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Weekly Mailing List Archives
19th September 2008


Alastair McIntyreElectric Scotland's Weekly Email Newsletter

Electric Scotland - The No.1 Scottish History Site Aois - The Celtic Community
The Electric Scotland Article Service

Dear Friend

It's your Electric Scotland newsletter meaning the weekend is nearly here :-)

You can view what's new this week on Electric Scotland at http://www.electricscotland.com/rss/whatsnew.php and you can unsubscribe to this newsletter by clicking on the link at the foot of this newsletter.

See our Calendar of Scottish Events around the world at http://www.electricscotland.com/familytree/calendar_help.htm

CONTENTS
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Electric Scotland News
The Flag in the Wind
The Scottish Nation
Clan and Family Information
Poetry and Stories
New Statistical Account of Scotland (1845)
Book of Scottish Story
Merchant and Craft Guilds (New Book)
History of Glasgow
History of Banking in Scotland
Scottish Banking Practice (New Book)
The Glengarry McDonalds of Virginia
The Highland Host of 1678
Picts
The Scottish Historical Review
Old Time Customs
Changes in Scots Arms
Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph


ELECTRIC SCOTLAND NEWS
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I came across some American census data and noted in 2000 there were 4,319,232 Scots-Irish living in America and 4,890,581 Scots living in America. This is 3.2% of the American population.

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Sure is a bit of a mess out there in financial land and it's not only America seeing problems and note that Scotland's oldest bank, The Bank of Scotland, is now to be taken over by Lloyds TSB bank.

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I'm pleased to say we've now fixed the problems with our ScotSearch site and our Calendar program. Seems rebuilding the server meant that permissions weren't set to allow folk to add links and events. Now it's onto the site search program and hopefully that won't be long now until it's up and running.

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I got an email asking what dates the 16th century would have included and I thought in the event other folk might not know figured I'd explain. Where it quotes the 16th century it would mean dates between 1500 - 1599. So we are currently in the 21st century meaning in the 2000's.

I assume the idea that the 16th century would means the 1600's is why I was asked about this so now you know the correct info... so if someone says he died in the 18th century it means in the 1700's :-)

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Subject: Reminder: Gaelic College Weekend Sept 27-28 in Nova Scotia

A message from Hector MacNeil:

I'd like to remind everyone that the next Gaelic Weekend at the Gaelic College takes place September 27-28 with TIP Instruction (Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate and Advanced), Song Workshops, Story Telling Session, Milling Frolic and Ceilidh.

We have a great lineup of Instructors:
Bernard Cameron - Beginner 1
Lewis MacKinnon - Beginner 2
Angus MacLeod - Intermediate
Hector MacNeil - Advanced

We have over thirty people registered so far with LOTS OF ROOM for more. You
have to register by end of day, Monday, Sept. 21, though, so don't delay.
It's going to be another great weekend and you won't want to miss out.

You can register online at http://www.gaeliccollege.edu, or by phone 902-295-3411.
For more information, check our website or email me at, hector@gaeliccollege.edu or call me at the number above.

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I know many of you will have enjoyed the collection of material that Donna Flood has added to the site. I just noted today that her mother has passed away and just wanted to offer my condolences to her. Here is what Donna had to say in the article she posted up in our article service...

Mother died peacefully and with no pain on September 15, 2008 the same day in September her mother died.

Velma was born in a tee-pee along the banks of the St. Fork River. Her mother was attended by a full Ponca medicine woman. She is the descendant of Chief Standing Bear whose history is recorded here in Ponca City through the efforts of Carl Renfro, who worked long and tirelessly, to see that Standing Bear's memory is kept through the beautiful park and voice histories for the populace of the town of Ponca City and, indeed, the whole nation to enjoy. Like Standing Bear Velma worked with men who were dedicated to what they believed and felt was best for the country. These were Senators and many others with lofty titles. Her work did not stop with those. She worked as hard for any of her Ponca people who were in immediate straights with one or another problems they had in their personal lives for surviving.

Our mother was a strong advocate for her husband's Christian faith, not in a showy way, but in a personal stand with a belief that all things could be settled in peaceful ways through the courts and our judicial systems.

Her children are:

Step sons:

Arnold Heinrich Jones
Paul Martin Jones

Lee and Velma's children
Anthony (Tony) Jones
Donna Colleen Jones, Flood
Dennis Michael Jones
Alvin Lee Jones
Esther Inez Jones, Epperson.
Daniel Clark Jones

In 1986, when Lee Otis Jones, her husband, died they had 22 great grandchildren, too many to list here. Her children and male grandchildren all carry the Jones name.

Velma's Pensoneau linage is listed in the French archives under the Fleur De Lis. Her great-grandfather was Paschal Pensoneau, who had an outfit under John Jacob Astor at Kansas City, Missouri. His father, Louison, was one of the first merchants and city fathers of St. Louis. There is a museum for their family of the Pensoneaus out of St. Louis where all that genealogy is traced. Biograpy of Paschal Pensoneau is here, written by his lawyer brother:
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/america/donna/picturebook/pensoneau.htm

Velma's history was just as absorbing on the Cherokee lineage. A great grandmother was Mary Kell, Canolis, Ross. She was the daughter of Kell, Scot, and "Cherokee Woman" circa pre-Cherokee Trail of Tears, date. Mary Ross was an orphan adopted by Chisholm, the man responsible for the Chisholm Trail.

Grandchildren:

Arnold's, Glen, Hugh, Dennis, Bruce, Arnetta Stierwalt, Cindy
Pauls Martins's: Paula, Debbie, David, John Jones
Donna's: Rhonda Louise, Mark Flood, Kharis, Mrs. Baraquiel Borjorquez.
Dennis Michael's: Denise Jones, Diane, Dana.
Alvin Lee Jones: Warren Curtis Jones, Mark Jones
Esther Inez: Leah Renee', Kemmy Colleen, Mrs. Gary Oaks
Daniel Clark's: Meka, Buck Jones

Velma will be buried next to her husband at the Ponca City Indian Cemetery off Waverly, in the area out of Ponca City, Oklahoma


ABOUT THE STORIES
-----------------
Some of the stories in here are just parts of a larger story so do check out the site for the full versions. You can always find the link in our "What's New" section at the link at the top of this newsletter or on our site menu.


THE FLAG IN THE WIND
--------------------
This weeks Flag is compiled by Richard Thomson is which he discusses the takeover of the Bank of Scotland by Lloyds TSB. He is also discussing the Lib-Dems.

In Peter's cultural section he tells us about...

Cranachan

Continuing on from last weeks harvesting theme, there were great celebrations, in the past, when the last sheaf was cut. The last sheaf was called a maiden if the harvest was early and the cailleach if it was late. There was a variety of customs associated with this important sheaf. Often it was dressed like a maiden with ribbons and finery and took pride of place at the Clyach or little winter feast, held to celebrate the completion of the cutting and before the Kirn, and toasts were drunk to her. Part of the sheaf, a fertility symbol, was kept until the first horse was foaled as it was thought to represent new life, and another part might be buried beneath the first furrow ploughed so that the fertility might be transferred. The hairst is a reminder that oatmeal was an essential part of the Scottish diet in days of auld langsyne. Oatmeal was used in a variety of recipes including desserts - cranachan is a lovely way to enjoy oatmeal and raspberries.

Recipe

This is a cream crowdie, made from toasting 2 heaped tablespoons oatmeal lightly, then mixing it into 1/2 pint cream which has been whipped until frothy, but not stiff, and sweetened to taste. It can be flavoured with rum, vanilla ( vanilla sugar can be used for sweetening ) or 1 cup fresh raspberries ( or other soft fruit ), and makes an excellent dessert. Vanilla ice-cream can be used instead of cream. (serves 4)

You can read the Flag, listen to the Scots Language, enjoy the Scots Wit and lots more at http://www.scotsindependent.org

Christina McKelvie MSP's weekly diary for this week can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/mckelvie/080918.htm


The Scottish Nation
-------------------
My thanks to Lora for transcribing these volumes for us.

We're now onto the S's with Southesk, Spalding, Speirs, Spens / Spence, Sprewel, Spottiswood and Spynie.

There are several famous people with the Spottiswood name and the account starts...

SPOTTISWOOD, a local surname, assumed from the lands and barony of that name in Berwickshire. The family of Spottiswoode are descended from Robert Spottiswood, lord of Spottiswood, who was born in the reign of Alexander III., and died in that of Robert the Bruce. His son, John Spottiswood of Spottiswood, was witness, in the reign of David II., to a charter of Alexander Lindsay of Ormiston. He had a son, Robert Spottiswood of Spottiswood, who married a daughter of the ancient family of Leighton of Ulyshaven or Usan, Forfarshire, and was father of Henry Spottiswood of that ilk. The latter died in the end of the reign of James II. His son, James Spottiswood of Spottiswood, was forfeited for his adherence to James III. He was, however, restored to his estate by James IV. This baron’s son, William Spottiswood, fell at Flodden, in September 1513. By his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Hop-Pringle of Torsonce, he had, with two younger children, two sons, David, his successor, who died toward the end of the reign of James V.; and John, superintendent of Lothian, a memoir of whom is given below in larger type. The latter married Beatrix, daughter of Patrick Crighton of Lugton and Gilmerton, and had, with one daughter, two sons, John, archbishop of St. Andrews, who carried on the line of the family, and James, appointed bishop of Clogher in Ireland in 1621, who dying in London in 1644, was buried in Westminster Abbey. The descendants of his son, Sir Henry Spottiswood, still continue in Ireland.

David Spottiswood of Spottiswood left an only son, Ninian Spottiswood of Spottiswood, who was served heir to his father in 1550; and left two sons. William, his successor, died unmarried in 1594. John succeeded his brother, and died soon after, without issue.

The representation of the family devolved on his cousin, John Spottiswood, archbishop of St. Andrews. This eminent prelate sold, in 1620, the estate of Spottiswood to a family of the name of Bell. He married Rachel, a daughter of David Lindsay, D.D., bishop of Ross, and with a daughter, Anne, wife of William Sinclair of Roslin, had two sons, Sir John, and Sir Robert. The elder son succeeded to the estate of Dairsie, Fifeshire, which had been purchased by his father, and was one of the gentlemen of the bedchamber to James VI. His only son, Mr. John Spottiswood, was a faithful adherent of Charles I., and having joined the marquis of Montrose, was taken prisoner with him, tried, condemned, and executed for high treason in 1650. Of Sir Robert, the second son, president of the court of session and secretary of state for Scotland, beheaded 16th January 1646. By his wife, Bethia, eldest daughter of Sir Alexander Morrison of Prestongrange, a lord of session, Sir Robert had, with three daughters, three sons. 1. John, who died, unmarried, before the Restoration. 2. Alexander. 3. Robert, physician to the governor and garrison of Tangier, and author of a ‘Catalogue of Plants growing within the fortifications of Tangier in 1673,’ inserted in the Philosophical Transactions for 1696 (Abr. iv. p. 85). He died in 1688, leaving an only son, Alexander, born in 1676, a general in the army, appointed governor of Virginia in 1710. The latter married and left issue.

You can read the rest of this account at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/nation/spottiswood.htm

You can read all these entries at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/nation/s.htm


Clan and Family Information
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Got in the Clan Ross newsletter for August 2008 which you can view at http://www.electricscotland.com/familytree/newsletters/ross/index.htm


Poetry and Stories
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Another poem from John Henderson called "An Oonkent Bird" which you can read at http://www.electricscotland.com/poetry/doggerel279.htm

John has also sent in another pdf file in his "Village Cricket" series at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/sport/village_cricket.htm
 
We also have some new poems and articles from Donna, Alastair and others in our Article Service at http://www.electricscotland.com/article/


New Statistical Account of Scotland (1845)
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The first volume I am dealing with is the one on Aberdeenshire. There are some 85 parishes in this volume and a write up on each.

This week have added some statistics on the County of Aberdeen at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/county.htm

Have also added the penultimate chapter from the Appendix on "Account of the University and King's College of Aberdeen".

The account starts...

There appears to have existed in Old Aberdeen, from a very early period, a Studium Generate, or University, attached to the Episcopal Chapter of the See of Aberdeen. It is said to have been founded in 1157 by Edward, Bishop of Aberdeen, and although, according to Boece, it still existed at the period when King's College was founded, it is probable that it had in some way ceased to answer the purposes which it must have been designed to serve, since King James IV., in his letter to Pope Alexander VI., requesting him to found a University in Old Aberdeen, mentions as the chief motive for the undertaking, the profound ignorance of the inhabitants of the north of Scotland, and the great deficiency of properly educated men to fill the clerical office in that part of his kingdom.

Foundation of the University — In 1494, William Elphinston, Bishop of Aberdeen, and Chancellor of Scotland under James III., persuaded James IV. to make the above application to the Pope, who was then considered the only source of the universal privileges which were desired for the projected institution, the power of the king extending only to his own dominions, while that of the Roman pontiff embraced the whole of Christendom. The result of this application was a Bull dated 10th February 1494, instituting a University in Old Aberdeen or Aberdon, which was to include every lawful faculty, namely, those of Theology, Canon and Civil Law, Medicine, and the Liberal Arts. Masters were appointed to read in all the faculties, and were empowered specifically to confer all the lawful degrees of Baccalaureate Master and Doctor, in like manner as these degrees are granted in any the most highly privileged University. It was also provided in this Bull, that the degrees thus conferred should carry with them all the usual privileges and immunities that are attached to such degrees in other Universities ; and that, not only within the University itself, but in all other Universities, ubique terrarum, without further examination of the graduates. It is particularly mentioned, that the University of Aberdeen was to possess all the privileges enjoyed by those of Paris and Bologna, two of the most highly favoured in Europe. This Bull of institution has been printed in the Report of the University Commission of 1826, along with all the charters of King's College, and may be referred to by those who wish to ascertain the precise terms in which the very ample privileges of King's College were conferred. By a mandate dated on the same day, but not executed till 1496, Bishop Elphinston, with two coadjudators, was directed to publish the Bull, to defend and protect the doctors, masters, and scholars in all their immunities, &c, and to cause the statutes to be inviolably observed. By a second Bull dated in 1495, the Pope annexed to the University the church of Aberbuthnot, now Marykirk, and the revenues of the Hospital of St Germains in Lothian.

You can read the rest of this account at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/kings.htm

On the index page of this volume you can see a list of the 85 parishes and also a map at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/statistical/volume12.htm 


Book of Scottish Story
----------------------
Our thanks to John Henderson for sending this in for us.

This week have added...

The Vacant Chair - Part 1

Here is how it starts...

YOU have all heard of the Cheviot mountains. They are a rough, rugged, majestic chain of hills, which a poet might term the Roman wall of nature; crowned with snow, belted with storms, surrounded by pastures and fruitful fields, and still dividing the northern portion of Great Britain from the southern. With their proud summits piercing the clouds, and their dark, rocky declivities frowning upon the glens below, they appear symbolical of the wild and untamable spirits of the Borderers who once inhabited their sides. We say, you have all heard of the Cheviots, and know them to be very high hills, like a huge clasp riveting England and Scotland together ; but we are not aware that you may have heard of Marchlaw, an old, gray-looking farm—house, substantial as a modern fortress, recently, and, for aught we know to the contrary, still inhabited by Peter Elliot, the proprietor of some five hundred surrounding acres. The boundaries of Peter’s farm, indeed, were defined neither by fields, hedges, nor stone walls. A wooden stake here, and a stone there, at considerable distances from each other, were the general landmarks; but neither Peter nor his neighbours considered a few acres worth quarrelling about ; and their sheep frequently visited each other’s pastures in a friendly way, harmoniously sharing a family dinner, in the same spirit as their masters made themselves free at each other’s tables.

Peter was placed in very unpleasant circumstances, owing to the situation of Marchlaw House, which, unfortunately, was built immediately across the "ideal line,” dividing the two kingdoms; and his misfortune was, that, being born within it, he knew not whether he was an Englishman or a Scotchman. He could trace his ancestral line no farther back than his great-grandfather, who, it appeared from the family Bible, had, together with his grandfather and father, claimed Marchlaw as their birthplace. They, however, were not involved in the same perplexities as their descendant. The parlour was distinctly acknowledged to be in Scotland, and two-thirds of the kitchen were as certainly allowed to be in England;—his three ancestors were born in the room over the parlour, and, therefore, were Scotchmen beyond question; but Peter, unluckily, being brought into the world before the death of his grandfather, his parents occupied a room immediately over the debatable boundary line which crossed the kitchen. The room, though scarcely eight feet square, was evidently situated between the two countries; but, no one being able to ascertain what portion belonged to each, Peter, after many arguments and altercations upon the subject, was driven to the disagreeable alternative of confessing he knew not what countryman he was. What rendered the confession the more painful was, that it was Peter’s highest ambition to be thought a Scotsman. All his arable land lay on the Scottish side ; his mother was collaterally related to the Stuarts ; and few families were more ancient or respectable than the Elliots. Peter’s speech, indeed, betrayed him to be a walking partition between the two kingdoms—a living representation of the Union; for in one word he pronounced the letter ‘r’ with the broad, masculine sound of the North Briton, and in the next with the liquid ‘burr’ of the Northumbrians.

You can read the rest of this at http://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/story62-1.htm

The other stories can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/books/story/index.htm


Merchant and Craft Guilds
-------------------------
A History of the Aberdeen Incorporated Trades by Ebenezer Bain (1887)

This is an interesting book but you should be warned that a sizeable amount of the text is in the old Scots language as the book contains many charters in that language.

Here is what the Preface has to say...

WHILE holding office among the Seven Incorporated Trades of Aberdeen a few years ago, I had frequent opportunities of scanning their interesting old records and other documents, and I had not gone far in my perusal of them until I discovered that they contained a considerable amount of material fitted to throw light on the trading customs, and the social and religious life of the community from the fifteenth century downwards.

It was also an agreeable surprise to find that, notwithstanding the many vicissitudes through which so many of our local institutions have passed, the records of the Trades, including the documents belonging to the monastery of the Trinity Friars, were in an excellent state of preservation; and it occurred to me that, as a new generation has now arisen, having little in common with the old burgher life, a historical account of these ancient societies might prove acceptable, not only to the existing members of the Trades, but to many others who take an interest in the different phases of early burgh life.

In estimating the position which these craft guilds held in the community, it is necessary to bear in mind the large proportion of the population that came within their jurisdiction. The families, journeymen, apprentices, and servants, as well as the craftsmen themselves, were all subject to the authority of the deacons and masters of the different crafts, and amenable to the laws and statutes enforced under the powers conferred by Royal Charters, Seals of Cause, and Acts of Council; and taken at a moderate computation, these classes would represent about two thirds of the whole community. The history of the craft guilds, therefore, ought in no small measure to reflect the conditions of life among the great bulk of the industrial classes; and if this volume helps to a better understanding of the guild life of our own community my object in collecting the historical information in this volume will be fully accomplished.

To the many friends who have assisted me in various ways I take this opportunity of returning my best thanks, more particularly to Mr. P. J. ANDERSON, Secretary of the New Spalding Club; Mr. A. H. MUNRO, of the Aberdeen Town House; and Mr. J. P. EDHOD, and to the CONVENER, MASTER OF TRADES HOSPITAL, DEACONS, and BOXMASTERS of the various Trades who so readily afforded me access to the books and documents under their charge. To Mr. ANDREW J. GIBB, Mr. E. W. JAPP, Mr. C. CARMICHAEL, and Mr. GEORGE WATT, I am also indebted for assistance in connection with the plates and drawings.

E. B.

ABERDEEN, October, 1887.

We now have 5 chapters up for you to read at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/guilds/index.htm


The History of Glasgow
----------------------
By Robert Renwick LL.D. and Sir John Lindsay L.D. in 3 volumes (1921)

We are now making progress with these volumes and this week we have up...

Chapter XXXIX
Leper Hospital and Chapel and their Endowments—Endowments of other Chaplainries—Grammar Schools

Chapter XL
Fergus Aisle in Cathedral—Rood Screen—Church of Little St. Kentigern—St. Nicholas Hospital—Church of St. Roche—Liners of the Burgh—Foreign Merchandise

Chapter XLI
Population—Old Green—Feuing of Common Lands—Waulk Mill on Water of Kelvin—Linningshaugh—Skinners Green —Society of Fishers—Assize of Herring—Subdean's Mill —Fortified House in High Street—Lands of Gorbals, Cadder and Monkland

Chapter XLII
Commercial Progress—Shipping—Acts of Parliament—Burgesses—Archbishops Blacader and Beaton—Regality and Diocesan Jurisdictions—King and Archbishop of St. Andrews—Rental Book of Barony Lands

Chapter XLIII
Earls of Lennox—Manses of Govan and Renfrew—Battle of Flodden—Provosts-Depute—Altar of St. Christopher—Seal of Cause to Skinners and Furriers—Duke of Albany, Governor of Kingdom---Insurrectionary Movements—Siege of Archbishop's Castle

Chapter XLIV
Archbishops Beaton and Dunbar—Custody of the King—Merchants and Foreign Trade—Clyde Shipping—Spread of "Heresies "—John Major, Theologian and Historian—Prebend of Barlanark or Provan—King's Visits to Glasgow—Court of Session

Chapter XLV
Blacader's Hospital for Casual Poor—Collegiate Church of St. Mary and St. Anne

And here is a bit from Chapter XLII...

THE end of the fifteenth century is regarded as marking the close of the Middle Ages and the dawn of a new era for modern Europe. The discovery of America and of a fresh sea route to India enlarged geographical knowledge and gave promise of immense advance in commercial enterprise ; and it may be supposed that other countries besides the leading maritime nations of Spain and Portugal would share to some extent in the impetus thus given to trading activity. Of the prosperous condition of Scotland we have a contemporary account given by Don Pedro de Ayala, the Spanish ambassador to the court of King James. Writing in 1498 this foreigner reported that the country had greatly improved during the king's reign, that commerce was much more considerable than formerly and was continually advancing. There were three principal articles of export, wool, hides and fish, and the customs were substantial and on the increase. [Early Travellers, pp. 42, 43. Ayala says: "The towns and villages are populous. The houses are good, all built of hewn stone, and provided with excellent doors, glass windows, and a great number of chimneys. All the furniture that is used in Italy, Spain, and France, is to be found in their dwellings. It has not been bought in modern times only, but inherited from preceding ages." (Ibid. p. 47.)]

About this time, and for a considerable period afterwards, Dumbarton was the chief port in the west of Scotland and the most frequented as a naval base. It was the favourite place of departure and arrival to and from France. Expeditions to the Isles were organised at Dumbarton, fleets were fitted out there, and thence they sailed. At the time King James was making strenuous efforts to create a navy one ship was built at Leith, another in Brittany and a third at Dumbarton. There are many other recorded cases of shipbuilding at Dumbarton, and it long continued to be a harbour for such royal ships as came to the west coast. [River Clyde, pp. 17, 18; Lord High Treasurer's Accounts, iii. and iv. In the year 1512 there are several payments out of the royal treasury for timber and other material used for the building of a galley at Glasgow, a vessel about which, unluckily, there are no further particulars (Ibid. iv. P. 290).]

In 1499 Glasgow and Dumbarton entered into an amicable arrangement for the defence and maintenance of each other's privileges. In future each of the two burghs was to have an equal interest in the river Clyde, neither of them pretending privilege or prerogative over the other. [Glasg. Chart. ii. pp. 62, 72, 119. In connection with the purchase of wine from a ship, in 1531, Glasgow had sued Dumbarton in the consistorial court, and on this ground the latter burgh alleged that the " band " of 1499 had been broken, but the treasurer of Glasgow protested against his burgh being prejudiced by the proceedings (Glasg. Prot. No. rio3). An indenture entered into between the two burghs, in 1590, is on the same lines as the agreement of 1499, and provision is made for the settlement of disputes by six representatives from each who were to meet in the burgh of Renfrew (Glasg. Chart. i. pt. ii. pp. 225-7)] As subsequent records show this judicious arrangement worked satisfactorily and, subject to various modifications, it was renewed from time to time.

You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/glasgow/glasgow47.htm

The index page of the book is at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/glasgow/historyndx.htm


History of Banking in Scotland
------------------------------
By Andrew William Kerr (1908)

We have now completed this book with...

Chapter XXVII
Comparison of Scottish Banking in 1865 and 1883

Chapter XXVIII
A Critical Period

Chapter XXIX
Conclusion

Appendices

Appendix A
Earliest Scottish Bank Notes
Appendix B
The Scottish Banks in 1883 and 1901-2 [page not available]
Appendix C
Amalgamations among the Scottish Banks
Appendix D
Note Issues of the Scottish Banks
Appendix E
Note Forgeries not mentioned in the text
Appendix F
Banks Defunct whose notes are still retired

The Conclusion starts by saying...

THE present sketch of banking in Scotland may be fitly concluded with a short consideration of some of the leading features of the system which has made Scottish banking conspicuous among the banking systems of the world. Perhaps the chief of these is its suitability to the circumstances of the country and the genius of the nation. This may almost seem a truism, in as far as the system was of almost entirely natural growth. But this is in itself a circumstance quite unusual in other countries. Elsewhere the State has been the motive power in calling banking into existence, has moulded its character, and has regulated its action all along. In Scotland the State took little interest in the matter beyond sanctioning the formation of a few of the earliest establishments. The consequence was a naturally-evolved system, moulded by the requirements of the people.

You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/banking/chapter29.htm

You can read the other chapters at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/banking/


Scottish Banking Practice
-------------------------
This booklet is the first in a series (a full list of titles is given on the back cover) produced by the Institute of Bankers in Scotland. The original text was written in 1949 by Frank Taylor, then the General Secretary of the Institute, but this new edition has been completely revised and updated.

The booklet gives a brief introduction to the origins and developments of Scottish Banking which, in spite of mergers and takeovers, still retains some of the unique flavour which at one time made it the most advanced banking system in the world.

The booklet is an ideal introduction to the Scottish Banking system for new recruits to the Banks who intend to study for the Institute's examinations and should also be a useful reference source for the practising banker and the general reader seeking a brief introduction to the Scottish Banking scene.

The author, Dr Charles Munn, is a lecturer in History at the University of Glasgow and author of the book The Scottish Provincial Banking Companies, 1747-1864.

ISBN: 0 901473 07 3

It seemed appropriate to start on this publication for those that have enjoyed "The History of Banking in Scotland" and our thanks go to the Chatered Institute of Bankers in Scotland for allowing us to publish this on the site.

We have several chapters up...

Introduction

Chapter I
The Banks

Chapter II
Banker and Customer

Chapter III
Balance Sheets

Chapter IV
Bank Notes

And these can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/banking/handbookndx.htm


The Glengarry McDonalds of Virginia
-----------------------------------
By Mrs Flora McDonald Williams (1911)

We have some more chapters up...

Chapter 20
Susan Leacy McDonald
Chapter 21
Flora McDonald
Chapter 22
Harry Peake McDonald
Chapter 23
Allan Lane McDonald
Chapter 24
Kenneth McDonald
Chapter 25
Ellen McDonald

Here is a bit from the Flora McDonald chapter...

Flora McDonald, the youngest child and fourth daughter of Angus W. 'McDonald and Leacy Anne Naylor (his wife), was born the 7th of June, 1842, and named for her illustrious cousin (many degrees removed) of the Clanranald branch. She lost her mother at the age of six months and was cared for, for the next eighteen months by her father's aunt, Mrs. William Naylor. This lady was also stepmother to Leacy Anne, to whom she was much devoted.

One of Flora's earliest and happiest recollections was when her new mother arrived and took her child's heart by storm, with her kindly words and affectionate manner, and in all the long years following, she had little cause to change those first impressions. She first remembers going to school at Mrs. Meaney's, but after a year or so there her education was carried on in a very desultory fashion. With eight brothers and sisters older than herself and quite a number younger, it is scarcely to be wondered at that her opportunities were somewhat restricted.

At twelve years of age she was sent from "Wind Lea," where the family then lived to Charles Town, to live with her sister, Mrs. T. C. Green, and attended a private school, but a spoil of illness lasting for some months seriously interfered with her educational progress, and at the end of her first term she returned to her home, and was permitted to do pretty much as she pleased for the next two years in order to re-establish her health. Much of her time, in open weather. was spent in the woods and on the banks of the streams in genuine enjoyment of this close contact with nature.

Nothing delighted her so much as being allowed to accompany her brother Marshall on his expeditions in quest of specimens. And once when about nine year's of age, he took her with him quite a distance to the house of a mountain woman, in order that she might be taught how to "net." so that she could make for him the little nets which were necessary to enclose each individual fish before he dropped them into the flask of alcohol preparatory to despatching them to the Smithsonian. Soon she became so expert, that no other diversion gave her half such joy as weaving these little travelling jackets for the fish while, at the same time, performing this service for the brother she so dearly loved.

You can read the rest of this chapter at http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macdonald/glengarry21.htm

The other chapters can be read at http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macdonald/glengarryndx.htm


The Highland Host of 1678
-------------------------
By John Rawson Elder (1914)

Have now completed this book with the final chapter and the appendix.

The Conduct of the Host chapter starts...

THE Commission granted to the Leaders of the Host exonerated them, as we have seen, from all blame, no matter what excesses their followers might commit. These followers were for the most part poor ignorant Highlanders, many of them doubtless "broken men," accustomed to look upon the neighbouring Lowlands as the fitting ground for marauding expeditions, all of them likely as the result of habit and long training to feel that a descent in force upon the Whigs must have as its only object the accumulation of booty. In this particular case they were taking part in an expedition sanctioned by the King and led by their chiefs, who, as members of the Committee of the West, were present not to restrain their followers from lawlessness, but to point out those against whom they must direct themselves. From January till March these rude Highlanders were engaged day by day in the attempt to force an unwilling people into submission, searching their houses, seizing their weapons, leading off their horses. Inflicted as these indignities were in no kindly fashion upon men by no means easily cowed and still unbroken in spirit, the wonder is that the only recorded instance of actual bloodshed is that of the poor Highlander, M'Gregor, already mentioned, killed at Campsie on the homeward march.
It is to be feared, however, that little credit is to be given for this bloodless invasion either to the members of the Host or to those who sent them forth. That a rebellion did not ensue immediately, as so many of Lauderdale's followers, eager for confiscated estates—for which, indeed, according to Burnet, they had already cast lots, [Burnet, History of My Own Times, vol. ii. p. 146.] desired, is to be attributed not to any easy interpretation of brutal orders nor to any desire to lessen the burden for a people against whom King, Bishops, and Council were united, but to the fixed determination of the unbending Whigs that they would not gratify those who sought to goad them on to insurrection so that they might be harried from the land. Against such passive resistance the Highlanders had no excuse for bloodshed, and the most serious authentic case of violence is that of Alexander Wedderburn, minister of Kilmarnock, who was severely injured by a blow with the butt of a Highlander's musket. [Wodrow, vol. ii. p. 429.]

You can read both these final chapters at
http://www.electricscotland.com/history/host/index.htm


Picts
-----
An article by Stuart McHardy

Back in the 17th and 18th centuries many of the monuments of the past were referred to as Pictish - it was used a kind of general term for “the ancestors”. This meant that constructions as far apart as Stone Age barrows and medieval Deer Dykes were given the label of being Pictish. Today some people still think that anything old is Pictish but scholars nowadays would tend to put the “ Pictish Period” from around 80 AD to the mid 9th century. 80 AD Was the date of the battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the Caledonians who were called Picts by later Roman writers,. The only record we have of this battle, and argument still rages as to where it was fought, is a Roman one - and it will come as no surprise that it claims a total Roman victory. The fact that the Romans retreated from Scotland north of the Forth soon after and only ever came back on temporary raids suggests a different interpretation. To misquote an even earlier Roman, Julius Caesar ven, vidi, vanished! In the middle of the ninth century the Picts amalgamated with the Scots of Dalriada - they had had several joint monarchs before this - and the country became known in time as Scotland. The Pictish language, probably like an early form of Welsh, disappeared, which has led many people to speculate on the disappearance of the Picts themselves. Language and culture changed, leadership too but there is no reason to suppose the people were either eradicated or emigrated. In short the Picts are our ancestors, as are the Scots, the Norse and the Angles.

However the notion of the Picts as the ancestor people was widespread and survived in many parts of Scotland. One version of this idea, from Fife is particularly striking. According to this tale the Pechs, or Peghts, as they were generally called in the oral tradition were wee short folk with red hair, long arms, broad feet and were tremendously strong. They were the builders of all the old castles and forts in the land and would stand in a line from the quarry to the building site passing the stones from hand to hand until the building was finished. One version of the story says their feet were so broad that when it rained they could stand on their hands and use their feet as umbrellas!

You can read the rest of this account at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/articles/picts.htm


The Scottish Historical Review
------------------------------
I have added several more articles from these publications. I might add here that there are many excellent and interesting articles in these volumes and am picking out ones that I think will be of interest.

Scottish Officers in Sweden
An account of some of the Scots Officers who served in Sweden.

The Scalacronica of Sir Thomas Gray
In his account of the Norman Kings he reveals information not available elsewhere and from the point of view of a soldier. Written around 1355 this gives us a unique glimpse into that period. This was compiled while the author was being held captive at Edinburgh Castle.

The Celtic Trews
The costume consisted of a blouse with sleeves, confined in some cases by a belt, with trousers fitting close at the ankle, and a tartan plaid fastened up at the shoulder with a brooch. This form of Celtic dress is of special interest to all who are connected with the Scottish Highlands.

Scottish Industrial Undertakings before the Union
Some interesting facts about the industrial and other undertakings around the 17th century.

You can read these at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/articles/review


Old Time Customs
----------------
Conditions of the Early Settlers in Nova Scotia

This is an interesting account which I thought you might enjoy and here is how it starts...

IT is well sometimes to look backward to the days and the doings of our fathers who left their home in the old land beyond the wide ocean, that they might make for themselves and their loved ones new homes in this new world of forests, wild beasts and untamed Indians. We, of this age and in this Canada of ours, may well be proud of the heritage they have left us with its priceless privileges. By noting what we owe to our forbears we may be stimulated to higher endeavor to leave the heritage thus fallen into our hands, with so much added enrichment, that our children may in turn hold their fathers in grateful remembrance for what they have done for their betterment.

Few English people were found in Nova Scotia outside of Halifax before 1760, and the chief concern of those here was to guard themselves against the Indian scalping knife and the French forces sent from Quebec to recover possession of the country. Subsequent to this date the earlier English colonists, chiefly from New England, succeeded to the lands near Annapolis, Canard, Wolfville, Grand Pre, Windsor, Truro, Masstown and Amherst, from which the Acadians had been removed in 1755. New settlers who came in later, including Loyalists from the United States—mostly farmers and disbanded soldiers—went back into the interior of the country where the more fertile lands were found, these new settlements in many cases being separated from the older ones by forest-covered lands less suited to agriculture. Through the forests the only roads were rough bridle paths. The smaller streams were crossed by fording, the larger ones the horses swam across, while their riders, having dismounted, crossed them in a rude sort of boat made of a big log dug out in trough fashion.

These pioneer settlers went in groups of five or six families, chose adjoining lots and built their houses about a quarter of a mile apart. Thus, in some measure, they provided for themselves the social advantages of larger communities. It was a truly simple life, that of our forefathers in their forest home. While the house-building was going on the home was in a domicile hastily thrown together after the fashion of the Indian wigwam. The more permanent dwelling was but a log cabin of small dimensions, comprising two rooms with an attic under the roof. The chimney, made of stones held together by clay mortar, was in one corner, or sometimes outside the house against one end. Timber was plentiful—including pines and hemlocks large enough to be made into boards three feet wide. As yet, however, there were no saw-mills, so that the houses and other buildings were made of logs rudely dressed with an axe, the roof being covered with home-made shingles, or with the bark of a hemlock tree.

You can read the rest of this at http://www.electricscotland.com/history/articles/oldtime_customs.htm

I might add that there are several articles on this theme and I'll endeavour to add more of them.


Changes in Scots Arms
---------------------
By W. Neil Fraser

Our thanks to Neil for sending us in this article which starts...

The new Lord Lyon David Sellar, appointed in March 2008, has begun to institute changes in the Letters Patent (legal document) for new grants of arms in Scotland. One change that would be less obvious is that he has revised the preamble of Letters Patent relative to the authority of the Lyon Court to reflect the legislation of the original Scottish Parliament in 1592 and 1672 that established the role of the Lord Lyon King of Arms in Scotland to “exercise His (Her) Majesty’s heraldic prerogative in Scotland”. That authority remains in effect today, but is now more clearly stated in modern English.

You can read the rest of this article at http://www.electricscotland.com/heraldry/scots_arms.htm


Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph
-------------------------------------------------------
Dr Graeme Morton, Chair of the Centre for Scottish Studies sent this in...

Andrew Hinson
Program: History PhD

Area of Research

Torono's Scottish community in late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Why I Chose Guelph...

“I chose Guelph because it offers the only graduate program in Scottish Studies in North America. As well as being home to the largest collection of Scottish archival material outside the United Kingdom, the Centre for Scottish Studies has several leading academics in Scottish history, offers scholarships for travel and research in Scotland and offers a range of opportunities to help further your academic career.”

My Future Plans...

“I would like to pursue a career in academia. As well as providing me with the necessary support in pursuing my research interests, the PhD program helps provide a solid teaching background as well the practical teaching experience to go with it.”

About Financial Support...

“Funding within the history department is fairly generous. As well as a guaranteed minimum for three years, there are plenty of opportunities to apply for additional scholarships and grants aimed at those specifically within the department.”

About My Program...

“Located within the Department of History, the Centre for Scottish Studies offers the largest Scottish archival collection outside the United Kingdom, graduate scholarships for travel and research in Scotland, publishes the international journal of Scottish Studies, has a Spring and Fall Colloquia as well as other conferences on dedicated Scottish topics and most importantly some of the leading academics in Scottish history.”

About the City...

“Guelph is a fantastic city. I moved from Scotland with my family and we have taken very little time to adapt to life in Canada. You have the benefit of living close to Canada's largest city, while at the same time being part of a smaller, community orientated and family friendly city.”

Learn more at http://www.uoguelph.ca/scottish/


And that's it for now and hope you all have an enjoyable weekend :-)


Alastair
http://www.electricscotland.com 

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