The Selangor Scotsman
THE
SELANGOR SCOTSMAN The Journal of the Selangor St Andrew’s Society / www.ssas-online.com
CHIEFTAIN Johan Murison
Chieftain’s Chatter – April 2011
chieftain@ssas-online.com
VICE-CHIEFTAIN Ali King Hon Sec & Membership John Thomson secretary@ssas-online.com
Hon Treasurer Hector Ingram COMMITTEE Ilona Russell Yvanka Jeffery Jeff Ross Lorna Mair Bernie Williams Newsletter Patrick Russell newsletter@ssas-online.com
Dance Convenor Richard Thompson Alice Smith School Rep Yvanka Jeffery Page 1 of 15
Well it’s been more than a hectic start to the year with our Annual General Meeting which was held at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) where we had a good turnout of our members considering the SMART Tunnel was closed and the heavy traffic with the usual downpour of rain when you least want it. We had a few changes to the committee this term with sadly Lily Crighton taking a back seat and who has been more than a committed member of the committee since 2007, but the good news is that all the previous committee members including our esteemed Honorary Secretary John Thomson and our Honorary Treasurer re-standing for election with Ali King graciously taking on the role as Vice-Chieftain. We have a few new members to the committee this year with Jeff Ross and Lorna Mair eagerly volunteering to assist in our busy year ahead and we look forward to them joining our enthusiastic team to continue to meet our members high expectations. However we are still a little short on the home front as they say with a couple of committee places still vacant so if you would like to assist us in promoting our national culture and would like to be slightly more involved please don’t hesitate to let any of the committee know “its allot of fun and allot of personal satisfaction”
Under the stewardship of our previous chieftain our membership is stronger than ever with 26, Friends of Scotland, 110 Life Members, 84 Term Members and 53 Overseas Life Members, and if you know of any newcomers to Kuala Lumpur don’t hesitate to introduce them to the society. This year we have a number of events coming up very soon with the society dive trip and the Inter-Society Golf Trophy, which I am sure we are all looking forward to hopefully retaining for another time, and I wish our golfing team the very best of luck and also the other teams participating. Don’t forget we have our Bags of Rock Concert and Scottish Comedy extravaganza fast approaching on the 28th of May so make sure you have got your tickets ready for what I am sure will be a great nights entertainment. We have also pencilled in a “meet the new members pub-night” at J&R Damansara on Saturday 14th May, more details to follow shortly. So hope to see aabody there, so till anither time Johan
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Resident Past Chieftains
Stewart Forbes (87) Tristan Russell (89) Patrick Russell (97, 04) Roger McGowan (05) John Thomson (06) Hector Ingram (07) Paul Henderson (09) Richard Thompson (10)
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Tel: 603 9222 9688 Fax: 603 9222 9788 www.asiantigers-malaysia.com
The Selangor Scotsman The History Behind the Lyrics – An occasional series
SSAS Programme of Events 2011-2012 Date TBD
Event Dive trip
Sat 14 May
New Member’s Night Inter-soc Golf
Sun May 15 Sat May 28
Sat Sep 24 Sat Oct 22
Scots Comedy & Bags of Rock Concert Welcome Back Nicht Great British Ball
Sat Nov 05
Whisky Tasting
Sat Dec 03
St. Andrew’s Day Annual Celebration
Format Weekend trip to E Coast island Contact Johan Informal Social evening Contact Yvanka / Johan Golf tournament / Contact Hector Informal dress code / Buffet dinner with cabaret style entertainment Casual evening of eatin', drinkin' and chattin' Formal dress code / Formal set dinner / Overseas entertainers / Modern dancing to live band. Casual evening of whisky tasting with supper Members and invited guests / Formal dress code and formal set dinner / Traditional St. Andrew’s Day format / Scottish Country Dancing
Venue Redang? J&R D’sara? Bukit Ungul Hilton Hotel, KL Sentral Venue and date TBD Shangri-La Hotel, KL To be decided Hilton Hotel, KL Sentral (provisional booking)
Message from the Dance Convenor We will be running Scottish Country Dancing sessions at the function room on the Ground Floor at 8 Persiaran Hampshire ( Hampshire Park ) every 2nd Monday at 8.00pm - starting on Monday the 4th April 2011.
The 42nd Highland Regiment are better known as the Black Watch. The melody for this Glasgow children's song is derived from the Jacobite song “Wha Wad’na Fecht For Charlie?”. The Broomielaw Quay was the harbour of Glasgow city since the 1600’s. In it 1812 saw the first European commercial steamer service depart in the world famous Henry Bell’s Comet.
(P. Hampshire is on the road behind the Corus Hotel just off Jalan Ampang and opposite the Citibank Building ). There is some canned ice tea from Boh provided and we generally bring nibbles to share. Feel free to bring beer or wine if it suits you. Look forward to seeing you there.
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Hwa Saw the 42nd? http://cityofoaks.home.netcom.com/tunes/WhaSawThe42nd.html Hwa saw the 42nd? Wha saw the 42nd? Etc Hwa saw them gang awa'? Wha saw the 42nd Some o' them had kilts and sporrans, Marching to the Broomielaw? Some o' them had nane at a', Some o' them had braw Glengarries Some of them had tartan troosers, Marchin' doon the Broomielaw. Some of them had nane at a’, Some of them had green umbrellas, Wha saw the 42nd? Etc Marchin' doon the Broomie-Law. Some o’ them were kiltie cauld bum Hwa saw the 42nd? etc Some were greetin for their maw Some were singin Auld Land Syne Some o' them gat chappit tatties, And sailing oot the Broomielaw Some o' them gat nane at a’. Some o' them gat barley bannocks, Wha saw the 42nd? Etc Gaein' to the Waupinschaw
It was the traditional departure point for Clyde & Irish steamer services throughout the early part of the 20th Century, and evidently also for departing troop-ships! A note says: "The location was altered tosuit whichever Town or Place where the ditty was sung.In Glasgow it was Broomielaw, in Perth it was Thimbleraw etc."
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The Selangor Scotsman Remembrance Service at Batu Gajah, Malaysia “Gods Little Acre“ - Saturday the 11th of June 2011 at 7:30am It is not widely known that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) are only responsible for the graves and roll of honour for those that died during the two world wars and the graves of those who died in Palestine, Korea, Malaya, Aden, the Falklands, and no doubt many other places around the world, do not come under their control. It is comforting that these graves are usually looked after by associations, embassies or service units, but sometimes also sad to know due to varying conditions in the country to which they are located it is difficult to get to them and maintain standards befitting the respect deserved of graves.
each year. During 1989 a large cross was erected there by the Perak Planter's Association (PPA) and others to commemorate the Communist Emergency 1949-1960 and in 2001 a 'Roll of Honour' was added to 'God's Little Acre' made of granite stone with the names of all who those were buried there engraved in gold colour. This year the service will be held at 7.30 a.m. on the 11th June 2011 at the Batu Gajah Cemetery where all society members are welcome to attend. Past Chieftain Richard Thompson writes -
One of these locations, where the graves have been looked after since 1980, is now called 'God's Little Acre', which is in the Christian Cemetery in Batu Gajah not far from Ipoh, in the State of Perak, West Malaysia.
“Although a stretch to make it to Batu Gajah for the 7.30 am service, this is a very moving event to attend. The church service is followed by wreath laying in the attractive graveyard with Christian, Hindu and Muslim leaders saying prayers supported by the local Malay police band.
In this cemetery are the graves of the rubber Planters', tin miners, police and members of our armed forces that died in the immediate area during the early stages of the Malayan Emergency. The Malayan Emergency commenced with the killing of manager Mr. E. A. Walker, from Edinburgh, on the Elphill rubber estate near Sungei Siput at approx 8.00 am by the CTs (Communist Terrorists). Up until 1980, the Batu Gajah cemetery had been badly neglected and vandalised and if it had not been for the Officer Commanding Police District (OCPD), Superintendent R. Thambipillay, who took it upon himself to do something about the situation that prevailed at that time, all would have been lost. His efforts, along with the Perak Planters' Association, (PPA) have resulted in the maintenance of the graves since then along with an annual remembrance service Page 3 of 15
After tea and cake, the entourage moves to the Military Barracks in Ipoh and the Ghurkha graveyard, where a totally different service is held. Many Ghurkha families come to Malaysia to remember their family members here, and the close link between the British and the Ghurkhas in the military is on show. Then all proceed to the old fashioned Ipoh club for a slap up lunch and spicy conversation with some of the characters who actually fought for Malaya. It’s a colourful, interesting and moving day and a huge contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Klang Valley. Regards Richard Thompson”
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The Selangor Scotsman Scotland's first census http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/history/first_census_scotland.shtml Images courtesy of the Board of Trinity College, Dublin With no statistics on transport or central heating, the first recorded census in the British Isles was a very different record to the modern version.
Senchus fer n’Alban Dating from the 7th Century, long before the Domesday Book, the Senchus fer nAlban (History of the men of Scotland) is Britain's earliest native census. It is a list of the population of Dál Riata, the Kingdom of the Gaels on the west coast of Scotland. At around only 70 lines of text, the Senchus is considerably shorter than Domesday; much shorter even than a modern census form and certainly shorter on detail. But then, it was created for a much simpler purpose. While the modern census sets out to capture statistics to help target services and allocate budgets, Senchus fer nAlban had the opposite intent. Rather than asking what your country can do for you, it states what subjects should do for their country. This was a record for military and tax purposes.
the Cenél Lairnd based in Lorn and the Cenél nÓengusa who occupied the islands of Islay and Jura. It records the number of houses that make up each group and alongside these states their obligation for military service: For each it sets out that for every 20 houses they are to provide two seven-bench boats for sea expeditions. The power at the centre of the kingdom was the fort at Dunadd, but the real heart of Dál Riata was the sea: It held the scattered island and coastal settlements together; it provided channels for trade with Ireland and mainland Europe and it was the route to new territories. For a kingdom based along the coastline, controlling the seas was vital. It’s easy to see why keeping a dependable record of naval resources was of such importance. While no census goes by without its accuracy being questioned, at least the date each was taken is known. But with no surviving original version of the Senchus, all academics have are later ‘versions’ of the document. It is thought to have been rewritten in the 10th Century. In turn, this later document formed the basis for the 14th Century version (pictured) housed at Trinity College, Dublin.
The document divides Dál Riata into three groups, the Cenél nGabráin of Kintyre, Page 4 of 15 www.ssas-online.com
The Selangor Scotsman Hendrick’s Gin The ed’s eye (and taste bud’s) were recently caught by this unusual “Scots” Gin – voted best in the world by the Wall St Journal..
“Two sons of Eochaid Munremar. Ere and Orchu. Erc, moreover, had twelve sons. six of them took possession of Alba...” The genealogy contained in the document appears a mix of truth and myth. The founding of Dál Riata is linked to Erc and Olchu, sons of Eochaird Munremar. While kings of Dál Riata, and even later rulers of Alba and Scotland were happy to trace their roots back to this line, records of these early rulers are sketchy. While the Senchus only mentions sons of Erc taking possession of Scotland, many have assumed that this possession was taken by force. This idea that Argyll was conquered by invaders from Ireland in the 5th Century has been challenged – archaeological evidence does not support any sudden change in the area at this time, rather a continuity in artefacts and buildings suggests much earlier links between Scotland and Ireland.
Notes: Type: Modern Gin Producer/Owner: Hendrick's Distillery Parent Company: William Grant and Sons Marketing Website: http://www.hendricksgin.co.uk/ Proof: 88.0 Double Gold winner at the San Francisco International Spirits Competition, voted best Gin Wall Street Journal 2003. Hendrick’s is an iconoclastically produced, small batch Gin distilled in Ayrshire Scotland. The unusual distillation process combined with some oddly delicious set of infusions yields a one-of-a-kind gin that is passionately loved by a tiny yet growing handful of individuals all over the world. The still is said to be one of four existing "Carter-Head Stills," which instead of "crudely" boiling the alcohol instead "bathes it in vapors." Then the infusions of Bulgarian Rose and cucumber complete the unusual journey. They openly describe their gin as "Loosely yet brilliantly interpreted." Hendrick's rose in the late 20th century as an experiment from William Grant and Sons to create a lighter gin of less dominant juniper character. While it is recently developed, the medicine-like bottle design and marketing both hearken to the "gin craze" of England in the 19th century. It is recommended drunk with a slice of cucumber rather than citrus or olive.
“Cenél Loairnd has four hundred and thirty houses, two seven-benchers every twenty houses in a sea expedition.” While which parts of the document are historical fact and which are fabrication is in doubt, one aspect of the Senchus is undoubtedly true. It demonstrates Dál Riata was a sophisticated society, with a level of centralised government far in advance of other parts of the British Isles. Page 5 of 15
Liquor Snob was initially amused by the thought of cucumber either in gin or as a garnish but became thoroughly convinced upon tasting it saying, "If you're a gin drinker, someone who typically sticks to a Bombay Sapphire or Tanqueray, we highly recommend seeking out Hendrick's and giving it a try. You'll be glad you did." No other gin tastes like it because no other gin is made like it. "Like all true eccentrics, it makes a strong impression - in this case, one well worth remembering!" -Food and Wine
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The Selangor Scotsman Lee Hoe THYE – Glasgow’s first Malaysian (Malayan?) Student Contributed by Glasgow University Alumni Office The first recorded student from Malaysia (ed’s note – then Malaya) to study at the University of Glasgow was one Mr Lee Hoe THYE. He studied engineering at Glasgow between 1911 and 1912 at the age of 23. He is pictured here with his fellow students. Lee Hoe Thye was from Penang and the son of a mining engineer - this clearly had an influence on his later career choice. After studying at Penang Free School, Thye arrived in Scotland and attended Aberdeen Grammar School. In 1906 he began a fiveyear apprenticeship with William McKinnon & Co in Aberdeen in the boiler, engineer and repair shops. He also attended Gordon’s Technical College in Aberdeen, gaining a bursary in 1910. It was from Aberdeen that Thye came to Glasgow and to the University to study for two years, followed by a further year at the University of Edinburgh. Like many international students at that time, Thye studied at the University but did not officially graduate. At that time this was normal in subjects such as engineering, where practical skills were developed through apprenticeships. In 1914, Thye was engaged as a draughtsman with Messrs. Glenfield & Kennedy, Kilmarnock, and in October of the following year he returned to Malaya where he
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was employed as supervising engineer to Chan Sow Lin & Co, Kuala Lumpur. He was a graduate member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers from 1910 and an Associate Member from 1916. Sadly, Thye died in 1920, aged just 33. Over the next half a century, 30 students from Malaya registered to study at Glasgow, the vast majority in science or engineering – this is a tradition that remains strong today. In the last 5 years, 75% of our Malaysian graduates were in science, medicine and Engineering. Since the formation of Malaysia in 1963 many Malaysian students have graduated from University of Glasgow. In fact, there are over 1,000 alumni currently living in Malaysia.
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The Selangor Scotsman By Alan Wallace Alan Wallace and wife Carol are currently in Kuala Lumpur, following previous assignments in Manila and Lagos. This story actually begins during their assignment in Nigeria, and highlights the challenges of moving the family pet from one location to another. But their story is not your average cat and dog tale. When I rewind my memories back to Lagos in October 2006 to a particular Saturday morning after the night before, I remember that the doorbell woke us… early! Slowly, we realised that last night’s discussion with an ‘animal welfare-type’ neighbour had at some point ended with an agreement to adopt a parrot.
brought about a positive response. Over the following months, he became very attached to Carol, and his confidence increased. Soon, he was out of his cage and moving around freely. He learnt to whistle again, talk a lot, and provide us, and our neighbours with entertainment, even if it was at daybreak on Saturday and Sunday mornings! In July 2007, however, it was time for us to move to a new assignment in the Philippines. Apart from the logistics of moving and saying our goodbyes, we had to make a tough decision about Pepe. With no official documents, avian flu regulations, and the challenges of exporting what is classed as a tropical/ endangered species from Nigeria to the Philippines, it was in Pepe’s best interest to remain in Lagos with our friends. Saying farewell to our parrot was a very low point, as he had become a big part of our family. We settled quickly into life in Manila, but we really missed our parrot. One day, I was flicking through the local newspaper and noticed an advert for an African Grey parrot. Carol and I pledged that if ever we decided to take on another bird, we would ensure we obtained all the necessary documentation to bring the parrot with us on our future assignments (country specific laws permitting). So, enter parrot number two! Named Pepe (in honour of his predecessor), he was much younger at only seven years and definitely much noisier! Carol and I took
There was a very popular Thai restaurant called Bangkok Palace on Victoria Island. What was less well known was that behind the restaurant, outside the kitchen, between garbage bins and Star beer kegs, was a small rusty cage. In this cage sat a once proud and confident 45year old parrot - we were able to trace some of his previous owners, and therefore determine his age (It should be noted that these creatures have a long lifespan, and can live well into their seventies). We don’t know why the people at the restaurant kept him in these conditions, but they were only too happy to give him to us to care for. It took weeks of watching and waiting for our parrot (now named Pepe) to settle down into his new home. Carol decided intensive interaction was required; first with her cell phone ringtones which Page 7 of 15
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The Selangor Scotsman Tagalog (a Philippino language) lessons at home, where we learnt to sing the Philippino National Anthem (badly). After a couple of lessons, Pepe was producing his own version to the great delight of our local neighbours. His repertoire developed further, to include typical James Bond (Sean Connery) dialogue, the theme tune to the popular war movie ‘The Great Escape’, and more. But inevitably, in March 2010, we started proceedings to move to Kuala Lumpur. This time we were determined to bring Pepe with us - however, we did not realise the magnitude of the task. We initially arranged for Pepe to undergo a full health check. Once in the capable hands of ‘Vets in Practice’ manageress, Charity Bareng, and avian vet, Dr Neilsen Donato, Pepe was treated to a pedicure and beak-icure (?), a full check-up and micro chipping. The squawking suggested he was not such a cooperative patient! After our transfer, (with Pepe boarding with friends temporarily) officials from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and our relocation company worked to ensure the required export and import permits would be issued in a timely manner so that Pepe could be exported. Travel documents and a purpose built container were made and the Malaysian Airlines team had booked his seat in ‘Cargo Class’.
him from Customs, and together with the Crown Relocations representative, took him to the quarantine compound for monitoring. Pepe had arrived in good health. Following his epic journey and quarantine period, Pepe was driven to his new home. The whistling of ‘The Great Escape’ tune started coming from the back seat of the car, which confirmed he was in good spirits. Pepe is now fully settled in KL, enjoying his new home, and giving us the fun and enjoyment we have become used to… he regularly joins in with our maid, Marietta, singing karaoke!
With all the requirements identified, a final blood test for avian flu was conducted and fortunately it was negative. Export and CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permits could now be issued.
Despite all the challenges presented to both owner and parrot, it’s certainly been a steep learning curve, which will better prepare us for the next time we are faced with taking Pepe to our next assignment.
September 8th arrived; the day Pepe was due to travel. But a new problem arose. The Malaysian Vet Import permit, which had to be issued in Penang, and faxed to Manila, had not been processed as promised. If there was ever a showstopper then this was it. After a flurry of frantic phone calls between KL, Penang and Manila, the permit was faxed with minutes to spare, and Pepe finally took to the air, en route to Malaysia.
Ed’s note – many thanks for this article contributed bymember Alan Wallace. More of the same welcome!
Later that evening, I flew to Penang to take delivery of Page 8 of 15
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The Selangor Scotsman
HINGING OOT RA WINDAE WI YON BBC – Scots News Snippets http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/default.stm Strathclyde Police boss calls for single Scottish force
could not respond alone to large-scale emergencies and the benefits of merging the forces would be felt across Scottish communities. Police and fire reform - the options
A national Scottish police force would be better equipped to deal with major incidents such as the Derrick Bird shootings, Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Stephen House said.. Mr House made the comments ahead of a conference on the future of policing. The Scottish government has begun a consultation on how to reform the police and fire service. Mr House is due to outline his support for the plan to amalgamate all Scotland's police forces at the Policing Scotland Summit in Edinburgh. Mr House said the current eight forces followed the template of regional government from the 1970s. He said: "I doubt that anyone can argue against the often quoted notion that if we were sitting with a blank sheet of paper deciding how to police Scotland, we wouldn't come up with a model that has eight forces supported by national agencies. "It doesn't make financial sense, nor does it make operational sense." He said smaller individual forces Page 9 of 15
Retain eight forces/services, with enhanced collaboration Regional structure with fewer boards One national service each for the fire and police Single "blue-light service" of police, fire and ambulance ruled out There has been concern that any move to amalgamate the forces could result in a loss of local knowledge, but he said local commanders would make plans for their own area. An argument strongly and emotionally advanced by those who are against a single force is this idea that as soon as it is created you will see a drain on resources from across the country into the central belt." But using such arguments was "scare-mongering".
Nairn stations would allow people to contact police outside those hours. The force said the move would help it make savings in the 2011-12 budget and retain officer numbers above 761. Willie Maclennan, an area commander at Northern Constabulary, said the public would still be able to contact police when the receptions were shut. He said: "Police officers will still be on patrol and working within the community, as usual, 24 hours a day. People can also still speak to an officer at any time by telephoning your local police station. Outwith reception hours, calls will be diverted to the area command headquarters and local officers will be deployed if a response is required." Fire chiefs in call for single-service 'evidence'
Nairn and Aviemore police station reception hours cut Opening hours of receptions at two police stations are to be reduced from 24 hours to 12 from 1 April as part of a force's cost cutting. Sixteen stations across the force area are also to close. Northern Constabulary said telephones on the outside of the Aviemore and
Chief fire officers have criticised the outgoing SNP government for failing to provide proper evidence for a single fire and rescue service for Scotland. The move has come during a consultation which could see the number of fire
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services and police forces cut. The Chief Fire Officers Association has outlined its concerns in a letter to Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing. The Scottish government has said there is a "compelling case" for a national fire service. Currently there are eight fire and rescue services in Scotland. In the letter, the chairman of the Chief Fire Officers Association in Scotland, David Wynne, said the consultation had failed to provide evidence and information that would allow the public and interested parties to make an informed decision on the future of fire services. Mr Wynne, who is the chief fire officer for Highlands and Islands, said the Scottish government needed to explain the compelling arguments for one service. Mr Ewing said no decisions had been taken yet. Scottish Labour are in favour of a single fire service, while the SNP say they see a case for it. Scottish Liberal Democrats are opposed, while Scottish Conservatives say there should be full debate. The consultation on reforming the fire service in Scotland finishes on 5 May.
The Selangor Scotsman Glasgow University disorder
The principal of Glasgow University has met with about 500 students to discuss unprecedented scenes of campus unrest following attempts to end a sit-in. Professor Anton Muscatelli has already announced an inquiry into the disorder which broke out on Tuesday after the Hetherington building was cleared. Dozens of police were deployed after students staged a protest at the forced end to their anti-cuts sit-in. They oppose plans to drop and merge courses in a bid to save ÂŁ20m by 2014. The seven-week sit-in began on 1 February as part of a student campaign against the proposed cuts, which would also lead to job losses among academic and administrative staff. The university said most people involved had agreed to a request to leave so the Hetherington building could be refurbished for academic purposes. But when security staff attempted to evict the remaining protesters on Tuesday, a stand-off developed which saw at least 40 police deployed along with more than a dozen vans and the Strathclyde force helicopter. Page 10 of 15
Students later marched to the university's main administrative building and staged an occupation there. They agreed to leave after management struck a deal to allow them to reoccupy the Hetherington. Student representatives later described the tactics used by police and campus security as "heavy handed". Strathclyde Police denied this, saying any suggestion the response was disproportionate was "frankly ridiculous". Professor Muscatelli said on Tuesday that an inquiry, led by representatives of the university court, senate and student representative council, would be held into the disorder. This is likely to report back before the end of the academic year in June. Friday's meeting in Bute Hall was chaired by the university's rector, Charles Kennedy MP.
restoration of the Morningside campus's seven listed buildings, as well as new homes designed to complement the existing buildings and landscape. The 51-acre site dates back to the 12th Century and used to be an asylum. The university will continue to occupy the campus until 2013. Students and staff based at Craighouse have either already moved to the university's new ÂŁ60m Sighthill campus or will move to the current Merchiston campus in 2012-13. A spokesman for the university said that funds from the sale would be reinvested in the university estate. Kilt makers monitor WTO hearing on EU sealskin ban
Historic university campus sold for redevelopment
Edinburgh's Napier University has sold its Craighouse campus to a group of developers who plan to turn the site over to residential use. The redevelopment plans include the
A hearing on the EU ban on trading seal pelts, a skin traditionally used for sporrans, has been secured by Canada. The EU introduced the ban in 2010 saying it met with its international obligations and also public concerns over animal cruelty. A World Trade Organisation (WTO) dispute settlement body will hear Canada's grievance against the ban. Ian Chisholm, an Inverness kilt maker, said
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his trade would be watching the new development with interest. The WTO panel usually takes between 12 to 18 months to report its findings, according to Reuters who have reported the organisation's decision to hold a hearing. Last year, it was suggested a loophole in the EU trade ban would provide kilt makers with sealskin for making sporrans. The Inuit, indigenous people in the Arctic region of countries such as Canada, had argued the prohibition was detrimental to their traditional way of life. An EU ruling temporarily exempted the Inuit from the effects of the ban. Mr Chisholm told the BBC News Scotland website that the availability of skins for sporrans through the exemption had been too small. He said kilt makers were using sealskins still held in stocks along with alternatives such as rabbit, cattle and ponies. A former chairman of the Scottish Kilt Makers' Association, he said Canada's granting of a hearing would be discussed at a future meeting of the group. He said: "There has effectively been a complete ban on sealskin. "There was an angle through the exemption but the quantities were so small they weren't viable. "A hearing would be very interesting for us and if the skins became available to the UK market that would help our business." Mr Chisholm said sealskin has a quality
The Selangor Scotsman and texture that complimented Highland dress. European MPs voted in favour of a ban on the trade in seal products in May 2009 and the law came into force in August 2010. The move followed a three-year campaign triggered by a public outcry at annual seal culls in Canada and Norway.
The pine marten is also a priority species and fully protected under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. There are estimated to be around 3,500 pine marten in Scotland, mainly in the Highlands. The research points to the predatory marten as a possible culprit in the capercaillie's further decline.
Scotland's capercaillie population 'critically low'
SNH estimated that the birds had become virtually extinct in most parts of the country and were now largely confined to woodland in Strathspey. The organisation estimated that there were only some 2,000 individual capercaillie left in Scotland, although some experts placed the figure as low as 500.
Scotland's capercaillie population has become "critically low", according to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). A study found the rare bird's decline related to changes in weather conditions and increasing numbers of predators such as the pine marten. Perthshire, Argyll and Moray recorded the highest declines in capercaillie population in the past two decades. Capercaillie are now largely confined to just 11 sq miles (28.5 sq km) of woodland in Strathspey. The capercaillie is on the red list of Birds of Conservation Concern.
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Previous studies have linked the fortunes of capercaillie with the deaths of full-grown birds following collisions with deer fences and high numbers of foxes and carrion crows, which can prey on eggs and chicks. The new research has repeated a 1995 survey of predators in key capercaillie forests and investigated how changes in predator evidence and weather might be related to breeding success over the 18 years. Scottish energy firm SSE reveals £8bn investment plan Scottish and Southern Energy plans to invest £8bn over the next five years. The Perth-based power company, which trades north of the border as Scottish Hydro-Electric, has earmarked £3.5bn of
the total for Scotland. A further £1.5bn has not been designated to any area, but much of it is expected to be on renewable energy in Scottish waters and in hydro power. The company claims it will help create 7,000 contractors' jobs in Scotland, on top of the 5,000 staff it already has. Projects approved for capital expenditure by SSE include the large onshore wind farms Clyde and Griffin, and up to 12 other sites. It also plans to upgrade its hydro projects, including pump storage projects near Loch Ness. An estimated £500m is to be spent on the controversial Beauly-Denny power line, in partnership with ScottishPower. This will upgrade the grid connection, bringing renewable power through the central Highlands to the central belt. There are plans for other upgrades to Highland connections, three of them gathering power into Beauly near Inverness, and a new connection between Kintyre and Hunterston in North Ayrshire.
turbines, to help balance the system for peak demand. It is believed to be the largest battery in Europe and equivalent in capacity to two million household AA batteries. Ian Marchant, chief executive of Scottish and Southern Energy, said the company expected to be "a driving force" in Scotland's economic recovery. "This level of investment puts more than just cash into the Scottish economy - it brings thousands of new jobs and, perhaps more importantly, new skills and potentially entirely new industries." Over the past two years, SSE has formed alliances with wind turbine manufacturers Siemens, in a bid to drive down development costs. It is also buying a stake in the Campbeltown plant where towers are made for turbines. It has a stake in Burntisland Fabricators where jackets are fabricated for offshore sites, and it has set up an engineering centre in Glasgow with Japanese engineering giant Mitsubishi.
Shetland projects
Scots Golfers excel
One of the smaller, but more innovative investment projects is to be in Shetland, which is not connected to the UK national grid. Measures to reduce dependency on diesel generation, at a cost of £44m, are off-peak storage and water heating systems in 750 homes. SSE also plans to install a 1MW battery at Lerwick power station, linked to wind
Form the Hon Sec – A good week for Scottish Golf - Martin Laird beat the world's best to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational at the Bay Hill Club, last weekend and to cap it all Paul Lawrie also won the Andalucia Open on the European tour
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The Selangor Scotsman Note from Golf Convenor Hector Ingram – St Andrew’s are defending Champions in the Inter-Society Golf and members interested in participating please keep an eye out for a date & more details OR contact Hector directly at hectoringram@gmail.com
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The Selangor Scotsman
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The Selangor Scotsman Etihad are sponsors of bags of Rock
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The Selangor Scotsman Society Dive Trip The Chieftain is organising a Society Dive Trip at the end of April 2011. Details below. If you are a scuba-diver and interested in participating in this activity, please contact the Chieftain, Johan Murison at:
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johan@murison.com