Scotland Correspondent Issue 22

V&A Dundee wows the world New chief for Clan Buchanan

Happy haunting in spooky Scotland Glasgow’s slavery shame

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Autumn riches revealed

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inside this issue 10 Putting

the style

on

Inside the stunningly beautiful V&A Dundee.

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22 Scary

Scotland

Thrills and chills to get in the mood for Halloween.

30 Lot

of bottle

The independent whisky brand combining tradition with innovation.

44 Freeze

Cold reality of life as a wildlife cameraman.

50 Fabulous

Exploring nature’s spectacular show of autumn colour.

frame

Fall

64 Clan

column

300 year search for a chief ends for Clan Buchanan.

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70 Canine

couture

The allure of a designer robe for dogs and their owners.

80 Facing

history

up to

University of Glasgow acknowledges past links to slave trade.

88 Hunting

antiques with Roo Irvine

Hairy heirlooms making memories fashionable.

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96 Viking spirit

Top accolade for new Orkney gin.

130 Beast of

Boleskine

Loch Ness and the dark shadow of Aleister Crowley.

Date 4 Yours Diary 138

102 Rock of ages 114 Peak Discovery of Pictish carving reveals link to ancient civilisation.

performance

International athletes battle it out in world class mountain challenge.

What’s on in Scotland and elsewhere this October.

Cover Photo Photo ŠHuftonCrow V&A Dundee..

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Iconic V&A Dundee adds style to Scotland’s coolest city

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Discovery Point and the V&A Museum of Design

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he long-awaited and hotly anticipated V&A Dundee has opened its doors to the public amid widespread critical acclaim.

The flagship of the spectacular re-development of the Dundee waterfront is a monument to the city’s forward thinking and Scotland’s vibrant history and future.

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The beautiful, light-filled interiors, designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, provide a wonderful platform to tell a global story, investigating the international importance of design alongside presenting Scotland’s outstanding design achievements.

V&A Dundee’s construction and fit-out took three and a half years to complete and it stands at the centre of the £1 billion transformation of the city’s historic docklands area.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Spectacular use of space provides a perfect showcase for items in the galleries

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With its complex geometry, inspired by the dramatic cliffs along the northeast coast of Scotland, it stretches out into the River Tay, creating a new landmark connecting the future of the city with its past.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland The design of the building was inspired by Scotland’s coastal scenery

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At the heart of the museum the Scottish Design Galleries feature 300 exhibits drawn from the V&A’s rich collections of Scottish design, as well as from museums and private collections across Scotland and the world.

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Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland More than 300 items make up the exhibits

At the centre of these galleries stands the magnificent Charles Rennie Mackintosh Oak Room meticulously restored, conserved and reconstructed through a partnership between V&A Dundee, Glasgow Museums and Dundee City Council. Visitors to the museum can experience once again Mackintosh’s extraordinary talent in designing this room, lost to view for nearly 50 years.

The ambitious international exhibition programme opened with Ocean Liners: Speed and Style. Organised by the V&A and the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, it is the first exhibition to explore the design and cultural impact of the ocean liner on an international scale.

Major exhibitions are complemented by new commissions and installations including work by Glasgow-based artist and former Turner prize nominee Ciara Phillips.

Philip Long, Director of V&A Dundee, described the opening of the

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Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland The influence of ocean liners is one exhibition on display

museum as a historic occasion for Dundee, for the V&A, and for the very many people who played a vital part and supported its realisation.

planning, we are thrilled at being able to celebrate the realisation of the first V&A museum in the world outside London,” he said.

“V&A Dundee’s aspiration is to enrich lives, helping people to enjoy, be inspired by and find new opportunities through understanding the designed world. After years of

“The museum’s light-filled wooden interior and impressive spaces inside have been designed to provide a warm welcome to visitors, described by architect Kengo Kuma as a

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland The Mackintosh Gallery

is at the heart of this building as I have greatly admired his designs since I was a student. In the Oak Room, people will feel his sensibility and respect for nature, and hopefully connect it with our design for V&A Dundee.

“I hope the museum can change the city and become its centre of gravity.

I am delighted and proud that this is my first building in the UK and that people will visit it from around the world.”

Photo by Airborne Lens V&A Dundee from the air

‘living room for the city’. We are all very excited indeed that we can now welcome everybody into this remarkable new museum.”

Kengo Kuma, architect of the iconic building, said the big idea for V&A Dundee was to bring together nature and architecture.

“I’m truly in love with the Scottish landscape and nature. I was inspired by the cliffs of north-eastern Scotland – it’s as if the earth and water had a long conversation and finally created this stunning shape,” he said.

“It is also fitting that the restored Oak Room by Charles Rennie Mackintosh

In the first week of being opened the new museum attracted more than 27,000 visitors.

Within the first 12 months of opening it is forecast V&A Dundee will welcome around 500,000 visitors. After the first 12 months it is predicted the new museum will attract around 350,000 visitors annually and create a boost to the city which the Wall Street Journal recently named as ‘Scotland’s coolest city’.

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Councillor John Alexander, Dundee City Council Leader, said the economic boost to the city is estimated to be in the region of ÂŁ11.6 million a year in addition to a significant number of other indirect benefits in terms of jobs and investment from new enterprise, business and increasing footfall in the city.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland The V&A Dundee attracted almost 30,000 visitors in its first week

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“V&A Dundee is the perfect illustration of how the city is forging a new path and being transformed for every resident, worker and visitor.

We are not a city which limits its ambitions and there is much more to come from our creative and dynamic city,� he said.

Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, described the new attraction as a

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Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland

cultural milestone for the city and a landmark moment in V&A history.

“We’re extremely proud to share in this exceptional partnership, the first of its kind in the UK, and to have helped establish a new international centre for design that celebrates Scotland’s cultural heritage,” he said.

Sir Peter Luff, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, said: “The spotlight is on Scotland, and Dundee, as cultural organisations across the globe look on in awe at what has been achieved.

For a small country, Scotland has an incredibly rich design heritage with creativity, innovations and inventions that have changed lives across the world.”

Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said the museum was a celebration of the important contribution Scots and Scotland have made—and continue to make— to the world of design. She said it will delight, educate and inspire visitors

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Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland

from far and wide, putting Scotland on the international stage.

“V&A Dundee is a powerful symbol of Dundee’s new confidence and a major addition to Scotland’s worldclass collection of museums and

visitor attractions. As the flagship of Dundee’s waterfront development, the museum will act as a magnet for the city’s regeneration,” she said.

V&A Dundee is free to enter and open daily from 10am to 5pm.

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Flaunting a haunting or two

Photo by Rosser1954 CC BY-SA 4.0

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ransylvania might have Count Dracula and Salem might have its witches but Scotland is, arguably, the home of Halloween.

Long before dressing up in fancy costumes and turning homes into horror movie-style theme parks became customary the ancient residents of Scotland had their own way of celebrating the start of winter.

Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic celebration of the ‘Feast of Samhain’ which marked the division of the year between the warmth and light of summer and cold, dark winter.

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Burke & Hare

It was believed that Samhain on 1 November was the one time of year when the barrier between this world and the next was at its thinnest so spirits could pass through and roam the earth.

Photo: PD Robert Seymour (1798–1836) Burke murdering Margery Campbell

Friendly souls and a family’s ancestors would be invited in to be honoured while harmful entities were driven off by bonfires and people wearing costumes and masks to avoid unwanted attention from malevolent spirits.

When Christianity arrived the celebrations were integrated into the new religion and The eve of Samhain became known as All Saints’ Eve, All Hallows’ Eve, or Hallowe’en.

It’s a tradition that continues to this day with plenty of thrills, chills and scares to be found across the country. From ghost tours and history walks, to magic schools, light shows and zombie jogs, there is something for everyone this October in Scotland.

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So, if you’re looking for something a little different here’s six of the best spine chilling events to get you in the Halloween mood.

a collection of miniature coffins containing wooden dolls were found on Arthur’s Seat, now housed in the National Museum of Scotland.

‘Seance - Is Anybody There?’ at the Edinburgh Dungeon is a special month long show, running from 6 October to 4 November. It tells how on 31 October 1828 Burke and Hare, the notorious Edinburgh anatomy murderers, killed their last victim, Madgy Docherty. Eight years later

Seance aims to tell visitors of the theory that these coffins represent the Burke & Hare victims and that their existence was an attempt to provide the murdered with a symbolic final resting place. More details from www.thedungeons.com/ edinburgh

Photo by Š Nevit Dilmen CC BY-SA 3.0 Edinburgh and the Scott monument

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Illustration to Tam O’Shanter by John Faed held in the National Galleries of Scotland

In the run up to Halloween members of Dumfries & Galloway’s renowned Mostly Ghostly Paranormal Investigation Group will be giving a lecture to the Scottish Society of Psychical Research on Scotland’s haunted highways.

More details from www.thesppr.com

South-West Scotland is a melting pot of the supernatural and home to two famously haunted roads.

The mysterious Garlieston Straight in Wigtownshire and the infamous A75, which is often referred to as the most haunted stretch in Scotland.

Sightings vary from a menagerie of animals to a pair of disembodied legs and almost everything in between.

After selling 30,000 tickets for this event already, seven more nights have been added to what has been described as a “world-class” Halloween light show.

Some of the strangest stories will be revealed as part of the SSPR’s lecture series on 18 October at 7.30pm in The Glasgow Theosophical Society building, 17 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9BL.

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If you prefer something a little less chilling and more illuminating then GlasGLOW, a Halloween Light Show at the city’s Botanic Gardens is on from 27 October to 11 November.

The brand-new outdoor experience, which lasts around 90 minutes, has also been called “Spielberg-esque with a nod to ‘80s nostalgia” and will take visitors through an immersive landscape of light and sound, weaving together installations that will “surprise and delight”. For more information see www.itison.com/ glasglow

For those with a little more poetry in their souls there is always the ‘Alloween & Halloween Tea Party at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway, Ayrshire.

“Ghostly guides” will provide a tour of the bard’s birthplace and Alloway’s Auld Haunted Kirk. Guests will wander the streets of the town discovering tales of hauntings, suspicious deaths and maybe even the devil who “might have business on his hand!”

In addition there will be a spooky Halloween afternoon tea, which is ideal for families, with scary treats on offer, including green ghoul jelly shots and ghost cupcakes. Booking is essential so please see website for more details www.burnsmuseum.org. uk Despite its adult theme Halloween

Photo by Kim Traynor CC BY-SA 3.0 Arthur’s Seat coffins.

has become something of a popular event for younger people so Gory Stories – Halloween for Kids, being put on by Mercat Tours in Edinburgh (28 & 29 October), promises to be a lot of fun.

This brand-new family tour will show spook-lovers some horrible haunts including the famous Blair Street Underground Vaults. Further information from www.mercattours. com.

Then there is the free Paisley Halloween Festival, Paisley on 26 & 27 October where some ghoulishly good fun for all the family is promised with a full weekend of activities.

On Saturday, 27 October the town will be transformed as more than 500 costumed young people and specialist outdoor performers parade through the streets accompanied by

Photo by Rosser1954 CC BY-SA 4.0

an array of decorated floats.

Following the parade a 50-strong cast will perform “The Flying Witches” – a daring, breath-taking aerial performance in the town.

There will also be a Horror Festival of frightening films, workshops, trick or treat booths, pumpkin carving, family-friendly activities and monster balls for all ages. Full details and times at https://paisley.is

Anyone who likes to get their heart racing along with a little exercise might appreciate a Halloween Zombie Jog at Bowhill, Selkirk in the Scottish Borders on 27 October.

Anyone in the mood to get chased by zombies, or dress up as one, can take part in this one mile or five kilometres zombie jog. See https:// thelittleboxoffice.com/borderevents/ event/view/78945 for full details

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Photo by Guy Phillips

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Cool and collectable whisky

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or 80 years-old Duncan Taylor is in remarkably good spirits.

After several decades out of the spotlight the independent bottler is now enjoying a new found popularity.

Frequently seen in the company of celebrities and increasingly attractive to younger people, especially women, the Huntly-based independent brand is internationally cool.

Duncan Taylor & Co was established in Glasgow in 1938 as a merchant and broker of Scotch Whisky casks.

For decades the company amassed a remarkable portfolio of rare, aged casks of whisky until, in the 1960s, it was taken over by an American millionaire who opted to keep most of the casks as a private collection.

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When he died at the end of the 20th century his family were unsure what to do with one of the world’s largest privately-held collections of rare scotch whisky. They didn’t want to see it broken up so they sold it to former Glendronach distillery employee Euan Shand in 2001, and the company entered the new millennium with a new lease of life.

Euan and Moji Shand

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One of the first things Shand did was to move the company to his home town of Huntly, in the heart of the Speyside whisky industry, where he began to rebuild the brand to regain its position as a market leader after so many years languishing in obscurity.

The company played on the fact

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it was independent, traditional yet innovative and stylish. Very quickly the brand built a reputation for producing collectable, top quality whiskies.

Among the range of whiskies from Duncan Taylor is the critically acclaimed Black Bull blend.

Black Bull was first registered in 1864 by Dundee grocer and whisky blender George Willsher who created a high strength product with a 50 per cent malt content. When Euan resurrected the name in 2009 he made the decision to remain faithful to the original principles, a move that has proved to be a major success for the company. “Scotch whisky at the moment is such a hot topic. Everybody is exploring it and everybody is liking it and enjoying it,� said Moji Shand, Chief Executive Officer of the company and wife of Euan.

Moji Shand, CEO of Duncan Taylor & Co.

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Born in Iran but raised in Los Angeles the highly successful lawyer turned entrepreneur joined the company in 2012 after falling in love with Scotland, whisky and Euan Shand (not necessarily in that order) to become a major force in the expansion of the Duncan Taylor brand.

In 2006 Moji was working as an attorney overseeing around 90 other lawyers in a very successful firm when she took a break from her high-pressure job for a trip to Europe.

On a whim she joined a party of American friends on a whisky tour of Scotland where she discovered a passion for Scotch and found a husband too.

Within five years she and Euan Shand were married and she joined the family firm, combining her legal and managerial experience with a dash of entrepreneurial flair to help grow the business internationally.

“When I met Euan in 2006 I didn’t think he was getting as much exposure in the US as he deserved so when I left my practice as an attorney I thought we should see if we could do better,” said Moji.

With Euan as Chairman of the company and Moji as CEO the Duncan Taylor brand has grown internationally and is constantly finding new audiences in previously unchartered territories.

“Currently we are exporting to more than 50 countries with our biggest market being the US, followed by Taiwan. We also supply to Japan South Africa, most of the countries in Europe, to Russia and to China,” said Moji.

“The Asian market is very familiar with Scotch Whisky, as is the American market, where we have multiplied our exports significantly.

Germany is a huge deal for us and we are again making headway in Italy.

“I especially like going in to territories where people don’t know about

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whisky and its history. South America is somewhere we want to work and we’re already making big advances in places like Mexico.”

In the last few years the company has expanded its bottling hall in Huntly, tightened up its shop, acquired a cooperage, increased staff and invested in plans for its own distillery capable of producing 1.5 million litres a year.

“We are very committed to Scotland and Huntly,” said Moji. “We take great pride in being one of the largest employers in the area and that a lot of our people have been with us for years. We have mothers and sons, grandmothers and granddaughters, husbands and wives working with us.

We are a real family business.

Calum Macdonald and Jemma Jamieson

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“Everybody at Duncan taylor is

passionate about our products. My father-in-law distilled it, my husband matured it, my step-son has bottled it. Everything from selecting the

bottles and hand labelling them to packaging and delivery is done with love and care. We never compromise on the quality of the product and that

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has earned us a reputation we are very proud of.”

Whisky used to have the image of being a man’s drink but, according to Moji, more women are warming to its attractions. They already make up more than 50 per cent of the whisky drinking market in places such as France and Russia.

“More women are definitely enjoying whisky. Unlike other spirits such as gin, which tend to be mixed in cocktails which mask a lot of the taste and therefore encourage more drinking, whisky tends to be savoured and is drunk more responsibly,” said Moji.

“Whisky drinkers tend to just sit and sip from a glass which can last a whole evening as they appreciate the aromas the wooden casks have created. The days of drinking to get drunk are gone, people are developing more sophisticated palates and it’s more about the enjoyment of the drink.

“Whisky is a very social drink. It provides an opportunity to sit around the fire with a dram and enjoy good company. I see more and more women getting into it.”

Of course, she admits, it doesn’t hurt that the image of Scotland is riding high at the moment.

“People have a really warm place in their hearts for Scotland,” said Moji.

“There is something about the Scots that’s seen as being welcoming and friendly. Every day I meet someone who, when I tell them I’m married to a Scotsman, tells me they have either been there and loved it or it is a fantasy of theirs to one day visit Scotland. In America and Canada there’s a lot of people whose family emigrated and they talk about wanting to go back and see where their ancestors came from.

“Scotland has got so much going for it, how could anybody not like it? It’s got golf, whisky, great scenery, lots of history and men in kilts.”

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The Lamborghini car that Duncan Taylor sponsor in European Blancpain Series

Whisky isn’t the only top quality product Moji is behind as the success of Indian Summer Gin has shown

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Lessons learned from life in the wild

Photos by Doug Allan Doug and some of his cold weather friends

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ulti-award winning wildlife cameraman Doug Allan is not usually in the spotlight even though his work is known and appreciated around the world.

But now the 67-year-old Fife-born adventurer is about to emerge from behind the camera for a tour of Scotland to entertain audiences with his very personal behind the scenes stories of filming in some of the world’s most remote locations.

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Doug spent seven years in Antarctica as a scientist, research diver and photographer for the British Antarctic Survey before changing direction to full time freelance cameraman in 1983.

In the last 35 years he has captured the wonders of the natural world, from the Arctic to some of the deepest of oceans on the planet, and delivered them into the homes of millions of people who would otherwise never have seen the magic

Doug on Lake Baykal with transport

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of life in the animal kingdom.

Doug’s tour involves a series of entertaining and informative talks, suitable for all the family, which highlight some of the most challenging assignments of his career. Audiences can find out if snow leopards or leopard seals are the most scary; discover how to get close to the biggest fish in the sea and whether human eyeballs really do freeze at minus 50.

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Emperor Penguins return to rookery, Antarctica

Over the years Doug has become one of the world’s best known and respected cameramen, specialising in natural history, expeditions and science documentaries. He has worked for the BBC, Discovery, National Geographic and many others, filming for series including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Human Planet, Frozen Planet, Ocean Giants, Operation Iceberg, Wild Cameramen at Work, and Forces of Nature with Brian Cox. His photographic awards include eight Emmys and five BAFTAs. He has four Honorary Doctorates in recognition of his camerawork, as well as two Polar Medals. He’s an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society and of the Royal Photographic Society.

Arctic Bearded Seal

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In a career spanning four decades he’s seen first hand how pollution and climate change has affected the natural world and reinforced his determination to raise awareness of global issues through speaking engagements.

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Amazing grace of autumn

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Autumn colours at Loch Affric in Glen Affric

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by Scott Aitken

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he leaves are falling, the nights are drawing in and the tourist season is getting longer.

There was a time when most visitors came to Scotland between March and September but now the country is truly turning into a year-long destination.

Almost as soon as the summer sun has set the colour of the country turns from a lush green to a mix of gold, red and fiery orange before the onslaught of winter.

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There can few more enchanting places to relax and unwind with a walk in the crisp autumnal air, admiring spectacular sunsets or stargazing beneath clear open skies, free from the dreaded midges, before relaxing in front of a crackling fire in a quiet cottage or historic hotel.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Scottish Crannog Centre on Loch Tay, Perthshire

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The hustle and bustle of the summer festivals are over. It’s a calm before the winter storm when Christmas markets, St Andrew’s Day dinners, Hogmanay celebrations and Burns Night suppers dominate the social calendar.

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It’s a great time of year to go wildlife spotting. The red deer roam the hills and the glens echo to the haunting sound of stags competing for attention at the start of the rutting season.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Red Deer by the Glenfinnan Monument

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Around the coastline grey seals and their white furry pups adorn the rocks of many secluded beaches as they bask in the dying embers of the autumn sun.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Common seals by Oban

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Inland there are plenty of red squirrels to be seen darting around the woodlands foraging for food while migrating birds such as greylag geese and whooper swans start arriving for their annual visit.

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Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland The Enchanted Forest

The colder nights usually bring clearer skies to provide visitors with an eye-catching view of the stars, especially in areas away from the light pollution of the cities. There is even a chance of seeing the Northern Lights, aka the Aurora Borealis - a natural wonder that has fascinated mankind for millennia. With the right conditions, the ‘mirrie dancers’ are most commonly seen from midOctober until mid-March.

Autumn is also a busy time for great events, from the Orkney Storytelling Festival (25-28 October) and Cowalfest in Argyll (5-12 October) to the atmospheric light and sound experience of The Enchanted Forest at Pitlochry, Perthshire (4 October - 4 November) and numerous Halloween celebrations across the country.

Check out Scotland Correspondent’s Date 4 Your Diary for further details.

For the first time this year a number of attractions are staying open longer than usual to cater for the growing demand, among them Armadale castle on Skye.

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Armadale Castle Museum of Isles

Considered one of the island’s most popular visitor attractions it has announced an extension to its visitor season as a direct response to the island’s growing popularity as a yearround visitor destination.

to enjoy the changing seasons at Armadale’s magnificent gardens, and offer more opportunities to explore the permanent and temporary exhibitions at the acclaimed Museum of the Isles.

The extended opening until the end of November will enable visitors

During October and November, Armadale will be celebrating its

Photo by Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland Starlit winter night across Loch Cluanie

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Photo by Simon Larson Armadale Castle terrace

impressive tree collection as part of the Discover Scottish Gardens Scottish Tree Festival. Visitors will be able to follow a special tree trail, and youngsters will enjoy tree-themed half-term family activities.

Sue Geale, Museum Manager and member of the Management Committee, said: “We have been having a very successful season so far this year and are very pleased to be extending our opening hours to meet demand. We hope visitors will enjoy our autumn colours and spring flowers in these quieter months.

And with our wonderful self-catering accommodation open all year, we can even offer an all-in holiday experience on the estate.�

Historic Environment Scotland, which manages around 70 sites across the country, also has a number of attractions open all year round. From Dryburgh Abbey, burial place of Sir Walter Scott, and Castle Campbell, one of the most dramatically positioned castles in Scotland;

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Photo by Paul Tomkins Interior of the Visitor Centre at Arbroath Abbey

Photo by Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland Vaulted ceiling in the undercroft of the Abbot’s House, Arbroath Abbey

to the historic charms of Dallas Dhu Distillery and Arbroath Abbey, where the most famous document in Scottish history originated and inspired America’s own Declaration of Independence, there’s no shortage of places to see.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Dryburgh Abbey

However, it’s not just the destination but the journey which makes travelling through Scotland in autumn so enchanting as the natural colours and changing light patterns ensure no two days are ever the same.

Photo by Kenny Lam/VisitScotland Enchanted Forest

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Clan Column Ancient clan gets first new chief in 337 years

Photos by Stripe Communications The Buchanan

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or the first time since 1681, Clan Buchanan will have a clan chief to represent millions of clansmen and clanswomen around the world.

The clan, one of the largest and most ancient in Scotland, will be led

by John Michael Baillie-Hamilton Buchanan, now known as The Buchanan.

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The chiefship of Clan Buchanan was last held by his ancestral kinsman, John Buchanan, until his death without a male heir in 1681.

The Lord Lyon King of Arms, the head of Lyon Court which regulates Scottish heraldry, has formally upheld a petition for Mike Buchanan to assume the chiefship of the clan.

Clan Chiefs must be approved by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. The Lord Lyon, through the Lyon Court, has full judicial powers to enforce use of heraldry and coats of arms in Scotland as a “Court of Chivalry” and it is the last surviving court of chivalry in the world. Its powers are governed by an Act of the Scots Parliament in 1672. The court sits with judge and advocates

in wigs and robes.

The approval of the new Buchanan chief follows decades of genealogical research conducted by renowned genealogist Hugh Peskett, who famously traced President Ronald Reagan’s Irish ancestry in the 1980s.

Mr Peskett became a genealogist 50 years ago after his grandmother, a Buchanan clanswoman herself, urged him to find the rightful Buchanan chief. He researched lineage back to 1370 and established references in more than 300 documents from

around the world to verify the claim to the chiefship of Clan Buchanan.

the popular clan functions that take place overseas.

The Buchanan said: “I am honoured and proud that my claim to the chiefship of Clan Buchanan has been upheld by Lord Lyon.

“My family has been acknowledged as leaders of one of the principal clan septs, the Buchanans of Leny and Arnprior, for many years but we have also believed that we had a good case for the overall chiefship. It has been a long journey to prove our lineage.

“There has not been a chief for a very long time – over 337 years – but there is a thriving community of Buchanan clansmen, clanswomen and septs around the world. I look forward to meeting members of the clan, committing myself to clan matters in Scotland and attending some of

“We first approached the Lyon Court informally over 20 years ago and it has taken decades of genealogical research to back up our claim – I

am indebted to Hugh Peskett, my fellow Buchanan clansman, for his meticulous research and enduring tenacity.”

The new chief is the manager of Cambusmore Estate in the Southern Highlands near Callander. He has four children with his wife The Lady Buchanan including heir apparent, Angus John Buchanan younger of that Ilk, Bruce, Lucy and Rory.

Genealogist Hugh Peskett said: “As a clansman of the Clan Buchanan, it was absolutely fascinating to delve

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into the history and ancestry of one of the oldest clans in Scotland.

Tracing hundreds of years of lineage and unpacking the secrets of the past is no mean feat!

“My research took decades to compile and unequivocally confirms the chiefship claim. This is a historic moment for Clan Buchanan and I am truly privileged to have played my part. I believe my grandmother would be incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”

While the Clan Buchanan can be traced back to 1010 AD in Scotland, it now has several million members across Great Britain, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Jamaica among many other countries. Over five million people bear one of the recognised clan names, although not all will be clan members.

They are represented by the world’s oldest clan society, the Buchanan Society, which was established in 1725 to support members of the clan in times of hardship, and the worldwide Clan Buchanan Society International.

As well as those with the surname Buchanan, clansmen and women also include those with Scottish roots

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and surnames such as Bohannon, Coleman, Colman, Cormack, Dewar, Dove, Dow, Gibb, Gibbon, Gibb, Gibson, Gilbert, Gilbertson, Harper, Masters, Masterson, Morris, Morrison (some only), Richardson, Rush, Rusk, Walter, Walters, Wasson, Waters, Watson, Watt, Watters and Weir.

These are known as septs.

David J. Byrne, President of Clan Buchanan Society International, Inc., said: “On behalf of the Clan

Buchanan Society International, I offer my sincerest congratulations to John Michael Buchanan on his being confirmed by the Court of the Lord Lyon as Chief of the Name and Arms of Buchanan.

“After 337 years our Clan is complete once again and we celebrate this historic event. I look forward to working with Michael as we continue to grow the traditions, history and honor of our Clan name. I join

with Clan members of the name Buchanan and our many other sept names around the world in welcoming Michael as our chief!”

The Clan Buchanan Society International flies a banner at Highland games around the world which features a lion rampant with tears of sorrow to represent the sadness of clansmen without a chief.

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Dogged determination and canine comfort leads to success

by Helen Lloyd

T

he last few years have been something of a dog’s life for entrepreneur Margaret Reynolds as she builds an international reputation for canine couture.

The former marketing and retail businesswoman took over the lead of Dogrobes five years ago and has turned it into one of the country’s best known pet brands.

Originally started in 2004 by her friend and neighbour Ann Playle, an experienced dog trainer who came up with the idea to dry her own labradors after their muddy countryside walks, the company quickly found favour among owners of dogs of all sizes.

Margaret, who was searching for a new challenge around the same time Ann was looking to retire, saw the potential and took over the Fochabers-based firm in 2012 and instantly embarked on a major expansion programme.

“I knew and loved the product as I had one for my own dog, Missie.

I could immediately see there was a lot of promise to develop the business so I bought it,” said Margaret.

Within a short space of time Margaret had rebranded the company, taken on staff and started going to outdoor

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It’s what all the best dressed dogs are wearing

Ideal for keeping dogs warm and furniture mud free

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There is a size to fit all breeds of dog

events, such as the Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace where she sold out in a couple of days. “I knew we had a great product and there would be demand but I was pleasantly surprised just how popular it was. It really took off,� she said.

Initially Margaret began with the outdoor sports market but very quickly pet lovers across the country started wanting one as the company built up a loyal and enthusiastic client base, largely through word-of-mouth.

The firm now produces a wide range of robes to fit every variety of dog with all the products made in Scotland using top quality material.

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What started as a small cottage industry now produces up to 10,000 Dogrobes a year and supplies over

60 stockists around the UK, from vets and animal therapists to garden centres and pet shops.

“We mainly sell on line to the public and at lots of events,” said Margaret.

“We have now sold to every postcode area in the UK and we have orders coming in from as far away as mainland Europe, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.”

One of the secrets to the success of Dogrobes has been the company’s willingness to adapt and cater for customer demands.

“I like going to the Game Fair and other shows to get feedback from customers and see what they want from a Dogrobe,” said Margaret.

“At first we started with three classic

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red, navy and green colours because that was what the hunting, shooting and fishing market wanted. But then people started asking for pink and grey, then they were asking for purple, burgundy, teal and eventually tartan.”

Instead of choosing a random tartan Margaret went one step further and had one specially designed and recorded in the official Scottish Register of Tartans.

“I knew when we produced it that it was going to appeal to quite a lot of our target market but it’s done even better than I expected,” said Margaret who has also produced a special camouflage design to meet demand from the country sports community.

Quick drying, heat preserving, comfortable and stylish

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“There are other drying coats out there but we were the first to call them Dogrobes,” said Margaret.

Dogrobes are specially designed to be easy to use for owners and comfortable for dogs, whether it’s a Chihuahua, Newfoundland or an odd sized crossbreed.

“We are all about the welfare of the dog,” said Margaret. “When a dog has been out for a walk in the rain or been playing about in a stream or pond it can usually shake-off about 70 per cent of the water but the remaining 30 per cent moisture can cause the dog’s core body temperature to drop. Some dogs will feel the cold more than others, depending on their body type, age, health, time of year and such like, so there can be a danger of hypothermia.

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There’s even a camouflage version for outdoor working dogs

“Instead of trying to dry them off with a towel owners can wrap their pet in a Dogrobe before it goes into the house or the car. There is no velcro involved and it’s always going to be a perfect fit. The robes cover the underbelly of the dog and being only a single layer is lightweight. The robes are made with a special fabric that absorbs the moisture, stops the animal’s own body heat from escaping and keeps their muscles warm while they dry off.

An added benefit of the machine washable Dogrobes is that they can also be used keep animals calm during periods of anxiety.

“We discovered from customer feedback that a lot of people use the coats as a comfort blanket for their pets when there are things like fireworks going off, thunder storms or long car trips. It creates an overall calming effect,” said Margaret.

“Dogrobes are so much more than towel to dry off a wet pet. A lot of

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thought has gone into the design and manufacture to ensure they are of the best quality, are easy and practical

to use and, most importantly, of the greatest possible benefit to every dog.”

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Making up for the misery of slavery

by Scott Aitken

O

ne of Scotland’s oldest and most distinguished universities profited to the tune of tens of millions of pounds from the misery of slavery.

A new report, published by the University of Glasgow, admits the world renowned institution received

Photo by Dun Deagh CC BY-SA 2.0 University of Glasgow

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Photo: United States Library of Congress Slave market in Atlanta, Georgia 1864

significant financial support from people whose wealth, at least in part, derived from slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries.

A report co-authored by the university’s Professor Simon Newman and Dr Stephen Mullen has revealed the result of a year-long investigation into bequests, support and other ways the University might have benefited from slavery-related wealth.

Their research estimates the presentday value of all monies given to the University which might have been fully or partly derived from slavery to be in the order of tens of millions of pounds, depending on the indexation formula.

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The University has now agreed a proactive programme of reparative justice which includes the creation of a centre for the study of slavery and a memorial or tribute at the University in the name of the enslaved.

The University is also working with the University of the West Indies (UWI) and hopes to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen academic collaboration between the two institutions.

“The University of Glasgow has a proud record of anti-slavery activity including petitioning Parliament to abolish slavery and awarding an honorary degree to the emancipationist, William Wilberforce.

Glasgow also educated James

McCune Smith, a formerly enslaved New Yorker who became the first ever African American to receive a medical degree,” said Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow.

“This report has been an important undertaking and commitment to find out if the University benefitted from slavery in the past. Although the University never owned enslaved people or traded in the goods they produced, it is now clear we received significant financial support from people whose wealth came from slavery.

“The University deeply regrets this association with historical slavery

James McCune Smith

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Photo by Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada CC BY-SA 2.0 Slavery monument outside Anglican Cathedral, Old Slave Market, Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

which clashes with our proud history of support for the abolition of both the slave trade and slavery itself.

“Looking to the future, the University has set out a programme of reparative justice through which we

will seek to acknowledge this aspect of the University’s past, enhance awareness and understanding of historical slavery, and forge positive partnerships with new partners including the University of the West Indies.”

The University will also work to further enhance awareness and understanding of the history and its connections to both slavery and abolitionism.

“The University of Glasgow has made

Photo © The British Library Board and British Newspaper Archives Advert from archived newspaper appealing for return of a runaway slave

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Photo by Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada CC BY-SA 2.0 Contemporary engraving of Zanzibar Slave Market, the world’s last open save market

history in the UK by acknowledging that alongside its proud history of abolitionism is an equally significant history of financially benefitting from racial slavery. In doing this, Glasgow follows in the footsteps of leading American universities which have confronted the role of slavery in their histories,” said Professor Simon Newman, the University of Glasgow report’s co-author. ”The University of Glasgow is an institution that grew in a city tied to the trade in tobacco, sugar and cotton, all of which were initially produced by enslaved Africans.

Launching an in-depth investigation to look at how the University might have benefited from the profits of racial slavery was, in my opinion, a brave decision. But it is a decision rooted in the core values of an educational institution dedicated to the pursuit of truth and social justice.

“I am delighted that we have acknowledged our past, albeit indirect, ties to racial slavery and

been inspired to develop new and exciting opportunities and collaborations for students and academics alike as part of a rolling programme of reparative justice.”

One of the three external advisors to the slavery report was Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies; along with Professor Sir Geoff Palmer, a leading civil rights and equality campaigner and Graham Campbell, a Glasgow City Council councillor and an activist for AfricanCaribbean issues in Scotland.

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles said: “I have looked closely at the report, reading it within the context of the University of Glasgow-University of the West Indies framework for mutual recognition and respect.

“The approach adopted by the University of Glasgow is commendable and is endorsed by the UWI as an excellent place to begin. Both universities are

committed to excellent and ethical research, teaching and public service.”

Among the report’s recommendations for reparative justice, accepted by Glasgow university, the institution aims to increase the racial diversity of students and staff and to reduce the degree attainment gap. This will include awarding scholarships to BAME students of Afro-Caribbean descent to help address their underrepresentation in the University.

There are also plans to pursue the negotiation and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Glasgow and the University of the West Indies, and to create an interdisciplinary centre for the study of historical slavery and its legacies, including modern slavery and trafficking.

Glasgow also intends to inaugurate a named professorship, a rotating post to be awarded to University of

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Photo by Š Special Collections/ The Mitchell Library/Museums and Collections/Glasgow Life Newspaper advert for runaway slave

Glasgow academics undertaking significant research relevant to historical and modern slavery and reparative justice; and to name a major new University building or space to commemorate a significant figure, perhaps James McCune Smith, with appropriate signage and public-facing information.

James McCune Smith, whose story was reported in issue 5 of Scotland Correspondent (Link to https:// issuu.com/scotlandcorrespondent/

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docs/scotland_correspondent_ issue_5/106?ff=true), was a former slave from New York who, having been denied entry to an American university, travelled to Scotland and graduated from Glasgow University in 1837 to return home to the US as the first African American doctor.

Other initiatives include adding a commemorative plaque to the Gilbert Scott Building, explaining that this was the site of the house of Robert Bogle, a West India merchant who

owned many enslaved people, and who was one of a number of people who made money from slavery and who then later donated funds for the construction of the building; the development of a Hunterian exhibition exploring the often unknown and unexpected ways in which some items within the collections are related to the history of racial slavery; and the introduction of a creative arts and sciences series with performances, events and lectures.

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Antique hunting with Roo Irvine

A brisk October mourning A

s we bask in the dying embers of summer the nights are creeping in earlier and the trees limber up to shed their coats for the oncoming winter. The cosiness of October brings my favourite day of the year All Hallow’s Eve.

It’s the one special day when we can celebrate the allure of ghosts, goblins and dark mysterious tales but celebration of the dead needn’t be macabre.

In the world of antiques some of the most breathtaking jewellery ever made was created to remember those who have passed.

Mourning Jewellery has transformed from mere craftwork in the Middle Ages to macabre reminders of human mortality in Georgian times, culminating in the romantic sentimentality of the Victorian era.

The Georgians were known for their memorial jewellery. Known as

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Photo: Harrogate Museums and Arts Service CC BY-SA 4.0 Memorial jewellery made from human hair

Photo V&A CC BY 4.0 Locket with human hair circa 1775 -1800

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‘Memento Mori, which translates as “Remember we must die�, these carefully crafted pieces served a constant reminder of the fragility of life, inevitability of death and served as a moral message to live as purely as possible.

In the 21st century it is possible to get the ashes of loved ones turned into diamonds or paperweights and maybe even have their fingerprints preserved in a locket with a photo.

These are very personal reminders

Photo Wellcome Images CC BY 4.0 Brooch decorated with human hair, Europe, 1701-1900

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and no different from the trinkets of the past.

Long before the days of photography people who wanted a physical reminder of the dear departed had limited options. Only a few generations ago the closest many could get to a keepsake would be a painted portrait, drawing or silhouette miniature. However there was one fashionable alternative; jewellery made from the hair of a much-missed family member or companion was

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Photo Wellcome Images CC BY 4.0 Brooch containing human hair circa 1701-1900

the perfect way to keep them close.

Mourning jewellery has existed since the 1600’s but it was Queen Victoria’s loss of her true love, Prince Albert, in 1861 that sparked a massive rise in popularity. She wore her heart on her sleeve and for many decades she wore the jewellery that kept Albert close to her. Rings, brooches, lockets were all made from interwoven human hair and adorned the traditional black clothing of a woman, or man, in mourning.

most skilled wig makers to create these wondrous creations. Colours and materials had meaning, with the most common being black enamel or jet. White enamel symbolised the loss of an unmarried virgin and pearls for a child.

The wealthy were able to commission beautifully expensive pieces in gold, adorned with precious stones. I’ve seen an exquisite bangle where a braid of hair formed the body of a snake with eyes of deepest red rubies.

In traditional Victorian practice mourning jewellery was the only adornment allowed by the conventions of popular society to be worn for the first few years following the death of a spouse or near family member. It was a public affirmation of grief so everyone would know the wearer was in mourning. There is almost something beautifully respectful about it. Perhaps it was a more dignified way to let the world know of a personal loss long before the invasive world of social media.

Goldsmiths worked alongside the

An interesting myth about mourning

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jewellery is that all the hair used was from the deceased. Such was the demand for these fashionable items that by the mid 1800’s more than 50 tonnes of human hair was being imported to Britain every year for the sole use of the country’s jewellers.

To create that all-important personal connection with a loved one the initials of the dead person would be subtly woven into a custom made piece.

It wasn’t always the dead who were remembered via jewellery.

Sometimes the hair was from a loved one who was very much alive and well. This was known as sentimental jewellery and could be as simple as a fiancée’s lock of hair nestled in a locket. So while mourning jewellery can be viewed as something dark and macabre it can also be a positive and enchanting way to keep

Photo Wellcome Images CC BY-SA 4.0 Mourning brooch containing the hair of a deceased relative

someone close to you.

Sadly, mourning jewellery isn’t the easiest to find. You need to look long and hard in antique centres and shops. A brooch may be mourning jewellery, purely by the material used, it doesn’t always have the ‘dead’ giveaway of woven hair. Looking online is the easiest way to source items and reputable collectors or dealers will set the right prices. With nonprecious materials you could pick up a brooch from as little as £10 or £15.

Naturally each piece is wildly different and factors such as provenance, age, of the material and the story behind it will affect the ultimate value. Any family heirlooms should be treated with the utmost respect and valued by a dealer specialising in mourning jewellery. I always find it difficult to place a value on something enriched with so much emotion and sentiment.

Photo Thayne Tuason CC BY-SA 4.0 Victorian hair mourning jewellery

Beautiful examples of mourning jewellery exist and will continue to do so for many years to come. Hair is one of the longest lasting natural materials and has been known to

survive for thousands of years.

Long after we are all gone these fascinating creations, intended to immortalise the memories of loved ones, will continue to be appreciated.

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Sterling achievement for Orkney gin Kirkjuvagr Arkh-Angell gin from Orkney Distilling

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A

top-selling gin hailed as a tribute to Orkney’s seafaring history has won a prestigious honour at the Scottish Gin Awards.

Orkney Distilling’s Arkh-Angell ‘Storm Strength’ gin was awarded a Silver Medal in the Glasgow-based event which saw the 57-per-cent gin take home the prize in the Navy Strength Gin of the Year category.

Distilled in Orkney, Arkh-Angell uses a locally grown variety of Norwegian angelica, called Archangelica, as a key ingredient.

Stephen Kemp, managing director of Orkney Distilling Limited, described winning the award as a massive achievement for the business.

“Our signature Kirkjuvagr Gin took home a Bronze medal from the inaugural Scottish Gin Awards last year, so for Arkh-Angell to go one better and win a Silver is absolutely fantastic and testament to the efforts of all our team here in Orkney,” he said.

In total, 46 producers and 80 gins progressed to the final stage of the national competition, which celebrates Scotland’s booming gin industry.

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Orkney distillery

Covering 18 categories, the awards assessed taste and business performance and were judged earlier this year in two sessions by one of the most experienced gin tasting panels ever assembled in the UK. A total of 22 tasters, including Master Distillers from some of the UK’s biggest gin brands and the UK’s leading professors in distilling, blind tasted and graded every sample under strict technical conditions.

Some 116 gins, all distilled in Scotland, were assessed - a 52 per cent increase in the number of gins entered last year.

“Earlier this year we opened our new distillery and visitor centre in Kirkwall, so we’re very much looking forward to getting this award back home to the islands and giving it pride of place on our wall,” said Louis Wright, Orkney Distilling’s head of production.

Two years in the planning, the opening of the new facility represented the realisation of a

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dream for Orkney Distilling’s husband and wife partnership, Stephen and Aly Kemp, creators of Kirkjuvagr, Arkh-Angell and Harpa gin.

Situated on Kirkwall’s historic harbour front, the two-storey distillery and visitor centre has been finished to an extremely high standard, incorporating a gin and coffee bar, retail outlet and events venue.

Visitors are also able to tour the production area of the facility to learn more about the distillation process, and the stories behind the company’s gins.

Orkney Distilling’s signature gin Kirkjuvagr was only launched by the Kemps in August of 2016 but has firmly established itself in the hugely competitive marketplace and winning praise from critics. The company was also shortlisted twice in the 2018 Scottish Rural Awards – in the artisan drinks and new business start-up categories, and in two categories at the 2018 Scottish Gin Awards reflecting its status nationally.

“We’re incredibly proud of our new home,” said Orkney Distilling managing director, Stephen Kemp.

“From the outset it was our intention to create a place where people could relax and enjoy a drink in comfortable surroundings, while learning more about our gins and, indeed, Orkney.

We also felt, given the very welcome rise in visitor numbers to Orkney, that there was a need for a new, high quality tourist attraction in the town.

Hopefully we’ve filled that gap with a project that does the islands proud.

“Although our gin branding very much reflects the Norse heritage of Orkney, we’ve created a contemporary atmosphere within the distillery and visitor centre,” added Stephen.

“That merging of the old and new, blending tradition and innovation, is unmistakably Orcadian in its approach, and something we’ve strived for with our gins too.”

Photo by Colin Keldie K4 Graphics Inside Orkney distillery visitor centre

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River reveals lost treasure of the Picts

Photo by Paul Kelbie/Scotland Correspondent River Don at Dyce

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by Scott Aitken

A

mong Scotland’s myriad of monuments ancient Pictish symbol stones are some the country’s most distinctive.

Their elegant and vivid symbols and images can be found carved into boulders and slabs of rock, and on specially cut and shaped freestanding stones across the country.

Every so often a rare discovery of a previously unknown relic is unearthed from the land. Due to Scotland’s recent hot summer weather, when water levels were lower than usual, a rare example of such a carved stone was discovered in an Aberdeenshire river.

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The stone, which has possibly not been seen for more than 1,000 years, was found partially exposed in the bank of the River Don at Dyce on the outskirts of the city.

The intricately carved monument is thought to date from between the 6th and 8th centuries AD and has been described as experts as a ‘class one Pictish symbol stone’.

Class I Pictish stones are typically unworked stones with carved

Photo by Paul Kelbie/Scotland Correspondent Pictish carved stone at ruined St Fergus Church, Dyce

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symbols. The meaning of the symbols is debated, but it is believed they may represent the names of individuals or groups.

This new discovery is one of a number of impressive finds in the north east of Scotland, which include an early Pictish stone now on display at the 13th century Church of St. Fergus, Dyce, close to where the new find was unearthed.

The stones held at the ruined church

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Photo by HES Lifting newly discovered Pictish stone from the River Don

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Photo by HES Removing the stone to safety

depict the so-called Pictish beast, which is thought to represent a legendary water monster or kelpie, along with some motifs which could be a record of an individual’s name or status.

Although the meaning of the stones has been lost in time there is not doubt the sophisticated Pictish society that made these carvings laid the foundations of medieval Scotland.

“AOC Archaeology worked with a specialist lifting company to carefully and safely remove the stone from the river.

“This is a wonderful example of a local authority, university, national body and commercial archaeological company working together to save a significant piece of Scotland’s archaeological heritage.”

The new discovery has generated a lot of attention from experts who organised its careful removal from the river bank by teams from Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Aberdeenshire Council and The University of Aberdeen.

Bruce Mann, Local Authority Archaeologist for Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, said: “The exceptional summer has led to river levels being at their lowest for decades, so there was always a chance that something new would be found. However, I certainly didn’t expect a find as stunning as this.

“We’re very excited by this find, made all the more remarkable by the brief window of opportunity we had to recover the stone before the water levels rose again,” said Kirsty Owen, Deputy Head of Archaeology at HES.

“Pictish symbol-stones are incredibly rare, and this one, with its apparent connection to the river, adds further to the discussions around their meaning and what they were used for.”

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Photo by Paul Kelbie/Scotland Correspondent Carved stone at St Fergus Church

The Picts are one of Europe’s ‘lost people’, chiefly known for their elaborately decorated memorial stones found throughout eastern Scotland, from Shetland to the Firth of Forth.

Gordon Noble, Head of Archaeology at the University of Aberdeen, is currently leading a major research project into the early medieval Kingdoms of northern Scotland and Ireland.

“The distinctive set of symbols carved into the stone meant we were quickly able to identify it as belonging to the Pictish tradition,” he said.

“Although there is a corpus of more than 200 of these stones across Scotland, each one is unique and this is a fantastic example which enables us to fill some of the gaps in

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Photo by HES Carved stone in the water of the River Don

Photo by Paul Kelbie/Scotland Correspondent Centuries old markings on ancient stone at St Fergus Church

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Photo by Paul Kelbie/Scotland Correspondent Carved Pictish Stones in display at St Fergus Church, Dyce, Aberdeen

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the record and helps us to trace the development of literacy in northeast Scotland. As such, it is a very significant find.�

The stone has now been reported to the Crown Office’s Treasure Trove Unit, and temporarily moved to Edinburgh while discussions on where it will be permanently housed are ongoing.

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Scotland triumphs as mountain races attract world class athletes

Photo ŠNo Limits Photography Female runner on Binnein Mor

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by Paul Watson

A

prestigious weekend of Skyrunning kicked off in the Scottish Highlands with four days of mountain races involving than 2,000 competitors from around the world.

Athletes from 60 countries gathered in the village of Kinlochleven for a festival of extreme running with the first race played out in heavy rain and strong winds.

Some 350 athletes battled tough conditions to compete in the Salomon Mamores Vertical KilometerÂŽ (VK) race which saw records fall one after the other as runners climbed to 1000 metres over just 5km.

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Photo ©No Limits Photography Victors receive their awards

Swiss athlete Rémi Bonnet triumphed in a fastest course time of 39 minutes 23 seconds to become Vertical Skyrunning World Champion 2018.

The 23-year-old Salomon-sponsored athlete said: “It was really cold out there and in the first part of the race I fell into a bog up to my waist. But I enjoyed the course and I love running in the mountains so I was very happy to race in Scotland. It feels very good to be the winner.”

Second placed male was Thorbjørn Ludvigsen, of Norway, who finished in 41:49, followed by third placed Stian Angermund-Vik, also Norwegian.

Spanish runner Laura Orgué beat her own record set last year to become the female Vertical Skyrunning World Champion 2018 with a time of 51:34.

“I am from southern Europe where it is much warmer so I found the race very cold,” she said. “It was a hard

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Photo ©No Limits Photography Spanish runner Laura Orgué crowned female Skyrunner World Champion in Vertical Kilometre

Photo ŠNo Limits Photography One of first runners sets out on VK race

Photo ŠNo Limits Photography Climbing curved ridge

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course as well but I am happy to finish and I am very happy to be the winner.”

Female runner-up was Lina El Kott Helander, of Sweden, who finished in 52:34, followed by American athlete Hillary Gerardi in 52:35.

“Scotland’s mountains and weather gave the runners a big challenge, yet

Photo ©No Limits Photography Group of Runners on Binnein Mor

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records were broken in both the male and female races,” said Shane Ohly, Race Director of the Skyline Scotland hosted event.

“This sort of racing showcases the calibre of the athletes who want to race in Scotland’s magnificent Highlands landscape.”

It was the first time that Scotland

had hosted the biennial International Skyrunning Federation World Championships, including the Salomon Mamores Vertical KilometerÂŽ, the Salomon Ben Nevis Ultra race and the Salomon Ring of Steall Skyrace.

The Ultra race was won by Britain’s Jonathon Albon and Dutch runner Ragna Dabats after challenging

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weather forced race officials to swap to the bad weather course which extended to 47.5km with a total ascent of 1640m.

Jonathan, who was last year’s Extreme Skyrunner® World Series Champion, led for most of the race and finished in 3:48:02 - 12 minutes ahead of the other runners.

Photo ©No Limits Photography Michael Jones on Binnein Mor

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“The course was not what we had come to compete on, but it was still a hard race for different reasons,” he said.

“After the first section of wet and slippery fells-like running, the route turned into a trail marathon. It was very runnable and that made it very fast but also very hard when you have trained for the mountains.”

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Photo ©No Limits Photography Hilary Gerardi crosses the finish line

In second and third places were André Jonsson, of Sweden (4:00:35) and Luis Alberto Hernando Alzaga, of Spain (4:01:21).

Winner of the female race was Ragna Dabats of The Netherlands who was 14 minutes ahead of the rest of the female field in 4:36:20.

Ragna, 39, who was also the European Champion in skyrunning in 2017, said: “It was a very fast course.

The first part was very muddy and wet and I fell over completely in a big puddle, with my head right in. It was very steep up and down.

“The second part on tracks was very fast so I was just hoping my legs would be strong enough to get me to the finish.

“I think it was good for me because although I am not used to the mud I like the stony tracks. The win is so perfect for me.”

To the amazement of spectators at

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Photo ©No Limits Photography Top three female winners on the victory podium

Photo ©No Limits Photography Running through Glen Nevis

Photo ©No Limits Photography Tackling Glen Nevis

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the finish area in Kinlochleven, there was a sprint for the line to decide second and third female places.

In the end, only four seconds divided runner-up Gema Arenas Alcazar, of Spain, and bronze placed Maria

Photo ŠNo Limits Photography Going through Glen Nevis

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Mercedes Pila Viracocha, of Ecuador, after almost 50km of running.

The fourth and final day of competition was saved for the flagship Salomon Glen Coe SkylineÂŽ race, now in its fourth year and

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Photo ©No Limits Photography Descending Binnein Mor

reputed to be one of the world’s most challenging mountain races. It is one of eight races in the hotly contested Migu Run Skyrunner® World Series.

Spain’s Kilian Jornet and American Hillary Gerardi overcame the worst of Scotland’s autumn weather and challenging mountainous terrain to triumph.

After crossing the finish line in 03:37:17, Kilian said: “I love to do races like this. It was hard and technical, which I like. Although the weather made the course wet and slippery and the winds high up were very strong, it was still such fun race.

To win is a bonus.”

For the second year in a row, André Jonsson, of Sweden, was runner up to Kilian. He came home some three minutes after the dominant Salomon Team athlete in 03:40:33.

“Scotland is an amazing place to run in the mountains. The weather made it wet and slippery, especially on

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Photo ©No Limits Photography Running through cloud

Curved Ridge, but I think I went up faster than last year. I ran the best I could,” said André.

Daniel Jung, of Italy, was third in at 03:42:33.

There was an equal amount of drama in this year’s female event. After more than 18 miles (30km) of running, first and second place the

race was determined by a 200m sprint for the finish line.

Winner by just seven seconds in a time of 04:17:48 was US athlete Hillary Gerardi closely followed by the UK’s Jasmin Paris. In third place, almost eight minutes later was Brittany Peterson, also from the US, in a time of 04:25:44.

Photo ©No Limits Photography Alexey Pagnuev of Russia

Photo ©No Limits Photography Binnein Mor

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Haunted by reputation

S

ituated high above the banks of Loch Ness lay the ruins of an old hunting lodge once owned by the self proclaimed ‘most wicked man in the world’ Boleskine House is just 21 miles south of Inverness, half way between the hamlets of Foyers and Inverfarigaig. It was part of an estate reputed at the turn of the 20th century as ‘a centre of black magic, evil and sorcery’ under the then ownership and influence of self styled satanist Aleister Crowley.

Before his death in 1947 the ‘Beast of Bolskine’ lived in the house for three years, between 1901 and 1903, during which time he tried to smother the highlands in black magic by coaxing out the forces of evil against the stern, dour Presbyterian outlook which had prevailed for centuries.

Crowley had purchased the estate in 1899 in order to perform an operation found in The Book of Sacred Magick of Abra-Melin the Madge.

“One must have a house where proper precautions against disturbance can be taken; this being arranged, there is nothing to do but to aspire with increasing fervour and concentration, for six months, towards the obtaining of

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Photo Public Domain Boleskine house in 1912

the Knowledge and Conversation of the Holy Guardian Angel.” wrote Aleister Crowley, in The Confessions of Aleister Crowley first published in 1929.

“The first essential is a house in a more or less secluded situation.

There should be a door opening to the north from the room which you make your oratory. Outside the door, you construct a terrace covered with fine river sand. This ends in a ‘lodge’ where spirits may congregate.”

Following the magic rules to a tee Crowley built a terrace for the house facing north and carted river sand to it. Once done Crowley, who had previously gone by the name Count Vladimir Svareff, an English companion and a male friend from Inverness practiced “sorcery, evil and the darkest works of Satan.”

His efforts according to Crowley resulted in a “darkness that could be felt. The demons and evil forces congregated round me so thickly that

Photo Public Domain Aleister Crowley in the garments of the Ordo Templi orientis (OTO)

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Photo cc C Page Mort House, Old Boleskine Churchyard

they were shutting off the light. It was a comforting situation. There could be no doubt of the efficiency of the operation.”

Tales of devilish and mysterious goings on spread out from the Boleskine Estate striking fear into the hearts of the neighbouring villagers of Foyers and the tough hard drinking Glasgow labourers then toiling off the quarter-mile stretch of road running past the estate.

No doubt fuelled by Crowley’s occult practices spilling out into his quarter acre garden where he offered animal sacrifices to the Devil as he and his co-believers prostrated themselves on grass, surrounded by burning snakes and prayed to the “Supreme and Holy Directors of Sorcery and Black Magic.”

Just in case the villagers weren’t worried enough Crowley brought a roaming pack of bloodhounds but, according to ‘The High Priest of Satan”, it was the ‘forces’ not the

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dogs who brought forth the most chaos.

“One of my employees, who had not touched alcohol for 20 years, suddenly got drunk and tried to murder his wife and children.” wrote Crowley.

“Then, one summer, half of my bloodhound pack died. Besides my servants were always taking ill.”

Crowley left for England in 1903 and sold the Boleskine Estate in 1913.

However, long after Crowley himself was dead and buried the ‘Curse of Crowley’ at Boleskine House has been attributed to numerous deaths and strange goings on.

In November 1960 Major Edward Grant, the then owner of the Boleskine Estate, killed himself with a shotgun in the downstairs bedroom of Beleskine House.

Soon afterwards a newlywed couple moved in and it’s said the wife

was blind. After just a month the husband walked out leaving his wife wandering around in her darkness.

Interest in Crowley is such that even these troubled events didn’t sway Led Zepplin guitarist Jimmy Page, a self confessed Crowley enthusiast, who owned the Boleskine Estate from the early 70s well into the 80s.

Page did a lot to restore the house to the way it was in Crowley’s time although the musician spent little time living there himself.

“The house was owned by Aleister Crowley but there were two or three owners before Crowley moved into it.

It was also a church that was burned to the ground with the congregation in it and that’s the site of the house,” said Jimmy Page, in a 1975 interview.

“Strange things have happened in that house which have nothing to do with Crowley. The bad vibes were already there. A man was beheaded there and sometimes you can hear

Photo NLS Lovat’s ghost on pilgrimage

his head rolling down. I haven’t actually heard it but a friend of mine who is extremely straight and doesn’t know anything about anything like that at all, heard it.

“He thought it was the cats bungling about. I wasn’t there at the time, but he told the help, “Why don’t you let the cats out at night? They make a terrible racket, rolling about in the halls.” And they said, ‘The cats are locked in a room every night.’

“Then they told him the story of the house. So that sort of thing was there before Crowley got there. Of course, after Crowley there have been suicides and people carted off to mental hospitals.”

The severed head rolling around is said to be that of Jacobite rebel Lord Lovat. Although the Old Fox was beheaded in London for his part in the 1745 uprising his land once surrounded Boleskine House, which was built on the site of an old kirk which legend claims burnt to

Photo Public Domain Aleister Crowley in 1929

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the ground killing the congregation inside, so he has a good reason to return.

Even before Crowley bought the property Boleskine had a macabre reputation. In the 17th century local minister Thomas Houston is said to have had the task of frequently reburying animated corpses raised from their graves by a local wizard.

Even today there are the remains of a watcher’s hut where a man was employed to protect the dead from grave robbers and a tunnel stretching from the burial ground to Boleskine House is supposedly haunted by witches.

In 1992 Page sold the house to a couple who lived in the property for a decade without any problems.

However, following the death of the husband, due to natural causes, the house again changed hands and was bought by a Dutch family as holiday home in 2002.

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Photo cc Martyn Gorman Boleskine cemetery

Unfortunately, in the early hours of 23 December 2015 fire swept through the property. Although there were no

casualties the extent of the damage was such that Boleskine House is unlikely ever to rise from the ashes.

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Date 4 ur diary

Scotland

1-31 October The Mackintosh Festival Glasgow, Scotland Celebrate 150 years of Charles Rennie Mackintosh with a series of special events to mark the genius of the iconic designer. http://www.glasgowmackintosh.com/festival 4 October - 4 November The Enchanted Forest

By Pitlochry, Scotland Set amid the stunning Autumn woodland of Forestry Commission Scotland’s Faskally Wood in Highland Perthshire, The Enchanted Forest is Scotland’s premier sound and light event delivering a feast for your senses.

Come experience the outdoors at night with spectacular imagery. https://www.enchantedforest.org.uk 4-6 October Ayrshire Real Ale Festival South Beach, Troon, KA10 6EF A showcase of more than 150 beers from around the country along with some excellent ciders and little wine and plenty of food and snacks. https://www.ayrshirebeerfestival.co.uk 5-12 October CowalFest Cowal, Scotland, UK This well established, annual walking and outdoor Festival is one of the largest and most varied in Scotland.

Led by experienced and knowledgeable guides, we offer rewarding and interesting walks and events catering for all ages and abilities. In addition we have walk/talks covering a variety of interests, such as bird watching, heritage, geology, photography, and guided tours of Benmore Botanical Gardens. http://www.cowalfest.org 5-7 October A Taste of Shetland Clickimin Leisure Complex Lerwick, ZE1 0PJ The Taste of Shetland Festival is the highlight of Shetland’s ‘foodie’ calendar. It brings together live entertainment and cooking inspiration with some of the best food and drink Shetland has to offer. https://www.tasteofshetland.com/festival 5-7 October Ullapool Guitar Festival

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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com MacPhail Centre West Argyle Street, Ullapool, IV26 2TY A unique festival bringing together a mix of music old and new, of electric and acoustic, of steel and nylon, of seasoned performers and those, like the students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, just starting out on their careers, amid some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. http://ullapoolguitarfestival.com/wp/ 6-13 October Crieff and Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst Walking Festival Crieff, Strathearn, Perthshire, Scotland Crieff & Strathearn Drovers’ Tryst annually celebrates the life, work and play of the people who made Crieff the cattle-droving crossroads of Scotland in the 1700s. The modern day Tryst is a walking festival run by volunteers and built around a programme of guided walks in the stunning scenery and autumn colours of Strathearn & surrounding areas of Perthshire. The walks vary in difficulty but all are enriched by wildlife, plants, trees, history and the company of like-minded people. https://www.droverstryst.com 6-21 October Dundee Science Festival Greenmarket, Dundee, DD1 4QB Bringing people together to enjoy science, with lots of amazing events from interactive live shows, science busking and creative workshops to storytime and discussion sessions across the City of Discoveries. http://www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk/dundeescience-festival/dsf-home/#?sectionID=dundee-sciencefestival&articleID=home 6 October The Golden Spurtle- World Porridge Making Championship Carrbridge, Inverness shire, Scotland Since 1996, the World Porridge Making Championships have taken place each year in the Scottish Highlands village of Carrbridge. The oaty cookoff draws competitors from across the globe to compete for the coveted Golden Spurtle trophy and title of “World Porridge Making Champion.” https://goldenspurtle.com 11-15 October Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival 21 Twageos Road, Lerwick, Shetland, ZE1 0BB The Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Club promotes the best in traditional Shetland music with a series of events culminating in the annual Shetland Accordion & Fiddle Festival. https://www.shetlandaccordionandfiddle.com

12-14 October Mull Rally Isle of Mull, Scotland http://mullrally.org 12-20 October Am Mòd Nàiseanta Rìoghail / The Royal National Mod Dunoon, Scotland We hope that you can join us in celebrating Gaelic language and culture in Dunoon 2018. http://acgmod.org

The Glasgow Theosophical Society, 17 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9BL South-West Scotland is a melting pot of the supernatural and home to two famously haunted roads. The infamous A75 is often referred to as the most haunted stretch in Scotland. Sightings vary from a menagerie of animals to a pair of disembodied legs and almost everything in between!

Come and hear more about it as part of the SSPR Lecture Programme. www.thesspr.com

13-19 October Tiree Wave Classic Isle of Tiree, Tiree, Scotland The Tiree Wave Classic is the longest running professional windsurfing event in the world. It was founded in 1986 and has run to the present day. It showcases the best of the UK’s windsurfing talent across a number of fleets ranging from Juniors to World Cup Professional Windsurfers. http://tireewaveclassic.co.uk

18-28 October Biggar Little Festival Biggar, Scotland A family-friendly festival in the historic market town of Biggar - a small town at large!

Join us to celebrate music, dance, arts and crafts, literature, and drama. Biggar will be filled with an eclectic programme of workshops, exhibitions, children’s events, performances, a craft and food fair, and festival clubs. https://www.biggarlittlefestival.com

14-20 October St Andrews Golf Week 7 Pilmour Links, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9JG Can you imagine playing over the world famous links where names such as Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros and Old Tom Morris claimed some of their most memorable wins! Well here is your opportunity to achieve this dream and play The Old Course which hosted The Open Championship most recently in 2015! https://www.standrewsgolfweek.com

19-21 October The Good Food Show Scotland Finnieston Street, Glasgow A Show that highlights the very best of Scotland’s cuisine, featuring top chefs and experts, authentic local produce from across the UK and specialities from regions including Perthshire, East Lothian and the Highlands, plus pop-ups of some of Glasgow’s best restaurants. https://www.bbcgoodfoodshow.com/glasgow

14-15 October A Celtic Autumn Loch Tay, by Aberfeldy, PH15 2HY Discover what life was like 2,500 years ago at the Scottish Crannog Centre, a unique reconstruction of an ancient loch dwelling in the heart of beautiful Perthshire.

Fun, exciting, inspirational and informative, this award winning centre has something for everyone, from the youngest explorer to the serious knowledge seeker! http://www.crannog.co.uk 15-21 October Edinburgh Cocktail Week Edinburgh, EH2 2AD This year we are introducing exciting new elements to Edinburgh Cocktail Week which include a Cocktail Village at Festival Square on Lothian Road, over 80 of Edinburgh’s favourite cocktail bars, a Secret Masterclass Hub & Bar on Queens Street, and a week-long program of events & parties across the city! https://www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk 18 October Scottish Society for Psychical Research Haunted Highways of Dumfries and Galloway

19-28 October Tweed Valley Forest Festival Peebles, EH45 8NB The Tweed Valley Forest Festival has been running since 2006 and has been attracting over 5,000 people each year from far and near to celebrate the connections with the area’s Halloween customs and growing forest culture. http://forest-festival.com/# 19-22 October Loch Ness Knit Fest Bught Lane, Inverness, IV3 5SS Unmatchable Highland landscape, legendary hospitality and the bringing together of knitters from all over the world. Loch Ness Knit Fest is now in its 3rd year and we’re preparing for what’s set to be the best one yet! https://www.lochnessknitfest.com 25-28 October St Andrews Voices North Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9AJ Scotland’s only festival dedicated to the voice and vocal music.Set in the beautiful town of St Andrews, each October we present a varied programme of events showcasing the versatility and beauty of the human voice in an amazingly broad spectrum of genres including opera, cabaret, lieder, folk, spoken word,

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choral, a cappella, early music, new music and more… https://www.standrewsvoices.com 25-31 October Edinburgh Horror Festival Edinburgh, EH1 1QW The Edinburgh Horror Festival, or EHF as all the cool kids call it, is a multi-art-form event running over the weekend before Hallowe’en each year in Edinburgh. Incorporating theatre, comedy, magic, spoken word, movies, games, improv, workshops, interactive events and more. https://www.edhorrorfest.co.uk 26-28 October Tamfest Ayr, KA7 1LU TamFest is a unique 3 day celebration of Halloween and Tam o’ Shanter held in Ayr Town Centre. Ayr has a fascinating and rich (if not rather spooky at times) history which makes it the perfect place to be this Halloween with lots to do and see. Come experience the markets, live entertainment, Haunted House and History Tours, workshops and celebrations with the whole family at TamFest this year, with something for all ages. http://www.tamfest.co.uk/index.html 26-29 October Dornoch Whisky Festival Dornoch, IV25 3SD The Dornoch Whisky Festival is an opportunity to learn about and savour malt whiskies in the beautiful location of Dornoch in the North Highlands of Scotland. https://www.dornochwhiskyfestival.com 26 October Spirits and Spooks at Traquair Innerleithen, EH44 6PW Experience Traquair as never before when you are taken through the house at night and may come across some of the past inhabitants who lived there centuries ago. https://www.traquair.co.uk/event/historic-ghost-tour/ 27 October Assembley Rooms, 54 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2LR If you are maintaining, altering or renovating your listed home – or even looking to buy one – The Scottish Listed Property Show is not to be missed! https://www.lpoc.co.uk/the-listed-property-showscotland/ 27 October Glenfiddich Piping Championships Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH18 5TL The Glenfiddich Piping Championship was established in 1974 to inspire and stimulate the world’s finest individual pipers and to seek the best overall exponents of ceol mor or piobaireachd (the great music) and ceol beag (the little music). https://www.glenfiddich.com/uk/explore/latest-events/ glenfiddich-piping-championship/

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27 October Illuminator Run Bridgeview Road, Aboyne, AB34 5JN Go wild through the night on Scotland’s toughest night half marathon. Run or walk 15 dark miles over rugged hill trails with just the glow of your head torch to lead the way. See the natural beauty of Glen Tanar’s ancient Scots pine forest in a spectacular new light. http://www.illuminatorrun.co.uk 31 October - 4 November West Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh, EH2 2HG The Princes Street Gardens West is transformed into a traditional Oktoberfest with live music and great atmosphere. We have a special offer for your Sunday Lunch, so you can let the entire family experience Bavarian culture for a day. http://edinburgh-oktoberfest.co.uk 31 October Celtic Samhain at The Scottish Crannog Centre Loch Tay, By Aberfeldy, Perthshire, PH15 2HY Our ever popular Celtic Samhain ends our line up of 2018 events. This very special and unique way of celebrating Samhain always sells out as numbers are limited so make sure you book early. http://www.crannog.co.uk 31 October Samhuinn Fire Festival Edinburgh, EH1 1RN Our Samhuinn celebration takes place in Edinburgh’s Old Town which has historic significance as a site of ancient markets and All Hallows fairs, street theatre and performances (especially of the Galoshan plays from which our performance takes its structure). It is also an opportunity for us to bring our form of street theatre and performance right into the heart of the city. Samhuinn has grown steadily over the years and is viewed by audiences of thousands. https://beltane.org

Australia

6 October Canberra Burns Club Highland Gathering Kambah District Playing Fields, off Kett Street Canberra, ACT, Australia It’s time to get Scottish again! This year we are pleased to announce that the Canberra Burns Club has become the naming rights sponsor of the highland gathering.

We are delighted to have their support and we are once again running the highland gathering as a free community event. www.canberragathering.com.au 6 October A Braw Scots Night 2018

Riverside Receptions, 50 Oxlade Dr Brisbane – Australia Brisbane, QLD Australia Clan Campbell Society of Australia presents their annual ceilidh. http://www.clan-campbell.org.au 20-21 October Outlander Fan Gathering Australian Standing Stones Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia For one weekend in 2018, the clocks will turn back to 1743.

With the magic of the Australian Standing Stones as a backdrop, you can lose yourself in the romance and drama of the Outlander series.

Dress as your favourite character, play out your Outlander fantasies and live the Highlander life. www.outlanderfangathering.com.au

gala, and receptions.

On Saturday and Sunday, we will be transforming the meadows and meandering tree-lined paths into the impressive mix of sights and sounds of a Scottish Highland Games presented in a uniquely southern style.

Don your tartans if you have them and come join us. No tartan? That’s OK too! EVERYONE can be Scottish for this special weekend celebration. www.smhg.org

Canada

5-13 October Celtic Colours Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada For nine days in October, Cape Breton Island is alive with music, energy and excitement as people come from far and wide to celebrate our rich culture. From concerts to dances and workshops to community suppers, we offer a full range of events against a gorgeous backdrop of autumn colours. www.celtic-colours.com

USA

6-7 October Aztec Highland Games and Celtic Festival 2018 Riverside Park, 500 S. Light Plant Rd, Aztec, New Mexico, USA The Aztec Highland Games features traditional Highland sports, lots of music and family entertainments for a great day out for all ages. https://www.aztechighlandgames.com 13-14 October Seaside Highland Games Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W Harbor Blvd.

Ventura, California, USA The premier Scottish event on the central California Coast. http://www.seaside-games.com 19-21 October Stone Mountain Highland Games Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Come and join us as we gather once again on the meadows of the Stone Mountain Park located in the Northeast suburbs of Atlanta GA. Friday events start at the Host Hotel with lectures, dance

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