The Scots who made medical history Taking the lead in new technology Celebrating Scotland’s liquid assets
On the trail of an island dram or two Flying the flag in Australia Rare view of Bonnie Prince Charlie p1
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inside this issue 10 Medical
marvels
The healthcare pioneers who changed the world.
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26 Making
a splash internationally
The new initiative aiming to raise the tide of tourism.
42 Silicon
Clyde
The multi-million pound project transforming Glasgow for the 21st century.
52 Paws
thought
for
Revealed: Neolithic Orkney man’s canine companion.
76 Dangerous
know?
58 Travels
pet
with
The rise of pet friendly vacations.
to
Lord Byron’s controversial manuscript goes on display.
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84 Linking
tourism and
engineering New role for Forth
100 Gintelligence 116 A Fiona Holland reviews Hills and Harbour Gin.
108 Hebridean
Whisky Festival Island hopping with a difference. p6
matter of conscience
Bridges as world class destination.
New exhibition about those who stood against war.
126 Arts
News
Fringe show success,
Arts Fair for Dundee and Frank Zappa is back.
170 Bonnie
Prince
A rare painting of Bonnie Prince Charlie goes on public display in Edinburgh.
Anniversary Vaults 176
132 Waterloo
replay
Epic battle unites young and old to benefit military veterans.
156 Antique
Hunting
Roo Irvine looks at the golden age known as Belle Époque.
What’s worth celebrating and commemorating this May.
Date 4 Your Diary 180
What’s on in Scotland and abroad this month.
Cover Photo
Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland A yacht passes Duart Castle On The Isle Of Mull.
144 Highland
Games Aussie style
Turning a corner of a foreign field into Scotland for a day.
164 In
the name of peace
Student killed in war honoured with fund to help others learn lessons from conflict.
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Medically marvellous Glasgow
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his year marks the 140th anniversary of the world’s first successful brain tumour operation. It was performed on a 14 year old girl by the celebrated super-surgeon Sir William Macewen in Glasgow. Today such operations are commonplace and performed in hospitals around the world, saving thousands of lives every year, but in 1879 it was an amazing advance in medicine. Next month the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG) will hold a symposium to celebrate the historic breakthrough, hear the story behind this groundbreaking operation and discover some of the amazing advances that have taken place in this extraordinary field of surgery. Born near Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, in 1848 Macewen graduated
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Early surgical set of instruments from the archives
Photo: Wellcome CC BY 4.0 Sir William Macewen
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Part of the RCSPG’s extensive historic library
in medicine from the University of Glasgow in 1872. He was highly influenced by fellow Glasgow doctor Joseph Lister who pioneered the use of antiseptic in surgery, dramatically reducing the mortality of patients who might otherwise have died from post-operative infections rather than the trauma of surgery. Macewen was a member of the RCPSG and in 1879 he gave a lecture in the main hall on his brain surgery techniques at which the young girl he operated on attended to show off the success of her treatment. “Doctors would often give talks at the Royal College on the latest discoveries and techniques and that would include showing off patients and specimens. One of the meetings that happened here in 1879 was by William Macewen, one of the most prominent surgeons in Scotland,” said Ross McGregor, Library and Heritage Manager of the College. Carbolic spray used by Joseph Lister
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Joseph Lister
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“We have lots of archive material relating to Macewen, including the hand written surgical notebook in which he recorded everything he was up to, his surgical methods and techniques. and even his operating table. “We also have a photograph of the patient, a 14-year-old girl. He successfully removed the tumour from just above the eye, wrote it up in his journal and took a photograph of her. He was quite an early user of
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Photo by Stewart Cunningham Ross McGregor
photographs of patients to record their recovery.� In addition to brain surgery Macewen specialised in orthopaedics developing the first bone grafts and pioneering knee surgery using a special instrument now known as Macewen’s osteotome to treat rickets. The condition caused by a lack of Vitamin D resulted in soft and deformed bones and was a major problem among children in Glasgow at the time.
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A set of historic amputation instruments
Macewen also developed surgical methods for removal of lungs to treat tuberculosis and lung cancer to save many lives. Another of his techniques devised in 1880 and still used today is the method of inserting a tube into the trachea to keep a patient’s airway open. In 1916 Macewen helped found what is now Erskine Hospital to treat thousands of First World War amputees. “He was a surgical innovator in quite a lot of different areas. His whole career was based in Glasgow but he was internationally known,” said Mr McGregor who is responsible for looking after more than 3,000 items in the museum and more than 30,000 volumes of historic text books in the library dating back to 1479. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow was founded in 1599 by Scots born but French trained physician Peter Lowe and is the second oldest of its kind in the world.
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Photo by Stewart Cunningham The hallway outside the Lister room
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Lowe was born in Glasgow around 1550 at a time when there were no medical schools in Scotland. He is believed to have travelled to France around 1565 to be educated in medicine and surgery. “Physicians and surgeons were different professions then. As there were no proper medical degrees in Britain in 1599 anyone calling themselves a physician would have had to have gone to one of the leading European universities. “Surgeons weren’t university educated at all, they were trained through an apprenticeship. The two professions were very different but when Peter Lowe saw the standard of training in Paris that gave him the idea to bring the two professions together.” When Peter Lowe came back to Scotland in the 1590s he wanted to try and introduce some of the higher standards he saw on the continent into Glasgow so he petitioned King
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James VI for a Royal Charter which was eventually granted in 1599. “The college was established to institute some method of licensing for people practising surgery, medicine or dispensing drugs. The college was intended to put an end to the free for all that existed at the time and introduce some standards and regulations into the healthcare and medical professions of Glasgow,” said Mr McGregor. As part of the charter there was a commitment for members of the college to give free health care to the poor once a month. “It was the first free healthcare system in a way,” said Mr McGregor who explained that in the early 17th century poor people never had any contact with a doctor. Healthcare was only for people who could afford it so introducing free treatment for the needy was something of a revolution.
In 1698 the RCPSG acquired its first permeant home in the Trongate area of Glasgow and that’s when it started building up a world class library and museum for the education and training of its members. Around 160 years later the RSPSG moved to its current premises in St Vincent Street Glasgow where the hallowed halls are adorned with portraits of past presidents, eminent fellows of the college and items of historic significance such as the fireplace in the former dining room which once heated the hospital ward used by Joseph Lister. “Lister is by far the most famous of our past fellows because of the mass of impact of his development of antiseptic surgery,” said Mr McGregor. “Most people don’t appreciate that although he had a career which was spent in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London it was during the decade he spent in Glasgow that he formulated
The RCPSG museum is full of historic and pioneering medical instruments which have helped revolutionise medicine over the years
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his idea of antiseptic surgery and put it into practice.� Other items of historic importance include a variety of medical instruments, hand-written papers and even the personal surgical instruments of explorer David Livingstone and a cast of the deformed humerus bone used to identify his remains before he was interred in Westminster Abbey. Throughout the year the RCPSG puts on public exhibitions of some of its archived material although opening times are very limited and visitors are encouraged to check the website for details. Today the college has more than 14,000 members worldwide and in December 2018, after more than 400 years, Professor Jackie Taylor became the first woman President of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow. Speaking as she took up her post
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Photo by Stewart Cunningham Prof. Jackie Taylor, the first woman President of the RCPSG
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Photo by Stewart Cunningham One of the first public duties of Prof. Taylor as President was to lay a wreath at the memorial to the RCPSG founder
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Professor Taylor said: “I feel very proud, and also very humbled, to be the College’s first ever female President in our four hundred year history.”
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Photo by Guy Phillips
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Water reason to visit Scotland
Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus where it joins Loch Ness
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t’s no surprise a country with more than 10,000 miles of coastline, almost 800 off-shore islands, over 30,000 lochs and at least 26 rivers should enjoy a close affinity with water.
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But for the first time in its 1,185 year history Scotland is to commemorate the life enriching qualities of its liquid assets with a year long celebration. Next year, 2020, has been hailed Year of Coasts and Waters with the aim of encouraging overseas visitors and locals to get onboard and enjoy everything with an aquatic link the country has to offer. From water inspired myths and legends to historic harbours, sweeping coastlines to the very best in seafood, whisky, wildlife and wellness – Scotland’s enviable reputation for unspoiled beaches, rich natural and cultural heritage and thrill-seeking adventure activities will be showcased over 12 months of events and activities. A total of six initial events – designed to ‘wet the appetite’ for what’s in store have been announced already with many more to be revealed later in the year. The six events include Ferry Tales from the National Theatre of Scotland - an imaginative and impactful performance and community project, with the support of Caledonian MacBrayne and their ferries,
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Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Sailing Ship Moored In Loch Eil
Photo by Paul Tomkins / VisitScotland Canoeing In Glen Affric
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celebrating the waters surrounding Scotland’s waters and the journeys over them made by thousands of residents and visitors.
Photo by Grant Paterson / VisitScotland Scottish Seabird Centre
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Edinburgh International Film Festival presents Scotland’s Shores - an exciting programme celebrating the country’s coasts and waterways through unique events, classic film
screenings and a special outdoor coastal experience. Clydebuilt Festival – 2020 will be the event’s fourth year, the event
will significantly expand its existing offering across the festival bringing art, music, crafts, boats, dancing, sea shanties and more to the Riverside Plaza. Castle to Crane - a major
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component of the festival will also be back bigger than ever in 2020 with opportunities for more participants to get involved. The Fife Regatta 2020 – last seen in its home waters off Fairlie in 2013, the regatta will start and finish in Largs, taking in various locations around the Clyde including Holy Loch Marina, Dunoon, Rothesay, Isle of Bute and Tighnabruaich, Argyll for locals and visitors to enjoy. River of Light - Scotland’s Boat Show
Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Landyachting with Blown Away on West Sands, St Andrews
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and Kip Marina will make a splash in 2020 with a brand-new event that will see Scotland’s biggest boat show’s programme extended into the evening on the 10 October. RSPB Scotland’s DolphinFest 2020 DolphinFest 2020 will help Aberdeen become recognised as a must-visit destination for dolphin watching and will provide pop-up activities across the city that will celebrate Aberdeen’s dolphins; from interactive games, to conservation talks and citizen science projects.
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In addition to a range of new and existing events the year will also provide a chance to promote and celebrate a variety of unique and authentic experiences showcasing Scotland’s unrivalled coasts and waters including The Hebridean Whale Trail, the first of its kind in the UK, set to launch later this year.
Photo by Stewart Attwood Mermaidens and 8-year-old Jacob Cunningham making a splash ahead of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020
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There will also be new road trip routes taking in Scotland’s winding coastlines and characterful communities including The Coig and the South West Coastal 300, and the TS Queen Mary on the River Clyde which is getting set to be one of the UK’s largest interactive maritime and social history exhibits.
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Further investment aligned with the year includes a new state of the art visitor centre welcoming cruise ship passengers from across the world in Greenock, which will include a purpose-built gallery celebrating the work of Inverclyde resident artist George Wyllie (1921-2012) and a
Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Tobermory, Mull
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new restaurant with panoramic views across the Clyde. A state-of-the-art Johnnie Walker visitor attraction is also set to be the centrepiece of an investment programme from Diageo designed to further boost Scotland’s whisky
tourism sector. Diageo distilleries spanning Scotland’s coastlines will also receive transformational investment to create immersive brand experiences for millions of Scotch fans around the world. The Scottish Seabird Centre in
North Berwick, near Edinburgh, one of the UK’s leading marine education and conservation charities has also reopened the doors of its 5-star visitor attraction following completion of the first stage of their refurbishment. They also plan to transform their existing Discovery
Centre with new exhibits and interactive displays - opening is set to take place in 2020. Scotland was the first country to introduce themed years and others are starting to follow with their own ideas along similar lines.
“Scotland is leading the way as usual. It’s great that others are now doing it too, it’s a huge compliment,” said Marie Christie, Head of Development, VisitScotland Events Directorate. “During the Year of Coasts and
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Waters we will obviously be celebrating and promoting our beaches and wonderful coastline but also our lochs, rivers, canals and even our distilleries - the water of life! “Themed years provide a hook and an additional reason for people to visit Scotland. They are designed to attract tourists but also to engage with Scots at home to move around the country and find out what’s on offer.
Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Portsoy harbour, Aberdeenshire
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“Next will be about nature and wildlife associated with our coastal waters. It’ll also be about heritage and culture and activities and adventures, from white-water rafting to sailing and everything in between. It’s also going to about the amazing food and drink we have in Scotland as a result of our beautiful water.” Across the country organisations and communities have started planning a huge variety of events to ensure 2020 makes a big international splash.
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‘Silicon Valley on the Clyde’
Photo by Barnabas Csomor CC BY 2.0 Glasgow’s modern skyline
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new multi-million pound waterfront campus could transform an area of Glasgow once famous for shipbuilding into the Silicon Valley of Scotland.
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The University of Glasgow has unveiled plans to build a new centre for a range of new technologies including nanofabrication for quantum technology and photonics along with a precision medicine living laboratory. Already more than £28 million has
been committed to the project by the university with a further £27.5 million coming from the Glasgow City Region City Deal. However £63 million is still needed if the proposed Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus (CWIC) is to become a world leading centre of excellence and bring hundreds of jobs to the area.
The Precision Medicine Living Laboratory will strengthen Glasgow and Scotland’s existing position as the world-leader in Precision Medicine, by establishing new innovation pathways in a real-world clinical setting at the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Photo by Gleeds Artist’s impression of the exterior of the proposed James Watt Nanofabrication Centre
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The Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, said: “Shipbuilding and heavy industry in Govan and on the Clyde Waterfront were the pillars of Glasgow’s industrial excellence in the 19th and 20th centuries. I have no doubt the innovation agenda and industries like quantum technology, nanofabrication and Precision
Medicine can be to the 21st century Glasgow economy, what shipbuilding was in the past. “As a City, we can’t afford to look backwards to past glories – we have to reimagine Glasgow’s entrepreneurial legacy for the 21st Century. And the establishment
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of the Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus could create Scotland’s Silicon Valley on the Clyde, and be a key step in ensuring our City retakes its place at the forefront of international innovation and industrial excellence.” Councillor Susan Aitken, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of the Glasgow City Region City Deal Cabinet, described the work being
done to regenerate Govan as key to attracting and developing worldclass innovation to this part of the city. “Glasgow is already a world-leader in areas likes quantum technology, photonics and nanofabrication – and the Clyde Waterfront Innovation Campus will bring together a cluster of excellence from both industry and academia which will be truly
Photo by Gleeds Artist’s impression of the interior of the new centre
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Photo PD IWM Inside a Glasgow shipbuilding yard during WWI at the height of industrialisation of the Clyde
unparalleled elsewhere,” said Dr Sara Diegoli, Strategic Project Manager at the College of Science and Engineering and the lead for the quantum aspect of the CWIC project. University Vice-Principal and Head of the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Scotland’s leading expert in Precision Medicine, said: “Scotland has the real potential to lead the world in Precision Medicine – a field which could save billions for our NHS, contribute massively to economic growth and job-creation and lead to major improvements in public health. “This is a project of true local, national and international importance
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Photo by Iroberts696 CC BY-SA 4.0 Remnants of the industrial past at Govan Graving Docks
– contributing to the regeneration of Govan, cementing Scotland’s place as the world-leader in Precision
Medicine and promising a genuine revolution in healthcare right across the world.”
The Finnieston crane - a lasting tribute to the city’s industrial heyday
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Neolithic man’s BFF
Photo by HES Reconstructed face of a Neolithic dog of more than 4,000 years ago
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D
og’s have long been regarded as man’s best friend but in Scotland it appears that relationship goes back even further than most people realised. Forensic experts have recreated the face of a dog discovered in a tomb in Orkney which dates back more than 4,000 years. The remains of the Neolithic pet were discovered in Cuween Hill chambered cairn on Orkney.
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The skull, now in the collection of National Museums Scotland, was scanned by staff in the Diagnostic Imaging Service at Edinburgh University’s Royal School of Veterinary Studies and a 3D print made.
Photo by HES Cuween Hill Chambered Cairn, Orkney
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Forensic artist Amy Thornton was then able to create a realistic model of the dog’s features, building up muscle, skin and hair in the same way she would approach a human head.
“Just as they’re treasured pets today, dogs clearly had an important place in Neolithic Orkney, as they were kept and trained as pets and guards and perhaps used by farmers to help tend sheep,” said Steve Farrar, Interpretation Manager at HES.
“But the remains discovered at Cuween Hill suggest that dogs had a particularly special significance for the farmers who lived around and used the tomb about 4,500 years ago. Maybe dogs were their symbol or totem, perhaps they thought of
themselves as the ‘dog people’.
from this time.
While reconstructions have previously been made of people from the Neolithic era it’s believed nobody has ever before attempted to forensically reconstruct an animal
Amy Thornton, who trained in facial reconstruction methods while undertaking an MSc in Forensic Art at the University of Dundee, said: “This reconstruction has been a
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particularly interesting project to be involved in, as it marks the first time I’ve employed forensic methods that would usually be used for a human facial reconstruction and applied these to an animal skull. “This brought its own set of
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challenges, as there is much less existing data relating to average tissue depths in canine skulls compared to humans. “The reconstruction was originally created in clay using traditional methods, with a 3D print of the
Cuween Hill skull as the base to build the anatomy on to. The completed sculpture was then cast in silicone and finished with the fur coat resembling a European grey wolf, as advised by experts. The resulting model gives us a fascinating glimpse at this ancient animal.”
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They call it puppy love
The Estate Office at Applecross is right on the beach
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E
very dog should have its day, preferably more than one, and there’s few better places on earth to enjoy it than Scotland. The country has always been a dog owner’s heaven. Its majestic mountains and glens, picturesque
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lochs and stunning beaches makes it a paradise for going walkies. More than a quarter of Scottish families own a dog, which means there are now more than 640,00 of them living in the country, and every year an increasing number of visitors from across the UK take their pets on holiday north of the border. As a result there are an ever growing number of dog friendly destinations throughout Scotland from visitor attractions and pubs to hotels and self-catering holiday homes for families and their canine companions.
Castle of Park, Cornhill near Banff, Aberdeenshire
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Wherever you go in Scotland whether it’s climbing hills, strolling over sandy beaches, exploring colourful woodlands or following the path of a meandering river - there’s plenty of room to let your family pet enjoy the fresh air and sniff out new experiences. Throughout the whole of the UK more than 66 per cent of dog owners admit they treat their pets as part of the family and a survey carried out for American Express found 27 per cent them took their dogs on holiday last year at an estimated cost of £227 million. Apart from the obvious benefits of
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Castle of Park
not having to worry about your pet while away, and that holidays can be more fun exploring places with a dog, it saves money. Various studies have put the cost of taking a pet on holiday as seven times cheaper than leaving it in boarding kennels. Around 36 per cent of dog owners surveyed said they took their animals with them on a traditional family holiday last year while 31 per cent enjoyed a walking trip and 27 per cent opted for a beach vacation. Whatever kind of holiday you’re after there is a growing number of places welcoming dogs, not least because many owners tend to holiday outside of the busy peak season and are as loyal as their animals. They often return to the same spots and are
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quick to recommend great places to others. “Dogs a big part of the family so why shouldn’t they be able to enjoy a holiday just as much as their humans?,” said Mathew Bettoli of leading holiday letting agents Cottages & Castles (https:// www.cottages-and-castles.co.uk) which has hundreds of pet friendly properties on its books. “Almost 75 per cent of our properties accept dogs. Last year just over 30 per cent of our bookings had dogs included - that means we were able to give at least 1700 dogs a holiday with their human family in 2018.” Examples of the wide variety of selfcatering accommodation willing to
host dogs range from historic tower houses to country cottages and beach front properties. Castle of Park, a stunning Georgian Tower house near Banff, Aberdeenshire is one such retreat and is perfect for celebrations and family get-togethers. The main part of the building is believed to date from the 13th century and has been expanded over the centuries with the final Gothic tower being added in 1829. The castle has all the convenience of modern living wrapped in more than 500 years of history including painted ceilings, spiral staircases and antique furniture. It is ideally located for exploring both the Moray coast as well as Aberdeenshire.
Pavilion in the grounds of Castle of Park which can be used as a studio, for parties or even intimate weddings
One of the seven bedrooms at Castle of Park
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For someone looking for something a little smaller Carron Cottage at Ardgay on the banks of the River Carron provides a welcome escape from the rat-race.
Carron Cottage, Ardgay
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Imagine walking the banks of the famous River Carron
Twin bedroom at Carron Cottage
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Surrounded by mature woodlands and open fields the cottage provides guests with excellent place to unwind after an action packed day of outdoor pursuits found on the estate. The beach and local golf courses are within easy reach and there are miles of open spaces to enjoy walks in an idyllic setting.
Carron Cottage is deceptively spacious
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If a water view is what you’re looking for 2 Letters cottage at Garvie is situated on a secluded stretch of the shores of Loch Broom with uninterrupted and panoramic views in all directions.
Garden exterior of 2 Letters cottage near Ullapool
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View over Loch Broom
Wildlife surrounds the cottage, including some resident otters, seals and herons, while a walk up the hill behind the property opens up terrific views over to Ullapool, the Summer
View from Applecross
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Isles and the mountains beyond. There are also numerous beach front properties like the old Estate Office at Applecross. This old listed
building, which has undergone a complete and painstaking renovation, sits so close to the shore line all you have to do is open the back door and you are on the beach.
Master bedroom in The Estate Office, Applecross
Cosy living room
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Applecross
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The house enjoys fantastic views across Applecross Bay to the islands of Skye and Raasay.
Outside there is an enclosed front garden ideal for kids and dogs and there are great walks to be enjoyed all around Applecross.
Whatever kind of pet-friendly holiday you’re looking for Scotland can offer a variety of things to do and places to stay - the only problem is choosing.
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Byron’s controversial Don Juan poem goes on display
Photos by NLS (L-R) First edition of cantos I & II of Don Juan published anonymously on 15 July 1819; manuscript of Don Juan cantos I, II, V in the hand of Lord Byron, 1818-1820; proofs of Don Juan cantos I & II with annotations by John Cam Hobhouse and Lord Byron, 1819
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he manuscript of one of the greatest poems of the 19th century – Lord Byron’s Don Juan – has gone on display at the National Library of Scotland
to mark the 200th anniversary of its publication. Don Juan is widely regarded as Byron’s masterpiece and led Sir
Walter Scott to make comparisons with Shakespeare. A long poem divided into sections known as cantos, it was unfinished at the time of his death in 1824 aged 36.
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From the manuscript of Don Juan cantos I, II, V in the hand of Lord Byron, 1818-1820
Often lauded as the first-ever ‘celebrity’, Byron’s private life was already attracting scandal and gossip at the time of writing the first cantos of Don Juan. His account of the adventures of Don Juan is famous for its exotic locations, adventure, romance, wit and dazzling language. As was Byron’s mischievous wont, he also mocked religions and ridiculed fellow poets and public figures. Although born in London in 1788 Lord Byron spent his early years in Aberdeen before inheriting his title on the death of his great-uncle in 1798 and moving to England. Renowned for his looks, he was perhaps most famously described by one of his lovers, Lady Caroline Lamb, as ‘mad, bad and dangerous to know’. He led an unconventional life of extravagant spending and debts, extensive travel, love affairs and separation. He was outspoken on many subjects, and dismissive of the work of
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fellow poets including Wordsworth, Coleridge and Robert Southey, the Poet Laureate. All three were the subject of a mocking dedication in Don Juan, which was suppressed in early editions of the poem.
patriotism–religion, are mentioned only to be scoffed at and derided, as if their sole resting-place were or ought to be, in the bosoms of fools’. William Blackwood himself refused to sell it.
Byron had left Britain and was living in Italy at the time of writing Don Juan and although his London friends praised the epic poem, they were concerned about several aspects which they thought readers might find distasteful, controversial or lewd.
Now, for the first time, people will have the opportunity to view the working manuscripts of Don Juan on display – specifically cantos I, II and V – which show changes and additions made by the poet, giving an insight into his creative process.
Indeed, it was so provocative that his publisher, John Murray, was concerned about being prosecuted. In the end, the first two cantos of Don Juan were published on 15 July 1819 without the author or publisher’s name on the title page. Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine condemned Don Juan as ‘filthy and impious’. The reviewer felt that Byron had turned on his readers by mocking their values: ‘Love–honour–
“Lord Byron was at the height of his powers when he penned Don Juan. The epic poem was before its time and he knew it. It was deliberately provocative, but his intent was to expose the hypocrisies of British society as much as it was to shock readers with depictions of war, slave markets, harems, and perhaps most famously, the protagonist’s litany of love affairs,” said John Scally, National Librarian. “We have been collecting Byron’s
An engraved frontispiece portrait of Byron from ‘The poetical works of Lord Byron’. Edinburgh: William P. Nimmo, ca. 1870
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work for the past 30 or 40 years. The Byron papers in the National Library are a rich and unique research resource and we are proud to be one of the leading centres for the study of Byron’s life and work. It is a special moment to share these manuscripts, in all their raw and immediate detail, with the public.�
Manuscript of Don Juan cantos I, II, V in the hand of Lord Byron, 1818-1820 complete with changes and crossouts
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The display – which includes an array of material from the Library’s collections relating to Byron, including from the John Murray Archive – explores the controversy surrounding its publication and the reactions of its readers. It runs until Saturday 27 July at the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
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Linking innovation with tourism
The iconic Forth Bridge
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cotland’s trio of iconic engineering marvels spanning the Firth of Forth and linking three centuries of innovation and achievement are to be promoted as a leading global tourist destination.
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Photo VisitScotland / Airborn Lens The three bridges
Over the next 10 years a new strategy will be rolled out to turn the Forth Rail Bridge, the Forth Road Bridge and the Queensferry Crossing
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into a world-class visitor experience. The three bridges, each one a world record holder in its own right, are
unique and considered a major national asset. There is nowhere else in the world that can boast three major bridges spanning
three centuries of engineering and ingenuity in such close proximity. However the stories behind the
bridges are about much more than technical statistics. Each one is a tribute to the workers who battled with wind and tides to fit together the
pieces of some of the world’s largest jigsaws. The Forth Bridge was built by more
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than 4,600 workers between 1882 and 1889. Over the years it has experienced the drama of two World Wars and inspired the creativity of writers, artists and film makers. In 2015 UNESCO added the Forth Bridge to the World Heritage list, making it Scotland’s sixth World Heritage Site and elevating it to the same status as the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China. When the Forth Road bridge opened
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Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland The Flying Scotsman crossing the Forth Bridge
in 1964 it was the largest suspension bridge in the world outside of the United States. All three bridges have found international fame.They have featured on banknotes, coins, a multitude of souvenirs and even in computer games played worldwide. The bridges are already the backdrop for local sports and charity events as well as the inspiration for writing and photographic competitions.
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They are also a monument to the brave men and women who built them and a testament to the changing standards of safety.
When the Forth Bridge was being built in the 19th century at least 73 people lost their lives. In the 20th century seven men died building the Forth Road Bridge and in the 21st
century one man was killed in an accident during construction of the Queensferry Crossing. All three bridges are world-class
The Queensferry Crossing under construction seen from Port Edgar; South Queensferry
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icons attracting more than 117,000 visitors a year. However, tourism isn’t new. Visitors have been drawn to the Forth Bridge since construction began in 1882. Over the decades numbers have continually increased.
While some visitors are students of engineering others are ordinary families looking for a different day out and tourists seeking to tick off another sight on their bucket list that they can share on social media.
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Others, more hardy souls, visit the bridges each Hogmanay to take part in the annual Loony Dook which involves celebrating the New Year by bathing in the chilly waters of the Forth under the iconic bridges.
According to a report by the Forth Bridges Forum into turning the bridges into a tourist destination the aim is that “visitors will be able to step on to a dramatic, 21st century viewing platform at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge to engage
Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland The annual Loony Dook under the Forth Bridge
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their senses with unparalleled views. “They will have the opportunity to learn the headlines of the bridges’ story in the landscape as they move towards the Forth Bridges Welcome Hub where the chapters
unfold through creative exhibitions. The adventurous may soon be able to walk in the sky, travelling up the Forth Bridge to a viewing platform 100 metres above the river, in an experience of a lifetime.�
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Attracting more visitors to the bridge is forecast to create a major boost for the communities of North and South Queensferry which mark the traditional crossing point of the Forth ever since Queen Margaret paid for a ferry to carry pilgrims in the 11th century. “The location of the bridges is one of their strengths.They sit within the growing visitor market of Edinburgh and the Lothians, which attract around 4.25 million staying visitor
Photo by Tony Marsh / VisitScotland Past and present trains pass over the Forth Rail Bridge to South Queens Ferry
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trips a year, 38 per cent of which are taken by overseas visitors. To the north, Fife generates over 650,000 such trips with over 20 per cent of visitors coming from overseas,� claims the report. Each bridge offers a distinctive experience. The Queensferry Crossing is a contemporary expression of a long engineering heritage. Its appearance is constantly changing with the weather and the light.
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“The Forth Bridges are much more than a means of travel,” said Fiona Hyslop, Scotland’s Tourism Secretary. “The Forth Bridge has taken its place alongside the Pyramids of
Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland Forth Bridge at night seen from South Queensferry
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Giza and Spain’s Alhambra as one of the world’s most iconic monuments and has been inscribed onto UNESCO’s World Heritage list. Its two magnificent neighbours are themselves great engineering achievements. The bridges span
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both time and distance as the three bridges were built in three different centuries.
experience which will allow visitors to learn about their history as well as marvel at their majesty.
“The Tourism Strategy sets out the Forth Bridges Forum’s plan to tell the story of the three bridges for the first time, creating a unique
“It’s an exciting development which will secure the area’s reputation as a top destination for visitors.”
Photo by VisitScotland Tourists will be encouraged to visit the iconic bridges and share the experience on social media.
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Gintelligence
- with Fiona Holland F iona Holland is a journalist and long-time gin lover, collecting and sampling unusual and uncommon gins for more than
20 years. Recently, her job amassing the juniper-laced spirit has become significantly easier with the explosion of craft distilleries in Scotland. It’s
difficult to keep up with them all, but you can be assured she’ll try her best…
Noble intentions – finely balanced, craftily delivered Hills and Harbour Gin Newton Stewart, Galloway 40 per cent ABV £36-38 for 70cl
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nce upon a time, in 2014, two brothers were chatting about life, the universe and… all things whisky and gin. One of these brothers is Graham Taylor, now owner of the purposebuilt Crafty Distillery on the outskirts of Newton Stewart where he grew up, and this nascent spirit dream became a bit of an obsession. More than 90 different recipes later, Hills and Harbour Gin was born. A designer by profession, Graham’s determination found him doggedly pursuing this gin-tinted reverie, getting friends and family on board as he went – the land the distillery’s built on belonged to his builder dad Billy, who constructed the building to a design by Graham, and his childhood friend Craig Rankin
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Graham taylor
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developed the recipe and is now the distillery manager. Building started in 2016, was complete in 2017 and the distillery won Scottish Gin Destination of the Year in 2018. The gin itself has just
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been awarded a coveted double gold at the San Francisco Spirit Competition. Think of Galloway and the picture conjured is of vast forests, miles of unspoilt coastline and rolling
Graham taylor outside the distillery that won Scottish Gin Destination of the Year in 2018
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lowland pastures. This image is echoed by the inclusion of noble fir – foraged nearby every fortnight or so – and bladderwrack seaweed, in abundant supply and harvested near Kircudbright. I’ve got to admit I’m no newcomer to Hills and Harbour Gin – I’ve been a fan for a while now. Forest scents mingle with citrus tones to dance on the nose as you release the vapours – it’s both light and inviting.
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Swirling the neat spirit round before taking a sip brings the soft aromas together with a hint of moss and aniseed. Think walking through pine woods with light rain stirring the forest floor. This gin is the embodiment of the word craft. Unlike most artisan distillers, Hills and Harbour produces its own raw spirit using local wheat, adding considerable time and expense to the overall process – the result is a soft vodka with vanilla overtones (actually rather tasty in its own right), which underpins the
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Making the gin
addition of the botanicals. The noble fir and bladderwrack are supplemented by juniper, of course, and a further eight botanicals – these include dried mango, bay and green Sichuan pepper combining to produce a subtly spiced sweetness with a pleasant, medicinal freshness. All this comes out when the tonic is added, allowing the sweet notes to sing and brings together a mellow flavour with a pleasant earthy kick. I used a two parts tonic – Franklin and Sons light, in this instance – to one part gin mix and no garnish. Take care not to use a strongly flavoured brand – this gin doesn’t need the headier aromatics of some premium tonics. This is a gin intentionally developed not to be too challenging on the nose or palate – don’t, however, mistake that for it being bland, simple or lacking character; it’s none of these. Its accessibility is certainly an asset and its smooth, full taste
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is an absolute pleasure. A very accomplished all-rounder. And how does it do on shelfpresence? It didn’t surprise me when Graham said he was a designer – the text
and logo certainly have a graphic look which does allow it to stand out. But it is the bottle which I find most beguiling. A simple, softly curving body of lightly-frosted, blueygreen glass is beautifully tactile and reminds me of turning wave-worn sea glass over in my hands.
Ginteresting Crafty snippet
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f you visit the Crafty Distillery, one of the first things to strike you on entering the building, is a huge serving bar. This 20-feetlong feature is hewn from a single piece of locally grown, 100-year-old Douglas Fir, and is lovingly planed and varnished by Graham’s Uncle David to reveal the character of
the wood. He then single-handedly mounted the sculpted tree on two Creetown granite plinths quarried from about five miles away. Its natural bark exterior echoes Galloway’s forests and is held in place by nothing more than gravity and its sheer weight!
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Islands of drams
The view from Raasay
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he first ever Hebridean Whisky Festival takes place across three islands this month.
Spread between the four distilleries the festival features free tours, tastings, music, casks and special events at Talisker, Torabhaig, Isle of Raasay and Harris distilleries and a visit to the Aros Centre, Portree. Launched last year the Hebridean
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Whisky Trail is a spectacular 115mile route set amid Skye’s stunning Cuillin mountains, Raasay’s beautiful coastline and seascapes and the famous white sandy shores of Harris. The four days festival runs from 21-25 May and kicks off with two days on Skye at Torabhaig Distillery on Tuesday followed by events at Talisker, the oldest distillery on the trail.
On the third day it’s the turn of Raasay Distillery. whisky pilgrims can hop across the water to the youngest distillery for the launch of the exclusive new warehouse and whisky and chocolate tours. Visitors will be given access to the inner sanctum of the distillery’s cask warehouse filled with the aroma of spirit maturing in Bordeaux, virgin oak and rye whisky casks.
Seasoned whisky connoisseurs and intrepid island explorers alike can enjoy the spectacular views from the warehouse terrace above the distillery across to the Cuillin mountains on Skye. Those with a sweet tooth can also enjoy the launch of the distillery’s new whisky and chocolate tour with delicious pairings of the two different kinds of delicacies by Finlay MacDonald’s Glenshiel Chocolate Company.
Future Raasay Whisky
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After Raasay visitors can follow the self-guided whisky trail route up to Isle of Harris Distillery on Friday 24th May. Meanwhile in Portree the Aros Centre will showcase the distilleries at a special Hebridean Whisky Festival tasting stand for the duration of the festival. The festival finale is the ‘Big Day at Slig’ taking place at the Sligachan Hotel on Saturday 25th May in Skye. All four distilleries will come together in one place for a day of whisky tastings, Hebridean Whisky cocktails,
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Raasay visitor centre
Distillery vehicles, cask displays, craft ales and a visit from the Isle of Skye pipe band. Organisers claim it’s a great opportunity to try all the spirits, as well as other local brews from Cuillin Brewery, sweet treats from the likes of Chocolates of Glenshiel and delicacies from the Skye Smokehouse. The festival will conclude in true Hebridean style with a ceilidh into the night at the Sligachan Hotel. All the events are free entry and
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Raasay stills
visitors can or choose to experience part of the festival or follow the full trail over five days by land or sea with three CalMac ferry crossings linking the destinations as well as yacht berthing facilities near to each distillery. By sea, the trail can be charted clockwise or anti-clockwise around Skye. Intrepid sea-farers can set sail from any of the four distilleries from points north, south, east or west. Road travellers can begin their journey either by crossing over the Skye Bridge at Kyle, or start at the Trail’s northernmost point on Harris, or its southernmost point at Torabhaig on Skye’s Sleat peninsula. Raasay is only a 25-minute ferry journey from Sconser on Skye and the distillery is a short stroll from Raasay ferry terminal. Overall the Hebridean Whisky Trail’s total length is 115.2 miles. The distances between each distillery are Armadale to Torabhaig 4.2miles,
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Torabhaig to Talisker 36.1 Miles, Talisker to Raasay 14.5 miles and
Raasay to Harris 60.4 miles.
Storing whisky at Raasay
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Remembering those who refused to kill Dyce Conscientious Objectors (PD)
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hroughout Scotland, in almost every village or town, there are memorials to the glorious dead adorned with the names of men and women who
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gave their lives in war.
There are no monuments to the thousands of others who refused to take up arms - not out of cowardice
but because their conscience wouldn’t let them. Many of those paid for the right not to fight with their freedom while some gave their lives for their beliefs.
Guide to registering as a CO in World war II Š Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain
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Photo IWM Many COs did valuable farming work on the Home Front during WWI
The term ‘conscientious objection’ was not recognised until the First World War after conscription was introduced in 1916 to replace the thousands of casualties killed or wounded in the first two years of the war. Between 1916 and 1918 more than 6,000 men went to prison for their beliefs. Although the Conscription Act of 1916 included a “conscience clause”, allowing the right to claim exemption from military service, only a handful out of more than 16,000 applicants were successful. Conscientious objectors fell into three general categories. There were ‘absolutists’ who refused to do anything which helped the war effort and ‘alternativists’ who were willing to do civilian war work not under military control. The third category
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were ‘non-combatants’. These were men prepared to join the army as a stretcher-bearer, cook or in some other role which would not force them to take another life. It’s estimated that during the First World War more than 6,312 conscientious objectors were arrested for refusing to join the British military. Of those some 5,970 were court-martialled of which a number were sentenced to death only to have their sentences commuted to hard labour in prison. Many conscientious objectors were detained in work camps where they were forced to make fertiliser from dead animals or do back-breaking manual labour for non-existent projects. At Dyce in Aberdeenshire around
200 men were forced to quarry stone while living in leaky tents with poor sanitation, little food, and no medical attention. One man, Walter Roberts, died as a result of the treatment and he became the first of 73 conscientious objectors across the UK to lose their lives. By the time the Second World War started in 1939 the number of conscientious objectors throughout Britain had risen from 6,000 to 61,000. To many in mainstream society the COs were regularly regarded as cowards, pro-Nazi or just selfish and a danger to society. Out of the 60,000 or more who declared a conscientious objection
Photo © Neil Hanna Examining some of the artefacts at the Conscience Matters at the National War Museum
Photo IWM Conscientious Objectors tribunal 1939
to military service less than 3,000 were given unconditional exemption. Around 18,000 were turned down completely and their applications considered bogus. The rest were drafted into other work, including farming and forestry or forced into non-combat roles such as bomb disposal. By the end of the war in 1945 around 5,000 men and 500 women had been prosecuted through the courts for offences linked to conscientious
objection. Most were given jail terms. This year a free exhibition, entitled Conscience Matters, is running at the National War Museum in Edinburgh exploring the often forgotten story of British conscientious objectors of the Second World War. The exhibition explores some of the reasons people refused to take up arms during war and how such refusals are perceived by society. In the Second World War, the
reintroduction of conscription meant British citizens were expected to contribute directly to the war effort. Those who refused on the grounds of a ‘sincere and genuine’ opposition to military service could apply for an exemption. People objected for a variety of religious, political and humanitarian reasons. To gain exemptions from conscription on the grounds of conscience, individuals were required to appear before a tribunal and produce evidence about their honesty and
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commitment to their principles. Conscience Matters draws on the testimonies and experience of some of the 60,000 men and women who applied for exemption from military service in the name of conscience. The material on display illustrates the stories of those who objected by exploring their backgrounds, their moral dilemmas, and the difficult journeys they faced in trying to prove their convictions. The exhibition features paintings, music, letters, diaries, poems and
Photo Š Neil Hanna Conscience Matters exhibition at the National War Museum
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speeches made by conscientious objectors in Britain during the Second World War as they grappled with the meanings and implications of conscience in a time of war. Otherwise invisible and private convictions were made to be public, persuasive and tangible. The
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exhibition also tells the stories of individual conscientious objectors including; Scottish author Fred Urquhart, poet Edwin Morgan, artist Sax Shaw, Constance Margaret Bull, a trained nurse and volunteer for the Friends Ambulance Unit (FAU), Peter Tennant and Tom Burns, also volunteers for the FAU, and others
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who fought to share their convictions on the grounds of conscience. An interactive display invites visitors to put themselves in the place of the tribunal, weighing testimony and deciding whether an application should pass or fail, while a concluding film will feature a range of
opinion on the subject of conscience. If successful in their application, conscientious objectors could be exempted from national service altogether, or more commonly assigned to other non-combatant roles such as bomb disposal, hospital work or agricultural labour.
Some of those whose applications were unsuccessful were ultimately imprisoned. The exhibition draws on a major research project led by the University of Edinburgh to study British conscientious objectors in the Second World War. The project examines the motivations and dilemmas of conscientious objectors, and the ways in which a decision not to take up arms affected both their close relationships and their rights and obligations as British citizens. “Britain was one of the first countries in the world to grant a legal right to conscientious objection to military service during war time. In the Second World War, over 60,000 people registered as conscientious objectors,” said Tobias Kelly, Professor of Political and Legal Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh. “Although now largely forgotten, many of these people went on to
become significant cultural and political figures in post-war Britain, founding Amnesty International and Oxfam, among other things. Their fascinating stories will invite visitors to think about the wider nature and implications of conscience and to ask how far we might go for a cause in which we believe.” In 1985 May 15 was named International Conscientious Objectors Day and in 1987 the United Nations Commission on Human Rights recognised “the right of everyone to have conscientious objection to military service as a legitimate exercise of the right of freedom, thought, and religion”.
Photo © Neil Hanna Alison Burnley, Daughter of Peter Tennant looking at her father’s objects in the collection at Conscience Matters
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Rave reviews prompt capital return Photo by Mihaela Bodlovic Simon Donaldson, Cora Bissett, Susan Bear and Harry Ward in What Girls Are Made Of
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F
ollowing a sold-out world premiere run at Traverse Festival last year, and a follow-on tour taking it around Scotland to Northern Ireland and internationally to the USA and Brazil, ‘What Girls Are Made Of’ is to return to Edinburgh. ‘What Girls Are Made Of’ is written
and performed by Cora Bissett and charts her rollercoaster journey from indie-kid hopeful to wised-up woman. This extraordinary piece of gig theatre includes live backing band actor/musicians Susan Bear and Simon Donaldson reprising their roles, plus the new addition of Harry Ward.
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The show celebrates the highs, such as touring with Radiohead and partying with Blur, to the lows of untrustworthy managers and £40,000 of debt which influenced her young life, interspersed with the personal losses and gains of adulthood. Directed by former Traverse Artistic Director Orla O’Loughlin the show is moving to the larger space of Assembly Hall to cater for public demand and will run from 1-25 August.
During its Traverse Festival 2018 run, the production received a swathe of five-star reviews, as it was described by critics as ‘a life changing litany of pure joy’, a ‘magnificent’ performance, ‘beautiful, passionate and exhilarating’ and an ‘undisputable hit’. In the run up to the Festival 2019 dates at Assembly Hall ‘What Girls Are Made Of’ will continue its touring with dates at Edinburgh (Traverse Theatre, until 20 April); Belfast (The
MAC, 1-5 May); Kirkcaldy (Adam Smith Theatre, 7 and 8 May); Dundee (Dundee Rep, 14 and 15 May); Stirling (Macrobert, 17 and 18 May); Brazil (Cultura Inglesa Festival, 24-26 May); and Charleston, USA (Spoleto Festival, 4-8 June). Immediately after finishing in Edinburgh the show will transfer to London’s Soho Theatre for a three week run between 9-28 September.
Kim Curson, curator and manager of The Dundee Art Fair
Art Fair first
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undee Art Fair, the first of its kind to be held in the City of Discovery, is to take place between 24 and 26 May in the Caird Hall.
Organised by Gallery i, a Scottish art gallery based in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, it is expected to attract over 50 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors across from across the UK and beyond. “We are really excited to be launching The Dundee Art Fair.
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We’re passionate about Dundee as an arts location; with the opening of the V&A last year and the waterfront redevelopment, we feel the timing is right,” said Kim Curson, Art Fair organiser. “There’s a real buzz in Dundee and a welcomed interest in the arts from across the city. We hope to build on this by introducing the city to new artists, but also, we hope to inspire more people to enjoy art and to get involved.”
The event will showcase original art by Scottish, as well as British and International, artists. The range of work is set to be wide, incorporating original paintings in a variety of media as well as sculpture and wooden art and designs. The aim is to open art up to all and to make unique works accessible, offering an opportunity for guests to buy a piece of original art to take home from as little as £50 up to £3,000 and above.
Frank Zappa starts UK tour in Edinburgh
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ore than a quarter of a century after his death legendary musician Frank Zappa is to headline in Edinburgh in the first stage show of the UK leg of a world tour. “The Bizarre World Of Frank Zappa” Hologram Tour is set to arrive in the UK this month starting at the Edinburgh Playhouse on May 9. Hours of never-before-seen Zappa performance footage from the early seventies will form the basis of the “can’t miss” concert spectacle, which is being produced in close cooperation with the Zappa Family Trust. The tour band is comprised of former bandmates for this monumental series of shows and boasts guitarists Ray White and Mike Keneally, bassist Scott Thunes, multi-instrumentalist Robert Martin and drummer and Zappa archivist Joe “Vaultmeister” Travers with special guests set to join in on some shows.
“As a futurist, and hologram enthusiast, Frank fearlessly broke through boundary after boundary as an artist and in honouring his indomitable spirit, we’re about to do it again, 25 years after his passing,” said Ahmet Zappa, EVP of business development for Eyellusion and co-trustee of the Zappa Family Trust. “This mind-melting show we’re putting together celebrates the music, often surreal imagery and humour synonymous with Frank. We will be pushing the limits of what anyone has seen holographically on stage before in a live venue. Circumstances, objects, places and subject matter from Frank’s songs and imagination will be brought to life for the first time on stage. We are anthropomorphizing Frank’s music, so his own hand drawn illustrations, classic imagery from his album artwork and characters from his songs can all interact and perform on stage.
“My father and I actively discussed 3D and ‘holography’ and it was a concept he actively engaged in. He actually devoted half a chapter of his The Real Frank Zappa Book to this subject. This is a love letter and a journey celebrating the genius artistry of Frank Zappa. On a personal note, I feel like I am finishing something my father started years ago. And let’s not forget, Frank himself will be rocking his fans, alongside his bandmates like nobody’s business.” In 1974, Frank Zappa transformed his Los Angeles rehearsal space into a sound stage and cranked out a passionate, trademark performance seen only by the camera operators in the room who captured every last moment. This footage, locked away in the Zappa vaults for 44 years, will serve as the basis for what will be the world’s most ambitious hologram tour to date, blending live footage of Frank with outrageous visuals that offer a striking view into his complex musical works.
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Return to Waterloo
Photos Martin Shields Lucy Wallace, S3 Pupil, Clydebank High School, helping to paint some of the 22,000 28mm figures to be used in The Great Game: Waterloo Replayed which will be  the biggest ever historical table top war game
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M
ore than 200 years after final defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte changed the course of European history the bloody Battle of Waterloo is to be replayed - on a slightly smaller scale. After months of planning and preparation tickets have now gone on sale for round two one of the most epic and decisive battles in history.
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Around 22,000 hand picked and painted soldiers just 28mm tall will take to the field on purpose-built tables at the University of Glasgow to recreate the 1815 Belgium battlefield for a one-off charity event called ‘The Great Game: Waterloo Replayed’. Many of the figures are being fielded by around 100 players from all over the world, who, along with a group of veterans of more recent wars, will come together for a spectacular re-match of the famous battle which resulted in 65,000 casualties - more than a third of the 191,000 troops that took part.
From left to right (foreground) Robert McCreadie (right) from Dumbarton, a Royal Navy veteran and volunteer who runs the Model Making Group at Erksine and S3 pupil Calan Mulgrew, Clydebank High School inspecting some of the 28mm figures. Background (l to r) – Steve Wyllie, an Army veteran and who is involved in the Model Making Group at Erskine; Professor Tony Pollard, Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology at the University of Glasgow and Evonne McCord, a Royal Engineers Reserves Veteran and Activities Co-ordinator at the Erskine Activities Centre
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More of these mini-soldiers are being provided by veterans’ groups, students and members of the public who have volunteered to take part in painting clubs leading up to the war game in June. Among those who have been painting for this ambitious undertaking are pupils from Clydebank High School and veterans who attend The Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre in Bishopton. The painting club allowed both the pupils and veterans to learn new skills to help them paint intricate
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Steve Wyllie (left), an Army veteran and who is involved in the Model Making Group at Erskine and Robert McCreadie (right) from Dumbarton, a Royal Navy veteran and volunteer who runs the Model Making Group at Erksine, are joined by Millie Wallace, S1 pupil from Clydebank High School to help to paint some of the the figures
detailing on the miniature infantry, cavalry and artillery figures. The 28mm high armies are historically accurate to the detailing on the uniforms and weaponry used in the
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battle from scabbards to muskets. “This has been a special undertaking for us and we are delighted to be involved. Waterloo was a pivotal and
key historical event in world history,” said Paul Hamilton, History Teacher at Clydebank High School. “The Great Game and its painting
clubs are therefore a fantastic way to engage and spark discussions on everything from the battle itself to its two iconic leaders – Napoleon and of course the Duke of Wellington, who
somewhat bizarrely for us living in the west of Scotland is renowned for a statue and a certain traffic cone.� Evonne McCord, Activities
Coordinator at The Erskine Reid Macewen Activity Centre and a Royal Engineers Reserves Veteran who will be taking part in The Great Game, said veterans at the Erskine
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Reid Macewen Activity Centre are enjoying the experience of being part of history. “The project has reminded the veterans of the sense of teamwork they experienced in the military, everyone working together towards a goal and supporting each other along the way,� she said. Virtually every battalion, regiment and battery which took part in the real Battle of Waterloo will be represented in The Great Game.
Professor Tony Pollard, Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology at the University of Glasgow; Lucy Wallace, S3 Pupil, Clydebank High School and John Hamilton, Volunteer for the Model Making Group at Erskine
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The thousands of infantry, cavalry and artillery figures that are needed for the one-off event will be fielded on unique tables on the ground floor of the Kelvin Gallery in the University.
These will recreate the battlefield in great detail with miniature farms and villages recreated in the same amazing detail as the thousands of model soldiers.
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Professor Tony Pollard, who is lead academic and a field director for Waterloo Uncovered and Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology at the University of Glasgow, said: “This is an incredibly exciting undertaking for us as academics and for our
history and archaeology students at Glasgow. “We have been absolutely blown away by the enthusiasm that there is for this project.
“One of my own ambitions with the Great Game is that we open up war gaming to a wider audience, most especially children. Kids love playing games, most commonly on computers, but war gaming with model figures has great educational
Robert McCreadie from Dumbarton, a Royal Navy veteran and volunteer who runs the Model Making Group at Erksine with S3 pupil Calan Mulgrew, Clydebank High School
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benefits, from learning about the uniforms, equipment and military organisation through painting to the strategy and tactics of battle when playing. I’ve started using it as a teaching tool in my history classes at the University of Glasgow, and I am
sure it could have wider applications in schools – all sorts of scenarios can be war gamed, from disaster management to how to run an economy. It’s all to play for.” The Waterloo Uncovered charity combines world-class archaeology
with a support programme for veterans and military community, and all the profits from The Great Game event will be going to the charity to help support its important work with military veterans and serving personnel who have been injured or
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Photo Stewart Cunningham The Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow - complete with his traditional Glaswegian headgear of a traffic cone
are suffering from PTSD. Uniquely, the Great Game will not merely be played by war gamers, but it will also involve Serving Personnel and Veterans who will be attached to experienced war gamers. This is in line with the philosophy of Waterloo Uncovered. “When we started our veterans off on painting model soldiers as an evening activity on the Waterloo Uncovered summer excavation, we could hardly have known how it
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would take off, transforming into this world record attempt!”, said Mark Evans, Coldstream Guards Veteran, co-founder and CEO of Waterloo Uncovered. “The combination of academic interest and output, veteran care and support, and sheer ambition encapsulates the whole Waterloo Uncovered project. I can’t wait to see the results of the battle... We are already seeing the positive results the project is having on the students and veterans who are participating.”
Tickets for The Great Game: Waterloo Replayed should be booked on-line to avoid disappointment as there will be limited tickets available on the day. Tickets for Great Game: Waterloo Replayed on 15 and 16 June 2019 at the University of Glasgow can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ waterloo-uncovered-the-great-gamewaterloo-replayed-15-16-june-2019tickets-55036624024
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Once in the Highlands - of NSW
Photos by Alaistair Saunders Brigadoon 2019
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f it wasn’t for the heat of the April sun anyone enjoying the skirl of the pipes amid swathes of tartan and rows of stalls bearing the names of numerous noble clans might easily have been confused as to where they were. The chillier hills and heather of the Scottish Highlands gave way to baking sunshine as the folks of Bundanoon in New South Wales turned their Australian town into a little piece of the old country. Just an hour’s drive from Canberra, the capital of Australia, and within commuting distance of Sydney the Bundadoon has been playing a increasingly important role in promoting the international spirit of Scottishness for more than 40 years.
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Every year the town of less than 3,000 people sees its population more than triple as it changes its name for the day and becomes Brigadoon. This annual Highland Gathering is now the largest celebration of Scottish history, heritage and culture of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It attracts Scots, their descendants and friends, along with numerous tourists from around there world, who flock to the town to enjoy a day of Highland dancing and traditional Highland Games as they explore their links with Scottish history and culture. This year Chieftain of the Gathering was the Governor of New South Wales, His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC, who along with his wife Mrs Linda Hurley, had the task of leading the annual parade and judging some of the numerous family friendly events.
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Photo by Brigadoon Derek Janderko Taking the salute
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The day started as usual with the Smithfield RSL Pipe and Drums performing in the village from 8am to keep the arriving public entertained until the street parade got underway. “This year the crowds built up slowly and reached around the 10,000 mark by midday,” said Alaistair Saunders, Vice-President of the Bundanoon Highland Gathering. “They were really well impressed with the new food court and entertainment area, all the comments were extremely positive and it looks like we’ve hit a winner here.” Many visitors arrived from Sydney on the “Brigadoon Special” from the city’s Central Station while others
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Photo by Clans John Pryce-Jones
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Photo by Derek Janderko
took to the roads, some driving several hours, to get there. “The Governor had a busy day, visiting the Clans in their new area, attending the Heavy weight championship where he presented the trophy to the overall winner, Craig Manson from New Zealand. Then it was off to watch the Bundanoon Stones and finally be totally impressed by our closing finale with the massed pipes and drums,” said Mr Saunders. “Mrs Hurley had the unenviable task of choosing the winning children of the Bonnie Bairns competition and at the Ceilidh in the evening she entertained the assembled guests with a rendition of ‘Old Mountain Thyme’. Guest of honour to the Gathering this year was Brigadier David Allfrey MBE. Chief Executive and Producer of the Royal Military Tattoo who appeared extremely impressed by the whole event.
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“I could not have enjoyed myself more. Massed bands, the clans and families, games and so many people to chat to - a most memorable day out,” he said.
Reiher School of Scottish Dancing performed a variety of Highland dances, including the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance and the Seann Triubhais.
There were 25 bands, involving over 550 performers, at this year’s event which saw a display of Scottish Country Dancing attracting big crowds onto the oval to participate in the Dashing White Sergeant among others.
New to the gathering this year was a re-design of the precincts area which saw the clans moved to the high ground to create more room for an entertainment and food court area.
More than 40 students of the Joy
“We enlarged the fiddler’s tent to a 10m marquee. This was a resounding success, visitors were able to sit and
Photo by Sue Mackenzie
Photo by Alaistair Saunders
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Photo by Derek Janderko
enjoy a meal and at the same time be entertained by the music of our resident fiddlers and invited groups. There will be more changes for 2020,� said Mr Saunders. Once again the Brigadoon Challenge played a big part this year. Although not a competitive event it did allow members of the public to participate in tossing the caber and the stone put so they could appreciate just how difficult these sports are to do
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without proper training. On a more serious note the highly competitive Australian Highland Heavy Weight Championships involved an outstanding field of heavy weight competitors. Events included the Caber, Stone Putt, Weight for Height, Weight for Distance and Hammer - five events fiercely contested to produce just one overall champion.
After a very close fought event it came down to one last challenge, the Weight over the Bar, to see Craig Manson selected as the final winner, closely followed by Scott Martin, Lance Holland-Keen, Robert Melin and Jamie Muscat. The now famous Bundanoon Stones contest saw competitors race against the clock to lift five boulders, ranging in weights of 110kgs, 115kgs 125kgs
140kgs and 165kgs. It was won by Scott Hall who completed the task in just 27.01 seconds very closely followed by Luke Reynold with 27.27 seconds. Corey Polkinghorne- with a time of 29.96 seconds and Jayden Hill at 40.49 seconds took third and fourth places. The day finished, as usual with the massed pipe bands who come
together every year without any rehearsals to put on a rousing display. “It was outstanding display and the Drummer Salute is just unbelievable, it’s so good that other gatherings are now copying our idea, now that’s a real credit to our Bands Coordinator and the Bands,” said Mr Saunders who praised all the volunteers who work so hard throughout the year to make the annual event such a
success. “Our volunteers never cease to amaze us,” he said. “We are full of praise for our all the very hardworking, conscientious and dedicated volunteers who persevered to ensure that Brigadoon was once again an outstanding success. It’s wonderful that some 30 plus organisations can get together and ensure a successful day is had and that visitors are made so welcome.”
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Antique hunting with Roo Irvine
Golden days
T
here is something magical about hunting for antiques during the summer. There can be fewer more enjoyable pastimes than spending long light evenings and sun-kissed days wandering through picturesque villages or historic towns in search of hidden gems and old curiosities. The heartwarming colours of the countryside puts a spring in one’s step and a feeling of joie de vivre - a sense similar to that experienced when handling a piece of art or an antique necklace from the seductive and effervescent Belle Epoque era of 1871-1914. These were items created during a time of great optimism and prosperity. A Golden Age in terms of technology, economical growth and a social rejuvenation of the arts, fashion and architecture. Belle Epoque, basically means “Beautiful Age’ in French and this is evident when you look at the design of the era. Although the movement swept through Europe, it’s heart beat firmly in Paris. Beginning around 1871, at the end of the Franco-Prussian War, it was a time of hope and flourishing
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Photo by KMKG-MRAH (CC BY-SA 4.0) Gold vitreous enamel diamond opal by Phillipe Wolfers, Libellule (1902-1903)
La Goulue arrivant au Moulin Rouge by Toulouse-Lautrec (PD)
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Afternoon by Francis Cadell 1913
consumerism as designers created pieces of art worthy of worship and technological advances allowed luxurious objects to be massproduced. For little more than 40 years, until the dark days of 1914, Belle Epoque was all the rage from paintings to jewellery. We see the cult of celebrity as very much a modern invention but some would say Belle Epoque was there first with its warm soft colours, quick brushstrokes and usually vibrant, optimistic scenes created in spontaneous style. Images of the Moulin Rouge and the Can-Can, with enthusiastic chorus girls in floating dresses and long skirts, are now synonymous with Parisian culture but it was the art produced by the likes of Toulouse-
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Lautrec at the Moulin Rouge 1892
The Black Bottle by Samuel John Peploe 1905
Lautrec promoting those hedonistic times that created a lasting impression renowned around the world. But the Belle Epoque style wasn’t just confined to France. Far from Paris, a legendary group of four Edinburgh artists, collectively known as the Scottish colourists, were heavily influenced by the bohemian, avant-garde world of Montmartre.
Le Manteau Chinois by J. D. Fergusson, 1909. The Fergusson Gallery, Perth, Scotland
John Duncan Fergusson, George Leslie Hunter, Samuel John Peploe and Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell were all inspired by French impressionist painters such as Manet, Cezanne and Matisse. Today they are among Scotland’s most cherished artists whose works command very high prices at auction on the rare occasion one comes up for sale.
For those of us with not so deep pockets there are numerous stunning examples of Belle Époque jewellery to be be found in antique shops ripe for the collecting. Styles may vary, as the years between 1891-1914 cover three classic design periods - Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts, and Edwardian, but the most popular items include brooches, choker-style necklaces like those favoured by Britain’s Queen Alexandria, draped necklaces and screw back earrings. They are quite easy to recognise as many items were designed with fluid lines and asymmetrical patterns celebrating the beauty of nature in the form of flowers, insects, and other animals. Gold, silver, and platinum along with diamonds supported by amber, crystal glass, horn, moonstone, opal, emerald,
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pearl, ruby, sapphire and tortoise shell also played a very important role in jewellery making of the time. A lot of Belle Époque jewellery can be very collectable but not just for its monetary value. These pieces are a testament to a Golden Age of fun, beauty, optimism and innocence. They are remnants of a time when life was good for many and before the horrors of The Great War changed the world forever.
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Photo by Sandra Fauconnier CC BY 4.0 Jewelry design by Philippe Wolfers exhibited at the Art & History Museum, Brussels, in December 2018
Mary of Teck 1908 (PD)
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Salute to a hero’s sacrifice
H
ugh Harvey Mooney was the first in his working-class family to attend university.
The gifted linguist and scholar was initially offered a place to study French and Latin at the University of Glasgow in 1932 but the Great Depression meant it was seven years before he was able to take it up. It had been a long and difficult road for the 27-year-old from his home in the city’s Garscube Road to the world renowned hallowed halls of academia. However, with only a year of studying completed, the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 saw Mooney once again put his dreams on hold as he answered the call of duty. In September 1940 Mooney volunteered for the Territorial Army but after the Luftwaffe raids on Glasgow in March 1941 had decimated huge areas of the city he decided to enlist in the RAF as a pilot. After initial training in St. Andrews he completed his elementary flying training in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec, and service flying training in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada in late 1941. However a change in RAF priorities meant there was more of a need for navigators than pilots and he switched roles. After further training in Canada he returned to the UK in September 1942.
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Photos from the University of Glasgow Hugh Harvey Mooney
After a few months flying Avro Ansons in North Wales and a stint with Coastal Command on Whitley bombers carrying out anti U-boat operations he was transferred to Bomber Command and joined 467th Squadron flying Lancasters on raids over Germany.
While on his 10th mission, a raid on Cologne on June 29th 1943, his aircraft was shot down by a night fighter flown by Luftwaffe ace Wilhelm Hergeover over the Dutch town of Vlodrop on the Dutch/ German border.
Crew of ED363
Photo of crash site crater
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Recon photo from 1944
Only two out of seven crew members, Bernard Dolby and Edward Pike, managed to parachute to safety as the Lancaster plummeted to the ground close to the hamlet of Hatenboer next to the Dutch town of Roermond. Both men were quickly captured and spent the rest of the war as prisoners. Mooney’s body, along with his friends Jack Gordon Hole, Thomas Copeland and George Cayless, were recovered from the crash site and buried in Jonkerbos Cemetery in Nijmegen in the Netherlands. Mooney’s remains were later reinterred at Arnhem. The remains of the Australian pilot Robert Ingersoll Gates have never been recovered to this date. Now, nearly 80 years after he enrolled at Glasgow, Sgt. Mooney’s memory is being honoured by his family as they help students and early career researchers attend a conference on conflict archaeology at his old alma mater in October.
The event is being organised by Conflict History and Archaeology PhD researchers Euan Loarridge and Mooney’s great-nephew Marc Conaghan. Mr. Conaghan is the first member of his family since his great-uncle to go to the University of Glasgow. Mr. Conaghan said: “Uncle Hughie was like a father to my grandfather. I grew up listening to my grandfather tell stories about his uncle, many centred on their shared love of football. “Hugh was from a poor workingclass background and he was a bit of a child prodigy with a talent for languages and maths. He was the first in our family to go to University. It was just unfortunate that his time at the University was interrupted by war. And like so many of his comrades, he didn’t come home to realise his potential.” The death of 30-year-old Mooney devastated the whole of his family. “My great-grandmother Rosie, who
Marc Conaghan at his great-uncle Hugh’s Grave
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brought Hugh up, never spoke of him and there were no pictures of him in her house. She was a woman used to death – she buried 10 of her 16 children, her husband and then her younger brother. It was very hard for the whole family,” said Mr. Conaghan. “As a child growing up, I can remember my grandfather walking me along the River Kelvin and looking up towards the University of Glasgow and saying, ‘Uncle Hughie was the first to go there, and you should be the second’. I think my grandfather would have been proud that he is still remembered by his University and that I am studying here too.” The H. Mooney fund is one of two travel awards which will allow students and researchers to travel to Glasgow to participate in the Sixth Postgraduate Conference in Conflict
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Archaeology. The conference, founded at the University of Glasgow in 2011, helps support students to develop their skills and present their work to their peers. The funds donated on behalf of Sgt. Mooney will mean that this opportunity can be offered to students who, for reasons of funding, would otherwise struggle to attend. Professor Tony Pollard, Professor of Conflict History and Archaeology, said: “As a conflict historian, this story is a remarkable insight into wartime Britain and to the role of many of our staff and students during the Second World War. “War isn’t just about tactics and battles, it is about the ordinary men and women who, in the extraordinary circumstances of war, gave their lives. It is important that the stories of the 459 members of our community
who died in WW2, including Sgt. Mooney, are recognised and remembered.” Dr. Iain Banks, Senior Lecturer in History and Battlefield Archaeology and Mr. Conaghan’s PhD supervisor, said: “The work Marc and a fellow Glasgow graduate Emile Picard have done on his great-uncle’s WW2 story has identified the exact crash site location. Marc and Emilie crossreferenced 1943 WW2 reports and aerial photos with maps of the area today. This work has led to the crash site now being formally recognised by the Dutch government in its approved list of WW2 archaeological investigations sites. “We believe that if we can locate the cockpit, we may find the remains of the pilot and be able to solve the mystery of his final resting place for his family.
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Portrait of a bonnie prince
Photos by NMS David Forsyth, Principal Curator, Scottish History, National Museums Scotlan and Peter Pininiski, of The Pininski Foundation unveil the portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie
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A
rare portrait of a teenage Bonnie Prince Charlie has gone on public display in Edinburgh for the first time.
Visitors to the National Museum of Scotland have a rare chance to view the painting of a 16-year-old Charles Edward Stuart as it goes on show for a limited period of time.
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The portrait of the young prince is by the renowned Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera and is believed to be the only one ever created of him prior to the 1745 Jacobite rebellion which was not painted in Rome. The pastel on blue paper half-length portrait depicts the prince wearing the Order of the Garter and was previously held in a private collection until last year when it came up for auction. It was purchased by The Pininski Foundation who has generously loaned it for short-term display at the National Museum of Scotland. Carriera painted the prince in 1737 while he was in Venice on a tour of the major cities in central and northern Italy. The fact the portrait
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was produced in Venice rather than Rome is significant because it was not commissioned or supervised by his father, the exiled James VIII, and therefore was free from James’ undue influence upon the artist and likely to be a more accurate representation. The portrait was sent to King James in Rome who at some point gifted it to one of his friends and supporters. It remained in a private collection unknown to the general public until it was auctioned in 2018. Rosalba Carriera was born in Venice into a modest family and was most likely self-taught. She became internationally celebrated as a pastel portraitist, often portraying foreign visitors to Venice. In 1705 she was
elected a member of the artist’s academy in Rome, the Accademia di San Luca. In 1720-1 she was in Paris where she painted Louis XV (1710–1774) as a boy and became a member of the French Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture. Her mastery of the pastel medium helped transform it into a serious and highly-admired art form. The portrait will be displayed within the Scotland galleries of the National Museum of Scotland adjacent to the display of Bonnie Prince Charlie related material including his silver canteen of travelling cutlery and shield, known as a targe.
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This month in history
S
cotland has much to celebrate and commemorate from the births and deaths of worthy persons to notable events in history. Here’s a brief guide to some of the events and dates worth remembering this May.
Births 1850 May 10 - Sir Thomas Lipton was born in Glasgow. As the inventor of Lipton’s grocery chain and Tea brand he was a millionaire by the age of 30, having risen from cabin boy on cargo ship to international tycoon. Much of his fortune went to help the poor people of Glasgow.
1713 May 25 - John Stuart, Earl of Bute, Britain’s first Scottish Prime Minister, was born. 1711 May 7 - Celebrated historian and philosopher David Hume was born in Edinburgh. Regarded as one of the greatest of all philosophers he reasoned the actions of people are influenced more by emotion than reason.
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1753 May 3 James Taylor, developer of the steamboat, was born at Leadhills, Lanarkshire. The son of a quarryman he was responsible for convincing paddlewheel boat pioneer Patrick Miller to use steam engines as a means of propulsion.
1859 May 22 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes, born in Edinburgh. Although most
famous for his fictional detective hero Doyle also wrote a number of other classics, including ‘The Lost World’ and several short stories - one of which popularised the legend of the “ghost-ship” Marie Celeste.
father Clyde Morrison had Scottish ancestry. Regarded as the ultimate American icon his ancestors, the Morrison clan, can be traced back to the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides.
Glenure, known as the “Red Fox”, was shot in Appin. James Stewart was arrested and and executed in what has become one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in Scottish history https://bit.ly/2yzmU7F
1914 May 26 - Actor Archie Duncan, best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes and for starring as Little John in the TV series Robin Hood was born Glasgow. 1928 May 24 - Actor and comedian Stanley Baxter was born in Glasgow.
Deaths
1860 May 9 -Author JM Barrie, creator of Peter Pan - one of the best childhood stories of all time - was born in Kirriemuir. Barrie gifted the rights to Peter Pan to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to care for sick children.
1650 May 21 - James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, was executed at the Mercat Cross, Edinburgh.
1795 May 19 - Edinburgh-born James Boswell, biographer of Dr Johnston, died in London. 1809 May 10 - Andrew Bell, cofounder of Encyclopaedia Britannica died in Edinburgh.
1887 May 15 - Poet and novelist Edin Muir was born on Orkney.
1907 May 26 - Although Hollywood legend John Wayne was born in Iowa. both his mother Mary and
1701 May 23 - Greenock born pirate “Captain” William Kidd was hanged in London. 1752 May 14 - Colin Campbell of
1867 May 23 - Archibald Alison, historian, died in Glasgow. Up to 150,000 people attended his funeral.
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1906 May 15 - James Blyth, inventor of the wind turbine died in Glasgow
Notable Events Photo: Kim Traynor CC BY-SA 3.0
1868 May 23 - Death of legendary American folk hero Christopher ‘Kit’ Carson. Carson was the grandson of a Presbyterian Minister from Dumfries and is said to have been the most resourceful frontiersman in America.
1870 May 17 -Death of Perth-born painter and pioneer photographer David Octavius Hill who helped establish Edinburgh and Scotland as a world leader in the forefront of early photography.
1873 May 1 1873 - Missionary and explorer David Livingstone died.
563 May 12 - Community of Iona was founded by St Columba https://bit.ly/2xe0P0F 685 May 20 - Battle of Dunnichen, aka Nechtansmere, was fought south of Forfar in Angus resulting in the Picts stopping the northerly advance of the Angles from Northumbria. 1307 May 10 - Robert The Bruce defeated a larger English force at the Battle of Loudoun Hill, near Darvel using tactics which would eventually lead to success at Bannockburn.
1870 May 6 - Death of Sir James Young Simpson. As an advocate of chloroform the Bathgate-born doctor was the first medical man to ever to use anaesthesia to relieve pain of childbirth.
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1890 May 7 - Death of James Naysmith, engineer and inventor of the steam hammer.
1424 May 26 - The Football Act of 1424 was passed by the Scottish Parliament banning men from playing football and golf for fear they were neglecting their archery practice and military training. 1544 May 7 - Start of the “Rough
Wooing” when the Earl of Hereford invaded Scotland on behalf of Henry VIII to try and force the Scots to agree to the marriage of the future Mary, Queen of Scots to Henry’s son, Edward. She was betrothed to the French heir instead.
Photo: Thelma Smart CC BY-SA 2.0
1690 May 1 - Battle of Cromdale effectively ended the Jacobite rising of 1689 as their forces were defeated by government troops. 1725 May 12 - The Black Watch regiment, made up of anti-Jacobite clans including the Campbells, Grants, Frasers and Munros, was commissioned under General Wade to police the Highlands.
1568 May 16 - Mary Queen of Scots, seeking refuge from her cousin Queen Elizabeth sailed from Port Mary across the Solway Firth and into imprisonment in England.
1915 May 22 - A troop train carrying members of the Royal Scots on route to Gallipoli crashed at Quintinshill near Gretna Green. Some 226 people were killed making it Britain’s worst rail disaster.
1747 May 20 - Edinburgh-born James Lind began experiments to prove citrus fruits could prevent scurvy, a disease contracted by sailors on long voyages. As a result lime juice became standard issue to British sailors and earned them the nickname of “limey”.
Photo: David Jones CC BY 2.0
1936 May 27 - Glasgow built liner the RMS Queen Mary set off on her maiden voyage to New York. The ship was officially retired from service in 1967 and is now permanently moored in Long Beach, California. 1940 - May 26 Operation Dynamo the evacuation of British and French troops from the beaches of Dunkirk began. It’s said that among the ‘little ships’ involved in the rescue was a fisherman from a small NE of Scotland village looking out for his own. He went up and down the beach shouting: ‘’Is there onybody here fae Cairnbulg, Inverallochy or St Combs? I’ll only tak’ folk fae the Broch but if there’s ony room left, I’ll tak’ folk fae Peterheid.’’
1754 May 14 - St Andrews Society of Golfers was constituted - it didn’t become the Royal and Ancient Golf Club until 1834.
1645 May 9 - Marquis of Montrose won the Battle of Auldearn.
1810 May 10 - Rev Henry Duncan started the world’s first savings bank in Ruthwell, near Dumfries in an attempt to do something of real and lasting value for the under-privilege.
1941 - May 10 Adolf Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess flew to Scotland and landed by parachute at Eaglesham, sparking one of the greatest mysteries of the Second World War as to what was the real reason for his secret mission.
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Date 4 ur diary
Scotland
2-6 May Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival Various venues, Speyside First launched in 1999, the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival’s annual celebration of Scotland’s national drink has developed into one of the largest events of its kind anywhere in the world. www.spiritofspeyside.com 2-5 May Shetland Folk Festival Lerwick, Shetland The 39th Festival will feature visiting musicians from over ten countries and spanning various genres. As in previous years there will be a combination of new and upcoming acts as well as some familiar favourites and legendary guests from previous years. https://www.shetlandfolkfestival.com 3-5 May Scapa Fest - The UK’s Yoga and Adventure Festival Loch Fyne, Cairndow, Argyll Over 3 days, from sunrise to sunset, in one of the world’s most beautiful location, Scapa fest brings together the most inspiring global experts in mind-body health, outdoor education and environmental action to deliver immersive practical and educational sessions to families and individuals who attend from all over the world. https://scapafest.com 4 May Neilston Show Neilston, Barrhead, East Renfrewshire Neilston Cattle Show began life early in the 19th Century as a result of a dispute between two farmers from the village. Both of the farmers had a prized bull that each said was better than the others. In a bid to settle the argument, the farmers arranged a contest that would be judged by the other farmers in the area. Nobody remembers who had the best bull, but the contest grew into an annual event that has continued for nearly 200 years. https://www.neilstonshow.co.uk 6-11 May Scottish Six Days Trials Fort William, Scotland The Trials action kicks off in Lochaber on the Friday before the SSDT with the two-day Pre ‘65 trial taking place, based in the small town of Kinlochleven near to Fort William. Then there is the buzz of the SSDT paddock on Sunday with the annual “weigh-in” of the competitor’s
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If you have a future event you would like included in our diary please email details to news@scotlandcorrespondent.com bikes before the traditional parade of riders down Fort William High Street in the afternoon. If you want to get away from Trials for a while or you have family with other interests, there are all sorts of other things to do and see in the area! https://www.ssdt.org 10-12 May Cairngorms Nature Big Weekend Various locations throughout the Cairngorms National Park The Cairngorms Nature BIG Weekend is a celebration of the fantastic natural heritage of the Cairngorms National Park with over 70 activities for all ages. https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/events/bigweekend/ 10-12 May Ullapool Book Festival Ullapool Literature has a significant place in Highland culture and life. The book festival is not just a showcase for Highland writers but also for writers from other parts of Scotland, and indeed the world, to come and create an inspirational atmosphere. http://www.ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk 11 May Kilmacolm and Port Glasgow Show The Knapps, Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire Kilmacolm & Port Glasgow Agricultural Show was established in 1835 and has been held almost year since. It’s a fun day for all the family. http://www.kilmacolmshow.co.uk 11 May Perth Beer Festival North Inch, Perth Perth Beer Festival 2019, the leading family friendly event in the heart of Scotland, returns on Saturday 11th May. Visitors can expect a great selection of craft ales alongside family friendly activities. Rides & a climbing wall will feature alongside Perthshire 7s rugby tournament. https://www.perthbeerfestival.co.uk 12 May Gourock Highland Games Battery Park, Eldon Street Gourock, Renfrewshire Founded in 1956 Inverclyde hosts the first Highland Games of the Scottish season. https://www.facebook.com/GourockHighlandGames/ 16-25 May Perth Festival of the Arts
Perth For 10 days every May, the city of Perth becomes the gem in Scotland’s cultural calendar. One of the oldest, continuously-running independent arts festivals in Scotland, Perth Festival of the Arts started as an opera and classical music festival and now covers all art forms. https://www.perthfestival.co.uk 17-20 May Arran Mountain Festival Isle of Arran An opportunity to meet like-minded people, discover a fascinating island and have unforgettable days in the safe hands of experienced local leaders. With names to inspire, like Ceum na Caillich and Caisteal Abhail, Arran’s mountains are among Scotland’s most amazing landscapes. http://www.arranmountainfestival.co.uk 18 May The Fife Show Cupar, Fife One of the most popular one day agricultural shows in the country. Thousands of visitors come to see livestock and machinery, both vintage and modern, at close quarters. While retaining the feel of a traditional agricultural event, the show now has a Game Fair area, food & drink sections, trade stands and amusements for the children. The show provides a great day out for all ages. https://fifeshow.com
need is a bottle of whisky to share with your friends. https://www.worldwhiskyday.com 18-19 May Whisky Stramash Edinburgh The Whisky Stramash is an encounter of many elements and experiences; you can expect the opportunity to sample, and purchase if you wish, a huge array of amazing whiskies from Scotland and abroad. The Stramash is an event of mystery, entertainment, comicality and madcap pioneering. http://www.thewhiskystramash.com/2019/ 19 May Etape Caledonia Pitlochry, Perthshire Etape Caledonia is a mass participation cycling event that has attracted more than 35,000 people since it debuted in 2007. This year’s event has two distances for you to choose from - an 85 mile and a 40 mile route both starting and finishing in Pitlochry. https://www.etapecaledonia.co.uk 19 May Gordon Castle Highland Games and Country Fair Fochabers, IV32 7PQ Entering its ninth year, the annual family event looks forward to welcoming over 10,000 national and international visitors to the north east of Scotland. https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/highland-games/
18 May Stonehouse Show Showfield, Union Street, Stonehouse There is lots to see and do with some fantastic livestock on show, children’s amusements and rides. There’s also a fancy dress pony competition, Ladies Industrial Competition, vintage tractors, Highland Dance display, dog agility show, craft stalls and much more! https://stonehouseshowfb.wixsite.com/mysite
25 May - 1 June Islay Festival of Music and Malt Isle of Islay Why don’t you take a trip west this year to the Southern Hebrides and visit Fèis Ìle on the Isle of Islay? Truly you will receive a warm welcome, kindness, songs, poetry, history, piping, food, classes for Gaelic song and language and more. You will be pleased you came. https://www.islayfestival.com
18 May East Sutherland Rotary Classic Car Tour Dornoch The Royal Burgh of Dornoch Cathedral, Castle, Jail and Court House form the backdrop for the start of our 5th tour. The circular route from Dornoch to Ullapool via Muir of Ord takes in the majestic scenery of the west coast. A traditional Highland Ceilidh rounds off the day. https://visitdornoch.com/whats-on-in-dornoch/event/ east-sutherland-rotary-classic-car-tour/
23-25 May Orkney Folk Festival Stromness, Orkney The 37th festival programme comprises 36 concerts over four days, featuring some 52 artists from as far as Cuba and Cape Breton Island, as well as a very healthy contingent from Orkney’s own thriving folk scene. Old favourites are back, and newcomers – from home and away – make their debut appearances. https://www.orkneyfolkfestival.com
18 May World Whisky Day Official Event Everywhere World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. Events are taking place all over the globe. If you can’t find an event happening near you why not host your own World Whisky Day event? All you
23-26 May Knockengorroch World Ceilidh Carsphairn, Castle Douglas Knockengorroch Festivals were born from a love of the land, excellent roots music and celebrating the good times. We present unparalleled music, arts and workshops in a
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beautiful mountain riverside meadow. https://www.knockengorroch.org.uk 24-27 May Eat & Drink Festival Exhibition Centre, Glasgow Eat & Drink Festival Scotland returns with even more mouth-watering Food and Drink from the very best local producers! Celebrating the exciting trends in modern cuisine, mixology & street food, you won’t want to miss Eat & Drink Festival Scotland. https://www.eatanddrinkglasgow.com 24 May - 2 June Dumfries and Galloway Arts Festival Dumfries Our 10-day festival has taken place annually at the end of May since 1979. We offer a wide range of events: music including classical, jazz and folk, dance, theatre, literary, children’s events, plus the visual arts and films. https://www.dgartsfestival.org.uk 25 May Drymen Show Drymen Drymen Show is a fun filled family day out on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. http://www.drymenshow.com 25 May - 2 June Imaginate Festival Edinburgh Imaginate is the national organisation in Scotland, which promotes, develops and celebrates theatre and dance for children and young people. https://www.imaginate.org.uk/about/ 25-26 May Blair Atholl Gathering and Highland Games Blair Atholl, Perthshire This unrivalled spectacle gives locals and visitors alike the chance to participate in a unique Highland tradition that has persisted for generations. The two day Atholl Gathering weekend consists of The Atholl Highlanders’ Parade on Saturday followed by the Highland Games on Sunday. https://atholl-estates.co.uk/events/atholl-highlandersparade-2-30pm/ 25 May Lesmahagow Show Lesmahagow, South Lanarkshire Lesmahagow Farmers’ Society held its first show in 1807, and it has been an annual event ever since. The aim of the show is to present the skills of the local people both in agriculture – through livestock showing, sheep shearing, sheep dog trials, but also in crafts, home baking, etc. https://lesmahagowfarmerssociety.co.uk
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25 May Blackford Highland Games Blackford, Perthshire http://www.blackfordhighlandgames.co.uk 25 May West Lothian Highland Games Meadow Park, Bathgate, West Lothian https://www.westlothiangames.com 26 May Carmunnock Highland Games Carmunnock https://carmunnockgames.org 30 May - 2 June The Angus Glens Walking Festival Forfar The festival covers 20 walks over 4 days - through breathtaking scenery, open moorland, heather-clad hills, mountains, rivers and crags all guided by local Mountain Leaders and our Countryside Rangers who have excellent knowledge of the beautiful Glens, including its wildlife and history. http://archive.angus.gov.uk/walkingfestival/ 31 May - 2 June Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh Gardening Scotland is a celebration of everything to do with the garden, from design ideas and inspiration to tools and accessories and of course wonderful plants http://www.gardeningscotland.com 31 May - 3 June FyneFest Achadunan, Cairndow, Argyll FyneFest is a three-day celebration of beer, food and music, taking place in Cairndow, Argyll at the Fyne Ales brewery estate. FyneFest is a weekend of escapism, accompanied by the best beer, food and music from Scotland and beyond – it’s all about good people enjoying good times with good beer, food and entertainment. The festival is proudly family-friendly, offering the full festival experience to anyone of any age. http://www.fynefest.com
Australia
2-5 May Australian Celtic Festival Glen Innes, The Australian Celtic Festival is renowned as the premier Celtic event of New South Wales. It is the only Celtic themed festival in Australia to recognise different Celtic Nations each year. 2019 is the Year of Scotland. www.australiancelticfestival.com 26 May - 2 June Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival
Wingham, NSW Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival, located in the heart of the Manning Valley, MidNorth Coast, New South Wales is now in its 15th year. This year’s Clan of Honour is the Lindsay Clan. http://bonnie-wingham-scottish-festival. manninghistorical.org
Canada
4 May Scottish Society of Ottawa’s 2019 Spring Scottish Breakfast and Annual General Meeting Heart & Crown Byward Market, 73 Clarence St, Ottawa, ON All Scottish Society members and anyone interested in supporting Scottish culture and heritage are encouraged and welcome to attend our seventh Annual General Meeting. https://ottscot.ca/ 18-20 May 156th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival Topaz Par, Victoria, BC This is one of the oldest festivals in North America and one of the very few 3 full day Highland Games. The festival regularly attracts around 25,000 people to the Topaz Park events each year. For 2019, the 156th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival will be the largest in its history with an expanded list of activities and events. www.victoriahighlandgames.com/games 18-19 May Saskatchewan Highland Gathering and Celtic Festival Regina, SK Canada The Saskatchewan Highland Gathering & Celtic Festival incorporates older Highland Games events in Regina and Moose Jaw that have been running since the early 20th century! We promote all things Scottish and Celtic and provide an excellent opportunity for members of the local and neighbouring communities to get involved and showcase their talents and promote their wares. Pipers, drummers, dancers, heavy events athletes, and enthusiasts from all over Western Canada come to southern Saskatchewan each year on the May long weekend to participate in this exciting line-up of events. www.saskhighland.ca 25 May Kingston Scottish Festival Rideau Acres, Kingston, ON The 14th Annual Rob Roy - Kingston Scottish Festival features piping and drumming competitions, highland dance competitions, a variety of vendors and a food and beer tent. Another great opportunity to celebrate and continue Scottish culture. http://www.kingstonscotfest.com/
USA
3-5 May 28th Annual Ball Weekend of the RSCDS Central Iowa Branch Iowa St University, 2229 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA An Evening of Scottish Country Dance in Celebration of Spring presented by the Royal Scottish Dance Society of Central Iowa www.rscdscentraliowa.org 4 May Savannah Scottish Games Bethesda Academy, 9520 Ferguson Av, Savannah, GA A grande celebration of Scottish culture for the entire family. www.savannahscottishgames.com 10-12 May The Texas Scottish Festival Wise Co, Fairgrounds, 3101 FM 51, Decatur, TX. The Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games is one of the largest Scottish gatherings in the United States and known as the preeminent Scottish Entertainment Festival in North America. www.texasscots.com 18-19 May Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games Maryville, TN Bring Your Whole Clan (Family) and join us for a weekend of authentic Scottish Highland festivities right here in East Tennessee in the Great Smoky Mountains. www.smokymountaingames.org 18 May Fair Hill Scottish Games Fair Hill Race Track, Elkton, MD Join us for a day of athletics, music, dancing, food, and arts celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture. www.fairhillscottishgames.org 18 May Finger Lakes Celtic Festival 4925 Collett Road, Shortsville NY A Gathering of Clans, Bag Piping competition, Irish and Scottish Dance, Celtic Music, History, Heritage, and so much more. www.flceltic.org 25 May Greenville Scottish Games Furman University, Greenville, SC The Scots brought a lot more to America than just the bagpipes; they brought independence, a fierce fighting spirit, a strong love of family and clan, a quirky sense of humor and enjoyment in their surroundings. We’re capturing all this and more with an overflowing series of activities bringing the best of Scotland and our rich
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Southern heritage together for your enjoyment. www.gallabrae.com 25-26 May 52nd Alma Highland Festival
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Alma, MI a great day out for all the family celebrating Scottish heritage and culture. www.almahighlandfestival.com
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