrow history in wiki pdf format
Canada's once world leading fighter aircraft.
You can read this at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/img/...-105_Arrow.pdf
Thoughts on a Sunday Morning - the 1st day of February 2026 - Legacy
By The Rev. Nola Crewe
You can watch this at:
http://www.electricscotland.org/foru...ry-2026-legacy
The Beaver Magazine
Added No. 1 Outfit 266 June 1935 (pdf)
You can read this issue at:
http://www.electriccanadian.com/tran...erJune1935.pdf
Electric Scotland
Blaggis Roll
Scottish Haggis & Black Pudding Roll Recipe
You can see this at:
https://electricscotland.com/food/Blaggis-Roll.htm
American Clan Lockhart Society Newsletter
Added the latest two newsletters for 2025
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/familyt...hart/index.htm
Fluctuating Fortunes of Two Scots Unicorn Contenders
Quote - "Ambition in Scotland is just as strong as the US" -
"Honorary Scot" Deborah Magid, former IBM global talent scout Now MD NextStar Venture Partners out of Burlingame CA. An article by Bill Magee.
You can read this article at:
https://electricscotland.com/magee/article0046.htm
Scottish Influence in Russian History
By A. Francis Steuart (1913). Found a pdf of the original book which I've added to the foot of the page at:
https://electricscotland.com/history.../russiandx.htm
Clan MacKenzie Podcast
Seaforth Highlanders History
You can watch this at:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5v6Udb9iUEyq7JLUTjnIMz
Robertson, Charles Alexander Lockhart
Best known as C. Lockhart Robertson, was a Scottish asylum doctor and spiritualist
You can learn about him at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...s-lockhart.htm
Annual Reports of the Fishery Board for Scotland
Added three reports for 1885, 1897 and 1919.
You can read these at:
https://electricscotland.com/thomson/FisheryBoard.htm
Lockhart
Updated the links to their Scottish and American societies.
YOu can see them on our Clan Loackhart page at:
https://electricscotland.com/webclan.../lockhart.html
Military memoirs of Great Britain: or, A history of the war
1755-1763 by David Ramsay of Edinburgh (1778) (pdf)
One where the letter f is used for the letter s and you can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...irso00rams.pdf
Notes on Burghead
Ancient and Modern with an appendix containing notices of families connected with the place at different periods, and other information by Robert Young (1868) (pdf)
You can read this at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...n-Burghead.pdf
Huchesonia
Giving the Story of Partick Castle; and an account of the Founders of Huchesons Hospital, their parentage, family, and times in letters to David Mackinlay, Esq., of Owaldham, Preceptor of the Hospital by Laurence hill, Esq., LL.D. (1855) (pdf)
You can read this book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history...Huchesonia.pdf
Story
The History of the Thirty Years War
(1618-1648)
If you have been reading our Domestic Annals of Scotland you'll have seen reference to the fact that up to 30,000 Scots went to fight in this war on the side of Germany although it is also true to say that Scots also fought on the other side as well. Great concern was shown in Scotland at that time as to the many young men that were leaving the country. It is for this reason that I wanted to bring you a story of this war so we can better understand why so many Scots went to fight in it.
From our book Scots in Germany - "But only when the bloody torch of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) shed its lurid light over the whole of Europe and when Gustavus Adolfus’ fame, not only as that of a saviour of the cause of protestantism, but also as that of an unusually brilliant general and strategist, rapidly spread over the civilised world, a great number of Scottish officers, many of them of noble rank, enlisted in the Swedish Army, to go, as it were, through the high school of military training, and Scotland became the country in which by far the most numerous levies of soldiers for the "Lion of the North," were raised. Between twenty and thirty thousand men made the cause of the Swedes and of German Protestantism their own."
The History of the Thirty Years' War
by Frederick Schiller
Translated from the German by the Rev. A. J. W. Morrison, M.A.
Preface
The present is the only collected edition of the principal works of Schiller which is accessible to English readers. Detached poems or dramas have been translated at various times, and sometimes by men of eminence, since the first publication of the original works; and in several instances these versions have been incorporated, after some revision or necessary correction, into the following collection; but on the other hand a large proportion of the contents have been specially translated for this edition, in which category are the historical works which occupy this volume and a portion of the next.
Schiller was not less efficiently qualified by nature for an historian than for a dramatist. He was formed to excel in all departments of literature, and the admirable lucidity of style and soundness and impartiality of judgment displayed in his historical writings will not easily by surpassed, and will always recommend them as popular expositions of the periods of which they treat. Since the first publication of this edition many corrections and improvements have been made, with a view to rendering it as acceptable as possible to English readers.
You can read his book at:
https://electricscotland.com/history/30ndx.htm
END.
Weekend is almost here and hope it's a good one for you.
Alastair