The Clan Courier

CLAN COURIER

Wildcat breeding, rare woollen knits and brazen property developers

[ARCHAEOLOGY] CAN YOU DIG IT? YES, YOU CAN

Volunteers in a community archaeology project have helped unearth previously unknown details about life on the Threave Estate near Castle Douglas thousands of years ago. The Galloway Glens community archaeology project ‘Can You Dig It’ carried out a 10-day dig on the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Garden and Estate in the summer of 2019. Though lots of discoveries were made at the time – including a lead shot from the 16th-18th century and some flints from the late Neolithic or Early Bronze Age period – it’s what’s been uncovered since that’s been truly revelatory. Some of the carbonised material found during the dig was sent away for radiocarbon dating and has been dated to between AD 75 to 214, confirming that humans lived here as far back as the Iron Age period. However, the volunteers also unearthed a tiny burnt hazelnut shell, dated to between 8,547 and 8,312 BC – meaning that people who lived and hunted here may well have been among the first to repopulate the country following the last Ice Age.

[HERITAGE] PINEAPPLE HOUSE PLANNING CONTROVERSY

The National Trust for Scotland has lodged a formal objection to a planning application to build a housing development near one of its most beloved properties. The 18th-century A-listed Pineapple was built by the Earl of Dunmore in 1761 as a quirky birthday present for his wife. In 2018, an initial proposal to build a visitors’ centre and 22 houses was made public, though it was later withdrawn. The new application, now under consideration by Falkirk Council, almost quadruples the number of proposed houses to 82, the National Trust for Scotland says. The Trust says that the overall scheme is of “great concern”. The National Trust for Scotland’s Chief Executive, Philip Long, says: “The Pineapple is one of the most significant buildings in Scotland and its ambience depends on its setting within Dunmore Park with its woodland and abundant wildlife. This development scheme would have a hugely adverse impact on the site, which is designated within the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland. “As we have seen all too often, inappropriately scaled and sited developments have overwhelmed many important historic and natural landscapes and it’s our obligation to ensure that this does not happen here.”

[OBITUARY] FAMILY MOURNS THE MARQUESS OF BUTE

The former racecar driver, John Crichton-Stuart, 7th Marquess of Bute, has died at the age of 62.

Crichton-Stuart competed in Formula One under the name Johnny Dumfries and was a much-loved character on the circuit. Raised at the family’s home of Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, the pinnacle of Johnny’s racing career was winning the Le Mans 24 Hour race in 1988.

In 1993, he inherited the title Marquess of Bute – though he rarely used it – and retired from racing shortly afterwards, turning his attention to opening and maintaining Mount Stuart as a tourist destination.

The Marquess is survived by his wife, the Marchioness of Bute, Serena Wendell; the couple’s daughter, Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart; and his three children from his first marriage: Lady Caroline Crichton-Stuart, John, Earl of Dumfries and Lady Cathleen Crichton-Stuart.

A statement released by his family reads: “The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family. “His heart was firmly rooted on the Island of Bute where he spent much of his time.”

[SHOPPING] BUY REAL ONE-OFFS

A new marketplace selling unique handmade gifts from dozens of Scottish creatives has now launched. ‘The Isles – Scotland’s Secret Shop’, brings together goods made by weavers, wood turners, carvers, embroiderers, jewellery-makers and more, for people looking to buy gifts from the isles that they can’t get elsewhere.

“Each piece is individually crafted and reflects the characteristics of the Island where it was conceived,” says Josephine Swinhoe, from Edinburgh, who has brought all the makers together. “Scots around the world are immensely proud of their heritage, but they can’t all go to the islands to choose something to capture that emotion. Now they can achieve that through supporting our supremely talented craftsmen and women”.

Swinhoe has brought together makers from The Shetlands, Orkney and Skye, such as Jean Tulloch, from Ronaldsay in The Orkneys, who knits using rare and protected North Ronaldsay wool, and Sarah Kay, who lives at Scalloway in The Shetlands, who works with glass, resin and metal.

To search for gifts, go to theisles.shop

[CONSERVATION] WILDCAT PROJECT TAKES BIG STRIDES FORWARD

A long-term plan to save the Scottish wildcat from extinction has got one step closer to achieving its aim with the first cat being introduced to the Saving Wildcats conservation breeding for release centre at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Highland Wildlife Park. The young female cat, Nell, has arrived from Alladale Wilderness Reserve and it is hoped that any kittens she rears will be among the first cats released into the Scottish Highlands next year. David Barclay, Saving Wildcats ex-situ Conservation Manager, said: “A further 15 cats will be arriving at the centre in the coming weeks, giving us a healthy, genetically diverse population to breed from.”

If you would like to support the Saving Wildcats project, visit savingwildcats.org.uk

[EVENTS] RAISING SPIRITS

One of Scotland’s most ambitious festival organisers has teamed up with one of its most historic castles to launch an event showcasing some of Scotland’s fi nest whisky in a deeply loved location.

Spirit of Perthshire is collaborating with Castle Menzies and The Menzies Charitable Trust in a bid to raise funds for the continual maintenance of the castle.

The castle, which has been the historical seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 500 years, lay in ruin for many years until it was rescued by the Menzies Clan Society in 1957.

This summer, from 27-28 August, guests will be invited to attend the Spirit of Perthshire festival at the castle. On the fi rst evening there will be a dinner and auction for £55 per person, while the following day over 20 distilleries will showcase their whiskies alongside whisky masterclasses and guided castle tours. Transport from the local towns will also be laid on. spiritofperthshire.co.uk

[MUSEUMS] HISTORIC SEAL MATRIX SAVED

A 16th-century seal matrix that once belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots’ halfbrother, James Stewart, has been saved for the nation. The historic item went up for auction in March through Edinburgh auctioneers Lyon & Turnbull and was acquired by National Museums Scotland, which will add it to its collections.

James Stewart was the eldest son of at least nine illegitimate children fathered by King James V. The seal matrix is interesting as it indicates Stewart’s position as Commendator of Melrose and Kelso Abbeys – an honour bestowed on him by his father, the King, which gave him signifi cant status in the Borders region.

Dr Anna Groundwater, Principal Curator, Renaissance and Early Modern History at National Museums Scotland, said of the seal matrix: “It has a direct connection to the Royal Stewart dynasty and moreover shows how King James V was prepared to give status and fi nancial security to his illegitimate o spring.”

[ATTRACTIONS] DR LIVINGSTONE’S HOME

This summer the David Livingstone Birthplace museum in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, will reopen its doors after a three-year £9m regeneration project.

The museum celebrates one of Scotland’s most famous explorers and life-long anti-slavery campaigners, yet until now it has been largely overlooked by visitors.

Organisers hope the restoration project, which includes a brand-new exhibition space in the historic Shuttle Row tenements, where David Livingstone was born and raised, as well as a café, shop, play area and 11 hectares of parkland, will help turn it into one of Scotland’s most popular attractions. One of the key items on display is the red shirt Livingstone is supposed to have been wearing when he met Stanley (“Dr Livingstone, I presume?”). david-livingstone-birthplace.org