Issuu

A Scot’s road to immortality Listening for the tears of a mermaid

The pedal pushing papa of sustainable travel Warm memories of a Fife hero

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Angus Glens. Photo by VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

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People

Folkore

Time to build on the legacy of

Graeme Johncock tells a tale of

the revolutionary road engineer

the Devil and his runaway bride

John Loudon McAdam

People

Antiques

Celebrating the birthday of a

Roo Irvine is on the look out for

pioneer of sustainable, economic

the write stuff

travel that changed the world 5

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Adventure

People

Cycling the North Coast 500

James Dewar and his influence on science, take away coffees and picnic lovers

106

Bookmarker

Adventure

The Alloa author championing

Mountains of determination

the return of the short story

leads to a first for women

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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.

General Enquiries info@discoverscotlandmagazine.com

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.

1/120 Cover/Back Photo Blackness Castle. Photo: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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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People

he Scot who changed road building around the world

orget Rome, all roads lead to Scotland - or at least to a Scotsman. John Loudon McAdam is hardly a household name but he should be, because he almost single-handedly changed the way roads were built around the world. The man who made the biggest contribution to highway construction since the Romans was born on 23 September 1756 in Ayr. The youngest of 10 children he was the second son of James McAdam, the Baron of Waterhead and Susanna Cochrane, a niece of the 7th Earl of Dundonald. The McAdam family were originally McGregors but changed their name for political reasons during the reign of James VI.

John Loudon McAdam. Photo by Stephencdickson CC BY-SA 4.0

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Perth and Kinross. Photo by VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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He made his first fortune in the USA, after moving to New York aged 14 in 1770 and working as a merchant for his uncle William. He returned to Scotland in 1783, having chosen the wrong side to support in the Revolutionary War, where he bought an estate near Maybole in Ayrshire.

An astute businessman he got involved with the nearby Kaims Colliery supplying coal to the British Tar Company, the local ironworks at Murikirk and became a trustee of the Ayrshire Turnpike, leading to his interest in road construction.

Cairngorms Photo by VisitScotland / North East 250 / Damian Shields

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McAdam became convinced of the need to create roads above the surrounding ground using a system of layered rocks, crushed stone and gravel. He deliberately built each one as level as possible, with a slight camber to allow rain to run off into ditches on either side rather than let the

water penetrate and damage the foundations. It proved to be the biggest advance in road construction since Roman times and quickly became known as macadamisation.

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Construction of a macadam road in Maryland, 1823. Painting by Carl Rakeman PD

The macadam process was simple, cost-effective and so successful it was copied around the world with most of the main roads in Europe rebuilt to his specifications by the end of the 19th century. The National Road in the USA, competed in 1834, was one of the first McAdam highways built in North America.

Admittedly, there have been numerous advances and changes to the way roads have been built since, especially following the advent of motor vehicles, but the basic principles he introduced are still used today. Indeed, there is little doubt that without his contribution to civil engineering the world might look a little different.

McAdam died on 26 November 1836 in Moffat, Dumfriesshire and is buried in the town’s old cemetery.

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The grave of John Loudon McAdam, Moffat old cemetery, Dumfries and Galloway Photo by Rosser1954 CC BY-SA 3.0

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Although John Loudon McAdam changed the world and his name is enshrined in almost every language there are only a handful of memorials to his life and legacy. There is a statue in Bristol,

England where he lived for a time, a cairn with a plaque in Muirkirk and a memorial engraving on the walls of the parish church in Carsphairn near to where he was brought up.

The 1934 John Loudon MacAdam Memorial, Muirkirk, East Ayrshire Photo by Rosser1954 CC BY-SA 4.0

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“There is a plaque to John Loudon McAdam in Carsphairn Church and the back of the church there is the McAdam mausoleum,” said Rev David Bartholomew, who was parish minister of Carsphairn for many years until he recently retired.

Elliott Simpson / The plaque on the MacAdam Cairn / CC BY-SA 2.0

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John Loudon McAdam is mentioned in an inscription over the entrance to the mausoleum. It says: “Burial place of the McAdams of Waterhead, ancestors of John Loudon McAdam who invented the system of road making now generally

adopted and known by his name. Gilbert McAdam and his son James brother-in-law and nephew of Roger Dun being blessed martyrs were buried here. The former was shot by King’s troops near Kirkmichael village 1685.”

Sweetheart Abbey, south of Dumfries. An example of the views to be enjoyed on the South West Coastal 300 route. Photo VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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Both Gilbert McAdam and Roger Dunn were Covenanter martyrs. Roger Dunn is buried near the entrance gate to Carsphairn churchyard,” said Rev. Bartholomew.

However, considering Scotland benefits from many millions of pounds every year from tourists navigating the country’s numerous driving routes, which in some way or other owe a debt to McAdam, should more be done to celebrate his legacy?

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Scotland has some 34,000 miles of roads (about 55,000km) of which around half are unclassified, meaning they are minor roads, providing a variety of experiences from coastal routes and Highland passes to country lanes and rural byways.

Numerous dedicated routes, from the North Coast 500 around the top of Scotland to the Borders Historic Route taking in the splendour of the lowlands, have become major attractions for visitors touring the country by car, caravan or motorhome.

Driving through Mennock Pass, Dumfries and Galloway on the South West Coastal 300. Photo VisitScotland / Visit South West Scotland / Damian Shields

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In addition to the main tourist routes numerous other local and national road trips have been devised by tourism organisations,

marketing agencies and even private companies keen to make the most of Scotland’s scenery.

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Macklin Motors, is one such company. The national car dealership recently devised a family road trip aimed at Harry Potter fans to promote the beauty of driving Scotland’s scenic routes.

The company identified eight iconic locations used in the filming of the blockbuster movies and combined them in a single trip that takes less than eight hours to drive.

Driving through Glen Etive, Glencoe. Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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The journey starts in Glen Etive,

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before driving just over half an hour to Rannoch Moor, both of which featured in the Deathly Hallows.

The next stop is Steall Falls, the second highest waterfall in Great Britain and a popular beauty spot that made an appearance in the Goblet of Fire.

Lochan-na-h-Achlaise, Rannoch Moor. Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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Glenfinnan Monument at the head of Loch Shiel, Lochaber. A spectacular view on the Road to the Isles. Photo VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins

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Just 40 minutes further and drivers will find the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Scotland - the Glenfinnan Viaduct. Potterheads will certainly

recognise this stunning railway viaduct from the Chamber of Secrets’ unforgettable flying car sequence.

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The penultimate stop on the road trip route is Loch Morar, which doubled as Hogwarts Lake from the Prisoner of Azkaban. Then, a long drive across the Scottish Highlands will reveal the very last

filming location on the map: Black Rock Gorge. This stoic cavern featured in the Goblet of Fire, taking centre stage during the Triwizard Tournament.

A popular stop for drivers to enjoy views of the Jacobite steam train passing over Glenfinnan Viaduct. Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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“Finding the perfect holiday destination for the entire family is always a tricky task. With our Harry Potter road trip, we want to provide the best of both worlds

for kids and parents alike, touring beautiful Highland hotspots with a magical twist. Plus, at just under eight hours in total, drivers can complete this road trip in a day or

Driving the Bealach na Ba - the road to Applecross looking toward Applecross Bay. Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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take their time with it throughout their holiday in Scotland.” Maybe all those who come to Scotland on a driving holiday

should be encouraged to imagine, just for a moment or two, just how different things might have been were it not for the genius of John Loudon McAdam.

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Folkore

Folklore Scotland with… Graeme Johncock

he weeping mermaid of Loch Assynt S

ilently keeping watch over Loch Assynt stand the atmospheric ruins of Ardvreck Castle. This has become a popular stop on the North Coast 500, but most visitors exploring the little peninsula have no idea what’s hiding in the water lapping at their feet. Lurking somewhere down in the icy depths is the Mermaid of Assynt.

Ardvreck Castle was built for the Chief of the MacLeods of Assynt, a man desperate to have a home that he could be proud of. The work had barely even started when it became apparent MacLeod had been over ambitious. He didn’t have nearly enough money to finish the building and was in danger of being left with nowhere to live at all.

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Calda House by Loch Assynt. Photo by Graeme Johncock

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Ardvreck Ruins. Photo by Graeme Johncock

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A dark, mysterious stranger approached the clan chief, declaring himself the best architect in Scotland. He offered not only to build the new Ardvreck Castle but finance it as well. MacLeod couldn’t believe his luck, but he was no fool, there was always a catch. The stranger named his price for the bargain was MacLeod’s immortal soul. The clan chief knew then that he was making a deal with the Devil and suddenly he wasn’t so sure the castle would be worth it. But no matter how hard he negotiated, the cost remained the same, right up until MacLeod’s beautiful daughter Eimhir appeared. The Devil was captivated and immediately changed his request to her hand in marriage. To MacLeod’s eternal shame, he accepted. The Devil got to work and Ardvreck Castle was built in a matter of days. It was time for him to claim his prize, but MacLeod’s conscience had begun to get the better of him. The night before the wedding, he broke the news to his daughter about who she was truly about to marry.

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Ardvreck Stonework. Photo by Graeme Johncock

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Eimhir was crushed at her father’s betrayal. She had been willing to do her family duty, only to find that she had been sold to the Devil. There was no chance of escape down the stairs and the girl knew that her intended groom would easily run her down on the road anyway. Believing she had few other options, Eimhir threw herself from the top tower of Ardvreck Castle, crashing into Loch Assynt below. Nobody believed that she could have survived the fall and the Devil was furious that he had been denied his prize. He threw down fiery boulders all around Assynt, trying to destroy MacLeod’s land in a rage. Those rocks are still found scattered across the landscape today. Eimhir’s body was never found but people started to notice the sound of weeping from near the loch. Something strange was spotted moving in the water and occasionally the flick of a tail. It seemed that the chief’s daughter hadn’t died after all but transformed into a mermaid. She keeps herself safely hidden away from the Devil, deep below the surface. Eimhir’s tears cause the water level of Loch Assynt to regularly rise and fall, as she cries for the life that was stolen from her.

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People

t has been called the world’s finest mode of transport, the greatest invention of all time, the most civilised conveyance on earth and a big part of the future of humanity yet few people know or remember the Scot credited with its creation.

The hobby horse was a two fixedwheeled contraption connected by a wooden frame on which the rider sat astride with his feet on the ground to push himself forward. It was all the rage among wealthy gentlemen of the early 19th century.

Kirkpatrick Macmillan, the son of a blacksmith from Keir in Dumfries and Galloway, was born 210 years ago this month on 2nd September 1812. He is said to have been inspired after seeing a hobby horse being ridden along a road close to where he lived sometime in the late 1830s.

As a humble blacksmith Macmillan knew he could never afford to buy a hobby horse like the ones the gentry used so decided to make his own. Almost as soon as he had completed the task he quickly realised that if he could propel his machine without having to put his feet on the ground it would be a radical improvement.

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Hobby Horse circa 1818 in Coventry Transport Museum Photo oxyman CC BY 2.0

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Drawing of Macmillan circa 1839. PD

It took some time to devise the mechanism but by the end of 1839 Macmillan had invented the world’s first pedal powered bicycle. Unlike today’s design his early model was made of wood with iron-rimmed wheels. The steerable front wheel was slightly smaller than the rear one which was connected to pedals via connecting rods. The prototype must have been very heavy and physically taxing

to use but once he got the hang of it Macmillan became a frequent sight riding around the rough roads of Dumfries. It is reported he could complete the 14-mile journey from Keir to Dumfries in less than an hour. Considering most people walking, or riding on a horse at a relaxed pace, would take at least four hours to make such a journey this was a massive improvement on travel times of the day.

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Macmillan is also said to have completed a 68-mile trip to Glasgow in 1642 which took two days. There is a popular story that on his way to Scotland’s largest city he was involved in an accident when a young girl ran out into his path and suffered minor injuries. A newspaper report of the incident described a ‘gentleman from Dumfries-shire bestride a velocipede of ingenious design’ knocking over a pedestrian in the Gorbals area of Glasgow and being fined five shillings. Another local story says

Macmillan’s niece, Mary Marchbank, had an illicit ride on his machine. This would have been regarded as an unseemly activity for a young lady of the time, possibly even bordering on scandalous, but it means Scotland can possibly claim another trailblazing distinction - the world’s first female cyclist. Macmillan never patented his invention and appeared unconcerned by all the fuss. He much preferred a quiet country life and died in near obscurity on 26 January 1878.

Commemorative inscription on the smithy where MacMillan worked. Photo by George McDermid

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Although pedal power has evolved enormously over the last 210 years, so that today’s bicycles bear only a passing resemblance to Macmillan’s prototype, there is little doubt he helped lead the way.

According to the World Economic Forum there are estimated to be more than 2billion bicycles in the world currently, a figure that is expected to reach over 5billion by 2050 as more people appreciate the environmental, health and economic benefits of cycling.

HArTT Cycle Route is created out of 500km of cycleway. This 16 mile circular route begins at The Helix. Photo VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

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Already the global market for bicycles is projected to grow to $34.6 billion by 2027, and that doesn’t even begin to include the many millions of pounds made from cycle tourism, events and accessories.

Scotland, which has around 2,000 miles of dedicated cycle routes, benefits to the tune of more than £239m a year from bicycle related tourism yet there is relatively little to commemorate the man who helped make it all possible.

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Plaque to Macmillan. Photo by George McDermid

There is a small plaque on the wall of Courthill Smithy, his former home in Keir, and a humble tombstone in the local parish church to mark his final resting place but nothing else.

event involves an 11-mile loop from nearby Drumlanrig Castle which passes by the place Macmillan invented the pedal bike and the graveyard where he is buried.

Until the Covid pandemic the local community used to organise an annual Kirkpatrick Macmillan Cycle Rally. The family friendly

Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled in recent years although plans are being made to bring it back, bigger and better in 2023.

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Macmillan family grave. Photo by George McDermid

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“Scotland is well known for its inventors but Kirkpatrick Macmillan is one of the lesser known ones. There is always a dispute with the French who designed the first circular motion pedal bicycle [1853] but it was Kirkpatrick Macmillan who invented the world’s very first

pedal powered bicycle,” said George McDermid, organiser of the Kirkpatrick Macmillan rally. The first KM Rally coincided with an international veteran cycle rally held at Drumlanrig Castle in 1990 to mark 150 years since Kirkpatrick invented his pedal powered

Exploring Corrie Fee in the Angus Glens by bicycle. Photo VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale

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machine. It was such a success that local volunteers decided to stage a regular event, every two years at first until its popularity became such that it became an annual occasion. It now attracts enthusiasts from around the UK who gather to cycle the local byways followed by a dinner and

dance in the Keir village hall. “We want to keep the memory of Kirkpatrick Macmillan alive and encourage more people to come and explore Scotland in general, and Dumfries in particular, by bicycle,” said George.

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Antiques

Antique Hunting with… Roo Irvine

encil me in… I

n a world bustling with technology and an abundance of devices we have almost forgotten the joy of pen and paper. As a self-professed stationery geek I firmly believe good quality paper and a fine nib are two of life’s simplest pleasures. How I loved the moment when I sharpened my pencil with a scalpel in art college and turned the rounded stub back into a thing of beauty. That first stroke on paper with a newly honed pencil was divinely delicious!

Like many others I am amazed at the change in handwriting over the years. I’ve gone from ‘Best in Class’ to ‘what on earth is that?’ when it comes to my writing. It shows how little we write nowadays, how out of practice we are. Surprisingly, the only pencil I wasn’t fond of was the propelling kind. I write with such gusto that the thin laser of lead was forever snapping off and rolling off the page, much to my frustration! I may change my mind, of course, for a Sampson Mordan propelling pencil - that truly is writing in style!

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Sampson Mordan pencil catalogue from 1898. Photo Charles J Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0

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Mordan was a pioneer in the word of mechanical pencils and became a much-celebrated silversmith of the Georgian era. A young Mordan, born in 1770, worked as an apprentice for the legendary John Bramah, Master of Locks. In 1815 Morden opened his own business and in 1822 co-invented, and patented, the first “metal pencil with an internal mechanism for propelling the graphite”. Between 1820 and 1870 the company owned another 160 patents, all for various mechanical Joseph Bramah PD-ART

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Detail of the specification of the patent granted in December 1822 to Sampson Mordan and John Hawkins, for improvements on pencil-holders.

pencils. The first spring-loaded pencil was created in 1877 with the twist-feed mechanism we know today patented in 1895. These pencils were largely works of art, often made in silver and gold, intricately engraved and designed, as well as being of the finest quality. Perhaps the most collectable Sampson Mordan pencils were actually the novelty designs made in whimsical shapes such as Egyptian mummies, animals, champagne bottles and even pistols. The wise owl

was a popular choice for the company and was represented in pens, bookmarks and even table cardholders, all silver of course. Even Scotland was represented in his pieces with examples of silver and enamel Vesta cases adorned with Scottish pipers, no doubt as a nod to Queen Victoria’s love of Scotland. His whimsical pieces were rich with charm, elegance and style. Although Mordan created the first mechanical pencil in 1822 humans have been ‘writing’ for

over 40,000 years. Early cave art used charcoal and chalk mixed with saliva or animal fats. The Romans used lead to create styluses for scratching letters into tablets covered in a thin later of wax. Medieval times used the metal stylus and in the early 1500’s graphite was discovered near Keswick in the Lake District. Variations of the mechanical pencil have existed since then but it was Mordan’s design that revolutionised the world of pencils. He transformed a simple pen or pencil into a much-

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coveted luxurious item that has paved the way for some of the most beautiful writing tools in the world. There are of course diehard lovers and collectors of the humble pen, whether Parker or Month Blanc, but antique Sampson Mordan pens are highly collectable, and the best examples can fetch thousands of pounds. Unfortunately, the London Blitz

of 1941 destroyed the factory so all pieces in existence are pre1941. Condition is always key but sometimes a name can be good enough that even damaged pieces can still fetch money. Mordan is definitely one of those names. The name will always be in demand so if you have any Mordan pieces at home its not a case of IF they will sell but a case of how much they will sell for.?Obviously pre-1843 is most collectable, before Mordan’s

Victorian silver triple slider pencil by Sampson Mordan, the slider buttons set with black, blue and red enamel bands. The spiral cylindrical case stamped S Mordan & Co. c.1890. Photo Charles J Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0

Sampson Mordan silver hallmark 1906. Photo Charles J Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0

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death, as well as any silver and gold examples. Having said that, I encourage you to use them if you can. Write in luxury as people did 150 years ago, bearing in mind this year is the 200th anniversary of the propelling pencil, as we know it. Perhaps we can bring back the love for writing again. Get back to composing letters to those dearest to you. Enjoy tucking the beautifully written, heartfelt words

into a crisp envelope and let them put a smile on some lucky recipient’s face. Today we are in danger of becoming too technologically advanced that we don’t appreciate what our ancestors created for us. In a complicated world sometimes it’s the simplest joys that mean the most.

Sampson Mordan silver hallmark 1823. Photo Charles J Sharp CC BY-SA 4.0

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Adventure

ycling the stunning NC500

uch has been said and written about the attractions of the now famous North Coast 500 road trip for motorists but few people realise its appeal for cyclists. Now, round the world cyclist Markus Stitz aims to change that with a new short film he has produced to showcase some of the best bits on the NC500 for bikers - of the pedal variety.

The Edinburgh-based filmmaker, in partnership with the North Coast 500, documented a 200mile (320km) gravel bike journey in ‘Where Roads End’. “My first ever bikepacking adventure in 2006 took me through the absolutely stunning North of Scotland, and I vividly remember that journey,” said Markus.

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Photo Markus Stitz

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“Having worked on a couple of different cycling route projects over the last years, and most recently a book about gravel riding in Britain, I was interested

to not only to showcase the stunning landscapes I travelled through, but also to give people an idea that the NC500 is much more than just a driving route.’

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Staying in hostels, B&Bs and hotels along the route in Shieldaig, Ullapool, Invergordon

and Inverness Stitz designed an itinerary that can be ridden in a week or less.

Photo Markus Stitz

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Based on the time constraints that make it difficult for people to cycle the whole NC500 he started his journey in Strathcarron,

taking a train for the first leg, then following the NC500 route up and down the Bealach na Bà, on the third-highest road in Scotland.

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On the second day he set off from the picturesque fishing village of Shieldaig in Wester Ross to combine the NC500 route with

gravel tracks along Upper Loch Torridon, then continued through picturesque Glen Torridon.

Photo Markus Stitz

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From Kinlochewe, on the shores of Loch Maree, he ventured off the NC500 route towards Achnasheen and on to Lochluichart. This section can be done by either bike or train. Markus crossed the Lochluichart

Wind Farm on gravel tracks to meet the A835 at Loch Glascarnoch. His route joined the North Coast 500 again at Corrieshalloch Gorge, continuing on the road and an alternative route on the opposite side of the River Broom to Ullapool.

Photo Markus Stitz

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Where Roads End - A Slow Journey on the North Coast 500

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From Ullapool Stitz continued on a well-known coast-to-coast route to Oykel Bridge, having already ridden this section during his inaugural bikepacking trip in 2006

and also during the Highland Trail 550. He continued on to Culrain, where his route met the railway once again to Ardgay.

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After his last overnight stop near Invergordon he continued on a mixture of roads, paths and

Sustrans National Cycle Route 1 across the Black Isle back to Inverness.

Photo Markus Stitz

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People

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or those who grew up from the 1950s onwards most memories of a family picnic involve a tartan rug, glass lemonade bottles and a vacuum flask filled with milky tea or coffee. Indeed the tartan thermos flask of those halcyon days became so ubiquitous that for generations of picnickers, Sunday drivers and long-distance train or bus passengers it was an essential piece of kit no serious traveller would ever leave home without.

Today, those early flasks have evolved in a range of ways to create an industry projected to grow from almost £4billion pounds in 2021 to around £6billion a year by the end of the decade. However despite the vacuum flask being an every day item we take for granted few people ever think about the origins of these magiclike, cylindrical containers which keep our favourite beverages hot or cold for hours on end.

Enjoy a picnic by the sea at a spot like this one at St Cyrus beach, a National Nature Reserve on the Aberdeenshire coast. Photo VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins copy

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James Dewar in the Royal Institution, London circa 1900

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The very first vacuum flask was invented by Scottish scientist Sir James Dewar in 1892. Born on the 20 September 1842 in Kincardineon-Forth he went on to become a world renowned scientist for his work in the fields of chemistry and physics. It was while researching cryogenics that he came up with the idea of designing a brass chamber enclosed in another to keep the temperature of the contents stable. Unfortunately Dewar didn’t patent his invention and its commercial uses were quickly spotted by two entrepreneurial German glassblowers, Reinhold Burger and Albert Aschenbrenner who realised it could keep drinks warm or cold. They released their first domestic flask, called Thermos, to an eagerly receptive public in 1904. The rest, as they say, is history. Although Thermos remains a registered trademark it has become a household name for almost any kind of vacuuminsulated container for liquids. These days designs based on Dewar’s initial idea are used for storing food and other items, and even as insulated shipping containers.

Dewar’s vacuum flask in the museum of the Royal Institution Photo Vera de Kok CC BY 4.0

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Among alfresco diners, packedlunch enthusiasts and self-catering travellers the vacuum flask is more

popular than ever, yet there is little to commemorate the man who made it all possible.

How about a picnic of Scottish cheeses and local East Lothian bread on The North Berwick Law overlooking the Bass Rock? Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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“Sir James appears to have been a very modest man, despite his considerable achievements,” said

Colin Anderson, a volunteer with the Kincardine-on-Forth Local History Group.

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“The same modesty that prevented him patenting the flask he invented, so others could freely benefit from it, extended to leaving explicit instructions in his will and with his wife

that: “no Bursary, Fellowship, Scholarship, Annual Lecture or any other memorial be founded or connected with his name by public subscription and that no biography of his life should be

Loch Lubnaig, a small freshwater loch near Callander, is just one of many waterside spots ideal for a romantic picnic. Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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published as a separate book”. “It is in respect of his wishes that the number of public acknowledgements of him are equally modest, even in

and around his birthplace of Kincardine whose inhabitants are understandably proud of him.”

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A street sign in the Kings Buildings complex in Edinburgh in memory of James Dewar. Photo Stephencdickson CC BY-SA 4.0

However, Sir James is remembered in a few subtle ways around the town. There is a small plaque on the side of the former Unicorn Hotel that records the building as the location of his birth; a public art installation commissioned as part of a project to demolish three tower blocks that defined the town’s skyline from 1970 to 2013; and a street,

Dewar Avenue, that carries his name. Sir James also forms part of the geocache trail that was added to the town in 2007. The “Go Forth To Kincardine!” geocache takes visitors on a roughly circular guided walk around the town, including a visit to the former Unicorn Hotel.

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Picnic at the Ring of Brodgar Photo VisitScotland / Colin Keldie

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Perhaps the most modest of all memorials to the man is his invention’s role in the humble picnic. Picnics are popular throughout the year in Scotland as locals and tourists flock to numerous scenic spots around the country. Whether it’s a sandwich,

cake and flask of coffee by the seaside or an elaborate hamper of smoked salmon, grouse and a chilled cocktail overlooking a majestic landscape there are thousands of locations from which to choose.

A picnic means always having a choice of ‘restaurant’ views such as this one of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill. Photo VisitScotland / Kenny Lam

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So, this September as the leaves are turning golden and the weather is still fairly mild (usually) spread out the tartan rug, unpack the food hamper, pour yourself

something from the vacuum flask and raise a toast to Sir James Dewar, a modest Scottish hero who deserves never to be forgotten.

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Emerging author made of the write stuff

ost aspiring writers usually struggle to find a publisher - even JK Rowling was turned down 12 times before getting Harry Potter printed - but Alloa author Robert Ferguson has gone one better than most. He has achieved the rare feat of managing to attract the attention of not one but two publishing houses to champion his work. The 66-year-old former airline design consultant is carving out a new career for himself as a story teller. His debut novel, ‘I’ve got Jesus in the back of my taxi’, was released to critical acclaim in 2020 and voted the best coffee house read in Manhattan Village in 2020.

Robert Ferguson

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Illustration for the The Intrepid Steps of John Ruffam. Image by Robert Ferguson

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Now on its second print run with publishers Austin Macauley the book, which received accolades from a number of celebrities including David Hayman, Alex McLeish, Sir David Jason, Lorraine Kelly, and Sir Ian McKellen, continues to gather plaudits on Goodreads and Amazon, where it has a 4.8 star rating out of 5. Since then Robert has been working on a second novel, a thriller, due to be released around September, and two other books are already at the editing stage. A prolific writer Robert has also completed a couple of novellas and a series of 12 short stories, all of which are due to be released later this year as stand alone publications, serialised in periodicals or as part of an anthology of works by up and coming Scottish literary talent. One of Robert’s novellas, ‘The Intrepid Steps of John Ruffam’, is an intriguing 13,000 word tale with a supernatural element. It was chosen from more than 135 submissions, voted on by a team of five editors, and included alongside 24 others selected for publication.

A splendid view of nothing. Image by Robert Ferguson

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Indeed, the paranormal plays quite a large part in many of Robert’s eclectic mix of short stories with titles such as ‘A splendid view of nothing’; ‘The salt soldiers’; ‘Here’s to the insane ones!’; ‘The banquet for Antoine Guivarch’; ‘Correspondence with Raymond Burrell’; ‘Three peaks of Laverado’; and ‘The man that sells mirrors’, Words have always come easy for Robert who used to write the lyrics to songs while playing in a

number of bands in and around Alloa, Clackmannanshire in his younger days. “I started off writing songs when I was younger and that progressed into poetry before I finally found my real love was for writing curious stories with a Scottish connection,” said Robert, who is currently finalising details with a second publisher with the aim of releasing his short stories and novellas in the next few months.

The salt soldiers. Image by Robert Ferguson

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Image by Robert Ferguson

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The banquet for Antoine Guivarch. Image by Robert Ferguson

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“The last few years have passed by in a blur. After my first book was published, and it got so many good reviews from people, I found a new level of confidence that has spurred me on to be even more creative . “Writing has always been a passion for me but I didn’t think that I’d be embarking on a whole new career in my sixties as an author. I guess dreams really can come true!” Details of where all of Roberts books and stories can be purchased will be released shortly.

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emale first is an example to all

By Fiona Russell

group of women have claimed a Scottish mountains first after completing the final summit in a list of 282 of the county’s tallest peaks. The Veteran Women’s Munro Relay team, consisting of 10 members all aged over 40, took just 26 days to complete the continuous, self-propelled journey which started on Beinn Sgritheall, north-west Highlands and finished on Ben More on the Island of Mull.

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The group climbs their final Munro, Ben More, Isle of Mull

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Along the way the women ran, walked, cycled and kayaked to all the Munros, which are

defined as mountains in Scotland with a summit of at least 3000ft (914.4m).

The Fannichs Munros

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In total they journeyed more than 1,750 miles (2800km) by land and on water and climbed 482,300ft

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(147,000m), which is more than 16 times the height of Mount Everest.

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Isle of Skye

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They reached mountains as far afield as Ben Hope in the north of Scotland, Ben Lomond in the southern Highlands, Mount Keen to the east and Sgurr na Banachdich, on the Island of Skye, in the west. The team ticked off famously airy ridges, including the Cuillin on Skye, Aonach Eagach in Glen Coe and Liathach in Torridon. The women also faced weather extremes from one of the hottest days of the year in early June to windchill temperatures of -4C, and many days of torrential rain and low cloud.

Sgurr Dubh Mor

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Hilary Quick taking to the water

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It’s believed the feat has never before been completed by an all-female team and it was done to raise awareness and funds for the charity Free to Run (freetorun. org/), which aims to empower women and girls through sport. “It has been the most amazing journey with support from many

incredible women,” said Fran Loots, of Comrie, Perth & Kinross, who came up with the idea as a way to “celebrate what women can do”. “It has been tough at times with the weather conspiring to throw its worst at us and fatigue for heads and legs creeping in.

Another scenic view

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“The running was actually the easy part while the behind the scenes logistics was the most challenging. “Without our supporters, logistics brains and the team of leaders

sharing the load, we would not have been so successful. “The relay has been a fantastic celebration of women being active as we age.”

A relay team member cooling off

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Discover Scotland Issue 65