Discover Scotland Issue 62

Celebrating 500 plus years of learning in Aberdeen

Roo Irvine and the antique name game

Romance with a view at Loch Lomond

Mystery buyer raises interest in Kildonan gold

Dishing up the food of love

Nessie’s forgotten cousin Morag

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Walking in Glen Coe Photo VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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History

Travel

Celebrating Scotland’s third

Romance by the bonny banks of Loch Lomond

oldest university

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Food & Beverage

History

A taste of Japan with a Scottish twist

Roo Irvine reveals the origins of some antique names

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History

Folklore

Drum Castle, the ancient seat of

Beware a jealous mermaid

Clan Irvine

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Events

Food & Beverage

New highlights for Mountain Festival

A peat-smoked whisky for beginners

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History

History

Remembering the Kildonan Gold

Tales to tell for Year of Stories

Rush

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Travel

Property

Morag, the monstrous omen of Loch Morar

Rise in demand for Scottish properties

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1/192 Cover/Back Photo Blackrock Cottage, Glen Coe with Buachaille Etive Mor in the distance Photo by VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

Walking in Glen Coe Photo VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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Discover Scotland is an independent magazine published

by Discover Scotland Ltd. The monthly digital title provides an international audience of readers with comprehensive coverage of modern day Scotland, its people, achievements, culture, history and customs.

Every issue covers a variety of topics of interest to thousands of people every month, many of them visitors to Scotland or part of the great Scottish diaspora.

The digital edition incorporates audio, video and text in a single platform designed for use on Apple, Android and Windows devices. The magazine is free to subscribe to and download.

For more information on how to get a copy, subscribe or enquire about advertising please contact the relevant departments.

The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any claim made by advertisements in Discover Scotland magazine or on the Discover Scotland website. All information should be checked with the advertisers.

General Enquiries info@discoverscotlandmagazine.com

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The content of the magazine does not necessarily represent the views of the publishers or imply any endorsement. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior agreement in writing from Discover Scotland Ltd.

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History

Celebrating the history of the University of Aberdeen

By Scott AItken

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ore than half a millennia ago King James IV, one of Scotland’s most forward thinking monarchs, requested permission from Pope Alexander VI to form a new seat of learning to educate the people of the North-East.

The result was The Collegium Regime Abredonense, better known as the University and King’s College of Aberdeen, founded in February 1494 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen, and Chancellor of Scotland.

Modelled on the renowned University of Paris the new college was intended principally as a law school but its reputation for excellence grew and it quickly became a place of eduction for doctors, teachers and clergy as well as lawyers and administrators for the Scottish Crown.

James IV, King of Scotland

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Pope Alexander VI Borgia Photo: Vatican Museums

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Bishop William Elphinstone of St Andrews (1431-1514) PD-ART

Within three years of its foundation, in 1497, the college established the first Chair of Medicine in the English-speaking world.

A century after King’s College was formed a second university, Marischal College, was founded in April 1593, giving the city of Aberdeen the same number of universities that existed in the whole of England.

Over the years, decades and centuries there were several attempts to merge the two seats of learning, an endeavour which didn’t materialise fully until 1860.

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The 1858 the Act of Parliament that allowed for the merger stipulated the new united University’ would “rank among the Universities of Scotland as from the date of erection of King’s College and University,” making it officially Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the United Kingdom.

Now the University of Aberdeen is celebrating its 527th birthday with a new book which explores some of the key moments and figures which have shaped the institution’s history.

‘A New History of the University of Aberdeen’, which will be released later this year, takes a fresh look at both the university’s earliest beginnings and some of the students, staff and alumni who have shaped it over the centuries.

Edited by Professor Michael Brown, Chair in Irish, Scottish & Enlightenment, and Dr Brad Bow, Lecturer in Scottish History the book draws on a popular series of podcasts celebrating the university’s influence.

Podcasts Link

Courtyard of Marischal College Photo by AlasdairW CC BY-SA 4.0

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Monument to Bishop Elphinstone, King’s College Aberdeen Photo Stephen C Dickson CC BY-SA 4.0

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The new history aims to place a greater emphasis on the international nature of the university and consider the importance of its cultural history with issues of gender, race and power given a more central role than in previous historical accounts.

“This is retelling the story of how Aberdeen rose from a small medieval foundation to a significant hub of intellectual life in the region, nationally and indeed globally, bringing Aberdeen out to the world and just as significantly, bringing the world to Aberdeen,” said Professor Brown.

In the course of its history the University has experienced external forces from the civil wars of the 1640s, the Treaty of Union in 1707, the disruption of the Church of Scotland in the 19th century and the world wars of the 20th century.

Robert Brown, botanist

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Throughout it has sought to excel in the pursuit of truth and it has a long record of achievement.

“It is a long tradition of academic achievement: the University has contributed to the Reformation, the Enlightenment and has been associated with five Nobel laureates,” said Profession Brown.

Dr Jackson Armstrong, a specialist in the later middle ages, described a more international exploration of the University’s history as being in line with its earliest foundation in 1495 – as King’s College before it merged with Marischal College in 1860 to become what is today the University of Aberdeen.

“Many previous accounts represent King’s College as a new innovation for the NorthEast, connecting a somehow isolated and remote region of the kingdom to the world of learning,” he said.

“But while Aberdeen had no more than a few thousand inhabitants, at the end of the 14th century it was counted in Bruges as among the four principal towns of Scotland.

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King’s College, Aberdeen Photo by Nick Bramhall from Aberdeen, UK CC BY-SA 2.0

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King’s College Chapel Photo by Mussklprozz CC BY-SA 3.0

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“To me, the early history of the university and the context out of which it was created, is about how Bishop Elphinstone’s foundation was as a result of an outward looking, creative and internationally connected Aberdeen. That was a medieval legacy which would continue for centuries to come and which we hope to showcase through this new publication.”

Professor Karin Friedrich, Chair of Early Modern History agreed that the new book highlights the important role the University of Aberdeen has played since the Renaissance, not only for the North-East of Scotland, but for innovation and exchange between Scotland and Europe.

“For example, Duncan Liddel (1561-1613), who spent 13 years at the University of Helmstedt in Germany as a professor of mathematics and medicine, is an example for this lively transfer of ideas,” she said.

“Liddel brought to Aberdeen the teachings of Copernicus and contributed to the ideas of tolerance characteristic of the city’s motto, bon accord.

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Round Tower, King’s College circa 1525 is one of the oldest parts of the University of Aberdeen Photo Bill Harrison CC BY-SA 2.0

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“The international and multidisciplinary nature of his scholarship is reflected in his valuable library that still enriches the university’s collections. It is an ambition of scholarship that the University of Aberdeen is still pursuing today.”

The new book revisits some of the best-known figures from the University, including Hector Boece (1465-1536), a Scottish philosopher and historian, and the first Principal of King’s College.

It also takes a look at philosopher Thomas Reid (1710-96) who was internationally known as the chief representative of the Scottish School of Common Sense.

It also explores previously overlooked characters whose

contributions extended well beyond Aberdeen.

These include abolitionist Reverend James Ramsay, an alumnus of King’s College. Born in 1733 in Fraserburgh, he went on to become an Anglican minister and a ship’s surgeon after completing his studies.

It was at sea that Ramsay first witnessed the realities of colonial slaving, encountering a slave ship on route from Africa to the West Indies on which dysentery had swept away much of the enslaved, crew, and the ship’s surgeon. He then spent 15 years as a preacher and then as a medical attendant to the enslaved population of the island of St. Christopher, today known as St. Kitts

King’s College circa 1661.

Photo: Wellcome Trust CC BY 4.0

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Sir Patrick Manson, founder of the field of tropical medicine, the London School of Tropical Medicine and the University of Hong Kong Photo: Welcome Trust CC BY 4.0

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His abolitionist writing sparked a firestorm of controversy but Ramsay’s biographer, the Nigerian historian Folarin Shyllon, subtitled his 1977 study of Ramsay as “The Unknown Abolitionist” as for many years his contributions to the debate were largely overlooked.

The book also recalls other characters from the University’s past, such as Mary Esslemont (1891-1984), who was the first woman to serve as chairperson of the British Medical Association, and Sir Herbert J.C. Grierson (1866 – 1960) who is credited with transforming the study of English in the UK. Other notable alumni connected wit the university include Sir Patrick Manson (1844-1922,) from the Aberdeenshire farming town of Oldmeldrum, who made important discoveries in parasitology and is considered the father of modern tropical medicine.

Aberdeen born Alexander Bain (1818 – 1903) was a philosopher who founded Mind, the first ever journal of psychology and analytical philosophy.

AlexanderBain, founder of the first ever journal of psychology and analytical philosophy

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Dr. William Thornton, designer of the United States Capitol

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William Thornton (1759 – 1828) received his medical degree from the University in 1784 before going on to design the United States Capitol.

Sir Thomas Sutherland (1834 – 1922) who founded The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

Sir Thomas Sutherland, founder of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation

And, Robert Davidson (1804–1894) the often forgotten inventor who built the world’s first ever electric locomotive in 1837.

Robert Davidson, inventor of the world’s first ever electric locomotive

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Travel

deas for a decent proposal

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pring is almost upon us and romance is once again in the air. To mark the occasion one of Scotland’s most romantic venues, Cameron House Hotel, has unveiled a collection of romantic proposal packages.

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The luxury five-star resort, which already boasts the dreamy setting of the Scottish Highlands and the Lowlands, combined with their new packages, is designed to make popping the question even more special.

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Guests can set sail on Loch Lomond for a private cruise on the Celtic Warrior, where they will soak up the views while popping champagne and enjoying a luxury

picnic hamper. Couples can also choose to dock on Inchcailloch, a remote island, with a surprise picnic for two surrounded by unforgettable landscapes.

Enjoy a private cruise on Loch Lomond aboard the Celtic Warrior

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Head for the hills in a thrill-seeking 4x4 Discovery adventure

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Outdoor lovers can enjoy a romantic stroll along the secluded beaches and breathtaking scenery close to the hotel before reaching their ideal spot where the team will have arranged a luxury hamper full of goodies. Or for the more adventurous, head for the hills in a thrill-seeking 4x4 Discovery adventure to discover a secret spot to ask the question.

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For show-stopping moments guests can secretly hatch a plan to make feathers fly and have a bird of prey deliver an engagement ring on the front lawn at Cameron House. Or settle down in the resort’s new cinema, complete with luxe red velvet seating and Scottish snacks, providing the ideal space for a private screening, whether that is a video proposal or a favourite film.

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Enjoy a private film screening in the resort’s luxury cinema

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Reach for the sky on a seaplane from Loch Lomond

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The hotel has also launched a once-in-a-lifetime package where guests can make their other half’s heart soar with a spectacular, private flight aboard an iconic seaplane, popping the question above Scotland’s scenic lochs, glens and rugged mountain peaks.

Set against the backdrop of Loch Lomond, Cameron House provides a striking setting that can be enhanced with booking a bedroom or suite, dining, the special surprise deliveries of flowers, balloons and a photographer organised by the expert team, to capture the perfect moment.

“Proposals are such an important milestone of any couple’s future to look back on with special memories. From low–key surprises to spectacular moments, we aim to turn dreams into unique and unforgettable experiences to be treasured for a lifetime,” said Nicole Dolan, Wedding & Events Manager at Cameron House.

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“Every proposal at Cameron House can be entirely bespoke but our new ‘Unrivalled Unions’ gives engages-to-be a flavour of what we can create for them.’’

Proposal packages are available from £30, and couples who chose to get engaged with one of the ‘Unrivalled Unions’ packages, also receive a 10 per cent discount off the price of their wedding, should they choose to get married at the resort.

Cameron House also offers complete refined glamour for wedding days. The Loch Lomond Suite, with a capacity of 400 guests, which has a private entrance and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the views to the water.

Alternatively, the recently refurbished Loch Fyne Suite, with a capacity of up to 200 guests, and the Loch Katrine Suite, with a capacity of up to 100, can provide an elegant room for a more intimate affair.

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Cameron House Hotel

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Food & Beverage

Chef in a kilt with… Gordon Howe

he food of love Scottish Wagyu beef, Parmesan carrot and rosti spinach with St Valentine sauce

Glover Story

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or hundreds of years Scotland and Japan have enjoyed many mutually beneficial links and enjoyed a number of successful trade relationships.

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in various business ventures in Nagasaki. He introduced steam trains, helped found the Japanese navy and was a key figure in the industrialisation of Japan.

Indeed, many Scots have travelled to the land of the rising sun over the years, most notably Thomas Blake Glover. Born in Fraserburgh in 1838 the son of a coastguard officer, whose story was told in issue 25. He first visited Japan in 1859 where he became involved

Such was his influence on Japan his former home in Nagasaki has become a a shrine and tourist destination, and it has even been suggested the Scottish businessman influenced Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly.

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Actually, I’m not surprised a Scot should inspire such a romantic story as Scotland is the birthplace of Robert Burns, one of the world’s most romantic poets, and the resting place of Saint Valentine, the patron Saint of love and bees.

Few people know that Franciscan monks brought the remains to St Francis Church Glasgow in 1868 and, after being moved in 1993, they now lie at St Luke’s Church on Ballater Street in the Gorbals.

Inspired by these little historical stories I have created a special Valentine’s Day recipe using Scottish reared Wagyu beef, spinach and carrots.

In Japan spinach is a symbol of secret love. Presents would be wrapped in spinach green paper as an expression of passion.

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Similarly, carrots were once seen as an aphrodisiac and a symbol for fertility. In Scotland women would go to the fields to pick carrots a day before the festival of St. Michael and the Sunday after the festival, known as Carrot Sunday, the women would present the vegetables to their men as a symbol of fertility.

The sweetness of the carrots and the acidic and robust flavour of the dark green spinach when cooked provides a beautiful balance to the richness of Wagyu - a prime meat with an abundance of fat marbling that gives the meat a delicious luxury butter flavour.

To accompany the Wagyu rib eye steak I’ve created a delicious warm sauce using beetroot, honey and Glaswegin - a modern botanical packed gin from an artisan still located in the heart of the city.

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Recipe Prep time 35 mins. Cooking time 35 mins Serves 2.

Ingredients: 2 Wagyu rib eye steaks 225g each 6/8 Rainbow carrots (coarsely grated) 500g baby leaf spinach Sea salt and crushed black pepper A knob of butter 2 Sprigs of fresh Rosemary 2 sprigs of fresh Thyme 4 tbsp coarsely grated Parmesan cheese 4 tbsp clarified butter Micro mixed leaf salad Oyster leaf Micro lemon balm St Valentine Sauce: Ingredients: 100 ml beetroot syrup 3 tbsp Glaswegin (or your own favourite gin) Large cube of Scottish comb honey Squeeze of lime juice

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Method: First, coarsely grate the carrots and combine with the grated Parmesan cheese to form into a disc shape before placing it in the fridge to slightly set for 20 mins.

St Valentine Sauce method: Combine all the ingredients except the lime in a small heavy based pot. Bring up to a medium heat and reduce by half (about 20 minutes). Once reduced add in the generous squeeze of lime juice and keep warm on a low heat.

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Now remove the Wagyu beef from the fridge for 10 mins to get to room temperature while heating a heavy based skillet over a high heat. Add the butter once it starts to smoke and generously season the Wagyu beef with sea salt and pepper.

Add the sprigs of Rosemary and Thyme before placing the Wagyu rib eye in the skillet and leave for two minutes on one side. Turn and cook the other side for a further two minutes and then remove Wagyu and rest for six mins.

While the steaks are resting warm a frying pan on medium heat. Add the clarified butter and place both rosti into the pan. Cook on both sides for three minutes until crisp and lightly golden.

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Once the rosti are in the pan add the spinach to another warm frying pan and gently wilt over a medium heat. Season to taste once ready, between two or three minutes.

To serve: Divide the spinach between the two plates with a mound in the centre. Cut the Wagyu rib eye into medium slices, place the rosti by its side and generously pour over the St Valentine’s sauce. Add fresh crisp micro salad and serve immediately

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History

Antique Hunting with… Roo Irvine

laying the name game O

ur understanding of antiques has evolved over the years, thanks to the popularity of antiques related television shows. Together with the wealth of information available online the knowledge divide between experts and ‘him next door’ has been considerably reduced.

However, I always maintain that the best way to truly learn about items is to physically handle antiques. Being able to tell two glasses that are 400 years apart in age, the difference between hardpaste and soft paste porcelain, Maoilica versus Majolica, and 12th

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century Gothic architecture versus 19th century Gothic Revival comes with experience.

We’ve all visited antique shops where we spot an item and have no idea what it is. A lack of clues or perplexing name can lead us down the wrong path.

‘Cats’, ’dumps’, bubble sextants, muffineers, Coco de mer, netsukes are just some of the names that can be mind-boggling at first, and don’t even get me started on friggers! But, once you find out why something is given a particular name it’s like being let into to a secret.

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Netsuke exhibit at the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum Photo by Daderot CC0 1.0

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As a cat lover I understand that while a ‘cat stand’ doesn’t resemble a feline in the slightest I can appreciate how it got its name - because however it’s placed it always lands on its feet.

Example of a Georgian Cat stand

Designed to support a bowl this clever invention was hugely popular in the Georgian era. No matter which way you placed this six-legged cat only three legs would ever be touching the ground, helping to bring balance on an uneven floor by the hearth.

Carved out of wood, often with bobbin legs, these items are almost sculptural and today would form a beautiful centrepiece in any room.They are a common ‘treen’ item, another fabulous word simply meaning made of wood and ‘of the tree’.

19th century carved walnut treen snuff box Photo by Sobebunny CC BY-SA 3.0

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Epergne circa 1761 Photo by Daderot CC0 1.0

A more traditional centrepiece designed for the dining table is the Epergne (pronounced ‘ihpern’). Made of glass or silver this tree of delights is the ultimate centrepiece, usually comprising of many baskets, bowls and candleholders, to help display flowers and sweetmeats.

Quite simply epergne means ‘saving’ in French and this Victorian favourite ‘saved’ guests the trouble of passing multiple dishes. Highly collectible these items were a must-have for those partial to elegant hosting and fine dining.

Also on the dining tables of yore you may have seen ‘muffineers’today known as sugar sifters.

Muffineers were originally used for sprinkling powdered sugar on muffins but collectible solid silver ones are a world away from the kind we used in Home Economics classes back in school.

Sugar casters circa 1776 Photo by Daderot CC0 1.0

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Quaich Photo by Apie CC BY-SA 3.0

Perhaps the most notable Scottish name, that often divides the crowd in terms of pronunciation, is the quaich.

Quintessentially Scottish a quaich is a traditional bowl or twohandled cup which was often used in marriage ceremonies, hence its nickname ‘the love cup’. The name derives from the Gaelic

word “Cuach” which simply means ‘cup’.

A quaich would be used for the first toast of the newly married couple, both holding one handle each as a sign of trust in one another, as they sipped a shared dram of whisky or brandy to celebrate their union.

Scottish wooden quaich turned from a single piece of Moray oak Photo by Stewart McCarroll CC BY 3.0

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Maple and wood quaich Photo Robin Wood CC BY-SA 3.0

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Glass paperweight circa 1800s Photo CC0 1.0

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Glass rolling pin circa 1775 in the Brooklyn Museum Photo CC0 1.0

Another antique favourite among collectors worthy of a better name is surely the ‘dump’. Popular in the Victorian era, a dump is a very large lump of glass, used as a paperweight. Simple but so tactile! Created from leftover glass that may have been dumped at the end of a glassmaker’s shift they are early examples of recycling at its best.

As for Friggers, the original name was used to describe ‘end of day’ glass nicknacks made by a tradesman in his own time using

discarded leftover glass. Examples can be found the world over ranging from miniature works of art from decorative canes to model animals.

Another oddly named item is the goffering iron. These metal tubes on a stand were heated and used to create the extravagant frilled, crimped cuffs and collars favoured by royalty such as Queen Elizabeth I of England or Mary Queen of Scots. Would we guess that in a pub quiz today? Probably not.

Goffering iron for ironing ruffles circa1845 Photo Auckland Museum CC BY 4.0

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For those wondering what Bubble Sextants were, as mentioned above, they were important pieces of equipment used in aerial navigation for measuring altitude via their bubble design.

As for Coco De Mer, should it ever come up in a game of Trivial Pursuit, this beautiful sounding name doesn’t refer to a luxury cream brand but translates to ‘sea coconut’. Native to the Seychelles it is the largest seed in the world and is known as the ‘love-nut’ due to its shape. Now considered endangered it is rare and very valuable.

Lastly, another fascinating fact for trivia lovers. Did you know the silhouette picture was named after the French finance minister Étienne de Silhouette. His beltsqueezing taxes in 1759 meant most people couldn’t afford to commission paintings of themselves or loved ones. Often an outline profile was all they could afford. Eventually these cost-cutting art works came to be known as silhouettes and their popularity grew around the world - but that’s a whole different article.

Bubble Sextant, World War II Photo by Daderot CC0 1.0

Coco-de-mer Sufi alms bowl circa 1867 Photo by Wmpearl CC0 1.0

Lodoicea maldivica Photo by Yercaud Elango CC BY-SA 4.0

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Silhouettes of infamous people associated with body snatching and grave robbing in the 19th century - William Burke (centre).

Photo Welcome Images CC BY 4.0.

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History

Beating a path to

Drum

By Scott Aitken

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ating back to the late13th century Drum Castle, between the Aberdeenshire communities of Banchory and Peterculter, was once the seat of Clan Irvine.

Designed by renowned medieval architect Richard Cementarius, former Provost of Aberdeen and Master Mason to King Alexander III, it is considered one of the three oldest surviving tower houses in Scotland.

It is believed the central tower was constructed sometime between 1280 and 1300 on land belonging to John ‘Red’ Comyn, a rival of Robert the Bruce. It was built in an ideal location to monitor and guard the ancient byway that crossed the Grampian mountains known as the Elsick Mounth, one of the few easily navigable paths through the hills during the medieval period.

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Drum Castle Photo by VisitScotland / Richard Elliot

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Drum Castle Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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In 1323 the castle and its surrounding land was given by King Robert to William de Irwyn in recognition of his loyalty as the King’s armour bearer and secretary. William had stood with The Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in June of 1314 and went on to marry one of Robert’s granddaughters.

Remarkably the centre of the castle has remained largely unchanged over the centuries, although a Jacobean wing was added in 1619 by the 9th laird and further extensions and alterations were made during the Victorian era.

The castle remained in the possession of the same family for more than 650 years until 1976 when it was gifted by the 24th Laird to the National Trust for Scotland. It is now protected as a Category-A Listed property and is open to the public.

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Over the year numerous historic characters have passed through its ancient walls and the castle has withstood some of the most momentous events in Scottish history.

In 1411 the third Laird of Drum, Sir Alexander Irvine, helped lead the Royalist army at the battle of Harlaw and was killed in a fierce hand-to-hand battle with the Chief of the MacLeans of Duart.

Many members of the Irwin clan died at Harlaw, and many more at Flodden in September 1513, in service of the monarch.

In June 1636 the then laird, Sir Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum, and his wife, Magdalene Scrimgeour, were censured for harbouring the outlaw Gilderoy who was captured sheltering in their lands.

Robber, blackmailer, murderer, cattle rustler and all round outlaw Patrick McGregor is better known as Gilderoy, an anglicised version of his Gaelic nickname Gille Ruadh meaning ‘red-haired lad’.

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Drum by John Preston Neale

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Drum Castle Photo by Ikiwaner CC BY-SA 3.0

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As the leader of a band of marauders he roamed at will through the lands of Aberdeenshire and beyond during the early part of the 17th century, his exploits causing fear and alarm wherever he went.

However, over the years his reputation has been romanticised and his exploits often confused with Rob Roy MacGregor or even Robin Hood.

A spectacular rock formation near Ballater known as The Burn o’Vat is often associated as a hiding place for Rob Roy but in reality was more likely to have been used by his kinsman Gilderoy. There is a cave behind the waterfall in which the outlaw is said to have sheltered while on the run and is known as as Gilderoy’s Cave.

Born o’ Vat Photo Alasdairaph CC BY 3.0

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Whatever the truth Gilderoy was captured and punished. In July 1636 he and several of his men were drawn backwards on a cart from the tolbooth in Edinburgh to the Mercat Cross where they were hanged. Gilderoy was hoisted on a gibbet higher than those of his compatriots and, after being declared dead, his head and right hand were cut from his body to be nailed to the city gates. As a result of him being singled out for extra punishment the phrase “hung higher than Gilderoy’s kite’, meaning to receive a punishment more severe than that usually handed out for a crime, passed into popular culture.

Although the Irwin clan escaped any more serious punishment for their links to Gilderoy the family endured many tragedies of their own.

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Interior of Drum Castle Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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Gilder Roy

Their dedication to the Jacobite crown saw the castle plundered three times during the Covenanting Rebellion and in 1715 the 14th Laird was killed fighting for the Stuart cause at the Battle of Sheriffmuir.

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Some 30 years later the 17th Laird joined Bonnie Prince Charlie and fought at Culloden in 1745. Although he escaped the massacre and evaded capture he was forced to go into several years of exile in France.

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The Drawing Room of Drum Castle Photo VisitScotland/ Kenny Lam

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Drum Castle Library Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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The Dining Room of Drum Castle Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

Today Drum’s private chapel, dining hall and estate are often hired for weddings and corporate functions in addition to the castle being visited by thousands of people each year.

The impressive Victorian library has more than 4,000 books, and the rest of the castle is a treasure trove of beautiful antique furniture and paintings, while outside the Garden of Historic Roses attracts visitors from far and wide.

Interior of Drum Castle Photo by VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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Folklore

Folklore Scotland with… Graeme Johncock

eware a mermaid scorned A

beautiful mermaid was once frequently spotted around the far north of Scotland, close to Dunnet Head in Caithness. She would sit on a rock, combing her long blonde hair but was wary of mankind. If anybody tried to approach her she would quickly slip into the water and disappear.

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One day a young lad was wandering along the shore when he turned a corner and stumbled upon the elusive ocean maid. She was startled, but before she could escape, the boy managed to strike up a conversation. Against all her instincts the mermaid stayed to talk and discovered that he was very charming indeed.

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Dunnet Head Photo by Graeme Johncock

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A Mermaid by John William Waterhouse

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They made an agreement to meet at the same spot every day. They whiled away the hours together and a bond began to form between this unlikely couple. As trust built up between them the Mermaid started bringing gifts to impress her human companion.

She had built up a stash of treasure from the countless shipwrecks on the north coast.

Things seemed so perfect that she started to wonder why she had avoided humans for so long!

Little did she know that her trust was misplaced. The charming young man had become rich from her presents and was attracting plenty of attention. Instead of being besotted with the mermaid, he was handing out her jewellery to the girls on land as tokens of his affection.

Whaligoe Steps Photo by Graeme Johncock

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As the days went on his trips to the shore became more sporadic.

Every visit he made to his mystical lover seemed to be a little shorter than the last. All he seemed interested in was finding out what new gift she had brought for him.

Then, one day, the mermaid saw a girl walking by the shore wearing one of the bracelets that she had gifted the boy. The only man she had ever trusted had betrayed her and she was rightfully furious.

Deciding that death would be too kind she carefully plotted her revenge.

The mermaid waited until her lover next came to visit and began his usual questioning.

However, this time, instead of just producing a gift she offered to show him where all the treasure had come from. The man hesitated for a second but, after the mermaid promised no harm would come to him, he eventually agreed. He hopped into a tiny boat and she led him around the soaring Caithness cliffs to a little hidden cave.

Geo of Sclaites Photo by Graeme Johncock

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Duncansby Stacks Photo by Graeme Johncock

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Geo of Sclaites Arch Photo by Graeme Johncock

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It was a sight to behold. The man marvelled at the vast wealth piled high inside. It was more than he had ever imagined. As he eyed the treasure the mermaid leaned in closely and whispered to her cheating paramour that since he loved gold and jewels so much he could have all of it. Suddenly, she clamped a chain around his legs and disappeared back into the sea.

It’s said that he is still chained there to this day, doomed to listen to the mermaid’s song drifting on the wind for the rest of time.

When the sea is calm he can peer out towards his freedom with the knowledge that he has no hope of escape. Instead he is cursed to spend eternity surrounded by the vast fortune he coveted but will never be able to spend.

Girnigoe Photo by Graeme Johncock

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Events

op award for inspirational athlete at mountain festival

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By Scott Aitken

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nspirational athlete and ambitious adventurer Karen Darke has been named the 15th recipient of the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture.

The Inverness based sportswoman was nominated by the public and her peers as a mountain hero who celebrates achievement, accomplishment and the spirit of adventure.

She now joins a renowned list of previous esteemed winners, including Dave Morris, Andy Nisbet, Jimmy Marshall, Myrtle Simpson, Ian Sykes, and Dr Hamish MacInnes in the Excellence in Mountain Culture Hall of Fame.

Photo by Omega Guiding

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Photo by Omega Guiding

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Karen, whose early achievements included climbing Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn in 1991 before winning the Swiss KIMM Mountain Marathon in 1992, is a role model for millions of people. At the age of 21 following a life-changing accident while sea cliff climbing, she woke for a coma to be told she had been paralysed from the chest down and would never walk, cycle or climb again.

However, her body may have been broken but her spirt was not and the first thing she bought after six months of recovery in a hospital bed was a race chair.

A year later she completed the Great North Run followed by the London Marathon.

In 1996 Karen hand-biked across the Himalaya from Kazakhstan and across to Pakistan, while still adapting to being paralysed; through the Indian Himalaya in 2005 and 2018, and across the Tibetan Plateau in 2014.

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In 2002 she was part of a team that sea kayaked through the Inside Passage from Canada to Alaska (Vancouver to Juneau) in 10 weeks.

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In 2006, she took part in an expedition that crossed Greenland’s ice sheet while sitting on skis using her arms and poles to cover the 372-mile crossing.

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Sixteen years after her accident ended her climbing ambitions, Karen climbed the infamous El Capitan in California’s Yosemite National Park, a four-day climb that required 4,000 pull-ups.

More recently Karen has been cycling the seven continents following rivers and coastlines and exploring Inner Gold as a concept behind a book she is working on.

Karen Darke

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“Receiving the Scottish Award for Excellence in Mountain Culture took me by surprise but is a real honour,” said Karen.

“My soul is rarely peaceful without a mountain in its presence. On becoming paralysed almost 30 years ago it seemed at first that

mountains were a thing of the past. Thanks to the interesting technology of bikes and skis, and to great friends who have been up for some adventures, mountain landscapes have worked their way even deeper into the fabric of my being.”

Karen Darke

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Photo by Omega Guiding

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Karen Darke

Karen will be speaking at the Fort William Mountain Festival at The Highland Cinema, Fort William, on Saturday 19 February.

The festival, which returns this year as a live, multi-venue event running from 16 to 20 February.

It is packed full of presentations from world class outdoor adventurers; adrenaline filled and thought-provoking films and a collection of quality fringe events, including winter mountain skills workshops, philosophy walks and bike and running themed nights.

Photo by Keith Partridge

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Rod Pashley, Chairman of The Highland Mountain Culture Association, organisers of the Fort William Mountain Festival, said: “In 2021 we produced a stunning on-line Festival amid the challenges of Covid-19. Now, we’re back celebrating the wild landscape that surrounds us in Fort William and Lochaber;

the inspiration that fuels the passion and enthusiasm behind the Mountain Festival. The mountains, glens, rivers and coastline influence our culture in many ways, whether it is the beauty of the landscape, our engagement with it or the opportunities we find in it.

Photo by Omega Guiding

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“The Fort William Mountain Festival has something for everyone with a love for the outdoors.

“It is for everyone who appreciates the great outdoors.

With the best winter walking,

climbing and snowsports conditions of the year, visiting Fort William and Lochaber in February, for the Mountain Festival, is the perfect time of year to experience the stunning landscape of the area first-hand.”

To find out more about the Fort William Mountain Festival 2022 go to https://mountainfestival.co.uk.

Photo by Omega Guiding

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Food & Beverage

oes caring have to mean sharing?

By Paul Kelbie

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uck, like the sands of time, tends to run out eventually and it appears mine is fast disappearing when it comes to keeping my treasured stock of whisky to myself.

For most of my parental life I have enjoyed the good fortune of having a wife, two sons and a daughter who don’t, or at least didn’t, like the smell or taste of the water of life.

Over the years each member of my loving family has taken great delight in expressing their opinion that my dram of choice - a full flavoured, peaty Islay malt - smells of disinfectant and, on the very odd occasion they have agreed to try it, declared that it

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tastes like creosote, or at least how they imagine the flavour of the coal tar wood preserver to be.

Selfishly, I admit to being only too happy to encourage their view. If my spouse and three adult children - now aged 22, 24 and 28 - don’t want to share my love of whisky I am not going to dissuade them. I remember only too well when son number one grew up and discovered beer just how fast my limited supplies disappeared from the fridge.

Fortunately, my younger son is tea-total, my daughter only likes the occasional glass of red wine and my wife prefers Cava or Prosecco. Perfect for a selfish whisky lover like myself.

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Photo by Flag Media

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However, in the words of Bob Dylan “the times they are a changin’”. Last Christmas, while trying to solicit gift ideas for my eldest son, I discovered he has suddenly developed a taste for whisky and, horror of horrors, he had a particular interest in trying something a little peaty.

For many years my go to staple has been a Laphroaig 10-yearold. I love an island malt and this classic Islay dram is not so much a drink as a travelogue, history book and medicinal compound all rolled into one. It dances on your tongue like waves breaking on the shore and has an aftertaste that feels as though it’s guaranteed to kill 99.9 per cent of all household germs.

I appreciate Laphroaig is not to everyone’s taste and how or why I like it is much of a mystery even for me. It’s not as though I was brought up with people around me drinking it. My father was more of a Speyside man while my grandad, who lived and worked in Dufftown for many years, would often have a bottle of Balvenie in the cupboard for visitors.

Occasionally my grandmother would suggest they had a night cap and, while she sat and sipped a small sherry, he would get a dram of “fushky”. Being from the North East where ‘wh’ is usually pronounced as an ‘f’ I loved the way my granny, a native Doric speaker, would refer to Scotland’s national drink.

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My first foray into sampling the life-changing taste of Laphroaig happened a ‘lang wye fae ma hame toon’. It wasn’t on top of some heather clad mountain or on the shore of a rocky Hebridean island in the company of a quine called Ailsa or Catrionna. I’d love to say it was. It was actually among the leafy lanes of deepest, darkest Surrey at the behest of a Yorkshire lass called Cheryl.

In the late 1980s we were both working for a news agency and Cheryl, along with some of the others from the office, had rented an old country cottage near Goldalming. It was one of those houses you used to see on the cover of chocolate boxs or in a John Constable painting. It had small rooms, low ceilings and an impressively huge red brick fireplace that dominated the entire outside wall of the lounge.

At the end of a particularly busy summer’s day I went with my colleagues back to their shared home for a beer, or two or three or more. When the beer had run out Cheryl produced a bottle of Laphroaig, a whisky I had never before tasted.

Laphroaig distillery Photo by VisitScotland / John Duncan

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Maltin floor at Laphroaig Distillery Photo by VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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I remember loving the smell almost immediately, but then I also like the scent of petrol and boiling tar. When the first sip passed my lips and I felt it sweep across my tongue and crash against the back of my throat it took my break away.

Even now when I take the first sip of a Laphroaig 10 I am transported, for a fleeting moment, back to that first time. In the same way I associate drinking port with a fun-filled Christmas in New Zealand, and just the smell of Stella Artois lager makes me wince at the memory of a youthful drunken night in Darlington, the smell and taste of Laphroaig conjures up happy memories of those long summer days in Surrey.

As my own memories attest first impressions can be lasting ones and I was therefore keen to find a way of introducing my son to one of my favourite drams - gently. I found the answer with a bottle of Laphraoig Select, on sale at my local supermarket for £20.00.

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Photo by Flag Media

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This relatively new addition to the Islay stable is described by the distiller as a carefully crafted combination of five specially selected expressions from Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximinez seasoned hogsheads, first-fill bourbon quarter casks, a new American oak cask and some Laphroaig 10-years-old.

It has all the spicy flavours and rustic smells of a peat smoked whisky but feels thinner, less full-bodied and lacks the overpowering scent of iodine found in the 10-year-old. It tastes sweeter, is softer on the palate and more subtle on the nose.

Experienced Laphroaig drinkers are likely to find this non-age statement whisky rather tame in comparison to their usual drams but it is certainly a more gentle way to introduce new recruits to the attractions of smoky, peat flavoured malts.

However my son, who is just embarking on his own whisky journey, found the Laphroaig Select poured over a little ice proved to be one of his favourite gifts this Christmas. Job done!

Laphroiag Distillery Photo by VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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Photo by Flag Media

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Tasting Notes Laphroaig Select, 40% ABV

Nose More subdued than its robust sibling there is still a powerful scent of peat, freshly extinguished bonfire, salty seaweed and caramel with a hint of citrus and chocolate.

Palate Sweet, peaty, slightly smoky with a fine oily texture on the tongue. It feels thinner, lighter bodied and more fresh - rather like a Spring day following a heavy rain shower compared to the more earthy autumnal taste of a Laphroaig 10.

Finish A nice, warm and tingling sensation that lingers on the tongue. There’s just a hint of a slight jab to the back the throat rather than a knock out punch of peat you get with the 10-year-old.

A fine and more gentle understated peaty whisky (for a Laphroaig) that provides a good introduction to peat smoked whiskies.

Price around £20 to £30 for a 70cl bottle. Available from various outlets

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History

cotland’s forgotten gold rush

By Scott Aitken

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n antique gold locket with historic links to a little remembered chapter in Scottish history has sold at auction for an amazing £10,000 - more than 12 times its estimated sale price.

A mystery buyer snapped up the Victorian jewellery piece when it went under the hammer at Chorley’s Auction House’s Fine Art and Antiques Auction in Gloucestershire.

The locket, thought to be at least 153 years old, was inscribed ‘Kildonan’ and came with a note which read: “Locket made of gold from the Duke of Sutherland’s

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Mine at Kildonan (near Dunrobin) Sutherlandshire. Given to Louisa Blanche Howard (Mrs Cecil Foljambe) July 1869 by Charlotte Duchess of Norfolk who was daughter of the 1st Duke of Sutherland and Elizabeth Countess of Sutherland’.

Initially experts valued the locket at between £600 to £800 and were amazed when the unnamed buyer put down a bid for £10,000.

It had been put up for auction by the current Earl of Liverpool, a descendant of Louisa Howard, and it turned out to be the biggest surprise of the sale.

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Victorian gold locket inscribed Kildonan Photo Chorley’s Auction House’s Fine Art and Antiques

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Helmsdale Photo Postdlf CC BY-SA 3.0

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Few people today remember the Kildonan gold rush which took place in the wilds of Sutherland between 1868 and 1870.

The Kildonan gold rush started slowly. In 1818 a single nugget of gold large enough to make into a ring was discovered in the River Helmsdale.

Over the following years small amounts of the precious metal were found throughout the Strath of Kildonan but nothing compared to the discoveries being made in California, Australia and other parts of the world.

All that changed in 1868 when local man Robert Nelson Gilchrist

returned home from 17 years prospecting in the gold fields of Australia and, with the permission of the Duke of Sutherland, began panning the burns and tributaries of the River Helmsdale.

His success soon attracted interest after an article in the local newspaper was picked up by other outlets across the country.

Within months hundreds of would be miners and adventurers from as far a field as the USA and Australia descended on the Strath, leading to the formation of two shanty towns known locally in Gaelic as Baile an Or - the Village of the Gold, and Carn na Buth, meaning Hill of the Tents.

Strath of Kildonan Photo by Sylvia Duckworth CC BY-SA 2.0

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The Duke of Sutherland, seeing the chance of making some money, began licensing up to 200 claims on his land at £1 a month and taking a 10 per cent cut of all the gold found.

50 diehards. Due to the upheaval caused by the miners seeking to extend the territory of their claims complaints from tenant farmers on the Sutherland estate began to grow.

Unfortunately the price of gold began to drop and pretty soon many of the opportunist prospectors had given up and when the herring season started many moved on to find quicker and less back-breaking ways to make money.

As interference with the deer stalking activities and fishing increased the Duke realised he was making less from the gold digging than he could from other uses of the land so decided to end it. At the stroke of midnight on the 30th December 1869 all licences for gold prospecting on the Sutherland estate were cancelled and the Kildonan gold rush was finished.

By the end of 1869 the rush was almost over and the number of prospectors were down to about

Kildonan Gold with rings Photo by Geni CC-BY-SA 4.0

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3rd Duke of Sutherland

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History

By Scott Aitken

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ntold tales about some of Scotland’s often overlooked and neglected characters from the past are to be put in the spotlight this year by Historic Environment Scotland.

As part of a programme of activity to celebrate the Year of Stories HES is staging Unforgettable, an exhibition featuring previously unknown stories of 12 people from Scotland’s history.

The exhibition, which opens in April at Blackness Castle, celebrates stories of people from marginalised communities whose lives shaped or were shaped by Scotland and showcases their contribution to Scotland’s history.

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Blackness Castle Photo Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Agnes MacDonald © Leanne McDonagh

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Individuals featured in the exhibition include Walter Sholto, a trans writer who was the illegitimate child of George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton and Agnes McDonald, who was executed in 1714 and was the last Scottish Gypsy/Traveller hanged

under anti-Gypsy legislation in Scotland.

Visitors to the exhibition can also discover the stories of Ethel Moorhead (1869-1955) and Tom Jenkins.

Scotland’s Year of Stories Video

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Ethel was an artist who became one of Scotland’s most vocal suffragettes and earned the symbolic title as the leader of Scotland’s suffragettes; leading hunger strikes for women’s suffrage and famously throwing an egg at Winston Churchill.

Tom was the son of a West African King and slave trader and is thought to have been Scotland’s first black schoolteacher.

Their stories have been told by a variety of voices who have a connection to the story or the community. The exhibition will also feature images from the HES archives and specially commissioned artworks.

Unforgettable is part of a wider programme of activity developed

by HES to celebrate Scotland’s themed year.

Other key highlights include ‘Tales of the Castle’ – HES’ flagship event taking place at Stirling Castle this autumn. It will feature a storytelling trail and will take visitors on a unique journey to unlock iconic tales and hidden truths as they explore the historic site after-hours. ‘Tales of the Castle’ has been funded by EventScotland.

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Stirling Castle Photo by Kenny Lam / VisitScotland

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‘Stirling Castle for Kids’, a definitive, fun and fact-packed children’s guide to one of Scotland’s largest and most important castles, will also be published as part of the themed year and will be available online and in bookstores in March.

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“Stories are vital to our culture, our communities and our understanding of our past, and many of our Properties in Care, including Stirling Castle and Blackness Castle, are linked to these stories, both old and new,” said Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland.

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“Our heritage and the stories which shaped it, are of course more than the bricks and mortar, and through the themed year we want to take the opportunity to highlight Scotland’s unknown stories and provide a voice for the individuals and communities who went before us.

“As a key partner in Scotland’s Year of Stories, we hope to encourage and inspire people to experience and share Scotland’s story as part of this themed year and we look forward to what I am sure will be an engaging, inspiring and immersive programme of activities.”

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Blackness Castle on the River Forth Photo by VictorPaulK CC BY-SA 4.0

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Travel

The onster of orar

By Paul Watson

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essie, the Loch Ness monster, is famous around the world.

Every year thousands of people flock to the legendary waterway in the hope of spotting the creature that allegedly inhabits the murky depths, and has done so for more than 1,000 years.

However, while a sighting of Nessie is exciting it is unlikely to bring anything more negative than a little teasing from friends.

The same, unfortunately, cannot

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be said of her cousin - Morag of Loch Morar.

Loch Morar at almost 12 miles long and two miles wide is the fifth largest loch in Scotland and the deepest freshwater body in the British Isles, at more than 1,017ft. It was carved out of the landscape during the ice of 10,000 years ago and due to its exceptionally clear waters is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

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Loch Morar Photo by Jenni Douglas CC BY 2.0

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Dotted with a number of small forested islands the loch is sandwiched between the village of Morar, between Arsaig and Mallaig, at the Western end and the communities of Bracorina and Bracara on the north side.

Surrounded by natural woodland

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and open hillsides there are much fewer residents along its shores than there used to be. During the Highland Clearances many of the local inhabitants emigrated, between 1790 and 1826, to Canada - particularly Quebec, Glengarry in Ontario and the Strait of Canso in Nova Scotia.

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However, one resident has remained! Along with the numerous Atlantic Salmon, brown trout, Arctic char, sticklebacks and eels living in the loch there is at least one creature of an altogether different kind - one as yet unknown to man.

Described by multiple witnesses in sightings going back more than 135 years, to 1887, Morag is either a mermaid-like character, half human and half fish with long flowing hair; or a 20ft long, hump-backed, sea serpent-like creature similar to Nessie that moves through the waves like a water-logged boat.

Luinga Mhor looking towards Morar Photo by Neil Aitkenhead CC BY-SA 3.0

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Local legend claims that to see the creature is a bad omen as it signifies a coming death or drowning of one of the inhabitants of the area.

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Some of the earliest recorded sightings date back to the late 19th century but there have been quite a few since then, both at night and during daylight, often involving numerous witnesses.

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In 1948 a “peculiar serpentlike creature about 20 ft long” was reported by nine people travelling across the loch by boat.

Some 21 years later, in 1969, fishermen Duncan McDonell and William Simpson accidentally ran in to an unknown creature with their rowing boat and caused the angry beast to attack them.

Loch Morar Photo by Neil Aitkenhead CC BY-SA 3.0

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The men described the animal as like nothing they had ever seen before. It was almost 30ft long, had rough skin, three dorsal humps and a massive head.

Frightened for their lives they fought off the animal by clubbing it with one of the boat’s oars and shooting at the creature with a hunting rifle before it escaped beneath the surface of the loch and disappeared.

As recently as 2013 a couple of holidaymakers reported seeing a 20ft long, submarine-like shape in the water.

They initially thought it was an otter or a whale but after spotting the creature several times over the span of two days became convinced it was something unknown to them or anyone else.

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Overlooking forestry on edge of Loch Morar Photo by VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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Property

By Paul Watson

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emand for property in Scotland has rocketed in recent months with top estate agents reporting a 36 per cent rise in sales, and a 10.1 per cent increase in prices with some exceptional sums being paid for rural properties.

Several areas of the country have witnessed exceptional demand. One property sold for an astonishing 214 per cent above the asking price and another sold for 108 per cent above the guide price.

The average premium paid above the asking price for properties sold in 2021 in Inverness-shire was 17 per cent while in Perthshire it was 16.2 per cent.

“Rural property has been highly prized this year as many people have been attracted to the idea

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of a rural retreat, offering more space, greater privacy and a better lifestyle,” said Simon Brown, partner and head of residential agency for Galbraith.

“A good proportion of properties have attracted offers from multiple bidders, resulting in some houses changing hands for significantly more than the guide price.

“Looking ahead, many of the factors underpinning demand are likely to continue. Although the Bank of England has increased the interest rate mortgages remain relatively affordable.

“The fact that working from home is likely to continue means many people will be able to consider a more rural property, as the commute is less of a factor and therefore this is likely to also sustain demand.”

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Denmoor Photo: Galbraith

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The convenience of virtual viewings and video tours have also had a significant impact with property sales being concluded without the buyer ever having visited the property in person.

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One area of the country that has seen growing demand is Moray with two distinct buyer types boosting viewings by 98 per cent and sales by 38 per cent compared to the previous year. As a result many properties sold for much more than anticipated, with one house peaking at 51 per cent above the asking price.

Birkenbaud Photo: Galbraith

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Rod Christie, partner and head of the estate agency team in Elgin said the figures were testament to the popularity of Moray as a lifestyle destination.

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“We have seen heightened demand for properties of all types and across all price brackets as buyers recognise the multiple benefits of living in an area that offers something for all home owners be it coastal views, rural living or in-town locations,” he said.

Birkenbaud interior view Photo: Galbraith

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“Speyside remains extremely popular as well as properties within a 20-minute drive in and around the towns of Forres and Elgin.

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Currently for sale with Galbraith in Elgin is Birkenbaud View, at offers over £575,000. This impressive five-bedroom detached house is located in a highly desirable position at Wardend, to the south of Elgin. Sitting in an elevated position, it enjoys breath-taking views westwards over the fishery, glider airfield and surrounding countryside.

View from Birkenbaud Photo: Galbraith

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Denmoor log cabin Photo: Galbraith

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Denmoor kitchen Photo: Galbraith

For slightly less, at offers over £490,000, Denmoor is a magnificent family home in an accessible rural position south of Elgin. The property offers spacious accommodation with three reception rooms and six bedrooms. There are also generous garden grounds extending to some 0.78 acres, a superb log cabin complete with a bedroom, sitting room with wood

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burning stove and an adjoining shower room.

For those buyers looking a bit more history with their next home an 18th century B-listed Covenanters’ Manse with an adjoining octagonal former chapel, gardens, paddock and woodland is for sale in Dumfries and Galloway.

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Quarrelwood House garden

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In the 18th century Quarrelwood was a sacred spot for Covenanters, with the adjacent oak tree and grassy knolls providing privacy and safety for the followers of Richard Cameron, a devout ‘thunder preacher’ ministering to the whole of south west Scotland, with services lasting for six hours at a time.

Richard Cameron was killed in a battle with Charles II’s army, but his followers, ‘the Cameronians’, continued to meet at the site.

After many years of open air worshipping, their church was built in 1798. Quarrelwood was then used as a place of worship until around 1825.

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In 1969 the manse and chapel were rebuilt as an impressive family home with three reception rooms and four bedrooms.

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“Quarrelwood is a superb family home with a fascinating history and wonderful original features including the glorious octagonal drawing room, ideal for entertaining,” said Rebecca Reed of Galbraith, who is handling the sale.

Quarrelwood House master bedroom

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“The grounds are a particularly attractive feature of the property and there are lovely open views over the Nith Valley. This is a complete rural property offering a wonderful lifestyle for the purchaser.”

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Quarrelwood House drawing room

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The original manse now offers a dining room, sitting room with stove, and stone staircase to the first floor where there are three double bedrooms, master bedroom with en-suite shower and bath, and a family bathroom.

Quarrelwood House sitting room

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Quarrelwood was extended in 2014 to create a light and spacious open plan dining kitchen, and a large utility room.

The kitchen has an electric Aga and a bespoke kitchen island with Belfast sink and dishwasher, all finished to high standard. There is a separate utility room and a walk in pantry with further kitchen units.

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Quarrelwood House kitchen

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Surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Trossachs Gartloaning is an exceptional country near Gartmore for sale for offers over £825,000.

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Gartloaning

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“This is an absolutely beautiful property offering superb and extensive accommodation, all presented in immaculate condition, with well-maintained gardens and over three acres of land,” said Isla Shaw of selling agents Galbraith.

Gartloaning kitchen

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“The setting of the property couldn’t be better – tucked away in a private position and yet enjoying beautiful views towards Ben Lomond and close to the popular villages of Gartmore and Aberfoyle. The scenery of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park nearby is rightly celebrated and the purchaser will enjoy a wonderful rural lifestyle within easy reach of Stirling and Glasgow.”

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Gartloaning sitting room

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Gartloaning was re-built between 2000 and 2003 after a fire, yet it retains the character and feel of the original farmhouse which was built some 150 years ago.

Gartloaning

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Set out over two floors, the accommodation includes kitchen, sitting room, dining room, utility room, living room, sun room/ family lounge and six bedrooms.

The master bedroom has its own en-suite and there are two further bathrooms and a sauna.

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Gartloaning

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