Full text of "The Celtic monthly : a magazine for Highlanders"

\i>,i(M.

The Ven. Archdeacon W. M SINCLAIR, D.D.,

St. rant's CVl'Act.'cd/, Lmdim.

THE

Celtic /Ibontblp:

H flDaoasine for *ff3ioblanbcv8.

EDITED BY

V O La. II

GLASGOW: ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR, Celtic Press, 10 Bothwell Strebt,
HENRY WHYTE, JOHN MENZIES .t CO., and WILLIAM LOVE,

EDINBURGH : NORMAN MACLEOD, and JOHN GRANT.

INVERNESS: WILLIAM MACKAY. PORTREE: J. G. MACKAY.

OBAN: THOMAS BOYD, and HUGH MACDONALD.

1894.

COJSiTEJSlTS.

1^-

I'AOE. PAOI.

A Brave Highland Girl, by Mrs. D. Glenfinnan (illustrated), - - - - 17

Maclean, -...-. 208 Glenorchy's Widow : A Legend of Loch Awe

A Highland Candidate for the School Board, 134 (illustrated), by the Editor, - - - 3, 22

A Highland Club, ... - 114,143

A Mackay-Land in London Town, by John Highland Assopiations, Clubs, Etc.

Murdoch, - - . . - - 34 .\irilrie Highland Association, 80, 144, 104,

A .Minor Pout, by K. S. Cameron, - - 227 An Coniunn Gaidhealach, - - 10, 11,

A Shinty .Match in Sutherland (illustrated), Argyllshire Association (London),

by Hobina Findlater, - - - - lti7 Caithness Association (Glasgow), -

A Song of Clanranald, by " Fionn," - • H Cowal Society (Glasgow), • - - 37,

.■\ Talented Caithness Lady, by Hugh Camp- Edinburgh Caledonian Pipers' Club, - 104,

bell, - - • ' - - - - 38 Edinburgh Camanachd Club,

Abstract of Ossian's Covalla, by Lieut. -Col. Gaelic Musical Association, . - - .

Charles Stewart, - - - 97, 129, 181 Gaelic Society of Glasgow, - - - 124,

Answers to Correspondents, - - 92, 173 Gaelic Society of Inverness, 37, 201, 234,

Gaelic Society of London, - - . 122,

" Baileach," 143 Gaelic Society of Perth, - - - . 144,

Bayonets at CuUoden, ----- 104 Glasgow Celtic Society, - . - . .

Glasgow Cowal Shinty Club, 2. 37, 40, CO,
Camanachd Notes, 2, 40, 45, CO, 78, 158, 174 103, 144, 204,

Chips from Cape Wrath, - - - 82, 98 Govan Highland Association, - • - 80,

Clan SotiETif;s : — Islay Association (Glasgow), - . - .

Clan Campbell, ----- 80, 191 Kintyre Association (Glasgow), - - 37,

Clan Chattan, - - - ■ - 124 Lewis and Harris Associalioa (Glasgow),

Clan Colquhoun, ----- CI, 89 London Northern Counties Camanachd Club,

Clan Donnachaidh, - - - - 164, 183 40, 103, 198,

Clan Ferguson, - . . - - 35, i;i7 Mull and lona A.ssociation (Glasgow), - 37,

Clan Grant, ------- 37 New York Celtic Society, - - - CO,

Clan Gregor, C5, 85, 93, 104, 124, 125, Paisley Gaelic Club, - . _ . -

129, 144, 178, 179, 213 Shinty Association,

Chin Mackay, 7, 14, CO, 71, 94, 102, 104, Skye Association (Glasgow), ... -

124, 134, 1.37, 138, 144, 157, 1C4, 194, St. Columba GaeHc Choir (Glasgow),

201, 210, 213, 219 Sutherland Association (Edinburgh), 37, 137,

Clan Mackenzie, ------ 107 Sutherland Association (Glasgow), - - 37,

Clan Mackinnon, 99, 124, 150, 1C4, 174, Uist and Barra Association (Glasgow;, -

179, 182, 180, 221, 244

Clan MacLean, 10, 31, 80, 124, 144, 173, 209 Highland Ancestry of Dr. David Livingstone,
Clan MacLeod, ----- 37, 183 by Rev. A. Maclean Sinclair, - - 121,

Clan MacMillan, 37,81,140,103,109,184,185 Highland Charity Funerals, . - - -

Clan Menzies, ----- 37, 191 " Higiilaiid Honours," - . - . 10,

Highland Places worth visiting (illustrated) 17,

Descendants of Allan Cameron, - - 180, 227 Highland Registry, - - - 154, 174,

Donald MacLeod, the Soldier, by A. B. Highland Wit and Humour (illustrated), by

M'Lennan, - 43 " Fionn," - ■ - Ul, 158, IBO,

Donnachadh odhar nan creach's encounter Highlanders in the Archer Guard of France, by

with the men of Assynt, (illustrated) by .lames Ferguson, .... ]'ji)^

(ieorge Morrison, ----- 2112 lliglilunders to the Front ! - ■ ■ -

Dunaverty and its traditions (illustr.atcd) by History of the Clan Mackenzie,

J. Hamilton Mitchell, - - - 221, 231

Expulsion of the Norsemen from Sutherland Iain Lom (.MacDonell), by W. Drummond

(illustrated), by John Mackay, C.E., J. P., Norie, ---..-.

54, 73

Famous Highland Bards, by W. Dnunmond John Mackay (Hereford) Prize of £10. - 78, 192

Norie, 190, 240

Fres wick Castle, Caithness, • - - 104, 113 Lachlan MacLean, Coll (illustrated), by "Fionn," 109

Lament for Rory Mor MacLeod, 162C (illus-
Gaelic Airs to Lowland Songs (with music), by Iruted), by " Fionn," - . . . 5]

Malcolm MacFarlane, 03, 88, 118, 1.39, Letters to the Editor, ^2, 38, 98, 122, 143,

100, 100, 211 .403,-- J82

183

184

1C9

184

204

137

244

144

104

107

234
144
107
205
137

230
144
159
144
40
164
191
184
14-1
124

104
39
30
27

191

212

220

183

190

CONTENTS.

Paoe.
Litir as a' Cheardaich, le Gobha-nan-diian, - '■^2
Lord Reay and the Cuttie Stool, by Captain W.

Morrison, - ■ - - • • lf!!2

Maclndoe, ------

MacMillan Hunting Tartan, -
MacNicols of Glenorchy, - - -

Muster Roll of the Reay Fencibles,171t5, by D
Murray Rose, - - - - -

214

News of the Month, .'■.7, GO, 80, 81, 104,

124, 144, 1G4, 183, 101
Notes and Querie-s 14, ."(I, 58, 82, 104, 113,

137, 181, 18G, 209, 234, 237
Obituary ; —

Murdo MacLeod, Stornoway, and Murdo Mac-
Leod, Edinburgh, ----- 40
Dr. Rod. MacDonald, Ex-M.P., ■ - - 137

Our Canadian Letter, by Sgian Dubh, • • 239
Prize Competitions, - - - - 10, .59

Reviews, 20, 39, GO, G4, 81, 1G2, 183, 201,

243, 244
"Rob Donn" Macaoidh, (ilhistrated), by W.

Drunimond Norie, . - - - - 240

" Second-Sight" in Scotland, - - - - 39
Sgeul no dh;\ niu Dhonnachadh Ban, by Duncan

Maclsaac, - - . - - - 222
Shields in the Scottish Oaelic Kingdom (illus-
trated) by Lieut.-Col. Charles Stewart, - 12
Shotty Doolt's I ourtship, by Reid Tail, 62, 8G, 108
State of Caithness from 1780 to 17G0, and the

Sheriff, by G. M- Sutherland, - - 33, 57

Stornoway (illustrated), K. J. MacLeod, - - 27

Strength of the Sutherlandshire Clans, - - 3G

Strength of till' Caithness ('lans, - ■ - GO
Strength of the Clans of the Island of Lewis, by

T. D. MacDonald, - - - - 81

Sutherland Bursaries, ----- 37

T. D. MacDonald, London, . - - - 234
Testimonial to Henry Whyte, (Fionn), 94,

114, 134, 154, 1G2
Tongue and its Historic Surroundings (illus-
trated), by John Mackay, C.E., J.P., 05,

115, 130, 1.55, 170
The Chieftainship of the Clan Mackinnon, 182,

186, 221, 244
The Clan Cameron, by .John Cameron, J. P., - 183
The Clan Eraser, - - - - - - 113

The Karldora of Ross (illustrated), by D.

Murray Kose, ----- 75, 100
•' The Karb of Old Caul," by MacRuaghrigh, - 38
The Gilehrists or MacGilchrists, - - -82
The Headless Spectre (illustrated), by the

Editor, 126, 14G

The Highland Brigade at Waterloo (illustrated),

by John Mackay, J. P., - - - 216,228
The Highland Emporium, ■ - - 174, 194
The Influence of Gaelic Music on Lowland Song

(with music), by Malcolm MacFarlane, - 18
The Last MacDonalds of Isla (illustrated), by C.

Fraser-lVIackinlosh, F.S A , Scot., 46, 66,

90, 111, 135, 151, 175, 187, 195, 206, 235
The London " Globe " on the Gaelic Revival, - 30
The MacCrindles, --..-. 14

Page.
The MacLures, . - . - - 104

The Macl'hail Bursaries, - - - - 201

The ]SlacRitchies, etc., • • - - - '^f;
The Morrisons, ----- 82, 113
The Re.ay Fencibles (illustrated), 82, 119, 143, 163

Uriiisg Choire-nan-nuallan, by J. MacEadyen, 56, 77
Urquhart and Glen Moriston, by \Vm. Mackay,

F.S. A., Scot., ----- 64, lii2

" Where Gaelic is spoken," - ... 50

POETRY.
AKiss of the King's Hand, by Sarah Robertson

Matheson, • - - ■ - - 163

Ag amharc air ais, by N. MacLeod, - ■ 168
Aingeal an dochais, by Neil Ross, ■ - -24

Am Fraooh, by John MacFadyen, - - - 15

Buadhan an Uisge-bheatha, by A. MacRae, ■ 32
Ceud fililte do m' Dhntchaich, le Iain Mao-

Ghriogair, - - - - • - 123

Clansmen, dear to one another, by D. MacLean, 44
Curaha do dh' fhear Lonndabhra (translation),

by the late Mrs. Mary Mackellar, - - 50

Do nineag oig, le Liin Caimbeul anns an Leideig, 2

Dunrobin ; A Reminiscence, by John Hogben, 179
King Robert the Bruce in Kintyre (illustrated),

by the Duke of Argyll, K.T., - - - 5
My love's asleep, by Rita Richmond, - - 143
Seann Oran, by \. Maclsaac, - - - . 237
" Second to None," — the Scots Greys (illus-
trated), by Alice C. MacDonell, - - 142
The Celtic awakening, by Neil MacDonald, - 26
The Raid of Loch Carron (illustrated), by A.

MacDonald, ..... 49. 70
The Sea-bird and the Storm, by the late Mrs.

Mary Mackellar, ----- 24

To my Highland Home, by K. W. G., - - 38

PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES.

Allan Cameron of Lundavra (with plate), by the

Editor, 21

Sir Charles A. Cameron (with plate), by John

Cameron, J.P., ------ 225

Duncan Campbell, by Donald Nicolson, ■ 53

Sir James Colquhoun, Bart., (with plate), by

H. Colquhoun-Hamilton, M.A., ■ ■ 61
David Reid Crow, F-R.C. I. (with plate), by

Neil MacMillan, ----- 145
R. Fergusson, Stirling, by R. M. Fergusson.M.A., 35
William Graham of North Erines (with plate),

by the Editor, 20.5

Thomas Greer, J. P., F.R.G.S. (with plate), by

A. G. Murray MacGregor, - - - 221
Daniel William Kemp (with plate), by Donald

MacLeod, M.A., 103

Hugh MacCorquodale, Glasgow, by D. Morrison, 103
Dr. R. C. MacDiarmid, Glasgow, by J. M.

Campbell, 69

Alexander MacDonald, Govan (with plate), by

A. F. Carmichael, 41

D. T. MacDonald, J.P., Calumet, U.S.A., by

"Fionn," 25

Donald MacDonald, New York, by Alexander

Eraser, 159

Dr. K. N. MacDonald, Skye (with plate), by

"Fionn," - 109

CONTENTS.

John MacFadycn, Glasgow, by Archd. Sinclair,
Amelia G. Murray MacGrcgor, Dunkeld, by

Alexander M'Grigor, . . - -

A. Stewart MacKregor, Christiania, by Alex-
ander MacGregor, - - . - .
AthoU MacGregor, Dunkeld (with plate), by

Alexander M'Grigor, . . . -

Surgeoii-Major John MacGregor, M.D., India

(with plate), by Rev. Nigel MacNeill,
Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor, Bart.

(with plate), ......

A. B. MacGregor, LL.D., Glasgow, by the

Editor,

Ali^xander M'Grigor, by Alexander MacGregor,
Alexander Mackellar, Glasgow, by Robert

Murray, .------

Major A. Y. Mackay, Grangemouth, by Rev. S.

M. Riddick,

George Mackay, Perth (with plate), by A. K.

Mackay,

George J. Mackay, J.P., Kendal (with plate), by

the Editor,

Captain James Mackay, F.S.A. (with plate), by

Adam Mackay,

J. Lindsay Mackay, M.A., LL.B.. Glasgow, by

Charles Mackay, . - - - -
Dr. W. Murray Mackay, North Shields, by the

Editor, -------

Alexander Kendall MacKinnon, London (with

plate), ....---
Rev. Donald H. O. D. MacKinnon, M.A.,

F.R.G.S., by Dimoan MacKinnon, -
Lieut. -Colonel Lionel D. MacKinnon, of Doch-

garroch, by D- MacKinnon,
Jessie N. Maclachlan, Glasgow,
Duncan MacLean, Manchester, by Thomas

Smith. .----.-

Paok.
15

178

213

125

129

45
138
201
219
210
7

179

150

99
11

Archibald MacMillan, Glasgow, by Archibald

MaoMillan, 140, 184

John MacMillan, J.P. (with plate), bv Archibald

MacMillan, .--■.-- 185
Neil MacMillan, London, - . - . 169

W. A. Martin, London, by T. D. MacDonald, - 230
George Munro, Bolton (with plate), by John

Munro, ------- 189

T. H. Murray, London, - • - • • 169
Donald N. Nicol, of Ardraarnock (with plate),

by James MacKellar, .... 166
Lord and Lady Reay (with plate), bv John

Mackay, - - - - " - 106, 107

Andrew Key Sandison (with plate), bv Neil

MacMillan, - - - - "■ - 239
George Duncan Shearar, Airdrie, by L. Grant, 238
The Yen. William MacDonald Sinclair, U.D.,

London (with plate), by J. T. C, - - 1
Colonel C. Stewart, " Tigh 'u duin," (wilh plate), 161
W. M. Stoddard, London, by John MacGregor, 19S

OUR MUSICAL COLUMN.

Gaelic Songs with Music and Translations.

Ailean Muideartach, translation by M. MacKarlane, 9

Cagaran Gaolach, translation by M. MacF'arlane, 133

Caite 'n caidil an ribhinn, translation liy " Kionn," 173
Cumha Ruairidh Mhoir, translation by "Fionn," 53

Failte dhuit, slainte dhuit, by John MacFadyen, 149

Maraichc nan tonn, translation by "Fionn," - 243
Marbhrann Chloinn Ruspainn, translation by

Miss Seobie, - 215

Mo Dhachaidh, translation hy Alex. Stewart, • 29
Na Gaidhcal an guaillibh a cheile (Prize Song),

by Malcolm MacKarlane, - - - 192
'S fhe'iular dhomh 'bhi togail orm, translation

bv M. MacFarlane, - ■ ■ - 70

(DEDICATION.)

T.. JOHN MACKAY. C.K.. J.R.
of Hereford,

OnK of TIIK noblest of SUTIIKHI.ANU'S SoNS.

A.S an acknowledgment of hi.s life-long serxicc in tlu' cause of liis fellow
countrymen, hi.s practical .sympathy with e\ery uinvcnient intended to
improve the .social condition of the people of his native county, and \\w
intense love for, and generous support of, the literature of the Gael,
this volume is respectfully dedicated by liis clansman,

TIIK ED IT OK.

im.l I'uliliBluT, Ucliir I'll--, 1" HotlTvvi-ll street, Glaasow.

Ip^

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

k MAGAZINE Foil HIGHLANDERS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 1. Vol. II]

OOTOBER, 1893.

[Price Threepence.

THE VEN. WM. MACDONALD SINCLAIR,
D.D., ARCHDEACON OF LONDON.

.tt^SiF no account of the Colosseum at Rome
'MJi be complete without the (quotation —
1^' " Butchered to make a Roman holiday,"
certainly no account of the subject of our
present' sketch is possible without a reference
to " the lordly line of high St. Clair," which for
ordinary readers has stamped the record of the
Sinclair family on the page of Scottish history.
A distinguished ancestry is not only a proud
possession in itself, but it is also a splendid
spur to individual eftbrt, and surely no public
man has a more inspiring record in this respect
than the Archdeacon of London. According
to the historian of the Clan Sinclair, the family
of lie Saacfo Clara not only "came across with
William the Conqueror, you know," but was
intimately connected, both by blood relation-
ship and by marriage, with the Conqueror
himself. From the fourth Earl of Caithness
the Sinclairs of I'llister are descended, the
the most distinguished and best known of the
name being Sir .John Sinclair, Bart, of Ulljster,
the grandfather of the present Archdeaei m of
London. A himdred years ago Sii- John seems
to have pervaded every dei^artment of public
life with the genius of his original brain and
imtiriug energy. The best known of his many
achievements are the " Statistical Aceomit of
Scotland," a work of colossal proportions and
the highest importance, and the institution of
the Board of Agriculture. Besides these, how-
ever, he raised Highland regiments for the
defence of his country (see our recent numbers
for an account of these from the pen of Arch-
deacon Sinclair), he generously supported the
Highland and Gaelic Societies both of London
and Scotland, defended '• Ossian " Macphersou,
wrote voluminously on all sorts of subjects, and
conducted a corresjiondence with most of the
eminent men in Eiu'ope. His third son,

William, rector of Pulborough and prebend-
ary of Chichester Cathedral, was the father of
oiir Archdeacon. Besides his paternal an-
cestry, the Archdeacon has another dis-
tinguished line through his grandmother, the
Hi in. Diana, daughter of Lord Macdonald of
the Isles.

Inheriting the handsome features, gi-eat
stature and muscular frame of his historic
race, the Archdeacon is every inch a man.
Born in 18.50, at Leeds, he received the
first elements of his education at INIalvern
Wells, and later at the great Public School of
Eeptou, from which he passed to Balhol Col-
lege, Oxford. There he had a distinguished
career, being elected to the high honour of
President of the Union in 1872, a position
occupied by his father before him. Ordained
in 1874, he'was resident chaplain to the Bishop
of London from 1877 to 1880. For the follow-
ing ten years he laboured hard as Vicar of St.
Stephens, Westminster, and did noble work
among the poor in that poor neighbourhood.
In 1889 he was appointed Hon. Chaplain to
the Queen, and later Archdeacon of London
and Canon of St. Paul's. Not two out of every
twenty Enghshmen can tell what are the duties
of an Archdeacon, and therefore it may be
necessary to explain in a Celtic magazine that
an archdeacon is a sort of sul)-bishop, or, as Dr
Sinclair aptly calls it, "a bishojii's ntde-de-cainp,"
having direct oversight of every church and par-
ish in the Diocese. Dr. Sinclair's hfe is one of
incessant and exhausting labom-, and the ever-
varying character of his engagements taxes
even his herculean strength. We have known
him travel 200 miles back to Loudon before
11 A.M., read through his hea%7 correspondence
and dictate replies up to noon, attend a de-
putation to Mr. Gladstone, and make a speech
thereat at 12.30 p.m. ; snatch a hasty dinner at
2 P.M., attend a conference at Westminster
Abbey at 3, and a vestry meeting at 3.30,
address a SundaySchool Union in North London
at 5, preach at Kensington at 8 r.M., and arrive
about 10.30 P.M. at a London Caithness concert
at which he was down to take the chair, re-
turning before midnight to his home^ with a

THE CELTIC MONTHLY,

sermon to .-m-ite before indulging in a mucli-
neeiled sleep. And this sort of thing goes
on day after day, supplemented by two services
daily at St. I'aul's Cathedral, during his month
of residence.

Theologically, Scotsmen wUl be pleased to
leai'n that the Archdeacon is a thorough
evangelical, Eituahsm being as far from him
on the one side as Broad-churchism on the
other. He is indeed the leader of the Evan-
gehcal party in the Church of England, a posi-
tion which has for some time been vacant and
waiting for an able man to till it He edits
The Churc/iiiiiiii , the organ of the Evangelicals,
and is a voluminous author besides.

His sermons are earnest and moving, as
might be inferred from the character of his
published works, and one cannot ]icl]i attribut-
ing his sohd and orthodox Christianity to his
Caithness origin. It is minecessary to remind
Highlanders that whenever a Free Kirk Pro-
fessor goes wrong, his heresy is scented out by
the Caithness folks months before it comes
between the wind and the nobUity of more
southern noses. We have tried the Arch-
deacon's sermons on the strictest of that fast
diminishing race, " the ^Meu," and have re-
ceived their imquaUfied aiiproval, than which
no higher certiticate is possible.

In addition to the high honours he has re-
ceived in the Church, the Archdeacon is Hon.
Chaplain to the (^ueen, the Scottish Corjjora-
tion, the Highland Society of London, and the
Caledonian Asylum, and, lastly, he is the ever
active and enthusiastic President of the Loudon
Caithness Association.

l.oncloTi. J- T. C.

DO NINEAG OiG.

Le Iain Cai.mueul anns an Leideig.

Si mo ghaolsa 'niliaiglidcan uasal

A tha thall '.s an cilean uaine ;

'S nii gu'n siiaiiiliadli caol gun uallach

Ach mi dh' fiiaotainn suas ri 'in ndialtaig.

T-flialt na dliualan sios mu'd gliuaillean
'S ioniadh liuaidh tha fuiiiglit' ri'd n;\dur ;
Oiallach, stuaiiia, rianail, suuircc,
'S fhada uait tha fuath i.s ardan.

Tha thu eutrom, aoidhail, cuantar,
'S brLsg do cheuin air leac nam fuar-lilicann
'S mis' tha trom gach la, 's gaoli nair dlieth,
l>ho'u a chaidh thu tuath bho'n ilite.

'S trie a dli' fhilg e mise luaineach
Thu blii uani, 's a nis air ni' fliagail ; —
'Sraid cha'n fhaigh mi 'm beul na h-oidhoho
Ann an caoinihneas mar bu ghnith leinn.

Bha mi uair is b'e mo niliiann-sa,
Bhi a' seuladh n' iar thar saile ;
A' tarruing rup, 'sa' togail shenl,

No cur gach bijrd an urdaigh ciraidh.

'S e'ui peann a nis a tha ga'm chuiuadli

A h-uile latha a 'del nis truaighe ;

Ri bord an sgriobhaidh tilth te, liiaidhte,

'S cha'n fhaigh mi luaidh, bhi leat mar
b'abhaist.

'S trie mo chridh' lo taing a' bualadh
Do'n cheud fhear chur am post air ghluasad ;
'S ged' tha'n nionag fada uanisa
Ruigidh litir luath mo ghradh sa.

'S ged a bhith's ar cairdean gruamach,
S tlioir iad gu Ijheil posadh luath dhuinn ;
Onn cha chuir e snmairean uair —

Bu truagh n'am li'aois a li'fliearr a thiitliadh.

'S mo chead, a nis, do'n rilihiun chiatacli,
A tha thall 's an eilcan iosal ;
'S fhad 's a' chi mi ghriau '.san iarmailt
Cha tig fiaradh air mo ghradh dhi.

CAMANACHD.

Glasoow Cowal Suixtv Club. — The annual
business mcetin;^ was held in the Waterloo Rooms
— Mr. Jt)lni Mackay, Kingston, president, in the
chair. The secretary's and treasurer's reports were
very favourable, the balance on hand being £8 16s.
The folliiwinn ottice-bearers were then elected : —
Patr.ms, Lnnl .Archibald Cainphell ; Mr. D. H.
MacFaflaiic, M.V. ; CoUincl Malohn ,.f I'nlti.lloch ;
IMcssrs. \V. Siitherland Hunter, Magnus MucLean,
M.A., F.R.S.E. ; J. MacNaught Campbell, Duncan
Whyte, and James Mackellai- ; lion, president,
Alex. Mackellar; president, John Mackay, editor,
Vcliir iluiithlii ; vice-president, Duncan Morrison ;
captain, Archibald Campbell (Dr.) ; vice-captain,
Peter Campbell (No. 2) ; secretary, Hugh Mac-
Cortpiodale, J HO Cornwall Street, Plantation ;
treasurer, Peter Campliell (No. 1) ; conunittee,
Archd. Campbell (Lcckic), Donald MacCnpiodale,
Thomas Scott, Camcmn Henderson, R. Laurie,
D. Tiuner, W. Kiibertsmi, .1. Maclnnis, Duncan
Kubertson, and Donald Maclnnis ; match com-
mittee, D. Morrison, Arch. Campbell (Di'.), Arch.
Campbell (Lcckic), Thomas Scott, and Peter Cami>-
bell ; umpire, Donald MacCorcpiodale. The forth-
coming match with Kinou.ssik was discussed, and
a small conunittee appointed to make arrange-
ments for same. Reports were also given in regard-
ing the fund which is being raised to erect a siut-
able club-house on the ground, the lack of wdiich
has been nuich felt, especially on the occasion of
matches. Should any of our readers intcrcated in
the national pastime feel disposed to contribute
towards this deserving object, the Editor of the
Cflfic Miiiithhi, I" Dundas Street, Kingstcm, Glas-
gow, will i;ladly acknowledge any subscriptitms
sent to him.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY,

GUENORCHY'S WIDOW:
A Legend of Lochawe.

By the Editor.

Bes Crctachan is king of the mountains,

That gird the lonely Loch Awe,
Loch Etive is fed from his fountains

By the stream of the dark-rushing Awe,
Witli his peak so high,
He cleaves the sky,
That smiles on his old grey crown,
While the mantle green.
On his shoulders seen.
In many a fold Hows down.

—Prii/'e-sor Blaci

^M' E R-

:^' i*t poet, who
could speak
wisdom in prose
as well as in
verse, once sar-
castically re-
marked that
nine-tenths of
his countrymen
travelled
through the
world with their
eyes open but
their ears shut.
They were
gifted with the
power of seeing
things, but sel-
dom took the
trouble to un-
derstand them.
A picturesque
object may at-
tract their at-
tention, its
quaint appear-
ance may ex-
tract from them
an expression of
admiration, but

their interest goes no furtlier. Wordsworth has
very neatly portrayed such a character in the
well-known lines :

" A primrose by a river's brim,
A yellow primrose was to him,
And it was nothing iiiurf.

How often in our holiday wanderings have we
met the traveller from the sunny south. He is
sometimes innocent, but nearly always amusing.
He puts on his eye-glass to look at some grand
old ruin, around which cling, as closely as the
ivy itself, many of the most eventful episodes in
our national history. Mr. Smith gazes at the
crumbling towers for some time, then mutters

laconically, " how pretty ! " as if he were giving
his valuable opinion regarding the latest design
in painted tea cups. If this visitor from the
south had been told that within those gloomy
walls a Scottish king had been done to death,
that its stones still show the marks of many a
terrible siege, and that its courtyard had been
the scene of many a bloody conflict, he would,
no doubt, put on his eye-glass and remark, " Aw,
how peculiar ! Is that so 1 What did you say
was the name of the place?" On such occa-
sions a person feels, like one of Dickens's heroes,
inclined to kick something.

For a hundred years and more these interest-
ingvisitorshave
been with us.
They come to
the cold north
with the brave
intention of
"doing" the
Highlands; they
rush through
the country like
an exprethat
while a few possess the gift of giving suitable
expression to their feelings, the greater number
die with the music in their hearts. Mr. Mackay
is undoubtedly
one of those wlio
soon found ex-
pression to his
song, for his tastes
lay in the direc-
tion of music from
his earliest years.
To him it is no
undertaking to
wiite a melody ;
he composes
quickly and
easily. As an
instance of the
rapidity with
which he writes,
I may mention
that he composed
the beautiful air
to which the
" Welcome to
Lord Reay" is
sung, and set it
to four-part har-
mony, in one
evening. Person-
ally, Mr. Mackay
is of the most
kindly and oblig-
ing disposition.
He is ever ready
to render a ser-
vice to a friend,
whether it be to assist at a concert, to compose
a melody to a song, or to conduct an orchestra.
Nothing in the way of music comes amiss to him.
Mr. Mackay belongs to the Reay country branch
of the clan, and it is pleasant to know that the
Mackays still cherish that love for song and
music for which they were so famous in the
days of Rob Bonn and Iain Ball. In this
respect it may be said of Mr. J. L. Mackay that
he acts up to the spirit of the Ossianic injunction
— " Leini yii dtkth ri clili do s/tuiHSi'r " (Follow
closely the fame of your fathers).

Cambuslang. ClIARLES MaCKAY.

THK CELTIC MONTHLY.
OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

A SONG OF CLANRANALD.

IpI^liHE following stirring and popular song —
x3^ 'I'ha tiy/i'nn fodJiam eividli — is one of many
^^? composed in praise of Ailein Deanj, red
Allan, chief of Clam-anald, and the part he
took in the historic rising of 1715. The author
of the song is Jain mac DIdigltaill 'ic Lacltainn,
and it was the proud boast of Boswell, the
biogi-apher of Johnson, that he could sing one
verse of this ancient ditty.

Allan, chief of Clanranald, stands out, not
only in the ijiipassioned lays of the bards, but
in the aunals of the times, as the beau-ideal of a
Highland chief. At an early age he was trans-
forreil from Castle Tirrim, the seat of the clan,
to the island of Uist, and placed imder the
care of his brother in-law, JIacdouald of Beu-
bccula. He was carefully trained, cousidei-ing
the turbident times, and the steady discipline
of his yuiith exercised a powerful influence over
him throughout hfe. He was reputed to be
" gentle, courteous even to the humblest of his
people, and waim hearted, aud tilled with a
high sense of honour which rose superior to any
feehngs of egotism or mere self-uiterest." A
devoted adherent of the Stuarts, he and his
brother-in-law, at the head of five hundi'ed
followers, joined Claverhouse in the Braes of
Lochaber, aud took an active part in the Battle
of KiUiecraukie, 1G8!). Here Claverhouse fell,
and his successor. Colonel Cannon, being quite
unable to retain the clans together, yoimg
Clam-anald and his brother-in-law returned to
Uist. A few years later the Government, by
verj' questionable means, succeeded in bringing
the hostile chiefs into comparative submission,
and garrisons and forts were estabhshed
among the more refractory clans. A strong
pai'ty from Fort-William was put in possession
of Castle Tirrim, whore they remained until a
short time in-cvious to the insurrection of 1715.
So keenly (lid the spirited Clanranald feel the
presence of these sokUers in the family strong-
hold, and despairing of seeing another oppor
tunity to draw his sword in favour of the
legitimate kuig, that he determined to forsake
his native country and seek employment in
France. He was well received at the French
Court, and was given a commission under the
Duke of ]3erwick. Li France he distinguished
liimsclf hi many engagements. After the
brilliant victory of Almanza, Clanranald was
left on the field covt:red with wounds. For-
tmiately, a search party found him and had
hun conveyed to a country house in the vicinity,
where he was carefully nursed. During lus
couvalescence he became ac(piauitcd with the

lady whom he afterwards married — Penelope
MacKcnzie, daughter of Colonel AlacKenzie,
at one time Governor of Tangiers. She accom-
panied Clanranald to LTist, where for some
years they lived in retirement. About this
time, 1715, another insurrection was planned
in favour of the Stuarts, and Ailean Miadeartach
was among the first to be involved in it,
" although his better judgment must have
shown clearly how utterly hopeless and disap-
poiutiug the result was hkely to be." There
can be httle doubt Clauranald had a presenti-
ment of coming disaster, for after crossing
from Uist to Jloidart he gave secret instruc-
tions to one of his followers to set Castle Tirrim
on fire immediately after his departure for the
seat of war. "As might be expected, the fol-
lower was loath to perform the task, and ven-
tured to expostulate with his chief ; but the
latter removed his scruples by representing
that the building was lOiely to fall into the
hands of the Government troops again, who,
upon their second visit, would certainly show
little mercy to the district. ' Besides,' he
gloomily added, 'I shall never come back
again, — c/ia till misegu bmtli tuilleadli, — and it is
better that our old family seat should be given
to the flames than forced to give shelter to
those who are about to triumph over our
ruin.' " The deed was faithfully carried out,
for Clam-anald had scarcely reached Glenfinnan
when Castle Tirrim was in flames, aud became
the sad ruin it at present remains. < 'lanrauald
aud Glengarry mustered nine hundretl Jlac-
donalds between them, and marched under the
Earl of Mar to Sheriflmuir. As is well known,
the action that day was indecisive. This is how
the old song puts it- *

" Tliei'u's some say that wc wan.
Ami some say that they wan.
And some say that nanc wan at a', man ;

But ae thing I'm sure, that at Sherifl'-nmir
A hattle there was that I saw man."

The same song makes reference to Glengarry
aud Clanranald biding in the heat of the en-
gagement, with Druuunt)nd of Logic Almond,
and proceeds —

" Strathmore and ClanraMald cried still, ' Adviinec,
Donald!'
Till both of these heroes did fa', man ;
For there was sic hashing, and broadswords a-elash-

Brave Forfar himsel got a elaw, man. '
Clam-anald's forebodings proved true. He was

* "Soujjs of Scotlaiul prior to Burns," page 62.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

hit on the chest by one of the enemies' bullets,
and was carried awav in a dying condition to
another part of the field. His body was after-
wards carried to Drummond Castle, and there,
amid the lamentations of his devoted clansmen,
was consigned to the dust.

'■ The Macdonalds," says the historian, "did
act the part of men that are resolute and brave
luider the command of their chief, who, for his
good parts and genteel accomplishments, was
looked ujion as the most gallant and generous
young gentleman among the clans — maintain-
ing a sjjleudid equipage, keeping a just defer-
ence to the people of all sorts, void of pride or
ill-humour. He performed the part of one
that knew the part of a complete soldier."

The able writer of that fascinating work,
" lloidart ; or, Among the Clanranalds," to
which I am indebted for much that precedes,
concludes his sketch of this gallant chief as

follows: — "The Macdonalds returned to their
native hUls, utterly disheartened at the calamity
which had overtaken them. The evil news
having jsreceded them, tilled their friends
among the Isles and in the Rough Bounds
{Garbli-chiKicliaii) with the deepest sorrow.
Perhaps the gloom weighed heavier on Moidart
than anywhei-e else, for the blackened, ruined
walls of Castle Tirrim, and the sad circum-
stances under which they became so, impressed
more vividly on the natives the iiTeparable loss
which had come on the whole clan by the
death of their brave and gallant chief. He
left no issue, and with him terminated the
direct Une of the I'lanranald succession."

The song from which the following verses
are taken will be found complete in 't'hr Be mties
(it (iadic Poetrfi and several other collections of
GaeHe song

FlONJs.

AILEAN MUIDEARTACH ALLAN, LAIRD O' MOIDART.

Translation by M.\lcolm MacF.irlane.

Key G. With spirit.

I s, .,1, : d .did . d : d | 1, .,

Seisp.— I Tha tigh'im fodham, | foilham. fodli'm, | Tha

Choru.s. — Come ami merrie, merrie be, Ccime

tigh'nn fodham,
and mcirie,

fndliain, fodli'm ;
merrie be,

d ., m : s .sis .s :s.s|s .,1 : s .n[r : d

Tha tigh'nn fodham, | fodham, fodh'm, | Tha tigh'nn fodham, 1 eir - iilh.
Come and sing a - lang wi' me, Of Allan, Laird o' .Moi - dart.

Rann.-

Versb.-

■ Come, till

d . r

t-slainte
a' yer

d ., :

chiir -

glasses.

I :.S|.Sij 1| ., r

L - mach, I < tl • am

0, And let - ua

: S .S I S .,1

aid
care

• djd ., n : s .sis .s :s.s|

Deoch- 1 slainte Ailein | Mhiiideartaich, Mo | dhiirachd dhuit

But drink this toast, " Guid bless us a' And keep the Laird

r ., d : d.

sunnrlach i,

press us, 0,

r : d

eir - ioh.
Moi - dart."

Is ged a bhiodh tu fada uam,
Gn'n eireadh sunnd 'us aigne orm
'Nuair chluinninn sgeul a b' aite leam
Air gaisgeach nan gniomli euchdaoh.

Thae times when he was far awa'
Across the seas at war, an' a'
His fame for deeds o' daurin', 0,
Was ringing a' thro' Moidart.

Gur sgiobair ri la gaillinn thu
A sheoladh cuan nam marannan,
A bheireadh long gu calachan

Le spiunnadh glac do threun-fhear.

His was the skill o' sailin" ;
\A hen tempests were prevailin" 0,
And waves the bark as,sailin', 0,
He steered us safe tae Moidart.

Tha sgeul beag eil' a dhearbhadh leat,
Gur sea''gair sithne 'n garbhlaich thu,
Le d' chuilbhear caol naeh dearmadach
Air dearg-ghreidh nan oeann eutrom.

He hunted aye sae keenly, (),
And brocht down aj'e sae cleanly, 0,
The stags and hinds sae queenly, 0,
Amang the wilds o' Moidart.

B'e sud an leughann aigeannach —
'Nuair nochdadh tu do bhaidealan,
Lamh dhearg 'us long, 'us bradanun,
'Nuair lasadh meanm 'nad eudann.

When he spread forth his pennon, 0,
Abune his warlike men an' a'.
His foes were dauntit, kennin' a'
The red-hand badge o' Moidart.

THE CELTIC JIONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS '^^' ''" enthusiastic iiresiilent and an onerfcetic com-

tll < nmtniiiiicaiiiint, „n liieyarii tiiitt buatnrts niittee is mainly (lui; tlio chief ciL'flit i)f the success

,nntir,s.'ll.:,<hl I,,- ,„l,lr,-H«r,i ta the Kriii,,,; Mr. .J(}ll\ "f H'*-' iiifctini,'. We ale greatly (lelighteil with the

MICKAY, IT IttiiDliis Strerl, Kiniislon, lllamjou: hearty Intel est which LoKl) AllCHlBAMi CaMI'BELL

^ manifests in the literature and music uf our

^~' nmnntain-land, and his tliiiroughlv Hi^;hhind spirit.

TEliMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.— rUc CELTIC There is no half-heartedness about him. and High-

MOKTHLY tcill be sent, post free, to any part of the landers will like hiin the better for it. We were

United Kinydom, Canada, the United States, and all also glad to see tme Highland Al. P. iiresent— Dr.

. • • .)., »„.(„; rT„:^« /™ ™,. ..™« /. Donald IMacflregor. This reminds us to remark

countriejt tn the rostai Union — for one year, As. , , . , ° 11

that surely the .mkmher fok thk cointv could

,,,,-, , have spared one day from his Caithness shooting to

The Celtic Monthly. countenance the great Oaellc event of the year in

OCTOBER 189S. ^^^ °^^" constituency. For otir part we are glad

„ „ „ ^^ Ji, ^ r^ ^_ ^.^^.^ that an attempt is to be made to hold the M6d

COl^JTEra'TS. next year in Pkuthshike If it i.s not taken up

there enthusiastically no one need again complain

Thk Vkx. wm. MacDu.vald Sinclair, U.D., of London, - - : of its being held in Oban. The otter has been made

1)0 NixKAo Oio, (poem) i and it lies with Perthshire-men to accept or reject

Camasachd, 2 it. The EvenIiNij Co.nckkt was a fitting termina-

GtESOBCiiis Widow,— alrsend ot Ixichawe, --■-:( tion to a successful gathering. Miss Jessie N.

Kixo Robert tiikHkice IS KiNTVHK, (jioem), . . . :, MacLachlan was in splendid voice, and was accorded

.1. L1SD8AT MAtkAv, M.A., l.l..!i., (with poitmit) ... 7 a hearty receiition. The v.ther soloists acquitted

oi R MrsicAi. Page, 8 themselves well, Miss Lizzie Mackay's rendering

To 0.R Readers, 1" of the beautiful laments being worthy oi special

.\NCoMr.NN-GAi,mEALACi.,theM6<iorGathcrins.atOtan, . n commendation. The combined .hoiks sang with

SHIELDS IS THE ScoTT,»I.GaKUCK,NOD0.MI.V THE SECOND AND ^ 4^,^,^, .,„a ^„J .^.^ .^j e.Xample of

Third CENTrRiKS, 1-2 ii i -i i- r t^ \- i i

,. „ , ..J . . , the caiiabilities of our Gaelic song when properly

John MacFadtes, (with portrait), !.'> j- i i mi u <■» ii ,.

, '^ ' ' directed. The SupPEK after the concert was an

prizB'coMrETmo™ - - Jr enjoyable function, and Lord Archibald Campbell's

H.oJiLAND PLACES WORTH v,siTiNo-No. 2.-GLENK.SNAN, . 17 decUration tliat he had had "iminy scriiiiuiages with

The INFLIE.NCE OK GAELIC Mfsic ox LOWLAND Soxo, . . IS the W ar Otlice regarding tlic Highland Regiuients,

Reviews, -jn '^"^ that he was prepared at any moment to renew

" the contest should occasion demand," was received

TO OUR READERS. with loud applause. In this his lordship will

find many su]iporters. We had also the usual
" Hn;Hi.AVT) Ho.NOiiKs." Now, we confess we are

\Vf. tru.st that our readers are satisfied with our altogether sceptical about these so called "honours."

efforts to fuithor improve tlie magazine. The To our mind they are not Highland. Logan, in the

contents of tiiis number may be safely left to " Scottish Gael," refers to a custom among Celtic

speak for themselves, and we presume the most SneMies which somewhat resembles this, but does

cotJofo/.trvyi/ occi,i..j,i,.q ,.,i.;„i, ,..„ - ' not iiientiou several features which are obnoxious

satistactory assurance wluch we can give our ■ ,i • ^ n t ■ i i ^ m- t. ■>

J -iij. .. I ?,, ,, m tlie variety with which we are at present afflicted.

readers is that we expect to make the C.Jf. xiie custon.; as presently practised, is not pretty,

even more attractive in tlie near future. Tlie and we are not disposed to accept it as natural to

Highland Societies and Shinty Clubs are now our Highland soil without sufficient proof of its

cominencing the work of the season, and in our authenticity. Can any of our readers (juote any

next issue we shall give sliort reports of their reliable authority in which this custom is described

proceedings during the month. We regret that '^^ "^ Highland origin, or any work of last century

><..f;r..> In tl>o r>..^o,.n<- .,„,,.,.„ „ ^ ill which it is referred to ( The matter is worth

owing to the jire.sent pressure on our space we i i ■ ■ i. i i. i x- .: i xi ■

, °, 11 i • V". 5JJIVV-C "c looking into, and until we are satisfied on this

nave been uiiali e to "ive our Notes and ■ * c * * ■ i r ii ii

. ,, 11 ^>uLes anu point, we refuse to accept in good faith these

guenes page, and otlnrr interesting contribu- so-called " Celtic Honours."

tions, but these willfind a place in our next. ,, tvt t a«' -u j. j

i,r . , ,, , ,, ,. ' , , • OuK Next Issue. — We will present our readers

II « trunt thai lluisr of our rnadern iv/io /inrr> ii ir ii i i * i. r m ah /^

, , , •! "tui'/.t n.itii null. with a lifelike plate ]iortrait of Mr. Allan Cameron

iiol yet JorwnrdM tkc.ir annual conlrUmlimis of Liindavra, Athlone, a chieftain of the Clan

(4/- post free) irill do xo at nnt-/; .lo that av laaij Cameron, and one of the most jioiHilar members of

//(• ahli> Id iiiahi' Hji a ciiinplcle /lit iif nidntrrilicr^i. the historic clan. Portraits will also ajijiear of

'I'lji? \f{\r\ A-n />T. .XT Messrs. Robert Fergussoii, IStirliiig, (held over from
I Hli MOD Al OBAN ii • • \ /. m w 11 1 1 u !-■ A CI i
• this issue); George M. Sutherland, F.S.A. Scot.,
As a full report of this great Celtic Gathering Wick ; and Duncan MacLean, Manchester, the
iilipeais in another place, it is not our intention well-known poet. We also expect to publish an
here t<; do mole than make a few general observa- interesting romance by Mr. .John Mackay, Here-
tioiis on the events of the day. Tlio Mod was a ford, dealing with the eximlsion of the Danes from
splendid success, and in every respect an im|.rove- the Keay country, .'ind illustrated with views of
meiit upon that of lust year. The attendance was places of" historic interest in the land of the Mac-
larger, the competitors were more numerous, and kays. A number of oUier illustrated contributions
the talent was belter than on the former occasion. will also ajipear.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

AN COMUNN GAIDHEALACH.

The Mod, or Gathering, at O b a n.

r-|d||HIS gi'eat Gaelic Gathering whs held in the Argyllshire Gathering Hall, Oban, on Tuesday,
yfV 12tli Sejiteniber. Lord Archibald Caiupbell occupied the chair, and among those present we
(?ll!> noticed the following; — Lady Archibald Campbell and daughter; Provost Maclsaac, Oban;
Campbell of Dunstaflhage ; Rev. Messrs. MacDougall, Duror, and MacLines, Oban; Dr. MacGregor,
M.F. ; Professor IVIackinnon of the Celtic Chair; Rev. Dr. John MacLean ; Rev. Dr. Stewart, Nether-
Lochaber ; Bishoj* Smith ; Rev. Father MacDonald, Dalibrog, Uist ; Dr. MacDiarmid, Glasgow ;
Dr. MacNicoll, Dalmally ; Dr. N. M. Campbell, Oban; Mr. Magnus MacLean, M.A., Glasgow; Mr. A.
Mackenzie Mackay, London ; Miss Annie Mackay, Bardess to the Clan Muckay Society ; Mr. John
Campbell, Ledaig ; Mr. Alexander MacDonald, Thedford, Ont., Canada; Mr Donald Mackay, Ledaig ;
Ex. Bailie Stuart, Inverness; Mr. Robert Ferguson, Stirling ; Mr. John Campbell, Secretary ; Mr. John
Mackintosh, Asst. Secretary.

The following were the judges: — For reading and reciting — Messrs. Henry Whyte ('Fionn') Glasgow ;
Malcolm MacFariane, Paisley ; and Dr. MacNicol, Dalmally. Sgeulachd — Rev. James MacDougall,
Duror ; and Rev. D. Machines, Ob.an. Prose and Poetry — Rer. Dr. Stewart, Nether Lochaber ; and
Messrs. D. Reid, Glasgow ; and M. MacFariane. Music — Princii^al MacBeth, of the Athenieum College
of Music, Glasgow ; and Messrs. Whyte and MacFariane.

The chairman, in opening the ]iroceedings, refen-ed to the success whicli had attended their ettbrts,
and was satisHed that the present gathering already promised so well. The Mod, next year, might

possibly be held in some other locality, but no matter where held
it would have his hearty support. He then announced the tirst
competition.

The following is the prize list: — (judic Sgoidadul — I
(" Fionna-Chointeach "), J. MacFady en, Glasgow ; 2 (" Gleann-
ach"), A. Stewart, Glenlyon. Translation from Gaelic — 1
(" Carnliath "), Alexander Stewart, police station, Polmont ;
2 (" Sheena "), Miss J. MacGregor, Kilmore, Oban. H'ritiiuj
to (iaeUc dictatuin — 1, John Black, Oban. Gaelic Prose ('vm-
petitioii — 1 (" Bhruth-Chorcan '"), J. MacFadyen, Glasgow;
2 (" Comal "), Neil Ross, Glendale. Gaelic Poetnj — 1 (" Comal"),
Neil Ross, Glendale; 2 (" Garbhag-liath "), J. MacFadyen,
Glasgow ; 3 (" Monach "), A. Stewart, Glenlyon.

Gaelic Fu-citati„ii (first prize, £2; second, £1).— 1, Mr, Neil
Ross ; 2, Mr. Arch. Munn, Oban.

Gaelic Headiny (first prize, £2 ; second, £1). — 1, Mr. Munn ;
2, Mr. Neil Ross.

Clioral CompetttiiDi for Juniors (first prize, £4 ; second, £2). —
1, Oban Junior U.iulic Choir; 2, St. Columba (R.C.) School
Choir, (_)baii.

iStno Vunipctiiioii for Juniors (two prizes of £1 Is, oftered by
St. Columba Gaelic Choir, Glasgow). — 1, Miss Ella Lawrie,
Ballachulish ; 2, James Wilson, Jun., Lismore.

('horal Cunipetitionfn- Seniors (first prize, £10; second, £7 10s).
This event was very keenly contested, and it was only after
repeated trials that the judges decided to award the first jirize to
tiie Glasgow St. Columba Choir, the second to Oban, and a special
prize of £5 from Lord Archibald Campbell to the Ballachulish
Choir.

Solo CovijMtition for Seniors (first prize, Oban Burgh gold
Medals and £1 ; 2nd £1, 3rd 10s). — Seven ladies and twelve gen-
tlemen took part in this competition. Ladies — 1, Miss M. A.
MacKechnie, Oban (last years
winner) ; 2, Miss M. MacKenzie,
Morven ; 3, Miss Margaret Jlac-
Donald, Glasgow. Gentlemen — 1,
-^ K. D. MacKenzie, Glasgow, (last

^, year's winner) ; 2, Peter M.

^ MacDonald, Glasgow ; 3, Donald

MacCallum, Oban.

Lady .Archibald C a m j) b e 1 1
presented the prizes to the successful
competitors, after which Lord Archi-
bald refeired to the difficult duty
which the judges had to perform,
and how necessary it was that those

MISS J. N. MACLACHLAN, Gaelic Vocalist. "'"' ''^''' ""* '*'"" P"^""^ ^''""It^ '^«

^^-O.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

satisfied with the res\ilts, as the decisions -were
only arrived at after careful consideration. He
hoped, now that his term of office had expired,
that they would find a president as Highland in
sjiirit as lie was. Rev. Dr. Stewart intimated
that Miss MacDonell of Glenjiarry had ottered a
prize of three guineas for competition at next Mud
for ])salm singing in Gaelic, repeating the line in
the (lid style.

Annual Busine.s.s Meeting.

This meeting took jilace immediately after the
Mod. Lord Archibald ('am]iliell presided, and
there was a good attondam-e <if members. The
Secretary and Treasurer gave very favourable
reports of tlie work of the past year. An interest-
ing discussion took place as to the advisability of
holding the Gathering next year at Perth or
Inverness, and it wa.s finally decided to make
enquiries, and should it be found that no sufficient
inducement was forthcoming the .secretaries were
empowered to report to the executive, and hold
the Mild in Oban as before. The election of
office-bearers followed. Lord Archibald Campbell
was reelected president, and Mr. John Mackay.
C.E., -LP., Hereford ; Dr. MacGregor. M.P. ; and
Mr. Birkmyre, M.P., were added to the list of
vice-presidents. The other office-bearers were
re-ap]ioiuted.

Evening Concert.

A grand Gaelic concert was held in the Gathering
Hall, every seat being filled long before the adver-
tised time to commence. The principal feature ol
the ]irogramme was the rendering of several songs
liy tin: ciimliined choirs, under the leadership of
Mr. Archibald Ferguson, and the spirit and taste
with which these melodies were given evoked
the enthusiasm of the audience. Miss Jessie N.
MacLachlan rendered several songs in her usual
excellent style, and solos were also given by
Misses M. A. MacKechnie, Lizzie Mackay, Mary
MacDoiiald, Kate MacDonald (with Cli'irsach
aicnnipaniment) ; and Mr. Angus MacDonald,
(ilc-mne, delighted the audience with his spirited
reuderiiig of " Gabhaidh sinn an rathad mor."

PrE.SENT.4TIONS.

During the course of the evening Lord Archibald
Campbell jiresented Mr. Archibald Ferguson, Con-
ductor, Glasgow St. Coliniilia Church (iaelic Choir,
with a conductor's baton, wliicli bore the following
inscription — "To Archil)ald Ferguson, for inval\ia-
ble services in the cause of Celtic music, from the
President at Gban Mod, 1893."

The members of the Inveraray Pipe Band, whose
services were much appreciated during the day,
were each [ireseiited with a silver medal by the
executive of the Association.

Mr. John Campbell, Secretary, was al.so the
recipient of a drinking cuach from his lordship.

The members of the executive and friends supped
togetlier iu the Koyal Hotel, Lord Archibahl occu-
pying the chair. Speeches were given and toasts
drunk, and a very enjoyable time was spent. And
so ended tins eventful day !

SHIELDS IN THE SCOTTISH GAELIC
KINGDOM IN THE SECOND AND
THIRD CENTURIES.

Hv Lieut. -Colonel Charles Stew.*rt ("Tifrh'n Duin "), author of

" "The Gaelic Kin-jdoin in Scotland and its Celtic Church ;"

•■ Killin Collection of Poetrv and .Musii-," &c.

;^,TR^HEN tlie Gaels (also known as Fion oi-
miW S'^-'-O settled iu the Irish nu.l Scottish

>T''^ (iaeldoius tliey hroii^lit with them
the knowledge of iron, its workings and uses.

Their armourers were exceedingly expert in
temjDering steel and making it into swords and
other weapons. The most noted of these
armourers was the much apjjroved Lui>i. He
made a sword for Fiugal which became so
notable tliat it was styled, when spoken of, as
" MacLuin," or the son of Lnin. There would
be no difficulty iu getting ore, as there are
places over the Highlands where it is palpable
that it w^as extracted — as for uistance iu Glen-
lochy, Breadalbane ; wliilst the site of the
armoury for working it is within a hundred
yards from my o\\u door. As 1 liavt; already
shown.'' people iu that age were in such com-
fortable circumstances that they could afford
to buy them, and as their lives dejjended on
their swords and shields there can be no doubt
that, as to sivind-< at anyrate, the steel would
soou replace the bronze. Indeed it may have
done so in great part before their coming.

The shields were iu a different category, as
the}' were not only beautifully designed, but
were most serviceal)le weapons. I liavc no
doubt that with regard to them the bronze age
considerably overlapped the iron. In later
eras, when Norman feudalism and other
'• isms " had done their evil work, the people
could not atVoril to buy the best, and wood and
leather were much used ; but, as will be seen,
the shields of the era we are having iu view
were, necessarily from the uses they were put
to, made of metid. These uses also necessi-
tated the bosses not being si.ldcrcd or affixed
to the shield, but that they sliould be forced
out from the metal of the shield. Tlius when
seen at the back they looked like cups, and at
the front like bosses. It is also most worthy
of notice that when mentioned in tlie ancient
Gaelic historical poems they are usually called
cnp/ii'il and not Ixisnef/ shields. Th(\y were roimd
in form, with a very strong margin and several
circles, which had bossc^s varying in size and
number within them. The middle boss was
larger tluin tiie rest, and sometimes had a
socket for a spike in it.

Vol. I., page GS.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

l;5

The Gaelic shield was kiioflTi as the Si/inlh-
kdluch, Angliee, the spotted wiuy, ballach being
applied to these cups or bosses.

What showed great skill iu the armourers
was —

I. — That each principal shield had a sound
of its own, easily recognised, esjiecially by the
Bards.

II. — That some of the bosses also had sounds
of their own

III. — That necessarily aU the shields must
have been iu harmony.* These qualities, both
in shields and special bosses, enabled the king
and his leading champions to signal to the
whole host, or part of it, in presence of the
enemy. For instance, Cathmore's shield had
seven bosses, each of which had its own sound,
and whereby he could signal to his own force.

We now come to the uses that the shields
w'ere put to —

First — before all others — was the guarding
of the warrior from ^the swords, spears, and
other weapons of his ojiponeuts.

Second — Before starting on a campaign, for
thi-ee nights the Bai'ds sang the war-song in
the hall of assembly, accompanied by the
sounding of a shield.

Third — Fingal was in the habit of devolving
the command on one of his chief champions
for the first day of the light. A few of these
were selected, who then took their position on
the top of a knoU, and soimded their shields
with all their might, and on the chiefs of the
Bards fell the duty of fixing upon the one
whose shield sounded the loudest. This they
could do, as each shield had its own sound.

Fotirt/i — The great national shield was at
such times hung up between spears, or two
boughs of a tree, beside the commander's tem-
poraiy abode. When the champicm selected to
lead on the first day failed iu achieving more
than a drawn battle, this shield was sounded to
intimate to the host that the conamander- in-
chief himself would lead on the morrow.
Fingal, as was his wont, would have intervened
sooner if there was any risk of a defeat, but as
there was not he delayed so as to give the
chosen leader every chance on that day.

Fijt/i — It was sounded as a warning before
the battle commenced.

Si.rt/i — Dm-ing the advance, which was led by
the Bards, chanting the march, occasionally
the whole host broke in, str ikin g their shields
with furious battle-clang.

Serentli — On the defeat of the enemy the
host were recalled from the pm-suit by the
sound of the shield.

Vol. I., page 69.

Eighth — Cups from their shields were laid
beside the warriors iu their graves. Toscar
and Ossian did so when raisiug a memorial
stone to those killed in battle. It is not said
that cups were also cut on the memorial stones,
l)ut it is certain that they were. These cup-
in. irked stones and rocks are found over all
parts of Britain inhabited by Celts, and it is
(jur tradition that they were cut in honour of
depaited heroes. In Breadalbane, to my own
knowledge, a cup-marked stone was almost
invarial)ly found near our biu-ial circles. I had
myself the satisfaction of ojiening a mound at
Dalraoch, Fortingal, on which one of these
stones had stood, and found therein the re-
mains of a skeleton.* Sometimes it is a stone
with one cup mark, as in this case, and some-
times it is a rock with a very large number of
cups. The two finest specimens of this I have
met with was at Craggantoll, in Breadalbane,
and Almais Rock, in Yorkshire.

Then the term ballach is both applied to
shields and cup-marked stones. The invariable
tradition of the Gaels is, as just said, that
the cups were in honour of departed heroes.
When on stones singly, they must represent
one exceptionally distinguished hero, and when
on rocks in great numbers, they must rejDreseut
many heroes fallen in battle in some sjjot near
l)y them. My explanation of the wherefore of
the cup marks is inteUigible, and, I think,
satisfactory to any Gael who kuows his own
country thoroughly, with its history, annals,
traditions, customs, names of places, and monu-
ments. This intelligibOity is very difl'er-
ent from planet-worship and other imaginary
theories of the haziest kind. The (iaels had
no worship of the heavenly bodies. There was
a race in our Gaeldom Ijefore w"e Gaels who
did worship the sun and moon. This, too,
seems to be nearly all we have got about them.
Indeed, as far as I know, the skeleton which I
found in the mound at Bruach, Glenlyon,f is
the only nearly perfect one which has yet been
found.

The bossed shields and cup-marked stones
are still more closely alhed to each other Ijy
the type of design that characterises both of
them. Thus we have a metal shield with Imt
one circle of bosses at the circumference, and
others with several concentric cuxies of alter-
nate bosses and spaces from the centre to the
circumference. One found at Harlech, in
^^'ales, has a number of bosses irregularly
placed wthin the centre circle, and seven con-
centric cuxies (but no bossed ones) from
thence to the circumference. | We have also

* Proc. Soc. Antiq., Scot., 1883 84, p. 376.

+ Proc. Soc. Antiq., Scot., 1884-85, p. 39.

J See "Stone Monuments," by Waring (1»78), plate. 79

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

leathern shields with the same mauncr of
circles anil s])aces, the bosses being repre-
sented by nails with brass knobs, and with
spii-al and interlaced patterns on the spaces, as
well as various otlier de\ices — all of them, how-
ever, conformable to the circular and circulo-
spiral ty])e of design.* The Hiiest specimens
of cn]i markings that I have seen are in the
neighbourhood of Ilklcy, Yorkshire, For in-
stance, some single cups with one or more
cii-cular lines cut around them, and clusters of
cujjs, with spii'al lines entwining amongst
them.

There are some who hanker after the mystic,
and tind all manner of superstition in these.
I see nothing in them but an endence of that
sense of the beautiful and the heroic, which is
so important a jiart of the idiosyiu'rasy of the
Celt, and especially of the Gaelic Celt^

I have in my possession a very old family
dagger, a Scotch-made " Andrea Fararra,"
which has a brass-jilate at the end of the
handle with the ancient arms (jf the Stewarts
of Appin engraved ou it. Underneath is a
copy of it from a drawing made for me by my
friend, Dr. Brigham, of London.

The execution of the original engraving
shows how old it is. In each of two of the
compartments we have a galley of Lome. In
other two we have the fesse cheque of the
Apjjin Stewarts, representing the (jrdcr in
which they fought, and which seems to me to
be a forestalling of oui- present mode of slur-
mishing. Then we have threi; compartments
with cu]) marks. It is also interesting to state
tlmt the edges u{ this shield i'C]ii'(scntutive are
dented, lik(' those of one which had seen service

* These, of course, are of a later period tlian the Srd
and 4th centuries, but, doubtless, tlic reproduction of
the older designs.

in the hands of a chamjjion.f T<j have dents
on the shield was honourable, to have it broken
was looked upon as disgraceful. The Gael
was from his infancy taught the use of the
broadsword, and even so must it have been
with regard to the shields, for miless he had
the full knowledge and C(jiumand of them he
could not i)resent the proper angle to receive
the arrow in its flight, the spear in its cast, or
the sword in its cut, and thus the shield would
be broken. The most intensely beautiful use
made of this cujj-marking is by Ossian, in a
notable passage, in which he tells us that this
earth is to pass awaj-, leaving nought behind it
but a mist, on which is recorded by cups the
deeds of the good and mighty. Tke word he
uses as to this mist is Oallac/i, which wc have
seen was applied to cup-marked rocks and
stones, and also to shields. The cups on
these represented dming the existence of
time, glorious deeds done on this earth,
whilst those on the mist represented the same
deeds when earth and earthly time hail passed
away for ever. Such at least was Ossian's
woudi'ously beautiful conception, flowing from
the Gael's subhme belief in the spirit's innnor-
tahty. For it may be asked, •• But who would
be there to see these cups ? ' "Who but those
Gaels whom he believed would, when their
"spirits," or ''I ams," parted from their souls
and bodies, jJass into a heavenly region, not of
mere contemplative idleness, but of glorious
activity.

t Carried by Uonald Stewart at I'inkie, 1547. See
" (jcneal. .Stewarts of Appiu," by J. H. J. Stewart
and Col. Duncan Stewart (ISSO), p. lljS.

CLAiN Mackay Society. — We have just received
a cheque for £40 from Mr. John Mackay, C.E.,
J. P., Herefi>rd, tuward.s the clan Bursary Fiind,
for which truly handsome donation wo l)eg to
tender liini our sincerest thanks. This is the third
liberal contribution Mr. Mackay has made to this
object.

A Gaelic and English Concert is to be held in
the Assembly Kooius, Bath Street, on Friday, Gtli
October, in aid of the widow and orphans of the
late J. Campbell, who was known to many Glasgow
Celts. We hope thero will be a large attendance.

The Gaelic Society's Concekt takes place in
the Lesser Waterloo Rooms, on Tuesday, 24th
Dctober.

Note. — As we go to press we observe that
Archdeacon Sinclair, has just been appointed a
chaplaiii-in-orilinary to the Oueon.
Q VERY .

i\L\(, Ciu.MiLi;. — To what clan do the Mac Crin-
dlos belong ( 1 liave been told they l)eliiiig to the
clan llanakl — the name being a corruption of Mac
linouxMl, or Mao Ranald.

A. RoNALll.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

JOHN MACFADYEN, GLASGOW.

Ipp'IIHERE are few Celts in Glasgow better known
yE/ *'' ""'" countrymen than tlie genial author
'j-^IX of .-111 t-EUetiniich. His presence is a fami-
liar one at our HiL;hland gatherings, and
when lie mounts the platform to sing one of his
aniusing songs, in his own inimitable way, his recep-
tion is always hearty and appreciative. Mr. John
MacFadyen was
born at Balivullen,
in the Island
of Mull, on 20th
Way, 1850. When
about eighteen
years of age he re-
moved to Ardrish-
aig, where he en-
tered the service of
Mr. Angus Mac-
La i n e, late of
Fascadale. It was
;it concerts held
there, presided over
by Provost Reid,
that Mr. MacFad-
yen made his dehi'tl
as an exponent of
our sweet Gaelic
songs. His next
appearance was at
tlie Saturday even-
ini; Gaelic concerts
in the Crown Halls,
Glasgow, w h i c h
were conducted
under the auspices
of the old ('o)nuii>i
(r a i (I h ea I e a c Ji
Ghlaschu. The
great success whicli
attended those
splendid concerts
was principally due
to the enthusiasm
and patriotism of
Mr. Duncan Sharp,

who not only originated the concerts, but for seve-
ral j-ears presided over them with much acceptance.
Mr. Sharp's valuable services in the early days of
the Gaelic revival in Glasgow will not soon be for-
gotten. In connection with these concerts, which
were afterwards continued in the Assembly Rooms,
Bath Street, where they are still held, it is inter-
esting to remember the names of several popular
singers, such as Donald Graham (now in Oban),

has
years
office ■
the
lona

James Johnstone (Craignish), Malcolm MacFarlane
(otBunawe), Murdoch .MacRae (Lochalsh), James
Sinclair (now at Furnacel, Hugh Stewart (Partick),
and Pipe-Major A. R. MacLeod (London), who
took part with John MacFadyen in these weekly
gatherings. In 1890, Mr. MacFadyen i)ublished a
handsome vohnne, entitled An t-E'dtaaach, which
contained some eighty Gaelic songs, poems, and
readings. That the work was welcomed by High-
landers is evidenced by the fact that the large
edition is already
nearly exhausted.
Mr. MacFadyen
for several
lieen an
bearer i n
Mull and
A.ssociation,
the Gaelic Society
of Glasgow, and
other Highland
Societies. It may
be also mentioned
that Mr. MacFad-
yen won the first
prize for original
Gaelic prose at
the Muil competi-
tion last year. A
complimentary con-
cert was held on
22nd February,
1892, in honour of
the subject of our
sketch, which was
a great success. On
that occasion Mr. D.
R. Mackinnon, a
brother bard, com-
posed a Gaelic
toast, which very
aptly expresses the
best wishes of Mr.
MacFadyeu's many
friends, and with
which we may fitly
conclude this brief
sketch :
" Slainte gu'n robh aig gach neach,
'S aig an neach a thubhairt e,
'S gu ma pailt' e aig a' mhac

'Thug a niach cuideachd sinn,
Saoghal fada dha cu-dhiu,

Cliii dha 's gun deireas air,
'S gu ma fada 'seinn a chiiiil
Ughdar an "Eileinich."
Glasgow. Akchibald Sinclair.

AM FRAOCH.

O, fiiilt' air do bhadain
Is ciibhraidh na'n caineal,
O, failt' air do bhadain

'S do niheangain air raon ;
Tha 'choisir bhinn ghreannar
A' gleusadh gu fonnar,

'S an trusganaibh sanihraidh
Air gleannta mo ghaoil.

'S tu sgeadaich na'n ailleachd,
Na fuar-bheannailili arda, —
Gheibh feudag'us tarmachan

Bias o gach gaotli ;
'S tu fas leis a' mh'islean,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Air coinlinarcl nam fntlipan,
'S gu 'n cuiiihlaicli thu 'n ditliein,
Aig isleach nan caol.

Giir sogliar mar bhiadli tlui,
Dli-euin ruadlia, 's do'n liatli-chirc,
Tlia (Icidh aig an fhiadh ort

Air riasgaibh nam maol ;
Gur guamacli a dli-flias thu,
Oun saothair nan lamlian,
'S na cluaineagan fasail

Tha nadurra saor.

Theid tleasgach do 'n condiian,
'S tu 'in broilieach a cliota,
Bad iirail ran 'ni pr5iseil.

An oigiidh 's an t-aosd';
'Nuair cheanglas an rililiiun,
A dualan s an t-sioda,
'Toirt buaidh air gach riouihadh

Tha niln gliasan fraoich.

Tha t' fliaileas a' dealradh,
'Am fioruisg' na steallaire,
Ri 'n leum am breac tara-gheal

Gu nicaninaeh ri d' thaobh ;
Ni do bharr gorm mireag,
'An cuairteig na linne,
Le luath-slirutli an fliirich

'S fo sliile nan craobh.

Fo chaoin dhealt nan speuran,
'S an 6g mhaduinn cheitein,
No 'lasadh nan sleitibii

Ri grein air gach taobli ;
Bidh seillein le ciirani
A' deoglial do chiiirnein,
'S tu ncamhnaid is niiiirniche

'N duthaicli nan laoch.

Tlia m6ran ga 'm buaireadli,
An inbhe nan uaibhreacli,
'S trie cadal gle luaincach

Air cluasagan njaoth ;

De sholas cha d' fhiiair iad

'N am diisgadh a 'ni Ijruadar,

Na glieibh mii do bruachan

Am buacliaiile laogh.

John ArArFADYicN.
[Mr. MacFadven, was successful in j^ainiug
three prizes at the Oban Mod. \Vc have nuich
pleasure in giving above the poem which gained
second prize in that competition.]

The Clan MacLkan Gathkkino takes place in
the Queen's Rooms, Glasgow, on Friday, 27tli
Oct., Col. Sir Fitzroy D. MacLean, Hart., Chief ..f
the Clan, in the Chair.

\Vf HKiiitET that we have been C()ni|iolled to
hold over till next issue a jiatriotic ]iueni by Neil
MacUonald, New York, entitled ■■ " The awakening
of the Gael," continuation of the " Roll of the Reay
FencibleS)" and other interesting contributions.

PRIZE COMPETITIONS.

Tuiioucin the characteristic generosity of INIr.
Charles FraserMackintosh of Drumniond. we
are enabled to offer jirizes for two eonipetitions
— one in Gaelic and the other in English, so
that all our readers may have an opportunity
of competing. The ^jrizes arc as follows : —

Gaelic Piiie.
I. — One Guinea for the Best Original Gaelic
Biogi'ajDhical Sketch of any of the follow-
ing bards, with examples from their
works: — Duncan Ban MacTutyre. Boh
Donn Jlackaj', Alistau- JIacDonald,
William Boss, Dugald Buchanan, Dr.
MacLachlan of Bahoy ; or, if the competi-
tors prefer, they may write an essay upon
any of the follo\\ing subjects : — '' Gaehc
Humorous Songs," " Patriotic Songs," or
"Laments."
The papers must be original, and not mere

translations of biograjihies or sketches which

have already appeai'ed in pruit.

English Prizes.
II. — One Guinea for the Best Tradition
(hitherto unpublished) relating to any
part of the Highlands and Islands.

{/Css(i'/s far the above competitions must not
exceed 'MOO words.)

Miss Katherine Mackay, Fort-William, Bel
fast, kindly offers a sijecial i)rize of

III — Five Shillings for the Best Unpublished
Tradition Relating to the lica\' Country-.
Not to exceed 1000 words.

liiiles. — Any reader of the Celtic Montldi/ may
compete. All compositions must be signed by
a iinni-de-pliiiiie only, each MS. being accom-
panied by a sealed envelope with the nom de-
plumi: written on the outside, and enclosing a
sli]) bearing the competitor's name and address.
The competition papers will be examined by
imjjartial and competent judges, whose
award will be final. All manuscripts must
reach the Editor of the Celtic .Wontld//, 17
Dundas Street, Kingston, Glasgow, not later
than Wednesday, 1st November, li>'.)'<i.

The prize papei"s will be published in the
Moiitldi/, as well as any of the unsuccessful
compositions which may be deenu'd worthy of
insertion.

Jons Cami'iiki.l, Lkdaiu, Tektimonial. — Wo
beg to acknowledge, with thanks, a contribution
of ]()s. towards this worthy object from Mr. Noil
MacLeod, 22 Viewfurth Gardens, Edinburgh.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

HIGHLAND PLACES WORTH VISITING.

No. 2.-C LENFINNAN.

r\rl^F' H I L E few are doubtless prepared to
^\u\/ij to deny tliat the desif^imtion

' brilliant
'^W^lS blunder," as applied to the historic
rising of '45, is but too true and expressive, the
episode has still a wonderful fascination for the
Celt, and the localities which were the scene of
any of the leading incidents in that brief drama
]iossess an attraction unimpaired by years, and
awaken sentiments akin to awe and reverence.
Such a place is the lonely Glenfinnan, where
Piince Charlie raised his standard on the 19th
August, O.S., ni5. On crossing from Borro-

dale to Moidart Prince Charlie learned that the
more loyal clans were mustering throughout the
various districts. Landing at Glenuig, he was
met by a crowd of the loyal natives, including
some of the oldest men in the district — and such
was their enthusiasm that eight, of the oldest
ceatharnaicli danced a reel in the presence of the
Prince — the spirited tune which put metal in
the heels of those octogenarians being long
afterwards known as Ochd fir Mliiddeart — "The
Eight Men of Moidart." The Prince then made
his way to Kinlochmoidart, where he remained

for a few days. It liaving been arranged that
the Prince was to meet the loyal chiefs with
tlieir clansmen at Glenfinnan, by the shores of
Loch Shell, he proceeded thither and anxiously
waited the arrival of Lochiel and his Cameron
men. When the Prince's patience was well
nigh exhausted the sound of the bagpipes was
heard, announcing the approach of the " gentle
Lochiel " with a strong following —

"Their sworda are a thousand, their bosoms are one."

These brave men advanced in two lines of
three men deep, while between the lines were a
party of soldiers unarmed, taken at High Bridge,

trophies of the first victory of the Jacobites.
The Camei'ons were immediately followed by the
MacDonalds of Keppoch. The Prince was so
elated by the presence of these gallant High-
landers that he immediately declared open war
against the Elector of Hanover, and the royal
standard having been blessed by Bishop Hugh
MacDonald, was unfurled to the breeze. The
army sent up a shout which rent the air, and a
hundred hills echoed applause. The standard is
said to have been of silk and twice the size of
an ordinary banner, and its colours were red,
white, and blue. The Marquis of TuUibardine
was favoured by unfurling this historic

THE CELTIC I^rONTHLY.

gonfalon and it was afterwards carried liack liv
him to the ijiiarters of the Prince, surrounded
by a guard of tifty Camerons.

What a contrast Glenfinnan of to-day pre-
sents to what it must have been at that eventful
period. Then all was life and activity, pipers
playing, banners flying, chiefs and clansmen in
battle array—

" Fierce in their native hardiness of soul,
True to imagined right beyond control ! "

Now in that glen silence reigns supreme. Low
down in the plain, near the silver waters of
Loch Shiel, stands the stately cenotaph to
Prince Charles Edward Stuart, erected by Alex.
MacDonald, Glenaladale, in 1825. The statue
which surmounts the column, represents him
looking up the glen for the Camerons. It bears
the following inscription in Gaelic : —

" 'Fhir astair, ma's miann leat luaidh air sgeul
ainmeil nan lAithean a threig, thig dlfith asjus dean
iinilachd : .So an t-;\ite anns an d'fhoillsich I'rionnsa
Teiirlach a Bhratach, 'n uair a sgaoil am firean og a
egiathan a'm mor chilis 'anma a chosnadli na rioghachd
a chain 'athraichean, agus a thilg se e f(-in gun chomh-
nadh gim charaid an uchd tiiighantach nam Flath
nieamnach, 's nan laoch treuna a thogair ciridh gun
athadh, a dhiol a clu'.rach no 'chall am beatha. Mar
chuindnie air an Rioghalachd an dilseached agus an
cruadal anns gacli gAbhadli a lean ; Chaidli an Tiir .so
thogail leis an uguasal urramach Alastair Domhnull-
ach, Tiiath Ghlinnealadail ; a chaochail Beatha an
rJim-eidionn, Bliadlina mdcccxxv. An Tiis 'Aidh."

There is a similar inscription in Latin and
English, the latter of which is as follows :

"On the spot where Prince Charles Edward first
raised his standard, on the i9th day of Au"nst, 1745
when he made the daring and romantic atten'iijt to
recover a throne, lost by the imprudeiicu of his ances-
tors, this colunui was erected \,y Alexander Macdonald,
Esq. of (Jlenaladale, to commemorate the generous zeal',
tlie undaunted bravery, and the inviolable (idelity of
his forefathers, and the rest of those wlio fought and
, bled in tliat unfortunate enterprise.— This pillar is now,
alas : als(j become the monument of its amiable and
accomi)lished founder, who, before it w.as tinished, died
in Edinbiu-gh on the 4th day of January, IS'.'.'), at the
early age of twenty-eight years."

Glenfinnan is about 17 miles from Fort-
William, but perhaps the easiest way to "et
there is by taking Mr. MacBrayne's" steamer
from Oban to Sah^i, Loch Sunart, and drive to
Sheil-bridge Jfotcl, ii distance of some four
miles. About two miles from this hotel is the
famous Castle Tirrim, once tlie stronghold
of (Jlanranald, hoary with age and steeped in
liistoric associations. A steamer sails from the
iShcil Bridge end of Loch .Shell to tilenfinnan
at the other, and in this way tourists Imve a
splendid o])portunity of visiting the various
places of interest in the vicinity and gazing on
the romantic scenery of the district.

THE INFLUENCE OF GAELIC MUSIC
ON LOWLAND SONG.

By .M.vlcolm MacFarl.\ne.

fT is not any part of my purpose to show
the influence of Gaelic music on the poeti-
— cal thought and feeling of Lowland son".
That subject is of too intangible a nature to be
gra]ipled with e.xeept by those who have gone
deeply into the study of the music and song of
the three races which inhabit the United King-
dom. My wish in this brief article is merely to
draw attention to a field of research wliich,
being mostly of a technical nature, offers conj-
paratively little difficulty, is interesting in itself
and worthy of more consideration than it has,
so far as I am aware, hitherto received.

There is nothing more patent to those who
understand Gaelic music and song than that
there is a singular rhythmical correspond-
ence between the words and the music. So
much is this the case that we are forced to the
conclusion that the poetical and musical styles
of Gaelic song grew up together. In the name
"Gaelic" I include Irish. The Irish and Scot-
tish sections of Gaelic music have a great deal
in common ; and it is impossible in many cases
to say whether a tune "belongs primarily to
Ireland or to Scotland. At the same time, the
one people have predilections for certain styles,
while the other people have predilections for
others quite diflerent. For instance, we find in
Irish music the frequent occurrence of one note
repeated three times in the final cadences of
their tunes, as will be seen in the example fol-
lowing, named " Slan heb." This peculiarity is
rare in Scottish Gaelic music. Something like
it is found in "Thug mi 'n oidhche 'n raoir
sunndach." On the other hand, it may be
noted as a peculiarity of Scottish Gaelic music,
that its final cadences very freijuently end on a
non-rest note — i.e., any note which is not do/i or
/ah — commonly rai/ and soft, as the tune follow-
ing, named " An teid thu leam," illustrates. It
is a labour song — in fact a rowing song ; and it
is felt that it is meant to go on and on, rest being
the one thing not wanted. Another peculiarity
of Scottish Gacilic song is the frequency with
which lines end on the unaccented .syllable.
This is due to the fact that the words of the
language are to a large extent disyllabic and
trisyllable, with the accent invariably on the
fiist syllable. In consequence of this, musical
cadences of • — • ^ and — v^ ^ are very common.
In contrast to this fact, the English language
lias a very large proportion of its words of one
.syllable, and ]irefers, in consequence, the strong
nnte as a llnul one, as -.^ — and ^. v . In

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

regard to the style of musical stanza, the Irish
people have a strong predilection for one consist-
ing of two strains for the first two lines of the
verse, reversed for the second two lines, as the
following tune illustrates : —
Slan Bed.
Kci F.
:d.r tn:li :ti Id :~; n.f I s:-:n.d|r:d:d I d:— :

:d.r 1 n: d :r Id':— :t.dM 1 :-: 1 .s lni:d :r 1 n :— :

:ri.r I ri : d : r 1 d':— :t .d' 1 1

. s 1 n : d : r ! ri :-

:n.r | n : h :ti | d:— . r:n.f | s ;— : n.d | r :d:d I d:— :

The style of which the above is a type is also
found in the Scottish Highlands ; but not to the
large extent which prevails in Ireland. In the
Highlands the third line is never an exact re-
petition of the second. Perljajis the nearest
api)roach to this Irish type which I could suggest
is " Kilean a' cheo," or "Muilenara beann arda,"
by the writer (see Vol. I., page 134). Both in
Ireland and Scotland there are numerous develop-
ments of this type which displav little repetition
beyond the final cadence of the tune being the
same as that of the first line. But, nevertheless,
it is perfectly evident that such tunes are
developments of the simpler type referred to.

Turning now to the consideration of Scottish
Gaelic music and song, we find the favourite
stanza to be one in which the first three lines
rhyme to one another and the last one rhymes
to the final line of every succeeding verse. This
is not a diliicult kind of rhyme in a language
which, like the Gaelic, only requires vowel
rhyme. But in the case of English, which
recpiires consonantal rhyme as well as vowel
rhyme, it is much more difficult, particularly if
the verses are numerous. The following little
gem of a tune, already referred to, illustrates the
type of stanza under consideration in its most
primitive form :

An teid thu leam.
Key V.

: d' 1 1 : - . s : 1 I r : - :

r . ri 1 f : 1

: d' 1 1 : -

|d:-

. s I n
1 I r

I n : r

Having said so much for Gaelic music and
song, how does it bear upon Lowland song '?
Taking into consideration the linguistic difter-
ences between the Gaelic language and the
English, previously referred to, we would expect
that there would lie a difficulty in adapting
English words to Gaelic airs. This is just what
we find to be the case ; and numerous are the
devices which are used to get over the difficulty.
These will be seen in the followinr; lines which

occur to nie. " Where ha'e ye been sae braw,
lad ^ where ha'e ye been sae brankie, O ) "
" Clavers and his Hieland men cam down upon
the raw, man," " Ye're welcome, Whigs, tae
Bothwell Brigs; your malice is but zeal, boys,"
and so on. All the ''lad's," " O's," "man's"
" boys," ifcc , are but devices to make up for the
poverty of rhyming material capable of suiting
the musical character of the tunes. Besides
these devices, there is the other very common
one of repeating the same word at the end of all
the verses of a song, for which we need no
quotation, as many examples will occur to the
reader. But there is one song among those of
Lowland Scotland, for which the author has not
had to have recourse to any device to make up
for the poverty of ihyming material. I mean
" Scots wha ha'e." It is almost the only Low-
land song exemplifying the favourite Scottish
Gaelic stanza, which has not the final rhymes of
each verse on the same word ; and, even in its
case, the rhyme is strained — '• victory ' and
" slavery " not being particularly happy as
rhymes for "free" and " Hee." In connection
with this tune, there is a still further evidence
of the probability of its being Gaelic in the fact
that it ends on soli, a non-rest note. Chambers,
in his " Songs Prior to Burns," writes as fol-
lows ; — " All that we know with any certainty
of the history of Tuttie Taittie is, that it was the
spirited air of a certain Jacobite song, which,
from a historical allusion in one of its verses,
may be jjresumed to have been composed about
the 3'ear 1718." The song referred to is
'■ Here's to the king, sir." Jacobitism is itself
suggestive of a northern extraction. I might
enumerate a large number of examples of the
same nature, but space will not allow it. I
therefore proceed to the illustration of the part
which the Irish style of stanza plays in Lowland
song.

Perhajjs the tune best suited to my purpose
is "Will ye go to Flanders, IMally, O!" I
should like — but dare not encroach on the space
at my disposal — to exhibit the various sets of
this tune which are current in Ireland and
and Scotland. I must content myself with
giving the Lowland Scotch set, which is as
follows : —

Will ye go to Flandeks, Mally, 0?
Key F.

I s .,1 : s .n I 1 : d'.d' I s ,n .- : r ., d | d :

|d'.,t : d'.r' I t : 1 .s |l.,t : 1 .,s I s :

ld'.,t : d'.r' I d.t : 1 . s II . d' : s . n | s :

|d'.,t : 1 .s I 1 .t : d' .d' I s ,n .- : r ., d | d :
This tune is no other than a form of our own
well-known "Mo JIhaili bheag ug" and "Gu ma
slan a chf mi," the Irish " Gramachree," " The

THE CELTIC ]\IONTHLY

harp that once through Tara's hall," " Molly
Astore," and " Little Molly, O." The evidences
are all in favour of its Irish origin. In four
songs sung to it, we find " Molly " or " Mally."
"Mally " is not a Lowland Scotch name. Nor
for that matter is it common in the Highlands.
It is a form of " Mary," due to a tendency
among Irish Gaels to confound the consonants
/ and r with one another, as may be seen in the
use of the fe for ri, which latter is the old Irish
and the modern Scottish furm of the word.
Uesides tliis it is perfectly evident that the tune
is a modification of the Irisli type previously
illustrated by " Sli'in be6." It is quite natural
to expect Irish music in Lowland Scotland.
There were two channels by which it could
make an entrance for itself — one through the
Highlands and the other through Galloway. It
is a fact that numerous tunes belonging to the
Borders and to Buchan are constructed much
after (Jaelic styles.

It is needless to continue the analysis further.
It would require much research and consider-
alile study to .set forth the suliject in a thorough
manner. 15ut I think I have demonstrated
that there is plenty of scope for the expenditure
of labour in both. It is quite possible a wider
knowledge might cause some of the opinions put
forward here to be modified ; but it seems to me
that, in the main, what may be termed Lowland
Scottish style, in music and song, has its foun-
dation in Gaelic music.

R E VI EWS.

"Scottish Gaelic as a Spkcific Subject" (Glas-
gow : A. Sinclair, price Is.)— To anyone familiar
with existing grammars of the Gaelic language the
lirst glance at the present work is apt to give rise
t(i some apjiroliension, for the arranjjement of it is
i|uite out of the beaten track of former compilers.
'I'hose who have hitherto sought to enlighten >is
regarding the grannnar of our language have
tliout;ht it jjroper to consti'uct their eflorta after
the model of Latin grammars — paying little or no
attention to modern jjrogress, even in the way of
jirescnting the construction of a language to learners.
We are glad to fnul that the Connnittee entrusted
with the preparation of the (Jaelic handbook have
had the courage of their oiiinions, and have, as
(hey tlienisi^lves express it, " ^'one oil' the beaten
track, judging; it best to exhibit the structure of
the language in a way suited to itself, without
having undue regard to conventional methods."
The work is consequently no hash iqi of exi.sting
grammatical d'lcin, but is distinctly oi-if^inal in its
treatment of the subject of (iaelic grannnar, pre-
SLMiting it in a manner so attractive that no one
interested in the language can fail to tind the
]ier\iHal of the work pleasant study. The matter is
carefully arranged, each ]iarai>riq>h and section
leading up to that which follows. Section I. is

devoted to the leading principles of Gaelic spelling.
It has been remarked that "Gaelic is a language
which few can read and nobody can spell," but a care-
ful stiuly of the rules here laid down shoidd make
the spelling of the language a matter of easy
acquisition by any i)erson who speaks it freely.
The second section deals with words in composition
— i.e., as they affect one another in speech. The
mode of presenting this is very interesting ; and
we here find many of the jjeculiarities of the
language accounted for. The scope of other
sections of the work may be learned from their
headings: — Section III. — Word Formation and
Development ; Section IV. — The Function of
Words ; Section V. — The Inflections of Words.
These are followed by an exhaustive Table of
Numerals, which cannot fail to be valuable to
pupils. There are numerous carefully graded
exercises throughout the work, as well as copious
Gaelic-English and English-Gaelic vocabularies.
The work has been most carefully printed, and
reflects great credit on the publisher. The Cmiuuin
(ia'idhcaJach, vnider whose auspices the work
appears, is to be congratulated on the manner in
which their Committee have discharged the trying
and difScult duty entrusted to them. It remains
now for School Boards and teachers to do their
part ; and we prophecy easy and rapid progress on
the ])art of the children if the order of the work
now liefore us is faithfully adhered to. After a
careful, unprejudiced perusal of " Scottish Gaelic
as a S]iecitic Subject," we do not hesitate to say
that Gaelic f^rnnnnar has by its publication been
raised to a higher platform and placed in line with
the knowledge which obtains among scientific
thinkers in the realm of language.

Au Gdodhal (Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.)— We
cordially welcome our Celtic friend from New York.
The August number is full of interesting matter,
a good jiart of it being printed in Irish character.
It prints a poem entitled Aii (laidhad air Leaha
Baix, with the remark, "This bea\itifidly pathetic
lamentation was sent to us, among others, by Miss
Jessie Maclntyre, of Grove Park, Kent, England.
It is a question if there be a more beautiful or more
sentimental song in the language." It may interest
the editor t)f The Chict to know that the poem is by
our well-known contributor " Fiunn," and that it
appears, with a translation by the author, in his
popular volume, " Tlie Celtic Gnyhuul." We cor-
dially reciiirocate the good wishes of The (tael
towards ourselves.

The Gaelic Jonrmil (Maynooth College, Ireland).
— The number for J>dy contains a rich collection of
specimens of Irish jis now spoken in various dis-
tricts of the coinitry. The provincialisms are not
more marked than they are among the Gaelic-
speaking i)eople of Scotland. We have also several
8i)ecimens of Irish ])oetry and a number of pojiular
Irish jjroverbs, which are extremely interesting.
Fi'om ills " Notes on Scottish Gaelic," it is appar-
ent that the learned editor, Professor O'Growney,
is abreast of all that is going on among the "sea-
divided Gael." .1 li-uih Uttlia dha.

ALLAN CAMERON OF LUNDAVRA,

(Chk/tiua (// the Clan Vaincivn.J

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

No. 2. Vol. II]

A M:4GAZINE FOS HIGHL:4NDEfiS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

NOVEMBER, 1893.

[Price Threepence.

ALLAN CAMERON OF LUNDAVRA.

^^(jii- ALLAN CAMERON, whose portrait
«K|b ■^^'6 liave pleasure in presenting to our
iMValL readers with this issue, is the hneal
representative of the ancient House of Luu-
davra, and is, we l)eHeTe, the senior hereditary
Chieftain of the Clan Cameron. He traces his
descent in an unbroken Hne from John, second
son of A i/ciiii. nail Cieac/i, chief of Loehiel, by his
wife Mariot, daughter of Angus MacDonell,
2nd of Keppoch, grandson of the Lady
Margaret, who was a daughter of Iiing Robert
the Second of Scotland.

INIr. Cameron was born in Irelaud, in ISJtl,
and is maternally connected with that country
through the Colcloughs of Tiutern Abbey, Co.
Wexford.

When If) years of age he became an officer
in the Royal Irish Constabulary, in which
corps he has done good service for his
country, for which he has been thanked by
Government, and rewarded with rapid pro-
motion. He is now Assistant Inspector-
General of the Royal Irish Constabulary, and
also a Divisional Commissioner, in which latter
capacitj' he is charged with the preservation of
the j)eace, and is dii-ectly responsible to the
Irish Government for the good order of his
Division, wliich comprises one-fifth part of
Ii'eland. He has at his disposal for this pur-
pose all the forces of the Crov\Ti, civil and
mihtary, located within the boimds of his Di^■i-
sion. It will therefore be seen that the subject
of our sketch occupies a very responsible posi-
tion in the "Sister Isle"

But it is with Mr. Cameron as a Highlander
that we wish specially to deal, for although he
has spent most of his hfe in Ireland his heart
is Highland, and he clings with a tenacity,
essentially Celtic, to the traditions of his race
and clan. Lundawa never feels more tho-
roughly at home than when mingling with the

members of his clan at their meetings, or when
roaming o'er the hiUs of historic Loehaber.
He supported his chief, Loehiel, like a true
Cameron, at the memorable gathering wluchwas
held in the Queen's Rooms, Glasgow, two years
ago, when there was such a re-union of
Camerons as had not been seen in Glasgow
since a former Loehiel led his men into the
city in 1745 ; and it was only last winter that
we had the pleasure of being present at the
second gathering of the clan, over which Mr.
Allan Cameron presided with his characteristic
grace and ability, and at which he delivered
an address so fiill of patriotic fervour that it
could not fail to awaken a responsive choi'd in
the breast of every Highlander present Luu-
davra is extremely popular among the mem-
bers of his clan, and indeed it may be truly
said of him that he is loved by all who have
come in contact with him, l.)oth in this country
and m Green Erin across the waters He has
been always ready to helja the deserving, and
to lend a friendly hand to the weak.

We shall jjublish next month a Gaelic elegy
composed by the famous bard, Ailean Dall,
upon the death of Mr, Cameron's great-gTand-
father, Allan of Lundavra, and for the benefit
of those of our readers who do not imderstand
Gaelic we wQl ajsioend an English translation
l)y the late Mrs. Mary MackeUar, whose
lamented death will be fresh in the recollection
of our readers.

A few words regarding the father of the sub-
ject of this beautiful elegy may interest many.
Allan of Lundavra was lieutenant to his chief,
the "gentle Loehiel," on that historic occasion
when, on the 19th of August, 1745, he marched
with 800 of his clansmen to Glentiunan, and
was first among the Highland clans which
arrayed themselves under the banner of Bonnie
Prince Charlie. This brave chieftain fell at
the eventful battle of Preston, on the 21st
September following, in the very moment of
victory.

Of Mr. Cameron we coidd write a great deal
which, we feel siu'e, would interest oiu' readers,
but we daresay nothing could aftbrd them
greater satisfaction than to learn that at the

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

termination of his public sei-vice Mr. Cameron
hopes to spend the remainder of his days
amongst the hills of Lochaber — the cradle of
liis race— and those lone glens where oft iu the
bygone days so

" Willi and high the Camerons' gathering rose."
Ei>n'OR.

GLENORCHY'S WIDOW:
A Legend of Lochawe.

By TllK l">I)lTOR.

NE day tliis aged couiforter called
^■fiv)) ^P"'^ '"*•'' ^'"' found that she had lioen
J'>sK> sighing more than usual. He condoled
with her, and then said he was the unwilling
bearer of sad news. Putting his handkercliief
to his eyes in ijuite an afft^cting way, he ex-
claimed :

" My dear lady, word has just been received
that your brave husband, Sir Colin, is dead. He
was killed in battle with the Moors."

Tlie fair widow gave way to a flood of tears,
and showed .symptoms of fainting.

" What shall 1 do," she raurnmred. " Alas !
now that the hope that he lives no longer sustains
me, what is there to live for? What can I do
alone 1"

" My sweet lady, do not give way to such
weakness. There is still much that you can live
for. There is — hem ! — there is always the pros-
pect of taking another liusband to beomoe the
the sharer of your sorrows and joys. There are,
I make no doubt, many wlio would be greatly
honoured in gaining your alVections, and — hem !
— if I might presume so far, if, in fact — hem ! —
I sliould be willing myself, very willing, my
dear lady, to make you Mrs. MacCorquodale —
if you would e.vcuse my saying so."

The old gentleman was now deeply aliected,
and used his liandkercliief frequently. As
the lady paid no attention to his proposal, he
repeated :

'•■ Your husband did not know how to appre-
ciate a loving wife. 1 have learnt to love you
with all my heart, and I should, as I already
mentioned, feel very proud to occupy in your
aflfections that place which you so long reserved
for one who was cruel enough not to value it as
he. should. I shall value it at its proper worth,
my dear Lady Glenon-iiy !"

Such an example of disinterested kindness
could not fail to toucli the heart of such a sus-
ceptible woman ; but, although lier first impulse
was to close with thi' oH'cr, the n.tural coyness
of the sex asserted itself, and she remarked with
a faint smile beaming through lier tears, that
she was not prepared at the moment to listen to

such a proposal, but that she fully appeciated
tlie kindly feeling which pi'ompted it.

Mr. MacCorquodale thought this was pretty
good as a beginning, and again assuring her
that his only desii-e was to serve her, to contri-
bute, if possible, to her happiness, and to relieve
her of the cares of managing such a large estate,
which he felt confident he could do much belter
than she could, he wiped his eyes and took liis
departure. The suggestive smile that crept over
his face, when he got outside of the castle, might
liave led people who did not know his kindly
and disinterested ways to believe that he had
played a part in an amusing comedy, and felt
sure that he had acted well.

MacCorquodale was now assidious in his at-
tentions to the lonely widow, and so successfully
did he conduct the matrimonial campaign that
the lady consented to bestow upon him her heart
and hand — not to mention the other sub.stantial
considerations which were to accompany them.
The news soon spread throughout the country,
and although the members of the clan did not
manifest any degree of enthusiasm over the
matter the happy day was fixed, and great pre-
parations were made to celebrate the event with
pomp and circumstance worthy of the occasion.
In making the arrangements, MacCorquodale
manifested his generosity to a remarkable decree
— all the expense being defrayed from the lady's
purse. This was only another instance of liis
unselfishness. Some narrow-minded people would
have paid these accounts themselves, but not so
this gentleman, who would not have deprived
the fair lady the pleasure of paying these items
of expense for anything.

CHAPTER II.

It is usual, in the orthodox three-volume
novel, to end the first book with a thrilling
description of the heroine being carried down
a wild mountain torrent to certain death ;
or perhaps the villain stands over her with an
uplifted dagger, wliich he is about to plunge into
her breast, while, with calm fortitude, she braves
him to do his worst. In the next volume, the
hero appears on the scene, and we breathe more
freely when the gallant youth rescues the fair
maiden. This is not an orthodo.x novel, but it
is just possible that my readers may consider
that the time has now arrived when I should
exj)lain what Sir Colin had lieen doing all these
years. Unless he can satisfactorily account for
his conduct, we might judge him harshly.

I already mentioned that the Knight of Glen-
orchy had, with other mend)ers of the order,
crossed over to Spain, where he had achieved
great renown in the wars against the Moors.
Each year he had sent a trusty page with letters

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

to his lady, with strict injunctions to deliver
them to herself only, and to hasten back with
lier reply. Not one of these messengers had
ever returned. Their fate was involved in
mystery. As might be expected, this ominous
silence had caused him great pain and anxiety,
especially as he had no means of learning its
cause, and his oath as a KnightTemplar precluded
him from returning home until the cause of the
Cross had triumphed.

At last, after six years had passed. Sir Colin
joined a party of knights who were sent to Rome
on an important mission. Here he hoped to
meet some of his own countrymen, who would
be able to give him news from home. His search
was fruitless — he met no one who could tell him
anything of his wife or people.

When one is in the greatest misery, it is then
that the first glint of sunshine comes to dispel
tlie gloom. One night Sir Colin lay in bed, and,
in the midst of his troubled slumbers, a voice
whispered distinctly in his ears. On such inter-
esting occasions "a little bird" usually gets the
credit of the whispering, but, in this instance,
we must frankly admit that the real cause of the
phenomenon was never satisfactorily explained.
The owner of the voice was in no hurry, for he
gave very particular instructions to the restless
sleeper what to do. He was to rise at once, and
well armed, to leave Rome and return to Scot-
land, without loss of time. A great danger
threatened his wife and friends, which only he
could avert. He was to assume the guise of a
palmer, and to seek the home of his aged nurse,
who would reveal to him the nature of the im-
pending danger, and advise him what to do.

Sir Colin acted on the suggestion, and started
on his journey next morning. In due course he
arrived in Glenorch}', and on visiting the nurse's
house learned then, for the first time, the strange
events that had happened during his absence.
His surprise may be imagined when he was told
that his lady, in anticipation of his return, had
built one of the noblest castles in the land ; that
MacCorquodale, a neighbouring chief, had shown
letters proving that Sir Colin was dead, and
that, believing her husband was no more, she had
consented to honour MacCorquodale with her
hand, the wedding having been arranged to take
place, with great festivities, the next day.

It was bad enough to be mourned as dead, but
Glenorchy thought that it was a cruel joke for
another man to marry his beautiful wife, and
calmly settle himself down to enjoy his (Sir
Colin's) property.

MacCorquodale had played him a nasty trick,
but he was determined to play him a better one
on the morrow.

The bridegroom an<l his party iiad arrived

at the castle, and the marriage ceremony w,as
about to begin. The l;i-ide, with her blushing
bridesmaids, came tripping into the banquetting
chamber, when a servant stopped her and ex-
claimed that a holy palmer was at the gate, and
iiad asked the favour of a goblet of wine to
drink the lady's health, and to bless her ere the
ceremony took place. Such a kindness was not
to be refused, and the lady filled a brimming
cup of wine, with which she went to meet the
stranger. He was an old man, supporting liis
tottering frame with a stafl" and his shoes and
clothes were worn with much travelling. He
took the goblet, and before drinking the spark-
ling liquor, said in feeble tones of voice : "Lady,
you have not yet vowed thyself to another?"

Tlie bride, with merry laugh, answered that
she had not, but that before long her vows
would be given; and that she hoped that the
holy man would accept of their hospitality, and
grant his blessing.

Raising the cup to his lips he drained it, then
touching the rim, he said in a strong, stern
voice :

" Lady, 'tis well that thou hast sought my
blessing ere thou gav'st thyself away. Behold
thou shalt find my blessiug in the cup. Wilt
thou accept it now from me?"

Startled by the altered sound of the voice,
and the upright figure of the supposed palmer,
she glanced in the cup, and saw there the very
ring which she had given to her husband when
they last parted. Some ladies would, under such
peculiar circumstances, have found it convenient
to faint, others to show symptoms of hysterics,
but not so our fair lady. Her countenance
brightened with a new found joy, and rushing
into the palmei's arms, she exclaimed :

" My dear liusband ! I know your voice and
your smile. I knew it was you all along. And
you have come back to me, my own dear hus-
band !"

This was a mo.st affecting scene to all except
one. That was the unfoi-tunate MacCorquodale,
who realised that Glenorchy had presented him-
self at a most inconvenient moment. He was
so indignant at this intrusion that lie drew his
dirk, and aimed a deadly blow at Sir Colin,
(exclaiming in loud, angry tones :

"This will help thee to return to that .spirit
world, where thou hast long pretended to have
been."

The weapon glanced aside, and the supposed
palmer, throwing otf his disguise, revealed him-
self in full armour. Seeing how matters stood,
the disappointed lover took to flight, and before
the retainers could start in jmrsuit he had
reached a place of safety among his own clan.

There is little now to add. It was discovered
that three of MacCorquodale's retainers had

THE CELTIC :\IONTHLY.

each year wavlaid Glenorcliy's messenger, and,
after securiiii; tlie papers which he carried, tied
stunes riiiiiid liis mutilated Ijddy and sunk it in
the unfathonied depths of Loch Etive. Having
further explained that they did so at their
chief's instigation, to whom they delivered the
letters, they were, next day, lianged on a tree
overlooking a precipice. A battle was fought
between the followers of the rival chiefs, in
which MacCorquodale was slain, and his army
completely routed.

Such, then, was the romantic origin of Kil-
churn Castle. The fortress is now a picturesque
ruin, hut Sir C'olin's descendants have erected
a still more palatial residence on Loch Tay-
side (Taymouth Castle), where the Marquis of
Breadalbane now resides. Strange to say, the
Maniuis was installed not long ago as Crand
blaster of the Older of Knight Tenii)lars,
of which his illustrious ancestor was a notable
meuilier.

r COKCLUDED.I

AINGEAL AN DOCHAIS.

1st Fhizk Pokm at ()i;an Mud, 1893.

A' (iHKlAN gu glormhor anns an iar

Cliaidh sios air cid a' chuain.
An oidhch' a falluiun ghruauiach, chiar,

Ghrad dh' iath mu bheinn is cluain ;
Is dhealraich ann an uchd nan speur

Gach reul a's glaine tuar.

'S an uair sin fein bho shaothair theann

Tliug mi gu fann mo lanih.
Air cluasaig leig mi sios mo cheann

A chum gu 'm faighinn tandi.
A doimhneachd suaimhneis dh' eiricli suas

Cu h-aoibhneach bruadar aigh !

Ar leam gu 'n robh mi fein a falbh

Air astar doirbh is mor ;
ISlia n turus deuchainneach is searbli,

Bha 'n t-ana inoch air mo thoir ;
Is aite-fasgaidh cha robh ann,

'8 mi claoidhte, fann gu le6ir.

Bha m' imeachd liimh ri auihainn slicimh,
Kodh sgiiile sgeinih nan craobli.

A nuas air osaig tlilath nan ncanih
Slicol iomhaigh fidathail chaomh.

Gu m' iogimadh mor, liha aingeal dheas
'N a seasamh ri mo thaobh !

'N uair 'phaisg i 'sgiathan riomhach glan
Fodh 'duail air diireach an oir,

Dhealraich a gniiis 'bu shuairce gean.
Shin i a slat a' m' choir

Is dluiisg i solas 'n a nio chliabh,
Le liriathran biun a bcnil,

" Biodh agad misneach agus neart

Ged tha do thurus searbh.
Bu mhiann leam thu 'bhi siubhail ceart

'S an astar inlior gu dearbh ;
Oir thiiinig mi le baigh is treoir ;

Aingeal an D6chais m' ainm.

Tha mi.se 'gnith a frithealadh

'Gach diiile bre6ite, sgith,
Bho cliian air feadh nan ginealach,

'An cogadh no 'an sith.
A' m' bheachd tha 'n de6raidh iriosal

Co-ionann ris an righ.

An uair 'bhios trioblaidean na cradh
'G a d' sharuchadh gu cruaidh ;

No 'thuiteas t-inntinn sios gu Iar
A ndiain air m' ainm-sa luaiilh —

L« thig mi fein le tlachd is deoin
'G a d' threorachadh gu buaidh."

'Sin sgaoil i 'sgiathan glormhor geal,

'S gu oiatach she61 i nam.
A h-iomhaigh eireachdail gun smal

Chaidh as mo shealladh suas.
An uair a dh' fhag i beachd mo shid

Ghrad dhiiisg mi as mo shuain.

A nis a leughadair mo dhain.

Ma thig ort amgliair gheir.
(Jairm air an Aiugil ud 'tha 'taudi

Le fabhar dhuinn gu leir,
A measg nan neul a's dor.li' tha 'snaudi

Tliar fasach gleann nan deur.
,, ,.,,„ Nkil Ross.

THE SEA-BIRD AND THE STORM.

By the lath Mary M.\cKellau.

To the green shores of Muilo" a sea-bird had come,
8o diuieyed and weary with terror anil pain,

"Twas driven by tenipests from kindred and home,
Afar o'er the foam-crested, wild-rolling main.

Now safe from the roar of the dark, s\irging wave,
So calmly at rest in the sunshine it lay,

Whilst its stormruillcd bosom it gladly would lave,
In the soft rippling waters that shone in the bay.

The sea, in the light of the west, gleamed like gold,
And its murmur was soft as the sound of the shell.

Anil the sea-bird at rest, with its pinions afold,
To surges and tempests would fain say farewell.

Vain wish— for ere night came the surges rose high,
The night winds were moaning afar on the sea.

No star could be seen to ilhunine the sky.

And the sob of the billow was loud on the lea.

The sea-bird again spread its wings for a flight.
Away from green Muile in torror and pain,

Away from the storm-cloud, in darkness of night,
O'er the foam crested, wild rolling breast of the main.

• Jfiiiif-Tlu- Ishin.l uf Mull, Ars.vllshirc.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

for iutroduciu'.

D. T. MACDONALD, J. P., CANADA.

'HEN Dr. Normau MacLeod — Caraid'
, nan-Gaidhml — vras writing bis Gaelic
'S'/"*'A dedicatiou of "Leabhar uau Cnoc," iu
1834, he took occasion to remark that even if
GaeHc were driven from the Scottish Highlands
that ancient tongue would find a comfortaMe
home and receive a hearty welcome from thou,
sands of warm hearted Highlanders across the
main.

A\'e make no ape
readers to one
of these leal-
hearted Celts
who have gained
distinction and
h( mour in the
land of their
adoption. Mr.
MacDonald is a
native of Coll,
Argyllshire. He
left that island
in 183(), at the
a>,'e of 15, and
became a bound
apprentice to
Messrs. Blackie
ifc Sons, printers
iVc, Glasgow.
Having met
with an acci-
dent, he relin-
((uished that
1 >usiness, and in
1839 entered
the Glasgow
.Apothecaries'
Hall, where he
remained for
oversevenyears.
In 1816 he
opened a drug
shop at Inve-
raray, and re-
niiiined in that
luu-gh till 185G.

During his residence he was elected Dean of
Guild and IJailie of that ancient burgh. For
about two years before leaving Inveraray he
had the management of one of the Duke of
Argyll's metal mines, then in active operation.
On this mine liecoming eshiuisted the lessees
took Mr. MacD(.jnald with them to England.
Shortly after this he was sent to Norway, and
we afterwards find him engaged iu the manage-
ment of extensive mines in Ii-eland, and in
Hartz Mountains, (Jermauy, and on the north
shore of Lake Superior. Unfortunately, this

(':

Xt---

■i~ -

»•% '

it»^>-^

latter mine behed expectations, and in eighteen
months' tune its further working was found to
l)e unprofitable. Mr. MacDonald, nothing
(hxunted, crossed the lake, and in 18G9 built
for himself a comfortable house and a drug
store at Eed Jacket, Calumet, INIichigan, where
we now find him. In 1872 he was appointed
a Justice of the Peace and Coroner, which
offices he has now held for over tNyenty years.

Here it may be interesting to state that Mr.
MacDonald is a nephew of that hterary Coil-
man, the late Lachlan MacLean, author of the
" History of the
Celtic L a n-
guage,"&c.,&c.,
and manifests a
warm interest
in all that per-
tains to the
language and
literature of
the Celt. The
followuig bit of
autobiography
cannc it fail to
interest our
readers: —
"Like m y
uncle, Lachlan
MacLean, 1
take a great m-
terest in Celtic
literature. I
joined the Clan
M a c D o n a 1 d
Societj' a couple
of years ago,
and the Clan
JNlacLean. at
Chicago, last
June. I was
proud to meet
Sir Fitzroy D.
MacLean and
"Pennycross"
at Chicago, with
ti y e pipers
marching at
their head, playing —

' t.4;il.iliiiidli sinn an ratliad niur
Olc air niluith Iu ciicli e.'
The little education I received was at Arua-
bost School, Coll, but I attended chemistry
classes iu Glasgow, under Professor Penny
and Dr MacGregor."

Although -Mr. -MacDonald is close upon the
" allotted span," he is still hale and hearty,
and we hope he may be spared to enjoy many
years of that leisure to which an active life
has made him justly eutitLd, Fionn,

26 THE UKLTIC MONTHLY

THE CELTIC AWAKENING.

Our Gaelic race is rousing from tlie torpor of the
past ;

The Celtic fire, long smothered, is flaming hright at
last ;

The beauties of our ancient tongue, our bards', our
heroes' fame,

Are dear, as ne'er beforg, to those who boast of High-
land name.

They say 'tis disappearing, the language of our sires,

\V'hich sounding once through Sclmas hall inflamed
pure hero fires :

That speech, recalling ages dim, as shell, the sound-
ing sea,

Must soon become a meiuory of what has ceased to be.

Thcv say 'tis fading, dying, that its end is nearing
"fast.

And is now but an echo, save to those who love the
past.

From where the storm-swept Hebrides upraise a

a towering crest,
Like emerald gems, above the swell of broad Atlantic's

breast,
To where the Tay and Spey unite their waters with

the sea,
Where'er true Highland hcart.s abide, they say, it

shall not bel
From far .Vustralia's southern clime, from India's

torrid plain.
To where St Lawrence pours its Hood into the

surging main.
From east to west of our New Wurld, from Lakes, to

Mexique sea,
Where beats a loyal Celtic heart, they say it must

not be.
Each wind that sweeps the ocean carries that voice

along,
They knew not how we loved it, they shall know our

love is strong.

Let progeny of caitiff race forget they had a past.
And in oblivion's darkest shade let speech of slaves

be cast ;
But Where's the man in all the world, though proud

of Saxon name.
Would dare impugn our sires' renown, or blot our

heroes' fame H —
The fame of those who kept at bay the conquerors of

the world,
And taught the Homan hosts their Hag could not lie

there unfurled,
liehind that range of Highland hills, to freedom cvir

dear.
The citailel of high emiirise, of deeds we must revere.
The voice of these, our fathers, is borne on every gale
That waves the heather on the hills, that sweeps o'er

loch and vale.

There Ossian — Homer of our race — struck from the

sounding lyre
Tones that still echo from our hearts, that raise the

patriot's fire ;
T'oncs which resound from Morven's heights an

Selma's vacant hall.
And eclioing Lora, till we think Fingal and Ullin call.
And he gave words to thoughts which burn within the

Celtic breast,

Their passion anil their tenderness, their longing

and unrest ;
Their feeling of the loveliness that over Nature broods.
The mystic charm and grandeur in all its various

moods.
And he voiced their love of honour, their scorn for

what is wrong,
As he swept tlic chords of feeling with his magic gift

of song.

Can we forget those saintly men, who from lona's

isle
Diffused the light of purer faith among the heathen

vile ? —
Who, to the Scandinavian fierce, and pagan Teuton,

gave
The ideal of a nobler life — the Christ who came to

save.
And down the ages as we come, however dark the

page.
We find it brightened by the light of Celtic saint or

sage ;
And never througli the bygone years, as many cycles

i-an.
Have there been wanting to our race the pride and

worth of man.
To-day takes up the story of that grand, eftulgent

past ; —
We were not dead but sleei)iug ; we are rousing now,

ut last.

In eloquence and literature, in science and in art,
In halls of State, in marts of trade, we've played no

minor part ;
And iin llu! lield of battle, 'mong the bravest in the

van,
You have always f luiid him foremost, the man of

Highland clan.
Then let delraclors of our race the Celtic name

as-ail.—
Their prejudice and jealous rage can never much

avail
We point to our distinguished sires, to deeds which

they have done.
And feel, while Irue unto our past, assured for time

to run.
Then reverence and cherish the Celtic tongue and

fame :
Shouhl the speech of Ossian perish, we Gaels must

bear the blame. Nkil Macdonai.d.

New York, U.S.A.

THE CKLTIC MONTHLY.
HIGHLAND PLACES WORTH VISITING.

No. 3. -ISLAND OF LEWIS.

rr^jllK Island of Lewis has sometimes been,
'ij'l^ very much to its disadvantaffe, compared
"^=^ with the neighbouring Island of Skye
as a tourist resort, but there are many who,
like Dr. Johnson when he visited the " Isle of
the Mist," do not care to be "always climbing or
descending," and Lewis, in the words of old
"Sixty-One," is "a land with too many cliarnis
not to be able to bear criticism and truth." To
the quiet visitor who really wants rest for mind

and body it has attractions wliicli ouglit to make
even the growlings of the Mincli tolerably plea-
sant. There is a breadth and expansiveness in
its heath-covered iiincldrs not to be met with in
all places where the freedom of the wilderness
may allure tlie craniped-up city toiler to stretch
his limbs. Then it is a place with a record
whose beginnings are not of yesterday, like
some more pretentious disti'icts. Julius Oiesar's
conquest of South Britain is a comparatively

iiiodciii achievement to the student of Long
island history. The first clear evidences of
human occupation consist iu the stone circles
and monuments which are found here and there
throughout the island, chiefly in the vicinity of
Garynahine, about 1 2 miles from Stornoway.
One of these circles, with the remains of two or
three stone avenues leading towards it, is at
Callernish, overlooking an arm of Loch Roag,
and is said to be, next to Stonehenge, the most
remarkable fragment of the kind in the British
Islands. The number of stones now remaining
is ib, and the height of some of them nearly
30 feet. Here it is said the Arch-Druid, whose
Uiicanny art has passed into the language under

the name of l>n/i'l/ieiicli<l pn-sided at the human
sacrifices that were offered up jieriodically
within the central enclosure.

The island is now universally allowed to have
derived its name Leiv//ias from I^eod, the tradi-
tional progenitor of the Clan MacLeod, although
in the well-known work by " M. Martin, Gent.,"
it is traced to Leog, the Irish for water. The
old Scandinavian mariners made it a frequent
place of call, and at Ness still the bulk of the
natives, in form and feature, bear a close re-
semblance to the Norwegian and Danish sailors
who every season visit the port of Stornoway in
their trading vessels. Created a free barony by
James V. in i54I, shortly after the Royal visit,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

the whole hinds, witli the castle and other pro-
perty, were conferred u])on Roderick, the chief
of the Clan JIacleod, "and Barbara Stewart,
his affianced spouse." This Roderick, or as he
is half affectionately known in the family annals,
" Old Rory," was tenth in succession from Leod,
the founder of the clan. His rule covers a
period of half a century, and is one long, wiltl
story of family strife and bloodshed, ending in
disaster to all concerned in it, and the final loss
to the clan of their island territory. Old Rory's
first wife was a daughter of John Mackenzie of
Kintail, and on her marriage with Macleod had
been for some time a widow. Her attacliments
would appear to have been l)ut fickle, for she
soon transferred her person and affections to the
Laird of Raasay, and Macleod, out of revenge
his enemies said, though he himself gave a
better reason, disinherited her son, who was
thereupon adopted by his mother's relations at
Strathconon, and came to be known as " Torquil
Connanach." ^Macleod married twice after this,
and had three sons by these wives, besides five
illegitimate sons, whose appetite for ])lunder was
like that of young lions. Jealous of what he
conceived to be his rights, Torquil Connanach,
backed up by the Kintail family, carried on a
long and bitter conflict with his father, in the
course of which he laid siege to the Castle
of Stornoway, took it, captured the old chief,
killed a niiniber of his followers, and completed
the sack by carrying away all the writs, charters,
' and other documents belonging to the family
and handing thoni over to Colin, chief of Kin-
tail. These civil disturbances, involving so
much uiLsery and bloodshed, were the direct
cause of the Fife invasion. So far as the
colonists were concerned it was a purely busi-
ness adventure. They arrived there in OctoVjer,
1.5'J9, with a force of 600 arnit'd men, besides a
number of private gentlemen, and skilled
mechanics of all kinds, and were met by the
islanders under Neil Macleod, one of Old Rory's
illegitimate sons, but after a stubborn contest
they succeeded in landing at Stornoway, " and
in the end made up a bonny town theri;." From
various causes, however, the undertaking proved
a failure, and the settlers after a few years sold
their interest to Mackenzie, who had set his
heart upon obtaining jiossession of the island,
Kintail soon disposed of the remaining .scions of
the Siol Tliovqinl. Neil " was made short by
the head " in Edinburgh ; liis .son was banished
from Scotland; his brother Norman, after |iining
for ten years in tlu^ Kdinbuigh 'I'dibdoih, got
permission to retire to Holland, where he died in
the service of the Prince of (Jrange ; two of his
nejihewa were executed by Mackenzie, and the
third is .sup|)Osed to have died an exile in Spain.
The Seaforths held the island until 1844, when

it was sold to Sir James Mathcson, who.se widow-
now has it in life-rent.

In the old day.s, and amidst much that was
rough and ready, a kind of rude attempt at dis-
pensing justice continued to be kept up, the
jjresiding authority being called Brieve or
Bieit/ieamh — a judge. There is a Gallows Hill
at Stornoway ; at Kneep, Uig ; and at Shaw-
bost, indicating the nature of the cases that
often fell to be disposed of by this functionary.

The present century has witnessed an e.xtra-
ordinar)' change in the habits of the jjeople, and,
so far as their moral and social condition is con-
cerned, it is not too much to say that a revolu-
tion has taken place. When the Ettrick Shep-
herd visited the place in ISOO he was struck
with the absence of wheaten bread from the
table at which he dined, and when he started
to walk to Barvas the road on which he travelled
led him for two or three miles into the moor
and left him there. Now, every village has its
baker, while locomotion by steam cars has be-
come a (juestion of "practical politics." Bad
old customs are either dead or dj-ing ; funerals
are conducted decently and re\erently ; wed-
dings have none of the accompanying excesses
\yhich were at one time thought to be quite
handsome and becoming. As regards the land
question, tenant-right and landlord-right are
twin brothers. In the town of Stornoway
the stranger will find much to interest him,
although almost everything that linked it with
the past is gone, and it requires no vivid
imagination to think of the Macleod warriors
turning in their graves at Eye Churchyard in
consequence, or mayhap occasionally revisiting
by the glimpses of the moon the spot where
their old fort stood.

Stornoway is now easily accessible from the
south. Certainly the most pleasant route is that
by Mr. MacBrayne's fine steamer "Claymore,"
which leaves Glasgow twice a week, and aftei'
passing through the majestic
scenery of the Western Isles
calls at Stornoway. Only
those who have had the plea-
sure of enjoying this trip can
fully apjireciate
its attractions. «»- "^-"v'

'lim^

R. J. Macleod.

THE CKLTiC MONTHLY.

■2d

OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

MO DHACHAIDI

■fH^|HE foUowini^ is a translation of tlie song
Vf"V '^y ^I'"- Malcolm MacFarlane. which ap-
^■^^ peared at page 102 of our first volume,
entitled " Mo l)hachaidli." It is hy Mr.
Alexander Stewart, jiolice constable, Polinont,
Stirlingshire, and for it he was awarded first
prize at the Mod recently held at Oban. Mr.
Stewart, it will at once be acknowledged, has
made an excellent rendering of the original.
His translation, assisted by the cajntal air to
which it is set, will, we venture to think Iie-

come popular among tliose wlio are unable to
sing tlie original Gaelic. We have seen few
translations which so well illustrate the beauty
of Gaelic assonance as this one — notice tlie
rhyming word in the middle of every fourth line
— and we see no reason why writers of original
poetry in English should not occasionally
imitate this style. It is in this case, un-
doubtedly, an added charm. Mr. Stewart is a
native of Balqnhidder, and has before won
prizes in literary contests in the People's Journal
and Dundee Week/// News, and we trust to see
more equally good work from his pen.

It may interest our readers to learn that
another translation by the author of the Gaelic
original is to appear, along with the music, in
an early number of the National, Choir, pub-
lished by Messrs J. and R. Parlane, Paisley.

Lady Archibald Campbell was so charmed
with the music that, on hearing it sung by the
St. Columba Choir at Oliau, she spared no
efforts to acfjuire some verses of the song.

Ed.

MY AIN HOOSE.

Tnuisl.ltini, Inj Al.K.XA.NJiEK .SxEWART, PoluionL

■(.'UDKUS : — Kiv F. Lireli/.

: s . f I n : n : d 1 d : I'l : s I d' : t : 1 I s : — : f I n : ri : d I d : r : n I f : n : f I r : -

Sini' 1 cliui-iilif, eouthilie, | menit an' free. 0, ! this is tlie oor o' sweet] soLice to me,

: f I n : n : d I d : n : s I d' : t : 1 I s : — : f I n : d : n i r : ti : r I d : — : — I d : -

When I \ve:irie(l wi' tuiliif cut I owre the green lea, I | tod^Ue M'i' glee to my | ain hoose.

Vebsk ■. —

:d |d:r:nln:m:n]s :n:n|n: — inlfinrfjrintflstnrdidi-
The I soclger may hie to a 1 far foreign shore, The | toper delight in the] alelioose to roar,

: s I 1 : 1 : f I d' : t : 1 I s : f : n 1 d' : - : f.f 1 n : d : n 1 r : t, : r I d : - : - 1 d : -

Tlie 1 miser may revel in | coontin' his store ; I ha'e' pleasures galore in my I ain lionse.

.i\yont by the ferry, whaur womllaiuls are green,
■My canty cot lioosie Stan's tidy an" clean ;
I envy nae Uiiid in his castle, I ween,
I'm happy an bien in my ain hoose.

My cosy bit biggin' it's dear aboon a',
Surroonded wi' daisies an' primroses bniw,
The hillock aliint it's a bield frae the snaw

When winter win's blaw roon ray ain hoose.

Kin' nature has scattered her gifts through the glen,
The lark is in tune as he soon's his refrain ;
jly wife hears the croon o' the burn in the den
As she lilts to the wean in oor ain hoose.

May blessir.'s gang wi' ye, fond witie o' mine.
The star o' ray haine since I wooed ye langsyne,
Yer leal he.art wad never to envy incline,
Ye're canty an' kin' in yer ain hoose.

At fa' o' the gloarain', when darkness is near,
Oor hearth is surroonded wi' dattin' an' clieer.
The liairnies are singin' sae lichtsomo an' clear.
They're pleasant to hear in oor ain hoose.

Awa' wi' yer riches an' rank, wi' tlieir glare.
They're naething but folly an' pliauloins o' air ;
The ha' o' the Queen an' the luxuries there
Can never compare wi' ray ain hoose.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS

AH Cominiiiiicatiuiui. on literniy iiiiil hii.iiiira.i
tttattera, nhoulil br aildrt-nsed to the Eriilor, .Wr. JOUS
MACK A Y, IT /JiiJirfds Street, Kinyslon, Ulasfiou:
-®-
TEIiMS OP SUBSCRIPTION. — The CELTIC
MONTHLY vnll be aent, post free, to any part of the
United Kingdom, Canada, the United Slates, and all
countries in the Postal Union — for one year, 4s.

The Celtic Monthly.

NOrEIIBEH, 1893.

COICTE3WTS.

Allan Cameron of Lindavra (with plate),
i;lekokcht's Widow,— a legend of Lochawe, -

AlNOEAL AS DOCHAIS (a poem),

TitK Sba-Bird and tiik .Stobsi (a poem),

I). T. MacDosald, J.R, Canada (with portrait), -

The Celtic Awakknino (a poem),

IIlollLAND Places worth Visiting— Xo. 3.— Island of I.ewi;

Ol'R MrsiCAL Paoe,

To Ot'B Readers,

OcNCAN MacLean. Manchester (with portrait).

BCADIIAS an riSOE-UllEATIIA (a poem), - . . .

I.ITIR AS a' CHEARDAICH,

.'JtATK ok CAITIINKSS from 17:il) TO 1700, AND THE SHERIFF,

A Mackav I,AM> Si'OT IN London Town,
lioBERT Vy.R'.i v-ijN, .Stirling (with portrait).
Highland Xot^s and i^ieries, . - . . .

News of the Month,

To .my IIiohland Home (a poem).

Reviews,

Camanachd Notes,

obitiarv,

TO OUR READERS.

" HIGHLAND HONOURS."
As the few remarks wbicli we made in our
last issue on this suliject have greatly inter-
ested many of oiu- readers, and been exten-
sively quoted by the public jn-ess, it may not
be out of place to agaiii refer briefly to these
so called " Hiolilaiid Honours." M'e in%ited
the upholders of this custom to refer us to any
work of last century in which it is described
as of Highland origin, but we arc not surprised
that no one has been kind enough to quote an
authority. On the contrary, we liave received
letters from several gentlemen learned in
Highland lore, who agi-ee in describing the
"honours" as a modern invention, and have
expressed their satisfactiun that we have raised
the question of its autheni icily.

Il .seems quite clem- tluit the cii.stom of tliinking a
Idas', in tliu particular fasliioii descrilied was adopted
I'V certain Highland Societies in London about the
year 18'_'(). It is believed to have been first intro-
duced for "stage effect" in a Highland play in the
'Ihcatre Royal, Edinburgh, by a Mr. Murray, who
was then manager. Tiiis was at tlio time wlien Sir
Walter Scott's novels had created an appetite for
Highland excitements. Sir Walter liimself tslls us
that the members of the Celtic Society of Loudon
attended the meetings armed with clayiiiores! They

were furtlier characterised by what he humorously
describes as " wild ways." Nothing could serve thr
purpose of these gentlemen better than the " stage
eflects"of Mr. Murray's "Highland Honours," and
the custom was practised at their festive gatherings,
and has been handed down to us as a venerable sur-
vival of the days of long ago, deserving all the respect
paid to old age and antiipiity. In our opinion it is a
palpable fraud — a product of the enthusiasms of the
Waverley novels period ! 'i he question then is, if
we have no decided proof that it is a genuine High-
lanil custom, but have good reasons to believe that it
is a southern importation, would it not be better for
Highlanders at their social gatherings to ignore it
altogether '.' Surely we can honour a countryman
without standing on chairs and tables, or by breaking
glasses — which, by the way, few of our forefather.")
liad to break. The genuine manners and customs of
the Highlanders were beautKul, and compare favour-
ably with those of any country, and we can surely
have our "Highland Honours" without associating
with them certain features wliich are neither pretty
nor tasteful, nor natural to our Highland soil.

The I.ondon "Globe" on the Gaelic Revival.
— We thought that we had lieard the last of
those venomous attacks upon Highlanders and their
language which not many years ago were a feature
of, and a disgrace to, English ncwsjiapers. Evidently
the desire to flout and ridicule the Celtic race is as
strong as ever among a certain class of writers iu
what are known as .smnrt journals. The Glahe
recently devoted over a column to the Gaelic revival,
in which the Highlander, his language, literature,
music, and national institutions, iiarticularly the-
Oban Mud, were made the oVijects of the clumsiest
form of" wit" which we remember ever having seen
in print. The whole idea of the writer seemed to-
resolve itself into this, that S,.ndy could not be a
gentleman until he had discarded his national costume,
language and accent, and developed into a full-Hedged
Englishman. We hope the day is far distant when
the Highlander will be ashamed of his nationality, or
seek to forget his mother tongue. The London press
seem to have forgotten the crushing reply which the
learned Dr. MacKllieriin gave to the Times, when it
attempted to belittle the Celt. His closing sentence
is still applicable to the Qlohe, and exactly states the
truth in regard to these Cockney attacks on Celts.
He says, " I don't hate him (the Saxon) for priding
himself; but 1 do detest your vile race of mongrels,
who would be Saxon or Hottentot because the Irish
are Celtic." We may add that I'rofessor Ulackie
replied to the article in a manner wliich effectually
silenced the Gluhc on the subject of Highlanders.

Ofii Xkxt Issfi-:. — We will present our reader.s
with a lifelike plate portrait of Mr. Alex. MacDonald.
town-clerk, Govan, a Highlander whose contributions
to Highland literature have made his name known
in all parts of fhe world. Portraits will also appear
of Mr. George M. Suthetland, Wick (held over from
this issue) ; Mr. .-Mex. Mackellar, hon. president and
first captain of the Glasgow Cowal Shinty Club ; Mr.
Donald MacDonald, hon. sec, Gaelic Society of New
York, U.S A. ; Dr. U. C. MacDiarmid, vice-president,
Gaelic Society of Glasgow, and the late Mr. Duncan
Campbell, of the Glasgow Skyc ,\ssociatiiiH.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

DUNCAN MACLEAN, MANCHESTER.

t^T^I U L L of restless energy and with that
\j;J]Ml; true poetic temperament tbat marks the
'^'O Celt, Mr. Maclean from earliest days has

made his personality felt wherever his lot was
cast, and in whatever work he was engaged.
Born, June 2nd, 1857, in Dunoon, of typical
Highland parents, Mr. Maclean was fortunate
when of school age to be placed under the care
of a teacher who cared more for the mental and
moral attainments of his pupils than for Gov-
ermueut grants.
Leaving school
Mr. Maclean was
for four yeai's en-
gaged as assistant
Inspector of the
Poor in Dunoon
and K i 1 m u n
parish.

Migrating to
Glasgow, he was
employed first in
the G. P. O. there
as Sorting Clerk,
and then as Clerk
in the Globe Par-
cel Express Com-
pany s ( )llice Be-
ing transferred to
Manchester as as-
sistant manager,
he four and a half
years ago succeed-
ed to full coutnil
of the ^Manchester
branch on the
death of the then
manager, and
there he renuiius,
winning alike the
'Golden' opinion
of his employers
and the general
public with whom

he comes into daily contact. As showing that
his services were not forgotten but at once re-
membered and appreciated, the Commissioners
of Dunoon asked Mr. Maclean to write an
opening Ode, which was sung by the children
of the Dunoon Grammar Schoi il, at the opening
of the Dunoon Castle Itecreatiou Grounds, in
June, 1S9:>. Since going to Manchester, Mr.
Maclean has been instrumental along with a
few kindred spirits, in bringing into existence
the Caledonian Society, which as the name im-
plies is the rallying groimd for ' Brither Scots '
once a fortnight duruig the year. Twice has

the Society given Mr. Maclean tangible proof
of their aj^preciation of his efforts as Secretary
to make the Society a happy meeting place for
' exiles frae hame.

As a writer Mr. Maclean has been most pro-
lific. As far back as 1 880, he issued his first
book entitled " Hamely Rhymes," in which,
whethei' in hamely Scotch or elegant English,
Mr. ^>Laclean gave utterance to many gems of
thought. Ever since he has contributed to
various periodicals and magazines. In the
Oban. Times and lligldand Mdyazine Mr.
Maclean advocated in trenchant language
the cause of the
Crofter. To the
A}gi/l/s/iire Stan-
daid he contri-
buted a series of
sketches entitled
"Cracks frae
AVhinny Knowe."
sketches which
caused that news-
paper to be eager-
ly looked for each
Friday by inter-
ested and amused
readers

In all his writ-
ings the subject of
our sketch exhibits
a keen sense of the
beautiful in nature
and a perfect Car-
lylean hatred of
sham in man. A
true radical heever
has had the warm-
est sympathy for
the Crofters and
•Jottars of the far
North. In these
days of self-seek-
ing, and when so
many would fain
forget the land of
their birth, it is
encouraging to<iilieet such an one as Mr. Mac-
lean who, while making for himself a ' pile ' and
name in the Sassenach country, never forgets
the burns and braes and heath clad hills of
Caledonia. Of him it may well be said —
" I livf for those who love me,
For tliose I know are true.
For tlie heaven that smiles above me

And awaits my spirit, too ;
For all human ties that bind me,
For the task my God assigu'd me, .

For tile bright hopes left behind me.
And the good that I can do."

Dmionn. Thomas S.mith,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

BUADHAN AN UISGE-BHEATHA.

Seisd: — Tlia buaidh air an uisge-bheatha
'S a l)hu;idlian, clia chuir an cleith,
Ge b' e dh' olas a bheag dlieth
Gu 'n toir e iouiadh truaigh air.

An tighean bochd nam poifaran
Cba 'n 'eil n'l deagh-ordail annt',
Tha clann is mnathau bronach annt'
Na'n deoraidli le droch slinuagh orr'.

Cha 'n 'eil biadh ri 'chocaireachd,
No iiirneis anns an t-seomar ac',
No trusgan ac' gu 'n c6nilidacliadh
Oir dh' M iad an cuid airgid.

Tha 'n t-uisge-beatha ro-eifeaehdach,
Gu bhi ag arach eiicaile,
'S gu toirt air falbh am beusalachd
O dhaoine eagnaidli, geamnuidh.

Bheir e'n toil's an ti'ir ua])a,
Bheir e' nieas 's an tliii uapa,
Bheir e' neart 's an liith uapa,

Is bheir e dh' ionnsuidh 'n uaigh iad.

Mu th6id thu dh' ionnsuidh 'Bhiobuill leis
A' chilis so chum a mineachadh,
Is i teist is breith na Firinn

Nach fhaigh am uiisgear suaimhneas.*

Air 'n aobhar sin is barail learn
Gur sona iad a dh' fhanas uaith
'S aibh6idicheas nach bean iad da
'S e chaitheas beath' na stuamachd.
•Gal. V. 21. Isa. v. 11.
<.„>„„ Alex. MacRae.

LITIR AS A' CHEARDAICH.

A GlIAIDIIF.IL lUINAICll,

lUiaidh 'us ))i.seach ort a ghoistidli 1
'S fhad 'n bha miann orm sgriobhadh 'g a
tionnsuidh, ach bha mi air mo chumail cho
dripeil le gnothaichean an t-saoghail 's nach
robh mi 'faotainn cothrom air peann a chur air
paijieir. Agus a nis le cion cleachdaidh tha mo
iiiheoircan air fas cho rag ris na gatachan iaruinn
a tha agam anns a' cheirdaich.

Tha mi anabarrach toilichte a chluinntinn cho
math 's a tlia thu 'faotainn air t aghart. Ou 'm
bheil thu fas nior agus cliiiiteach, agus tha
d<ichas agam gu 'n lean thu mar sin. Tha sinne
anns a' chearn' ioniallach so dhe 'n diitliaich ro
thoilichte t-aghaidh fhaicinn a tighinn an rathad
uair 's a' mhios ; le do chuilihreacli boidhcach
gorm ort agus do dhuillcagan finealta Ian dhe
gach serins' eolnis agus tiosrachaidh. Agus tha
sinn gu h-araidh ro bhuiillu-ach dhiot air son
nan dealbhan gasda tha tiiu 'toirt dhuinn do
Ghaidheil fhiachail a tha Ian airidh air gach

onair agus urram a tha iad a faotainn. Ach
na 'm biodh mo ghob 'n a do chluais bheirinu
ralihadh beag dhuit air .son cho dearmadach 's a
tha thu air mo slieann sean-nihathair ch6ir a'
Ghailig. Tha dochas agam nach bi tliusa coltach
ris gach comunn Gailig, agus ))aip('ir Gaidhealach
eile 'tha dol air chois thall 's a bhos air feadh
na rioghachd. Neo-ar-thaing nach toir iad
sin dhuinn geallaidhean m6ra briagha 'n am
tiiiseachadh. Co ach iadsan ! 's iad fiiein na
gillean, a tha dol a chumail suas (;ainnt, ceol,
agus bardachd nati Gaidheal ! Acli cha luailhe
a shuidheas iad aig an stiiiir agus a gheibh iad
an long fo' h-uidheam, na theid a'Gliailiga chur
'an ciil a chinn 's a' Bheuria 'an clar an aodainn.
Agus ann am beagan iiine cha 'n fhaod a' Ghailig
choir a gniiis a nochdadh, no idir a guth a thog-
ail aig a h-aon dhe 'n cuid choineamhan. Mo
naire air na Gaidheil, nach biodh seasinhach,
duineil, mar 'bu choir dhoibii, s mar bu dual
dhoibh.

Ach feumaidh mi aideachadh gu 'm bheil aon
Chomunn Gaidhealach a chaidli air chois bho
chionn ghoirid air am blieil tior choltas gnoth-
aich — sin agad MTid an Obain. ^lo sheachd
beannachd air na daoine tapaidh a tha air a
cheann, tha dochas agam gu 'n soirbhich led.
Agus ma bhios mis' air mo chaomhnadh gus an
ath-bliadhn' fhaicinn, theid mi gu Mod an Obaia
ge do tliigeadh orm am lialg seididh agam a reic
air son m' fharadli a ])haidheadli.

A nis a ghoi.stidh, tiach gu 'm bi thu seasmh-
ach dileas air taobh nan (iaidheal, 's air taobh
na Gailig. Agus tha dochas agam gu 'm bi na
Gaidheil seasmhach dileas air do thaobh-sa. Ma
bheir tlm aite do 'n litir so cha 'n 'eil mi 'g radh
nach sgriobh mi'g at-ionnsuidh a rithist 'n uair
a bhios cothrom agam. Ach aig an am so
feumaidh mi iarunn eile a chur 's an teallaich.
'S mi le mor speis do charaide dileas,
•'an latha chi 's nac fhaic,"

( iiinil \ SA.N-DUAN.

In our next issue will apjiear the illustrated article
by Mr John Mackay, Hereford, on the Danish expul-
sion from the Reay country, and an interesting article
by Mr. C. Fraser-Mackintosh, F.S.A. (Scot.), on "The
two last Macdonakis of Tsla." giving some hitherto
unpublished documents connected with Angus Mac-
ilonald of Dunyvuig and the Glens, and his son, Sir
.James Macdonald, last of Isla and their attempts to
retrieve the fortimes of the CInn Iain Mor. The
first prize (jaelio Sgeulachd at the Oban Mod will
also appear. 'I'he following interesting contribu-
tions will also find a place: — "The Highland Ances-
tors of Dr. David Livingstone," by Kev. A. Maclean
Sinclair, Nova Scotia; "A Sutherland Shinty Match,"
by Miss Uobina Findlater ; " A Minor Poet,'" by Miss
K. S. Cameron ; " The Reay Fenciblcs," by Mr. D.
M. Hose, and articles by Messrs. Malcolm MacFarlane,
Henry Whyte, A. B. Maclennan, and other well-
known writers.

TTIE CKLTfC .MONTHLY.

STATE OF CAITHNESS FROM 1730 TO
1760, AND THE SHERIFF.

(An Old .AIS.).

^^TfiT may be assumed that the North of Scot-
^Jjjy land was not in a very settled condition
=■ during the above period, and it appears
from an old manuscript, entitled " Information
respecting the present peculiar jiosition " of the
County of Caithness, dated 17tli June, 17G0,
that this county was in an excejitionally
troubled state. The MS. referred to sets forth
that more " riots and murders prevailed in
Caithness than in any three counties in Scot-
land." To have an end put to this sad position
of matters, the interposition of superior autho-
rity was called for, and this demand was
couched in highly patriotic language. It asserted
that Caithness was inferior to no county in
B ritain,
"if not
before
them all,
i n f u r-
n i shi n g

Jlis Ma-
jesty's
armies in
p r o p o r-
l i o n to
t h e i r
rents, and
fro 111
whence
not one
man ever
went to
oppose his
arm i e s."
The pro-
tection of the

t'ui:s\\ i<:k ca.stlic in itu

was therefore iii\okcd to
remedy the distresses of the people " in this
dangerous, deplorable situation." But what
rendered the condition of matters tlie more
curious was the fact that Sinclair, the laird of
Freswick, was accused of conniving at some of
the proceedings, and that Mr. Sinclair, the then
young laird of Freswick, who was appointed
Sheriff- Depute of the county about 1748, did
not trouble himself much about the de|ireila-
tions that were going on.

" The information " contains a detailed narra-
tive of the causes of complaint. It recites that
robberies were unknown in Caithne.ss until
about 1730, and thereafter describes at length
the princijial incidents of the subsequent thirty
year.s.

It would a)ipear that about 1730 a stranger
named Bernard Climis came to Caithness, and

he formed a gang of desperadoes who, it is said,
■•distresst the countiy." He is charged with
having " seduced, trained, and headed a band of
the most profligate of th(^ people." This band
apparently carried on their operations for some
years in the county, robbing and murdering
where it suited them. Their conduct, however,
roused the temper of the county gentlemen, who
assisted the Sheriff in capturing the whole gang.
Two of the principal ringleaders were sentenced
to death. One of them, Donald Miller, was
hanged, while the other who had been sentenced
to death was sent, through some influence, to
undergo another trial in Edinburgh. On his
way there, however, he made his escape.
Another man, named Donald Banks, '• va,"
shot and thereafter killed with a sword or cut-
lass in open daylight, on the the Sands of Dun-
net," while James Hunter, the murderer, who

had left
Caithness
for a little
time, re-
turned to
the coun-
ty, wliere
he lived
"quite un-
co nee r n-
e d 1 V."
W li a t
aggrav a-
t e d the
people was
the c i r-
cumstance
tliat Hun-
t e r w a s
protected
by old
Freswick,
who gave him the utmost countenance.

But, instead of getting better, matters were
gradually getting worse. A new and more
powerful gang appeared, under the leadership of
a new comer to the county, named Samuel
Campbell. He and his family were nicknamed
"Jews." The inhabitants con)plained that the
new comers " made no account of themselves,
from wlience they came or what tliev were
about, nor were they called tqjon to do so." It
seems that the Campbells went about with a
lot of uiercliandise, which they .sold under value,
but certaiidy contrary to the methods of the
Jewish fraternity. Old Campbell had ample sup-
plies of money, and latterly his eldest .son, .John,
" married a gentleman's daughter of character
and credit — a fir.st cousin of the Sheriff- Depute."
This connection, although not countenanced by
the Sheriff- Depute, increased the boldness of the

rHE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Cam|il)ells, because, as the MS. states, they
" evident Ij' ])ri'sumed upon tlie connection, and
were known to distress the inhabitants of the
town of Thurso. The suti'ereis chose to put up
with their losses rather than try an attack upon
the character of these Campbells." After an
investigation it became evident that there were
about twenty men in the gang, and that old
Campbell was the recognised leader, he being,
in the words of the MS , possessed " of a large
stock of sagacity and subtilty." A numlier of
murders followed. Hugh Munro. merchant,
Thurso, was killed in his own liou.se " by thrust-
ing a sharp iron in his ear through his head,"
and so was John Swanson, alius " Canny." The
shop of James Mackay, merchant, in Thurso,
was broken into and the goods taken away.

G. M. SUTHKKLAND.
Wii-k.

(T,> he conduded.)

A MACKAY-LAND SPOT IN LONDON
TOWN.

^i^TPUST imagine the sounds of the Pidlj M/im-
^•''r^ rushing into your ears through the thick
V^' atmos])here of a London street on a dark,
wet night. You look around and find that the
surprise comes from under an end door several
steps above the lev(d of the pavement of one of
the colonies of small streets away to the north
of "The Angel." It was no imugination with
me, but a delightful reality ; and with very
little he.sitation I dashed up the half stair and
knocked. The door was opened so quickly,
that the bright little man who responded must
have had a premonition that the knock w;is
coining. Just iis quick was the greeting in the
Gaelic of a born Londoner, and a warm welcome
to the man who had so much of the Highlander
in hirn as to impel him to break through cere-
mony and make fur where the voice of the
mountains was iieard. In 1 go, in response to
the warmest of invitations, and on being pre-
sented to as bright a wife — busy as a bee among
household aflkirs on Saturday night — we de-
scend to tlii^ region whence the stirring melody
of Gille Caliiiii issues. TIer(! we (ind Archie
Mackay, a strapping lad of fifteen, playing the
pipes with a pleasant, easy grace, and Donald,
under thirteen, going through the swoi'd dance
with masterly ease and loving care. I do not
know which to place first, the utter want of
backwardness or equally marked absence of
forwardness, in the two lads Never did I see
anything which went to show the nativity of
tho.se (jualities which have made the genuine
Highlander be acce|ited as a liorn gentleman.
Tliere is love of the household gods there, and
there is the hold on the young hearts which the

mountains and the waterfalls and the rocks of
the land of heroes and of bards and pipers have
taken during early pilgrimages to the Mackay
country, and to the lands of Deirdre and the
sons of Uisneach.

The pipes change hands by and bye, and the
smaller boy puts the Viigger one through the
same performance among the sticks which serve
for swords. This done, we have a spell of con-
versation, in Gaelic or English as hajipens, much
of it in reference to the classic shores of Loch
Etive, where they all had spent portions of
recent summers, and ranging from .Tohn ("amp-
bell's poetry, and gardening and grotto Sunday
class, over the remains of Barr a GlioblininH and
of Griaiian Dli&ird- nil, to the majestic brow and
noble crown of Criiachan-beanii. But the jiipes
aie almost palj)itating on their bed to be again
allowed to throw their share into the least of
most delightfully excited reason and How of
pellucid j)atriotism ; and Archi(> and John Mac-
kay, descendants of remote Highland fathers,
are asked to relieve the agonies of the instru-
ment. Each takes up an instrument, and they
are in an instant marching under the solemn
drones, whose far ofi' sounds mix so well with
the sharper notes of the chanter. From slow
to quick they change, and from quick to quicker,
until we actually have the two agile performers
dancing as well as playing the 'l'ii/aich<:an. 'J'his
is irresistil)le, and the father taking up one
angle of the figure, and Donald the other — like
the rest, jierfeclly spontaneously — the pride and
pomj) of the great, the petty strifes of trade,
and the foul atmosphere of the London .shops
are as completely excluded as if the whole scene
had been away beneath the green waves which
move over the tree toi)S of Eilcwi iia h-Oi<je.

By and bye the father takes one of the
instruments and gives us "Scots wha ha'e " and
"Corn Riggs " with a power which sends us to
the corn riggs of the Carse of Stirling, whence
we behold the monument on the Abbey Craig
in the light of a glorious moon which defies the
mirky gloom of London. And so on, and so on
— all of which J must leave you to spell out in
your own imagination until I my.self could not
I'esist the s))ell, and 1 must perform my little
sliare (in .lohn Mackay 's splendid instrument.
Who could nnl play it, es]iecially after all that
had gone before — and ofi' I come, defying the
rain and the soot, and the mud and the noise of
the London streets, to efi'ace one feature in the
little picture of a corner of the Mackay country
in the good old times, when clansmen were more
valuable than deer, and clanswomen more pre-
cious than ruliies.

The best Highlanders in London will have no
dilliculty in making out where- this Mackay-land
spot is situated. John Murdoch.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

ROBERT FERGUSSON, STIRLING.

^^t^yOBERT FEKGUSSON, now of Stii-liuK,
VRK? was boru in 1819, at East Stronvar, Bal-
"3^^ quhidder. He is what would be con-
sidered an old man ; yet though his locks are
white his heart is young, and his nature
buoyant and simple as that of a yt)uth. Age
caimot wither nor custom* stale the infinite
variety of his ways for
promoting things
Highland. A poet, he
loves the music of the
Gael, and learned ear-
ly to sympathise wdth
nature, as he roamed
amid the hills and
Iteside the mountain
torrents of his native
glen. The jjarish
school — at that time
close to the church-
yard — received him
as a faithful scholar,
quick to learn, and
well acquainted with
the Gaelic tongue,
which was taught
him by his father.
In the tompetition
in that language
in 1834 he gained
the first J) r i z e
H is education was
continued in Stirling,
the grey 'City of the
rock,' and in 185U-7-8
he passed through the
F.C. Training College
in Edinburgh. His
profession of a school-
master was, however,
liegun at Dalveich,
Lochearnside, in
1836, where Mr.
Ferguson had the
honour of having
two futui'e poets as
his pupils — the late
Rev. Samuel Fergusson of Fortiiigall, author of
"The Queen's mit, and other poems," and Mr
Donald M'Laren, Ardveich, whose songs and
poems are aU in Gaelic For some time Mr.
Fergusson taught the school of Strathyre hall-
owed with memorie.s of Dugald Buchanan the
Cowper of the Highlands, whose Spiritual songs
are well known to all lovers of (iaelic poetry,
and in whose memory the sul)ject of our sketch
was instrumental in raising a memorial foun-

tain, which has its site near to the railway
station. From 1842 to Is4<) he was a teacher
in Stirling, and in the ncighbimrhood of Dun-
fermline from 184G to 185li, where his love for
song and poetry was greatly fostered through
intercourse with D. K. Coutts, his then school
assistant, an<l afterwards master of Dr. Bell's
Sclio(;il, Leitli. In this school he was again
favoured with another poet in one of his pupils
— Mr. J. Millar, now of London, author of
"ZigZag" and "My
Lawyer," ^Vc. From
1858 to 18(58 Mr,
Fergusson acted as a
teacher in a mission
school connected with
the Free Church, near
Fordoun Station.
During this time he
occasionally acted as
local preacher, and
officiated in almost
all the Free Church
jndpits within the
Presbytery. The
close of Mr. Fergus-
son's active career as
a schoolmaster was
spent in the little vil-
lagei if li'aploch. which
nestles under the
steep grej' crags of
Stirling Castle. He
lias now retiriMl and,
h.uiiig i-olcbratcd his
juliilee.iswell entitled
to do so. His time is
cliietly occupied in
lining what he can to
fni'thcr the cause of
('cltic literature and
the continuation of
the Gaelic language.
As an ex-president of
the Stirhng Highlan-
ders' Society, he has
had no small influence
in fostering Celtic
sentiment, and the
Clan Fergusson So-
ciety has in him, one of its original promoters.
" His poetical productions," says Mr. Edwards,
in his Miidern Scoftixh Poets, " possess a re-
markable roundness and completeness of
thought and while graceful iu their sim-
plicity, and set in smooth and musical words,
they "ever manifest buoyancy and spontaneity
of flow, and occasional quiet pathos."

R. Menzies Fekgdsson, M.A.

THE CKLTIC MONTHLY.

HIGHLAND NOTES AND QUERIES.

Thk MacAlpiiies claim to be the most aiicieut of
the clans.

TwnNTYoNE Highland chiefs with their clans
fought on the side of Bruce at Rannockburn.

Thrke fought in the English ranks — tlic Mac-
Dougiills, Cummings, and MacNabs.

The Hbkdkusons of Caithness are a sejit of the
Clan Gunn.

Fou a Highlander to lose his sword in battle was
considered an everlasting disgrace.

There is a certain loch in Perthshire where, the
people say, the great water-horse has been frequenly
very nearly seen !

It is said that the MacPhersons were never defeated
in battle. This was, perhaps, because they did not
fight once a week as most other clans did !

The fi.xed BAroNEr, which has been adopted by the
armies of all European nations, was first introduced
into warfare by General Hui;h Mackay of Scourie.

Mac Fear:*. — Can any one give me the origin of this
stirname ? I am told there is an interesting song and
story connected with it.

DiiNVKQAN Casti.r, tlie seat of the Chief of the
MacLeods, is the oldest inhabited fortress in the
British Isles.

There is an old Highland superstition to the effect
that those who parted on a bridge would never meet
again.

Sir William Wallace, the Scottish hero, was of
the fjaelic race, and his army which routed the Eng-
lish at the battle of Stirling IJridge was composed
almost entirely of Highlanders.

\Vhi;n thk Hkreuitahy JuBisnicTiox Act was
passed after the '-15, the Campbells got ,£4,5,800, and
the Menxies £12,000 as compensation. There was a
grand scramble for the [ilunder.

In the CKicKKT ti-.am which represented " Eng-
land" against Australia recently there were two Gaels
--Gunn and MacGregor. No wonder "England"
won !

The ( 'ameron Clan. — The first regiment to scale the
ramparts at Tel-el-Kebir was the Cameron High-
landers; an<l the first man to meet a soldier's death in
the attack was Donald CanuTon. a Locliaber man.

Thk Kikst Gaelic Soiree held in Glasgow, came
olT in the St. Clair Hall, Uobertson Street, under the
auspices of the Gaelic Lodge of (jood Templars, on
!Hh October, 1.173.

The Funeral of Lord Lovat, in Ifiyi, was at-
tended by lOilOMunros, 10(10 Kosses, 1000 Erasers,
900 Mackenzies, and ilOO Grants, all armed. The
historian quaintly remarks that the " proceedings
passed oil' peacealily ! "

Gf the S(I0 MacLean's who took part in the Battle
of Inverkeithing, not more than 10 escaped with life.
In attempting to shield the person of the chief (Sir
Hector) from injury, no less than eight gentlemen of
the name of Maclean lost their lives, hence the Gaelic
proverb, " Fear eil' airson Eachuinti I " — another for
Hector I

'J'he MActiREOOR's Si.oiiAN, or war cry, was " Ard-
Choille" — the woody height; their gathering tune,
" Itnaiij Ghlitine Freoiue " — the chase of Glen Fruin ;
and their banner was of green, the famous " Pine-
crested Uanncr."

The Mackays did not accept a charter lor their
lands till 14851, and are supposed to have been the
last clan to accept a •'sheepskin" charter. The
Strong Hand {Manit- Forli) had hitherto been their
best right of possession.

The late Chief of the Grants, the Earl of
Seafield. had a truly chequered career. He was
successively an auctioneer's clerk, a storeman at a
salary of 30s. per week, and a baililV in the town of
Omaru, New-/Cealand.

The DiTKE of Sutherland has decided to increase
the crofters' holdings by breaking up some of the
larg(^ farms. I hope I shall be there to see the people
entering the land of my forefathers — the " Promised
Land " — Stralhiiaver and Kildonan.

Cluny Maci'heuson, who was out in 174."), de-
clared, after the Battle of Falkirk, that the English
cavalry must have very thick skulls, as he "struck
at them till he was tired, and was scarcely able to
break one. '" No wonder ! The horsemen wore iron
skull-caps in their hats !

While spending mv annual holiday in the
romantic Reay country recently, I received the fol-
lowing lines froni a poetic friend in Loridon, who was
evidently sighing for a sight of his own native
mountains :

'■ Ami oft lio I loni;,

Witii ;i tear in my eye.

Kill- a -.'liinpsc of tlie lulls

In liif l.-inil of Mackay."

" Higiiund" Troops in India. — Two of the finest
regiments at present stationed in India are, 1 believe,
the Seaforth iligblanders, and the !)ord Sutherland
Highlanders. Other crack Scotch regiments are there
as well. Yet this is the impudent manner in which the
London Standard insults their Scotch nationality.
It says — " In regard to the armament ol tlie I'Juylith
(!) troops in India. 70,000 magazine rifles have now
been sent from England." And yet Scotch papers
would reproduce this insult, and present it to their
readers without protest! We had better all bi'come
" Englishmen " at once, if we wish to be in the
fasliion.

Strength of the Sutheklandshire Clans— The
following list, compiled from the electoral roll of
1885, will interest many of our readers. The figures
are instructive as showing the relative strength of
the clans which have been specially identified with
the past history of the county :— Mackays, 547 ;
Macleods, 237 ; Sutherlands, 230 ; Bosses, 177 ;
Mackenzies, 170; Munros, 120; Macdonalds, Hi);
Murrays, 117; Mathesons, !)2 ; Campbells, 82;
Guiiiis, 02 ; Morrisons, 02 ; Grants, 44; Gordons, 41;
Sinclairs, 23; Macleans, 19; Kerrs, 19; Banner-
mans, lii. An analysis of the above figures shows
some curious results. In the five parishes which
comprise the Mackay country, we find that there are
334 Mackays, while the total of all other names
only amounts to' 430, which shows how strong the
clan is still in its ancient lerrilory. In Assynt, tlir
Macleod country, the Macleods number IIU, while
the otlurr names number lati. In the eight parishes
in the south, where the Sutherlands would be ex-
pected to lie strongest, we find they number only
193, while the Mackays, the northern clan, are 20li.

We shall give the Caithness clans in our ne.\t.
Would any of our readers favour us by sending an
analysis of the electoral rolls of the other Highland
counties V

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.
NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Glasgow Mull and Iona A^soriATioN. — Tlie
annual meeting of this society was Iiekl in the St.
Andrew's Hull on 3rd October —Mr Duncan Mac-
kinnon in the chair. The annual reports showed
the association to be in a flourishing condition.
Tlie following oftice-bearers were elected : — Hon.
jiresident, Sir Fitzroy D. MacLean ; president,
Donald MacPherson ; vice-i)resident, Duncan Mac-
Kinnon ; treasurer, Edward Archer ; secretary,
Jolin M. Murray, 41 Brcadalliane Street, and
twelve directors. The social gathering will take
]ilace in the City Hall on the last Friday of
February next.

Edinburgh Sutherland Association. — The
monthly meeting was held on the (jth nit. Rev.
Peter Dewar, M. A., North Bute, gave an interest-
ing account of the enquiry now benig carried on by
the Psychical Research Society on the suliject of
'■Second Sight" in the Highlands. Mr. Dewar
mentioned that the belief in the supernatural still
seems prevalent in Sutherland, and asked the
members to send notes ujion any instances which
came under their observation.

Oaelii- Society of Inverness. — The first meet-
ing of the season was held in Inverness — Mr. Ale.v.
Mackenzie presiding. Eleven new members were
elected. At the close of the meeting Mr. Colin.
Cliisholm, Namur Cottage, sang a Gaelic song.

New Kintvke Association. — At an enthusiastic
meeting of natives of Kintyre resident in Glasgow,
held on (ith ult., a new society was formed, and
othce-bearers elected. — Hon. president. Rev. James

C. Russell, D.D. ; president, David Andrews ;
secretaries, Donald Fisher and Donald Stalker ;
treasurer, Thomas MacPhail. The objects of the
association are to form a bond of union among
Kintyrians in Glasgow, to foster native interests
ai.d sentiment, iyid to promote the welfare of its
members. The society has already received en-
couraging support. The meetings are held fort-
nightly in the Religious Institution Rooms,
I'luchanan Street, and all interested are cordially
invited.

The Menzies Clan Society. — On Saturday, 7th
ult., the annual meeting was held at Aberfeldy.
Mr. Walter Menzies presided. There was a large
attendance. The secretary's report was most satis-
factory, the total funds of the society being oyer
£300, £270 of which were intended to form the
nucleus of a clan bursary. Sir Robei-t Menzies,
Bart., chief of the clan, on entering the meeting,
received a hearty welcome, amidst cries of " The
red and white for ever ! " (the colours of the
Menzies tartan). Office-bearers were then ap-
pointed as follows : — Chief, Sir Robert Menzies,
Bart. ; junior chief. Captain Neil James Menzies ;
captain, Fetcher Norton Menzies ; chieftains, Lieut.
W. G. S. Menzies of Culdares ; Major W. J. B. S.
Menzies of Chesthill ; president, \V. W. Graham
Menzies ; convener, Walter Menzies ; secretary,

D. P. Menzies, F.S.A. (Scot.); treasurer. Rector
Tnomas Menzies, F.E.I.S. ; and also local secre-
taries and pijiers.

Clan IMacLeod Society. — The opening meeting
of the session was held on the 0th ult.— Mr. Brodie
MacLeod presiding. Mr. Henry Whyte read a

liaper on "Gaelic Poetry and Music of the Clan
MacLeod.'" He referred to the various bards of
the clan, and to the poems which had been com-
posed in its honour. He gave examples of the
compositions of Mary MacLeod (Mairl nUilieaii.
Ahtsdair Enaidh), the lament for " Roary Mor,"
and " MacCrimmon's Lament," &c. In the present
century the clan has been well represented by
capable poets, and he referred specially to Neil
MacLeod, Murdo MacLeod, Peter MacLeod, and
others. Several of those present having expressed
their pleasure at listening to so interesting a lecture,
a hearty vote of thanks was awarded to the lecturer.
It may be mentioned that the chief of the clan is
to pay a visit to this city in April, when he is to
receive a Highland welcome from the memliers of
the clan.

The Clan Grant Sociktv are to have a grand
concert in Glasgow about the middle of November,
Professor Sir Ludovic Grant, Edinburgh Univer-
sity, in the chair.

Glasgow Sutherland Association. — The .society
met in the Assembly Rooms, on the 5th ult. — IMr.
Donald Mackenzie, president, in the chair. Dr. J.
F. Sutherland delivered an instructive lecture on
" Old Age Pensions," which led to an interesting
discussion. Resolutions were passed condenming
tlie sentences passed upon the Airdens Crofters,
and in favour of an extension of the Crofters' Act
to leaseholders. The association's funds amount to
£3.5.

The (Jlasgow Cowal Soi ietv's funds amount
to £830.

The Clan M.ackay held their monthly meeting
on the 19th ult. in Glasgow — Mr. Alex. Mackay,
president, in the chair. A paper was read on " A
Mackay-Land Spot in London Town." which will
be found in this issue of the C'clfir Mmdhhi. The
meeting was a vei'y enjoyable one. The Society's
funds amount to £780, exclusive of a sum of over
£.')0(.) which was raised for the fishing disaster in
Sutherland.

The Clan Mai 'Millan are to have a social gather-
ing this month.

Glasoow Cowal Shinty CLrn. — We beg to
aikiM'ulcilue, with thanks, receipt of the follow-
iiii; il.iii:it h.iis towards the club-hou.se fund; —
Larlil;m .Macdonald, Esq., of Skeabost,Skye (patron),
£1 ; W. Sutherland Hunter, Esq., Pollokshields
(patron), 5s. We shall be glad to receive and
acknowledge further subscriptions.

More Sutherland Bursaries. — Mr. John
Mackay, C.E., J.P., Hereford, has again sho^vn his
interest in his native parish in a practical way. He
has provided a bursary of £25 for four years to
Rogart lads, to be called the "Cromartie" Bursary,
in honour oi the late Duchess of Sutherland, and
another of £15 for four years for girls, to be called
the " Alexandra," in honour of the late Lady
Alexandra.

John iMacKenzie, of tbe "Beauties," and
!Mr. T. D. MacDocald, Canada, were very
intimate friends, and Evan MacCoU, the poet,
and be were bed-fellows in Glasgow. Old Dr.
Norman MacLeod was a constant visitor at
Luchlau MacLeau's shop.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO MY HIGHLAND HOME.

Oh wavelet, playing at my feet,

Seek thou the open sea,
Anil, mounted on a billow fleet.

Bear a greeting back from me
To the Ben on whose brown heather

I have frolicked when a child.
To the kindest foster-mother

That e'er on nursling smiled.
Tell her, as in the hollow shell

The music of the brine.
So doth the n.ountain spirit dwell

In this lone heart of mine ;
As its fairy legend clingeth

To yonder ruin grey,
So her haunting presence flingeth

Its charm round me alway.
I greet lier in the wild, wild sea

That kneeleth at her feet.
Sinking his voice, caressingly,

■[ o murmurs low and sweet ;
In the wind that roams the hollow,

And plays on her heathy crest,
I come on the wing of the swallow.

For shelter, and Summer, and rest.
I greet the river from the glen,

The rushy, flowcrgeninied lea,
The cottage by the hazel den,

A iid the gnarled, old oak tree ;
Anil, the children's feet caressing.

As they gather shells by the tide,
I send on the breeze a blessing

To the kirk on the green hillside.
Kach ferny nook, and rocky height.

Each bo.«ky woodland grove
On mem'ry's tide lies mirrored bright

In the magic light of love :
I see it all in the sunlight,

When the rose and the hawthorn blow,
And I see it again when the moonlight

Shines full on the ermine snow !

My home upon the mountain side,

I dwell for aye in thee ;
Nymph like, within my fount abide.

As the mermaid in her sea;
How oft, from the deeps of feeling,

l'"rom her cave, hid far from the light.
An imprisoned thought comes stealing

In the calm, sweet hours of night;
She sings to me the cradle-song

That lulled my early youth —
The love of freedom, hale of wrong,

The praise of peace and truth,
And the spirit of the mountain

Takes up the glad refrain,
Till my being's ice-bound fountain

Springs joyously upward again.
The mists of sorrow roll away

That wrapped my soul in gloom.
The light breaks forth, with mellow ray,

My life to re-illume ;
The hopes that seemed to be shattered

Take deeper, firmer root.
And the buds whose blossoms were scattered

Change fast into ripening fruit.

Now say, oh wavelet, to the hill

Upon whose breast I've played.
So precious to my heart is still

Each dell, and rock, and glade.
E'en in death shall her child turn to greet her,

As the spirit returns to its God,
And, methinks, I should slumber the sweeter

If wrapped in her heathery sod !

K. W. G.

To the Editor, "Celtic Monthly."

•THE UAUIJ OF OLD OAIL."

Sib, — Your remarks on the so called " Highland
Honours" at festivals, &c., in your last issue, em-
bolden me to call attention to 'one or two mo<lern
customs which are very common with thoughtless
people when writing in English on OaeUc matters.

The first is — such writers are sure to use the words
"Celt" and "Celtic," when they mean Oael and
Oaelach, to use the short spelling. I have never
seen or heard the word " Celt " in our own language,
and for classification purposes it would be as correct
to refer to a modern Lowlander or Sassanach as a
Teuton. When the reader pronounces it " Selt " the
absurdity is complete.

"The Garb of Old Gaul" is another misleading
and favourite phrase, for which the author of that
much-quoted song is responsible. I remember in my
youthful days being under the firm belief that it
meant the costume of old France, though at the time
pretty well acquainted with stories of GoU or Gall
Mac Morna, to whom, I believe, it refers, but which
I never heard pronounced '• Gaul," the vowel being
sounded short.

" Kingal" — I wonder if any of your readers have
ever heard this name in Gaelic — I never have, in
either Ireland or Scotland. It was always Fioim, or
Fioiin Mac CumJiat. I notice that Lieut.-Colonel
Stewart, in your last two issues, uses " Fingal " in
the papers which he contributes, and also that he
makes Cuchullainn a contemporary of the Kiana,
upon what authority I ilo not know, as both the oral
and written legends place them in two different
epochs altogether.

I was much interested in the enjoyable paper on
Gaelic music by Mr. M. Macfarlane, and ajiru}ios of
the tendency in Irish Gaelic to substitute I for »■. I
remember hearing Grajnluch for Gregorach, and is
not the name Frazer Frizallach in Gaelic ?

Mac UuAGHBir.H.

A TALENTED CAITHNESS LADY.

Sill, — Permit me to refer, in a few lines, to a
distinguished lady of this covmty, whose recent
death we deeply deplore. Mrs. Roger, Druid Hull,
Durban, S. Africa, was the younger daughter of
the late Mr. Donald Mackay, Upiier Lybster, where
her ancestors settled, when evicted from Strath-
naver. She was nearly related to the well known
and highly respected Mackays of Montreal. Born
at Lybster in 18.")8, she was educated in the F. C.
school there, and subsequently at Heay. At the
age of L5, she entered the (jueen Street Ladies'
College, Edinburgh, wliere, in addition to other
prizesjl^she carried off the £100 scholarship, which

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

was regarded as the 'blue riband' uf the institution.
She afterwards passed tlie University examination
in niatheiuatics and Enijlish literature, for the
degree of M. A. About 14 years aL;o, she accepted
an appointment in the Ladies' College, Durban,
where she laboured with ability and success. In
1884, she was married to Mr. George Roger. Her
death, on the ]st April last, filled with sadness
many an aching heart, both in the old and in her
adopted country. Her wliole life was devoted to
acts of charity, and in furthering mission work,
and the tribute which was paid her memory, by the
Natal papers, was a fitting acknowledgment of a
life nobly spent in doing good.

R,.:,\ Hugh Campbell.

R EVI EWS.

" FisHiN<i Incidents and Auvkntuke.s. " By
Malcolm Ferguson. (Dundee : John Leng & Co.).
Mr. Ferguson has added another volume to his
interesting series of works on the Highlands, and
we consider it the best which has yet come from
his pen. Although it appeals specially to the fol-
lowers of the gentle art, it contains many features
which ought to make it welcome to the ordinary
reader. His descriptions of Highland scenery are
always true to nature ; and no one knows better
than Mr. Ferguson how to tell a good story well.
The volume is brimful of racy stories, some hunnjr-
ous, others exciting enough to enthrall the reader's
attention. The book is also valuable from an his-
torical point of view, for the author is deeply
learned in the traditions, poetry, and folk-lore of
his native Perthshire, and he has imparted into
these sketches a good deal of his own rich store of
kniiwledge. The printing and binding are excel-
lent, and the portrait of the author, which appears
as a frontispiece, and the other illustrations, are
very artistic. Mr. Ferguson's name will be familiar
to our readers. His portrait appeared in our
February issue, and an article by him on the
"Black Watch Memorial" found a place in the
Septendier number. We trust that the " Fishing
Incidents and Adventures " will have a large sale.

The En(!Lish Ilu'.strateh Magazine for October
is specially interesting to Highlanders on account
of the exceedingly fine portrait of Lord Aberdeen,
the new Governor of Canada, which appears as
the frontispiece. An interesting biographical
sketch of this head of the ' ' Gay Gordons " is also
given. Some of the illustrations in this number of
the EiuiUhIi, lUustniti-il are the finest specimens of
zincography which we have ever seen.

"The Scottish Canadian" (Toronto) now ap-
pears in a new and neater form. Its contents are
always varied and instructive, and we look forward
each week to its arrival with much pleasure, the
news of the Highland societies across the seas being
of peculiar interest to us. We are sorry to learn
that the talented editor, Mr. Alex. Fraser (our own
Canadian correspondent), has been seriously ill for
some time past — which accounts for the absence of
oiu- " Canadian Letter" of late — but we are glad
to state that he is now convalescent and about to
resume his editorial duties.

"Sweetheart Gwen: A Welsh Idyll." By
William Tirebuck. (London : Longmans, Green

& Co., 189.3). — Those who want to read a charming,
if sketchy, Welsh story will find such a thing here.
If the name of the writer be new to many, " Sweet-
heart Gwen " affords a cordial means of introduc-
tion to one it is worth our while to know. Welsh
farm life is faithfully and lovingly dejiicted ; a
child's feelings and recollections, with the light of
romance-magic resting upon the smallest details,
are most felicitously portrayed ; and — in Part III.
especially, which is, alas, aLso the sand-bed in
which the forceful and limpid river of narrative
loses itself — wit and fancy play themselves between
graver thoughts that are in turn pale with regi-et
and red with desire. This pen, at lea.st, runs to
fine issues, oftentimes, and even when it but toys
with its own powers shows something of the diamond
point. In a word, this is a tale wherein we may
enjoy a singularly fresh presentment of a fascinat-
ing, and perhaps not altogether unusual, relation-
ship between the sexes, which ends — ah, well, buy
the book.

Highland Charity Ponebals.— It has been the
habit on the west coast for the Parochial Board to
supply three bottles of whisky at the funerals of
paupers. Recently, it was decided to restrict this
magnificent allowance, and iu future to supply only
one bottle. After that, there was no genuine enthus-
iasm over pauper funerals in that district, and the
Hoard had to defray the cost, which came to more
than the value of the extra two bottles. It was then
decided to go back on the old arrangement, and now
that there is more whisky to be had, pauper funerals
have become more popular than ever. A sarcastic
friend has endeavoured to point out to us a connection
between the quantity of whisky and the amount of
enthusiasm, but we do not profess to recognise it. To
us it only seems clear that the people have educated
themselves up to an appreciation of pauper funerals !

"Second-Sight" in Scotland. — -The Society for
Psychical Research are at present engaged upon an
inquiry into second-sight in Scotland, and we have
been invited to give our personal experiences, or such
authentic information as we possess on the subject.
We fear that if we gave a circumstantial account of
our own experiences, and those of persons of our
acquaintance still living, some enterprising novelist
would seize upon the facts and make a fortune out of
them ! We intend shortly publishing a well authen-
ticated case of second-sight in the Highlands, which,
in its weird and startling details, will make even the
members of the Psychical Society feel a little uncom-
fortable. However, some of our readers may be able
to assist the committee in their inquiry, and for their
information we append the following queries : — " (1) Is
second-sight believed in by the people of your neigh-
bourhood ? (2) Have you yourself seen or heard of
any cases which appear to imply such a gift ? If so,
will you send me the facts ? (.3) Can you refer rae to
anyone who has had personal experience, and who
would be disposed to make a statement to me on the
subject ? (4) Do you know of any persons who feel
an interest, and would be disposed to help, in this
inquiry ? " The Rev. Peter Dewar, The Manse,
North Bute, Rothesay, will be pleased to hear from
anyone who has any information to communicate on
the subject of second-sight.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

CAMANACHD NOTES.

The Shinty Association. — The formation of a
shinty association, whicli was duly inaugurated at
Kingussie on tlio 10th uH., is the chief subject of
discussion in camanachd circles at present Four-
teen clubs were represented at the meeting, otiice-
bearers were appointed, and a code of rules was
adopted. The clubs represented at the meeting
were all located in the north, the place of meeting
(Kingussie) being too far distant for clubs in the
south and west to send delegates. Had Perth
been chosen as a centre the meeting would have
been more representative of the Highlands. The
formation of an association is certainly a step in
tlie right direction. It is a pity, however, that the
west country clubs were not represented, because
the rules adopted differ materially from tho.se ad-
liered to by many of the ehibs in the west and
soutli, and we fear they may not be ready to adopt
in their entirety those arranged. We may also ask,
is it wise to elect all the office-bearers from north
country clubs alone, and ignore the west alto-
gether ( And why 6k the annual business meeting
for Inverness a year in advance .' If the associa-
tion is intended to represent the north only this
may seem right and proper, but if it is to include
the clubs at a distance it is foolishness to e.xpect
these clubs to send delegates so far. Why not
make the meeting at Perth, which would be a
central place for all parties ? Was it necessary to
fix a date for the ne.xt annual business meeting
already — could this not have been left to the office-
bearers to decide upon later on '. There are, we
daresay, as many clubs in the west and south as
there are in the nortli, and the convenience and
co-operation of these ought U> receive some con-
sideration. These suggestions occurred to us as
soon as we read the report of the meeting, and we
find that this feeling is shared liy shinty players in
general in this district. If it is not yet too late we
would ask the ofHce-bearei's to give these matters
tlieir earnest consideration, and so avoid any ai>-
pearance of localising the association to any one
part of the country. If this is not done the
2)robability is that an association will Ije started to
represent the west and south of Scotland and
England.

Thk London Nouthbhn Counties C.\.manai-iii)
Cn'B held their annual business meeting on the
Gth ult. The attendance was large and enthusiastic ;
and the treasurer's rejiort showed a substantial
balance at the credit of the club. We mulerstand
tlnit a match has been arranged between the
Camanachd and the Glasgow Cowal, which is to be
played in London .sometime in December, or on
New-Year's Day. A contest between these well-
known clubs should aroiise some interest in shinty
in the Metropolis. The following office-bearers
were elected for the year :— Chief, Sujierintendent
Colin Chisholm ; hon. captain, Lieut. Neil Mackay ;
captain, W. Macgregor Stoddart ; vice-captain,
Ewen Cattanach ; treasurer, A. Anderson ; secre-
tary, J. Mackenzie, 45 Wilton Sriuare, Islingt( n.
Connnittee— Roderick Maclcod, Kenneth Macaiday,
Donald Miicgillivray, J. M. Watson, Neil Maclareii,
D. Forbes, Alexander Mackenzie, John MacLoiu,

James Smith, W. A. Martin, C. F. Munro, and
Walter Nichol. Pi])ers, Donald Mackay, John
Mackenzie, and' J. G. Mackay. Fourteen new
members joined the Club.

The Gl.\sgo\v Cowal Shivtv Club Tourna-
ment, which took place on tlie 7th October, was a
great success. Twenty four meudiers entered for
the connietitions, an<l these were balloted for in
teams of si.x each. The matches were very keenly
contested, and finally resulted iu No. 1 team carrj'-
ing off the honours. The following composed the
winning team : — ^\'illianl Robin.son (goal), Peter
Campbell, vice-captain ; Duncan Martin, Gilbert
D. Gillies, Cameron Henderson, and .lohn Camp-
bell. There was a large number of spectiitors
present, who declared that they never saw a better
exposition of shinty on any field. The Cowal men
certainly were never in better form than they are
at present. In the evening a social meeting was
held— Mr John Mackay, editor, Cclfiv M^Hithlii,
occupying the chair. After a substantial supjier,
speeches were made, healths drank, and songs
rendered by members and friends. The entertain-
ment was very enjoyable, and others of a similar
nature are to be arranged during the winter.

EniNBURGH Camanachd Club. — The annual
general meeting of this club was held on Friday,
the 0th Dctober, and was well attended. Mr. W.
G. Gumming occupied the chair. The minutes of
of the last general meeting, as well as the annual
detailed report, were read by the secretary and
approved of. The following olfice-bearers were
elected : — Chief, Mr. Patrick Cameron of Corry-
choille ; chieftain, JMr. W. G. Cumming ; secretary
and treasurer. Mr. T. H. Brodie. Committee —
Messrs. Donald Cameron, A. Mackay Robson,
Donald Oliver, Alex. Kennedy, Wm. Murray, Jack
Lawson, and D. Smith. The Inverleith Park,
where the club meets for practice, is now open,
and we hope tlie devoted band who compose the
club will receive the well-desorved encouragement
of all Highlanders resident iu Edinburgh, and
entluisiasis in tiieir national jiastime.

OBITUARY.

Death has laid its hand heavily of late anu)ng our
subscribers. We regret to intimate the death of
Mk. Mukdo Maclkod, Chief Maui.strate ok
Stornoway, a gentleman highly respected in his
native island, and by all who had the pleasine of
knowing him. Mr. Maclcod was a liberal supporter
of Gaelic literatm-e, and was among the first to
welcome the advent of the Cett'n- Munildij- His
early death will be lamented by nuiuy friends at
home and abroad.

Another typical member of the same clan, Mr.
MuRuo Macleoi), of Bdinburoh, has also passed
away. Mr. Macleod was a native of Assynt,
Sutherland, and his services on behalf of his unfor-
tunate countrymen will be long and gratefully re-
membered, lie was an enthusiastic member of
the Edinburgh Sutherland Association, and of the
Clan Macleod Society. His manly form and genial
presence will be missed by a large circle of friends.

ALEXANDER MACDONALD,

(Tuv)n t'hrk. (Juvan).

TUB CELTIC MONTIIIvY:

A MAGAZINE FOU HIGHLANDEfiS.

No. 3. Vol. II]

Edited bv JOHN MACKAY. Kingston.

DEO EMBER, 1893

[Price Threepence.

ALEXANDER MACDONALD, GOVAN.

I^IKE his famous clansmau. Marshal
\\y IMacdonald, Duke of Tareutum, Air

Alexander Macdonald belongs to the
Clanranald branch of the great Clan
Donald He was born at Irvine, ou 19th
]March. 1824, and while jet an infant was
taken from the land of Burns to the equally
renowned land of ^'l lasdair Mac - M/mitjsrir
A/(ifi/iin; whose songs will be sung while the
Gaelic language is spoken. Mr. Macdonald
commenced his legal studies in the town of
Inverness, wliere he entered the office of Mr.
Charles Stewart of Brin, who was confideutial
solicitor to many of the distinguished families
of the north. Among the important cases
which were attended to in Mr. Stewart's
chambers was the celelsrated Advocation of
Brieves, between Lord Lovat, grandfather of
the present baron, and the Rev. AJex. Gorden
Eraser, of New York, who claimed the Lovat
title and estates. Ujjwards of one hundred of
the oldest men of the north wei'e examined as
witnesses, and Mr. Macdonald remembers
many of the interesting tales of the risings of
1715 and '45 told by these witnesses. There
are few people living now who can say that
they have conversed with persons who had
witnessed the closing events of the '45, and it
is interesting to mention that, as a boy, the
subject of our sketch spoke to one — his
own grand-imcle — who had heard the tiring
and seen the smoke of Culloden ! Among Mr.
iMacdonald's school fellows at Inverness were
the late Mr. Malcolm IM'Lennan, Procurator-
Fiscal at Wick, author of "Peasant Life in the
North," and his talented brother, ^Mr. John
F. M'Lennan. M.A.. advocate, author of " Primi-
tive Marriage," and other learned treatises.

Mr. Charles Eraser-Mackintosh, whose name
is a household word wherever Highlanders
ai-e to be found, was another of his contem-

poraries. That gentleman gave early promise
of the industry, ability, and gentlemanly con-
duct which have all along distinguished him
through life In 1844 Mr. Macdonald left
Inverness to prosecute his studies in the Uni-
versity of Glasgow, and was successful in
taking the first prize for Scots law He after-
wards matriculated in the University of Edin-
burgh, and acted as secretary to Mr. Allan
.Menzies, W.S., Professor of Conveyancing,
whom he assisted in preparing his lectures.

A\'hile still a law student he did not neglect
his literary studies. In 1849, on the occasion
of the Queen's visit to Scotland, the illnsijinr
K.rjiiniiiir offered a prize for the best poem ou
the auspicious event. About one hundred
compositions were sent in, which were sub-
mitted for adjudication to Sheriff Henry Glass-
ford Bell, who awarded the prize to .^lr. Mac-
donald. In this year he went to Germany to
study l^oman law, and public and interna-
tional law. After remaining abroad for
about a year he returned to Scotland, and
became a member of the Faculty of Procura-
tors in Greenock, where he practised for
several years, and conducted several imijortant
church cases. In 1863 lie went to New
Zealand, intending to settle there, but finding
the country in a very dejoressed condition he
returned to Scotland, and began business in
Glasgow.

In 1880 Mr. ^lacdonald was appointed to
the important office of Town-Clerk of Govan, a
position which he has since tilled with credit
and distinction. He is also well known as a
successful author, and has written several legal
treatises — one on "Justices of the Peace and
other Magistrates in Scotland," another on the
law relative to " Masters, Workmen, Servants,
and Apprentices," and also a compendium of
of •• The Law with regard to National Educa-
tion in Scotland," besides other minor works.
In addition to these pi-ofessional works, he
wrote " A Student's Adventures in Turkey and
the East " and — founding on his experience of
church cases — '-The Story of a .Disputed
Settlement ; or, Love, Law, and Theology,"

THE OKLTFC MONTHLY

which were both published by Messrs. Diiun
& Wright, (ilasgow.

Both books- the latter iu particular — show
a keen sense of humour, and from each we get
pleasant and intelUgont glimpses of life imder
vai'ious conditions. His literary style mani-
fests the shrewd perception and methodical
training of the lawyer, touched and softened
l)y the bre.adth and freedom given by world-
wide travel. Ma}' we venture to hope for a
book based on the Jacobite period, and em-
bodying Mr. iMacdonakVs delightful and unique
stories of the "Rebellion"? .Mr. .Maedonald
is one of the \iee presidents of the Clan ^lac-
donald Society, and is at present engaged in
gathering materials with regard to the life and
times of .Marshal Maedonald, in which congenial
imdertaldng wc hope he may be assisted by the
readers of the Celtic Monthlij.

Kilinliur'h A. F. CaEMICH.\EL.

PRIZE STORY.

DONALD MACLEOD, THE SOLDIER;

A Wkst Hiciil.wi) Ti!.\i>rno.v.

1^1 11 ERE lived in
yEy' Strathbran, in the
'^M- Highlands of Ross-
sliire, Hbout two hundred
year.s a','0, a scion of the
Clan Macleod, called lam
Ban Mnc l)lii,„iliuiiiU
/(till He had an only son
named Donald, a tall,
liamisonie, good - looking
man, and as erect as a
rash. Before Donald com-
jileted his twentietli year
;fallicrdiecl ; and about
a year afterwards Donald
married .Mary Mackenzie,
tA >^^ (j_^, a beautiful girl of only
.•^^jJ^i^^Ms^P^ eighteen sumuiors, helong-
ing to a neighbouring
liandet. Donald .Macleod and his young wife
pictured to themselves a long and happy future,
but fate decided otherwise. Tiiey had only
enjoyed the married state about six weeks when
the affectionate husl)and was ruthlessly torn
from the arms of the loving wife, and, like
many other Highlanders of that period, sent
abroad to fight in the wars. Having received
little or no education, Douidd, although lie
could read a little, could not write any, and,
being of a haughty disposition, he would not
deign toa.sk HUother to write for him, so h(^ never
sent or received a letter, or heard from his wife.
Mrs. Macleod, who was pregnant when her
husband was taken from her, in due time gave

liirth to a strong, healthy son, whom she nursed
with motherly care, and as he grew in years she
trained him with tact for all that was necessary
for one his position. As she never heard from
her husband, she concluded that he had been
killed in battle, the thought of which drew
many a tears from her eyes, and wrung many a
heavy sigh from her heart. She received many
offers of marriage, but she declined them all.
One night, some time after retiring to bed,
about twenty-two years after her husband's
departure, she was suddenly seized by a severe
chill. Getting alarmed, she called her son, who
was sleeping in another bed in the same apart-
ment. He at once rose and did everything
possible for her, without effect. As a last resort,
in order to impart warmth to his mother, he
lay down at her back and in a short time had
the satisfaction to know that she was better ; and
.soon afterwards both imperceptibly fell asleep.

Being a steady, active man, Donald Macleod
became a favourite with his commanding officer.
As he never drew any money, his otlicer tool;
care of it all for him, putting it into a small
bag which he |)rocured for the purpose. On his
arrival in England and receiving his discharge,
his ofticer presented Donald with his (Donald's)
swoid, the bag of money, and five shillings,
advising him at the same time not to touch the
contents of the bag till he reached home ; that
the five shillings were for his requirements by
the way, and that he should always choose the
'•long, safe" road in prefeience to the ''short, dan-
gerous" one, a counsel having a highly elevating
moral. Donald was accompanied on his journey
homeward by another discharged soldier belong-
ing to Easter Ross. On their way they came to
a point where the road branched off into two —
one an even, good road, which, after a consider-
al)l(! detour, converged again with the other,
which, though much shorter, was rough, and
passed through a thick wood, said to be infested
by rol)bers. Donald elected to take the " long,
safe " one, wliile his companion proceeded liy
the other. Donald had not gone far when
he heard cries of "murder." He ran to the spot
whence tiie cries proceeded, and found two men
rol)bing his companion. Donald, with two well-
directed strokes of his sword, decapitated both.

Donald and his companion now proceeded
together by the " long, safe " road. I?ut they
could not travel day and night continuously ;
so, arriving late one evening at a small country
village where there was a little public house,
they went in to lodge for the night. It was
conilucted by a pretty young woman, wdiose
husband, the landlord, was a diminutive, old
creature, who had slej)t for some time previously
in a little crib in a corner off' the kitchen.
Being somewhat fatigued, Donald and his com

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

panion retired early, but, for some inexplicalile
reason, Donald failed to fall asleep, so after his
companion fell into a profound slumber he rose
and went outside. Shortly afterwards he noticed
a man on horseback coming to the jilace. Arriv-
ing, he put his horse into the stable, and then
went into the public-house. Being curious to
know his business, Donald cautiously drew
near, and for once in his life adopted the roh; of
eavesdropper, the result proving the wisdom of
the act on tliis occasion at anyrate. Donald
was not long acting in his new character when
he discovered that the rider was making love
with the young buxom landlady, who was at
that moment telling her swain that the long-
wished-for time to end the life of her old, use-
less husliand had now come ; that he (the rider)
might kill him at once, and tiiey could easily
blame the soldiers. This wicked suggestion
was immediately acted upon, and after the
horrible deed was committed the wanton land-
lady projiosed that they should get married as
soon as )iossible after everything connected with
the old man's death and funeral were satisfac-
torily disposed of, to which her wicked paramour
assented. She also requested him to call upon
her in course of the following afternoon, so as to
learn how matters were proceeding. To this
he also agreed. Then, after tenderly embracing
each other, they j)arted. On taking his horse
out of the stable, and when in the act of mount-
ing, Donald, who stood concealed near the spot,
sprang forward, and with one blow of his trusty
blade struck oft' his right hand at the wrist.
With his mutilated limb pained and bleeding,
he galloped off as fast as his horse could go to
the residence of a medical man, who soon bound
it up for him. The soldier picked up the bleed-
ing hand, and after wiping it put it into his
pocket, and, re-entering the public-house, un-
dressed and lay down beside his fellow-lodger,
who was still in the land of Nod, and, therefore,
knew nothing of what had occurred, eitlier in
the house or outside of it, since he retired to bed.
Next morning witnessed a great commotion
at the little public-house. The old landlord was
found dead in his crib, having been stabbed to
death during the night. That the soldiers were
the perpetrators of tlie deed there seemed to be
no doubt, for the young widow, who was utterly
prostrate with grief for her " dear husband,"
distinctly heard through the night the sound of
footsteps between the bed in which they slept
and that occupied by her " late darling,'"' but it
never occurred to her that such a dreadful deed
was being committed. But, apart from the
sorrowing woman's evidence, the fresh blood,
on Donald's sword was conclusive proof of his
guilt. The mob now became furious, and
threatened the soldiers with instant death

unless they made a full confession of their
crime and what prompted it. Donald, who all
along declared their innocence, now produced
the rider's hand, and solemnly vowed that its
owner was the landlords murderer. He also
uiinutely described the manner in which it came
into his possession. It was an open secret in
the village that the district millers son was on
familiar terms with the young hostess, so, on
hearing the soldier's story, a dozen men were
despatched to the miller's house to prove or dis-
prove his statement. On arriving there they
were informed that the young man was unwell,
that he was in bed, and that he could not be
seen that day. This answer being unsatisfac-
tory they proceeded to his bed and demanded to
see his right hand. The mutilated arm was
reluctantly shown, when it was found that the
hand was aniissing. He was consequently
dragged out of bed and carried to the puViIic-
house, whence himself and his female accomplice
were conveyed to the chief town of the county,
to be dealt with according to law. Donald was
complimented for the manner in which he acted
in the matter.

Donald and his comjjanion now proceeded on
their journey. But owing to the stormy state
of the weather — it was about the middle of
November — their progress was naturally slow.
At length, however, Dingwall was reached,
where, as the roads to their respective destina-
tions led in different directions, they parted
company, and a few hours afterwards Donald
Macleod arrived at his house in Strathbran,
where he left his sobbing wife twenty-two years
previously. It was past midnight when he
reached. The house presented no attraction in
appearance, nor was there any change on the
door-fastening since he left, so, opening it, he
proceeded to the smouldering embers on the
hearth, and, lighting the old, black cruisgeon, he
noiselessly entered the sleeping apartment.
His wife, whom he readily recognised, was
sound sleeping, and, though pale and careworn,
she seemed as innocent, lovely, and beautiful
as ever. But did she forget him — was she un-
faithful — did she break her marriage vows?
If not, why was that young man sleeping with
her 1 The soldier's rage at that moment knew
no bounds. He seized his sword, and was
about to decapitate the offender, when by some
mysterious influence he lowered the uplifted
arm, and, returning his sword to its sheath,
resolved to spare the man till morning, when he
would deal with him as circumstances might
suggest. Meantime he returned to the kitchen,
and sat down beside the dying embers, and,
extinguishing the lamp, began thinking over
his wife's incontinency, whose face even now
betrayed no signs of guilt.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Some time before daybreak lie heard the
young man addressing the wonuiu thus — " I
hope you are all right now, mother. If so, I
may go to my own bed." The woman answered

" Yes, dear, I am quite well now." The youth

immedirttelv arose, and, having gone to the other
bed in the apartment, said—- Mother, what a
sti-ange dream I have just had. I dreamed that
my father came home, and on his coming to
the bedside he raised his sword above my head
to kill me. On seeing which, I prayed to God
for protection, and my father immediately dis-
appeared. He seemed exactly as you used to
describe him, but he wore a red coat. On hear-
ing her son's dream and remarks she burst into
tears and said if her dear husband had been alive
he would Ions ere then have come home to see
her and her dear son. Donald now grasped the
situation and rushed into the bedroom, shouting

" My darling Mary, 1 have come to you at

last, and nothing but death will again separate
us.' After being locked in each others arms in
the most affectionate manner, he turned to his
son, who had meanwhile risen and dressed, and
kissed himastenderlyasif Ik; had still been a babe.
On opening the t>ag given him by his com-
manding othcer, Donald found it contained one
hundred sovereigns. This was a large sum of
money in those davs, and with it Donald
Macleod rented a nice croft -that on which his
cottage stood— which he fully stocked. On this
croft he and his loving wife lived during the
remainder of their lives in comfort and happi-
ness. When they di.d, which was at a great
age, they left all they jiossessed to Donald Og,
their son, who never left the paternal roof, and
being, like his parents, wise and prudent, he
managed his affairs so circumspectly that he
became the most opulent and jjopular man in
the district in his day. 1 >onald Og married and
hail a family. His descendants are still in
in Ross-shire.

A. B. M'Lennan {Hun. Wtims).

Lot-hboiatlale.

CLANSMEN, DEAR TO ONE ANOTHER.

Tl'SE— iVe.i ../ Hni-l rU.

Dedicated to Col. Sir Fit.roy Donald Maelean,
Bart, of Duart, Morven, ami Umlas, chief ot the
Clan Maclean, and sung by Mr. Oharles Maclean
at the second annual gatheriu'^ of the clan and
friends, held in the Queen's Rooms, Glasgow, uii
Friday, 27th October, 18'J3.

Lkt me greet you as a In-other,
Clansmen, dear to one another.
As the babe is to its mother.

Smiling on her breast.
Clansmen fi'om the purple heather.
Who liave donned the kilt and feather.

Clansmen who now range together
From the north and west.
Lads from the glen and corrie.
Ye have all a story,
Both proud and true, untarnished too.

And wreathed with martial glory :
When the god of war was screaming,
Then Macleans, with banners streaming,
Broad claymores, both wild and gleaming,

Fought, and fought their best.
When Prince Charlie's cause was waning,
When some chiefs were loud complaining.
Highland glens Macleans were training.

Who would scorn to fly ;
Clansmen brave as any lion,
Stalwart chiefs all ills defying.
Courted death, nor dreamt of flying.
They would sooner die.
With their tartans streaming,
And their pilirochs screaming,
M.irleans of old, both tough and bold,

Soon woke men from their dreaming ;
Whin they proudly rushed to battle,
^Slnn were stricken down like cattle,
While the deadly muskets' rattle.

Told Macleans were nigh.
Clansmen by each Highland valley,
Scene of war, and war-like sally.
Where our fathers used to rally.

With stern courage true.
Let us cherish deep the daring,
Of our gallant fathers' bearing.
While our sainted mothers' caring,
Thrills us thro' and thro" ;
Itouse, my lads, like heroes.
Wrongs shall never fear us,
With Virtue deckt, we'll stjind erect,

And smiling Uight shall cheer us.
Let us guard our honour ever.
Let us love each glen and river,
Let us stoop to baseness never.

But the right pursue.
Clansmen from the rugged Highlands,
r.i-ns and glens, and mist-wrapt islands,
Willi your sons in far and nigh lands,

Peace is in your train,
],ads with kilts and ribbons streaming
Maids with beauty sweetly beaming.
Chief whose brain with lore is teeming,
You T greet again.
Let the pibroch thrilling.
All our hearts be tilling,
With iiiem'ries grand, of our loved land

All strife and envy killing ;
While our hearts with joy are beating,
At the pleasure of thi.s meeting,
Let us ever be repeating,

Health to Chief MacLean.

Slun.l,e»tt.r. DUNCAN MacLeAN.

THE CELTIC .MONTHLY.

CAMANACHD.

ALEXANDER MACKELLAR,

First Captain, Glasgow Cowai. .Shinty (.'luh.

^TfcgpOW tliat tlie ancM--ut Highland ganu? of
(jj^yp shinty has again becoriK; popular, both
==i^l in the straths in the north and towns in
the south, it is in-
teresting to refer
to some of the pro-
minent players of
ail older generation,
who had done so
much in their time
to popularise our
favourite pastime.
Of these veterans few-
were better known
ten or twelve years
ago than Mr. Ale.v
Mackellar, the tirst
captain of the Glas-
gow Covval Shinty
Cluli. Mr. Mackellar
is a native of Tighna-
bruaich, one of the
most beautiful and
favourite watering-
])laces on the Cowal
shore. In 1876 tlie
subject of our sketch
was the prime mover
in forming the cele-
1 irated Glasgow Cowal
Shinty Club, which,
with the Edinburgh
Camanachd, are tlie
only clubs which have
survived the vicissi-
tudes of the interven-
ing years. The Cowal
men did wisely in
electing Mr. Mac-
kellar to the post of
captain, for he guided
tlie fortunes of his
club so well that for
a period of eight years
after their formation

the Cowal team were undefeated. Perliaps this
may be partly accounted for liy the fact that Mr.
Mackellar induced his men to play the "passing
game," and anyone who has seen a match played
on this scientific principle will understand tlie
advantage which it gives the players who prac-
tice it. He also substituted the leather ball foi-
the old wooden one, which it will be admitted.
was rather a dangerous article to play with.

Those wen> the palmy days of shinty in the
south. The principal clubs at that time were
the Edinburgh Camanachd, Vale of Leven,
Ossian, Glasgow Camanachd, Glasgow Inverary,
Fingalians (later Glenforsa), and the Skye. Mr.
Mackellar cajitaiiied his club in many stubborn
contests during the eight years in which he held
that office. Of these the nio.st memorable, per-
haps, were the match with the Glasgow Inve-
raray, on 26th April,
1879, for the Celtic
Society's Challenge
Clip, when the Cowal
defeated their oppo-
nents by 6 hails to ;
and in the following
year the game with
the Renton on their
own ground, when
tho Cowal won by
;', halls to 1. Al-
though Mr. Mackellar
no longer leads the
( 'owal men to the
fray, he is the hono-
rary president of the
club, and feels proud
that the Cowal team
still hold their own
on the shinty field,
and are universally
acknowledged to be
'• second to none " as
exponents of tlie
grand old game.

For ten years Mr.
Mackellar was a
member of the Glas-
gow Highlanders
(late 105th), during
five of which he car-
ried the colours, and
before he retired he
was offered a commis-
sion. The above por-
trait represents him
in tlie uniform of the
regiment. It may be
also mentioned that
as an amateur all-
round athlete he had
few equals. The value of the silver plate trophies
in his possession amounts to =£100. He also
possesses the championship medal for natives of
Argyleshire, for putting the stone.

Mr Mackellar was for many years director of
the Cowal Society, and latterly acted as trea-
surer. He recently retired from business, and
is now residing at his Highland home in Cowal.
i;i,,„,„,, Robert Murray.

I'HK CELTIC MONTHLY.

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

Br Charles Fraser- Mackintosh, F.S.A. (Scot).
Part I.

,^i^'ERTAIN interesting documents, once
l^l^A, the property of Sir James Macdonald,
^^& last of Isla, hitherto uupubhshed, hav-
ing come into mj' bands, I pui-jjose printing in
the pages of the Celtic Monthli/ — some of them
in e.rteii.sQ, ^^'ith abstracts of others. To make
my storj' complete and intelligible it is proper
to give an account of the family, but only in
the briefest form, so many well-known histories,
accurate and inaccurate, having been written
on the subject.

Seven generations from the time of Somerled,
Iving of the Isles and Lord of Argyle and Kin-
tyre, undoubted stir/is of the great house and
elan of ALacdonald, bring us to John, for some
time last independent Lord of the Isles. John,
who succeeded about ll?30, was first of his race
to acknowledge the King of Scotland as over-
lord and superior. Attempts had often been
made by the Scottish kings to curb the power
of the Alacdoualds, but hithert(j without j^ei'-
manent success. John married liis cousin,
Amie nin Kuarie, a pious, excellent woman —
whose memory is still held in sweet reverence
ou the west mainland and islands of Inverness-
shire — dowered with gi-eat possessions. Of
this marriage the oldest son was Reginald, of
whom Clanranald and others ; the so(;ond Iain
Mor, of whom the Macdonalds of Isla: and
third Alexander, of whom the ]\Iacd(>nells of
Kep)ioch .John may be said to have been the
gi'eat(«t man in Scotland, making treaties with
foreign j)owers and fighting as an independent
ally with the French at Poictiers, where he was
wounded and taken prisoner by the lilack
Prince. Tempted by the high alliance into a
second marriage with the daughter of Robert,
Steward of Scotland, afterwards I{t)ljert II.,

John weakly submitted to the offspring of the
second mai-riage ha\'ing priority. He had to
satisfy the natm'al claims of his elder sons by
large grants of projierty. having the effect, as
intended by the wily jirmiioters of the marriage
of greatly weakening, reducing, and finally de-
stroying the predominant position of the ancient
independent Lords of the Isles.

By the second marriage John had a son
Donald, who succeeded as Lord of the Isles,
and bj' marrying .Margaret, daughter of the
Countess of Koss, unltimately, in his wife's
right, on failui'es of heirs male, and other heirs
and after fighting the battle of Harlawin 1411,
was recognised as Earl of Ross. Douakl,
therefore, from his vast acquisition of estate,
had become as serious a danger to the Crown
as his predecessors, the independent Lords of
the Isles, and every opportmiity was seized
upon — and many actually created — within the
next seventy years to embroil him and his suc-
cessors with the Crown and powerful neigh-
bours. This, added to the haughty spu'it of
Donald, his sou Alexander, and his grandson
John, finally brought about the destruction of
the second dynasty of the Lords of the Isles,
also Earls of Ross, which only ran through
thi'ee generations. So anxious were Iviug and
Parliament to stamp out the title of Earl of
Ross, synonymous to them with turbulent
power, that at the final forfeiture of John, last
Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, this title
was declared to be inalienably held by the
Crown. A Duke of Ross was afterwai'ds
created, as if to emphasise the inalieuation,
which title soon fell ; and when, as is sometimes
noticed, so-and-so njeans to apply to make good
his claim to the dignity of Earl of Ross, any
such attempts are futile. Upon tlu; downfall
of the Macdonalds in the north and west, the
the Mackenzies and Campbells arose, in no
very creditable manner ; and of them all that
need be said (in this connection alone let it be
kept in remembrance) is, that the Campbells
are not now what they once were, particularly
in Isla.

We now turn to the family with wliich these
jjapers more jjarticularly deal, riz., the Isla
brancli of the Macdonalds, styled after John,
second son of John, Lord of the Isles, " Ckvun
Iain Mhoir."

I. — This John mai-ried, about 1-100, Marjory
Byset, heiress of the Seven Lordships of the
Glens, in Antrim, a lady of the good blood of
the B3'sets and O'Neills. After the miu'riage
John is found styled Lord of I)uny\aig luid the
Glens, also Jjord of Isla and Kintyre, The
title of Dunyvaig and the Gh'iis l>6came the
leading title of John's descendants. Dunyvaig
castle, for centuries a ruin, stands on the estate

THK CEI/r[C MONTHLY.

■17

of Kildalton, in Isla. Greut us the estate
given to lain Mor by liis father wns, it does
not appear to have satisfied him. Instigated
bj' evil advice, John rose against his younger
brother, Donald of the Isles and of Harlaw,
but was defeated, and lied to Ireland Peace
was made up betwixt the brothers, and heartily
recognising the seniority conferred upon their
younger brother consauguinean, both Keginald,
first of Clauranald, and Iain Mor, first of Isla,
gave hearty support to Donald, Lord of the
Isles, at the battle of Harlaw. It was this
Chmrauald's bard who composed that magui-
tieeut martial address which, above all others,
exhibits the depth and comprehensiveness of
the Gaelic language. Iain Mor's fidelity to his
nephew Alexander, son of Donald, cost him his

life. The manner of Iain Mor's death has left a
deep stain on the memory of James I. and his
advisers.

According to the Clauranald history, privately
printed at Edinburgh in 1819, Donald of Har-
law died in France in the year li'iT, but
according to others, including the late Mr.
Hector Maclean, of Isla, a very competent
writer, Donald died in 1425, at his own Castle
of Ardtornish, in the forty-fifth year of his age,
leaving his son Alexander, Lord of the Isles
and Earl of Ross, in minority. The death of
Donald seemed to the King and his advisers a
good opportunity for seizing the person and
lands of the minor."' He was accordingly en-
trapped into an interview, detained in prison
for a considerable period, and meantime the

•^iF^finS^

Dl XY\ AIG C.iSTLE (DUN NWO.MHAKi), ISLAY.

authorities had the baseness to endeavour to
enlist Iain Mor on their side with the bribe of
a large portion of his nephew's estates. Their
emissary, named Campbell, sought an inter-
view, with a large retinue, and upon Iain Mor
mdignantly declining the offer, was declared
King's prisoner, and after making all the
resistance bis small retinue could command,
was overpowered and slain. Campbell was made
a scapegoat, tried and executed for the murder
of Iain Mor, his defence being a strong and
earnest statement that what he did was by the
King's orders, though imable to furnish written
evidence of his assertion. Campbell doubtless
knew too much for those in power, to warrant
theii- allowing him his Ufe.

II. — Donald (styled Donald Balloch), son of

laui Mor, succeeded and worthily maintained
the reputation of his house in deeds of arms
and valour. He was only twenty years of age
at his father's death, but lost no time in re-
venging the foul deed, and making himself
obnoxious to the ruling powers. Great part of
his cousin Alexander's property had been given
to Alexander, Earl of Mar, who endeavoui-ed to
establish himself Ln Lochaber and other parts.
Donald Balloch gathered a considerable force,

■ " At the Isle of St B'iiilagan, in He, Alexander of
Yle, Lord of tlie Isles. Master of the Earldom of Koss,
gave charter to Gilleouan niao Roderic vie Murchard
Makneill. of the Islands of Barra and others. Dated
in the ' Vigils of .St. .Tnhn the Baptist,' 1427." This
shows that I 'oiiald of Harlaw was dead, whilst his wife
Margaret \s. s living.

TH K CELTIC^ .MONTJ 1 L V

partly through his owu iutlueuce, rtud partly
through an urgcut message from Alexander,
agaui in prison, to his followers to rally round
Donald. The Earl of liar took means to
detach a considerable portion of the proper
following of Alexander, including the Keppochs
and Camerons, an insult which afterwards cost
these families dear at the hands of Alexander
and his son John. Lord .Mar had the support
of his brother .Ulan (Lord Caithness), and
many eastern and lowbind gentlemen, together
with that of cert^iin Macdoujdds and Camerons
just mentioned, and both parties met at Inver-
lochy. Donald BaUoch gained a complete
victory, with the loss of fifty men against a

thousand of the enemy. Lord JIars pitiful
state after his escape from the Held of battle,
is still talked of in the Brae of Lochaber He
arrived late the night of the battle at Ryuach,
in the head of Glenroy, and asked for some
refreshment. The people were so poor, or
had lately been harried, that they had no dish,
and the Earl, whose name and position were
unknown, had to drink som(> milk, dra^^^l from a
goat, out of his shoe. Upon leaving he told the
laost. one O'Brien or 0']5yrne, if he ever were
in Aberdeenshire, to knock at the gate of
Kiliirummie Castle and ask for Alexander
Stuart. He did so some time afterwai'ds, and
the Earl was told by his servants that a

FINI..U;i;.\N I'.VSTI.K ANn I.OCH, ISL.W.'

stranger had knocked, asking for one Alexander
Stuart. The Earl instantly ordered his admis-
sion, treated him \\ell. told him who lie was,
and sent him homewards rejoicing, the happy
possessor of twelve cows. Considering that
the Camerons, with others, sufl'ered a complete
defeat, it seems not a little singular that their
famous and somewhat defiant pibroch is com-
monly attributed to the first battle of Liver-
lochy. As it could hardly be composed after,

* Through the kindness of Mr. A. Ferguson, Caulila,
Portaskaig, Isla, iu photographing Fiulagaii Castle,
and loch, one of the chief seats of the Macdonalds ui
Isla, an engraving is here given of this venerable
structure.

or in commemoration of, the battle, it must
have been composed, if then composed, on the
march to In\erlochy. The highest credit is
due to the Camerons for their valour at the
second battle of luverlochy. under Montrose.
Donald Balloch, after the battle, which took
jilace in 1-131, sailed to Ireland. The king
desired liis head to be sent to him, and a head
was accordingly sent in due time, but not that
of Donald, who ingratiated himself with his
powerful neighbours, the O'Neills, marrying
O'Neill's daughter. By their intercession
Donald's peace was made up with the king,

r/'" '"■ '■oiitiiiitv'i.)

Reviews. — We regret that onr limited space pre-
vents us this month from noticing Provost .Mac-
plierson'.s valuable work on " JJadenocli," Mr. D.
F. Mtn/,ie»' " Ijook of Mcnzies," " Tlic Irish Kclio "
(Boston), (fee.

The BiOHtANUEKs were the only race the
Romans could not conquer. TJiey tried again and
a.nain, but failed. In 207 A. i>., Scverus, the Roman
Emperor, lost 50,000 men in one c-anii)aign .against
the brave mountaineers, and had to retreat com-
pletely beaten.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY,

THE RAID OF LOCH CARRON.

By Alexander Macdonald, Govan.

Now blazing bright on sonii' bill top,
Now glimmering from afar ;

On, on it speeds with restless flight.
Dread harbinger of war.

About the end of the sixteenth century, a
deadly feud raged between the Macdoiudls and
Mackenzies. Scarcely a month pa.ssed which
did not witness some skirmish, raid, or act of
violence. This predatory warfare wa.s very
active during the life of Sir Kenneth Mackenzie,
created Lord Kintail in 1608, who at last pro-
cured letters of tire and sword against his
enemies, whom he in the end completely humbled
and dispossessed of ])art of their territory. Some
time before this, however, Glengarry, chief of
the Macdoneils, planned an enterprise against
him, the execution of which he entrusted to his
eldest son Angus. Sir Kenneth, suspecting th-it
a storm was gathering, went to Mull to obtain
assistance from his cousin Maclean. In his
absence young Glengarry sailed to Loch Carron
with his followers, where he committed the most
horrible cruelties upon the defenceless inhabi-
tants ; but Lady Mackenzie, a woman of great
energy and decision of character, planned and
executed a stratagem by which, on the return of
the Macdoneils in their boats, through the Kyles
(if Skye, the Mackenzie.?, in aml)nscade on the
Bailigh Rock, succeeiled in destroying a great
numlier of them, including their savage leader,
Tlie incidents of the enterprise are related in
the following ballad :—

'The merciless MaeJonwaM from t]w Wcsti

The '■ fiery cross " is speeding fast

O'er heathery hill and glen.
At fierce Glengarry's stern command —

" Go ! marshal all my men.
The hour of sweet revenge h:is come.

And Ellandonan's lord
Shall wail at many a coronach.

I swear by my good sword."

Now, o'er the banks of dark Loch (licli
.\nd Garry's birch-clad lake,

A wild and lurid gleam it sheds
From many a fiery flake,

in Isles."
Marhrth.

Crtag a» Fhithich is the cry,

Borne down the rocky glen
From Corry side and bare hill top,

And barren, heath-clad fen ;
Eacli mountain peak repeats the crv

To valley, hill, and dale,
And wafts the slogan of its chief

Across to bleak Kintail.

Now old men's dreams are broken,

Now young men start from sleep.
And waken at the warlike si)\ind

And from their couclies 1(m|i i
Now, through tlie gloom of luidniglit's hour.

Tlie " fiery cross " is seen —
Each man arms quick .and hurriedly,

None ask " What can it mean ? "

The morning's sun shone bright and clear

On luvergarry's walls.
And sounds of pibroch and of steel

Resound throughout its halls,
And full two hundred clansmen bold

Are ranged along the grcn.
in dark red tartan kilt and plaid,

A gallant sight I ween !

Claymores are belted by each side,

Sharp dirks sheathed at their knees,
And pistol stocks were seen to peep

As plaids waved in the breeze,
A deep, wild gleam shot from each eye,

And every iook was stern.
For had not bold Sir Kenneth marked

Defeat by many a cairn?

Out spoke fierce Angus Macdouell,

Glengarry's eldest son,
" Come ! follow me, my clansmen bold.

There's work now to be done."
A long, loud shout his clansmen gave.

Erect WHS every head,
V fiercer band than his ne'er marched,

Nor fiercer leader led.

Now, woe betide thee, Lonl Kintail,

Thy kinsmen's fate is hard,
The wolf will come when thou art gone

And find no one on guard ;
Oh! many a babe will lie devour,

And many a mother slay.
And thou shalt bitter, bitter rue

The day thou went'st away.

In Ellandonan's Castle sat

Sir Kenneth's lady fair.
And on her knee a lovely boy

Is twining her brown hair ;
But smiles she not upon lier boy,

For care is on her brow,
Her gaze is fixed, her look is sad :

Good Lordl what ails her now?

(To be concluded. )

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
Ati <'oiitntitiiicntiotin, un literary itntl husineas
mattfrs. kIiouIiI In- <i,l,lriss<d to Hie Editor, .Mr. JOUS
MACKA r, IT Diiiulds .-itrtrt, Kinijaton, (Unaijow.

TERMS OP aUBSVJUPTIOX.— rhe CELTIC
MONTHLY will be sent, post free, to any part of the
Vnited Kingdom, Canada, the United States, vnd all
countries iti the Postal Union — for one year, 4s.

The Celtic Monthly

DECEMBER, 1S93.

COI^TEPiXTS-

Alkxaxder Macdosali), Govax (with plate),
DosALD MACLEOD, TUB SoLPiKR (prizc stoiy)
Claxsmks, dkar to oxk ANdTHKR (a ]>oein), . . - .

Alkxasder Mackkllar (with portrait),

TiiK Last Macdonali'S ok Isla (illustratfd) ....
TiiK Raid ok locn Carron (a poem)

To OIK READKRS. "Whf.KK i.VF[,|r ISi Sl-CtlvKv."

Oi-R MisiCAL I'aok-Lamkm M.ii [;mi:v Mor Maclkod,

THK LaTK Dl-NXAX <-A.Ml-|,l I.I ,u 1 1 1 ] .> ! t Klit ),

Ex iM LSI UN Of TIIK XoBSK.Mi.\ ii-M .Si 1 11 iJu.Axo (illustrated),
UKiidO CiioiKK-.VAV lALL^.N (iUsi jJi izi: s-uulachd lit Ohaii M6d,
State ok Caithness from l7oU to i:tiu, and tiik .Sherikf, -

Highland Notes and Qierik^,

CiMiiA Do Dii-Fiiear Lonnuabiira— Lament for Allan

Cameron of L'JNDavra (a poem),

Prize C'-mtetitions, - -

Highland Meetings,

Camanacud Notes, Reviews, &c.,

Strength of the Caithness Clans, - -

" WHERE GAELIC IS SPOKEN."

Such is the attractive title of an article on the
Gaelic language, and its influence upon the
Highland people, which appeared last month in
the i>t. Louis Daily Globe- Democrat. On reading
it we were not quite sure at fir.st whether the
writer was preparing a sup})lenient to the " In-
nocents Abroad," or was addressing the " Great
Repuhlic " in all seriousness. We are now in-
clined to tlu! latter opinion, but must confess
that a perusal of this literary curiosity afforded
us as much genuine amusement as we ever de-
rived from the w-orks of a popular American
huniorisc. It would be a pity were such an
interesting composition lost in the jjages of an
American newspaper, and for the benefit of
such of our readers as are fond of a good thing
in the way of jokes, we will take the liberty of
making a few extracts from it.

The article is in the form of a " letter," dated
" Tobermory, Island of Mull, .\ugust Ki," and is
evidently the comixisitiou of one of those pilgrims
from the American continent who favour our
straths with their yunial presence every autunm.
He had evidently wandered a little, he had heard
the Gaelic sjioken, and lie had also heard it spoken
about, and, feeling biu'dened with the weight and
value of his information, he presented over a
cohnnn of his " impressions " to an ini8UH])ecting
newspaper. How much genuine amusement it
created in the States may well be imagined, and
acting on the princi|ile of " passing on a good
thing," our good friend, Mr. D. T. MacDonald, of
Calumet, thoughtfully sent it on to us. We are

sorry that space will not allow us to print the letter
in full, but as we know our readers are not above
appreciating a few good jokes about themselves,
we intend making some extracts from this precious
production, which we hope they will enjoy as
heartily as we did.

How will this do as a beginning \ He says —
" As long as the Gaelic continues to be the recog-
nised language of the jieojile. just so long nnist, in
my jtidgment, the Highlanders remain a rude,
barbaric people, enjoying few or none of the com-
forts of modern civilisation — just so long will race
bitterness exist in the hearts of the Highland
people," and so on. When this candid visitor was
rusticating in the island of Mull, we wonder did
he venture to express such an opinion to the
" barbaric peojile " whom he met daily, and who,
we are quite sure, treated him with a degree of
courtesy which he certainly would not have received
in his own country. We daresay not, for if he did
the climate of Mull would suddenly become much
too warm for such a delicately refined and civilised
curiosity, and the people would almost deserve the
description of being rude. Then he also learned
that the language has a scant literature, " for, with
the exception of Donald Maclntyre (!), I can find no
trace of any real first class poets." Shades of
Alastair MacDonald, Rob Donn Mackay, and the
bards of a thousand years! And if he did find
traces of the liaelic bards, we wonder how much of
them he could understand. He fiu-ther gi-avely
informs vis that in the north-easterly ])art of Caith-
ness " the native language is Scandinavian." This
will be news for our Caithness readers. We hope
they will manage to find these gifted i>ersons, for
although we know the county pretty well we never
met one man in it yet who spoke Norse as his
"native language." But, of course, it must be
admitted that an American toui-ist ought to know
far more about the peoi)le of Caithness than the
natives of that county know themselves !

He also found that the Gaelic fosters prejudice
and indolence among the people, it raises up a
barrier which shvits off the Gael from participating
in the comforts of civilisation, and " the attitude of
each man towards his neighliour is — iiolitically,
ethnologically, socially, and commercially — deter-
mined liy the fact whether that neighboiu- ' has ' or
' has not the Gaelic.'" This is really very serious
or very funny ; it raises questions which simply
appal us ! How are we to exi)lain the fact of so
many Gaelic-speaking Highlanders having raised
themselves to such high and responsible positions
at home and abroad ; to Highlanders and Low-
landers enjoying a soci;d night together at the
Highland gatherings without the ghost of the

Gaelic ' ' bogey " once obtruding itself, or \ It

is too serious a question to reflect upon — let us
pass on ! But om- Yankee pilgrim got at the root
of this painful ipiestion, and declares that "the
princijial tran.sgre.ssor is the Church, and it is said
upon competent authority that most extraordimiry
things go on at the Gaelic services, which, owing
to the peculiar freemasonry existing among the
Gaelic-speaking people, were never fcjund out."

Our Yankee critic has decreed that we ought to
let the Gaelic die as <piiekly as possible — and why
don't we set abovit arranging the funeral ceremony
at once \ Yes, we may well ask " Why ? "

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.
OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

LAMENT FOR RORY MOR MACLEOD, 1626.

^^l^xOKY MOR, Xlir. of Duiivegau, suc-
ypKr ceeded his brother William, wlio died in
'M?^ 1590. He was called Rnairklh Mor, )Aii
Rory, not so niueh from his size or stature ;is
from his desire to do everything on a large
scale. He was undoubtedly a bora leader of
men, possessing
in a marked de-
gree those quali-
ties which went
to constitute a
true Highland
chief in the tur-
bulent tinirs in
which he lived.
It is not our in-
tention to give a
detailed sketch of
this warrior, or
enumerate his
deeds of prowess,
as these are fully
recorded by the
historian of the
clan.* In lGl:i
he received from
James Y I. of
Scotland the
honour (jf kiiight-
hood. T)uring
his chicfsliip lie
added to, and
considerably im-
proved the ances-
tral hall.s, in
which he de-
lighted to dis-
pen.se princely
h o s p i t a 1 i t y.
Among the many
interesting lelics
in D u n v e g a n

there are two at

1 4. 1 ■ 1 , Hi lit V .\i

least which go to

prove the muniticence of his feasts These
are Rory Mor's drinking horn, and Rory Mur's
cup. The liorn, which probably once adorned
the head of a kyloe bull, is destitute of orna-
ment except a broad rim of silver, chased anil
carved, fixed round the edge. It is said to hold
as much as three ordinary bottles, and (juatiing
ofl' its contents, in claret, was one of the teats to
be performed by each chief as he came of age.

* "History of the Macleods," by X'ivx. M:ickcnz
F.S.A. (Scot.). Inverness, 1S89.

.lolinson, who visited Skye in 1773, refers to this
horn, while Burns, in one of his songs, says —
■' I'll conjure the glicst of the great Rory Mor,

.^11(1 Ijuinper his horn to him twenty times o'er."
Rory Mi'ir's cup, however, is a much more
int(!resting relic. Through the kindness of Rev.
R. C. MacLeod,
vicar of Bolney,
.Sussex, a son of
the Venerable
MacLeod of Mac-
liCod, we are per-
mitted to give a
photograph of
this very ancient
jiiece (if work-
m;inship. It is
described as fol-
lows by Sir
Walter Scott in
his notes to "The
Lord of the
Isles " : —

"Til is very curi-
ous piece of anti-
(juity i.s nine inches
and three-quarters
in in.side dt-pth, and
ten and a half in
heiglit on the out-
side, the e.xtreme
measure over the
lips being four
inches and a half.
The cup is divided
into two parts by a
wrought ledge,
beautifully orna-
mented, a 1 1 o u t
three fourths of an
inch in breadth.
Beneath this ledge
the shape of the
cup is rounded off,
and terminates in a
flat circle, like that
of a teacup : four
li s ( ir short feet support

the whole. Above
th" i>nijicting ledge the shape of the cup is nearly
square, projecting nutward at the Inim. The cup is
made of wood (oak to all appearance), Init most curious-
ly wrought and embossed with silver work, which pro-
jects from the ves.sel. There are a number of regular
prc.jecting sockets, which appear to have been set with
stones : two or three of them still hold pieces of coral,
the re.st .ire empty. At the four corners of the pro-
jcetiiig ledge, or cornice, are four sockets, much larger,
probably for pehbles or precious stones. The workman-
ship of the silver is extremely elegant, and appears to
have been highly gilded. The ledge, lirim, and legs of
the cup are of silver. The family tradition bears that
it was the property of Neil Gliin-dubh, or ISlaek-knee.
l'>ut VI ho tbis Neil w.is no Due pretends to say. Around

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

the eiigeof the cup is a legend, perfectly legible, in th,-
Saxon black-letter, which seems t" run thus :
afo ; Johis : J«ich : || J«9n : JJiuipis : Be : Sir : ||
^ffl.inat : AVith : || ^i;ihi;i : .«H9VU»cil ; || l£t : ^p.it :
50 : ^hu : Ba : II Clcrt : 311orm Ov* ■ II J*" «>♦ " ^^n" ■
J}i ■■ 3r ■■ 993 ©nili : (T^imi : ||

'I'he inscription may run thus at length : I. In Jvliatus
Mich Maijni PHncipis de Ur ManacMich Li-ilua Mwmi-
lull H xnerat Domhio Ihcsu dari cIcmeiUiam illiiiiim
„,„-ra Fecit Anno Domini 993 Onlti Oimi. Which
inay run in Knglish : I'fo. the son of John the son of
Magnus, Prince of Man, tjie grandson of I.iahia .\ ac
grvneil, trusts in the Lord Jesus that their works (. •■.
h\H own ai.d those of his ancestors) will obtain mercy .
Oneil Oimi made this in the year of (Jod nine huml.e.l
and niiitvthree, , , , ■• 1 .,

■ But this version docs not include the puzzling lettL-i s
i.K before the word Manae. Within the mouth of the
cup the letters Ms. (Jesus) are repeated four times.
From this and other circumstances it would seem to
have been a chalice. This circumstance may pe>hap«
account for the use of the two Arabic nnmer.ds .1.5.
These tigur.s were introduced by Pope bylvester ,v.D
'191 and might be used in a vessel formed for church
service so early as <m. The workmanship ot the
whole cup is extremely elegant, and resembles 1 am
told, antiques of the same nature preserved in Ireland.

'1 here is a lament for Neil Gtwi-diMi in the
" Book of the Deuu of Lisinore." and in a foot-
note we are informed that he succeeded to the
throne of Ireland in 916, »nd was killed in
battle by the Danes in 919. The lament was
composed by his wife, who refers to her lord 11?
follows : —

" Nocha u'fhac mi fear mar Kiall,
Do bu gheal e ach a ghlim,
Fa maith a mhaise 's a niamh,
Taise a chiabh 'us glas a shiiil."
" Never have I seen one like Nial,
Fair was he all except the knee,
Great were his beauty and his fame,
Soft «eie his locks and grey his eye.'
The legend connecting the cup with this Neil
GluH-dnbl, seems to contradict the inscrijition,
which says that this curious vessel was made
for Magnus, Prince of Man.

"Few cups," remarks Sir Walter Scott,
"were better, at least more actively employed
in th(,- rude ho.spitality of the period than those
of Dunvegan. There is in the Leahhar Dmig a
song intimating the overflowing gratitude of a
bard of Clan-Ranald, after the exuberance of a
Hebridean festival at the patriarchal iortress ot
MacLeod." The poem here referred to is en-
titled " Laoidh do rtnne Niall mor mac minrw/ie
smi dun do rumdhraiijlie mor mac Lcoid,' and is
reproduced in the late Dr. Cameron's " n,Lq,u,v
Celticfr," Vol. L It may interest our readers
t(. ((note a few verses to show how the viaelie
of that period was written : —

" Sc hoidhce dhamsa san dun

nior bhe ancoinnmhibh falsa fuar

cuirm lionmhur da hibhu alior

Hon bhrngh n.or is li.mmhur sluagh

Gair na gclairseach sna cuach throm
ag nacii gnathach fuath na feall
"aire na iniledh fleasgach fionn
lioun misgeiich is teine theann

Rio o nolbhuir aignuibh ur

cunnbhuidh achuid ribb gach cliar

sanenbhrugh na haisliiiL' ol

da shluagh lionnmhur laireaing fiall

Fichad misge leinn gach laoi
uibhudh treisi linne no le
tiu nert far metha do bhi
cethair athri 7 ' le '6."

The poem has been translated by the great
Irish annalist. Dr. O'Connor. We give his
rendering of the Gaelic verses quoted : —

"Six nights I had been in Dun, it was not a falla-
cious entertainment I received : plenty of cuirm (strong
ale) was drunk at the board, there was a large wine-
/>iH7A and a numerous host." ••••,,,,„, ,

•'■I'he merriment of the harp and of the tuU bowls,
with which hatred and treachery are not usually accom-
panied ; the laughter of the fair-haired youngsters, we
had inebriating ale and a blazing tire. '

" A prince from whom a gooil disposition is acquired,
he keeps the fellowship of all ecclesiastics ; in his regal
court drinking is not a dream, to his numerous coni-
pauy he is plentiful and hospitable ."

" We were twenty times drunk every day, to which
we had no more (Jjjection than he had ; even our food
was ill abundance, which consisted of four, three, seven,
along with six of varieties."

It is abundantly evident that Rory Mor's
cup and horn must liave inspired this tribute of
praise from the Clan-Ranald bard.

Tin? hereditary pipers at Dunvegan were the
famous MacCrimmons. Para Mor (big Patrick)
was piper to Rory Mor. and, as might be ex-
pected, he took liis master's death very much to
heart. Dunvegan had lost all its charms, he
could no longer remain within its walls, so he
shouldered his piob-nMr and marched off to Ins
own home at Horreraig, consoling his grief by
iilaying as he went a lament for his chief, which
is one of the most melodious and plaintive pipe
tunes on record. The Gaelic words associated
with the tune are as follows : —

Tog orm mo phiob 'us thi'id mi dhachaidh.
Is truagh Icam fli.5in mo kHr mar thachair :
To>' orm mo phiob "s mi air mo chriidh,
MiTRuairidh M<'>r, mu Ruairidh Mor.

Tog orm n.o iihiob— tha mi sgitb.

"S mar faigh mi i theid mi dhachaidh :

Tog orm nio phiob tha mi sgith.

■& mi air mo chradh mu Ruaindh Mor.

Tog orm mo phiob-tha mi sglth,
'S mar faigh mi i theid mi dhachaidh ;
{'Ihrsach no plob cha tog mo chridh.
Cha bhcu fear mo ghriiidh,'lluauidh Jb.r.

A translation or paraphrase of these lines
will be found underneath the music.

FlOSN.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

OUWHA RUAIRIDH MHOIR— RORY MOR'S LAMENT, Ui2(j.

Key E[>. — ^loiiii/, with nuicli feelmij.

.d:r., nil:— .l:s., nls.d:— .d: r ., nil:— .d:r., nlr.d: — .

Tog orm mo |phii)b 'us theid mi|<lhacliaiilh, Is truagh learn Ifhi'iii, mci leir inar| thachair ;

Give me my pipes, I'll home them cany, In these sad halls I dare not tarry;

. d : r ., n I 1 : — . 1 : s ., 1 j d' : — . d'
Tog orm mo | phiob 's mi air mo \ chi'idh, Mii
My pipes hand o'er, my heart is sore, For

Fetch me my pipes, my heart is breaking
For Rory Miir his rest is taking ;
He wakes no more, and to its core
My heart is sore for Rory Mor.

: r' ., d'

Kuairulh
Uury

Ritllantatido.

M..r,
M.'.r,

; n ., r 1 r : -

Rnairidli M/ir.
Rory Miir.

Give me my pipes, I'm sad and weary.
These halls are silent, dark, and eerie ;
The pipe no more, cheers as of yore,^
Thy race is o'er, brave Rory Mor.

THE LATE DUNCAN CAMPBELL.

By the death of Mr. Duncan Campbell, at tho
early age of twenty-four, tlie Glasgow Skye
Association has lost one of its most esteemed
and valued members. Mr. Campbell was well
known to Highlanders in the city as an enthu-
siastic lover of everything Highland — pipe
music, Gaelic singing, and Plighland dancing
had each a special attraction for him. He took
a keen interest in the work of the Skye Asso-
ciation, and when applications for assistance
were under discussion Mr. Campbell was always
anxious that every deserving case should be
dealt with generously, the outcome, no doubt,
of his own kindly and generous disposition.
He read two interesting papers befoi-e the asso-
ciation on " William Ross, the Gaelic Bard," and
" Place-Names in Strath, Skye." It may be said,
to his credit, that he was so keenly sensitive
on questions affecting the good name of the
Highlands that he could not even appreciate a
joke when it reflected in any degree upon his
countrymen. We heartily respect the feeling.
Mr. Campbell was a member of the Glasgow
Highland Regiment. He died at his native

place, Broadford, Skye, where he had gone to
recruit his health, and lies buried in Kila-chro,
under the shadow of the hills he loved so well.
Some of his friends in Glasgow propose erecting
a memorial stone over his grave. His presence
will be greatly missed at the annual gathering
of the natives of Skye, which takes place on
an early date.

Bearsden. DoNALD NiCOLSON.

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

I.M our next issue we will present our readers
with a life-like plate portrait of Sir James Col-
quhoun, Bart, chief of the clan, who is to preside
at the social gathering of the Clan Colciuhoun, in
Glasgow, oil 29th December, Also portaits of Dr.
R. C. Macdiarmid, Dr W. Murray Mackay, North
Shields, vice-president, Clan Mackay Society ; and
Miss A. E. Murray-Macgregor, director. Clan
Gregor Society. In addition to these, the second
part of Mr. Fraser-Mackintosh's interesting article
will be illustrated with a fac-shnUe of a charter
dated 1550, granted by Archibald, 4th Earl of
Argyll, with a fine reproduction of his seal. A
view of Mingarry Castle will also be given. Mr.
Mackay, Hereford's, concluding article will be
illustrated with engravings of Borve Castle, Farr,
and an ancient stone in Farr Churchyard, believed
to belong to the Norse period. Mr. D. Murray
Rose also contributes a valuable article on the
" Earldom of Ross," which will be suitably illus-
trated. In addition to these, other pictures will
be given.

We also intend presenting oiu- readers with a
four-page Supplement, containing the comjjlete
Muster-Roil of the Reay Fencible Regiment,
which will be a valuable appendix to Mr. Mackay,
Hereford's, volume on that regiment, recently pub-
lished.

The next number will also contain interest-
ing contributions from the pens of Mr. Malcolm
MacFarlane, Col. Charles Stewart, and other well-
known writers. Altogether, our '" New Year Num-
ber " will be the best and most interesting budget
of Celtic literature ever ofi'ered to Highlanders at
the small charge of threepence.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

EXPULSION OF THE NORSEMEN FROM
SUTHERLAND STRATHNAVER THE
SCENE.

By John- Mackav, C.E., J.P., Hereford.

(pI^HERE is no very authentic record in the
V^ annals of Scotland as to the exact era in
^■^^ which tiie dreaded " Lochlinnicli ' made
Settlements on the north and south coasts of
Suthei'land, or of Caithness or the Hebrides.
In the Ossianic poems references are made to
their predatory and hostile incursions under
such leaders as (iorlo, Sarno, the father of
Comalj(C'aonih-mhal), Swaran ; and Duhh-mhic-
Roinne, who, it is said, lived in the north-east
ot Caithness, was one of the heroes who assisted

Cunihal, the father of the renowned Fingal, in
his wars with the sons of Morni, but, from his
iiauie, it may be conclusively said he was a
Caledonian Pictish chief, not a Norse leader.

The sterility of their country, their continual
feuds amongst themselves, the continuous wars
for ascendancy and power amongst their leaders,
inclined the Norsemen to be warriors, seafaring
men, and pirates. In their own country they
lived by hunting and fishing. In early days,
when the tilling of tlie ground was little under-
stood and practised, it must have been hard
work tempting those yellow-haired lads — eager,
young adventurers — to stay at home when they
could live upon the sea in their rude but staunch
little ships as well, if not better, than on land,
especially when they were told great stories of

■niiNNIi: ST1!ATIIN"A\1T. " Tin: H.Air n\- Tlir M^nCATS.

sunshiny, fruitful lands that lay to the west and
south, where plenty of silver and gold, bright
clothes, and abundance of food could be obtained
in the market of war for the blows of their axes,
the strengtli of their arms, and the courage of
their hearts. No wonder that it seemed to them
a waste of time and energy to .stay at heme in
bleak and sterih^ Norway !

Till the middle of the Sth century the expe-
ditions of the Norsemen were more for plunder
and adventure than for taking possessions and
colonising. They sailed into bays and estuaries,
plundering wherever they landed, fighting when
resisted, and from these iiabits ac(iuired in tlieir
own language the ap])ellation of " Vikingr,"
bay fre(|U(;uters, rovers, pirates, freebooters. In
heathen times in Norway it was usual for young
men of distinction, before settling down, to

make warlike ex])editions into foreign places, as
a |)art of their education, and this voyage was
called " viking"- going into bays for a rmd. It
is possible these Norse raiders taught the Gael
to imitate these practices in | after years on
land.

Gradually these expeditions led to permanent
conquests in Scotland, Ireland, France, and
Sicilj', even to tireece and the gates of Constan-
tinople. In 84.'{ these bold, warlike warriors
sailed up the Loire and plundered th(! country
right and left. In S-la Rolf, the Ganger, sailed
up th(^ Seine and plundered Paris, and a few
years thereafter took possession of Normandy
and defied the King of France.

Thi^ nortli of Scotland, from its proximity to
the Orkney Isles, the great seat of the Vikingr,
severely felt the plunderings and extortion.s of

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

thfse inarauders, and hence, it may be pi-esuuied,
the erection of those so-called Pictish towers so
numerous in every fertile strath in Sutherland
and parts of Caithness, for defence and warning
in time of invasion by these tierce barbarian,
seafaring hordes. No doubt many a bloody con-
flict took place between them and the natives,
of which we Iiave so many traditionary tales, in
poetry and prose.

In 875 Sigurd Eysteinson, Earl of Orkney,
with tlie aid of Thorstein the Red, subduetl
Caithness and Sutherland as far as Ekkials-
bakki (Uy Kel), frequently defeating the
armies sent against them by the King of Scots,
and carrying their conquest into Ross-shire.
Sigurd was buried at Siderha', now callad
Cyderhall, near Dornoch. In 996 this Sigurd,
or Siward Hlodrerson, subdued the whole coast
right away to Aberdeen, and obtained a daughter
of the King of Scots in marriage. Siward fell
at the great battle of Cluntarf, near Dublin,
in lOli, won by Brian Boroinihe (the cow dis-
tributor), and his son Thorlinn, at the age of
five, was confirmed in the possessions of his
father by the King of Scots. Disagreeing with
Duncan, the successor of his grandfather, who
demanded tribute from him, he defeated his
armies, as the Sagas say, and ravaged the wholt^
of the Lowlands as far south as Fife, burning,
sLiyiiig, and subduing the land as he went.
After Thortiiin's death in lOG-t, Caithness and
the Orkneys were torn by internal dissensions
and disputed successions, murders and assassina-
tions amongst the Norse leaders, till 11.50, when
Harold Maddadson, a grandson of an Athole
Eail, succeeded. He, too, had a competitor in
Harold Wngi, or the younger, who was favoured
by William the Lion, King of Scots, who be-
stowed upon him the title of Earl of Caithness,
while the King of Norway confirmed to the
other the title and possessions of the Orkney
Isles The younger Harold levied troops in
Sutherland and Caithness, to make good the
rights given him by the King of Scots, and a
great battle was fought between the two Harolds
at Clardon, near Thurso, in which the younger
was slain and his army defeated. Tliis event,
and the cruelties to which the victor subjected
the vanquished, having come to the ear of the
Lion King of Scots, made him very wroth. He
immediately set about punishing the cruel
Harold, and arranged with Reginald of the
Isles, son of the King of Man, the greatest
warrior of his day, to levy and collect troops in
Ireland, Galloway, Kintyre, and the Isles, expel
Harold from Sutherland and Caithness, and
reduce the country to the king's rule. Reginald
accepted the king's mandate, collected his troops
from these districts, and landing either in Loch-
broom or Lochinver, marched through the

morasses and forests of Sutherland, and de-
bouched into Strathnaver liy the south side of
the famed Ben Clibric. Harold was kept well
informed of Reginald's movements, knew from
what quarter the storm of battle would burst
upon him, and he prepared himself for it liy
collecting his Norsemen from Orkney and Caith-
ness, and marching them into the heights of
Strathnaver to meet the coming storm. He
posted his array upon rising ground on the east
side of the river Naver — since called 1 )al-harold,
or Harold's field or meadow — about a mile
below the east end of Loch Naver, sending out
as far as the east end of Ben Clibric a strong
detachment to watch the advance of the enemy,
and, should the opportunity offer itself, to give
them a taste of Norse valour and fighting quali-
ties. This, it would appear, happened, for on
Reginald's vanguard coining round the east end
of Ben Clibric Norsemen were descried to the
left, posted on the southern slope of Cnoc-bad-
aii leathad (the hill of the tufty slope), north
side of Loch Truderscaig. This advance divi-
sion of Reginald's army at once made for the
enemy, and an obstinate combat ensued. The
Norsemen were defeated with great slaughter,
and retired upon Harold's main army encamped
ii])on Dal-lmrold. The scene of this confiict is
still marked with twenty-two tumuli, where the
slain were interred.

Having ascertained the pre.sence of the enemy.
Reginald put his forces in order of battle and
marched on for miles till he came in view of
Harold's position by the side of the Naver river,
which protected his right flank, his right centre
strengthened Ijy an ancient fort, into which lie
would probably post his arcliers. In his imme-
diate front was a ravine, difficult to cross and
easily defended ; his centre was posted on gr-ound
rising into a terrace above the river, and his
left posted on the slopes of a knoll, still called
the "bloody knoll," a name given to it from the
terrible slaughter made upon and around it. The
position was well chosen for the fight of heroes,
and extended from the river a distance of 1500
yards. Reginald's army was probably superior
in numbers to Harold's, but the Norsemen were
fresh, while the Islanders and Highlanders were
tired and weary liy their long March over the
moors and morasses from -\ssynt to the Naver.
The battle soon began, and, we may be sure
of it, that Harold, with his valiant and
fierce veteran Norsemen, did their very best
— they were fighting for hearth and home.
The Islanders, Gallowegians, Irish, and the
natives who joined were actuated by a spirit
of deep revenge for injuries perpetrated upon
them for several centuries by the ruthless
Lochlinnich.

(To BE concluded).

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

URUiSG CHOIRE-NAN-NUALLAN.

First Prize Sgeulachd at Obas Mod.

By John MacFadyen.

r=JP|llLACH ATR 'o ohioiiii a fada gu'n d'tliiiinig
V^ Rii^h Otlmileam ;i Tiir Atliaileaiii a shealg
■^5^^ do (ihleann nam inang 's nam niaoiseach,
's blia e ch6mhiiaidh —

" Fo aiinart thar gheig barraich,
'All sealliidh snSil bair crauuaibh a long. "

Agus thacliair air latha do na liiilhean 'n uair
a bha iad a mach a' sealg, gu 'n deachaidh mac
an Righ, Talarasan nan dual oir, air seachran
o chach, 's gun na chuideachd ach ditliis ghill-
ean agus a cliii " Luran," agus fhad' 'sa liha iad
«g iarraidh an rathaid tliainig an tanaiiioeli
orra, agus thachair gu 'n rol ill an rathad dhacti-
aidh gan toirt troimh Choire-iian nuallan, agus
11 uair a hlia iad a' dol seachad air bothan na
li-airidL aig Oailleach-bun-na-beinne, blia ise a
mach agus thuirt i riutha ; — " Tillibli a chlann,
cha 'n 'eil an Coire glan roimhibh." " Clia till
ach gcaltaire a Chaillich chroui," ar.sa Taiainsan.
"Ciod is mo air Talamsan mac Righ Othaileam
ii Tur Athaileam, tliu fein na na bheil 'sa'
Choire 'I " " Is ard d' inbli a dhiulnaich, ach 's
dill nach gabh couihairle," ars' a' Chailieach.

Ghabli na laoich air an aghaidh troimh Choire-
Tian-nuallan, gus an d'thainig iad gu 8loc-nam-
iiieali agus an sin chunnaic iad an ainnir 'Im
luraiche air an do dhearc siiil rianih —

Bha suil ghorin-mheallacli mar dhruclul meala

Air bharr fkilleaii nan licis,
Mar uchd eala, no cloiinheid canuaich

Bha snuadh lannair a ciieas.

Bha slatag slicilich 'na laimh dhcis, agu.s bha a
lanili chli air a culaobh. Chaidh an cu ceuni
air tiioiseach air na daoine, an sin shoas e, is
thoisich e air comhartaich rithe. " Gaisg do
chii a Thalanisaiii," ars' ise, "bithidh coin nam
tlath air eill gus an t&isich an fhaoghaid."

" Laidii 'Luran,'" arsa Talam.san. " 'Se sin
' Luran ' do dhunachsa nochd," ars' an ainnir,
nach robh 'na h-ainnir ni b'fhaide ach 'na caillich
nualaidh, neimheil, ghuineach. Dh'fhas an t-
slatag sheiiich a bha na laimh na shlacan
draoidiieachd, s liha nathair shligineach, tlieinn-
leach 'na cuaich 'na broilleacli : —

Bha craicionn mar bhoicionn
Ciar-lihoc nan cirn,
Bhios eadar an cojird 'xan t-arad ;
Chmiapbhristeadh i 'chno
Eadar a sron 's a .smcig.

Cho liiath 'sa fhuair i aiiim a' clioin gliaiiin i g
a idiinsaidh e 's cha tugadh e feairt tuilleadli
air a mliaiglistir ; 's ami a chaidh e 'na charaibh
leis an L^rui.sg, oir b'i sud I'rui.sg Choire nan-
nuallaii, ged liu mhaiscach i air a chcud sheall-
adh a fhuair iad dhi.

'N uair a cliunnaic na gillean mar a thachair,
theich iad dhachaidh leis an sgeul nihuladach
gu 'n do mharbii Uruisg Choire nan-iuiallan
Talamsan, mac an Rigli.

Tliog an Righ a niach an latli'r-na nihaireach,
leis a h-uile duine 'bha mar mliilUean dha a
shireadh a mhic. Fhuair iad an oil, '• Luran,"
niarbh 's gun ribe tionnadh air, ach cha 'n
fhac' iad mac an High, no Uruisg, ach meall iir
'an Sloc-namineall. Thill an Righ dhachaidh
gu duthach, bronach ; cha robh do chloinn aige
ach Talamsan agus aon nigliean — Caol-uihala-
dhonn — agus thug Caol nihala-dhonn Ix'iid nach
posadh i fear gu britli ach am fear a inharbhadh
Uruisg Choire-nan-nuallan.

Chuala Breac-ghliiii, Mac Thoicuil, Righ
Dhiiuaid an Eiriiin, iiiu'n bhoid a thug Caol-
mhala-dlionn. B'e sud Breac-ghlim nan seachd
cath 's nan seachd liiiaidh, agus bhiodh seachd
laoich a' cath air gach laimh dheth.

Air latha de na liutliean tliainig e air tir aig
Aniar-nan-eithear, agus thog e ris an aonach 's
an anamoch, agus o'n nach robh aige ach Caill-
each ri choinneacliadh cha b' fhiach leis a ohuid
laoch a thoirt leis, ach thug e leis an t-Easgadach-
luath-chasach : —

A' bheireadh air a' ghaoth luath Mhairt
S clia bheireadh a' ghaoth luath Mhairt air.

A' dol seachad air bothan na h-aiiidh aig
Cailleaclibun-ua-beiiiiie, bha 'Cliailleach a macli,
agus thuirt i — " Tillibh a chlaim cha 'n 'eil an
Coire glan roimliilih." "' Gabh romhad a chrom
Chaillich liatli," arsa Breacghliin, " cha till ach
gealtaire, 'de 's nifi air Breac-ghlun, mac
Thorcuil Righ Dhiniaid nan coig stuadh, 'an
taobh tuath na h-Eirionn, thu fein na na tha
's a' Choire ! "Is ard d' inbh a dhiiilnaidi ach 's
diii uach gabh comhairle," ars' a' Chailieach.

'N uair a rainig BreacgliHin Coire-nan-
nuallan chunnaic e an ainnir 'bu mhaisiche air
an do dhearc siiil riainli —

Thar gach ainnir 'an snuadli,

A' toirt huaidh air innai na h-Eirionn.

Bha slatag sheiiich 'na laimh 's thuirt i ris : —
" Cia d' as, 's c6 d'tliuige a laoich, de fiith do
sheud 's do siiiubhal ? " "Is niise," ars' esan
Breac-ghlim mac Tliorcuil Righ Dliunaid nan
coig stuadli an taobh tuath na h-Eiriomi, tha
mi 'dol do Choire-nan-nuallan a' niarbhadh
Uniisg Shioc-nani-nieall, a reir iarrtus Caol-
nihala-dhonn, nighean Righ Otiiaileam an Tiir
Athaileam." Ars' an ainnir — "An e gaol
ainnir no fuath iiruisg a thug Breac-ghlun a
Kirinii i Ma 's e fuath iiruisg lubaidh a
chruaidh* ri h-uclul, ma 's e gaol ainnir, is
sleaiiihaiii an greum air an easgainn a li-earball.

• Luhaidk a chruaidh — hia steel shall beud, or his
sword shall bend. CitMiilh—ateeh

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Tha ochd Matliailili I.^ in.n-fliir an Tiir Athaileam
a nochd : —

Is sleamhain leao an (iorns tuir.

Is sleamhna na sin iiidh 's na dh'aog.

"Is raise nighean righ garbh-slileagh, an
Talla-nan-sogh, 's tha uiaithibh ra' atliar aig
loic a' nochd. Cuir do ghille a thireadh do
laoich, is thijibh uiU' do Tlialla-nan sogh is
gheibh sibh aoidlieachd nach d'fhuair tlui riamh
air talamh na h-Eirionn."

" Fall)h Easgadaich," arsa Breac-ghlun, 'se
eur cagar na cliluais, "greas a' so mo laoich, ach
l)iodh iad na'n eideadh."

Dh'fhalbli an t-Easgadacii, 's niu 'n robh e
ach gaiin air falbh dh'atharaich an ainnir a
criith, 's dli' aithnich Breacghlim giir h-ann a
bli'aige an Uriiisg Dh'flias a slatag sheilich
'na shlacan-druidheachd is tharuinn Breac-ghhin
a shleagh —

A bha sadarth air slacan na h-Uruisg
'S a' toirt Mac-talla :i stiican nam beann,

Ach 'n uair 'thill an t-Easgadach 's na laoioli,
cha d' fhuair iad mac righ, ainnir, no Uruisg,
ach nioall ur 'an Sloc-nam-meall.
( Til be concluded).

STATE OF CAITHNESS FROM 1730 TO
1760, AND THE SHERIFF.

(An Oi.Ti MS.).

P?|3||HE shops of two merchants named Hen-
X^ derson and Miller were likewise robh(:d.
'j:^^ Robert Goldie, a merchant from Elgin,
was also robbed about three miles from
Thurso, and his money and merchandise taken
to the value of £150. The Meal Girnels
in Thur.so were broken into in 1759, and
their contents stolen. It is nnnecessaiy, how-
ever, to give further details from the MS. to
illustrate what was happening at the tiuie,
as the instances given will amply suffice. It
may be mentioned, however, that latterly the
band developed the daring plot of robi>ing old
Freswick himself at Freswick Castle, where it
was believed he kept a large sum of money.
There have been several versions, traditionary
and otherwise, of this atteun)t given to the
public, to which much public interest has been
attached. But as the MS. on which this brief
article is based was written scarcely two montlis
after the incident itself, its contents may be
looked upon as authentic when compared with
all other statements. The I'obbery was to take
place on a certain night, and a female .servant
at Freswick Castle was a party to the plot.
Two of the gang, named James Sutherland and
Alexander Rugg, relented, and divulged the
whole scheme to Freswick. At length the
Sheriff-Depute bestirred himself, and with the

assistance of his retainers and others he caused
the apprehension of Donald Rugg, John Swan-
son, and Andrew Keith. The Sheriff had a
private interview with John Campbell, the Jew,
whom he allowed to escape out of the county,
along with his father, Samuel Campbell. Fres-
wick's female servant committed suicide, and
was buried in the Hill of Freswick. Her re-
mains were found almost intact about ten years
ago in the same place.

The Sheriff came in for a great share of pul>lic
indignation, but as he was not on friendly terms
with the county gentlemen he eared little what
they said. It edged out that John Campbell
had informed the Sheriff of all the murdei-s and
robberies which the band had committed. Fur-
ther, Andrew Keith made a similar confession,
which he signed, and this confession was sent by
Mr. John Russell, the Procurator-Fiscal to the
Sheriff-Depute ! But, notwithstanding all this,
the latter worthy left the county and jiroceeded
to Edinliurgh as if nothing unusual had been
taking place within his sheriffdom. Before
going he left no instructions, and, on the whole,
treated matters with absolute indifference.
Sutherland and Rugg had been dismissed by
himself, and allowed to go through the county
as they pleased. Through an act of indulgence
Donald Rngg was allowed to escape from prison.
He was visited while there several times by a
woman named Clark, who surreptitiously intro-
duced some irons, through the instrumentality of
which he afterwards broke through the prison
and escajied.

The county gentry in their seats were
alarmed, as men with faces blackened were ob-
served skulking around their houses in the
night time. Firearms had to be resorted to,
and things had been lirought to such a pass
tliat gentlemen did not consider themselves
.safe without having parties of men guarding
their houses, nor in travelling without an escort
at night. Some of the gang were even seen to
go to church. The MS. graphically sums up
the state of matters in one sentence — "Such is
the present situation of this very gross and
grave affair." The Sheriff took matters easy,
and suited himself. Andrew Keith, with some
others, broke into the prison and liber.ited his
sister, while all the time the Sheriff was spend-
ing the night in a public-house, within thirty
yards distance. The public-house was kept by
the acting liailie of the town ; and the Sheriff
took no steps to as.sert his authority, but quietly
left for his country seat as if nothing liad hap-
pened. The Sheriff allowed his own friends to
do as they liked, and on one occasion, on re-
ceiving a complaint from a Thur.so merchant,
the Slieiiff rt-hirnt'd him an abusive and
threatening letter.

THE CET/nC MONTHLY.

There were about twenty fairs in the county
at the lime, at which, the MS. narrates, that
men. after gettinc drunk, thrashed and abused
one another with huge .sticks, many being
killed, while many lingered for a time and died
of their bruises It was laid at the door of the
Sheriff that he had not held a Sheriff Court for
a considerable period, and. in proof of this,
reference was made to the Sheriff Court books.
But, further, it was alleged that he had a large
estate in the county, parts of which were situ-
ated at considerable distances from each other ;
that there were several large farms on his
estate, with several hundred small tenants, and
that he had no time for the discharge of the
duties of the slierifl'dom. Besides, he was at
variance with all tlie county gentlemen, whom
he would not ask for assistance, and that in the
administration of justice all these differences
had their influences.

But. in conclusion, it is asked in the MS
why all this should be endured by men who
had assisted His Majesty's armies and paid
their taxes ? It is satisfactoi-y, however, to
know that not long after the date of the docu-
ment in question a considerable improvement
had taken place in the peace and general secu-
rity of the county. Had there not been ample
proof, it is scarcely possible to believe that so
much violence existed in the far north only
about one hundred and thirty years ago.

George M. Sutherland.

Wick.

HIGHLAND NOTES AND QUERIES.

The MacDonai.ds are the most numerous of all
the clans.

The okkat pioh mhor (bagpipe)is peoihar to bcot-
land only.

Lohd'Breadalbane's estate stretches seventy
miles west from his own door.

Angus Dubh Mackay could raise 4000 lighting

men. ,, ,•

Kiyii RoBEKT THE Bruce addressed the Parlia-
ment of Ardchattan in the Gaelic tongne.

The la.st wolk in Siotland is said to have been
killed by Sir Ewen Cameron.

The Kino of one of the Pacific Islands is a
Highlander named Ross.

The Maclboiis, Macaulays, Macaskills, Macivers,
and MacCorciuodales are of JSorse origin.

Two HKiHi.ANiiEKS who refused a bribe of
£3O,0(J0 to V>etray Prince Charlie were afterwards
hanged for-. s/<vi/i»,;/ u coir/

McNKO OK FowLis holds his lands on conditum
that he will bo prepared to iiresent his Sovereign
with a ball of snow when called ujioii to do so.

Thk grandfather of Lord Macanlay, the historian,
had to^tiee the oinitiy for attempting to betray
Prince Charlie in the island of Uist.

The amient si'ELI.ini; of the name Mackay was
"Macky." General Mackay of Scourie was the
first to adopt the present form.

The favoikite weapons of the ancient High-
landers were the broadsword, Lochaber axe, and
dirk (liiodaij).

Amono the first families in Scotland to em-
brace the Protestant reli,gion were the Sutherlands,
Mackays, Munros, and Roses.

From 17G0 to 1814, the number of Highlanders
who joined the army has been estimated at IVoiu
80,000 to 100,000.

In the Sutherland Fencible regiment of 1770
there were no fewer than 104 persons of the name
of William Mackay, 17 being in one company.

When the wearing of the kilt was prescribed
in 174(5, it was a common practice for Highlanders
to evade the law bv stitching the kilt up the
middle !

The Macdonalds of Clanranalds march is
SiMiiihciifachd Mhh- Mhic-AUfin : their lament,
Cuiiiha Mhh- Mhic-Ailcht; and their slogan or
war-cry, Addanii OflnDinairli.

The Days OF the Week in Gaelic. — Can any-
one f'ive the origin and derivation of the Gaelic
name's for the days of the week. Are they Celtic ?

— Dl-LCAIN.

John Ma<kenzie, of " The Beauties. —Can
anyone say if there is a likeness of this well-known
Celt in existence, and if so, where it is treasured '.
It would be well worthy of a place in your gallery
of Celtic celebrities.— CARERFEinH.

It is not generally known that Mr. Ch.arles
Coborn, the well-known vocalist, is the son of a
Ross-shire Highlander. His real name is Mac-
Callum, and his father was at one time president of
the Gaelic Society of London.

The Macleans declare that Spain will get "a
jolly good drubbing" in their war with Morocco,
for the commander-in chief of the Moors, and con-
fidential adviser to the Sultan, is a Maclean ! The
Spaniards ought to be warned in time.

The Antiquity of the Tartan.— The coat of
many colours bestowed by Jacob on his son Joseph
is held by a sanguine theorist to have been tartan,
for saith'Zachary Boyd's Bible : —

" Jacob gave to his wee soil .losie
A tavtaii coat to keep him coaie."

The Highlanders of last century are often
referred to as " a race of brawlers, murderers. an<l
rolibers." The following statistics ought to silence
these slanderers for ever :— From 1747 to 1817 the
i.roiiortion of convicted criminals in the Highlands
was 1 to ;W1,«77 of the inhabitants. In England
and Wales the proportion fri>iii 1810 to 1817 was 1
to 1«,898. In the Inveraray circuit the proportum
was only 1 to 709,501 of the population.

The name " Craig."— Sir, I would feel obliged
if you, or any of your readers, could inform me to
what clan (if anv) the Craigs belonged, also what
tartan they wore I I am told the name is derived
from the Gaelic for a .stone.— One of them,—
Crai" is a toiiographic surname from ((iaelic) cnic/
—a rock ; Scotch, crag. It is hard to say where
the Craigs originally belong to. They are found in
various parts of the Lowlands. Cosmo Iniies, in
his work, "Concerning some Scotch Surnames,"
refers at page 39 to the confusion occasioned by
translating names, and remarks, " We made De la
Roche and De Rnpe into Craig.'— Fionn,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

CUMHA DO DH-FHEAR LONNDABHRA LAMENT FOR ALLAN CAMERON
OF LUNDAVRA.

Gaelic by Ailean Dall, Translation by the late Mrs. Mary JL\ckkllar.

Air Fonn-

' MUf

'S LionMHOR suil a tha galach,

Dubhach, deurach, mu Fhear Lonndabhr.^, ;
'S eoirt Icam sj;aradh do oht'ile,

Bho 'n la tbainig an t-eug ort gnu diiil ;
lihi ga d' mhilleadh b' e 'ra beud e,

Gun do ghillean ad reir 's tu 'n cruaidh-chi'is,
Dhol a chuniail do shreine

'N uair a dh' fheargnaich a' bheist 'thug a bld^Mli.

Tha do nigheau t'o ghruatnan,

Snaim a cridhe cha 'n fhuasgail ach njall.
'S e mar chudthrom na luaidhe

Air tuiteani fo bhruaidhlein nach ganu ;
Sior-shnidhe le "gruaidhibh,

'S i driighadh trouuh 'cluasaig fo ceann :
'S goirt an sgaradh a fliuair i,

'N am dhi diisgadh, 's cha bliruadar a lib' ann.

N uair a chaidh thu na d' dhlollaid,

Moch an la ud a triad bho 'n Tigh-blian,
Lan tuigs' agus riasain,

Fhir a chumadh an riaghailt air c^ch —
Faicleach, furachail, ciallach,

'N uair a ghlac thu do shrian ann ad laimh
Mar stiuir luinge "n uair fliiathail,

'S i gun eagal gun fhiarah roimh 'n ghanitli aird.

Chaidh an t-ainmhidh gu dhidan,

'S eha ghabhadh a' bhruid cur fo sniachd ;
'S m' an deaohaidh tu 'd chiiram,

'S ann thainig a' chilis ort gu grad ;
Leis an leum thug an ciirseach,

Mar gu'n lasadh am fiidar fo 'n t-sraiil,
Bha do phearsa, 's b' i 'n diubhail

Air dhroch caramh fo chruidhean a chas.

Bu tu marcaich nan steudeach,

Gun uireasbhuidh ct'ille na 'n dail ;
'S ged a thuislich do cheum ort,

Cha 'n 'eil tios nach e 'n teug a bha 'n dan ;
Ach sgeul craiteach ri leughadh,

Gun do ohairdean bhi li-irsinn mar bhi'i.
"S tu call d' fhola, tromchreuchdach,

Gun aon duin' ach thu fein an gleanii f;is.

'N uair a thainig do ghille,

Bha sud nkdurra 'thioma bhi truagh ;
UUoirt a shuilcan air nihire

'S liu (lliith 'dhcoir s iad a' sileadh k' i;hruaiilli ;
Clia robli chndhail ach sgiorrail,

'S e gun chomhnadh a' sileadh nam bruach,
Tigh'nn na onrachd bho "n fhireaoh,

'S gun fhear-sgeoil aige dh' innis mar fhuair.

rhhaisg air an f-saoghal."

Oh! sore is our weeping,

Lundavra. 'tis for thee that we mourn.
Thy loved spouse alone sleeping

Sighs in vain for her chieftain's return ;
Would thy men had lieen near thee

In the hour of thy sorest need.
Then no danger could fear thee

Tho' restless and wayward thy steed.

Oh ! thy daughter's in anguish,

Whatever can soothe her again,
In woe she will languish.

And the tears from her eyelids will rain ;
liude and wild was the billow

That woke her that morn from sleep,
Now bedewed is her pillow

With the tears that she aye must weep.

The grey dawn was breaking

When leaving the white house in tlie glen.
Thy last morn was breaking.

Thou sagest in counsels of nicn ;
Sitting firm in thy saddle

Thou wert without fear or ipialm.
F folding lightly thy bridle,

Like the helm of a ship in a calm.

As the tempest comes dashing,

Oft uprooting the stateliest tree,
As the lightnings come flashing,

The swift message of death came to tliee;
'I'hy charger had bounded

Ere thou wert, brave chieftain, aware,
And bleeding and wounded

Lay thy form, once so stately and fair.

Thou wert rider most fearless

Although death in thy path lay in wait.
Among men thou wert jieerless,

'I'hough dark and im toward thy fate ;
Had thy friends but been near thee

When bleeding alone on the ground.
With no fond voice to cheer thee.

Anil no kind band to soothe thy deep wound.
( )h ! sad was the wailing

Of him who came first of thy men,
< )h ! deep is the wailing

O'er thee in the desolate glen ;
Oh ! well might he sorrow

To find thee alone in thy pain.
And to know that no morrow

Could restore him his chieftain again.

PRIZE COMPETITIONS.

The prize of £1 Ls., offered by Mr. Charles Fraser-
Mackintosh for the best Higliland tradition, has
l)een awarded to Mr. A. B. M'Lennan, Loclibois-
dale (Ben Wyris), for his contribution, entitled
" Donald Macleod, the Soldier," whicli we have
pleasure in printing in the present issue.

The prize of five shillings offered by Miss Mackay,
tielfast, for the best Reay country tradition, has
been awarded to Mr. George Mackay, Sinoo, Dur-

ness, Sutherland (Glen-Gollie), for his story, " Lord
Reay's Adventure on Fionaven," which will a])pear
in iie.\t number.

We have decided to keep tlie Gaelic competition
open till the 30th November, so that everyone who
intends competing may liave a fair chance. Papers
for this competition should be forwarded to the
editor not later than tliat date.

THE CELTTO MONTH I.Y.

New York Ckltic Socikty. — At a meeting of
this Society, lield on 30th October, it was unani-
mously agreed, on the motion of Mr. T)\nKan
MacGregor Crerar, seconded by Mr. Ddiiuld
MacDonald — "That, in recognition of the many
and valuable services rendered to the language,
music, and traditions of the Scottish Highlands by
Mr. Henry Whyte (" Fi(mn "), the honour and
privileges of lionorary membership be, and are
hereby conferred upon him ; and that he, in virtue
of this resolution, be elected an honorary member
of this society."

Cl.*.n Malkay Societv. — The Annual Business
Meeting was held in Edinburgh on lOth >ilt.. Dr.
George Mackay in the chair. Mr. John Mackaj-,
Kingston, (Secretary,) read a very favourable
report of the year's work, and the Treasurer's
statement showed that the Society's funds amounted
to nearly £800. The following ofhce-bearers were
elected. — president, Alex. Mackay, J.P., F.S.A.,
Wilts ; vice-presidents, Colonel A. Forbes Mackay,
Alex. Mackay, LL.D., Editor, EdiirnfUmul Nciis,
Dr. W. M\u-ray Mackay, North Shields, George
Mackay, Blairmore, and Alex. Mackay, and Lieut.
William Mackay, Glasgow. The Secretaries,
Treasurer, and a council of twenty-four were
appointed. It was resolved to hold the competition
for the Society's bursary next August. The Rev.
J . Aberigh-Mackay was duly acknowledged chieftain
of the Abrach branch of the clan, an honour which
that gentleman will greatly appreciate, and which
has given universal satisfaction to the members of
the clan. It was decided to hold the Social
Gathering in Edinburgh about the middle of
February, when Lord Reay is expected to preside.
Tt has also been arranged to hold a musical
entertainment in Glasgow aboiit the middle of this
month, at which a lecture will be delivered by Mr.
W. Gordon Campbell on "The Mackay Country,"
illustrated by a large niunber of views of historic
places on the magic lantern. This entertainment
will be open to friends of members, and a large
attendance is expected.

Glasgow Cowal Shinty Clih — We have i>lea-
sure in acknowledging receipt of the following
additional subscription.s for the club-house fund : —
Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, Esq.,- London, t'l ;
A. Brown, Esq.,£l; Duncan Whyte, Esq., 10s;
Arch. M'Artlun-, Esq., 5s; Lieut. Black, £1; per
Colin Macphail, £1 10s fid.

The National (Jiioiu (.). i.*i: K. Parlane, I'aisley)
for November coiitaiiii'd an excclU'nt translation,
with niusic. of '^ Mo Dhachaidh," \>y Uie a\illii)r, Mr.
Malcolm MacFarlane.

CAMANACHD NOTES.

There is little to report this numth in connec-
tion with shinty. Tlie match season has not yet
commenced, but next month several interesting
ccmtests are expected to take place. The GLAS(iOW
CowAL are arranging to )ilay the London Nokthkkn
Counties on an early date, and during the cdurse
of the season tliey exjiect to meet El>iNnrui;ii
Camanacui), Bai.lachui.isii, and nther prominent
clubs.

We are glad tu state that a strong club has been

started in Stornovvay, and the following office-
bearers have been elected : — Captain, W. J.
Mackenzie ; vice-captiain, Mr. Cameron ; secretiiry,
John Maclean ; treasurer, Mr. Clirystal ; and a
committee of five.

Inveroordon has also its shinty club now, and
the following office-bearers have been ajjpointed : —
Captain, Mr. Black ; vice-captain, Arch. Watson ;
secretary, A. Sutlierlaiid.

We wish these new clubs every success.

RE VI EWS.

The Gaelic Journal. (Dublin). — TheNovemlier
number is to hand, and is specially attractive to
all who are interested in Gaelic from an educational
standpoint, containing as it does a number of
examination papers in Irish Gaelic. We have also
a tine-toned English article on the recently formed
Gaelic League — a society " for the sole purpose of
keeping the Irish language xpoki-ii in Ireland."'
There are also a variety of articles in Irish prose
and verse. It is evident from the " Scottish Gaelic
Notes" that the learned editor, Prof. O'Growney,
is keeping himself abreast of all that is going on
among the Scottish (iaels. We cordiallj- i-eciprocate
the editor'.s good wishes towards ourselves.

Personal anu Clan Names of the Hi(iHLANns :
their Origin anp Meaning. — Such is the title of
a series of most interesting and valuable articles
from the facile pen of our friend, Mr. Alexander
MacBain, M.A., Inverness, which have appeared
lately in the NortlMi-n Chronicle. This is the only
treatise on this subject that is in any way exhaus-
tive or scientific, and we could wish that it was
given to the public in a permanent form. We are
confident that the articles, revised and amplified,
and with a copious index, would, in these days of
clan societies, be eagerly bought, as we have really
no authentic work on the subject of clan and
personal names.

Strength of the Caithne.s.s Clans. — We are
indebted to Mr. Hector Sutherland, solicitor,
Wick, for the following interesting statistics, com-
piled from the electoral roll of 1892 : —

4. Keiths 1

.I. .Macknys j 20

II. Sutherland^ H

7. Sindairs I 8

8. Swansons 1

13 28
10 , 12 I ,.

4 2 1 U

It will certainly be a surprise to many to learn
that the two strongest Sutherland clans, the
Mackays and Sutherlands, occujiy the leading place
in Caithness as well, and the Sinclairs, who have
figured so largely in the jiast history of the county,
oidy take third place. The Mackays and Suther-
lands .settled in Caithness in large numbers at the
time of the evictions, 1812 to 18L'0. Will any of
our readers kindly faxonr us with an analysis of
the Ross-shire clan.s !

SIR JAMES COLQUHOUN, BART.,

Clii<:j'<iJ'tl(f Chin Colijiilioiui.

THE CELTIC MONTHEY:

A M4G4ZINE FOS HIGHLMDEfiS.

No. 4. Vol II]

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

.lANUAKY, 1894

[Price Threepence.

SIR JAMES COLQUHOUN, BART.,

Chief of the Clax CoLytiHOUN.

fIR JAMES COLQUHOUN of C'olquhoim
and Luss, Baronet, whose porti'ait ap-
pears as the froutisjjieee of this number,
■was born in George Street. Edinburgh, on 30th
March, 1844. After passing through prepara-
tory training at Hatlield Rectory, and later at
lloddesdon, in Hertf^irdshire, under the Kev.
C. G. Chittenden, he entered Harrow, where
he concluded liis school education. From
Harrow Sir James went to Trinity College,
Cambridge, and in 1871 grailuated there, tak-
ing the M.A. degree. Sir James, who is Lortl-
Lieutenant of Dumbartonshire, takes a keen
interest in all public ali'airs. He married
iNIiss Charlotte M. Douglas I'^lunro, — youngest
daughter of Major Munro, late of the TDth
Highlanders, and Elizaljeth, his wife, a
daughter of Sir Robert Abercromby, Bart.,
Bauti'shire, — and has two daughters.

As Chief of the Clan Colquhoun, a short
account of the origui of the fauxily. and a
notice of one or two of the more famous mem-
bers may be of interest to your readers in
regard to the subject of our sketch, more jjar-
ticularly as the Clan Society holds its tirst
annual gathering on the 2!Jth of this month.
At this gathering, which will be held iu the
Waterloo Rooms, Glasgow, it is hoped that all
clansmen, who can, will attend, as it is now
many a long day since the Colquhouns gathered
as a clan under their chief: and, indeed, we
have no doubt the clansmen would extend
theii- welcome to their quondam enemies, and
be glad to meet around the festive board the
Clan Gregor, whom last they met iu the " Yale
of Sorrow."

The tirst member of this family of whom
there is any written notice was Uniphredus de

Kilpatrick, who, in the reign of Alexander II.,
obtained a grant of the barony of Cokiuhoun,
"pro servitio tenuis militas," and, as was the
custom of the time, assumed the name of the
lauds so granted The barony formed a por-
tion of the parish of Kilpatrick, and on the
must romiiianding portion of it — the rock of
Duii-lass they erected a stronghold, upon
the nniisof which their armorial bearings may
still be seen. The great-grandson of this
Humphrey was a Sir Robert Colquhoun, who
married the heiress of Luss, and foimded the
present famil}'.

Three generations later Sir John Colquhoim
was appointed Governor of the Castle cjf Dum-
barton during the minority of James II. At
this time the post was one of great importance
and no little danger, and it is recorded by
Buchanan that Sir John was treacherously as-
sassinated by a body of "lawless Highlanders."
The importance of the family at this period
is further evidenced by the fact that Sir
John's son, Malcolm, was one of the hostages
for payment of the ransom of James I.

This Sir John's grandson was Sheriff of
Dumbartonshire in 1471, and three years later
received a Crown grant of Strone, Ivilmun,
Invercaple, and other places in Argyllshii-e,
and in the same year was made Graad Cham-
berlain of Scotland. In this capacity, and
accompanied by Bishop Spence of Aberdeen,
the Laird of Sauchie, and the Liou-Iving-at-
Arms, he went to the Court of England with
jiowers to treat for a marriage between the
Scottish heir apparent, and Princess Ceciha,
daughter of Edward IV. of England.

This intended marriage never took place,
but so well did he acquit himself of his mission
that the king made him Governor of the Castle
of Dumbarton for life. This Sir John was
killed at the siege of the Castle of Dunbar
(1477).

Sir Alexander Colquhoun. wh(j succeeded to
the estate iu 15'J2, was chief of the elan at the
time of the famous fray at Glenfruiu with the
Clan Gregor, iu 1603. " Passmg over the suc-
ceeding generations, who were distinguished in
various ways, we mention Sir John, who sue-

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

cee led to the estates in 1G45. "We know that
he was a warm adherent to the Royalist party
in Scotland, and in that cause sutfei-ed many
hardships, and that diiriui;; the time that Crom-
well was in ])<)\ver in .Scotland he was lined the
sum of £200U, though this sum was afterwards
modified to a third of that amount.

In more modern times members of the Clan
Colquhoun have gainful celebrity in various
ways — through Garscadden in the reckless old
times of hard drinking and gay living; and
still later, in the higher paths of literature and
science, through Dr. Patrick Coh^uhoun, the
able author of "The Population, Power, Wealth,
and Resources of the British Emjjire, " and
through ^Ii'. John Colquhoun, whose charming
" Moor and Loch," and " Straj' Shots and
Salmon Casts," are still the en^y of the Hterary
sportsman. H. Colquhoun Hamtltos,

Glasgow 12th Dec-., 1«93. -"'■■^•' •''■•^•

SHOTTY DOOLT'S COURTSHIP.

By Reid Tait.

fWON DER at ye niither ; I cainia think
what ails ye. To think I wad tak' u|i wi'
— yon Shotty ! " exclaimed Ailsa Cameron,
angrily.

" Hout, tout," said her mother, " ye needna
be sae haughty, Shotty wad mak' a gran'
giiidman to ony lass."

"Ye ken fine I'm no thinkin' o' men, and
want none o' them," said Ailsa, w-ith a sound of
tears in her voice.

"There, lassie," said her mother, "I didna
mean to vex ye. Ye .shallna he made to tak'
onybody ye diiina want ; but if ye wad think o'
Shotty I'd like it fine. Me mayua be ower line
lookin', pair hody, but he's honest and guid, wi'
a line hoose to tak' a wife tae."

I'ut when did these attributes ever take- a
young girl's fancy? Mrs. Cameron forgot her
own young days ; it was not honesty or good-
ness, or even a " fine hoose," that weiglunl with
her then.

Ailsa Cameron was a pretty giil, with eyes
blue as fort;et-me nots, yellow hair like the
wa\ingcoiii in autumn, and a face like a wild
rose with the dew upon it.

The.se were the despised Shotty 's similes, to
himself, in secret. He had a vein of poetry
runidng througi) his nature wiiich no one sus-
pected. He made verses on his sweetheart some-
times, but these no eye ever saw but his own.
With all her beauty, Ailsa had had her troubles

— troulilcs which the neiglibours knew about,
and were not likely to forget.

She had been going to marry Donald Eraser,
the handsomest lad in tlie village, but he had
gone south and had not proved true. After he
had been away a while, Ailsa heard he was
taking up with a giil in the town where he was
staying. She did not believe it at first, but his
letters grew fuw and cold, and at last she taxed
him with it ; and he acknowledged it. This
was more than a year ago, and Ailsa had heard
no more from him, since she had written indig-
nantly, giving him his freedom.

Shotty Doolt had come to the village, from
the next parish, about six months before Donald
went away, and he was as ugly as the other was
handsome. Even his very name was against
him. He had been a foundling, found on an
old man's doorstep, and this old man, who was
an eccentric character, had insisted, thougii
remonstrated with by the minister himself, in
giving the infant this prejwsterous name. He
-said, certainly with some show of reason, that
as he was going to bring the child up, and make
a man of him, he surely had a right to call him
what he liked, and of course he had his own
way.

After his adopted father died, which did not
occur until Shotty was twenty-six years of age,
he had come to Innisfair to live, as it was
handier for the fishing. After he came, the
bully of the village, a big, powerful fellow, with
a long tongue, had set upon him, but Shotty
took no notice of him, treated him with good-
natured contempt, which the bully took for a
sign of w oakness.

At last things came to a crisis. There was
a crowd of the men together, Shotty and James
Hendrie amongst them, and James commenced
to jeer at Shotty for his name, Shotty stood
it for a few minutes, good tcmperedly, but by
and by James said something that reflected on
Shotty's mother, and Shotty's countenance
changed. In a moment he had raised his list,
brought it down with crashing force on his
adversary's head, and knocked him flat on the
ground. The bully's blood was up, and he
rose, vowing vengeance. Shotty was nothing
loth, so coats were taken off, a ring was made,
and there was a set-to tight. The old man had
been a boxer in his youth, and had carefully
taught his adopted son the nobh^ art of s(>lf-
defence, and Shotty's ])Owcrful and scientific
blows soon told a tale, and James Hendrie lay
stretched on the ground in a sorry |)light.

" Have ye had enough 'I " asked Shotty, as
unruffled as ever. "Yes, do ye say?" he added,
" Well, nnnd ye and keep a civil tongue in
your head for the future," and Shotty w:dked
oil' and lie was never molested again.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

6:5

Rut though he was so liold in this way,
Shotty was very "blate" in his wooing. He
was so fully aware of his deficiencies. He looked
upon Ailsa as such a personification of all beauty
and goodness, that he was more awkward before
her tiian was usual with him, and no one could
call Shotty graceful at any time.

A big, burly figure stood in the ojjen doorway
of the Camerons' cottage, looking in.

" Good evening to ye," said the pleasant
voice of Shotty himself.

" Come awa' in, Shotty, I'm gled to see ye,"
said Mrs. Cameron, who was always especially
gracious to him, to make up for Ailsa's cool-
ness. " Hoo are ye the night ? "

Shotty came in as he was told, carrying
several fine fish on a string in his hand.

Thei'e was no doubt about it, as he stepped
into the light of the window, that Shotty was
ugly. You could not smooth it over and call
him plain ; ugly was the only word for it. His
features were about as irregular as they well
could be — he had a big mouth, high cheek-bones,
a Hat nose, green-gre^' eyes, and a shambling,
loose-jointed kind of figure. He was clad in a
fi.sherman's rough, but smart, blue cloth suit,
a l)lue guernsey, and long-legged boots. A
physiognomist would have said there were lines
round that big mouth that told of tenderness
equal to a woman's, that there was a firmness
and determination about the square chin that
said its owner would get on in the world, and
that in the broad forehead, on which the dark
hair fell, a fine intellect lay hid. But girls, as
a rule, do not look so deep as this, and to Ailsa,
Shotty was nether more nor less than an ugly
young man, whom she disliked becau.se he had
the face to come after her, and her mother
favoured him.

" Hoo's the fishin' been co-day, Shotty ? " en-
quired Mrs. Cameron, plying her needles as she
spoke.

"Just middlin'," he replied, awkwardlv, "I
brought you these two or three codlin', thiukin'
ye might like them."

" Ye're ower giiid, Shotty," said Mrs. Cameron.
" What fine anes, tae ! Hang them up, Ailsa."

Ailsa put down her knitting and advanced to
do her mother's bidding. But Shotty would
not allow this. He followed the ,girl out into
the little yard, hung up the fish himself, and
because Ailsa was looking at him he nearly let
them fall, at which she laughed.

'• Your fingers are a' thumlis, Shotty," she
said.

"Aye," he answered, "so it seem.s,' and
laughed himself, but still it hurt him, that Ailsa
should laugh at him.

{Tu be continued.)

GAELIC AIRS TO LOWLAND SONGS.

By Malcolm MacFarlane.

.§1|N the article by Mr. John Whyte, in this
laP magazine (Vol. I., j,. ISC), on " Duncan
'iM Bi'm's Musical Ada))tations," the author is
liu/.zled at the poet's taste ir. adapting Cmn/ia
Choire Cheathaich t(j "The Flowers of Edin-
burgh." The explanation given may be correct,
but there is room for another. We find the
same bard's song, Orun a v/iampa, adapted to
" Sae will we yet," which was popular in Edin-
burgh in Duncan's day. At the St. Columba
Gaelic Choir's concert two years ago, when Mr.
Ferguson, the conductor of "the choir, was sing-
i.'j,g Oran a' champa, it was remarked by some one
behind me that the tune was familiar to him.
" I have no doubt," rejoined the person addres.sed,
"that is 'The Wearing of the Green.'" That
is so. But it is " Sae will we yet" and Oran a'
Champa nevertheless. It is more. It is " Tlie
Captain with his Whiskers," which I well re-
member to have been populai- over twenty years
ago. In Maver's " Genuine Irish Melodies " is
this note, which I quote entire : —

"'The VVoaringof the Green '—in .Scotland kn.iwn
as 'Sae will we yet.' This air was first publislie.l by
James Oswald in 1747, amongst his 'Airs for the
beason,' and called by him 'The Tulip {Sprine).'
Kecently it has made its appearance (slightly altered)
as a modern EmjlUh comic song called • The t'aptain
with his whiskers.' Our German friends would fain
claim this tine tune as theirs, judging from the follow-
Tr^""*^/'^'*'"''''"^'' *° "'^^ e.litorof the Lundua Dallii
I^ewsa.lew years ago :—', Sir, —Your .\fetz correspon-
dent, in his capital description of a military picnic
observes— "It may interest the British music hall
patrons to know that a translation of ' The Captain
with his whiskers ' is one of the chiefest favourites
with the Prussian officers. They rattle away at its
In-ely chorus with the greatest deliijht." May I ven-
ture to say that "The Captain with his whiskers" is
inerely a vulgarised version of an excellent ditty of tlie
old trench war, and that the melody is borrow'ed from
the famous Blucher song, " Was blazeu die Trompeten
Husaren heraiis.'" This is all very fine, and 'The
i uhp may have come across from ' Germanie,' but it is
nevertheless the fact that the tune was first introduced
to the British public by .James Oswald 130 years ago."
Alongside of this place another fact. A friend
who can speak Gei'mau and frequents the com-
pany of Germans, informed me that he had the
greatest difficulty in convincing some German
musical acquaintances that "The last ro,se of
summer" was not German but Lish. Again I
was told that some one who had heanl Mo
Uhadmidh sung at the Mod, pronounced the air
a Fi'ench one. That man '«; but I stumbled
across It a few weeks ago in Patrick MacDnnabl's
collection (17S4), whei'e it is given as a tune
from the Western Isles, namecj I'vmdh pmlhar
lavi bhain. John Maclean, the Tiree bard
wrote u song to this air, called Am Mamiche

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Gleusda. I^t ns turn now to a brother bard
and contemporary of Duncan H;"in, uauiely, Stnc
Mhaiyhftir Alaslair (Alexander MacDonaki). We
find his sonir, Allt an t-siiicair, adapted to "The
Lass <>' Patie's Mill." This air is said to have
been first published in Ur/)/ieii.i Ciilnhiiius (1725)
alongr with words by Allan Ramsay. It is also
stated that it was known by tlie same name
before his time. The original "lass o' Patie's
Mill" is claimed for Keithhall, Abenleensliire,
and also for Ayrshire. Let it be noted that
these are places in touch with a Gaelic-sjwaking
people. Do Highlanders sing Allt nn t-siiicau'
to the "Lass o' Patie's Mill?" Not exactly.
Turn to number 36 of T/ie Celtic Li/re and com-
pare the tune there given with the other. They
are substantially the same. Which is the
original ? Perhaps neither. But which is the
more jtrimitive in style ? Assuredly that in The
Celtic Lyre. It is on the Irish model referred
to in my article at p. 9, Vol. II. of this maga-
zine. For my own part, I do not hesitate to
say that the " Lass o' Patie's Mill " is an elabora-
tion of the Gaelic air according to a stylo com-
mon to tunes published a century and a half ago.
No one with knowledge would contend that the
Gaelic air was a development of the other. In
the light of all this, may it not be that. " Sae
will we yet" was a Gaelic or Irish air, and that
Duncan composed his .song to it, the English
name having been given by the editor of his
poems, as was the case with AlU an t-siitcair?
The tune, apart from its being now an Irish
national one, suggests an Irish f)rigin. Similarly,
may not "The Flowers of Eilinburgh" be a
dance -set of some Highland or Irish tune which
Duncan had in his mind when he composed his
Cumha. Mr. Henry Whyte kindly supplies the
following Port dbeitl wliicli Higldanders often
sing to the mu.sic. (See also Vol. I., p. 159,
of Celtic Muntlil;/) : —

Hcicidh mi mo sheaumliair

Is glieibli mi bcag.an airgid ;

Keiuiclli mi mo 8liuaiim)iair
O'li tlia i f;ia st-aii.

Rciciilli mi mo slicaiimliair

Is gheibh mi beognn airgid ;

Hcioidli mi mo sheaumliair

Is ccaniiaicliidli mi beau, &c.

It is noteil in " Hardiinan's Irish Minstrelsy"
that Carolan's " Nancy Cooper" is in the same
measure a.s the " ^'lowers of Edinburgh ; " and
that measure agrees with the above lilt and
Duncan IJim's song. Un the other hiind, the
song given to the air in Maver's collection,
p. lltG, namely, "The Banks ol Tarf," differs in
jKiint of mea-sm-e from the.se. One (|uatrain of it
c(jvei-s as nnich of the nnisic as two of the Scot-
tish anil Irish (iaelic versions, and the rhythmic
movement of the tune is reproduced better on
thorn than on the Lowland Scotch .song.

These introductor\' remarks are chieliy sug-
gestive, and meant to show, among other things,
that all the sources of enquiry into the origin
of tunes to Scottish .songs have not been tapjjed.
Hithertt) research has been made principally by
persons without a knowledge of Scottish (iaelic,
not to S|ieak of Irish Gaelic. The time has
come when the results of that kind of research
will not be accepted witii the same confidence as
formerly. It will not do to dogmatise, however ;
for it is ]ierfecth' evident that tunes travel far
from their h(jmes and become subject to changes
to suit the nnisical tnste of the people among
whom they settle. It is, therefore, with a mind
open to correction that I jmt forward the follow-
ing list, whicli contains, among many tunes
concerning which there can be no doubt, some
ollieis which afford room for discussion ; and
there are others besides, which are included here
because they have (iuelic names, although it is
questionable, at the same time, whether or not
they are Gaelic tunes. The list will, if it does
no other good, serve as a nucleus of information
for those who maj' wish to make searching
inquiry into the .subject. That can only be done
properly by j.)ersous having at their command a
large number of appropriate books, jilenty of
leisure, some musical knowledge, an aptitude for
research, and, above all, a cool jutlgnient.

Fraser of Kxockie's List.

L Nighean donn nan gobhar — The maid that
tends the goats. '■ I'p ainang the cliffy rt)cks "
is sung- to this air.

2. Nighean a' ghreusaich — Wilt thou be my
dearie (Burns)? This tune is called in sume
books '-The Sutor's Dochter," an exact transla-
tion of the Gaelic name. "Sutor" is Lowland
Scotch for shoemaker. The Gaelic name is
given in " The Scots Repository."

3. Hanais aig a' mhuillear — Comin' thro' the
rye. The older name is " Dinna ask me gin I
lo'e thee."

i. 0, tha mi tinn — Long, long the night.

5. Mac Griogair o Ruadhshruth — From the
chase in the mountain.

6. Baile na craoibhe — Mv love's in Germaiiic

('/'.

■d.)

UugUHAKT AND GlENMORISTON — OlDEN TlMBS

IN A HioHLANO Pakish, by William Mackay,
Sulicitor, Inverness. The work will consist of si.v-
teen chapters, and many interestin;; ajijiendices, in
all, i)M jiages. It will also be suitably illustrated.
Price, £1 Is. ; Quarto copies on antique paper,
£1 lis. (k1. The work is to be published by the
Northern Counties Publishing Co., Ltd., Margaret
Street, Inverness, and we cordially reconunend it
to our readers.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

MISS A. G. MURRAY MACGREGOR,
DUNKELD.

|^^|HE lady whose portrait is given in this
WI^J/ number — Miss Amelia Georgiana Murray
^■A^ MacGregor — was horn on the IStli of
January, 1829, and is the youngest of the family
of Major-General Sir Evan Murray MacGregor
of MacGregor, K.C.B., and G.O.H., who died in
1841, Governor of Barbadoes. He was the only
son of Sir John MacGregor Murray of Mac-
Gregor, created
haronet 1795,
nephew of Glen-
carnoch, who
withhisbrothers
bore a distin-
guished part in
the Jacobite ris-
ings, and after
174.1 lost all his
possessions. Sir
John, after his
return home in
1798, from a
most honour-
able career in
India, was well
known as a truly
paternal chief,
ever active in
promoting the
interests of
young men be-
longing to his
clan on their
first start in life,
by obtaining ap-
]iointments for
them, and after-
wards corre-
sponding with
them. He was
an excellent
Gaelic .scholar.
Sir John mar-
ried his second
cousin, Anne
M'Leod, great-
granddaughter of Sir Norman M'Leod of Ber-
nera, son of Sir Roderick M'Leod, XIII. of
Dunvegan, " Rory Mor,'' * and died in June,
1822.

Sir Evan, a highly distinguished officer, was
very severely wounded at the taking of Fort-
Talnere, when with the army of the Deccan in
pursuit of Holkar, 1818. On the occasion of
King George IV.'s visit to Edinburgh, in 1822,

* Vide Celtic Montlily Vol. ii., p. 51.

a body of the Clan Gregor turned out under Sir
Evan's command, and were appointed as guard
to the Knight Marischal in charge of the regalia.
Sir Evan was strongly attached to his name and
race, and it was at his suggestion that the Clan
Gregor Society was founded in Deceuiber, 1822.
He married, in 1808, Lady Elizabeth Murray,
youngest daughter of John, 4th Duke of Atholl.
VVich such a thoroughly Highland descent, Miss
Murray MacGregor naturally inherited a warm
attachment to her country, its people, and espe-
cially to her
clan. Both at
Edinchip(parish
of Balquhidder),
now belonging
to her grand
u('))hew. Sir
.Malcolm Mac-
Gregor of Mac-
Gregor, and in
Atholl, where
she has lived for
upwards of forty
years, constant
nitercourse with
Highland peo-
ple has strength-
ened her taste
for traditions,
old customs, and
genealogical and
historical pur-
suits. Miss
M a c ( J r e g o r
joined the Clan
Gregor Society
soon after its
resuscit a tio n
(which dates
from May, 1886)
and was present
at the memor-
able expedition
of the Society to
Loch Katrine in
July, 1888. As
soon as the rule
admitting ladies
to be office-bearers was passed she was elected
one of the directors of the Society, in the pros-
perity of which she takes a very great interest.
Miss MacGregor is engaged in the preparation
of a history of the Clan Gregor, to be eventually
published under the auspices of the Society.
The brooch shown in the portrait is of silver,
with granite curling-stones, and was )iresented
to Miss Macgregor by the Dunkeld Curling Club,
the records of which .she has kept for many years.
13 Giosvenor Cresient, Glasgow. Ale.X. M'GrigOH.

THE CELTIC MONTHIA'.

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

Bt Charles FRASER-JlACKDiTosn, F.S.A. (Scot).

Part II.
^|fr CHARTER by J-lm de Yle, Earl of
^0M Ross and Lord of the Isles, to his Inother
J^^ Hugh (son of Ale.xander), of tlie Isles,
Lord of Slete, and Fynvola nin Ailister vie Iain
of Ardnamurchan, spouses, of the 30 uierk of
Skinieheugh, in Uist, in which Donald Ballocli
is referred to, is not only curious in itself, but
on account of a singular error in its own date,
or in the King's confirmation which followed,
or in the Register of the Great Seal, the date
given being 28th June, 1409. There was only
one John who was both Earl of Ross and Lord
of the Isles, viz., the last, whose father Alexander
died in 1448, or early in. 1449. The correct

date of the charter, therefore, in all probability
is 1449, for not only the parties to it but the
witnesses' names establish that 1409 must be
erroneous. It bears to be signed at "our castle
of Aros," and to be granted "with advice of our
council." The Earl's kinsmen arc declared to
be Donald de Insulis, Lord of Dunyvaig and
the Glens ; Celestine de Insulis of Lochalshe ;
Lachlan Maclean of Duart, and Alexander Mac
Iain of Ardnanuirchan. The witnesses, in addi-
tion to the above four kinsmen, are John
]\[aclean of Lochbuie, Lachlan Maclean Master
of Duart, William Macleod of Glenelg, Roderick
Macleod of Lewis, John Lachian Maclean of
Coll and Mr. Thomas Monro, secretary to the
Earl and rector of Kilmonivaig. I find Donald
Balloch at Inverness in 1466, and despite his
earlv stormy career he died peacefully in Isla at
an ad\anced age. His eldest son

III. John married Sabina O'Neill, and ho

.^^^

nrXAVEBTY,

is placed as successor, though I think lie died
before his father. In the year 1461-2, during
the negotiations of the Earl of Ross with tlje
English King, Donald Balloch and his son John
agreed to serve the King, they to receive
respectively annually £H) and £20 sterling in
time of war, and half these pensions in time of
peace. The next chief was

IV.— John, and grandson of Donald, styled
" lain Calhanach," a distinguished warrior,
incid(Mits in whose che(iuered life formed the
staple of many a story and song. Edward IV.
sends him an emVja.ssy in 1481, wherein he is
styled John of Isla, Lord of the Glens and
l)uTiyvaig. He reci-ived the honour of knight-
hood from James IV., who granted him charters
of all his Scottish estates. Tliere was reserved,
however, to the Crown, and strongly fortified,
the Castle of Dunaverty, in South Kintyre,
adjacent to Sir John's possessions. Sir John
Catliunacli at tin- carlest opportunity attacked,

KINTVKi:.

took, and destroyed in very aggravating circum-
stances the castle, with its garrison, a great
humiliation to the proud spirited King James,
unaVde at the time to retaliate.* At whatsoever
time King or Council wished to attack a Mac-
donald or a Maclean, they always had an Argyle
ready to hand. The Argyle open and fair-field
attacks were few in number, and seldom suc-
cessful, hence they employed others to do the
hard and un<lcrluind work. In this ca.se of Sir
John's, John Macdonald of Ardnamurchan, who
had a dispute with him regarding Sunart, was

* The castle wa-s repeatedly taken and destroyed.
Mrs. Margaict Klcmiiig, .-ifterwards Mackay, mother of
the talented and energetic editor of the Celtic Monthhj,
lived for some time iu the neighhonrhciod, and has
often in her youth picked up Imnes of the slain in the
adjoining sands. The conligiiration of hirgc holes or
]iits dug at diirercnt times fur wlmlesale interment was
ijuite distinct — tliere existing a feeling a^'aiiist the
surface being broken up or interfered with. The
ikctcli is by ilisa Maodonell of Keppoch. — C. F.-M,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

the instrument employed, a man of great anilii-
tion, who, as head of the powerful sept styled
Mac Iain, had a strong following. Sir John
Oathanach, with two of his sons, in a perfidious
way, were taken prisoners and executed at
Edinburgh, their bodies being buried within the
Chapel of Saint Anthony. John Mac Iain
received from the King, on 24th November,
150.5, a ratification, for good services, of all
charters formerly made in his favour of what-
soever lands in the islands of Isle and Jura and
the low land (bcissa terra) of Ardnamurchan and
Suynart, with the Castle of Mingary, in Ardna-
murchan, and Donavagan, in Isle, &c. The
King, at Edinburgh, 19th November, lOdfj,
confirmed to John Mac Iain, as heir of his
grandfather, John vie Allister vie Iain, inter
alia, two merks and 6s. 8d. worth of lands in Jura,
viz , a large eighth part of Aridscarnulu, and
eigiith part of Knock-na-seoloman, which held of
the late Donald de Insulis, Lord of Dunyvaig
and Clens, but now in the hands of the Crown
through the forfeiture of the late John de Insulis
of Dunyvaig, Knight, heir of the said Donald
de Insulis, on account of Sir John's treason.

iSir John Cathanach, who married Sheela
Savage, daughter of the then chieftain of that
great family, settled at Portaferry, County
Down, left two surviving sons, Alexander, and
Angus, predecessor of tiie Macdonalds of Sanda.
Sir John was succeeded by

V. — Alexander, who with his brother fled to
Ireland, pursued by the implacable vengeance of
the King, who caused pass an order that Alex-
ander and his descendants be prohibited from
ever setting foot in Scotland, or owning a foot
of Scottish soil, and this decree stood in force
until James IV.'s death at Flodden. Mac Iain
was also sent to Ireland to capture or slay
Alexander, bnt failed, after long search, as he
reported to the King. In reality, Mac Iain
seems to have relented, became reconciled to
Alexander, and gave him his daughter Catherine
in marriage, all unknown to the King. Alex-
ander, after the accession of James V. of Scot-
land, was received by him into favour, and
settled peacefully in Scotland. James V.
entirely altered the course pursued by his injnie-
diate predecessors towards the Highland nnd
Island chiefs, by giving them justice when in
the right.

I have called the Isla family Macdonalds
rather than Macdonells, although the Irish
family of Antrim so called themselves at an
early period. In reality the latter Islas sign
"Konnel" (■' M'Conil ") and "M'Connal/'
This Alexander, the last head of the family,
who could not write, signs thus, "Alexander
Konnel de Dunoweg, with my hand on the pen,"
entered into a bond of gossipry with Sir John
Campbell, first of the house of Calder named

Gimpbell, wlierein he is styled " .Vlex. the Illis,
son of John Cathanach." The bond is dated at
Glennay, in the Taraf, 7th iMay, 1522, and to
endure for five years. Alexander is to serve
Sir John by himself and all the branch of the
Clan Donald that he is descenderl from, and he
is bound not to harm such of the Mac iains as
hold of Sir John. On the other hand. Sir John
gives Alexander -1:5 merks land in Isla, and the
lands of Colonsay, free of mail, as also Jura,
under certain conditions, during the foresaid
space of five yeais. The reference to gossipry
is curious : " Also for the final concord lietwixt
the said Sir John and the said Alexander, either
of other, faithfully promise that what time or
hour God sends them any bairns, that they
shall baptize the bairn and be gossips, and aye
until the said gossipry be completed, the said
Sir John and Alexander shall keep leal, true,
and a full part to other, as if it were completed."

Prior to his settling in Scotland, Alexander
had made a great figure in Ireland, many of the
flowerof the Macdonalds resorting to his standard
after the final forfeiture of John, Earl of Ross
and Lord of the Isles. He thus not only main-
tained himself in his hereditary estate, but
powerfully aided his native Irish allies against
English oppression in Ulster. Alexander had
by his wife six sons — James, Angus, Coll,
Alexander, Donald Gorm, and Sorley — and
three daughters, who all married well. Angus,
Alexander, and Donald Gorm fell in battle
in Ireland. James, the eldest son, succeeded;
Coll, known as " Coll nag-Capul," will be after-
wards referred to ; and Sorley, styled Sorley
Buie, or " Somerled," otherwise "Samuel the
Golden-haired," settled in Ireland, and was the
first of the Great Irish house of the Mac-
donells of Antrim. Upon the death of Alex-
ander, who had succe.ssfully upheld the for-
tunes of the family, he was succeeded by his
elde-st son,

VI. — James Macdonald, who married Lady
Agnes Campbell, daughter of Colin, third Earl
of Argyle, and some say had the honour of
knighthood conferred upon him. The papers in
my po.ssession do not bear out this view. As
regards his interests in Scotland, James Mac-
donald not only maintained, but increased his
influence. In 1545 he received grants of lands
from Queen Mary, which were renewed in 1558.
In the insurrections of the Islanders under
Donald Dubh, James was the only island chief
who opposed. Yet having on Donald's death
been elected Lord of the Isles, James accepted
the position, and addressed a letter, dated Ard-
namurchan, 24th January, 1546, to the Irish
Privy Council, designing himself " James
M'Conaill of Dunnewack and ye Glennis, and
apparent aeyr of ye Illis." It has been well
said by an Irish historian that James "must

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

have been very popular with both the eontend-
ing ))arties in Scotland having been Krst elected
Lord of the Isles by the persons whom he had
])reviously opposed, and afterwards welcomed
again by the Regent, even tliough lie had
assumed the obnoxious and then treasonable
title of Lord of the Isles." Through the Argyle
connection James received from liis l)rother-in-
law, Archibald, 4tli Earl of Argyle, the SO merks
land of old extent of Ardnamnichan, -vvhich
had come to the Earl through the resignation*!
of Mariot Mac Iain. Notwithstanding the
recent family connection, the acquisition of

these lands must have been very welcome to
Isla, but, whether well-iiiteulioned or ill-inten-
tioned, the grunt ultimately helped the downfall
of the JIacdonalds, proving as fatal to Isia as
the lands given for Sir John Cathanach's be-
trayal proved to the Mac lains. We now
arrive at the date — 12th October, 1.550 — of the
oldest documents in my possession, viz : —
Charter of Alienation, endorsed in an old
hand "Letter of Warrandice;" Precept of
Sasine; and Charter, all granted by Archibald,
4th Earl of Argyle, Lord Campbell and Lome,
in favour of James Maconell of IHuivvanrdit.

A Jhc-simik of the first-named charter, with the
signature, " A Kile of Argyle," having greater
part of the seal entire, is here given, having
been done to my entire satisfaction expressly
for these j)aper8.

The three documents are of the same tenour,
being charter and relative writs Viy the Earl of
Argyle to James Macdouald of the 80 merks
land of the old extent of Atdnamurchan, with
the castle and fortalice of Mingary, tenants,
tenantries, and service of free tenants, fee, itc,
lying within the Sherifl'doiii of Inverness. The
consideration is for good and thaidvful service
done by James in time )iast, and to be done in

time coming, and also for certain sums of money
paid, the destination being to James and the
heirs male of his body lawfully begotten, whom
failing, to revert to the Earl ; and the holdino,
ward and relief; signed at Edinburgh, the ll'th
dny of October, Ifi.'jO, in presence of Archibald,
Master of Argyle; Sir John Lament of Inveryne ;
Mr. Neil Campbell, rector of Kilmartin ; Archi-
bald Stewart, John Groinag M;ickay, and Mr.
Cornelius Omeyght, the rector of Kiiljerhie.

* We Imve to express our inrlebteibiiss to Mr. Angus
Mackay, Mount Plcajaut, Cainlmslang, for his kuid-
ncss in photogrnphhig the charter, of which the above
18 a fac-aimile, — Ed.

THE CELTIC! MONTHLY.

DR. R. C. MACDIARMID, GLASGOW.

^?l(=vR. MACDIARMID'S share in the move-
vJK'vJ) merit for the intellectual and educational
'Aj© development of the Highlands has l>eeu
a notable one, and the eve of his departure for
a foreign sphere of labour is a fitting occasion
for a brief record of his active and successful
career. Dr. MacDiarmid was born at Dunvegan,
Skye, in 185-1:. Having received a sound education
he entered the .' <
Free Church
Training Col-
lege, Glasgow,
whei-e he quali-
fied as a public
school teacher.
Successively
Mr. MacDiar-
mid held charge
of schools in
Orkney and
Islay, and the
reports of Her
jNLijesty's In-
spectors testify
to his assidu-
ous devotion to
duty, and the
attainment of
a high standard
of educational
work ; but lie
early had
aspir at ions
towards the
profession of
medicine. Ac-
cordingly, he
took the re-
quisite curri-
culum in Glas-
gow Univer-
sity, and gradu-
ated in 18S7
as M.B., CM.
For a few
years he jirac-
tised success-
fully at Whiteinch, and, taking a warm
interest in the pulilic affairs of the district,
was for three years president of the White-
inch Literary Association. About a year
ago, ambitious of a wider field, he removed
to the Anderston division of Glasgow, where
he has already established a substantial prac-
tice. Recently Dr. MacDiarmid was offered,
and he has accepted, a lucrative appoint-
ment as medical officer to the mining com-
pany of Messrs. Sopwith <k Company, Limited,

Linares and ho proceeds to Spain early this
month.

Dr. MacDiarmid, with Mr. Archibald M'Lean,
Tiree, and the writer, originated the Gaelic
Society of Glasgow, and has continuously
assisted its progress to the position it now holds
as one of the leading centres of Gaelic culture.
An admirable paper on Donald MacLeod, the
Skye bard, was read by him during the first
session of the society, and deservedly occupies
a place in the
Society's trans-
actions. At
the present
time the Doctor
is one of the
vice-presidents
of the Gaelic
Society. He is
a zealous mem-
ber of the Glas-
gow Skye As-
sociation, and
he is also a
member of the
Executive
Coiinoil of An
Comimn Gaidh-
ealach, the
youngest, and,
perhaps, the
most energetic
of our High-
land societies.
He has secured
several lucra-
tive appoint-
ments, conspic-
uous among
which is that
of Physician
and Surgeon
to the High-
land Medical
Aid Society of
Glasgow. It
may be said
that Dr. Mac-
Diarmid's in-
fluence has been exerted in every department of
Celtic enterprise, and his removal to Spain will
deprive his associates in the Celtic field of an
earnest coadjutor. He will be accompanied to
the sunny South by the good wishes (jf many
friends, who bid liis worthy lady, his family,
and himself a prosperous sojourn in Spain, and,
let us hope, a pleasant return, some day, to the
rougher mountain land, which the Doctor loves
so well.

,,..,„ J. ^Iacmastek Campbell.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

^JMHE following song first appeared in the
(^p Celtic Garland. The words and melody
"^ were taken down from the singing of a
popular Gaelic vocalist. It is evidently the
composition of some jilted lover who lias |)laced
his thouglits if not his name on record. Tn the

last ver.se he accepts the situation with philoso-
])hic coolness — rendered literally it runs, '• Why
should I be now dejected, with my nets upon
the shore, while there's as good tish beneath the
sea as ever came above."

FlON'N.

'S FHEUDAR DHOMH 'BHI TOGAIL ORM— I MAUN RISE AND GANG

Translation hij Malcolm MaoFarlank.

Key a. Modemto.

Seisd : —

CHORrS: —

r ., d : li . d 1, ., f,

'.S f heuadar dliomh 'blii togail
I maun rise and gang

: s, |1, . d

orm 1 Fuireaeliil
awa, Owre the

: r . n

cha dean
hills and

S .,f
fenin arh
far a-

: n

fallih,
wa,

r .,d

'S fheudar
I maun

: li . d 1, ., f,

dhomh 'bhi togail
rise and gang

: s, .,l,|d

orm A 1 dhir
awa. Since gane

s ., n
eadh nam
is my

|n_jr .—
1 fuar
Ma -

: d

bheann.
■■.V-

Rann : —

Verse :—

Is .,S
I'Righ
On the

: d ., d m ., f

gur mise 'tlia to
knowe a- lane 1

: s ., f In . n

bhi-.'.n dheth 1 Air an
HI lyin'. Wistfully

r . r

tulaich
the

n . s

SI) 'n am
ocean

: 1 ., s

eyein' ;

S ., f
Filth nio
Sick and

: n . n r ., r

mhulaid thu 'bin
sad at heart I'm

: d ., dr.r
poisde Og-bhean
sigliin' For my

: n . s

a' chuil
faithless

f,n .-

dual

: r

aieh.

Do na h-Innsean 's trie a shcvM mi,
'S anns gach caladh tlia mi e61ach
T6 ni coimeas riut am boidhchead,
Gus a so cha d' fliuair mi.

Ach cha mhaiso 'riiin 's cha Idioidhcliead
A chuir mi cho mor an t6ir ort,
'S e mi bhi riut trie a' coudiradh,
'Us eolach air do ghluasad.

'N uair chi mi 'n gleann 'sail robli sinii comhia
'Buain nan sobhraichean 'snan neftinean
'S sinn le uhd'ile aotrom g&rach, —

liuithidh de6ir ri ni' ghruaidliean.

Dh'fhag thu mise so gu bronach,
H-uile latha o'n a sheol thu,
'S ged a theid mi 'measg nan highean
Bith'dii mo chomhradli fuar leo.

Ach c'uinK' 'm bilhinn.sc fo smalan
'Us mo liontan air a' chladacli,
'S iasg cho math an grunnd na mara
'S a tliainig riandi an mxchdar.

I ha'e been tae mony places,
1 ha'e seen fu' mony faces ;
Never sic a wealth o' graces
As belang'd tae Mary.

'Twasna beauty a'thegither
Made me prize her 'bune a' ither ;
But sae aft's 1 did forgather
Wi' my lang-lo'ed Mary.

'Neath my view the glen reposes,
Whaur I've aften fashioned posies,
O' its daisies and primroses
For my charmin' JIary.

But lier leavin's left me tearfu',
O' tiie future doubtfu', fearfu' ;
Mang the lassos nae mair cheerfu'
As I was wi' Mary.

But wh)- should T be noo despairin'
And my sorrows thus be airin',
When there's tae be had for spiorin'
t^uite as guid as Mary 1

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

DR. W. MURRAY MACKAY,
NORTH SHIELDS.

V'iCE-l'KKSIDENT, ClAN jMacKAV t^OCIETY,

igI?oT may seem strange to many that so large
^^|L' a proportion of the most enthusiastic meni-
=i bers of the Clan Mackay Society are natives

of Caithness. Altiioiigh horn in a county whose

inhabitants in

past times had

no love for the

Gaelic race, yet

these Caith-
ness INLickays

aie as proud of

their name,

their^clan, and

the beautiful
land of their
foref a ther s,
Dutliaich Mliic
Aoid/i, as any
cliinsman born
beneath the
shadow of Ben
Loyal, or by
the side of the
clear waters of
the N a V e r.
Many of them
have risen to
high and hon-
ourable jjosi-
tions in every
part of the
world, and in
the county It-
self at the
present time
clansmen occu-
py many of the
most responsi-
ble otiicial posi-
tions.

It is, there-
fore, not to be
wondered at

that at last Annual Business Meeting of the
Clan i\Lickay Society the members elected to
the presidential chair Mr. Ale.^. Mackay, J. P.,
Wilts, a gentleman who has done credit to his
native county ; and as vice-presidents, other two
Caithnessians — Dr. W. Murray Mackay, North
Shields, and Lieut. William Mackay, Glasgow.

Dr. W. Murray Mackay, whose portrait we
give herewith, is a clansman who, from its in-
ception, has taken a deep interest in the work of
the society, and has assisted it liberally in all

its undertakings. A few particulars regarding
the career of this distinguished member of the
clan may prove interesting to many of our
readers.

William Murray Mackay, L.R.C.P., L.R.C.S.,
and L.M. (Edin.), L.F.P.S. and L.M. (Glasgow),
second son of Mr. .James Mackay, farmer. Gees-
little House, Thurso, was born in 18.59, and was
educated at the Pulteneytown Academy, Wick,
under Mr. Dick, who is still rector. He began
the study of
medicine in
Glasgow Uni-
versity, was
afterwards at
Durham Uni-
versity, and the
Surgeons' Hall,
Edin b urgh,
where he be-
came the most
distinguished
student of his
year, having
carried away
nearly all the
medals and
first prizes,
and in other
ways so dis-
tinguished
himself that he
became the
Ijersonal friend
of many of his
teachers. After
qualifying, he
for a short time
acted as assists
ant to his
brother. Dr. A.
Davidson Mac-
kay, of Eshe
Hall, Durham,
but soon after-
wards began
practice in
North Shields
on his own ac-
count, where in a very short time he established
a large practice. Dr. ALickay took an active
part in starting the Caledonian Association of
North Shields, and is now vice-))resident. He
has been twice elected a Guardian for the Tyne-
mouth Union, and is a member of the British
Medical Association. Dr. Mackay was present
at the grand clan banquet which was given Lord
Reay on his return from Intlia. He is very
proud of his name, and we trust he may be long
spared to do credit to it. Editor.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Ferchar, and tlio seal of Alexander, Earl of

All Comm„,iicntion.s, on lii.rnr.j «»</ business Hqss. Mr. Henry Wliyte (Fiuiiii) will con-

n,ntt,rs. si.nuiri !„■ a.hircssci t„ the E.iiio,; Mr. jous tribute a bioi'raphical sketch of the late Lachlan

MACKAY, 17 liundas street. Kingston, (llasgoii: ,, r rfii ii r .< » j j t-' ii

MacLean, Coll, author ot " Adam and r,ve,

r^/f^fS OP SUBSCRIPTION.- The CELTIC '»"' other curious (laelic works which will be

MONTHLY will be sent, post free, to any part of the Accompanied with a picture of his birth-place,

United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and all <fec. "We also intend gi\ing a facsimile repro-

countries in the Postal Union— for one year, jfs. duction of the famous Gaelic charter of 1408,

— - — ^— — - ' in which the Lord of the Isles granted to

The Celtic Monthly Mackay the Rhinus of Islay for services ren-

JAXUAlty, 1894. dered. This is a most interesting document,

- ^^'^^^■"-^'-'^ ,^-=.-, ^^^:^a.^-^ being the only Gaelic charter in existence. In

fj o x^ "r XI TS T s. addition to the above, there will be other fine

illustrations, and several articles, poems, ifcc.

Sm James COLQunofs, Bart, (with pKte),- ... 61 Or INTEREST TO CLANSMEN. — It may interest

siiom- DooLT's CouRTsiiir, «2 o,„. readers to learn that we intend giving in

Gaklic Aims TO Lowland Songs, 03 , ■ i-i; i-i i ^ ._ -i. c -i j

,,.„,, ,, „ ,.»,.. ..» ,.,. early issues lite-like plate portraits ot Lord

.Miss A. G. MiRiiAY Macorkook, DisKELD (With portrait) - (Ki •' , . . j. , r<i ht i c ■ T>r i i

The Last Macdo.nalos Of isLA, Part 2 (illustrated), • ■ M Reay, chiel ot the Clan Mackav ; bir Malcolm

Dr. K. C. macdiarmid, GLA800W (with portrait), - - - (>9 JlacGregor, Bart., chief of the Clan MacGregor ;

OiR MisicAi. paoe-'S FiiEiDAR DiioMii 'Bui TooAiL orm, ■ 70 Mr. D. Rcid Crovv, hoii. president, London

Dr. W. MiRRAV JiACKAV, NoRTii SHIELDS (with portrait), - 71 . hi- * ... /^ . ■ t at ,

To OUR Readers ■ - - 72 Argyllshire Association; Captain James Mackay,

Tlil'p.'=^„nll"L''/°T,r'',TH\^"''''''"'''''^"'"'''™'"''' -r TrowbridgG, and other distinguished High-

The £iARLDO.M OF Uo.ss (illiistratcn), to nV • • • (?

UR1180 ciioiRE.xAx-MALLAS (first piizc Sgeuiachd at Oban landers. We are arranging to give a series of

Tiik*Rai'd or lx)cii cIrron (a poem) (iilustra'ted),' '- '■ 7ii ^"ely engraved portraits of the chiefs of the
News of the Month, .so Highland clans.

STKKSOTIl OF THE ClANS IX THE ISLAND OK LEWIS IN 1801, - 81 °

Kf.views, SI

ill's™ Ro'^ro'r^iE&Ti.voiELEs, 1795. • i i ! 82 ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

= John Livingstone, St. Boswells. — We will do our

best to meet your wishes in regard to the Mackenzies
and the Seaforth Highlanders. Our desire is to give
as great a variety of contributions in each number iis
possible. We reciprocate your kind wishes.

" Ornum," Manchester. — Mr. Arch. Sinclair, 10
Bothwell Street, Glasgow, keeps in stock a large
variety of Gaelic song books and other Gaelic publi-
cations. Send for his price-list. Mr. Norman Mac
luod, The Mound, Edinburgh, has also a good selec-
tion of Gaelic books. We are glad to learn that the
bound copy of Vol. I. gave you so much pleasure.

Dr. -I. C. MacA., Columbus, 0., U.S.A.— We have
sent copy of December issue, and hope you will be-
come a subscriber. The following elementary works
should suit your purpose : — " Gaelic as a Specific
Subject," by the Highland Association ; " Elementary
Gaelic Grammar,'' by L. Macl$ean ; " Practical Les
sons in Gaelic for English-speaking Students," by D.
0. Macpherson ; " Gaelic and English Conversations,"
by Rev. D. APInnes. A more advanced work is
Stewart's " Gaelic (irammar." All the above works
can be had from Mr. Archibald Sinclair, publisher,
Glasirow.

We wish our many I'eaders at home and
abroad

A ISIeRRV ClJJlISTMAS AND A HaPPV

New Year.

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

In our next issue we will present our readers
with a life-like plate portrait of Surgeon-Major
J. MacGregor, M.D., India, a distinguished
native of Lewis, and a Gaelic poet of consider-
able repute. Also portraits of Messrs. Alex.
M'Grigor, Glasgow, lion, secretary, Clan Gregor
Society ; John Mackenzie, secretary, London
N.C. Cainanachd Club; and Hugh MacCorquo-
dale, secretary, Gla.sgow Cowal Shinty Club. In
addition to these, the third part of " The Last
Macdonalds of Isla " will ht- illustrated with a
facsimile of a charter, dated l.")(5'J, granted by
Archibald, .'ith Earl of Argyll, and also a full-
size reproduction of the seal. A picture of
Mingarry Castle, as it appeared about the
middle of last century, will also be given. Mr.
Jolm Mackay, Hereford, will contribute another
interesting paper on the Mackay country, entitled
" Tongue ; its History and Traditions," which
will be illustrated by views of Ben Loyal, Kyle
of Tongue, the Seat of the Lords of Ilea}', and
other places of interest. The concluding part
of the "Earldom of Ross" will have a picture
of the Abbey of Fearn, witli elligy of Earl

Bound Copies of Volume I.

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and containing some lifty lifelike portraits of well-
known lliglilanders, and oLlicr illustrations, can now
be had bound in cloth, with gill lettering, at 4s. post
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This valuable volume is specially suitiiblo to send
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As only a low copies can be had, those who wish
the volume should apply at once to the Kurroii, Celtic
Monthly, 17 Dundas Street, Kingston, Glasgow.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

EXPULSION OF THE NORSEMEN FROM
SUTHERLAND-STRATHNAVER THE
SCENE.

By Joun Mackav, C.E., J. P., Ilciefoid.

PJP||HE clash of sword u[)ou sword and targe,
W^ the heavy thuds of the great battle-axe,
'-'^^ the crashing of spears, were soon heard
over the tield of tight, mingled with the hoarse
voices of commanders encouraging their men to
redouble their efforts for victory, and the cries
of the wounded who were falling in tlie terrible
fray, resoundedkill over the field. The fight con-
tinued, and it would seem that Reginald, proba-
bly by superiority in numbers, out-generalled
Harold, and eventually drove him across the

river. Harold and his brave Norwegians re-
treated in good order down the west side of the
Strath, pursued by Reginald, till " Achcill-na-
borgie " was reached, where, to cover their re-
crossing the Naver to the east side, their rear-
guard made a stand, and another conflict took
place with Reginald's pursuing van. Again the
Norsemen were defeated, losing many men and
their commander, the gallant Bjorn, who was
interred on the green knoll where he fell. A
stone was placed over his grave, and from that
day to this the spot is called " Lech-buirn," or
" Leck-bjorn " — the flat stone of Bjorn. The
others slain in the conflict were buried round
the knoll. Some few yeai-s ago, one of the
inhabitants thought of building a house upon
this green knoll, a very nice site. He collected

BORVE CASTLE, FARR, SUTHERLAND.

stonesjfor the purpose, when an ancient sage of
the vicinity passing the way inquired what were
the stones collected for. On being informed, he
said, '' Oh, man ! do not build thy house
over the graves of the slain, for if thou dost
their ghosts will haunt it." The house was not
built, thougli the collected stones are there still.
The battlefield of Dal-harold, where the
Norsemen sustained so severe a defeat, is very
interesting to the antiquary. Fought in 1196,
it forms an epoch in Scottish history, as the
commencement of the expulsion and wane of
Norse rule in the North. It is singular that
the chroniclers of the time make no mention of
it. It is TorfJieus who relates it, and from him
the history of this eventful epoch is taken.
The battlefield itself, with its erect stones mark-

ing the graves of commanders of distinction, and
the numerous cairns along the whole line of
battle mark the places where Norse and Scot
were interred, and the memorial cairn raised
over them.

As previously described, this battle was fought
on the east bank of the Naver, and extended
from 1500 to IGOO yards from the river, which
gently flows by it. Along the river bank is
meadow land, upon which Harold's right wing
was posted. The meadow is flat for about 150
yards inland, till it ends at the foot of a ter-
race. On the edge of this terrace are the re-
mains of an ancient fort, or Pictish tower, sixty
yards in circumference, with an opening to the
south, and fifteen yards inside diameter. The
walls were apparently live to six feet thick.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

From this fort, at a distance of sixty yards, and
a little to its rear, are the standing stones mark-
ing where tlie heroic commanders fell, all in a
circle, the liighest in front being nine feet above
ground and three feet in width ; another to its
right is of equal size, while the others diminish
from eight to three feet in height. There are
tiiirteen in all. Tn front of the stones are two
large oval mounds, eight yards long by four
yards wide, and in their i-ear are five cairns.
Farther on in the line of battle are fourteen
cairns, and on the
extreme left, u|) to
the "bloody knoll."
are no less than
forty-two cairns,
marking where the
slaughter was the
greatest.

Harold, as pre-
viously mentioned,
having recrossed
the river during
I h(! conflict at
l< e c h - b j o r n,
111 arched away
iilioiit two miles
towards Caithness,
past the clachan of
Farr, and with his
defeated forces
took post on the
face and summit
• ■f Fiscary Hill,
having probably
received in the
meantime rein-
forcements from
Caithness, and
there waited to
stop Reginald's
iiiarcli farther east,
lie had not long
to wait Reginald
followed, and came
Mjion the formiil-
:ible position taken
up by Harold.
U ndeterred by the

dilhculties of its approach, and confiding in tin;
bravery of his men, (lushed, no doulit, with
their previous victoricNS, the assault was made in
front and (lank. Gradually the .Scots pushed ui)
the hillsides, each foot being desperately con-
tested, till at last the hill-top was reached,
where the fighting became still more fast ancl
furious. The Norsemen were getting the worst
of it, and, gradually yielding, they fled into
Caithness, and Harold into the Orkneys, leaving
the country at the mercy of his relentless

.A.NCIKNT SToNi: IN I'AUI; ( llfKCIl VAUI).

opponents. Numberless cairns stud the top and
slopes of Fiscary Hill, indicating the severity of
the conflict, which for a time overthrew Norse
influence in Sutherland and Caithness, though
their rule was revived, as we shall see. Various
articles of silver and gold were found on this
battlefield, amongst them a sjilendid gold brooch.
Tn the Churchyard of Farr, which is situated
near the foot of 'Fiscary Hill, the scene of the
battle, is a remarkable monumental stone, carved
with various devices, and of a kind of greenish
granite, unknown
in the North. It
is supposed toliave
been reared in
memory of a com-
mander of great
distinct ion who fell
in the battle. A
cross niay__still be
distinctly traced
on this stone.

The battle of
Fiscary Hill
gained, Reginald
pursued his vic-
torious career into
Caithness, right
away to Thurso,
then the most im-
portant place in
the district, and
theseatof abishop.
Allopposition hav-
ing ceased with
Harold's ilight
into the Orkneys,
Reginald set him-
self to work ill re-
stoi-ing order and
bringing the coun-
try under the rule
of the King of
Scots. To pre-
serve peace and
order, he appointed
three governors —
one in Thurso, one
in Tongue, ami
another in the southern part of Sutherland,
whose abode was a fortalice, standing, it is saiii.
where Dunrobin Castle is now situated, lie
was a Nor.so magnate named Rafn. He proved
loyal to his trust, and was held in high esteem
by William the Lion The modest abode of
this nobleman was named by the natives Diin-
rafn, gra.lually mutated to Dun-rabyn and Dun-
robin. Reginald remained in the country for
several months, receiving the submi.ssion of the
people, and seeing all peaceful ar.d composed,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

went away southward to report his cletds to the
King of Scots andreceive his reward.

Harold having heard of his departure, and
thinking the coast clear, sent spies over to see
how the governors were attected towards him,
and endeavour to assassinate them if they were
found inimical. These spies came first to Rafn,
who was found to be incorrigilile, and at the
same time well guarded. The Thurso Governor
was next tried. He, too, would not side with
Harold, was assassinated, and, for fear of being
themselves slain, the spies immediately sailed
away to report to Harold, who in a few months
collected an army in the Orkney.s, landed at
Thurso, mutilated the bishop, who had been
very friendly to Reginald, and took reposses-
sion of Caithness. The governors left by
Eeginald went off to repoi't to William the Lion
what happened, who in 1198 personally led an
army into Caithness and finally disposed of
Harold's pretensions, fined him for slaying the
bishop, and allowed him to rule over Caithness
only, paying tribute and giving William his
eldest son as a hostage for his good behaviour in
the future. W^ith Harold the power and influ-
ence of the Norwegians passed away, although
his two sons, David and John, succeeded him.
The latter was the last of the race, and he, like
many of his ancestors, met with a violent death,
which finally ended the line of Norwegian Earls
of Caithness.

(Concluded).

[We have to express our thanks to Mr. W. fiordou
Campbell, solicitor, Edinburgh, for the use of the nega-
tives from which the preceding illustrations were en-
graved, and to Mr. Angus Mackay, Cambuslang. for
kindly supplying us with jirints of the same. — Kd.]

THE EARLDOM OF ROSS.

By D. Murray Eose.

\:jNE of the most historic of the old Scot-
tish Earldoms is that of Eoss. which was

Cj forfeited in 1476. The Earls of Eoss
attained an almost regal position in the north.
For several centuries they took a prominent
part in national affairs ; consequently a brief
account of these potent nobles, who, upon more
than one occasion, made the kings of Scotland
tremble upon their throne, may be of some
interest. Unfortunately, no historian has yet
undertaken to deal with the most interest-
ing district in the north ; and while Caithness,
Sutherland, and Nairn have had their histories
written up, Ross has scarcely been touched upon.
Nowhere else, if we omit Sutherlandshire, has
there been such a total extinction of the ohl
aristocracy as in the Earldoni of Eoss,

The names of many of the great vassals
who followed the banner of the Earls are still
preserved, but only in connection with the
lands of which they were once lords. Well
may one ask where are the Tarrels of Tarrel,
who possessed estates in Ross and Suther-
land ; the TuUochs of that ilk ; the Baynes
of Tulloch ; the Dingwalls of that ilk and of
Kildun ; the Denoons of Cadl)oll ; the Ferns
of that ilk afterwards of Tarlogie ; the MacCul-
lochs of Tarrel, Plaids, Kindeace, and Glastul-
lich \ Where are the representatives of the fifty
flouri.shing cadets of the house of Balnagown 1
Balnagown itself has long since passed into a
family alien in name and blood. The Munroes
still retain the old acres of their race, but the
cadets of this ancient hou.se have, like the others,
all waned. Yet although these gentle families
have disappeared they have left their names
and their doings written largely in the records
of the past.

No evidence has yet been forthcoming as to
the actual date of the creation of the Earldom
of Ross, and, as usual, the origin of the family
ennobled under this title, has been the subject
of much discussion. The first Earl of whom
there is any mention is Malcolm, who (accord-
ing to the register of Dunfermline) had a man-
date from the King of Scots to protect the
monks of Dunfermline between 11. 'iS and llG-'i.
Soon after the accession of Alexander II.,
Ferchar, Earl of Ross, comes upon the scene.
He did some service in suppressing the reliellion
which broke out in Ro.ss and Moray, but there
is no reason to believe in the origin assigned to
him by Sir Robert Gordon and Skene. These
writers are only held as authorities by those
who never trouble to ci'itically examine their
statements, and who are possessed of a pious
belief that they could not ei-r. Into the ques-
tion of origin we will not at this time enter ;
and only remark that Earl Ferchar was not
paternally of Celtic descent, nor was he of " un-
cultured and savage disposition," as represented
by some. He regularly attended the Court of
Alexander II., and rendered valuable assistance
in negotiations with England. It is unich to
his credit that he tried to forward Christianity
and civilisation among the rude tribes of his
Earldom. He founded the Abbey of Fearn, in
the parish of Edderton, but owing to the savage
disjiosition of the natives it had to be removed
to another site. A stone etfigy of the Earl still
exists.

William, the next Earl, at the request of
King Alexander, raised his vassals and led them
against the men of Skye and Lewis, which
Islands he brought into subjection, and received
them as a reward from his sovereign. Dying in
1274, he was .succeeded by his son, also William,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

who lived in stirring times. The death of the
Miiid of Norway plunged Scotland into the
horrors of a disputed .succession, and it is note-
worthy that Brus, who afterwards was to
prove tlie deliverer of his country, was the first
to precipitate civil war. In the events which
preceded the election of John Balicil to the
kingly functions the Earl of Ross did not act a
patriotic part : nor, indeed, did any of the Scots
nol)les. They preferred to sacrifice their country
to their personal resentments. The Earl of
Ross was counnaiided \>v Baliol to make war

Seal of WilliBin, Fourtli Eurl ot Uoss, attached to Deed of
Homnge by lialiol to Edward I. of England.

upon the " foreign isles of Scotland and their
chieftains," because tiiey were quite opposed to

the king. At the head of a large body of his
va.ssals Ross invaded the Isles, and in this ex-
pedition, which was crowned with success, he
spent over f 1000 ; and having brought Lachlan
and Roderic of the Isles prisoners to the king,
the latter granted to him the lands of Dingwall
and Ferrintosh.

In the troublous times which followed the
deposition of Baliol, the Earl of Ross is found
acting the part of a patriot. In 129G he broke
off with Edward of England, and led an army
across the boiders, devastating the country. This
expedition terminated in disaster, for, the Scots
meeting with an overwhelming defeat at Dunbar,
the Earl of Ross was taken pri-soner and con-
fined in the Tower of London ; being allowed
sixpence per day for his maintenance. He was
set free three years later, and ajjpointed warden
lieyond Spey by the English King, over whoso
interests he watched with vigilance. In 1304
he informed Edward that the Islesmen meant
mischief. His old antagonist, Lachlan, had
issued orders to his vassals that " each davoch
of land should furnish a galley of twenty oars."

Robert the Brus was at this time actively
engaged, in the English interest, in putting

down rebellion in Scotland. In the following
February Brus met Sir John Comyn at Duni-
frie.s, and, piahaps, recollecting the scene and
insult in Ettrick Forest in 1299 — when Sir John
seized him by the throat, the (piarrel was re-
newed, with the result that flu; Comyn was
stabbed, and Brus perforce had to raise the
standard of revolt.

The Earl of Ross and " the men beyond the
mountains" were bitterly o]>j)OS((l to Brus, and
■when the latter'scpieen and daughter sou "lit refuge
in the sanctuary of St. Duthac, at Tuin, they were
seized by the Earl and delivered prisoners to the

DLTHAC, TAIN, ROSS-SHIRE.

English King. After a time fortune smiled upon
the Brus He did not forget nor forgive the
Earl's conduct, and in 1307 he invaded Ross and
Sutherland — an exjiedition to which none of
our historians make any reference. The whole
power of Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness was
assembled to oppose the Brus, but his advance
struck such terror into the inhabitants of these
districts that they jietitioned the English King
to send assistance. Brus took signal vengeance
upon the Earl, and ravaged his lands, which
nuide liini glad to sue for pardon and make a
truce. They met at Auldearn, and here the.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Earl swore fealty ; this reconciliation being
cemented by tlie marriage of the Earl's son,
Hugh, with the Princess Maud, sister of the
King. In 1312 Earl William appended his
seal to the agreement between the Kings of
Scotland and Norway. He led the men of
Ross at the liattle of Bannockburn, and was
one of those who addres.sed the famous letter to
the Pope, in 1320, asserting the independence
of Scotland.

Hugh, the tifth Earl of Ross, commanded the
reserve of the Scots army at Halidon Hill.
He was of a superstitious nature, for the Eng-
lish found on his body the shirt of St. Duthac,
which was supposed to possess miraculous
powers, although it did not prevent him from
l)eing slain. The shirt, it may be mentioned,
was restored to the chapel by the English. Tliis
E.irl married a second time, the eldest .son of
his .second wife (Margaret Graham) being Hugh
Ross, ancestor of the Rosses of Balnagown,
while a danu'liter, Euphemia, became the Queen
of Roliei t 1 1.

Seal of Euphe

II of Robert II

William, the sixth Earl of Ross and Lord of
Skye, assembled his feudal following in 1346 to
assist King David in his expedition to England,
but having basely murdered Ranald of the Isles,
in the Monastery of Elcho, to escape the royal
vengeance he returned with his men to the
north. In 1366 lie rose in rebellion, but was
soon obliged to find security to keep the peace.
King David Brus did not forget the conduct of
the Earl of Ross and his desertion at Elcho,
and refused to sanction his proposal of making
his half-brother Hugh his heir. His only son
had died, and his elder daughter, Euphemia,
married Sir Walter Lesley against his will.
The poor Earl seems to have been treated
harshly, for he was compelled to resign all his
lands in 1370, and they were conferred, failing
heirs male of his body, upon his daughter
Euphemia and her husband ; whom failing, to
his younger daughter Janet (who married Sir
Alexander Eraser of Cowie) and her heirs.

Upon the death of the Earl of Ross, in 1372,
the title devolved u))on his daughter Euphemia,
who had a son and daughter by Sir Walter
Leslie, viz : — Alexander, Earl of Ross, and
Margaret, wlio married Donald, Lord of the
Isles.

URUISG CHOIRE-NAN-NUALLAN.

First Pkizk Sheulachd at Oban Mod.

By John MacFadyen.
Part II.

^•A^ CH 's e thachair air latha araidh —

(3^T^ 'N uair a sheiun na heoiii bhuidhe bhddauach
— - — An ceiil binn feadanach,

Gii'n d'tliainig Fciirchar og na faoghaid
Le 'chuid ghaotliar air eill.

'Nuair a bha esan a' dol seachad air bothan na
h-airidh aig Cailleach bun-na-beinne, 's an an-
moch, bha Chailleach a mach 's thubhairt i : —

"Tillibh a chlann, cha 'n 'eil an Coire glan
rondiaibh a' nochd."

"Cha do thill nacli do threig, a ^Ihuime
chaonih na h-airidh," arsa Fearchar. " Nacli
tig thu seachd ceumannan 'am chuideachd, thoir
dhomh do bheannachadh, 's cuir air fallih mi 's
caidlidh mi 'nochd fo sgail an leandiain 'an
(ileann nam mang 's nam maoiseaoh le m'
thriiiir ghillean rnadha, 's mo dhii cliii lonacli —

'"S mo ghallag liheag robach nan gonagan giar,*
'Bheir fidl air an fhiadh air gach beum. "

Fhreagair a' Chailleach —

" .All do thog Fearchar a sliiiil
Kis an aiunir a's ciiiine n>sg? "

"Cha d' iarr mi ainnir no iirram," arsa
Fearchar, " tlia mi dol do'n bheinu shithionn 'us
sheilg : —

" A ruagadh a' bhuic, a' bhruic, 's an flieidli
Am niMreach mu 'n ^irich a' ghriaii. "

An sin thuirt Muime na h-iiridh — "Theid
mi seachd ceum leat is bheir mi seachd beann-
achd dliuit, 'Fhearchair mhic Airt mhic
Aillinnt —

Nigheau righ Mhanaiuii a' chuain—

Thiinig thar stuadh Iiinis-thorc, —

Mac au athar nach d' thug cEiin

Eadhon 'o nJimh le an-iochd.
So agad mo lorg dh'ireach nan tri meangan, de'n
abhall nach crion, a chuir Manach, 's a bhuain
Manach air taobh deas balla-cro na caibealt.
'S a bheannaich Manach tri uairean —

'S troimh 'ii Kib faobhar na humha
Ma bhuailear a bhuille le datddh.

* Gonagan rjiar ::= sharp teeth. Oonayan or coin-
chriche = canine teeth.

f Ailkann = elcanipane, a British perennial plant
which grows in moist meadows. Also applied as a
name to a beautiful woman. Aillean was Fearchar'a
mother, "nighean righ Mhanainn,"

THE CKI.TIC .MONTHLY,

Ciiir dhiot gartan iia coise cl'i 's cuir coinglieall*
dheth niu amliach na galla, thoir driucan fala a
cluais dlieis an da choin, 's na gairm a li-aou
diu air an ainiu o'n a theid a' ghrian fodlia gus
am blais an t-eun an t-uisge an l;i 'r-na-nihair-
each, 's mo lilieannaclid a'd' cliuideaclid 's bi
triall."

Dli' fliiillih Fearcliar le 'ghillean 's le choin, 's
bha soragt na li-oidhclie 'seinn ciiiil dlia. An
uair a rainig e Sloc-naninieall thaciiair ainnir
air 's bu mliaiseach a snuadh —

Bha li-aril bhroilleach m'ln
Mar slineaclid fiorghlaii air fonn,
Bha gucag a cioch
Mar bhIiXth fearr-dhris 's a' choilleig
Am bbithas doire nan toni.

Bha slatag sheilich 'na laiiuh, agus tlioisich na
coin air comhartaich rithe. " Caisg do choin a
a laoich,' ars' ise. •' Cha ghreas 's cba ghrab
mi iad/' arsa Fearchar. Bha na coin 's a li-uile
rib a bh' orra 'na slieasamh cho direach ri
fridbi'in an tuirc ; acli chas an ainnir ureann is
dh' atliaraich i 'crutb gu l)lii 'na h -iiruisg cho
oillteil, agus na b' oillteala na 'blia i aona chuid
do Thalamsan no do Bhreac-gbluii. "Mur a
caisg thu do clioin," ars' an Uruisg, "caisgeuiis'
iad," — 's i Loirt ionnsuidh air a liaon dliiu leis
an t-slacan. Tharuinn Fcarchar a shieagli, is
thbisich an shicadli. Mur an robli nuallanaich
'an Coire-nau nieallan rianih roimhe lilia gu l-i-uir
dheth 'n oidhch' ud ann eadar na coin 's an
Uruisg ; —

"A huile leiim a bheireadh Bniid, J
Thilleadh e le fliuil niii 'lihial,
A li-uile beuni a bheireadh Speuch,
Thug an Uruisg sgreaddisgriach."

Leum an nathair shligineach, tbeinndcach a
liroiilench na h-Uruisg 's thug i ionnsuidii air
I'rarcbar, acli bhuail esan i leis an lorg aig
.Muimc-na-Ii-airidli 's chaidh i 'n a cuaich, dh' at
i, 's an sin sgain i : —

Le fuaim faoghar 'chuir orith
Air gach ladhar 'k a' ghlcann,

Cliaidh i n sin 'na lasair tlioiiic a' cur na li
Uruisg ri theine condila rithe agus ann am
prioba sill cha robli aig Fearcliar ach torran
luadiia.

Cliaidh e to sgail barraich 's thainig an cadal
air, oir bha e sgith, agus dhiiisgeadli 'am brist-

* CoiiK/heall — a turn or circle. In some jilnees a
dog's collar is called c.oinijhcalt.

t Siira(j na h-oidliche water sprite of the iiiglit.
Sora is n water sprite supposed to sing in the swirl
and wimple and hiss and splash of falling waters,
thruughiiiit the night.

t BruUl, the name of one of the dogs.

§ Speuch, the name of the bitch. " Sgread da fyri-
ach " — bha dd ayriach anjis an aona Kjread.

eadh na faire e le " Brionn "* ag iinlich aodainn,
's an sin sheinn —

Na h-ei>in bhuidlie bhadanach
Au ceol binn feadanach.

'N uair a sheall Fearchar nm 'n cuairt air
ciiunnaic e gu 'n robli moran de mhill chlach
iongantach aim an Sloc-nani-meall. Bhuail e 'n
lorg abhail air aon do na mill agus tliionndaidh
am meall 'ua ilhuine, 's theich Fearchar. " Na
tcich le abhail nam buadh 'Fhearchair," ars' an
duine, " tha feum ort fhathasd 'an Sloo-iiam-
meall." Thill Fearchar agus bhuail e 'n lorg
air nicall an deigh mill, a' h-uile meall 'an Sloc-
nam-meall, 's a h-uile meall a' fas 'na ghaisgeach
gusanrobh naoidh naoidbnear laoch 'nan seasamh
ri 'thaobh, agus na 'in measg bha Talanisan mac
Righ Othaileam agus Breac-ghliin mac Righ
Thorcuill agus thug Fearchar iad air fad gu Tiir
Athaileam

Is fhuair e nighean an Uiyh is da iinilachd,
'S a chtSmhnuidh au Tiir Innis-stoth.

'S mar do shiiibhail iad bho sin tha iad be6
fhathasd.

(Concluded).

C.1MANACHD Notes. — What promises to be a
^'reat attraction to London Scotsmen is the match
which is to take place on 26tli Dec. (Boxing Day),
ill London, between the London N.C. Cam.\nachi)
Ci.uB and the Glasgow Cowal Shinty Club.
The game will be well worth seeing, and we hope
that there will be a large attendance of our coun-
trymen. Both teams have a splendid record. On
Saturday, .30tli, the Cowal have arranged to play
tlie Ballachulish Shinty Cli'b, at Moray PaiU,
Stra.tbbiini;(). We hope to see a large gathering of
(;iasL,'<iw Highlanders present. Eoinhuroh Uni-
VEKsiTY I). Abeudehn Univek.sity. — These teams
met ill Inverleitli Park, Edinburgh, on the 25tli
November, and after a well contested game the
Aberdeen men won by 4 hails to 3.

Glasoow Cowal Shinty Club. — We have to
thank John Mackay, Esq., C.E., J.P., Hereford
(patron of the club) for a handsome donation of £'i'M.
towards the club's funds. The club house is now
in course of ercctiim.

Till-: John Matkav (Herefokd) Pkize of £10. —
Our readers are reminded that this competition
closes on the 30th December, and all papers should
be sent in at once to the Secretaries of the Gaelic
Society of London. (&•'• Adrt.).

Two of our contributors — Miss Annie Mackay,
Eastbourne, and Mr. Duncan Maclean, Manchester
— have each won a prize of one guinea for poems in
the Christmas number of the Pi-ojih's .hmrnal.

PoRTiiAlTs of Sir James Cobiulioun, Bart., can
be had printed on stiH' ])aper of a larger size, suit-
able for framin.i;, at (id each, post free, from the
Editor, 17 Dundas Street, Kingston, Glasgow.

* " Brionn" one of his dogs.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.
THE RAID OF LOCH CARRON.

By Alkxander Macdoxald, Govan.
{Contimied fi om pafje 49).

Lo ! U)) she starts with IVjiutic inein,

Nor heeds her baby's cry,
Her stare is fearful, dark and wild

The gleam thafs in her eye.
"Come back, come back ! Sir Kenneth, come

Yonr people will be slain !
Come back ! come back ! come back to-night,

Or else 'tis all in vain I

Do not I see fierce Macdonell,

And full two hundred men I
They're marching forth, on murder bent,

Through Garry's birch-clad glen I
Us deep, dark fords they now have crossed,

They march with quickened speed,
Ah woe is me ! where's Scaforth now,

In this dread hour of need?

Hold ! stand thou back, grim-visagcd ghost !

Point not thy bony hand —
I know thee well, thou shadowy sprite ;

Begone, why dost thou stand?'
" I've seen the ' Fiery Cross ' go forth,

While wandering in the night,
Across bleak Corryvarligan,

And o'er Mam Cluany's height.

Glengarry's eldest-born will come,

With full two hundred men,
And not a shelling will he spare

On bare hillside or glen,
And not a mother will he spare.

Nor infant on her knee, —
A tiger's heart and bloodhound's scent

Has he who's on the sea."

" Ha ! ghost of dark Mam Cluany,

Can'st thou not tell me more ?
Say whither does fierce Angus sail ? " —

" 'Tis to Loch Carron's shore " —
" But what — ho spirit, where art thou ? —

'Tis but yon scutchioned stone !
Good Heavens! what is tliis I've seen ?

Have 1 been, then, alone ?

Yes! yes! alone, alone I've been,
But like some dream of night,

A death cloud grey stole o'er my eyes—
I've seen with second sight! "

'Twas on a lovely Sabbath morn,

No sound disturbed the air,
Save the dull moaning of the waves.

And eke the sound of prayer,
A fleet of twenty boats was seen

To steer for Carron's shore,
.\\\A eighty men were seen to ply

The tough, unweildy oar.
'■ Now, who be they who sail so bold.

And steer for Seaforth's land?
'Tis brave Sir Kenneth," is the cry

Which rises from the strand.
'■ He comes from .Mull with eighty men.

And so he's safe and well.
We'll march by morning light to meet

Tlie rieving Macdonell."

Eftsoons the boats approach the shore.
But hark ! what means that cry?

J.o ! like a herd of timid deer,
llie people quickly fly.

And ])icrcing screams now rend the air.
As on the solid ground

The keels of twenty boats are heard
To strike with grating sound.

As if by magic, up there springs

A host of armed men.
Who crouching in their boats had lain,

Like tigers in their den ;
In dark red tartan they are dressed.

Claymores are in each hand,
And, quick as lightning, from the boats

'1 hey spring upon the land.

" Now, follow me," their leader cries,

" We have them in our toils.
But first bind, hack, or slay the dogs I

Before you think of spoils."
" Aye ! aye ! " they shout, and wildly rush
With claymores poised on high, '

And midst their dreadful yelling shout

" Die. false Mackenzie, die! "
Oh ! what a horrid sight was there!

What cries now rend the air I
Old men and young grasped by the throat.

And women by the hair.
Claymores are dripping with warm blood,

Plaids which were red before
Are redder now than ere they were,

With stains of human gore !
" Sad news, sad news, my lady fair !

Sad news I bring to thee ;
There's murder on Loch Carron's shore.

And murder on the sea.
I only have escaped the sword.

And hither come, forlorn.
For vengeance on the murderer.

Glengarry's eldest born."
" My worthy kinsman, what can I,

A frail, weak woman do ?
Oh, Seaforth ! Seaforth ! where art thou ?

This day thou'lt surely rue ;

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

But yet ril try what can be done,

By poor weak woman's aid,
To wipe tliis stain Irom olT our house,

Ami stop this murderous raid.

Ho ! Seneschal, go round our men —

Dost hear ? — call every man.
And bring them here with every speed —

We'll then devise a plan
To carry out a sweet revenge

For this most bloody deed ;
Let them come armed and fit for war,

With all convenient speed."

Calm shone the moon, and m.my a star

L^pon the Kyles of Skye,
As twenty boats, all laden deep.

Were slowly passing by ;
But suddenly a darkening cloud

Obscured the moon's pale light,
.\nd srimvllakes fell, as rose the swell,

And darker grew the night.

Still on they sailed, and first there came

A boat before the rest,
It seemed the leader's galley.

And its course was for the west.
It proudly cut the crested wave.

And sailed full half a mile.
Ere the dull splashing of its sweeps

Were heard on Bailigh's Isle.

'Twas just abreast that lonely rock,

A voice called out — " Stand clear ! "
A deafening volley belches forth.

And. hark! there bursts a cheer.
" Perdition seize me ! " Angus cried,

" My galley's on the ground.
Ho ! rowers, back her with your sweeps.

And pull her through the sound."

" She fills ! she fills ! " some wildly ciy ;

" They come ! they come ! " some call.
While, bursting from their ambuscade,

Mackenzies on them fall
Now fierce they fight with dirk and sword.

Anon they fight pellmell.
Kevengcl'ul each Mackenzie looks.

And desperate, Macdonell.

" Keep them on board," their leader cried ;

Lei no one get to shore."
" Press on, my men, down with the dogs,"

Fierce Angus oft did roar.
Both met, and mutual was their hate —

They closed, and down Ihev fell.
"Take that," Mackenzie fiercely said,

" Tho\i murderous Mac-douell."

Out gushed the blood from Angus' heart,

He gave one piercing cry.
His men looked round, their chief was stark.

And death was in his eye.
But back to back they bravely stand,

And fight upon the deck,
For none there is among that band

Can leave the fatal wreck.

Keen swords guard every part around,

Dirks gleam in every hand.
Ah ! little chance, fierce Macdonells,

Have you to reach the land.

The deck is slippery — soaked with blood —

And covered with dead men,
" No quarter give, no quarter take,"

Were both their watchwords then.

" Push out the boat, push out the boat,"

Is heard on every side.
'Tis done, she slowly leaves the rock.

And passes with the tide.
But hark ! what horrid shriek was that

The midnight echoes gave?
Ah ! 'tis a death-wail from the boat

They've sunk beneath the wave.

[The picture at the beginning of the abo\e ballad
represents Ellandouau Castle. — Ed.]

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

GovAN HiQHL.4ND ASSOCIATION. — The Annual
Concert in connection with this vigorous society
was held in the Broomloan Halls, on 7th December.
Prof. Campbell Bhick occupied the Chair, and there
was a large attendance. An attractive programme
of Gaelic and English Songs, Highland Dancing,
and Pijie Music, was gone through, and the com-
mittee are to be congratulated on the success which
attendad their eft'orts.

The Ci.an Maclkan. — On 7th December, Mr.
Henry Why te (" Fionn") delivered a lecture to this
clan society on " Lachlan Maclean, Coll,'' author of
" Adhanih agus Euhh," " History of the Celtic
Language, etc., itc. Mr. Magnus Maclean, M..\.,
presided, and there was a large attendance. The
lecture, which lasted an liDur, was listened to with
marked attention, and a proposal to erect a Celtic
cross over his remains was favouraldy received. We
hope next month to give a synopsis of the lecture,
with a sketch of the house in which this distinguished
Collman was born.

The Airdrie Highland Association held their
first Gathering on 10th December. Mr G. B.
Shearer presided, and the large hall was crowded
to e.xcess. The programme submitted was quite an
excejitional one, and the audience enthusiastically
ajiplauded the various artistes. Miss J. W. Mac-
Lachlan, who was in good voice, received quite an
ovation for her rendering of the Gaelic songs. We
were glad to see so many wearing the Highland
dress. This association has already done excellent
work, and we trust that the splendid gathering
which ha-s just been held will help to increase the
membership roll, and encourage the members in
the patriotic work they have undertaken.

- ■ — ■ The annual social

rCi,.J^H;>:-..^ gathering of the

Clan Campbell was
held in the Water-
00 Uooms on 11th
Dec. - Ex -Bailie
Malcolm Campbell
in the chair. '1 here
was a large attend-
ance of members
and friends, who
thoroughly en-
joyed the ezcellent
programme submitted. An assembly followed.

• ( — — y

- yCAMPBELL ^

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

fil

Clan MacMillan Soc-
iety. — The first Annual
Social Gathering of this
clan was held on 28th Nov.,
in the St. Andrew's Halls.
Rev. Hugh MacMillan,
D.D., LLD., occupied the
chair, and the hall was
crowded. The Chairman's
Address was worthy of his great literai-y reputation,
and speeches were also delivered by Messrs. Wni.
M. C. MacMillan, J.P., of Lamloch, Daniel Mac-
Millan, presicknf, Rev. Donald MacMillan, M.A.,
and Mr John Mackay, Kingston, Secretary, Clan
Mackay, who responded for the kindred societies.
The after part of the evening was devoted to music
and dancing, and altogether the MacMillan Gather-
ing was one of the most successful and enjoyable of
the season. Clansmen wi-sliing to join the society
should communicate with the Secretary, Mr
Archibald MacMillan, 9 University Street, Glasgow.

THE STRENGTH OF THE CLANS IN THE
ISLAND OP LEWIS IN 18G1.

(To the Editor of the Celtic MontMij.)
Sir, — In response to your request for further
information with respect to the strength of the
clans in the several districts of the Highlands, I
send you the following. Some thirty-two years ago
two gentlemen in Stornoway had a discussion as to
whetlier the Macleods or the Mackenzies were the
more numerous clan in the Lewis, and to determine
the question a census of the population was taken
at the time, with the following result : — In a popu-
lation of 21,059, there were 232 surnames. The
following are the particulars of the "count"; —
Macleod, 3838 ; Macdonald, 2510 ; ^Mackeneie,
1482; Morrison, 1402; Maciver, 1198; Maclean,
956 ; Mackay, 837 ; Smith, 794 ; Macaulay, 727 ;
Murray, (il5 ; Campbell, 639 ; Graham, 392 ; Mathe-
son, 376 ; Maclennan, 348 ; Nicolson, 300 ; Macrae,
280 ; Martin, 235 ; Montgomery, 227 ; Macritchie,
222 ; Macphail, 216 ; Macaskill, 212 ; Macarthur,
211; Macmillan, 206 ; Stewart, 171 ; Munro, 151 ;
Mackinnon, 135; Finlayson, 124; Gillies, 113;
Macinnes, 112; Ross, 104; Macsween, 103; Mac-
farlane, 102 ; Ferguson, 94; Gunn, 88; Kennedy,
77 ; Thomson, 73 ; Buchanan, 72 ; Macneil, GO ;
Beaton, 44 ; Young, 43 ; Fraser, 42 ; Macgregor,
37 ; Macpherson 41 ; Reid, 36 ; Chisholm, 33 ;
Bethune, 32 ; Chrighton, 32 ; Macleay, .30 ; Watt,
30 ; Clark, 28 ; Grant, 26 ; Mitchell, 26 ; Robert-
son, 23; Chambers, 21 ; Cameron, 18; Carmichael,
18; Patter.son, 18; Gordon, 16; Hunter, 15;
Miller, 14; Macqueen, 14; Macdougall, 13; Mac-
diarmid, 13; Macfarquhar, 12; Macgillivray, 11;
Mackintosh, 12 ; Saunders, 12 ; Lees, 11 ; Wilson,
11 ; Bain, 10; Humphrey, 10; Macnaughton, 10;
Brown, 9 ; Calder, 9 ; Fleet, 9 ; Poison, 9 ; Suther-
land, 9; Kerr, 8; Kackeegan, 8; Macbride, 8;
Rigg, 8 ; Scott, 8 ; Anderson, 7 ; Adam, 7 ; Chap-
man, 7 ; Christie, 7 ; Russell, 7 ; Macrimmon, 7.
It will doubtless be of some interest to your readers
to know also the

SEVEN Most prevalent surnames
all over Scotland. According to a calculation made
after the census of 1881, they were — Smith, the

name of one i)erson in every 69 ; Macdonald, one
in every 78 ; Brown, one in eveiy 79 ; Robertson,
one in every 91 ; Campbell, one in every 92 ;
Thomson, one in every 95 ; and Ste%vart, one in
every 98. One person in every twelve in Scotland
will answer to one or other of these names. The
first of these. Smith, is, of course, a purely cosmo-
i:iolitan name. In England and Wales they are
calculated to be about one in every 73 of the popu-
lation. Macdonald, therefore, heads the Highland
clans by a good lead. Their calculated number in
Scotland in 1881 was 36,000. The Campbells were
at the same time 19,000. A very interesting
account of the strength of the clans in the town of
Inverness, where the Erasers have a very good
lead, appeared in the Intvniesf: Vourier about the
beginning of last September. Could you not pre-
the account for us, Mr. Editor, by reproducing it
in the Celtic MonM;/ ?

GAELIC SPELLIN(;.

I woidd here ask your permission to refer to the
letter which appeared in your last issue over the
signature " il/nc Riunjhriiih." He recites a few
Celtic gi'ievances (would lie write here " Gaclach
grievances" — or, what else t), some of which are to
the point, and others of which are very far fetched,
and he winds up by committing an error as grave
as any of those he has complained of, viz ; — writing
" Fra;er " and " Fri:allach," instead of " Fraser "
and " Frisealach." In English, as the name is said
to be of Norwegian origin, the " z " might pass
muster, but there is no such letter in the Gaelic
alphabet. — I am., &c. T. D. Macdonald.

R E VI EWS.

New Works on the Highlands — As an
indication of the interest which is now being taken
in histories of Highland Parishes, we have pleasure
in announcing the early publication of the following
valuable works by gentlemen whose names will be
a guarantee of their completeness and correctness.

The Red and White Book of Menzies, by D.
P. Menzies, F.S.A., Scot., is a history of the Clan
Menzies and its Chiefs. It is to contain a large
number of portraits and other illustrations. Price,
£2 2s. ; Edition ile Ltixe, £5 53. Publishers,
Messrs. John Menzies & Co., Edinburgh.

The Irish Echo is a patriotic Gaelic Journal
published in Boston, Mass., U.S.A. It contains a
large variety of interesting reading in poetry and
prose, in both languages. It is well printed and
ably edited, and is very jjopular among the Irish
Gaels across the Atlantic. We reciprocate the
editor's kind wishes towards ourselves.

Glimpses of Church and Social Life in the
Highlands in Olden Times, by Alexander Mac-
pherson, P.S.A., Scot., Solicitor, Kingussie. This
is an authoritative work on the famous district of
Badenoch, and deals largely with the fortunes of
the Macphersons and their chiefs. It also contains
a selection from the MSS. of the late Captain Mac-
pherson, and an interesting appendix. It is illust-
rated with sixteen tine portraits and pictures of
historic places. Messrs. Blackwood & Sons, Edin-
burgh, are the publishers, and to subscribers the
price is 22s., post free We hope it will have a
large sale.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

"Dain Lmn Giiohua" (Morrison's Poems), col-
lected and edited, with a memoir, by George Hender-
son, M.A. Vol. I. (Glasgow : Archibald Sinclair ;
Edinburgh, Norman Macleod, The Mound).— Ad-
mirers of the Songsraith of Harris will be glad to
have such a handsome volume of his poetry. Al-
though some of his best known poems were published
both in Canada and in this country, tliis is really the
first attempt to give us a complete edition of his
works. Tlie editor has written a learned life-history
of the Soimsmith, extending to seventy-five pages,
which will be read with interest by all interested in
the (loetry of Iain Gobha. Several of the poems
given in this volume are set to music. The work is
beautifully got up, reflecting much credit on the
publisher— and all who admire Tain dohha's life and
poetry cannot but feel grateful to Mr. Henderson for
ills potriotic lal)ours. We hope editor and publisher
will receive the support they deserve from Gaelic-
speaking Highlanders.

MUSTER-ROLL OF THE REAY
FENCIBLES, 1795.

CONTKIHLTKD liV D. MUKRAY RoSE.

HIGHLAND NOTES AND QUERIES.

\Vii.i. the Editor of the Celtic Monthly kindly en-
ligliten me on the following points :— Have the Mor-
risons a tartan and badge? Are they affiliated to
any clan? Are they Highlanders V)y accident of
birth o»?y?— Balgan-peoi.ach.

Thk (iiLCHRLST.s OR MacGilchrist.s. - Would
you, or any of the readers of the Ottir Mnnthli/,
kindly inform me what is known of the Gilehrisls or
MacGilehrists? To what clan or brand-, they belong,
and what tartan, crest, badge, or motto they are en-
titled to wear?— A. G.

Chips from Cape Wrath.— (1) Days of the Wei;k
in (hieUc.—Diluain, di + luain ; di, a day; luna,
Mioon. Dimaiit, di + niart.is; Mars, god of war.
Dir.iad<win, di + ceud + aoin = day of the First
Fast. DiardaoiH di -t- eadar + aoin = day between
the Fasts. Dihaoinc, di + aoin, the Fast day.
Di.iathuirne, di + Saturn, Saturn. Didomhnuich,
di + dominicus = the day of the Lord. The prefix
di for (/«!( is no* olwolete in Gaelic ; it is to be seen
in an diniih, to-day. From the above it is clear we
have got the first 'two days from heathen times; the
rest, through the Church. (2) Census of the Gaelic
llace. — UerK is a nut to crack for the American corre-
spondent who longed for the extinction of the Celtic
tongues. It is taken from a trustworthy source—
the lieime Ce.Hique. The first column gives the
number who can speak two languages, one of which
is Celtic; the bccond column, those who speak a
1 eltic dialect only :—

From:c (Brittany) l,24i).()ou 70(i,ciim

. V„i,., 990,5311 304, 1 1 U

Mai. .'.■.■■..■. 1V.34 190

i,„lan<l 807,674 Wi.M»

S<-otland a"».g54 M.HTJ

3,426,80'> l,l.'i0,733

—(Rev.) Adam (junn, Durness.

Thk magazine this month consists of 21 pages,
the "M\ialer-Holl of the Reay Fencibles" beinjr given
as a supplement.

"MusTER-RoLi, OF His M.ajesty's RE.\y Fescible
Hkjhlani) Kkci.ment of Foot for 2S6 days,
PROM 25th October, 1794, to 17tii Jd.\e, 1795,
both days inclusive : —
Attested 3rd November, 1794.— ^Vn/t'toi/.-— John
Graham, Donald Mackay, Hugh Mackay, Angus
MacdonaUl, Finlay M'Leod. 9th Nov. -John
Cochran. 17th Nov.— Andrew M'Laren. 18lh
Nov.— Alex. M'Leau. 19th Nov.— Rupert Mackay.
20th Nov. —Hugh Mackay, John IMackay. 21st
Noy _-sv„i. Sutherland. 22nd Nov.— Hugh Grant,
John Mackay, Hugh Mackay, John Mackay. 25th
Nov.— Hugh Mackay. 26th Nov.— Charles Mackay.
28th Nov.— Donald Mackay. 1st Dec.— William
JIackay. 2nd Dec— Thomas Woode, Duncan
Mackay. 3rd Dec— Donald Munro. 11th Dec-
John M'lver. 20th Dec— Alexander Mackay. 2nd
Jan., 1795.— Alexander Ross. 7th Feb. —James
Mitchell. 4tli Jlarch. — Robert WiUock. Gth
March.— Archiliald M' Arthur. 7th March.— Chas.
M'Arthur, John Wilson. 10th March.— John
M'Leod.

Attested 3rd Nov., 1794. — tVrjjorak — Colin
Sinclair, Donald Macdonald, Alexander IMackay.
4th Nov.— John Hepburn. 9th Nov. —Robert Ray.
loth Nov.— Donald Calder. 18tli Nov.— Donald
Mackay. 20th Nov. — Robert Mackay, James
Mackay, Donald Munro. 21st Nov.— John Morr-
ison. 22nd Nov. — John Munro, William Mackay,
George Mackay, George M'Leod, Hugh M'lntosh.
28th Nov.— William Budge. 2nd Dec— John
Guiiii. 4th Dec— Hugh Morrison, Hugh M'Kenzie.
5th Dec— William Morrison. 8th Dec— Donald
M'Arkle. 25th Dec— Alex. Ross. 'JSth Dec-
James Gordon. 3Uth Jan., 1895.— Henry Hendon.
3rd Feb. — John Evans, Hugh Morrison. 16th
Feb.— Murdo Mackenzie. 24th April.— Alexander
Murray. 25th April. — John M'Kenzie.

Attested (itli Nov., 1794.— 7'M(m»ie)-.s — Fred.
Hughes. 18th Nov.— John Mackay, Wm. M'Leod,
Donald Morrison. 'iothNov. — Isaac Spyron. 28th
Nov. — Charles Mackav. Lst Dec— Patrick Gallie.
2nd Dec— Archibald" Wilson. 4tli Dec— Donald
M'Leod, Donald Graham. 9th Dec — Donald
M'lntosh. 20th Dec— Joseph Morrison. 21st
Dec — Simon Hojie. 25th Dec— George Ross.
26th Dec— John M'Donald. 3rd Feb., 1795.—
Hugh Masson. 5th Feb.— William Gordon, Adam
Campbell. Gth Feb.— William Mackenzie. 16th
Feb.— Joliu Macpherson. 23rd Feb.— Thomas
Simpson. 1st March. — William Gunn.

Attested 30tli Oct., ll'Ji.^Pr irate Men— John
Macdonald, Hugh Campbell. 1st Nov.— Robert
Anderson. 3rd Nov. — >lohn Campbell, Angus
Campbell, James Campbell, .-Vlexander (iunn, John
Gordon, Donald Ciunu, Finlay IMackay, Angus
Macdimald, John M'l)i>nald, Hugh Mackenzie,
J,.hn IMacdonald, Donald .Macleod, Hector Mackay,
Don.'ihi Mueleod, Neil Mackay, Neil Macpherson,
(u'orge IMackay, Robert Mackay, Hugh M'Leod,
D..iiald Alackay, Robert M'Leod, Angus Mackay,
Alexander M'Donald, Alexander M'Donald, Alex.
M'Kenzie, Roderick M'Donald, Angus M'Leod,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Colin Maoleod, William INI-Leml, Dmialtl Muckay,
Donald M'Leod, John M'Leod, Jolm Malton, Angus
M'Pherson, John M'Pherson, William Mackay,
Hugh Mackay, Hugh Nicol, John Ross, William
Sinclair, George Shanks, John White, James Finnie,
William Horsiiurgh. John M'Callum.HeetorMunr...
William Ross, John Neilson, Thomas Rcjss, William
Younghushaiid, William Morrison, Alexander Eoss.
10th Nov. — James Dunn, Thomas Grant, John
Mackenzie. 11th Nov.— William Nairn. iL'tli
Nov. — George Sutherland. 13th Nov. — Alexander
Macleod. 14th Nov. — James Macdonald. loth
Nov. — -Hugh Campbell, Robert Guiin, John Gordon,
William Gunn, William Gunn, James Gunu, John
Mackay, Hugh Mackay, lye Mack.-iy, John Mackay,
Hugh Mackay, Hugh Mackay, Robert Mackay,
(Jeorge jNlackay, John M'Leod, Robert M'Intosh,
John Ross. John Sutherland, John Stewart. 10th
Nov. — Hugh Mackay, George M'Kenzie. 17th
Nov. — Angus Campbell, Angus Campbell, Donald
Campbell, Angus Campbell, John Campbell, George
Campbell, Kenneth Forbes, Ale.vaiider IMaekav,
John M'Culloch, George Mackay, Donald 3Iackay.
John Mackay,Murdo Macpherson, William Macleod,
Hugh Macleod, John Ross, Keunetli Sutherland,
(ieorge Sutherland. 18tli Nov. — Alexander Clarke,
Hugh Gunn, James Graham, James Morrison,
George M'Leod, George Mackenzie, Donald Mackay,
George Morrison, Kenneth Mackay, Alexander
Mackay, Alexander Macleod, Hugh Morrison,
Robert Mackay, Angus Mackay, Roderick Mackay,
John Matheson, Robert Mackay, John Mackay,
William Morrison, Alexander Macleod, Angus
Macleod, William M'Kenzie, John Mackay, Hugh
Macleod, John Macleod, John Macleod, John
M'Leod, Hugh M'Leod, Kenneth Macleod, George
M'Leod, Donald Mackay, John Mackenzie, Donald
Mackenzie, William Macleod, Hugh Ross, Donald
Sutherland. l!)th Nov. — Hugh Sutherland,
William Abrach, Alexander Mackay, Paul Macaul,
Donald Macleod, John Mackay, Hugh Morriscm.
■20th Nov. — Donald Mackintosh, John Calder,
Hugh Calder, John Calder, Alexander Calder,
Donald Mackay, Donald Mackay, Murdo Mackay,
Robert M;ickay, William Mackay, Angus M.ickay,
Neil Mackay, Donald Munro, James Muuro,
Donald Mackay, Jaines Mackay, Angus Mackay,
Hugh Jlackuy, William Mackay, John Mackay,
James ]Mackay, John Mackay, Angus Mackay,
Angus Mackay, George Mackay, Donald Mackay,
Donald j\laclel>d, Angus Mackintosh, Jobn Mackay,
.John Mackenzie, John Mackay, Robert Macpherson,
William Munro, Donald Mackay, Angus Munro,
Hector Mackay, William Mackay, William Mackay,
James Munro, John Mackay, Kenneth Mackay,
Hugh Mackay, Hector Mackay, Angus Mackay,
Angus Rose, George Ross, John S\itlierland, Peter
Thomson, Alexander Munro, John Deans. 21st
Nov. — Richard Green, Angus Gunn, lye Gordon,
Donald Mackay, Alexander Mackay, William
Mackay, Alexander Macleod, William Mackay,
Hugh Macdonald, William Mackay, Robert Mackay,
George Gordon, Colin Munro, George Mackay, Jolin
Munro, Angus Mackay, Angus Macleod, Angus
Mackay, Alexander Mackay, Angus Macdonald,
Hugh Mackay, James Ross, Angus Sutherland,
John Scobie, Robert Stewart, Hector Sutherland,
Robert Sutherland, Hugh Sutherland. 22nd Nov. —
William Mackay, Donald Campbell, Angus Camp-

bell, Donald Camplicll, George Forbes, Donald
Mackay, William Mackintosh, Charles Mackay,
Angus Mackay, John Mackenzie, Neil Mackay,
Alexander Mackaj', Hector Morrison, Alexander
Mackay, Donald Munro, Hii^li M..ni.s(.ii, William
Mackay, Hugh Mackay. (I,, ,,4,. Mideod, Murdo
Mackay. William Mackay, George .Macleod, Alex.
Mackay, John Mackay, Angus Mackay, Donald
Mackay, William Mackay, Alexander Macdonald,
Angus Mackay, Alexander Macdonald, Hugh Mac-
kenzie, Robert Mackenzie, Robert Mackay, Angus
Macleod, Hugh Mackay, Hugh Mackenzie, Donald
Mackay, John Mackay, William Mackay, William
Mackay, Hugh Mackay, Adam .Mackay, Angus
Mackay, .Andrew Munro, Alexander Mackay, John
Ross, John Beattie. 2.3rd Nov.— Donald Munro,
Donald AVirach. 24th Nov. —John Mackay. 25th
Nov. — Allan Buchanan, William Gunn, Donald
Gunn. George Ma(ka\, Gcigc Mackav, Murdo
Macdonald, William M:,rki,\, II ugh Morrison, Alex.
.M'Raskle. D(.iiald IM.ickay. 1 M-..ige Matheson, Hugh
^la^k,■ly. Dniiald M'Culloch, Alexander Mackay,

.1,1 s .M.iikay, Angus Morrison, William Mackay,

Dciial.l M i.d.'mald, Angus Morrison, Neil Mackay,
Alexander Mackenzie, James Mackay, Hugh
Macleod, .loliii .Morrison, John Mackay, Robert
Macleod, Hugh Mackenzie, Murdo Macleod, William
Morrison, George Morrison, John Morrison, Robert
Mackay, Donald Macleod, Hugh Mackay, William
Mackay, Hugh Mackay, John Ross. 2(jth Nov.—
Robert Sutherland, Hector Gunn, Angus Mackay.
27th Nov. — Alexander Cheshoin, John M'Leod,
William Mackay, John Ross. 28th Nov. — John
Mackay, Neil Macpherson, Donald Mackay, William
]\Iacka"y, Murdo Mackay, George Macdonald, Hugh
Mackay. 2yth Nov.— Murdo Mackay, Peter Camp-
bell, William Mackay, Donald Macdonald. 1st
Dec. — .Angus Campbell, Robert Calder, Hugh
Campbell, Alexander Lyal, Donald Morrison,
Donald Mackenzie, WillianiMorrison, John Mackay,
George Mackay, George Munro, Peter Morrison,
Donald Morrison, Kenneth Sutherland, John Wear.
2nd Dec. — Thomas Hardie, Angus Munro, Alex.
Munro. Hugh Mackay, Henry Anderson. 3rd
Dec. — John Mackintosh, William Sutherland. 4th
Dec. — Robert Campbell, James Dunn, Neil Mack-
intosh, Donald ilackay, James .Mackay, Donald
]M'Leod, William Mackay, James Mackay, Donald
Mackintosh, Rf>bert Mackay, John Morrison,
Rol>ert Mackenzie, George Sutherland, George
Sutherland, Donald White. 5th Dec. — George
Gibb, Jolm Budge, Samuel Cochran, Alexander
Maclaren, John Morriscm, Donald Mackenzie,
Robert .\Iackay, William Murray, Jolin Mackay,
Roderick Morrison, Hugh Ross, William Suther-
land, Hugh Sutherland, James Pringle. (ith Dec. —
Neil Buchanan, Archibald Campbell, (ieorge
Mackay, John Murray, Dcjuald JNlackay, Donald
Mackay, Thomas Leay, John Reid, Alexander
Sutherland, William Young. 7th Dec— John
Bruce, Wdliam Muckle. IHli Dec. — James Beard,
Richard Campbell, iMurdo .M'Leod, Hugh Mack-
intosh, Charles .Alackay, John Macleod, William
Macleod, Jolm M'Caul. 10th Dec— Donald
Gordon, Charles Wilson. 11th Dec. — Roderick
Mackay, James Mackay, Alexander Mackay, Donald
Mackay. 13th Dec. — lolm Beard, Alexander
Henderson, Robert Johnstone (2), William Suther-
land. 15th Dec. — John Logan, John Menzie, Neil

TIIK t'KLllC .MONTHLY,

Macleod, Hugh Muckay, Donald Mackay, Hugh
Mackay. IGth Dec. — George Campbell, Walter
Douglas, Charles Murray, George M'Pherson,
Lewis Mackay, James M'Leod. 1 7th Dec. — Robert
Macpherson, Alexander Webster, William Mac-
donald, George Ireland, Turnbull .Martin. 20th
Dec. — Malcom Mackay, Walter Cami)bell. 21st
Dec. — John M'Leod, George Hoiie, Hugh Munro.
22nd Dec— John Tait, 2:!rd Dec. —James
Trumble. 24th Dec. — Robert Allan, Kenneth
Mackenzie, James Ramsay. 25th Dec. — James
Anderson, Hugh Fraser, William Gunn, Murdo
Mackintosh, Henry Beatson. 2Sth Dec. — Simon
Fraser. 27th Dec. — William Gunn, William
Hodge, William -Macleod. 29th Doc— Donald
Urquhart, James Murray. 30th Dec. — Colin Camp-
bell, John Mackay, Hugh Maclachlan, Robert
Sutherland. 31st Dec. — John iI'Leod, Donald
Ross. 1st Jan., 1795. — James Mitchell. 2nd
Jan. — John M'Donald, John Morrison, Alexander
Sutherland, John Weir. 3rd Jan. — James Beattie,
Alexander Gunn. 4th Jan. — John M'Donald. 5th
Jan. — William Gordon, John Halliday. 6th Jan. —
George Innes, W'illiam Mackay, William Beard.
8th Jan. — John M'Leay, George Mackay. !)th
Jan. — David Ross, George Smith. 10th Jan. —
Robert Aldie, Alexander Mackay. 12th Jan. —
Robert Boyle, Daniel Douglas, Murdo M'Kenzie,
John M'Leay. 14th Jan. — James Robi.son, Alex.
Beatson, William Arden, John Murray, Jolin Mac-
donald. 15th Jan. —John Urquhart, Adam Wallace.
I8th Jan. — Archibald Fletcher, Ronald Macdonald.
l!)th Jan. — James Banner. 21st Jan. — Robert
Alackenzie, Joseph Smith. 22nd Jan. — George
Simpson. 24th Jan. — Archibald Brooks, John
Wilson, James Holmes. 2()th Jan. — James Cleland,
William Mackay, Donald Henderson. 27th Jan. —
James Neil, John Sutter. 28th Jan. — Hugh Logan,
William Scott. 29th Jan.— William Dorsier. 30tli
Jan. — Thomas Jones, Eason M'Laurin, Archibald
Murdoch. 31st Jan. — John Morrison, James Sharp.
2nd Feb. — James Gordon, Thomas Morrison, John
M'Leod, David Rendle. 3rd Feb. — Joseph
Badenoch, Peter Liddle, D(inald Murray, Moses
Roffie, John Shelgrove, W^illiani Harris, John
Gibson, James Harne. 4th Feb. —John M'Caira.
(jtli Feb. — John .\dams, William Collins, John
•M'Kenzie Uth Feb.— Archibald M'Aulay. 12th
Feb. — .Vndrew Hardie, Norman Mackay. IGth
Feb. — Walter Davidson, Donald Davidson, Daniel
Thomson. 17th Feb. — Thomas Baine, William
M'Laurin. 18th Feb.— William Wilson. I'Jth
Feb. — James Edward, James Dcnham, Hector
M'Ken/.ie, James Telford. 20th Feb. —John
M'Donald. 2lst Feb. — Kenneth Cameron. 23rd
Feb. — Francis Barclay, William M'Kunzie, Andrew
Munro, Alexander M'Leod, David White. •24th
Feb. — John Joyce, Thomas Shaw. '25tli Feb. —
Alexander Knight. '2Gth Feb. — Abner Sutherland.
27th Feb.— Malcom .M'Farlane. '28th Feb.—
W'illiam Mackay, John .Mackay, William .Martin,
John .Munro. 2nd .March. —George Henderson,
Anu'us .M'Leod, Sutherland Munro, William
M'Kenzie, John Sutherland, Hugh Sutherland,
William Telford, Phili]. Tole. 3rd .March. — William
Campbell, James Mitchel, John .Moll'at, John
M'Donald, .\loxander Matheson, Jioderick .Mackay,
Finlay M'Leod, David Urquhart. 4th March. —
James Dcwart, Andrew Gibson, Alexander Suther-

land. .5th March. — George Macka_v, William
Russel. Otli March.— Robert Farms. 7th March.-
George Holms. 8th .March. -John M'Kenzie. !Hh
March. — William M'Leod. lOtli March. — James
Greig, William King. lltli March. — Donald
Henderson, John Mackay, Robert Mackay, Peter
ShillingUiw. 13th March. — William Guiui. 14th
March. — Alexander Aird, George Graham, David
Munro. IGth March. — Malcom Gillies, George
Matheson, William Ross. 18th March. — George
Gordon, William Laing, Alexander Mackay, .Alex.
Mills, Donald Gordon. 20th March.— William
Grant, Hugh Mackay, James Mirillies, Neil Munro,
William Hoss, James Russel. 21st March. — William
Gordon, William Sutherland. 22nd March. — John
M 'Lean. 23rd .March. — Donald Ross, John Suther-
land, William Clark. 24tli .March. — John Gordon,
William Miinloch, Alexander M.ackay, Angus
Mackay. 25th March.— Roderick Henderson,
Robert Mackay, Francis Webster. 2(jth March. —
Edward Spalding. 27th March. — John Ferguson,
Adam Mackay. 28th .March. — John .Mitchel. 30th
March. — Hugh Calder. 1st April. — Alexander
M'Lean. 2nd April. — Donald Slackay, Murdo
Mackay, Donald Nicol. 3rd April. — John Cush,
Andrew Russel. 4th April. — George M'Arthur,
Hugh Ross, (itli Ajjril. — Angus Mackay, William
Yoinig. 8th April. — Alexander Mackenzie, James
Mackay, Alexander Sinclair. 9th April.^Tames
Hamilton, Robert .-Mien. 10th April.— Donald
M'Kenzie, John M'Lean. 11th April. — Donald
Mackay. 14th April.— Hugh Campbell, Donald
M'Kenzie, Alexander .Mackay. 15th April. —
Robert Dannewell. l(jth April.' — John Mackay,
Alexander D(mglas. 18th April. — James Panics.
21st April. — John Murray. 23rd April. — Angus
M'Leod, George Sutherland. 25th April. — John
M'Leod, John M'Kenzie. 2Gth April. — -George
M'Donald. 29th April.— William Mackay. 1st
May.— Gilbert Sutherland. 2nd May.— Roderick
M'Leod. 13th May. — George Grant, John Suther-
land. 17th May. — Murdo Sutherland, John
-M'Kenzie. 21st May— Donald Mackay. 28th
May. — Hugh M'Leod. 2nd June. — James Munro,
Alexander Mackay, John M'Leod, Angus Mackaj',
Robert Mackay, John Mackay, Hugh Mackay,
George Mackay, D(mald SutlKrIand, Donald Suther-
land, Hector iMacKay, William Mackay, Holicrt
Mackay, Alexander Morrison. 3rd June. — Hugh
Mackay-

Gaelic Mu.sical AssociATioN. — This association,
which was recently started for the piu'pose of en-
couraging the study of Gaelic music among lligli-
landers in Glasgow, has already made excellent pro-
gress. A large number of ladies and gentlemen have
enrolled, and the practices have been well attended.
The association meets for practice in the Waterloo
Kooms every Wednesday evening at 8, and everyone
interested in Gaelic music is cordially invited to
attend. A social meeting has been arranged for
Wednesday, 2Uth December, and a public concert will
be given towaids the end of the season. The follow-
ing otlicc-bearcrs have been appointed; — President,
John Mackay, editor, Celtic Munthlij ; secretary, John
Mackintosh, 123 St. Vincent Street; treasurer. Miss
M, .\. Mackechnie, and a committee of ladies and
gentlemen.

SURGEON-MAJOR J. MACGREGOR, M.D.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

A MAGAZINE WR HIGHLANDER.

Edi^od by JOMN w.irKAY. t^'^'i^ston.

No. 5. Vol. II.]

FEBRUARY, 1894.

[Price Threepence.

SURGEON-MAJOR J. MACGREGOR, M.D.

^J^&. MONG the many HigLlaiul Scots who
(p^i have helped to shed hi.sti'e on their uative
-£:-''Sk hiud by distiLguished service abroad will
be found the name of Surgeon -Major Joiin
MacOregor, M.D., a native of Saudwick Hill,
near Stoi'noway, where he was born in 18-18.
lie was educated first at the Storuoway Free
Church School, and afterwards at the University
of Glasgow, which he entered in 1866. Like
many other devoutly-inclined Highland lads of
his generation, his first thoughts were towards
the ministry of the Gospel, his aspirations in
that direction being strengthened by the early
deaths of thi'ee of his brothers, two of whom
had been lost at sea. But a feeling of com-
parative unfitness and self-distrust led him sub-
sequently to study for medicine, in which he
graduated M.B. and CM. iu 1873, after a
highly creditable career at school and college.
We find him afterwards occupying successively
the post of Medical Oflicer of Harris, of the Penin-
sular and Oriental Company, and of Morven. In
187-5 he resolved to compete for the Army or
Navy ; and by the toss of a shilling on the
London pavement iu favour of the ludian
Medical Service the fate of his future career was
decided. Early iu 1876 he passed his examina-
tions first or second in all subjects with one
exception. After the usual course he went out
to India with special recommendation to the
Government of Bombay for professional abilities.
In 1880 Surgeon MacGregor received the
degree of M.D., the subject of his thesis being
the Medical Topiyrapliy of the Barren Rocks of
Aden. He was now fairly started on his career
in the East, where he might be found acting in
vaiious capacities, and always with credit. He
was for a while Civil Surgeon of Aden ; after-
wards Surgeon to the European General Hospital,
and Professor of Materia Medica, Bombay, &c.
At this time we were engaged in the Afghanis-

tan War, on the scene of which he ap[)eared,
but too Uxte to see much active service there.
A genuine taste of actual war, howeve]', he did
enjoy in the late war in U|)per Burmah, where
lie was for a long time the Senior Medical Officer
with the Frontier Brigade at Bhamo, on the
remote inland borders of China. Surgeon-Major
MacGregor was here continually on the move
with troops, and on two different occasions had
his horses killed under him in action. Many in
Burmah who knew and valued his services
hoped he would be tlie recipient of the Victoria
Cross ; but though these hopes were not realised
he was mentioned in despatches, and when the
war was ovei' he received a medal and two
clasjis.

After thiiteen years' continuous service iu the
East Dr. MacGregor took furlough in 1889;
and instead of taking the direct route to Storno-
way he started on a somewhat lengthy wan-
dering voyage round the world, whicii occupied
thirteen months of his time, and yielded abun-
dant satisfaction to his natural love of travel.
The accompanying portrait represents him in
Highland dress at the time of starting from
India on this tour, during which he had one or
two narrow escapes. He arrived at the British
shores in the Litii of Paris, which was nearly
lost, in 1890.

Throughout his whole career Dr. ]Mac(jregor
has preserved undulled his native Highland
spirit — Gaelic, Scotland, Scots aud the Aluses
being the fond objects of his inexhaustible de-
votion. The clan that was " nameless by day "
has in him a son that regards the name with
almost worshipful awe and veneration. Only
rare spirits kindred to himself could sympathise
with his feeling as he knelt at the grave of Rob
Roy. The gorgeous shrines of Eastern lands
had no charms for him such as he found at the
last resting-place of -'Rob Roy MacGregor."
A Highlander of this type is really something of
a born poet; anil for Dr. MacGi'egor to pour
forth poetic thought and feeling in proi^ or
verse is as natural as it is for the lark of his
uative isle to soar aud sing. So iu 1890 we are
not surprised to find a long narrative poem from
his ijen — Tlie Girdle of the Globe — which was

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

well received by conijjetent critics, followeil in
1892 by a handsome volume in prose, called
I'oil and Travel, descriptive of his own jiersonal
wanderinfjs. But what will inteicst Ilii^hlanders
most is the tact that he has ri'iiiaincd all along
an assiduous worshii>|)er of the Gaelic muse, as
will be evident from a song in the next issue,
and that we may ex^)ec't a volume of Gaelic
poetry from his pen at no distant date.

Surgeon-Major MacGregor is a member of
various institutions and societies, such as
the Briti.sh Medical Association, the Society
of Authors, a life-member of the Clan Gregor
Society, &c. ; while as an euthusia.stic brother
of the " mystic tie " he has advanced tt) the
position of Grand Master of (^eremonies of
all Scottish Freemasonry in India. He is in
full sympathy with the Crofter Movement at
home; and although at present, or until re-
cently, in medical charge of the "iOth Regiment
Bombay Infantr}', and Senior Medical Officer of
the Nawraba \. Command, we may any day
hear of his arrival home with the retiring rank
of Surgeon-Colonel. Indeed, by the time the
reader is glancing over this page the subject of
it " will probably be found wandering on the
top of a camel through the ancient kingdom of
Nebuchadnezzar." N. MacNeill.

Camden Town, London.

SHOTTY DOOLT'S COURTSHIP.

By Rkil) Tait.

(Continued f I- um ptu/e G3).

E stayed
and talked
to M r s.
Cameron for a
while and then
took hisdei)arture,
looking wistfully
at Ailsa's bright
head as s li e
bent industi'iously
over her work,
hardly troubling
to raise her ejes
when she wished
him good night.

But ti'iiublous
times came now to
A i 1 s a and her
m other; M r s.
AiLBA CAMERON. CanuMon was

taken ill. She and her daught(M- supported
theni.selves with knitting and fancy woik, and
now Ailsa had little time for the knitting, her
mother requiring her whole attention. They

had a small sum of money in the bank, and they
had to live on that. Mrs. Cameron suffered a
great deal, and could not eat the coarse food to
which they were accustomed, so Ailsa had to
procure better, and looked at their diurmishing
store with a heavy heart. Shotty came daily lo
see them, with gifts of tish or eggs, sometimes
game, alwaj's something, for the invalid. Ailsa
grew to like to hear his pleasant, manly voice ;
and as for her muther, she looked for his coming
as if he had been a sou.

At length came the crisis in Mrs. Cameron's
complaint, and Shottj' advised a physician from
the neighbouring town.

" We cauna afford it, Shotty," said Ailsa,
mournfully. Then he pressed to be allowed to
pay the fee himself, but Ailsa still hesitated.

A thought seemed to strike him

" You needna be feared, Ailsa," he said, ear-
nestly, " that I'll be wantin' either fee or reward
for this. No reward I'll want, lassie, but what
you gi'e me of your ain free will."

The girl looked up at him, and seeing the
honest soul that looked through his eyes, his
face seemed transfigured to her. It had a
nobility and strength about it that far trans-
cended mere regularity' of feature, and she felt
an odd inclination to lay her head down on his
broad breast and weep. But she resisted this,
and when Shotty had gone on his way rejoicing
with the required permission, she said to herself,
in reference to that momentary inclination —

" Guid sakes ! I must be gaein' doited wi' a'
the troubles."

The physician came, an operation was ]ier-
formed, and there was a i}i-ospect that Mrs.
Cameron would soon be getting about again,
and all was joy at the little cottage.

Shotty came every day still, but that was all
he did to further his courtship. Ho said not a
word of love to Ailsa, though sometimes his
heart was filled with gladness when he saw she
welcomed him more kindly, and seemed to look
upon him as a friend.

" Have ye heard the news, Shotty ? " ei]i|uiri'd
Mrs. Inkster, in the little tobacco shop, as she
was serving him with his customary allowance
of that article.

" What 'n news? " he asked.

"Have ye no heard it, then! Wlia but
Donald Eraser is comin' hame wi' liis pockets
full o' money to marry Ailsa Cameron. There'll
be a line, gran' weddin', I expec'."

If Mrs. Inkster hoped to see any change in
Shotty she was disappointed. He was not one
to wear his heart on his sleeve, and he looked
at her with an impassive face.

" Aye, I ilaursay," he said, carelessly, and
went out.

But, if his face was impassive, his heart was

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

not ; it was beating wildly. At first he did not
believe this news, but he met two or three more
people before he reached his cottage and they
were all full of it. Donald Fraser was not only
coming home, but coming home that very night.

It was Saturday night, but Shotty went out
no more, but sat thinking. He rememliered
how handsome Donald Fraser was, and wondered
if .\ilsa cared for him still. He remembered
how, although she was not one to show grief
at such a thing, the colour had deserted her
cheek and the light had left her eye for a time
after Donald had forsaken her, and how much
the sight had pained him. She had got over
that long ago, but still Shotty doubted if the
old love would not revive again.

He went to church in the morning as usual,
and heard that Donald had arrived, and was as
fine looking as ever, and much grander, " wi' a
gold watch and chain and a power o' money in
the bank." He also heard that he was now a
second mate with a " certificate."

Shotty debated within himself whether he
should go as usual to the Camerons' cottage
this Sunday afternoon ; he hesitated about it,
but finally resolved that he would. When he
got near the gate he saw someone standing at
the door, and recognised Donald Fraser himself.
He looked bright and gay, with a most satisfied
air, a flower in the button-hole of his spruce
blue suit, and a fine felt hat on his head, like the
hats worn by none but the gentry around. A
pain struck Shotty's heart, which deepened when
he saw Ailsa open the door with a smile <jn her
face, and he turned round and went back
home.

If he had only known it, that smile was for
himself. Ailsa had bolted the door that after-
noon, because something had gone wrong with
the latch, and it would not keep " snecked," and
had run to open it, thinking it was Shotty.
When she saw who it really' was, the smile
soon faded.

Donald Fraser had come back to the girl he
had deserted, having no doubt but that she
would be glad to have him return. He had
tired of the girl in the South. She was not
nearlj' so pretty as Ailsa, but she had talked
the English so " genteely," and she was always
dressed (she was a dressmaker) in silks and
velvets. She could also play (vilely, but Donald
did not understand music) on the piano, and
these things, combined with her most undis-
guised preference for himself, had flattered
Donald's vanity, and he had preferred her to
his old love. But he discovered that she had
a temper, that she was of a jealous and e.xacting
dispositicjn, so he had weaned of her, and re-
solved to come home and marry Ailsa and take
her back with him.

But Mr. Donald Fraser had a good deal yet
to learn, and he learned some of it that after-
noon.

Shotty, however, did not know this, and he
carried a sore and aching heart home with him.

" I'm no the kiml to take a lass's fancy," he
said to himself as he sat by his solitary fireside.
" It's no meant for me," and the fire looked
blurred and indistinct to poor Shotty's eyes just
then. Still he did not give u}) hope.

" I'll see her at the kirk to-night," lie thought,
"and then she'll ha'e to choose between us."

One of the neighbours always sat with Mrs.
Cameron, while Ailsa went to church on Sunday
evenings, and Shotty was there early. He saw
her come in in her neat grey dress and bonnet,
and thought she looked as sweet as the May-
blossom outside or. the hedges. Donald Fraser
was there also, gold watch and all, and Shotty
noticed he looked often and long at Ailsa. She
took no notice of anyone, but sat with reverent
face and gazed up at the old, white-haired
niiuistei', as he preached to thorn as he had thjne
almost every Sunday of her life.

Shotty was determined to join her when
church was over, and he thought he would soon
be able to tell whether she wanted him or not.
Unfortunately-, this plan was upset, for as he
was coining out, Mrs. Todd's Maysie, who was
a great friend of his, tumbled down before him,
and he was obliged to pick her up. The child
put her fat arms around his neck and asked to
be carried, but, to her surprise and wondering
resentment, Shotty for once refused to accede to
her request, and left her hurriedly. But this
had detained him, and he arrived just in time to
see Ailsa joined by Donald Fraser, and both
walk off together.

Then Shotty gave it up, and went home, pic-
turing to himself Donald and Ailsa walking arm-
in-arm over t'ue breezy hills, with the fragrant
breath of spring pilaj'ing over them, and setthng
when the " gran' weddin' " was to be.

Shotty walked up and down his kitchen floor,
muttering to himself,

" I could a borne it better if it had come
when I had nae hope," he murmured.

Sometimes he felt a wild longing to do his
rival some mischief, he felt as if he could have
shaken the life out of hini with pleasure ; as if
he could not restrain his passion if left to him-
self.

Then, with the simple faith often found in
these northern fishermen, bred up in it from
their childhood, he fiung himself on his knees.

It was with no meek submission that Shotty
prayed at first. He supplicated eagerly, even
fiercely, that this trial miglit be taken away from
him.

(To be concludal).

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

GAELIC AIRS TO LOWLAND SONGS.

Bv Malcolm MacFaklane.

Continued from page G4.

7. Fear Ciiul-charn — Maid of Isla. I am
glad to be able to testify to Knockie's correct-
ness in this instance. A friend from Easter
Ross having whistled what I felt to be a Gaelic
tune in my hearing, I en(iuired its name, and
ex]jressed a wish to have it. He told me it was
Fear Cliul-charn ; and between us we wrote it
down. I give it here, and the reader will see
that it is a marching set of "The Maid of
Isla."

fear cuul-ciiarn.
Key D.

Id :n.s|n : ~|s :l.s!n : —
Id :n.s|n : — |1 :s |r : —
Id : n.sin : — |s :l.sln : —
Id : n ., s I n — | 1 ., t : d' .,1 | s .n : r

I d'.,r':d' .,1 1 s .,1 : s .,n | d' .,r' : d' .,1 1 s .n : r
|d'.,r':d'.,l|s.,l:s.,n | 1 .,t:d'.,l |s.n:r||

8. An Caimbeulach dubh — Roy's Wife. Also
called " The Ruffian's Rant."

9. Robaidh donn gorach (or Robaidh tha tliu
g6rach) — Daft Robin. To this air, or variants
of it, are sung, in Scotland " Todlin' hame,"
"My ain fireside," "Johnnie Armstrong," " Earl
Douglas's Lament," " Carronside," " The Maid
of Seluia," and "The days o' Langsyne" (not
"Auld Langsyne"); in Ireland, "The lame
yellow beggar,'' " The wild geese," " Bonnie
Portmore," " The boys of Kilkenny," and the
beautiful and popular '' The meeting of the
waters ; " while in the Highlands, as far as I
know, we have only Na laithewi a dli' aom and
A' Clmairt Shamraidh.

10. lonbhar Calla — Tibbie, lass, I've seen
the day (Burns). The tune is often named
" Invercauld's reel."

11. A h-uile taobh a sheideas gaoth — Of a'
the airts the win' can blaw (Burns). That the
Gaelic and English ntunes translate one another
is suspicious. At the .same time, it is admitted
on all hands that the tune is a northern one,
having been perfected by Marshall, by whom it
wa.s named " Miss Admiral Gordon's Strath-
spey." Its simplest form is that associated
with "The Lowlands of Holland." I have met
in some book the Gaelic equivalent of this name,
but cannot recall which. The Irish have a song
of the same name, but the music ditlers.

12. Braigh a' bhadain — Coming thro' the
Craigs of Kyle. This tune is in Brcmner's
Collection, 1764. It is better known as '• Owre
the muir amang the heather."

13. Bailc nan Granndach — Green grow the

rashes. I have seen a claim to this tune put
forward for Ulster. But as Scottish tunes are
naturally common there, its claim loses much of
its force. The times attached to Orange songs
are mostly Scottish. Indeed, it may be here
noticed tiiat " Boyne Water " is most probably
a Scottish tune. It occurs in various forms in
connection with the following songs : — " When
the King comes owre the water," " The wee, wee
German Lairdie," " To daunton me," " Lady
Keith's Lament," and theid shin (see Mac-
bean's " Songs of the Gael ").

14. A h-uile fear a Muideart — Wat ye wha's
in yon town. To this air are also " I'll aye ca'
in by yon town," and " I'll gang nae mair tae
yon town." It appears in Gunn's pipe music
collection under the name, Cha teid mi Jein a
cheilidh.

15. An gille dubh mo laochan — Is there for
honest poverty. There is in the style of this
tune evidence sufficient to establish its claim to
be Gaelic. Beyond this, however, a variant of
the air is found attached to a song called
" Donald Couper," preserved in Playford's
Dancing Master, 1657. Again, in a poem by
Cleland, on the Highland Host, about 1679,
the following quotation occurs : —

" Trumpets sounded, skenes were glancing ;
Some were Donald Couper dancing."

But primitive as the music of " Donald Couper "
is, '' For a' that " is much more Gaelic in style.
In some parts of the Highlands Mo nigliean dubh
tha boidheach dubh is sung to the air.

16. Nighean donn a' chota bhuidhe — Lassie
wi' the yellow coatie. These names translate
each other. Rob Donn has a song, the chorus
of which includes these words : —

" A nigh'neig a' chota bhuidhe,
Dean do shuidhc cuide riuni."

1>. R. Mackinnon, Gaelic comic vocalist, .sings a
song with a similar refrain, somewhat after the
following fashion : —

NIGIIEAN DONN a' CIIOTA lillUIDIlK.

Kky a.

S| ., lilsi ., li : d ., r

Iduu a' cliuta bhuidhe.

.li|S| .Si
A I nigheiui

In ., d
b,\in do

f ., ri r ., d : 1, .,

sluiiiUic cuiilu riuiii ;

d IS| .Si ; s, ., 1,1 Si .,1, : d ., r

A Inighoau ihnui :i'|cliotu lihiiidln^,

In ., d : s ., nir : d . 11

I Doau do 8hiiidlie{ lamh rium. ||

The air given in Maver's collection differs from
the above. It has, nevertheless, iioints of resem-
blance, and would go better to Rob Dona's
words than to the above.

(y'u be continued).

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

CLAN COLQUHOUN FIRST ANNUAL SOCIAL GATHERING.

Dedicated to Sir James Colqufiolin, Bart., of

LUSS AND COLQUHOUN, ChIEF OF THE ClAN.

Oh ! tinkle ye bells o'er the top of Ben Lomond,
And jubilant ring o'er the land of Colquhoun ;

A gathering and union of hearts at the gloaming
Commences to-morrow till next day at noon.

The lad and the lass of the clan and its chieftain,
In tartan array to the music of yore.

Will dance till the heart is as light as a fountain,
And harmony runs like a stream from its core.

The hearts never met before till this meeting
Cemented will be in a high, loving bond ;

The night will be one of such fondness and greeting,
As only can match with the regions beyond.

All one name, what a scene, and a curtain behind it.
Revealing the past, to our strange, wondering eye !

Let present and future blend with it and bind it
To hearts full of hope, and to minds mounting
hiyh.

For the glory, Colqulioun, is a treasure su happy,
Unique in the annals in name or of clan,

That each when they meet o'er a wee drop of nappy
Is proud o't as ever can be mortal man.

John Hamilton Colquhoun.

28th December, 1893.

The Clan Colquhoun So(;ibty. — The first social
gathering of this society was held in the Waterloo
Rooms, on Friday, 29th December. In the absence
of the chief. Sir James ( 'olquhoun of Luss, Bart.,
who was seriously ill, Mr. H. Colquhoun Hamilton,
M.A., LL.B., hon. secretary, occupied the chair, and
delivered a most imstruotive address on the history of
the clan, and referred to many notable men of the
clan name. The Lord Provost of (jlasgow (whose
mother was a Colquhoun), Dr. Colquhoun, and Mr.
Walter Menzies, also delivered interesting addresses.
A very attractive programme of song and music was
successfully carried through, and altogether the first
social meeting of this, the latest clan society, was an
oueouraging success. An assembly followed.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

By Ch^u!les Fiuser- Mackintosh, F.S A. (Scot).

Part III. — (continued finm pni/e 6f^).
Mff[AMES MACDONALD took sasine at
'^vL the Castle of Mingarrv of the lands of
^^' Ai'dnamurchan on 7th JainuuT, 1551
(the date is en-oneously given as 1550), the
■witnesses being Angus Mak Conn ail, John vie
Aonas llacht, Archibald Stewart, Sir Alexander
Mak Ahster, rector of Kihuore, Farchard .Mak-
kay, Duiiean-\ic-Yvar-dubh, LaehlauBan, Finlay-
Hiaol -iic-lvobau', and Mr. Cornelius Omeyght,
dean of Ivintyre — a goodly Ust of Highland
names and patronymics. The Dean of Ivintyre
wrote and was witness to many of the writs
connected with the Argyles and Macdoualds,
and I observe in the On'i/ines Pwocliiiihs Scotia',
he is sometimes called Omay, sometimes Omey.
In the sasine, which is \witteu by him and also
signed, he describes himself as Master of Arts
and Clerk of Lismore.

In 15iS, -Master Cornelius Omey was pre-
sented by C^ueen Mary as rector of Ivildaltou.
In 1550 he is rector of Kilberry, and at a later
f)eriod parson of Kilblane, dying prior to 1580,
for in that year Donald Campbell is joresented
to the parsonage, vacant bj' the death of Master
Cornelius Omay.

I do not find in the Kilmore lists the name
of the before mentioned rector, who was prob-
ably son or grandson of that Charles Mak
Alexander who, in 1481, received the a2:)point-
ment of steward of Kintyre.

It will be observed that one of the witnesses
is called John, son of Angus, the Isla man.
The name of Isla has ever had a strong hold
on its inhal)itants, and the feeling is chei'ishcd
at this day perhaps more warmly than ever.
The very word, uttered in a strange land in
Gaehc, with that soft plaintive accent peculiar
to Islanders of the West, goes straight to the
heart. When the old Lords of the Isles were
independent, Isla in its Gaelic form was their
favourite; title, and down to their extinction in
the person of John, last Lord of the Isles and
Earl of lioss. their primary title was " de He,"
or " Yle " 'I'hat it was in the Gaelic form,
rather than in English or Latin, is worth
noticing, and gratifuug to Highlanders and
Islanders. Youuger sous were styled "de
Insulis," and " Ilhs."

The next document which I have is the dis
charge for the price of Ardnamurchan, which,
in 172.5, was divided into thirty-one tuw-nships,
ui the aggregate value of 152 pennies, whereof
Mingarry was valued at sLx jjeunies, and Urm-
saigbeg, or The Point, at five pemiies. Of

these thirty-one, three consisted of two 'tene-
ments, \'iz. : — Clash and Ai'tli'iminisli. Daul and
Gortaneorn, Ardtoe and W'aterfoot. The dis-
charge is as follows, the spelling being modern-
ised : — " NN'e, Archibald, Eai'l of Argyle. Lord
Campbell and Lome, &c., &c.. grant us to have
received by the hands of James yiak Coueill of
Dunyvaig and Glenns, the sum of one thousand
merks usual money of Scotland, in complete
payment of his heritable infeftment made by
us to him and his hehs, of all and haill the four
score merk lands of old extent of Ardnamur-
chan. with their pertinents heritably, of the
which Sinn in comjilete payment as said is, we
hold us well content and paid, and quit claim
and discharges the said James Mak C'onoll and
his heirs and all others whom it affects for
now and ever. By this our wiiting, subscribed
with our hand, our signet is affixed at Stirling
the 17th day of February, the year- of (iod
1551 years, before these witnesses — Hector
Maclean of Duart, Archibald Campbell of
Clachane, Master Neil Campbell, parson of
Kilmartyne, Thomas Grahame of Boquhoplo,
and John Grahame of Bociuhople, and others
diverse. (Signed A., Erie of Argyle)." This
designation of the two Grahames brings us
very close to that given by Sir Walter Scott to
one of his minor characters. '■ The Laird of
Balmawhopple.'' The above-mentioned Neil
Campbell appears to have been vicar of lul-
martin in 151:1, also dean of Lochowe, and to
have been succeeded as rector or j^ai'son in
1553 by the well known John Carsewell, created
in 155G Bishop of the Isles, and, after the
Beforuiatiou. Superintendent of Argyle and
the Isles, bv courtesy still called Bishop of the
Islea

The old possessors of Ardnamurchan, the
Maclains, derived from John '■ Sprangaich,"
youngest son of Angus Mor, Lord of the Isles,
this John's sou Angus being the first pro-
prietor. Four generations apparently bring
us to the John Mac Iain who was rewarded
with great possessions for the capture of Sir
John Cathauach, as jireviously mentioned. He
did not enjoy his estates long, and being at-
tacked by Sir Donald of Lochalsh for the jJut-
ting to death of Sir Alexander of lioclialsh, the
warfare lasted fidm I51() to 1518. Mac Iain
was expelled from Ardnannu'chan in 1517, the
Castle of Mingarry ra/.etl to tbe ground, and
in 1518 Mac Iain and his two sons, John and
Angus, were slain in Morveru. Mariot,
daugliter of John Mac lain, was served heir to
him in 15;iS, and two years after Ardnamur-
chan fell into the hands of the Earl of Argyle ;
who in 1550 alit iiated it as above to James
Macdovvald, and the grant w^as continued the
same year by Queen Mary. lu the old castle

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

many important gatherings took place. In
1493 (25th October), James IV. held his Com-t
and granted a charter ; and he was again there
on 18th ALav, 1495. The subsequent history
of jSIingarry Castle, iucluduig a notice of the
last Mac lains, who found their tinal resting-
place in Badenoch, will be t;iven later. A
sketch of the castle as in 1734 is here given,

o/ca

and it is hoped that the intended jjier will be
in harmony with present surroundings.

In the titles to Ardnamurchau, the destina-
tion was limited to James Macdunald and the
heirs male of his bodj', whom failiug. to revert
tu the Earl of Argyle and as this prevented a
sale, Archibald, the 5th Earl of Argyle, granted
license to James to sell the lauds, the pur-
chasers to hold oif the Eai'l on the same foot-
ing. This is the next dociunent in date I have,
and is endorsed, " License given by the Earl
of Ai-gyle to sell the lands of Ardnamurchan,"
and is dated at Glasgow, 16th January, 15G3,
the witnesses being Sir Colin Camijbell of
Buquhane, Knight ; Dugald Campbell of Auch-
inbreck, Niuian Stuart of KUchattan, and
William Heyart, notary. Sir Colui Camjjell of
Boquhan was the Earl's brother and successor ;
the Campbells of Auchinbreck are afterwards
referred to under date 1603 ; and Niuian
Stuart was no doubt Cadet of Bute, who held
the lands of Ivilchattan and others in the parish
of Kiiigarth, South Liute.

James -Macdonald. in the year 1559, got the
gift of the marriage of Mary Macleod, the
wealthy heiress of Dunvegau, but, like other
good things, it ultimately fell into the hands of

Argyle, Archibald, 4th Earl of Argyle, who
had always befriended James Macdonald, died
in 1558, and his successor, Archibald, 5th Earl,
followed in this respect ui his father's footsteps.
In his pubhc career, however, though his
father had been a steady supporter of the
policy of the Queen Regent, he threw in his
whole mfluence with the Lords of the Congre-
gation, became a leading Reformer and a prune
fiivourite notwithstanding his incontinent
habits, with the prominent clergy of the new
order. James Macdonald was in possession of
an immense estate. He jiurchased, in loS-t,
the office of Toiseachdor of all Kiutyre from
-Macneill of Gigha; in 1558, all his charters
and ancient writs which had been destroyed in
time of war were renewed; in 1560, he received
the Bailiary of South Argyle; in 1562 Queen
Mary leased him several lands; in 1563, he
was infeft iu lands in Uist, under agreement
with Ferchar-vic Allister of Skirrieheugh ; and,
in 1564, he received a charter which included
the Mull t>f Kintyre, His chief misfortune was
a violent feud with the ^Macleans regarding the
Rhinus of Isla, which began in 1562 and con-
tinued until James's death. The Privy Council,
iu December, 1563, determined in favour of
James, but Maclean was dissatisfied, and, iu
1565, both parties were bound down, imder a
penalty of ten thousand poiuids each, to abstain
from hostihties.

James JNIacdonald was so actively engaged
in Scotland that his affairs iu Ireland were
looked to by, and the ownership practically
given over to his j'ouugest brother, Sorley
Buie, a man of great energy, who not only
maintained po.ssessiou of the family estates,
liiit added thereto by the e.xpulsiuu of the Mac-
Qiiillins from the Route of Antrim. Troubles
arose, however. Shane O'Neill c[uarrelled with
his father, with the English, and with the
Scottish settlers, who desired to remain neutral.
Sorley, driven to extremities, called for the
assistance of his brother James, who arrived La
Ireland with a lai'ge force. The Macdonalds
were completely defeated, and both brothers
taken prisoners. This occurred on the 2nd
May, 1565, and James was confined in Castle
Corcke, near Strabane. James Macdonald's
release on ransom was demanded by Queens
Mary and Elizabeth and the Earl of Argyle,
but in vain ; and, dj'ing shortly, the universal
belief was that he was murdered by order of
O'Neill. James's death was much regretted
in the thi-ee kingdoms. Of him the Four
^Masters say "that the death of this gentleman
was generally Ijewailetl ; he was a pai'agon of
hospitality and prowess ; a festive man of many
troops ; a bountiful and mumticent man. His
peer was not to be found at that time among

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

the Clan Donncll of Lreland or Scotland, and
his own peojilo would not have deemed it too
much to pive his weij^ht in S'>1<1 for his ransom,
if he could have been ransomed."

Prior to the accession of James VL, the
EngUsh were exceedingly jealous of the
presence of the Scots in Ulster, holding that
they could not he subjects of two kingdoms.
This o'ljection in time ceased, and Sorley
Buie. after two years' captivity, was restored to
freedom, maintained his own against all comers,
and. declaring his hitention of remaining in
Ireland, made his peace ^^•ith Elizabeth. In
158G, he was assured in all his lauds, his fom-th
son. Reginald, who ultimately succeeded, being
created Earl of Antrim. James's widow,
known as Lady Kintvre, married Torlogh
O'Neill, afterwards Earl of Tyrone, and her
daughter, lueen, married Sir Hugh O'Donuell
of Donegal. Their object was to strengthen
the claim of James Macdonald's family to
their ancient estate, which Sorley Buie, after
being released, (ju the slaughter of Shane
O'Neill, claimed as his own. Both ladies are
highly spoken of. Lady Kintn'e was willing
to marry O'Neill, " pro^^ded she and her sons
might enjoy the iuhei-itance that her late
husband and liis ancestors held in Ireland for
seven generations ; but if not. then as long as

any of the clan hved, their title to these lands
would never be relin(iiiished, or undefended."
And, again, that she was '■ a grave, wise, well-
spoken lady, both in Scots, EugHsh, and
French, and well mannered." Of her daughter,
Lady O'Donuell, known as '"Lieen dubh," that
''she possessed the heart of a hero, and the
mind of a warrior. "

The English did not desire the success of
either Sorley Buie or of James's children, and
fomented all quarrels, imtU at length Sorley
Buie was practically left ui possession. The
various steps taken by him and his successor
to establish themselves permanently in Antrim
are fuU of iuterest. but outside the general
scope of these papers. It appears rather hard
that James's death assisting his brother should
have been the cause of the family losing their
Irish estates.

Differences continued at a later period be-
twixt the Antrims and Angus, 8th of Isla, but
in the end friendly intercourse subsisted, and
a close alliance betwixt the former and
Donald Gorme of Sleat, and other heads of
■ Scottish Macdonalds. James had at least two
sons — Archibald and Angus — who survived,
and, dj-iug in 15G5, was succeeded by his eldest
son, AJ-chibald.

{To be coulinui-'l.)

TOMBSTONE OF .\XGt'S SIACDON.VLD, LORD OF TillC ISI.KS, IX lOXA.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

D. R. 0., Artli-ishaig. — We will coiniminicati; willi
you in a few days We are giving due effect to your
wislie.s.

Donald MacDonald, New York, U.S.A. — Tiie
sketch has now come to hand. We will try and find
room for it in our next issue.

.1. Mackenzie, London. — Sorry about tlie nds-
nnderstanding. Try anil let us have tlie matter in
good time for next number.

Miss Li/.zie Cook, Cambridge. — Please accept our
he.sl thanks for the e.\cellent drawing of the ancient
Celtic cross at Kcay. Sometime soon we may give
an engraving of it in thi^ Muidlilij.

"Ben Reay," Germany. — Your letter will appear
in next iss\ie, with engraving of the colours of the
" Reay Fencibles."

Bound Copies of Volume I.

This h;ind:*i)i]ie volume, ccinsisling of 1112 pages,
and containing some fifty lil'e-hke portraits of well-
known Highlanders, and other illustrations, can now
be had bound in cloth, with gilt lettering, at 4s. post
free, or in fine, strong leather, 5s. 6cl. post free.

This valuable volume is specially suitable to send
as a present to a lligldand friend, or as a prize in
schools in the Highlands.

.\s only a few copies can bo had. those who wish
the volume should apply at once to the Editor, Celtic
M'liitlilil, 17 Dundas Street, Kingston, Glasgow.

I'HE CELTIC MONl'lll.Y

ALEXANDER M'GRIGOR.

Hon. yECKETARY, OlAN (JliKGOR Sot'lKTY.

l^eyjSR JOHN HILL BURTON, the his-
VapKfp torian, in his history of the proceedings
^'aL against the Clan Grej^or, states that it
was not till the year 1775 that the opproliriura
thrown on the name was removed by Act of
Parliament, and he adds that, singularly enough,
the clan, which
was the only
one to whom
it was at one
time prohibit-
ed to convene
in numbers ex-
ceeding four at
a time, was, at
the date on
which he wrote,
the one High-
land clan which
strove to keep
up its ancient
ties and assem-
ble together in
a body in the
shape of a
Society.

Tlie Clan
Gregor Society
which he re-
ferred to was
founded on
Friday, the
13th Decem-
ber, 1822. At
first, and for
many years
after its foun-
dation, its pur-
poses were
purely educa-
tional, and dur-
ing its early
years it diil
excellent work
in that direc-
tion, many of

the name of MacGregor greatly owing their
success in life to help given them by the Society
when they were struggling to raise themselves
from a humble position. Its aims are now,
however, widened to suit the exigencies of the
times, and its purposes at present include be-
sides education, charity, and also a provident
scheme for assisting members of the Society to
insure their lives by endowment policies.

We this month give the portrait of the

present Honoi'ary Secretary of the Society, Mr.
Alexander M'Grigor of Cairnoch, Stirlingshire,
and 13 Grosvenor Cre.scent. Glasgow. Mr.
M'Grigor's family have been identified with the
liistory of the Society from its foundation, his
great-grandfather. j\lr. Alex. M'Grigor, having
been one of its original vice-presidents, and liis
grandfather Mr. Alex. M'Grigor, jun., having
been an original directoi-. and afterwards vice-
president. The Society liaving become prac-
cally dormant
for some years,
it was on 4th
May, 1886, re-
suscitated,
when the late
D r. A. B.
M'Grigor, the
father of the
sul)iect of this
sketch, was
appointed vice-
president, the
late General
Sir Charles
MacG regor,
K.C.S.I., being
appointed
president,
and on the
lamenteddeath
of the latter
in "1887 Dr.
M'Grigor was
appointed
p re s i d e n t,
which otlice he
held till his
death in 1891.
It will thus be
seen that the
present Hono-
rary Secretary
has a connec-
tion with the
Society such
as few, if any,
of its members
can boast of,
and as his .son
is also a life-member, the family is now repre-
sented in the roll of the Society in its fifth
generation.

The number of members of the Society is
at present 351, and a considerable addition is
looked for in the course of this year. The
capital funds administered by the Society
amount to over £3000, the income being close
on £250 per annum. Alex. MacGregor.

278 Allison Street, Crosshill.

THE CEI.riC MONTHLY.

.ions

TO CORRESPONDENTS

All Com,n,niiinli.,ns. ,.., I,l.r„,-,, <i,„l I,
matters, »/..."'<< '"• '••hlre.^.seil to llu IC.Iit.n: M r
MACKAV, 17 nundas Street, Killfisluii. tilnsijuir.

-®-

TERMS OP SUBSCRIPTION.— The CELTIC
.MOSTIILY u-ill be sent, post free, to any part of the
United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, und all
countrie.1 in the Postal Union— for one year, 4».

The Celtic Monthly

FKISIir.iKY. IS94.

OOrtfTESJMTSi.

his lontr and faithlul services to the cause of Ins coun-
tryiiion We sincerelv hope that the testimonial will
he a handsome one, worthy of the girers and receiver
Our readers have each month l)een interested and
instructed by his valuable contributions to our own
pafes and we trust that the subscriptions from the
rca"ders of the Cvltie Monfhln will take first place m
the list. We shall be very glad to receive contribu-
tions towards the testimonial fund, which we shall
duly acknowledge in the Mouthlii. As the list is
only to be open for a few weeks, we hope that those
who intend subscribing will do so at once. Address
— Editor, Celtic MontUij, 17 Dundas Street, Kingston,
Glasgow (member of committee).

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

Spboeon-Ma-iob J. MacGreoor, M.D. (with plite), ■ - • S.'i

~Doo.T-,Co.RTs„n-, SO In our next issue we will present our readers wnth a

GABUcA,Rs TO LOWLAND SoNos, 8S UfeUke plate-poHrait, printed ou tinted paper of

CL.AN Cowtiiors FIRST ANNiAL SOCIAL GAT11KR1N8 (illustrated), SP Lord Reay, G.C.I.E., D.C.L., chief of the Clan
The Last Macdosalos OF ISLA, Part 3 (illustrated), ■ • 90 Mackay, with a biographical sketch. The portrait

ALEXANDKE M'Gr.oor (with portrait), 93 represents his lordship in the Highland dress. An

TkstimosialtoMb. HknrvWuvtbC'Fionn"). - - - 94 j,)teresting account will also he given of the Holland

To oi'R Headers, ^* branch of the clan and the chief's ancestors, which

TosoiE AKD ITS Historic SuRRorxDi.Nos (illustrated), - ■ 9n .j^jn (jg illustrated with a number of finely engraved

Abstract of OssiAN'.s CovALLA, 9" views of places ot interest in the Reay country asso-

Lettrk.s TO THE Editor, 9S (.jated with the chiefs of the clan. I'art IV., of Mr.

LiEi T. -COL. L. D. MACKINNON- (with portrait), - ... 99 Q p^aser- Mackintosh's valuable papers on ''The Last

TuK Earldom of Ross (illustrated), wu jjacDonaUls of Isla " will be accompanied by fac-

NoTRs, .;■-.;' !n! jimi/ereproductionsofacharter, dated ISOO, granted

Camanachd-Mr. H.oii MacUorqi odale (with portrait), ■ iiiJ Archibald, 5tli Earl of Argyll, and a full-size copy

News or the Month, !',u of the seal ' With the continuation of Air John

HiGUL.vND NoT>:s and QiERiFi,, Mackay, Hereford's, historical articles we will give

~ two picturesque views in the parishes of Tongue and

TESTIMONIAL TO MR. HENRY WHYTE L)„rness. In addition to these, we will print several

(" F I O N N "). interesting illustrated papers which we have had to

hold over from this issue owing to the pressure on

.„ , , , , , , . , ,1, , our space. Portraits of distinguished Highlanders

Odh readers will, doubtless, be glad to learn that a ^.^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^^ number promises to be

movement has just been inaugurated to present Mr. ^^ «^^^^ i^^^^^j

Henry W hyto (Fionn) with a testimonial, in recogni- ^^ ^^.^j .^^^^^^^ members of the Clan Gregor Society

tion of his valuable contributions to Celtic literature, ^^ j^_^^.^ ^.^^^^ ^^ j^^^^_^^ ^j^j^g gl,o^l,y ^ fi^g pj^tg.
and his lifelong services to the Highland cause gene- . ■, „f gj^ ^lalcolra Macfiregor, Bart., chief of the

rally. FioK »'.s name is known aiid respected in every V and also of the late Dr. A. B. M'Grigor. It
part of the world where High andeis are to be found. • ^.^^^^^^^ ^. ^^^ mentioned that we are arranging to

Few men of this generation have done as much tor -^ ^ ^^^.^^ ^^ sketches of the Clan MacGregor, with

Highlanders, or placed their services so generously at ^j^j^^^^g ^f lacgg of interest in the romantic country
the disposal of tlieir countrymen without tee or re- ^j. ^^^^ ^^^^ ^ ,,,^g articles and portraits cannot fail to
ward as Mr. Whyte has done, and certainly no name /j j^^^^.^.^^ ^^ „ of the name.

is better known in connection with Celtic literature ^

than that of Fioim. His personality has been in the
forefront of every Highland movcinent, and his advice
and assistance have always proved of the greatest
value. His unbounded enthusiasm for everything
Highland has been the means of inspiring others in
the same direction. To Mr. Whyte we ourselves
owe, when too young, wc fear, to \w. of much practical
use,' our first introduction to a Highland Society in
Glasgow, and to our acquaintanceship with him we
owe in no slight measure our knowledge of matters
relating to the Highlands. Hundreds have bene-
fitted in a similar way from his encouragement and
assistance. His services have been of such a nature
tiiat they could not be adequately repaid, and we
know that very many will be delighted to embrace
the op|)ortunity which has now been afforded them
of showing, in a practical way, their appreciation of

Cai.kmiak <iK Meetings OF Highland Societies.

VVe regret that owing to the demand this month

ujion our advertising space we have not been able to
give the "Calendar" for February, but as we intend
in our next issue adding four extra pages of adver-
tising space, we will give a full list of the meetings
and social gatherings for March. Our friends must
excuse the omission this month.

TiiK Dk. C'hakles Mackav Memoki.\l Font,
which was erected by the Clan Mackay to the
memory of the late clan hard, has just been unveiled
in St. Paul's Parish Church, Perth. The memorial
is a ma.ssive and handsome one, and we hope to give
a photo, reproduction of it in our next issue.

THl?: CKI/l'lC MONTHLY.

TONGUE AND ITS HISTORIC
SURROUNDINGS.

By John Mackay. C.E., J. P., Hen-ford.

tVi

'N the defeat, of the Norsenien in Strath-
tll'^J) "aver in 1196, and the retreat (jf Iliirold
yS~ifo into the Orkneys, Rej^inald in a few
uiontlis pacified the distracted country, appoint-
ing three noblemen to rule the district for the
King of Scots — one in the southern, one in the
eastern, and another in the northern portion.
Tongue, or, as it was then called, Strathnaverniti.
It is nut very well known who was the noble he
appointed to rule the northern part, but it is

mentioned that he had in liis army a strong
party of Gallowegians, commandeil by their own
chief, Alexander, and his two brothers. It is
very probable it was to this Alexander and his
brothers that Reginald entrusted the expulsion
of the Norsemen fiom Strathnaver and the ad-
joining districts ; aud this Ale.xauder liaving
executed the trust given liini, wa.s, two years
thereafter, confirmed in the possession of the
territory he had .subdued by William the Lion,
when Harold was finally disposed of by the
King of Scots at Eystendal, on the confines of
Caitiiness, in 1198. With this warrior from
Galloway began the race of the Mackay chiefs
who ruled in Tongue for upwards of six cen-

FlillM 'IIIIC FEI'.UY roINT

turies, and attained to a high degree of influ-
ence by their own powers and the fidelity and
hearing of their clansmen.

The Norsemen were soon expelled from
Strathnaver and Tongue, their two ja'incipal
settlements, yet leaving their footprints behind
them in place-names round about Tongue, with
which in this paper we have to do. In them
we see that the names of jjlaces, however much
corrupted by the lapse of ages, are, like those of
the streets of a town, endowed with extraonli-
nary vitality, frequently surviving, as in this
case, the race, or the nation that imposed them,
and often defying alike the accidents of con-
quest and of time, while furnishing information
of a most unexpected character.

in Tongue, there must have been a numerous
colony of Norsemen, as tlie names of ])laces
reveal. Blandy, blanda (meeting-place) ; Borgie,
byrgi (enclosure) ; Coldbackie, Kidd bakki (cold
ridge) ; Caonasaid, Kvenna-setr (tlie lady's resi-
dence) ; Falside, fellsetr (the residence on the
fell, or moor) ; Hysbackie, husa-bakki (houses
on the ridge) ; Kirkiboll, kirkja-bol (kiik town)
— baile-na-h-eaglais ; IMelness. mel-nes (the
benty-grassed promontory) ; Modsary, nioda-
seyra (muddy moorland) ; Riliigill, rygjar-bol
(the lady's home-farm) — this word in Mackay
charters is spelled riga-bol and rege-bol— bal in
Icelandic is in meaning equivalent to the Gaelic
baile, residence, township, hamlet — setr in
Norse is applied to a single residence or farm ;

THE CELIIC MONTHLY,

Scrabster, skarabolstadr (the outlying lioiiie-
stead); SSken-ay, skerja (isolated rocks in the
sea) ; Skinid. si,'iaiiid, skiiini (withereil, lileaclied) ;
Sculloniie, skulda mot (coui't, or place where
taxes, debts, dues, fines were jiaid to the Norse
lord) ; Slettel, sletr (flat land or place) ; Tal-
raine, tallr-minn (toll-free) — this place is on the
west side of the Bay of Tongue, and exactly
opposite to Scullomie, which is on the east side
of the ha}-, the one landing-place free of toll,
while dues were exacted at the other, which
was the more convenient to the centre of popu-
lation. This is a history in words. Tongue,
tunga (a narrow spit of land jutting out into
the water or sea). The origin of place-names is

always interesting. Those in Tongue have a
peculiar historic value of their own.

The territory, being thus won by the Mackay
chiefs, the people soon settled down to peace-
ful pursuits — the sen, the land, the river, lake,
woods, and mountains were free alike to all.
A Mackay then could, without let or hindrance,
take a deer from the mountain, a salmon from
the river, or a stick from the wood. The chiefs
were then at too remote a distance to take any
part or interest in the political strifes that dis-
tracted the kingdom at its centre. They were
more intent on consolidating the power and
influence their territorial possessions gave them,
and moulding and uniting the heterogeneous

TuNUri: >-AMi> AMI V.ES l.^VAl,, IN IsJil

mass of the people they were called to rule and
guide into one compact body of clansmen.
These chief's had their reward, for very soon
this wise ])olicy bore the richest fruit. They
commanded not only the reverence but the
fidelity of the people, who were proud to call
themselves their clansmen. Tiiey were satisfied
with the ]iower of surrounding themselves by an
attached and contented tenantry, and of influ-
encing the mind and the will, whil.st the clans-
men were h'ip|)y to acknowledge the kindness
of their chiefs by a complete devotion to their
service in peace or war, and by giving .so much
value for the hinds allotted to them as emibled
the chiefs to support the dignity of their ])osi
tion in society with credit and honour.

Before entering further into the events that
occurred about Tongue, or the various warlike
affairs in which chief and clan were engaged,
let us attem))t to describe its surroundings.

Tongue is one of the prettiest and most
romantic localities in Sutherland. The view
from the bay is remarkably grand, tlie lofty
semi-circular range of hills rises boldly and sud-
denly from the ocean, as it were, and sweeps all
round the bay, forming the large, enclosed
valley into a stupendous amphitheatre. The
bay itself, on the north, seems to be guarded by
a cluster of islands, whose sides are perpendicu-
lar clifls of granite, varying in altitude from
1 .')0 to 700 feet, forming, as it were, a continu-
ous l)reak water to safeguard the noble bay.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

wliile on the west a range of hills, 134:5 feet in
height, runs along the rugged, trackless waste
of the Moin, and terminates in Ben Hope, one
of the sublimest mountain masses in the High-
hinds, rightly named by tourists, " Queen of
Highland mountains " In the immediate dis-
tance, to the south, is seen the remains of
Castle Varrick, perched on the pinnacle of a
[iromontory, facing the Bay of Tongue, in grim
watchfulness. It was founded hy a Norse
warrior. At the south-eastern extremity of
this extensive valley, Ben Loyal starts up.
The summits of this pinnacled and almost per-
pendicular mountain mass presents to the fancy,
at one point of view, the outlines of a " lion
couohant," and at another a close resemblance
to the " Royal arms." On a summer morning,
or after a summer shower, when the transparent
mist is reposing on its bosom, or coiling among
its pealcs, the appearance of this mountain is
very beautiful, and often fantastic. Within
the mountain cliain formed liy this lofty moun-
tain there are various objects which constitute
marked features in the scenery of the district.
The view off the mountain itself is universally
admired. Starting up majestically from the
end of the valley, it quickly attains an altitude
of 2.504 feet, presenting at its base an expanded
breast of two miles, and cleft at the top into
foiir massive, towering, and splintered peaks,
standing boldly aloof from each other. Tlie
highest peak stands proudly forward to occupy
the foreground, the rest recede a litrie, as if
each were unwilling to protrude itself, from a
conscious iiiferioiity to its predecessor. As a
graceful finish to its outlines, it stretches out an
aim on either side, as if to embrace conde.scend-
inL;ly the other mountain ranges, which may
very well acknowledge it as chief, and which
may very readily be fancied as doing it homage.
On its west side, it is said, was the .scene of
IHarniid's combat with the wild boar, and his
death. A green spot is shown as being his
grave. On the same side of Ben Loyal occurred
a famous clan battle, at Drum-na-Coup, of which
we shall treat in anotlier pa)ier.
(2o be continiii'd).

Glasgow Caithnens G.athering. — Tliis flourish-
ing association held their annual galheriug in the
Queen's Rooms on old New Year's Night. Dr. .1.
F. Sutherland presided, and there was a large attend-
ance. The chairman delivered a very racy address
on Caithness, and referring to llie Norse and Celtic
elements in the country, gave it as his opinion that
the Celts were the more important. Rev. Dr. W.
Hoss Taylor, Sheriff Birnie, and ( ouncillor Cidsbolm
gave interesting addresses. The assembly was well
attended, and the whole proceedings were, as the
Caithness gatherings always are, a very great success.

ABSTRACT OF OSSIAN'S COVALLA.*

Bv LlEUT.-C OLONIiL CllAlM.ICS StKWART,

Tigu-'n-L)ui.\.

Authorof"TheCiaflicKin)j:(loininScotlatifl.aiiilitsi:f<lfi,. Clmrch,"
" liilliii Collection of Poetry and Musir." ,tc.

rr^lHIS ode is of great value, not only as a
yfc' ."'o''!""** poetic inspiration, but also as a
~^=^ valuable portion of Scottish and Roman
history, a touching account of touching inci-
dents, and various references to beliefs and
customs which make our Ga<dic history to be of
strong and special interest.

What renders its historic value of such .special
account is the confirmed light which it throws
on a decisive part of the Roman and Scottish
annals.

At the lieginiiing of the third century the
Scots, Gdi'.lx, or luiiim (difierent names of the
same race), along with the Cruiatliuich or Picts,
so worried the mid province, which was Roman,
that Severus resolved upon reducing them to
abject subjugation. He therefore crossed the
Forth with an immense force, and marched
through Pictland to the Tay, or neai'ly so. The
Picts, however, assisted by their friends the
Scots, whilst fighting no great battle, so harassed
them by cutting oflf parties sent for various
purposes, breaking and nullifying the supplies
of food, and in every other way open to them,
that Severus had to return after an immense
loss of men and goods, as well as reputation.
He was strong enough, however, to in.sist on a
treaty, by which the mid province remained
Roman, the line of Forth and Clyde being its
border on the north, with the Scots and Picts,
and the line of Tyne and Solway the border on
the south. This occurred in the year 209.

The Scots, however, soon Ijroke the compact,
and came down on the Roman provinces, which
caused Severus to assemble another great army
at York, where he was taken ill and died in
A.D. 21L Thereupon Caracalla, his son — called
by the Gaels Carracul — proceeded northwards
with the assembled host against the Albannic
Gaels, aud experienced the defeat related in our
poem. Tlie Roman historian.s, as not unusual
in cases of defeat, do not mention the name of
the battle, but they undoubtedly confirm the
Gaelic account of it, as they acknowledge a
treaty by Caracalla, in virtue of which he gave
over to the Gaels that mid-province which a
few years earlier was retained by Severus at
such a fearful cost. By its terms also he had
to retire behind the line of the Tyne and Sol-
way. Probably the Gaels reserved this province

* Of course the poetry is rhythmical, and I have
selected well-knowu Gaelic melodies which can be
made easily to suit the rhythm, so that those knowing
(iaelic music can read or chant tliem with due efiect.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

for its own Celtic inhabitants, the Britons, with
whom tliey had strong sympathies in iheir
bondace to the Romans.

I beg for a few necessary words of exi>lana-
tion at" this point. In writing in English on
(iaelic subjects 1 endeavour to do so as entirely
in English as I can. When a Gaelic word is
necessary I give its translation. Now in this
paper 1 often use Kingal, which is the English
(,f h'wii-Glianlheal* As the dh is silent, and the
accent on the second last syllable, the pronmicia-
tion is the same almost to exactitude. Fimi.t
as an adjective, means white, and Fion-Gaidhea
means the " white-miened Gael," which Fmgal
exceptionally was. The usage is quite common
in Gaelic, as, for instance. Queen Meavy of
Connaught's daughter was '• Fmnabhair," or
"white-browed"; and her celebrated "white-
horned " bull, '• Finncheannach." Fingal has
many other appelatives, in some of which " Fion,
or one of the race, is used as a noun, but these
don't concern my present enquiry, which only
concerns tlie question whence comes the Eng-
lish "Fingal." The custom in Perthshire has
been, and is, to use " Fion," or the " white-
miened," in reciting the ancient poetry, and
"Fion-Gaidheal" in some of our modern poetry,
and almost always in speaking of our greatest
hero At one time I favoured the word " tion-
aeal" as the Gaelic of Fingal, but had to drop
ft as the accent is on the last syllable, and its
pronunciation radically diUers from <j<d m Fiwjal.
Fion also is used as a noun in " Fion-geal,' but
by custom this is allowable. It has the same
nieaning in a d.ttereiit form as Fion-Gl.aidheal

has. ,

Fingal had just married Covalla. the daughter
of a kingly cliiefiam, amongst the W.-stern
Isles, called Sarno. On his reaching Selma
with his bride, he was called away to take com-
mand of his Gaelic host, and to meet Curacalla
and the immense Roman host at the battle of
Canon, a.d. 211. He was undoubtedly sup-
ported by the Picts, although not exiiressly men-
tioned that I can find, and, as fully and de-
cisively stated, by a contingent of the Irish
Gaels, under Cuchullin, the '-son of Semo, +
acting as Regent during King Cormac M'Airls
minority. The date of Severuss death lixes the
date of the battle.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

"CHIPS FROM CAPE WRATH."
To the Edlior of the " Celtic Monthly."

Sin I think there can be no doubt that the Rev.

Mr. Gunn. the minister of Durness, is quite correct
in giving the true meaning of the names of the days
of the week in Gaelic. But he makes a slight mis-
take {although no doubt it is an oversight) w-^ien he
says •' we have got the name^ of the first two days of
tiie week from heathen tiu.es ; the rest through the
Church " For according to his own derivaliou of
them three of them, viz , Uiluahi, the day of Luna,
the moon ; Dinmirt, the day of -V/ur^, the god of war ;
Dimthuinie, the day of eiaturn, are all named after
Pao'an deities. But my main object in writing is to
pomtout (What is very remarkable, viz ) that while
there are only three of the days of the week in Gaelic
named after liealhen gods, all the days of the week
in Knglish, with the e.Kception perhaps of one, are
also so named. T\nK— Sunday, the day of the sun ;
Mondaii, the day of the moon ; Tuesday, d..ul.tlul ;
Weduesdan, the day of Woden ; Thursday, the day
of Thor; Fridaif, the day of Freya (a godessj ; and
Saturdaii, the day of Saturn This, I think, proves
that the' Celtic nali.ms took more readily to Chris-
tianity than t:ie Teutonic.

■ipropos of this subject, could any of your readers
give us the ( iaelic names of the months of the year and
Their meaning in English? Doing so might oblige
more than your humL.le servant.

James Farquhar Sinclair.

THE MACNICOLS OF GLENORCHY.

To the Editor of the " Celtic Monthly."
Sill— t an you inform me. through the columns of
the Celtic Mimthlil, to what clan tlie " iMacnicols ot
lilenoi-chy " belong ? Have they a distinctive tartan ?
If lack o! space foibids the full iulormalion, kindly
mention where it may be obtained, and oblige.—
Vours, \c. Colin Macnicol.

Sail Kiaiicisco, California, U.S.A.

•See "Highland Society's Report," pages 248,
232, 2i)6; "The Stewarts," 555, &c. , o v

f'MacAlpiu's Dictionary," English and Gaehc,

''■ J Cormac MacAirt ruled over Ireland from the be-
Kinning of the 3rd century to A.n. ■Jl.7. Ihi.U.el.ullm
wa. Ihl seoou.l mim in tl.« IriHl. G .ebc kn.gdou., and
wa- twice Hegent during Cor.na.-'s minority and dia-
alnlbv. Macl'h. r»„„ o.,..f,,un.U the --'"^f '".? '^,7'
cei.iury m.noundnig the celclaated .tory ol l'"^ '; '•
dren of Maisneach." and, amougst the rest, confounds

We regret to announce the death of Ts\v. Hector
MacDougall, secretary, Gaelic Society of Hamilton,
Canada. He was one of our earliest subscribers,
and was ever ready to assist the cause of Celtic
literature, and, indeed, all movements having for
their object the advancement of his fellow-country-
men. He will be greatly missed by the High-
landers of Hamilton.

tJuTcnclnillin with another CuchuUiu of Dundalgan,
son of Suvalla and Delta,., and one ot Connor .\lac-
Messa's Knights of the UkA Bnmch at E.nania. C...nnor
died in A u 33. which setllts the dale. Macl'herson
actually interpolates this ea.ly 1st ceutury history, as
he knew it, into the 1st duan of "Fing.a." the events
of which h.ppeued circa a.d 25-30. He was groB.y
iKn.,.ant of the history in this, one of the poems he
wUuctea, and one of the two principal ones, and liow
could he he its author ? He uisplaecd its date hy two
centuries, and whut do the critics say ? We w''"' ",'"
Ol«hc\ rtcncdiation made level to the capacity of us
poor Calls.

( To be coiUitMed).

THE CKLTIC MONTHLY

LIEUT.-COL. L. D. MACKINNON.

Vics-President, Clan IMackinnon Society.

|^|HE Clan
Wlrf'' Mackin-
'^— "■ non liave
just lield thoir
secoiul annual
social gather-
ing, and many
members of the
clan will be
pleased to ]ios-
sess the life-
like portrait
wliich is heie
given of the
d istinguished
clansman who
occupied the
chair on that
a u s p i c i o ii s
occiision.

Lieut. - Col.
Lionel Dudley
Mackin n o n,
was Ijoru in
ISfiO, and is
the son of the
lateJ-ieut.-Col.
Daniel Lionel
Mackinnon, of
theCold.stream
(iuaids, who
was killed at
the liattle of
Inkermaii, and
brollicr of the
]n-esent chief
of the clan.
His mother is

a daughter of the late Major-General '.Sir Dudley
St. Leger Hill, KG.B. The subject of our
sketch entered the Coldstream Guards in 1871,
and served with the second battalion of tliat
famous regiment in the Egyptian Campaign of

1S82, including the battle of Tebel-Kebir. He
also served with the first battalion of the same
regiment in the Soudan campaign of ISSo.
In 18S1 Lieut.-Col. Mackinnon married
Elizabeth,
daughter of
Lieut.- Colonel
Greenhill -Gar-
dyne, of Fin-
avon and Glen-
forsa, (who, it
may be men-
tioned is to
preside at the
Mull and lona
gathering next
month), and
the Hon. Mrs.
Gardyne He
retired from
the service
in 1887 on re-
tired pay, and
is at present
residing at
Dochgarroch,
uearLiverness.
Lieut. - Col.
Mackinnon is
a worthy re-
presentative of
a family wlio
have always
been noted for
tlieir martial
prowess, and
who have their
names honour-
ably inscribed
in the military
annals of the
" ■■ ^ i-^i,i£^ nation. He is

proud of ihis , name and clan, and the spirited
address which he delivered at the recent clan
gathering showed that above all thing.s his "heart
is Highland," aud tliat he is inspired with the
true spirit of the Gael. Duncan Mackinnon.

Clan Greoor — We regret to announce the death
of Mr Peter Mac'iregor, County Buildings, Glasgow,
an old and respected member of the Clan (iregor
Society.

^ fb)SonRs TO HiGHLAN-nERs.— Mr. D. H. Mac-
Failane, M.T. for Argyllshire, has been created a
knij;ht., and Mr James Lyle Mackay. the distin-
guished Indian financier, has been made a Knight
Commander of the Indian Empire.

Highlanders to the Front.-^U may interest
our readers to learn that when the British (not
" English " mind !) oolumos entered Buluwayo, the
capital of Lobensjula, they were headed by Pipe-
Maj(jr .\lacdunald, Lite of ihe Hoyal Scots, playing
the •■ iMarch to Buluwayo." a tune composed hy him-
self in honour of the occasion. Mr. Neil iJacDouald
has truly said —

*' And on the field of battle, 'mon^j'sfc the bravest in the van,
You have always found him foremost, the man of Highland clan."

100

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

THE EARLDOM OF ROSS.

Bv l>. -MiuKAV Rose.

ff^-^ liv his wi
^ ^ |)uk.- of

II — {cotitiniial jrnm pmje 7C).
»ly|^<^LEXANDER LESLEY, Eail of Iloss,
I'ife Isabella, d;uiglitei- of the
Albany, left an only cliild,
Euphcniia, who. l)Pconiing a nun, illegally re-
signed the Earldom in fa von i- of her maternal
uncle, Joiin Stewart. Earl of Hiichan. The
rightful lieir of Ro.ss was Lady Margaret Lesley,
the wife of Donald, l^ord of the Isles. Donald
was not the individual to quietly submit to be
deprived of the jirincely ))ossessions, which
formed the just inheritance of his wife. He
had never been treated with much consideration
by his Stewart kinsfolk, for, as a boy, in 1369,*
they constituted him a hostage for the good con-
duct of his father. I'heir arbitrary dealings
drove Di>nald and his brothers John and Alex-
ander to act .so harshly and undutifully towards
their mother, the Liidy Margaret Stewart, that
the Earl of Fife was instructed to protect her
from the violence of her sons and their deperi-
dents. This so e.xasperated the brothers that
in same year (1398) they rose in rebellion, but
were soon forced to submit, and Alexander —
progenitor of the "bold Keppochs " — was im-
prisoned. His brother, Donald of the Isles,
v.as appointed iiis keeper, and, brotherly affec-
tion overcoming loyalty to the Crown, Alexander
was released in 1399, witliout consent of the
King. As a result. Donald was cited to ap-
jjear before the Parliament to answer for his
conduct in giving liberty to a " robber and
waster of the kingdom" — the gallant Alexander
"Carrach" being thus designed liy the authorities.
The Stewarts were jealous of the power of
the De YIes, and through their machinations
the estates of che family were divided. Donald's
patrimony was still so great that they viewed
with alarm his acquisition of the extensive
Earldom of Ross, and determined to prevent
this vast inheritance from falling into the
hands of the turbulent ].,ord of the Isles. But
such a princely possession as the modern conn-
ties of Ross and Cromarty, besides great estates
in Sutherland, Caithness, Nairn, and Aberdeen-
shires, was not to be relinquished without a
struggle, and Donald determined to make good
tlie claims of his wife by force of arms. In
1411 he laid waste the district of Ross, defeated
Angus Dubh Mackay of Far and the men of
Sutherland at Dingwall, and marched to Buchan.
He was met at Harlaw by the Earl of Mar — the
erstwhile leader of caterans who Iiad stoi'med

* This date proves that Donald was certainly more
than forty-live years of ago ivt Ida death (14'J3). (See
page 47).

the Castle of Kildrummy, and in this rough
manner wooed and won the Countess of Mar
and her Earldom. In the contest which ensued
was for a time decid(>d not merely the rights to
the Earldom of Ross but the supremacy of the
Lowlander over the Highlander.

The clansmen of Ross and the Isles — armed
with claymore and targe — were no match for
the chivalry of the north-east of Scotland — the
mail-clad barons of Aberdeen and thr Jlearns.
The result was that Donald retired to the Castle
of Dingwall, where he was besieged and forced
to yield his pretensions, while the Earl of
Buchan retained the titles and estates of Ross
until slain at Verneuil in 142+. Donald of the
Isles died in 1423, and when James 1. returned
from captivity he allowed the succession to the
Earldom to Lady Mai-garet Lesley, wlio had
two sons to the Lord of the Isles, viz., Alex-
ander, designed "Master of Ross" during the
lifetime of his mother, and Bishop Angu.s. She
also had a daughter Mariot, married to Ale.xander
Sutherland of Dunbeath.

Alexander, the next Earl, as "Master of
Ross." in 142-5 was one of the jury at the trial
of the Duke of Albany, His mother, the Countess

incited him to rebel : he burnt Inverness, but,
being defeated soon after, was forced to sue for
peace, which was refused. Aflcr holding out
for a considerable time he threw himself upon
the King's mercy in 1429, when he appeared
before the King and Court, at the altar at
Holyrood, clad only in shirt and drawers. At

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

101

the Queen's intercession his life was spared.
He was confined in Tantallon Castle until par-
doned in 1431 ; being afterwards appointed
Warden of the North. In 1445 he entered
into a treasonable league with the Earls of
Douglas and Crawford, but died at Dingwall on
4th May, 1448, before the conspiracy was
matured, leaving by his wife Elizabeth (sister
of the Earl of Hiintly) a son John, and two
daughters, Margaret and Florence. Margaret (1)
married John. Earl of Sutherland, while Florence
married Lachlan Mackintosh, of that Ilk. The
Earl of Ross, had also two illegitimate sons —
Cele.stine of Loclialsh, and Hugh, the ancestor
of the Macdonalds of Sleat. Their notiirious
illegitimacy is conclusively proved by the fact
tiiat they were of age and married while their
brother John, Earl of Ross, was still a minor.
John, Earl of Ross, when in his seven-
teenth year, was urged into rebellion by Liv-
ingston of C'allendar (who afterwards became
his father-in-law), and took part in the risings
of the great Douglases, creating a diversion in
their favour by seizing the loyal castles of
Urquhart, Inverness, and Ruthven. An inter-
view between him and the Earl of Douglas, in
1453, resulted in the naval demonstration by
the men of the Isles, under Donald Balloch of
Islay, against Ayr. His rebellion was, how-
ever, suppressed, and the Lordship of Ross was
annexed to the Crown in 1455. He was re-
stored in 1456, and appointed Warden of the
Marches, l)ut his treason became such that it
could not be tolei-ated. In 1462 he treated
with the Engli.sh King as an independent
piince, and, along with the Earl of Douglas,
made a remarkaVjle treaty with Edward, where-
by they became his vassals. Edward was, in
return, to assist them to conquer Scotland,
which was then to be partitioned between the
Earls and Donald Balloch.

The Earl of Ross was not slow to act up to
the letter of this agreement. He sent his ille-
gitimate brother Celestine to plunder Inverness
and Moray, which was done so eflectually that
large districts were laid waste. For years the
north was kej)t constantly in the ferment of
rebellion, and in 1474 energetic measures were
decided upon. Ross usurped the King's autho-
rity, besieged the Castle of Rothesay, and laid
waste Bute. The Earls of Huntly and Atholl
were therefore commanded to march against
the rebels, and, driven from place to place, Ross
was compelled to surrender. His Earldom was
forfeited to the Crown for ever ; and it was not
to be alienated save to the younger sons of the
Sovereign. John was created a Lord of Parlia-
ment as Lord of the Isles, and, as he had no
legitimate sons, his natural sons were to be
primary heirs. By his wife, Elizabeth Living-

stone, he had a daughter, Elizabeth, living in
1506.

The Lord of the Isles was still pursued by
evil fortune, for he was deprived of his estates
by his lawless son Angus, whose tragic end was
accomplished by an Irish harper, at Inverness.
(This Angus had a natural son, Donald Dubh,
who set up as Lord of the Isles in 15()H and
1544). John was finally forfeited in 1493, on
account of his own treason, and that of his
nephew — Alexander of Lochalsh — son of Celes-
tine, and thus it came about that the —

" Lord of the Isles, whose lofty name
A thousand bards have given to fame,
The mate of inonarchs, and allieil
On equal terms wich England's pride,"'

died, in 1498, a royal pensioner at the Abbey
of Paisley. Of his daughter Elizabeth, after
1506, nothing is known, so that the le;.;al repre-
sentation of the great Earls of Ross and Lords
of the Isles devolved upon Margaret, the wife
of John, Earl of Sutherland. It must be noted,
however, that the name of the lady who insti-
tuied divorce proceedings against the Earl of
Sutherland was " Finvol," while his relict bore
the Christian name of Catherine ; so that if
genealogists are correct in saying that the first
wife of Sutherland was a daughter of the Isles,
it follows that she conveyed the representation
of her family to the Earls of Sutherland.

A Dukedom of Ross was created by James
III., in favour of his son James, who resigned the
estates from which he derived his title in 1503 ;
and some years later Alexander, the posthumous
son of James IV., was created Earl of Ross.
In 1503, Donald Dubh, natural son of Angus —
the illegitimate son of the last Earl of Ross and
Lord of the Lsles — set up claims to the latter
dignity, but was taken prisoner. After forty
years' confinement he again escaped, and in
1544 rose once more in rebellion, assumed the
titles of Boss and the Isles, and entered into a
treaty with England, dying at Drogheda in the
following year.

Between 1503 and 1544 several futile attempts
were made by the family of Lochalsh, although
of bastard descent, to recover the Lordship of
Ross, which they plundered without mercy.
The Bishop of Caithness, who, as Chamberlain
of Ross, had to hold the Castles of Dingwall
and Redcastle against the men of the Isles, for
the better defence, secured from the south old
" artailzalrie," with which to frighten the natives.
The line of Lochalsh terminated with two
daughters, one of whom, Margaret, married
Alexander of Glengarry, the other becoming
the wife of Dingwall of Kildun. As a conse-
quence of this failure of male descendants of
Celestine, Donald Gorm — the representative of
the kindred illegitimate house of Sleat — ap-

102

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

peared as the next claimant for the Earldom of
Ross. In 1562, Donald followed Mary Queen
of Scots everywhere, begging that he might
have the Earldoai. He was the great-great-
grandson of Hugh of Sleat, and was so much
displeased that tlie title was not conferred
on hiiu that he straightway entered into nego-
tiations with the English. Tiie Eaildoiii was
revived in 15G5, for, on 25th ^lay, Henry
Stewart (Lord Darnley) was created Earl of
Ross, and on 22nd July of same year the banns
of marriage was proclaimed between " Harie
Earl of Ross" and Queen ^lary. At foui-
o'clock the .same afternoon the Earl of Ross
was created Duke of Albany, so that the un-
fortunate Darnley was the last to enjoy the
Earldom, which, for feuing purposes, was dis-
solved from the Crown in 1587.

^'Eiieas iMacdonell of Glengany became a
claimant for the dignity, the grounds for his
pretensions being that his great-great-grand-
father had married the grand-daughter of the
bastard Celestine of Lochalsh. Glengarry was
ready to go anywhere and do anything for
Charles I., provided he were made Earl of Ross.
On 30ih July, 1646, he wrote to King Charles
from Castle Lcod, professing loyalty and obedi-
ence, " beinge only desyrus that your majesty
may kno of a particulare faithful servand to
receive and act your commandis." At the
Restoration, on account of his services, he
was created Lord Macdonell and Aros by
King Charles 11. , who, it seems by the follow-
ing ])etition, had granted several warrants creat-
ing hirn Earl of Ross. These did not take
effect, the notorious illegitimacy of his descent
being probably the reason. Coniing to later
times, about a century ago, Munro Ross of Pit-
calnie made a ridiculous claim upon the Earl-
dom, to which he had as little right by descent
as iiad the .Macdonells of Glengarry.

In our own day there are, it appear.s, designs
upon the title and dignity of Ross, but how the
gentlemen whose names have appeared in the
public ])ress, in connection witli these, can ad-
vance such claims when the heirs general of the
Earls of Koss are well known, it is impossible
to conceive. No doubt the grounds for their
pretentions would prove interesting and instruc-
tive. It is sincerely to be hoped that this
historic peerage may not meet with the fate
of some of our ancient Scots dignities, and be
linked with names unwortliy to bear the honours
of tlie potent families of Uo Ros and De YIe,
who so frequently measured their strength with
their sovereigns

Lord Macdonell petitioned the " King's most
excellent majesty" thus: —

" Your Majesty's petitioner having, in considera-
tion of his service and sufferings, for your crown and

interest, received from your Sacred Majesty several
warrants under your royal hand and signet for creat-
ing the Petitioner Earl of Ross, and bestowing upon
him ihe rents and revenues thereof, with several other
benefits promised to the Petitioner on the above con-
siderations as they appear written by your Majesty's
own royal hand or your late Secretary Sir Richard
Nicholas who very well knoweth the grounds and
reasons that induced your Majesty to confer the said
grants upon him. That the Earl of Lauderdale, prin-
cipal Secrctarie for Scots affairs, being in Scotland,
and the time of his return uncertain and the Petitioner
very mncli straitened by the lonfj-continued attend-
ance here ; that for your Sacred Majesty's better in-
formation of the Petitioner's services and sufferings,
and how far your Majesty is concerned in Honour
and justice to make effectual the above warrants and
promises to him, by such further authority as your
Majesty shall think fit to the said Earl of Lauderdale
by whom your Majesty's further pleasure in your
petitioner's hehalf must regularly be despatched.

" The Petitioner most b.umbly requests, that your
Majesty would be graciously pleased to refer examina-
tion of above-mentioned warrants and others to Sir
Edward Nicholas, or other Minister ot State as to
your Majesty shall seem meet, so that your Majesty
may better understand the equity of your Petitioner's
desires, and thereby with the greater ease dcspntch
authority to the Earl of Lauderdale as shall seem
meet for making eftectua! the said warrants and royal
promises, and the Petitioner will ever pray."
" Whitehall. 6th September, 1063."

Note. — " His Majesty's pleasure is to refer examina-
tion of the aliove warrants to Sir Henry Bennett,
Secretary of State, and report the whole matter to his
Majesty, with his opinion wliat is fit further for his
Majesty to do for making good the contents thereof."
(Concluued).

CLAN MACK AY NOTES.

The JLic'kay Chief and Teohnichal Educa-
tion. — At the inaugural meeting in connection with
the Scottish Association for the Promotion of Techni-
cal Education, held in Edinburgh recently, Lord
Reay was elected president. His lordship has always
taken a deep interest in this important national
subject.

A Mackay HiocRAi'HY. — Many Highlanders will
be glad to learn that the talented sister of the late
"Mackay of Uganda" has just published another
interesting volume, d<;aling with a Mackay mis.
sionary, entitled "A. Mackay Huthquist; or. Sing-
ing the Gospel among Ili[idus and Gouds." It is
published at (!s. by Hodder & Stoughton, London.

Death of the Prince op Walbs'.s Piper. —
Donald Mackay, for twenty years piper to the Prince
of Wales, died on December 30th, and his retnains
were interred in Kensal Green t'emetery. Donald
Mackay was admitted to he the best piper of his
time. He came of a family of famous pipers — his
father and grandfather and five of his uncle* were all
pipers of repute As we hi)i)e to give a recent por-
trait of tliis notable member of the clan, in Highland
costume, in our next is.sue, with a short accouiit of
his career, we need say nothing further regarding
him in the meantime.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

103

CAMANACHD.

MR. HUGH MacCORQUODALE,
Hon. Secretary, Glasgow Cowal Shinty Club.

Mr. MacCorquodale takes great interest in all High-
land matters, and was for some years a member of
the Glasgow Highland Regiment.

Glasjrow. DuNCAN MoREI.SON.

Mr. H. 3iA. CiiKnL iii.all:, whiiau portrait is given
above, was liorn at Melfort, Argyllshii'e, in January,
1806. While very young he removed along with
his parents to Furnace, Lochfyneside, and in this
well-known nursery of shinty players he acquired
that dexterity of handling the mmau which can
only be acquired by frequent practice. Coming to
Glasgow in 1883, his love of the game led liiiu to
join the Cowal Club, then playing on Cessnock
Park, Govan, and from that time he has always
taken a leading part in promoting its interests.
His play in matches, in the forward division of the
team, showed him to be worthy of his place, and
he iias taken part in most of the club's engagements,
in which he has seldom failed to score. Among
the many games in which he has assisted the Cowal
may be mentioned the cup ties, and various friendly
matches with Glasgow Shinty Club, including that
played at Glasgow Exhibition, the match at Edin-
burgh with Inveraray, for which he holds the silver
badge, the final cup tie with Furnace, and more
recently the friendly matches with Edinburgh
Camanachd and Oban, the famous match with
Kingussie, and, lastly, the recent match with Balla-
chulish. While thus assisting his club on the tield,
Mr. MacCorquodale also took his full share in the
working and carrying on of his club's affairs. After
tilling the otice of treasurer for two years he was
elected to the secretaryship, apost to which he has been
unanimously re-elected during the past four years.
No small share of the sviccess attending the club's
annual concerts has been due to his eftbrts, and in
the getting up of a club-house, which has recently
been erected free of debt, be took a leading part.

Glasgow Cowal — New Year'.s Day Match. —
The ancient custom of playing a shinty match on
New Year's Day was duly observed by the mem-
bers of this club. The day being fine, there was a
good attendance of phiyivs, iiirluding several mem-
bers of the old Caiii;iii:irl[il (lub. Teams were
chosen by Messrs. .Inhn M:irkay (president), and
Donald MacCorquodale. The sides being well
matched the game was kept up with great spirit for
two liours, and resulted in a win for the Mackay
team by 6 hails to 5. Thereafter the members
adjourned to the new club house, where seasonable
congratulations were indulged in.

London Northern Counties CAMANAfiiD Club
iv7-,sHs Glasgow Cowal. — London Scotsmen had a
treat on Boxing Day, 20th Dec, which they have
not enjoyed for a number of years, and the antici-
pation of this may account for the large number of
spectators who turned out on Wimbledon Common
to witness the match between the above well-known
shinty clubs. The day was all tlxat could l;e de-
sired, althougli perhaps a trifle too warm for the
players. On the ball being thrown up it was taken
in hand by the Cowal men, and it was soon appar-
ent that they had the game in their owu hands. In
the first half the Cowal scored seven goals, and in
the latter half increased this to ten, which gave
them a very decisive victory. However, the Lon-
don men played a very plucky game, but they
lacked the scientific combination of the Cowal.
They had evidently given little attention to " pass-
ing " in their practice games, and this defect told
heavily against them in the contest. The London
players are a splendid body of men, stalwart in
body and fleet of foot, and it only requires the in-
troduction of a little science into their style of play,
and a few more matclies with leading clubs, to
make them opponents who would give a good
account of themselves. It was, indeed, plucky of
them to invite sucli a notable club to visit them in
London, and we trust that they will be no way
disheartened by their defeat, but prepare themselves
to play the Cowal next year, when we have no doubt
but the match will be more evenly contested. In
the evening the London club entertained the Cowal
team to dinner in tne Horse Shoe Restaurant —
Superintendent Colin Chisholm (chief) in the chair
— and a very pleasant hour was spent, enlivened
with speeches and songs. For our own part, we
enjoyed the trip very much, and hope that next
year we shall have the pleasure of accepting another
invitation from the London N C.C. Club.

Glasgow Cowal vemns Ballachclish. — On the
Saturday following the London match, the Cowal
played the Ballachulish Club at .Moray Park, Glas-
gow. During the first half th'e game was stub-
bornly contested, the "Bally" men having the
benefit of the wind. Indeed, all through, the match
was exciting, both teams exerting themselves to
the utmost. At half-time each club had scored
one goal. On sides being changed, the Cowal men,
having now the advantage of the wind, soon showed
their superiority, and most of the play was in the

104

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

■Nncinity of the Ballachulish goal. The visitors,
however, assisted by an excellent goalkeeper,
played a splendid defensive Kame, and several
times broke away and raided the Cowal territory,
but without success. The Cowal men had them
latterly fairly in hand, and added two goals to their
score, thus winning by 3 hails to 1. The " Bally "
men proved themselves hardy and smart players,
and seem ([uite able to give a good account of them-
selves anywhere. In tlie evening the (.'owal Club
entertained their visitors to supjier in the Victoria
Restaurant, Mr. John .Mackay (president), editor
of the CMic MontMij, in the chair. Speeches were
delivered, and Gaelic and English songs rendered
by members of both clubs.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

i^scisi.

Caledo.vian Pipers' Club, Edinbukoh.— The
members of this club held their usual winter com-
petition in the Royal Gymnsisium Hall, Fettes Row,
on Wednesday. 27th ult., for medals presented by
the chief, P. "Cameron, Esq., Corrychoillie. There
was a large attendance, and the various prizes were
keenly contested for. The prize-list was as follows : —
Marches, Slrath.speii.s, and i?fc/.s— 1 , Piper Robb, 1st
A. and S. Highlanders ; 2, T. Sutherland ; 3 .lohn
Wilson; 4, M. MacRae, ])iper to Corrychoillie.
DajiniKf;— Sword Dance— 1, W. Gunn ; 2, D. Ksrr ;
3. T. Sutherland. At the conclusion of the competi
tion dancing was engaged in by the whole company,
and a very pleasant evening was spent.

Clan Mackay Society.— The
December meeting of this society
was held in the Trades' Hall, and
took the form of an entertainment.
Mr. Ale.K. Mackay, V.-R, Charing
< 'ross, occupied the chair, and the
ball was crowded. Mr. \V. G.
'Campbell, solicitor, Edinburgh,
gave a most interesting lecture
on "The Mackay Country," and
exhibited a large number of
fine lime-light views of Lord Heay's country, and
also the more southern part of Sutherlandshire. As
the majority of the audience were natives of the
districts described, it. need hardly be said that the
views shown on the screen proved of absorbing
interest. He also showed portraits of a number of
prominent members of the clan, each likeness being
immediat(;ly recognised by the audience. The after
part of the evening was devoted to a nnisical enter-
tainment, in which members of the clan and friends
took part. The proceedings were thoroughly en-
joyed by all present, and the council intend arranging
for others of a similar nature.

Clan (iitEuoK Society. — The monthly meeting
of this society for December was held in the North
British Station Hotel, (Glasgow, — Mr. .Mux. M'(irigor,
hon. secretary, in the chair. There was a large at-
tendance. Mr John MaoGregor, solicitor, (irciiidcl;,
delivered a lecture on " The MacGregor Country,'
illustrated by a splendid series of photographic views
taken by himself. Mr. MacGregor described the
extensive country which belonged at one lime to the
clan who were " nameless by day," and touched upon
the Halient points of their romantic history. A series

of portraits of distinguished members of the clan was
also shown on the screen ; and the society's piper
gave a selection of appropriate pipe music. The
entertainment was greatly enjoyed, and a hearty vote
of thanks was awarded the lecturer for the pleasure
he had given the meeting. — The January Mf.etini;
of the society took the form of a dinner, which was
held in the N.B. Station Hotel, on January 9. Mr.
AthoU MacGregor, Dunkeld (president), occupied
the chair, and Captain A. Ronald MacGregor dis-
charged the duties of croupier. After enjoying a
hearty dinner, the evening was devoted to speeches
and music. In proposing the toast of the " Clan
Gregor," the chairnuin made a most interesting
speech, in which he referred briefly to the society and
and its work, and the toast was drunk with entlui
siasm. The health of the young chief, Sir Malcolm
MacGregor, Bart, was also honoured. Speeches
were given by Captain A. R. MacGregor, jlessrs.
John MacGregor, B.L., Greenock, John MacGregor,
Dr. Scott MacGregor, and other clansmen. In pro-
posing •' Kindred Societies," Dr. MacGregor referred
kindly to the Celtic Monlhlii, and in replymg, Mr.
John Mackay, secretary, Clan Mackay, suitably
acknowledged the compliment, and congratulated tlu;
Clan (iregor on the splendid work which tbi'y had
accomplished, and also gave an account ol' tlie society
of his own clan. A most enjoyable evening was
spent.

HIGHLAND NOTES AND QUERIES.

Bayonets AT C I' LLODEN. — Can any of your readers
inform me in what way the bayonet was fixed in the
guns used by the English andllighland armies at Cul-
loden, as I have a gun which belonged to Fleming's
Regiment, and it has not the usual catch for fixing
the" bayonet to, having only the snuiU sight-point
at the muzzle I — Sliocud Allan.

Freswick Castle.— As Mr. Sutherland appears
to be conversant with the history of the old Sinclair
proprietors of this Castle, perhaps he may be able
to kindly inform me at what date the estate passed
out of the hands of its previous proprietors, the
Mowats ; what were the Christian names of the
last Mowat and first Sinclair owner ; and the reason
of disposal ? Any information will oblige. — Slioch n
Allan.

The M'Lures.— Can you give me, through your
magazine, any information as to the M'Lures ; who
or what were they ; were they a clan by themselves,
or a sept of one ; were they originally Scotsmen or

Irish '. — KiLEARNAN.

[Nothing is posiiieehj known as to the origin of
this name. Conjectures may bo made. It is not
Highland ; it is Galwegian. M'Cliver is the same
as it. It may be derived thus— Mac (5111' imr, St.
Ivar's servant. Dr. MacLauchlan, in his "Celtic
(ileanings," has it " M'Gillcabhar, the servant of
the book." — Eu.]

Is the word " bailoach," on page 187, CMii:
MmiihUi, correct! Maclntyre sought to convey
the idea that the men, birds, and deer had ichuUij
left the place. " Baileach," jus I understiUid it, is
the valley between two hills.— Balgan-i'eolacu.

LORD REAY,

Chief [if the Clan Miwkwj.

rilE CELTIC MONTHLY:

A MAGAZINE FOB HIGHLMDESS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 6. Vol. II.]

MARCH, 1894.

[Price Threepence.

_^^\J i^j4i!^i/ <J-<i-

LORD REAY.

)JT=^]HE Lords of Keay had long been sileut
Vf.^ iu the land. Eric, the 7th Baron,
'^r*^ had alienated the territorj- known for
ages as the ]Maekay Country, and his imme-
diate successors, the 8th and Dth Barons, had
hved so much in retirement that many peojile
imagined that the title had either become
extinct, or had fallen into abeyance. It is not
necessary to enter into an accoimt of the causes
which led to this long keeping in the back-
ground, but I will simply state the fact that
from the death of George, the 5 th Lord Reay,
in 1768, imtil the ^jresent jseer succeeded to
the title iu 187(j, no Chief of the JMackays had
appeared on a public platform iu Scotland, or
taken his stand as a leader of men. The uolile
Lord, however, a brief sketch of whose career
I will now endeavoiu" to jiresent, gives promise,
though in a very different way, to be as famous
a mau in the annals of the clan as his renowned
ancestor, who, with his " invincible old regi-
ment," as Gustavus Adolphus described it, did
so much for the cause of Protestantism and
freedom in the thirty years' war ; and, iu
acknowledgment of his great services, was, iu
1028, raised to the peerage, with the title of
Lord Keay. The first Lord Keay was a man of
war, whose sphere was the laattlefield; the
present Lord Keay is au educationahst of the
highest order, whose sphere is among the
adWsers of the nation.

The Kight Honourable Sir Donald James
Mackay, a Baronet of Nova Scotia, ]lth
Baron Keaj' of Reay iu the peerage of .Scot-
land ; Baron Keay of Durness in that of the
United Ivingdom ; and Baron Mackay of
Ophemert, in Holland, is descended from
Brigadier-General the Honourable Jilneas
Mackay, second son of John, 2nd Lord Keay,
and was born in Holland, 22ud December,
1839. He studied at the University of Leydeu,
a seat of learning much frequented b}* Scots-
men iu former days, and finished his course

there in 1861, taking the degree of Doctor of
Civil Law. Minv leaving the Universitj' he
entered the Netherlands Foreign Office, and
was for some time au attache to the Netherlands
Legation in Loudon, and resided there from
1802 till 1865. From that period, imtil his
naturalisation as a British subject in 1877,
much of his time was passed iu England and
Scotland, and when he finally decided to settle
iu the latter country, it was not a suri:)rise to
his friends in Holland, though a disapjsoint-
ment to many of them. I will here remark
that the rehgion and character of the people iu
Scotland and Holland have much iu common ;
oiu- educational system, too, resembles that of
Holland more than it does that of England ;
and, from my ov\'n personal acquaintance with
Dutchmen, I should say that it is as easy for a
native of Holland to adapt himself to the
thoughts, and ways, and habits of Ufe iu Scot-
land as it is for an EugHshman to do so ;
hence it was an easy aud a natural transition,
ou the part of Lord Keay, to come to Scotland
and settle in the country. He is au out aud
out .Scot. His owTi words, spoken at a meet-
ing iu Ediubm-gh, are worth remembering —
•' I should never have left the laud of m3' biiih
if Scottish blood had been colder within me.'

His father, Baron iEneas Mackay of Ophe-
mert, iu Holland, ^Minister of State aud Vice-
President of the Council (the King being Presi-
dent), succeeded to the .Scottish titles, as 10th
Baron Keay, on the death of his kinsmau,
Eric, the 9th Baron, on the 2nd June, 1875.
He did not long possess the honoiu'S, however,
for he died at the Hague ou the 0th ]ilarch,
1876, much lamented h^ all who knew him, for
he was an eminent Statesman, a devout Chris-
tian, and a man of gi'eat benevolence.

In 1877 Lord Reay married Mrs. Mitchell
(widow of Captain Alexander AlitcheU of Stow),
a most attractive and gifted woman, foud of
scieuce, and remarkable for her sound judg-
ment, a brilliant conversationalist, and alto-
gether one of the most accomplished leaders
that adorn society'. When uot iu London,
Lord aud Lady Kea}' reside at Carolside, a
charming residence in the south of Scotland.

I have mentioned that Lord Reay's Scottish

106

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

title dates from 1628. In 1881 be was created
a peer of the United Kingdom (which gives
him a seat in the House of Lords'), when he
selected the title of Baron Reay of Durness,
thus showing how his heart turned to the old
llackay Country, and the places famous in the
history of the clan. One of the favourite resi-
dences of the old chiefs was Lalnakiel, in
Dumess.

Lord Reay had not been long settled in
Scotland before he began to talce a part in j)ubUc
atiau-s. interest-
ing himself
chiefly in edu-
cational and
socialquestions.
He was much
interested in
the success of
the Edinburgh
University ter-
ceuteuary cele-
bration. His
Sco ttishness
was strongly
marked on
that occasion.
1 will give
an instance.
One of the dele-
gates from
France had
made a speech
in the language
of his country,
and Lord lleay
was asked to
reply. On ris-
ing to do so, he
began by say-
ing that he
would show
how tee a CO Is
had not Jhryolteu
the old alliance
with France,
and then he
proceeded to

return thanks on behalf (jf tlie University in
French. Foreign politics are closely followed by
him as well as Indian and Colonial questions.

In 1885 he was appointed Governor of Bom-
bay, and completed his live years' term of
office with brilhaut success. Not long before
leaving India he laid the foimdation stone of a
school, to be kn(jwn as "Liwly Keay's Girls'
iSchool.'' At the ceremony tjne of the native
piinces made a sj)eech. and among other
things said — "'I cannot help observing that if
your Excellency's tenure of office is to be grate-

fidly remembered for one thing more than
another, it will be for the singularly remarkable
fact that while your Excellency — a known
educationahst yourself — is a strong supporter
of scholastic and technical education for our
rising youths and artisan classes, Lady Reay
has been most unremitting in her pains to
ameliorate the intellectual position of the
gentler sex by all possible means. I do not
know if our Presidency ever before was so
doubly fortunate.' Comment on this high
jjraise of bene-
ticial work is
mmecessarj'.

Lord and
Lady Reay re-
turned from
India in 1890,
and one of then'
earliest public
ap pearances,
after getting
back to Scot-
land, was at the
annual gather-
ing of the Clan
M a c k a y S o-
ciet}' for that
year. They re-
ceived a most
enthusiastic
welcome ; and
his Lord.ship's
address on that
ori'iision was
(lcscrii)('d in tlie
newspapers as
being " a model
speech, but con-
taining much
more thought
than is usually
found in such
addresses." Rut
his speeches
are a 1 w a y s
thoughtful, his
style clear and
graceful ; and on any subject on which he
speaks he seldom says a word more than is
absolutely necessary. He takes a lively interest
in all matters atl'ectiug the welfare of the people
of Scotland, and especially in everything con-
nected with his clan.

He is not a politician, but a Statesman. I
would describe hmi as an advanced Liberal of
a philosophical type, interested more in the
jiromotion of measures tliat will benelit the
J'jmpire and all classes than in promoting
sectional interests — one who " prefers measures

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

107

to lueu." For the past eighteen mouths
be has been chieflj' occupied in the working
out of a plan, by a Royal Commission, for
the establishment of a Teaching University
iu London, which has just reported to the
Government. He is connected with many im-
portant societies and institutons ; is Presi-
dent of the Royal Asiatic Society, and of the
Society for Promoting Secondary Education in
Scotland; Vice-President of the Liternational
Colonial Institute. The Universities of St.
Andrews and Edinbiu'gh also conferred on
him the degree of LL.D. : and iu IHS-l he

was elected Lord Rector of the University of
St. i\jidrews. To commemorate his governor-
ship, his statue will be erected in Bombay. It
has just been finished by the eminent sculptor,
Mr. A. Gilbert, R.A , who has bestowed on it
a la\ish amount of labour, and produced a real
work of art.

The two strikiug portraits which accompany
this sketch give a good idea of the personal
appearance of Lord and Lady Reay. As Chief
of the Clan Mackay, his Lordship appropriately
appears in the Highland dress.

Wicshaiien, Uermaliv, JoHN MaCKAY.

CAROLSIDE, BEEWICKSHIRE-BESIDENCE OF LORD REAY

Clan Mackenzie Society. — The annual gatlier-
iiii; took place in the in the Oddfellows' Hall,
Edinburgh — Mr. James S'ackenzie, F.S.A., in the
chair. The chairman delivered an address upon
the past history of the clan. An e.xcellent concert
and assembly followed.

Glasgow Celtic Society. — The annual general
meeting was held in the Religious Institution
Eooms — Colonel Menzies in the chair. The direc-
tors in their report stated that relief had been
•rfiven to 50 deserving applicants, and two bursaries
had been awarded to Gaelic-speaking students.
\'acancies in the list of office-bearers were then
tilled up.

The Isl.ay Association held their annual social
gathering in the Waterloo Rooms, on the 7th ult.,
Mr. Arch. Sinclair, Celtic Press, in the chair.
There were 1.500 persons present, the Grand H:dl
being uncomfortably crowded. The chairman de-
livered an eloquent and patriotic address upon
" Green grassy Islay," the latter part of his speech
being in Gaelic. He received a most enthusiastic
reception. Addresses were also delivered by other
distinijuished Islaymen. The concert was very en-
joyable, and the assembly was also well attended.
This gathering was by far the largest of the season,
the result, no doubt, of the chair being occupied
by such a popular Colt as Mr Sinclair.

108

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

SHOTTY DOOLT'S COURTSHIP.

Bv Reid Tait.

{Continued from pa'je 87).

aT^vT^E knelt thus for more than a hour and
^^*?^p and the strong man's voice was broken
'=iti with sobs. This was the romance of his
life, the one flower in his barren existence. He
had never had any near relationships, no mother
or sister's tender hand hadever made life smoother
for poor Shotty. On Aiisa he had lavished all
the love of his strong heart, and without her he
would be desolate indeed.

At length Shotty grew calmer, and a spirit of
resignation came upon him.

" Thou hast taken from me the joy of mine
eyes," he said, in the language of Scripture,
which rose naturally to his lips, " Thou hast
withheld the desire of mine heart. Even so,
Lord, for so it seemeth good in Thy sight."

Shotty rose from his knees, feeling calmed
and strengthened, but with a face that looked
as if he had passed through a mortal sickness.

While this was passing, what were Donald
and Ailsa really doing!

Donald had left the Camerons' cottage that
afternoon in a passion, bitterly angry and
thoroughly surprised at Ailsa for lier utter
rejection of his proposals. But as he thought
it over he resolved to try again. He had
avowed his intention of marrying her so openly
that it would l)e very awkward for him if she
refused him, and he thought it could not be
possible that she really meant it. He joined
her coming out of church to renew his oft'er, and
see if he could not prevail upon her. But Ailsa
would have none of him, and by the time they
had reached her own gate sIk; had succeeded in
convincing Donald that she meant \\\\a.i she
said.

" I ken hoo it is," he said, relapsing into his
native tongue, and forgetting the English which
he was acquiring with such pains, " I've heard
aboot it. Your thinkin' o' takin' Shotty Doolt.
A gran' man him, wi' not even a name o' his own
to give you. Shotty!" and Donald Eraser ex-
pressed whole volumes of contempt and scorn in
this last word.

Ailsa raised her head proudly, and her lilue
eyes flashed.

" I'm no ashamed o' his name," she said.
Then trying to show how she honoured and re-
spected the man who had been a true friend to
her, she added defiantly " Its a line name, J lovc^
it and — and — liinisel' too," and then rather
ashamed of her avowal, she ran away into the

house and up to a closet which she called her
own room and, although not one of the cry-
ing sort, she cried as if her heart would break,
exactly why, she did not know.

Ailsa expected Shotty that evening but he did
not come. Then came Monday, and she thought
he would be round when he came back from the
fishing, but she was again disappointed.

On Tuesday evening Ailsa thought she would
go out. She understood what was the matter
with Shotty and longed to put things right.

"I'm going out mither," she said to Mrs.
Cameron, who sat, pale and thin, but with a look
of returning health on her face, in the arm chair
that Shotty had bought for her, "I'll no be lang."
" If you see Shotty, tell him I'm wearyin' for
him," said Mrs. Cameron.

Ail.sa went down the village street and on to
the beach. It was tea time and the place was
deserted. Not quite deserted though, for at a
short distance she could see the figure of a man.
It was Shotty, sitting beside his boat, mending
a net. At least he had the net in his bands, but
he was doing nothing to it, he was looking out
upon the sea with a pained expression on his
Ijrown face that touched the gii'l.

" Shotty," she said, as she came up behind
him, and he sprang up with a start.

" What's been ailin' ye that you havena been
to see us lately?" she asked reproachfully.
" Mither has been askin' for ye."

The gladness died out of his eyes, it was her
mother then that wanted him ! Ailsa saw her
mistake, she had not meant to give this im-
pression.

" I've been busy," he said, " but I'll be -along
to night to see her, since she wants me."

" I want ye too, Shotty," said the girl, her
cheeks growing pink. Their usual iiosition was
reversed now, Ailsa was shy, but Shotty had
gone thiough so much lately that he was lifted
above such a surface emotion.

" I'm thinkin, lassie, you ha ither friends now,
ye'll no be wantin' me."

"I've nae ither friends, Shotty," she replied.
" I'm no sae fickle as that 1 hope"

Shotty came close to her and laid his big
brown hand on her shoulder. No one was in
sight and there was no sound but the beating of
the waves on the .sea shore.

"Ailsa," he said almost hiarsely, "diiina play
W'i' me, lass. 1 i-anna bear it ! "

" I'm no playin' wi you," said Ailsa, fairly
bursting into tears, and hiding lirr l)urning face
on his breast, and —

Well, and Shotty Doolt's reward, full measure,
pressed down and running over, had come at
last.

CONCLUDED.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

109

LACHLAN MACLEAN, COLL,

Author of "Tiik History ok the Ckltic
Language," " Adiiamu agus Eubii," iVe.

By Fionn.

fT is questionable if we who live in an age
when matters Celtic are in the ascendant
— are sufficiently grateful to those who, dur-
ing the denationalising period covered by the
closing decades of the past century and the
opening ones of tlie present, drew together the
dying embers of tlie Gaelic fire and fanned the
flickering flame of Celtic sentiment. It is im-
possible now to make up a complete muster-roll
of those patriots who were doubtless regarded,

even by their friends, as a forlorn hope. Occu-
pying a leading place in this patriotic liand was
one whose name at least is familiar to many,
but regarding whom little else is known to the
ordinary reader.

Lachlan MacLean, the author of the Gaelic
work, " Adhamh ai/iis Eubh," and several other
works, was born at Arnabost, Coll, Argyllshire,
in 1798. He received liis education in his
island home, and when quite a young man came
to Glasgow, and was received into the employ-
ment of Mr. Daniel Cook, a native of Arran,
who had a hosiery shoj) at 23 Argyle Street.
When Mr. Cook retired, in 1829, Mr. MacLean
purchased his business, carrying it on in the
same premises till 1841. An advertisement in

ARNABOST, COLL, BIUTHl'l.ACE OF LAI'IILAN MACLEAN.

" Ciiairtear nan Gleann" ior June, 1841, states
that Mr. MacLean, having disposed of his
hosiery business in Argyle Street, had assumed
as a partner Mr. James Picken, and that they
had o])ened a clothier's shop at 92 Queen Street,
under the firm of MacLean it Picken. The co-
partnery, which did not prove a profitable one,
ended in 1843. About this time Mr. Mac-
Lean's health gave way. He started a little
bookshop in the Argyle Arcade, but it did not
prove a success. Through the intercession of
his friend, Dr. Norman MacLeod, St. Coluniba
Church, and the influence of the Members of
Parliament for the city, Mr. MacLean got an
appointment in the General Post-Office. His
health broke down, however, shortly after he

entered the service, and he died at his own
residence, 49 Oxford Street, Glasgow, 22nd
November, 1848, and was buried in the Southern
Necropolis of that city. Mr. ilacLean left a
widow and five of a family — four daughters and
one son. The son, Norman MacLeod MacLean,
and two daughters, Agnes and Jane, are still
alive, and resident in Australia.

Mr. MacLean had a taste for literature, and
contributed regularly to the Gaelic periodicals
of his time. He also published some seven or
eight separate works. His articles in the
" Teachdaire Gaelach" (I82S-31), "An Teac/ulaire
ur Gaidhealach" (183.5-36) — of which he was
said to be editor — "Cuaiitear nan Gleann"
(1840-43), will be found over such signatures as

110

THE CELTIC ISIONTHLY.

"■Mac Talla," " Eughan Og," '■'■An Gael anns a'
bhaile," Mnd " Am Buirdeasach Ban." As early
as 1828 he edited a small collection of Gaelic
hymns for a blind man in Skye. The work is
called "Dain Spioradail le Ebin Mwison on
EUe.in Sgiathanach."* This work contains
three original compositions by the editor, he
having been allowed to insert them therein.
His first literary venture was in 1833, when he
published " An Historical Account of lona."
This work reached four editions. The third
(1838) and the fourth (1841) editions are identi-
cal, diliering materially from the first and second
editions. In 1837 he published the work which
secured him literary fame among Highlander.s,
" Adhaiiih agiin Eubh — Craohh-shfianachais nan
Gaiil." 'Ihe following year, 1838, he published
a little work, entitled " Sketches of St. Kilda,
taken down for the greater jjart from the oral
narration of Rev. N. Mackenzie, clergyman of
the island." In 1840 he wrote "The History
of the Celtic Language," being to a great extent
a translation of his Gaelic work "Adhamh agus
Eubh." In the same year he translated into
Gaelic a little work entitled "The Life of
Andrew Dunn." This work had been previ-
ously translated (1829) by P. MacFarlane.f In
1845 he jtublished a pocket manual of etiquette
in Gaelic, called " Jlaighinier na' Modhdnrian"
In the same year " The Native Steamboat Com-
panion'' was published anonymously, but there
is ample internal evidence to show that it
emanated from the pen of the author of "The
History of the Celtic Language." It is said
that he translated Dugald Buchanan's hymns
into English, but the translations do not seem
to have been published in a collected form.
That he was well qualified for such a task is
evident from the excellent translation he made
of Evan Mac Coil's poem, " Mairi." J He also
composed several songs and poems — some in
English and some in Gaelic — which are to be
found in the periodical literature of his day.
When Dr MacLeod was minister of Campsie, he
instituted, in 1828, the Glasgow University
Ossianic Society, for the benefit of Highland
students. Mr. MacLean was elected an Hono-
rary Member, or Fellow, and took an active
interest in its deliberations. Ur. MacLeod
(Caraid nan Gaidheal) came to Glasgow from
Campsie in 183.5, and he soon secured Mr.
JIacLean as one of his most loyal supporters
and hearty co-workers in the Celtic field. Mr.
MacLean, who was a member of the Secession
Church, left that body and joined Dr. MacLeod's

• Reid's "Dihliolhica ScoloCcltica," p. 96.
+ Reid's " BiUwlliica Scotu-Villlca." p. 139.
i Poems and Songs by Evan MacCoU (Toronto, 1885),
p. 114.

congregation, where he was afterwards ordained
an elder. Dr. ilacLeod found in Mr. MacLean
a man after his own heart, so full of Celtic
enthusiasm, and so an.xious to spend and be
spent in the service of his fellow-Highlanders,
and his shop at 23 Arg3'le Street became a
Celtic rendi'zronf!. where such literary High-
landers as Dr. JMacLeod, John MacKenzio, of
the " Beauties of (jaelic Poetry," and Evan
MacCoU, the Lochfyne bard, met and exchanged
views.

Mr. MacLean is described by one who knew
him well as being, " if anything, under the
ordinary standard, rather square and thick set,
with a very pleasant, open countenance, frank,
free, and hearty in his manner — a most genial
and amusing conii>anion. He had a ready wit,
with a keen sense of humour." In a descrip-
tion of the complimentary dinner given to Dr.
Norman MacLeod in 1830, contributed by Mr.
MacLean to the " Ti'.achdaire Ga/'lach," he refers
to " J/"'' 'fid/ii " (him.self) as follow-s : — Cnap-
airni'itrli Inid'n-. /aiceil de dh'fhior Ghaidheal a
rnhiti/i/itir Kdnui Chola mar chuala mi; agns
air m' J'hacul Jirintieach chuir e dheihgu (/('«,<"*
(a strong, stout, sturdy lump of a true High-
lander belonging to the island of Coll).

Mr. MacLean wrote his mother-tongue idio-
matically, with great force and considerable
grace of diction, while his style of English
leaves little to be desired. Indeed he was one
of the few who could write Gaelic as if he knc w
no English, and English as if he knew no Gaelic.
His love and enthusiasm for Gaelic amounted to
a passion, as the following incidents will illus-
trate : — When he lay dying intimation was .sent
to St. Columba Church, as was the custom, that
he should be remembered in the prayers of tin-
congregation. This intimation was intended for
the forenoon Gaelic service, but by some mis-
take it was delayed till the English service in
the afternoon. The person entru.sted with this
message returned home in the evening, and was
asked by Lachlan if lie was j)rayed for at the
Gaelic service. When informed that it was only
at the English service that he was prayed for he
looked astonished, and heaving a heavy sigh
exclaimed — '■'Cfia dean e feum sam hith" (It
can do no good). It is said that when on his
deathbed, and so low that ho was thought to bo
both speechless and unconscious, some one called,
and spoke Gaelic in his presence. His ear
caught the sound, he roused himself, and with
an eflbrt exclaimed, " Canaln mo dhidhrlia
chuala mi aon iiair eile tJm " (My native tongue,
once more I have heard thy tones) — and shortly
afterwards passed quietly away to join the
assembly of "just men made perfect."

• "An Teaclidaire Oaclach," Vol. ii., p. 188.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

111

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

By Chakles Fraser-Mackintosh, F.S.A. (Scot.)-

Part \Y .^{continued from page 92).

VIL— 3!j^«- RCHIBALD succeeded his father
iKf^J, James JNIacdonald, no doubt so
M?' ^ called, seeing the name had not
occurred before, after the Earl of Argyle. In
1564, during his father's lifetime, he received a
charter of the extensive barony of Bar, in Kin-
tyre, wherein
he is designed
son and ap-
parent heir uf
James Mac-
do n a 1 d of
D 11 n y V a i g.
This charter
included the
3(l-raerk land
of S u n a r t.
The only
document I
have connect-
ed with Archi-
bald is pre-
cept of Clare
Cons tat,
signed by
Arch i bald,
5 th Earl of
Argyle, in
favour of
Archibald
Macdonald of
D u n y V a i g
and the Glens,
as heir of his
late father,
James, for in-
fefting him
in the lands
of Ardnaraur-
chan. The
precept bears
that James
died in the

reign of Henry and Mary (29th July, 1565-
10th February, 1567). The precept is signed
by the Earl, and has his seal attached, but
neither place, witness, nor date, except " one

thousand five hundred and sixty years," the

indication inferring it was prepared in the
reign of Henry and Mary, and if, as is recorded,
Jauies Macdonald was taken prisoner on 2nd
May, 1565, he must have survived until after
29th July of that year. The date of Archibald's
death is uncertain, but in his time, as well as

":i:anti:ii i;v ai;i '1III:\i,l>,

that of his father and grandfather, the family
estates were built up anew, and seemed to be
firmly re-established. Frequent mention is
made of a third brother of Archibald's, no
doubt the younger son (Archibald being then
dead) referred to by Lady Tyrone in her nego-
tiations with England, whom she was willing
to have the Irish estates and be subject to
Queen Elizabeth. On the other hand, the Eng-
lish, to punish Sorley Buie and frustrate his
schemes, gave promises of the Glens to Angus
and his son, who, however, elected to transact
with Sorley,
and ultimate-
ly, as I have
said, Sorley
came to final
terms with
Queen Eliza-
beth. Arclii-
b a I d M a c-
donald was
succeeded by
VIII.—
Angus Mac-
donald, who
received from
Ar ch i bald,
5th Earl of
Argyle, a pre-
cept of Clare
Constat, in
A r d namur-
chan, as heir
of his father,
James, signed
'Ar-"- Ergyle,'
dated Edin-
burgh, 16th
May, 1569,
of which a
fac-simile is
here given.
The seal,
natural size,
in fine pre-
servation, is
also given.
Angus also
received a precept for infeftment in these lands,
as heir of Archibald Macdonald, the propin-
quity being left blank. This charter is dated
at Duart, 10th October, 1570, the witnesses
being Dougall Campbell of Auchinbreck, James
Campbell of Ardkiuglass, John, Bishop of the
Isles, Alexander Macnaughton of Dunondaralbie,
John Stewart, and others. The seal is gone.
Gregory says that Angus's name first appears in
157i3, but he began making up titles, as shown
above, in 1569. He succeeded to a great estate,

. i;ai:i, u\ .\va.\ , i;,

112

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

but, pursued by ill fate, mingled with folly, died
practically a beggar. The unravelment of his
complicated career is too wide for these papers,
and some of the more salient points only can be
touched upon. Angus resolved to strengthen
his influence by entering into bonds of friend-
ship with men of consequence and septs of
fighting men, extending as far north as Inver-
ness.* The first date 1 have is one with James
Lamont of Inveryne, dated Towart, 1st Septem-
ber, 1579, and is as follows : —

"At Towart, the first day of August, in the year
of God 15G'J years.
It is appointed,
agreed, and ended
betwixt the Right
Honourable person.s
underwritten. They
are, to say, Angus
M'Donill of Dunnie-
weg, Oge, and Glon-
nis on the one part,
and James Lament
of Inveryne on tlie
tother part, as after
follows : — That for
as meikle as there
hivs been in times
past, amity, friend-
ship, and kindno.ss
betwixt the said par-
tics houses, and to
the effect that the
same may continue,
in times coming
amongst them, the
saidAngus M'Donill
binds and obliges
him, by the tenour
hereof, to stand ane
afald friend to the
said James Law-
mount and his
house, and shall
fortify, maintain,
and defend them in
all and sundry tlieir
just actions, causes,
and debates against
w h a t s o m c V e r in
times coming, the

authority, and my Lord of Argille only excepted. For
the which cause the said James Lawmoiit, his kin
and friends, and their house, binds and obliges them
and their heirs to take ane afald part with the said
Angus and his house, and to serve and obey him in
all and sundry his and their causes, ciuarrcls and de-
bates, lawful and honest, against whatsunicver person
or persons in times coming, the authority and my
Lord Erllo of Argilo being excepted, and, in verifica-

• There was a contract of friendship betwixt Donald
Gormc of Slcat, for himself, and taking burden upon
him for Angus vie James Lord of Kiiityrc, on tlie one
part, and Lachlan Mackintosh, Cajitain of the Clui
Chattan, on the other part, executed at Inverucis,
penult May, 1587.

SEAL 1)K .\1«'I111!.\IJ), :VrM E.\KL 01-' AUGYLE, 1500.

tion hereof, both the saids parties, have subscribed
this present contract with their subscription manual,
day, year, and place above written before these wit-
nesses — Archibald vie Angus Ilycht, Johne vie
Alexander of Large, Johne Lawmont of Askok
Donald Campbell of Auchyr.mollen, Archibald Camp-
bell, Capitane of Dunnon, and Robert Stewart of
Auchynske, with others diverse. (Sitjned) Angus
M'Connalloff Downweag, James Lamont of hmeryne."
The family of Lamont of that ilk is an ancient
one, found as early as 1230 holding lands in
Kilfinan of Cowell, and the Inveryne branch,
an important one, practically supplanted the
head for about a
century. In 1548,
the names of John
Lamont, of In-
neryne, and Dun-
can, iiis son and
heir-apparent, ap-
pear, and in 1597
this James Lamont
is served heir to
his son Robert in
the extensive
barony of Inner-
yne, within the
Deanery of Glas-
sary. Referring
to the witnesses,
the ilacdonalds of
l^argie, in Kin-
tyre, descended of
Ranald, y<iurig(i-
•son of Donald
Balloch, long held
a good position ;
Jolm Lament and
Robert Stewart,
both Askok and
Auchynske, lay
within the Barony
of Inneryne ; in
1536, Robert
Campbell of
Auchyniyllne, a
.£5 land, includ-
ing the mill lying within the old Pari.sh of
Dunoon and Bailiary of Cowell, is mentioned ;
and, in 1571, the Karl of Argyle grants to
Archibald Campbell, keeper of the Castle of
Dunoon, a piece of land called "The Castle
Aiker," lying near the Castle of Dunoon, with
the oftice of steward or bailie of the town of
Dunoon, the four-merk lands of Inellan, itc,
and, in 1573, this Archibald is styled Captain of
Dunoon.

The next bond is with the Clan Allister beg,
and it is fortunate that Sir James IMacdonahl
had endorsed the document, " Bond, Clan
Allister beg, in Aran, bairnes part of gear and

^^^^^^^d

■ ^

^^i^^n

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

11.3

calpes," tliereby indicating the localit}', which is
not mentioned in tlie body of tlie document.
This document is very curious, and includes
many names of tlie people inhabiting three
hundred years ago the lands of JNIachrimore,
^Machribeg, and others on the west side of
Arran antl Pari.sh of Kilmorie. In the years
144.5 to 1450, Ronald vio Ailister was tenant
under the Crown of considerable lands, rented
in all at £1-3 6s. 8d. and six bolls ferme, whereof
Machremore and Achagallane were rented at
40s., and during all these years Ranald paid no
rent. In 14.55 Donald Balloch paid the island
of Arran a hostile visit and some of the crimes
for which John Lord of the Isles and Earl of Ross
was forfeited in
1475, were stated
to be depredations
and slaughters com-
mitted by him in the
Isles of Bute and
Arran. The l'O-
merks land of Shis-
ken, in Arran, was
granted by Regi-
nald, son of Somer-
led, in 1250, to the
monks of Sagadull.
In 1556, James Mac-
donald of Isla, who
ajipears to have
claimed or pos.sessed
these lands, resigned
the sameinfavourof
James, Earl of Ar-
ran ; and in consider-
ation of his being in-
feft in the lands of

Saddel, and ke ![)ing the place of the same, with its
fees and emoluments, by James, Duke of Chatel-
herault, he (James) bound himself not only to re-
frain from invasions and slaughters in the island
of Arran, but also to defend and maintain the
same from invasion by others. Angus Mac-
donald renewed his father's obligation by bond
to John, Lord Hamilton, dated at Hamilton,
20th April, 1591. By the document now given,
the Clan Ailister beg (" Sliochd Iain our vie
Ailister") appear to have sought protection of
Angus. The giving of calpe was felt as a most
grievous tax. I observe that on 2.5th Septem-
ber, 1591, John dhu vie Ailister vie Ranald,
for himself, and as taking burden on him for
his sons, and his
foster-child, Archi-
bald M'Conill, son
of Angus M'Conill
of D u n i V a i g,
binds himself and
them as servants
and obedient 1 to
John, Lord Hamil-
ton. This sept
wei-e styled Clan
Ailister beg, doubt-
less to distinguish-
them from the Clan
Ailister of Kin-
tyre, descended of
Allister,son of Don-
ald, the grandson
of Somerled. The
heads of this Clan
Ailister were known
as the Macallisters
(To be continued.) of Loupe.

Sir W.alter Scott, writint,^ to his daughter re<rardinor her c<
plated visit to the North of Ireland on 29th July, 1S20,
" Vou will be delighted with the Oiant's Causeway, and m
I think, with the old Castle of Dunluce."

HIGHLAND NOTES AND QUERIES.

The Clan Fraser.— I have been told that the
Fraser Clau have the right of keeping their lioniiets
on before the Queen of Scotland. Is it true \ and
why I — Ellax.

Gaelic Song Wanteh. — Will any reader of the
Celtte Miiidhlij kindly inform me where 1 can pro-
cure nnisic and words of a Gaelic song, the cliurus
being ; —

'* .\n cluinn thu mi mo chailin donn
Eisd is thoir an aire dhomh,
Tha moran dhaoin' am barail ann
Gur h-og an leannan domhs' thu."

— Oganach, Conon.

Freswick Castle. — I shall reply to " Sliochd
Allan" in the order he lias put his questions. The
estate of Freswick passed out of the hands of the
Mowats of Bucliollie, and into those of the Sinclairs,
in the year 1061. The Christian name of the last
proprietor of the name of Mowat was Magnus, and
the Christian name of the iirst proprietor of the
name of Sinclair was William. This William was
of Ratter, and a grandson of Sir John Sinclair, of

Greenland. The cause of sale was that Blagnus
Mowat required money to meet his obligations.
It has since been in the possession of the Sinclairs.
— George M. Sutherland, Wick.

The Morrisons.— In reply to " Balgan-peol-
ach's" enquiry in the January issue, I may say
that the Morrisons are a Highland family belonging
to Lewis — the famous brervs or judges of Torquil of
Lewis (IGth century). Captain Thomas, in Vol.
xii. of the " Transactions of the Society of Anti-
quaries," discusses them at length. The Gaelic is
M'G-llh-mhuire — the English is an adaptation to
the real English name Morrison — Maurice's son ;
and on the Perthshire borders of the Lowlands
doubtless that is the correct idea. The name is
Scotch and English. There is no tartan that I
know of — but, doubtless, one can easily be made !
The Morrisons are fairly numerous. — Ian Beg.

" Baileach." — We regret that we have been com-
pelled to hold over two replies to " B.Tlgan-peolach "'
on the definition of the word " Baileach."— Eu.

114

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS

.til Commiinirntiuns, on lileraiif iiiul hii.iilirsH
niallera. shotthl be addrissed to the Editor, Mr. JOHS
MACKAY, IT Jhindas Street, Kiii<iston, Gla.i(ioir.

-®-

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.— The CELTIC
MONTHLY will be sent, post free, to any part of the
United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and all
countries in the Postal Union— for one year, 4s.

The

Celtic Monthly

MARCU, 1894.

Lord Rkav (with plate) asd Lady Reav (with portait), - 105-107

SllOTTV DOOLT'S ColRTiHIP, lOS

Lachla.n Maclean, Com, (Illustrated), Iii9

The Last Macdosalds OK IsLA, Part 4 (illustrated), ■ 111

HiouuAKD Notes asd Qieries, 113

A lIiaHiASD Clib-Hbnrv Wiivtk Testimokiai,— Oi r Next

ISSfE, ^^^

TosoiE ASD ITS Historic Sl-rroi'Sdisos (illustrated), - • ILi

Gaelic Airs to Ik)wlano Sosos, 118

The Reat Fkscibles (illustrated), ll'J

Abstract of Ossias's Covalla, 120

HiouLAXD Ancestry ok Dr. David Livixosto.nb, • • 121

LBITEtt TO TIIE.EDITOR, 122

CbIDFaILTEDOM' DlIUTUAICli, 123

News ok tub Month, 124

A HIGHLAND CLUB.

We are pleased to notice that a movement has been
set on foot in Edinburgh to institute a club in con-
nection with the various Highland societies in that
city, which would serve as a common meetins-place
for the members of the various clan, county, and
other organisations. The proposal is a really useful
one, and we trust that it will be heartily taken up by
the associations interested.

If such a club is required in Edinburgh, how much
more so is it in Glasgow, with its great Highland
population, and its numerous Gaelic, clan, county,
and other Highland societies. Now, it is a curious
fact, that although there are so many of these institu-
tions, few of the members of any one of them know
the members of any other society. Of course, the
secretaries may be personally acquainted with a few
of the office-bearers of kinilred societies, but, generally
speaking, the members are not. Each society is in
this sense exclusive. Now, we are of opinion that a
greater intercourse among the members of the various
societies would be of mutual benefit to all, and more
in accordance with the spirit of the old Highland
watchword, "Highlanders, shoulder to shoulder!"
This policy of " isolation " is detrimental to the
Highland cause generally, as it is in a greater degree
to the organisations interested. In the case of the
many clan societies a closer communion among the
different clansmen would give rise to a spirit of
emulation, and each society would learn something
useful in regard to the management of tlu? others.
For a long time we have advocated the institution of
a club, or some place where the members of all the
societies could meet together for mutual benefit.
There might be a large reading-room, with several
smaller rooms where monthly or committee meetings

could be held. A useful library of Highland litera-
ture might also be kept hero. We were glad to hear
this matter discussed in a practical and sensible way
at two recent meetings of the Clan (iregor Society,
and we trust that it will be considered at the first
meetings of the other societies —of which there are
nearly one hundred in Glasgow and neighbourhood.
We shall be glad to hear from our readers as to the
feeling of the various associations, and will publish
any short letters on the subject which may be sent to
us. If there is a general opinion in favour of the
proposal, a meeting of office-bearers could be called,
and a suitable scheme readily agreed upon.

We akb indebted to Mr. D. T. MacDonald. Calu-
met, U.S.A., and Mr. J. Johnstone, Partick, for the
photoengraving which appears in connection with
the sketch of " Lachlan Maclean," by " Fionn ;" and
also to Mr. William Gordon Campbell, solicitor,
Edinburgh, Mr. D. W. Kemp, B<linburgli, and Mr.
Angus Mackay, Cambuslang, for the use of negatives
and prints of the illustrations to Mr. .Mackay, Here-
ford's, article.

HENRY WHYTE TESTIMONIAL.

We beg to acknowledge, with thanks, recei])t of the
following subscriptions towards the testimonial to
our valued contributor, " f loiiji " :— John Mackay,
C.E., J. P., Hereford, £5 ; C. Fraser-Maekintosh, Lon-
don, £5 ; Colonel Charles Stewart (" TiijlCii Dtiiii''),
£3 3s ; Dr. 1). MacGregor, M.l'. for Inverness-shire,
£1 Is ; Dr. K. N. MacUonald, Gesto Hospital, Skye,
£1 Is; Neil Madeod (the Skye bard), £1 ; Robert
Fergusson, Stirling, £1; Professor O'Grownev. May-
nooth, Ireland, £1 ; A. B., lOs Cd ; D. R. C'lOs Gd ;
Dr. H. MacNicol, Dalmally, lOsCd; Duncan Reid,
Glasgow, 10s Gd ; John MacGregor, Bearsden, 5s ; A.
R. MacLeod, Stirling, 5s; " A Highland (iirl," Currie,
2s 6d ; Margaret Mackay, Glasgow, 2s Gd ; Alexander
Stewart. Polmont, Is; Dugald MacLcllan, Falkirk, Is.
We shall be very glad to receive further subscrip-
tions from our readers, which will be duly acknow-
ledged in our next issue. We trust th-it the list will
be a much larger one than the jjresent.

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

We will jiresent our readers with a lirelike plate-por
trail of Sir .Malcolm MacGregor, Bart., chief of tin'
clan, who attains his majority in a few months. Tlu'
portrait represents him in the Highland dress. We
will also give finely engraved portraits, with biogra-
phical sketches, of the late Dr. A. B. M'Grigor, Glas-
gow ; Major A. Y. Mackay, Grangemouth; Mr.
Archibald MacMillan (better known as " Jeems
Kaye"), Glasgow, chieftain of the Clan MacMillan
Society. In addition to these, the continuation of
Mr. C. Fraser-Mackintosh's papers on " The Last
MacDonalds of Isia" will be illustrated with an en-
graving of the tombstnue of John of Arduaniurchan,
and his sister Mariot, in lona, and fdc-.iimilts of the
Dunyvaig and Bute Bond, and the signatures to a
document dated l(!03; Mr. Mackay, Hereford's, next
article will be attractively illustrated with fine views
of the Mackay country ; and tl'.c editor will contribute
a short story of the supernatural, the scene of which
is laid in Sutherlandshire, which will also be siiilalily
illustrated. Other interesting contributions and en-
gravings will also appear in our next issue.

TIIK CELTIC! MOXTHLV

115

TONGUE AND ITS HIST0R8C
SURROUNDINGS.

By John Mackay, C.E., J.P., Hticfoid.

Part II. — {Contimied from p ige 97).
|p|P||HE Norsemen having now been expelled
VKJ' from the Reay Country, the Chiefs Alex-
"s=i=^ ander, Walter, and Martin successively
set themselves to put in order the territory
allotted them l)y William the Lion, and to con-
solidate their influence over it. They very soon
acquired the goodwill and respect of their im-
mediate ix'tainers, and of the suirounding tribes,
who, by the protection given them, soon became
amalgamated into one clan. Under the sway
of these chiefs order and tranquility prevailed, a

\ cry ditferent state of aftkirs compared with the
rule of the Nor.semen, who were ever warring
with each other, ever committing, on the slight-
est provocation, deeds of violence, assassinations,
and murders.

During the rule nf ^Lartin in Tongue a great
".scare" was created in X'Mi'i liy rumours of a
great Norse invasion, to avenge their recent ex-
pulsion. News at length arrived from Caith-
ness of a Norse landing there, and of a great
fleet lying at anchor in Scrabster Roads, ruth-
less exactions, pillaging and burning of houses
being threatened with merciless severity. This
was the great fleet of Haco, King of Norway,
on its way to disaster and defeat at Largs,

Martin and his clan round about Tongue,
being forewarned, were forearmed, iu the event

of a Norse invasion on their Bay of Kintail,
The cattle were driven into the hills, and all
men and youths able to bear arms prepared to
oppose by "might and main" any landing that
might be attempted. Shortly afterwards the
great fleet hove in sight, seen from " Cnoc-an-
fhreacadain " (watch hill). Martin had his
men ready to oppose a landing and give battle
for hearth, home, and country. To their gieat
joy, no doubt, the great tleet sailed past Tongue,
and came to anchor in the Bay of Durness. A
landing was here effected, but no inhabitants or
plunder could be found. The natives, fore-
warned, took themselves, their cattle, and move-
ables oft' into the adjoining hills. Foiled in
their expectations of plunder, these remorseless
marauders, in revenge, burned twenty hamlets.

and demolished a fort on the shore, the ruins of
which remain to this day, by the name of
" Sean-chaisteal " (old castle). After doing all
the injury they could, an injury for which they
dearly paid on their return from Largs, the
fleet steered away, rounded Cape Wrath, and
again anchored opposite " Alisher-beg," on the
west of Eddrachilis. This place is now called
Old Shore-beg. A landing was here again made,
but finding no prey the fleet sailed away for
Skye, on through Kyleakin Sound (Caolais-
Hacon) towards Mull and Kintyre, sending out
parties now and again up the lochs, and every-
where committing terrible ravages. Bute,
Arran, Isla, .Jura, and Kintyre were ravaged
and taken possession of. But their doom was
approaching. Winds and storms scattered the

116

THE CP:LTIC ilOXTHLY.

fleet ; many of the sliips were wrecked and the
crews drowned. The battle of Largs completed
the sad disaster, and put an end to the sove-
reignty of tlie kings of Norway over tlie
Sudercys and Hebrides.

Disconcerted with the issueof thebattleof Largs,
and the loss of more than the half of his Ueet
and army, disappointed at the repeated di-sasters
which he met with, and crestfallen at the loss of
prestige, Haco gloomily ordered a return jiome-
wards. He put into the bay now called Portree,
in Skye — hence the name — and remained there
some days relitting the ships left to him, and at
the same time plundering tlie natives of Sk^e
all round. Again the fleet was ])ut in motion,
and rounded Cape Wrath without incident, and
put into '■ Goasriord " (Loch Erilioll). Here it

anchored for several days. A strong party was
sent out into the hills to capture cattle. None
could be seen. The natives had been on the
watch ; they drove all away into the inland
valleys. The marauders pursued their way and
found some in GlengoUie, and began to drive
them away, when they were interce])ted by the
natives; a fight, and the Norse rievers retreated
into an adjoining valley, now called Strathmore,
where they were brought to baj', and the conflict
recommenced, ending with their commander,
L'rra, and all his men being slain, with the
e.xception of one %\ ho fled and carried the dole-
ful tidings to Haco. This glen was ever after
named Strath-Urra-dal, in memory of the event.
It is so named in charters of the 15th and 16th
centuries. In recent times it came to be called

lU.Sl'llND, Uie'll EiUBOI.I,, Sl'THEKl,.\Nil, IX 1

Strathmore. Haco having received the news of
this fresh disaster ordered sails to be set and steer
away to the Orkneys. In crossing the Pent land
Firth he lost .several of his ships with all their
crews; he him.self landed safely at Kirkwall,
l)ut died soon after in tliat town.

With the e.vcepiion of that scare, nothing
occurred to alarm or distract the inhabitants of
the North. The spirited rule of the successors
of William the Lion — Alexander II. and Alex-
ander III. — caused law and order to prevail in
the South and North. The prosperous reign of
the latter for tiiirty-seven years l)ecame the
tlienie of poets. Wars, internal and external,
had ceased in the land. Tiiis was the " golilen
age" in Scotland, when every j-eoman and
peasant cultiviiteil their ficlils ami tcndi'il ihiir

Hocks in traiKjuility and peace; the merchant
plied his trade on land and sea without dread
or appriliension ; connnerce, home and foreign,
succeeded to an extent hitherto unknown, and
Scottish ships were known in almost every prin-
cipal port in Eurojie.

The premature death of Alexander III., in
the very prime of life and manhood, leaving no
male i.ssue, changed all this bright prosperity
into chaos and "perplexyte." Wyntoun graphi-
cally tells the tale : —

" When Alysandyr, oure king, wea dude
Tliat Scotland led in lawe, and lo
Away wes sons of ale and l,)rcdc
Of wync and wax, of gamyn and gle.
Oin-L' i;i'\il is changed into ledc —
Cliriat liiini into virgyuyte

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Succour Scotland and reinede
That stodt is in perplexyte.''

And SO it was truly.

It was said that on tliis King'.s deatli Ijy fall-
ing with his horse over a cliff near Kinghorn,
a hurricane h\e.\v over Scotland, the like of which
"the oldest inhabitant" had not known. Apart
from natural phenomena, a political storm arose
after the demise of this estimable monarch, that
lasted more or less for four centuries, in the
long-cherished designs of the kings of England
to subject Scotland to their domination. The
ambitious and powerful Edwaul Longshanks
saw his opportunity, and grasped it, in the dis-
puted succession to the throne of Scotland.
This storm soon burst, and Scotland, ever jeal-
ous of her civil and religious independence, saw
itself overrun by the arrogant nobles and brutal
soldiery of Longshanks.

The Scottish nobles, selfish and craven-hearted,
bowed their necks to the yoke and swore fealty
to Edward. The Scottish yeomen and peasantry
gloomily stood aloof till, rou.sed into uncontrol-
lable indignation at the arrogance and oppression
of the English, they were prepared to endure
any misery sooner than suffer any longer the
indignities put upon them by the foreigner.
Just at this period uprose, like a meteor, the great
patriot Wallace to lead them in a contest with
the mighty Edward, to decide whether Scotland
could regain its independence. The galhmt
attempt succeeded for a time, and might have
been entirely successful, but at the supreme
crisis the Scottish nobility again betrayed their
coinrtry and bowed their necks to thn yoke of
foreign domination. Nevertheless, the noble
Wallace showed the vvay to freedom and inde-
pendence. His mantle, dyed with his blood,
fell upon Robert Bruce, and he made the adven-
ture. Foiled at first, defeated, hunted, and
chased out of the country, he tried a second
time, and succeeded, after many adventures,
hair-breadth escapes, and hard fighting, to free
Scotland from the hated domination of the
Edwards, and the arrogance of the English, but
Bannockburn had yet to be fought to give the
coiij) de i/iace forever to the inordinate ambition
of the monarchs of England.

Anticipating the final struggle, Bruce pre-
jiared for it by a general appeal to the country
to arm for the defence of its liberty and inde-
pendence. The " fiery cross " went through the
land from the Mull of Galloway to Cape
Wrath.

This fiery summons to all capable of bearing
arms to muster at the Torwood to meet the
threatening danger soon reached Tongue, and
Magnus, the Chief of the Mackays, whose name
betokens an affinity with the Norsemen (probably
his father, Martin, married a daughter of one of

the Earls of that name in Caithness, or a
noble in Galloway, in tlie far south — a slight
infusion of the old Vikingr blood in his veins
was no detriment in this national crisis) — soon
mustei-ed his clan, and saw a goodly array of
them ready and willing to follow their chief to
the field. Choosing the ablest, he quickly made
up the required contingent, and off he and they
marched over moor and mountain, hill and dale,
till they reached the rendezvous in the Torwood.
They were brigaded with other northern High-
landers in the division commanded by the Earl
of Ross, and under the orders of the brave
Randolph, Eurl of Moray, Bruce's nephew and
trusty lieutenant, to whom he gave the com-
mand of the left wing in the sulisequent battle.
Here, in the Torwood, they were drilled and
practised in all those military evolutions and
exercises necessary at that time to make them
competent to oppose the warlike opponents they
were soon to encounter. During the time thus
spent the Mackays of the north made the
acquaintance of their brother clansmen of Kin-
tyre and Islay, who were under the command of
Angus Og Macdonald of Dunaverty, and with
their other clansmen of Galloway, in the divi-
sion of Edward Bruce, Robert's fiery brother.
Hale, hearty fellows well met, claiming kinship
as originating from one eonnnon stock, they
rejuiced to meet together again after the lapse
of a century or more, they renewed their
acquaintance, formed bonds of friendship that
stood for ages, and encouraged eacli other to
fight like heroes in the impending contest, for —

'■ The storm of war was sluwly rolling ou,
With menace deep and dread " —

to burst on the banks of Bannock.

'^^^W-m^M^^^r^^^ , Z-\

SCRABbTER R li US AND RI'INS UF THE BI.SHIIP.S I'Al.Al'E, TH(TRSO

(To he continual).

118

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

GAELIC AIRS TO LOWLAND SONGS.

By Malcolm INIacFarlane.

Continued from page 88.

17. loKRA.M a' GiiEAMHKAiDH — Gloouiy Win-
ter's 1100 awa'. Here agaiu the iiatiies suspi-
ciously correspond. It is improbable tlie air, as
now known, was sung to Gaelic words. The
tuue is known as "Lord Balgonie's favourite"
in Neil Gow's collection, where it is termed " a
very old Highland tune." It is also claimed as
the composition of Alex. Campbell, editor of
" Albyn's Anthology" (1783). Whatever its
origin, it has most probably been suggested to
the composer by a nuich simpler melody, possibly
that which appears at ]>. 71, Vol. I., Celtic
Monthly. That air was gi\en in Harper's Monthly,
in an article treating of Cajje Breton Gaels, as a
specimen of their music. It was no doubt car-
ried there by early settlers from the Highlands
of Scotland.

18. Mac Dhomhnuill ilhuibh — Lochiel's awa'
to France. The Gaelic nami' m.'iy be translated,
"Black Donald's Son." "Black Douald " is a
Gaelic nickname for The De'il. Parallel to this
fact, in Gunn's pipe music the name is Mac a'
bhudaich ladhraich. This, translated, is " The
old hoofed-one's son." The " hoofed-one" is no
doubt The De'il again. hdmhnuU ditbh may,
however, have been an historical {)ersonage, and
the naming of the tuue a mere playing upon the
words. Burns set his song, " O wert thou in
the cauld blast," to this tune.

1;). An gunna cutach — Blythe was she but
and ben (Burns). This tune is also known as
" Andro and his cutty gun." " The cutty gun "
translates the Gaelic name. This is suspicious.
At the same time, the air is decidedly Gaelic in
style.

20. Bean an taighe 'sau robh mi 'u raoir —
Wat ye wha I met yestre'en ;

21. Muiuntir chridhe, Clann a' pliearsoin —
Macphersou's Lament. To this tune Burns
wrote his song, " Macphersou's Farewell."

22. Coille Chnacaidh — Killiecrankie. The
Irish claim a tune of this name as theirs. See
"Ilardiman's Irish Minstrelsy," p. 178, where
the composer is said to have been Thomas
O'Conellan, died before 1700. The Irish name
is " Planxty Davis." Hut there are two tunes
of this name entirely differing from one another.
In Maver's collection, p. I2G, there is a tune
called " Gilliecrankie." This tune suits Dr.
Rahoy's song, Nis o'n chaidh an srjolh na h-uidh-
earn, and is no doubt the Coilk chnacaidh he had in
bis mind when he made the song. The time is a
good one, and there is nothing about it which
would invalidate a claim for its being Irish
originally. Rut, in regard to tunes common

to Ireland and the Scottish Highlands, it is im-
possible in a number of cases to judge by any-
thing in the melodies them.selves to which coun-
try they belong. It is quite good enough to
class them as Gaelic airs as against those which
are non- Gaelic.

As the air to Dr. Maclachlan's song has been
asked for more than once, and as the song is
Buch a good one, I take the liberty of writing it
here; —

Nis o'n chaidh an sgoth 'na u-uidueam.

Key C. With spirit.

Is .,1 : s . n I s .,1 ; s . n I

I Nis o'n chaiiUi an | sgoth na h-uiiiheam.l
Now our steady boat is reail - y,

r .d :

. n

: s

Suidhcain

air

hfir

- lar ;

Get her

lu .

tiou ;

I 1 ., d' : 1 . s I 1 ., d' : 1 . s

ICuir - ibh oig - earjseult - a sgairteil
Let him steer who knows no fear up-

d' ., r' : n' . d'

: 1

De chloinn -\irt g'a
on the tra'jkless

1 stiiir
o

adh.
cean ;

n' . s' : r' . n'

j d' ., r'

: n' . d

Nail am botul
Fetch the cup ami

lion an
till it

copan
up, un-

s .,1 : d' . n

: S

Olani • aid le

diir

achd

to this toast re - spoud - ing :

I 1 . 1 : d' . d' I r' . r' : n' ., I
I Deoch sUMnte gach, ] creutair bochd, |
The health of all, both great aud small,

,r' Id' .1 ,s : d' ., n I r : d |i

Tha'n|diughfosprochd'san| diith - aich. |i

Now hopeless - ly de - spond - iug.

The other tune, that to which Burns wrote his
" Whaur ha'e ye been sae braw, lad ? " is of a
rattling, martial character, and withiu the com-
pass of the bagpii-ies.

23. Rata-nuu-clmis — Lassie wi' the lintwhite
locks (Burns). This tune is known in music
books as " Rothienuu-chus Kant."

24. Crodh Chailein— Can you sing Balilow ?
This tune is found in several different forms.
The simplest and most Gaelic-like is that in
A' Choisir-chiuil. " My heart's in the Highlands "
(Hums) is sometimes sung to this air.

(Tu be continued).

The Edinburgh John o' Groat Benevolent
Association met in Darling's Regent Hotel, to
hear a lecture from Mr. David Anderson, M.A.,
LL.B., on Captain Sinclair's expedition to Norway
in 1G12. The lecturer gave a most interesting
account of this ill-fated Caithness expedition, which
has given birth to so many tr'iditious in Norway.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

119

THE REAY FENCIBLES.

{To the Editor of the Celtu' Monthly)

Sir, — In the Cdtic Monthh/ for August (Vol.
i., p. 17:"i) Mr. D. Murray Rose gave some intro-
ductory remarks re<;ariiing this regiment, l)aseil
on tlie muster-roll, which he has taken the
trouble to copy, anil which appears in full in
the current (.January) numlier of tlie magazine.

T agree with Mr. Rose when he says that the
regiment was a " mixed lot," because every
regiment is so, more or less ; but he writes in a
somewhat disparaging strain, which may lead
many people to think (notwithstanding a dis-
claimer which he jiuts in) that the Mackays
did not press forward to fill up the ranks as
freely as was e.xpected, and that it was only by
enlisting men in other districts, and l)y the bait
of a bounty, "dangled before the eyes of un-

THE BANNER "OF THE HEAY FENCIBLES

Is an interestint; relic, and was plainl
years ago, when, with appropriai'
deposited there. The Hatj is of m
Barbara Mackay, irranddau<;htei <-
Mackay, Eriboll. Miss Mackay niai
long life was well known throughoi
piety, and great benevolence.*

■willing recruits," that the regiment, as he e.x-
presses it, was enabled " to take the field, and
acquire laurels unfairly placed to the credit of
the Clan Mackay alone."

* We are indebted to Mr. Andrew Ross, author of
"Old Scottish Regimental Colours," for the use of
the photograph from which the above illustration was
engraved, and to Mr. John Mackay, Hereford, for its
reproduction in our pages.

in St. Giles' l-adiHiral, Ivliiil,

iH'.^li, about ten

lany other old Sr,.!ii,h m : m.

■ il i .Imrs were

s made and pvf-iMin.l i- [■

J : t l.v Miss

IV of Skerrav, ai.-l .lauulnM -

( \1 MM,- Donald

.Mackay ,Iohn Scol.ic, Ktoldak-,

ai,.l dunnf her

ountry for her enthusiastic clai

!i feeling, sincere

It is a pity that Mr. Rose made such a state-
ment, because it conveys a false impression.
When we speak of the gallant deeds of a famous
regiment — the Gordon Highlanders for instance
— and say "the brave Gardons " did so and so,
we do not mean that it was the members of the
Clan Gordon alone, who did the brave deeds ;
but the men, whatever their names, who formed
the regiment. So when we say that "the

120

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Mackays did nobly at Tara Hill," we do not
restrict the praise to the Mackays alone, l>ut
fjive it to the ctlicers and men who composed
the regiment. Mr. Rose, therefore, should not
have written that the regiment acquired laurels,
wifairbj placed to the credit of the Clan Machn/
alone.

I got copies of the muster-rolls from the War
Office some years ago, and arranged the names
of the non-commissioned officers and privates
in alphabetical order. It is not necessary to
repeat the list here, but I may say, if we can
judge by the ])redominating name.s, that about
600 of the men in the regiment were from the
Reay country, while a larije number of the non-
clan names are found in the adjoining county of
Caithness; and that it was not till after the
regiment was despatched to Ireland that it was
recruited from the Lowlands. When embodied,
tlie " Reays " consisted of 46 officers, 32 ser-
geants, 30 corporals, 22 drummers, and 670
privates — a regiment of 800 men of all ranks.
Perhaps Mr. Rose did not analyse the muster-
roll. Here are some of the names in numerical
order —

Mackays,

. idit 1

Men.*

Macleods,

6:j

Maokeiizies, .

. 10

Sutherlaniis, . . .35 ,,
then follow Morrisons, Macdonalds, Campbells,
Munros, Rosses, Gunns, Gordons, Murrays,
Calders, Hendersons, Mathiesons, Bains, itc.
The roll contains in all 155 surnames, and of
these, 139 are represented by 204 individuals,
or 5 less that the number of Mackays in the
regiment ! So its designation was perfectly ap-
propriate — "The Reay Fencibles, or Mackay
Regiment of Highlanders."

It is rather odd that no pipers are entered on
the muster-roll, though the names of the drum-
mers are given. But undoubtedly there were
pipers, although they do not appear on the

* The Mackays would undoubtedly liave at least
been double this number, but for the fact that in the
previous year (1793) the third Sutherland Fencible
Regiment had been formed ; and in it, according to
General Stewart'.'! "Sketches of the Highlanders and
Highland Regiments," "there were 104 William Mac-
kays, almost all of them from Strathnaver." Unfortu-
nately, General Stewart did not state how many Mac-
kays in all were in the regiment, Init only gives the
number of WiUiam Mackays. In the "Clan History,"
p. 33, it is stated that there were 33 Jo/ni Mackays in
one conjpany of the same (Sutlierlaud Fencible) regi-
ment, 'i'liis di.Hponcs of Mr. Rose's misleading asser-
tion that the Mackays did not come forward "with
such alacrity aa is generally believed to be the case,"
to fill up the ranks of their own regiment. Hut when
we consider the number that were in the successive
Sutherland Kencible Regiments previous to the raising
of the Reay regiment, the wonder is not that only 209
Mackays enlisted, but that so many able-bodied men
of the clan were left in the district, fit for military
rservice !

roster. I may here suggest that proliably each
captain had his own piper, as used to be the
case in the Highland militia regiments, and may
be so still. Another curious thing is. that there
is no record at the War Office which mentions
the uniform of the regiment. The late Miss
Scobie, Keodale, who probably knew more about
the regiment than any of her contemporaries,
thus wrote me, only about a year before her
death — " I have no doubt they had pipers. I
remember an old, ugly man, a first-rate piper,
and it was said tliat he went out with the regi-
ment ; but when General Baillie joined he sent
the man home, because he could not allow so
ungainly a person to be seen with his regiment
in so conspicuous a position ! . . . The
uniform was similar to that of the 42nd — scarlet
coats, with dark blue faciugs and silver lace. I
am sure they had kilts." 1 wrote also, about
three years ago, to an aged clansman at Strathy,
asking about the uniform, &c., and he replied as
follows : — " I knew many of the men that served
in the Reay Fencibles, and my father was in
the regiment. I knew one piper that was
in it, but he is dead long ago. About their
uniform, they wore the kilt of Mackay tartan,
which was of l)laik, blue, and green, very bonny
to look at. . . I cannot say anything

about their headcbe.ss. They wore the red
coat." John Mackay.

Wicslodfii, (ipvMinny.

ABSTRACT OF OSSIAN'S COVALLA.

By LiEi'T.-CoLONEL CiiAiu.Ks Stkwakt.
Tich-'n-Uuin.

AuHiorof" The G.ielicKiiiKdom in Scotland.and its Celtic (.'Innvh,"
" Killin Collection o( Poetry and Music," Ac.

(Continued from paye 9S).
^;ir=|vEFORE leaving, Fingal arranged with
CImV CovalJa tliat he would send a swift
■Mi^ footed messenger to give her the result of
the battle, and that slie would meet him at a
meeting-place fixed upon, where she would have
a feast ])repared for the host returning victori-
ous. iJefuat does not .seem to have entered
into their imaginations. So when the time
expected came Covalla and lier nuiidens Dcrse-
grina and Afilliilcora proceeded to the meeting-
place. On reaching it, their thoughts, of course,
were of the fight and Fingal. Chants "Gruagach
dhonn a bhroillich bhain," or "Finnary" —
Mii.uiicov.v.

Ill I

" .\ deer 1 saw upon the ben,

II II

By Cona's stream that gently winds,

As a great bank in shade he seemed,

III I

Then fleetly bounded down thefglen.

THE OELTIC MONTHLY.

121

As niglit's bright aroli his iiiitlors beamed,

I I I I

On the slope a meteor gleamed,

Whilst on Cona's cloiuls half seen,

I I I . I ,,

Were those who shone in wraith-hood's sheen.

Dkrseorina.
" Ho ro ! mo ni;/hean dimn hhdidhcach'^

'• Death's spectre it is, that you seen have,

I I . I .

He of shield and sword matcliless is slain,

On that cairn rise up, Covalla,

Caracul in the contlict lias gaiued.

I I I

Shed tears, daughter of Sarno, *

The youth who with love you enthralled.

In the midst of his strength has departed,

Soon his wraith shall be seen in the ben."

This deer seen liy jMilhilcova is not a wraith,
liut an intimation hy a symbol of Fingal's
death. The.se intimations, specially of death,
were believed in by the Gaels, and are so by
many still, as I from my childhood well know.
Covalla believed in the truth of this one, and
burst into an agony of woe. In its midst
Didealan, Fingal's promised messenger, arrived,
and, from spite to Covalla, who had at some
former time refused his offer of marriage, told
her the deliberate falsehood, tliat the Romans had
conquered, and that Fingal was slain In the
agony of torture she said to the despicable
author of it —

OuV.\LI.A.

Counts chant.

I I I

■• Why rehearsed thou to me the tale sadsome,

That my hero liad fall'n in the tit;ht,

I I I

I would then from the hillside expect him,

And see liim on crag and on plain.

I would fancy some tree was my loved one,

I I I

Coming back witli acclaim from the war,

* Covalla.

Noli: — It must lie noted that I don't give the poetry
in full, but wliat is required to give the gist of this
important episode. — U. S.

[Colonel Stewart wishes us to correct an error in the
first part of his article. In the last footnote on page
98, the sentence beginning, " Macpherson," should
read, "Macpherson actually interpolates this early 1st
century history as he knew it, into the 1st duan of
'Timora,' the events of which happened a.d. 284," not
"a.d. 2o-3U," as given. — Ed.]

I would hear liis salntc midst the breezes.

Whilst his form on the slope I coulil spy."
At this point Fingal and his host are seen
returning, but so impressed was Covalla by the
symbol, and convinced by tiie lie, that she
cciuld not lielieve it was them bodily, but their
wraiths. Then Milhilcova breaks in —

MiLHIU'OVA.

'* G/tntaijifch/' <l.-c. , as he/ore.

" What noise on the ben, what light in the glen,

I III

Who Cometh onwards as thundering streams

In flooils pouring downw.ards tlie liillsides between,

I I I

From cairns midst quakings terrible."

(7'o he continued).

HIGHLAND ANCESTRY OF DR. DAVID
LIVINGSTONE, AFRICAN TRAVELLER.

l;y IIi-v, X. M.\cLe^n Sinclair, author of "Clarsach na Coille,'

'■ (ilt-nliard Collfction of Gaelic Songs," "Tlie Gaelic Bards

from 1411 to 1V1.5. and 1716 to 17(iS."

j;;irEIL LIVINGSTONE was bom in Ar-

gyleshire. He married Mary Morrison.

He had a small farm, or croft, in Ulva,
but never prospered as a farmer. He left his
native island in 1 792, and went to live in Blan-
tyre. When leaving he received the follow-
ing certificate : —

" The bearer, Neil LiviiiLj.stone, a married man
in Ulva, part of the parish of Kilninian, has always
maintained an unblemished moral character, and is
known for a man of piety and religion. He has a
family of four sons, the yoimgest of whicli is three
years, and three daughters, of which the youngest
is six yeai's of age. As he proposes to offer his ser-
vices at some of the cotton-spinning numufactories,
he and his wife, Mary Morrison, and their family
of children are hereby earnestly recommended for
suitable encouragement. Given at Ulva, this
eighth day of January, 1792, by

Akuh. M'Arthur, Minister.
Laoh. M'Lean, Elder.
R. S. Stewart, J. P."

Neil Livingstone and IMary Blorrison Lad
five sons and three daughters. The names of
the sous were John, Charles, Dimcau. Donald,
and Neil. One of the daughters was named
Mary and another Catherine. If the sons were
all born in Ulva, one of them must have died
bef(_)ro 1792. It may be, however, that the
youngest of them was born in Blantyre One
of the daughters was married to a man named
Laurie.

Neil, son of Neil Livingstone and Mary
Morrison, was born in Ulva about 1788. He
mai'ried Agnes Hunter, by whom he had three
sons, John, David, and Charles, and two

122

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

daughters. The daughtei-s were living in
1891 in Ulva Cottage, at Hamilton.

John, eldest son of Neil Li^^ngstone and
Agnes Hunter, was born ^May loth, 1811. He
hves at Listowel, Ontario, and is an elder in
the Presbyterian Church in that town. He
went home to Scotland to meet his brother
David in 1857, He has six sons and one
daughter, Neil - ^lackenzie, Henry, John,
Charles, Eobert, and Sarah.

Da\id, second son of Neil Livingstone and
Agnes Hunter, was the celebrated Dr. Li\'ing-
stone. He was bom at Blantyre, March 19,
1813. He married Mary, daughter of Dr.
Eobert Moffat, the eminent missionary. He
bad three sons, Robert, Thomas, and Oswell,
and two daughters. He died at Lake Bang-
■\\eolo, in Africa, May i, 1873. He was buried
in Westminster Abbey, April IS, 1874. Eobert,
his eldest son, lost his life in the American
Civil War. Thomas died in Egypt. OsweU,
who was a doctor, died in England in 1890.
One of the daughters is married in Edinburgh,
and the other in England.

Charles, third son of Neil Livingstone and
Agnes Hunter, was a clergyman in Massa-
chusetts. He went to Africa with his brother
m 1858. He was appointed British Consul at
Fernando Po in 1804. He died whilst return-
ing to Britain in 1874. He was buried at sea.
He left one son, who is a mining engineer in
the United States.

Charles Morrison lived in Morvcrii. He
married Margaret Macdougall, by whom he
had four children. Hector, Neil, IMary, and
Marion He married Marion Maclean, of
Ardnacross, in Mull, and had eleven children,
Lai-hlan, Mary, Margaret, Neil, Dimald, Charles,
Ann. (yathcrine, Christy, Itoderick, ami John,
all of whom were born in Scotland e.xcc^pt J ohn.
He came to Prince Edward Island in 1810,
and settled in Belfast He died in ] 8 19, in
the i)Oth year of his age. His wife died in
1845, in the 7()th year of h(!r age.

Lachlan, eldest sou of Hector Morrison and
Marion Maclean, married Margaret Mackenzie,
by whom he had Neil, Kenneth. Hector, John,
Charles, and Donald, and two daughters. Neil,
the second son. married Catherine Gillies, by
whom he had Charles, Hector, John. Donald,
Eoderick. Murdoch, and Angus, and four
daughters. Donald the third son, married
Mary Macaulay, by whom he had Angus,
Donald, Hector, and Charles, and six daughters.
Charles, the fourth son, niarri<(l Catlierine
Mackenzie, by whom he had Hector, Ivenneth,
Charles, Murdoch, and Aim. Jtoderick, the
fifth son. married Mary Ma(!rae by whom he
had Roderick, Donald, Keimeth, John, Lachlan,
and live daughters. John, sixth son of Hector

Morrison, married Elizabeth Smith, by whom
he had Hector, Andrew, Alexander, Lachlan,
and John, and two daughters. John is still
living. Mai-y was married to John Macdouald,
Margaret to Angus Mackay, Ann to Eoderick
Campbell, and Catherine to John Gillies.

Mrs. Campbell was born in 1803. She was
brought up with her gi-audmother at Ardna-
cross. She was a very intelligent and amiable
woman. She died .Alay IG, 1893. I asked
her one day why Neil Li\'ingstone and his
family left Ulva. Her reply was, " C/ia rohh ni
a ciinicdcltdainn leot/ia an U/b/ia " — they were not
prospering in anything in Ulva. It was a
good thing for Africa that such was the case.
Dr. Livingstone could never have received in
Ulva, or even in Edinburgh, the training for
his great work that he received at Blantyre.

Neil, second son of Charles Morrison and
Margaret Macdougall, died unmarried. Mary
was married to Neil Livingstone, and was the
grandmother of Di". Livingstone.

Belfiist, Prince Edward Island.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR.

Tu the Editor of the " Celtic Monthly. "

Glasgow, 10th February, 1894.
Sir, — In Mr. Campbell's notice of Dr. Macdiannid,
in January issue, be states that to the Doctor, Mr.
MacLean, anil himself is due the credit of originat-
ing the Gaelic Society of (ilasgow. That is not the
case. They assisted in the formation of the society,
but the idea had its origin with Mr. Hugh Mac-
Leod, writer, (ihisgow, and it is known to every
one connected with the society that, in conseipience,
it was Mr. MacLeod who was asked to deliver the
opening address. — I am

" Palm AM qui meriit fekat."

(i M'.i.ii' SoriKTV OF LoNUON. — The annual diinier
in connection with this
nourishing society was
Ill-Ill ill tlie St. James's
i; .snuiMint, under the
lncMiUiiey of the re-
spected chief, Mr. John
Mackay, J. P., Here-
ford. Tliere was a large
;ittriid;iiice, and the
•^iillii-iiiiL,' was perliajis

-_«».„ „.. >, Ihi' iiH.st siK-cessl'ul_>et

,.--- — ^:- ^ lield inuler the aus-

pices of the society. The toasts were entrusted
to the following speakers :— The Chief, Mr. T.
1). .MacDonald, Rev. A. B. Bailie (of Dochfour),
Dr. .Miitlieson, Rev. Alex. MacRae, Messrs. W.
C. ^liickenzie, Donald C. Fraser, J. M. Watson,
J, T. Crowo, a. Murray Campbell (of Siam), Donald
IMurray, and J. Sutherland. With speeches, songs,
dancing, and niusio a very pleasant evening was
spent.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

123

CEUD FAILTE DO M' DHUTHAICH.

Air Fonn — " NUjheanfhir na Comhraich.

Ceud failte, failte, thir mo ghraidh,
Gur fada, ghraidh, bho "n thriall mi
A null thar cuan bho d' bheanntan ard',
Gu dubhach, craiteach, cianail ;
Ach ged a thriall, a riamh cha d' tbraoigh
Mo ghean "s mo ghaol do 'n duthaich
A dharaich mi 'nuair bha mi maoth,
'S 'nuair bha mi aotram sunntach.

Os ceann gach tir an ear 's an iar
A thriall mi feadh an t-saoghail,
Bu Uisa fein amhain mo mhiann,
Gun fhiaradh riamh no caoohladh ;
Oir ged bhiodh tirean cein car rinn
Gle neonach leam 'nan iamhaidh,
Bu tusa, tusa, thir mo ruin,
An tir bu mhuirnich sgiamh leam.

Cha chuireadh bearta.s mor no maoin
Do raointean gorm air dichuimhn,
'S cha b' urrainn gloir no sulas faoin
Cur as do m' ghaol do d' chriociian ;
Oir cha 'n 'eil neach no ni fodh 'n ghrein,
Cruaidh fhorstan breun no buaireas,
A chlaonas m' aigne, ghraidh bhuat fein,
Gu sinear seimh 'san uaigh mi.

Ged bhiodh an geamhradh greannach, fuar,

Ki cu.airteachadh 'nan ghleanntan ;

't5 ged bhiodh an sneachda, mar bu dual,

.•\ir uachdar fuar 'nam beanntan ;

Gidheadh gu 'm b' fhearr leam fhein an sgiamh,

'S na neoil ri 'g iathadh dluth orr',

Na tirean cein 'sam biodh a' ghrian

Cbo teth 's cho dian ri ghiulan.

Leig leis na h-Innseannaich bhi blath

Ki tamh fodh theas na greine,

"S le nmathan dubh bhi lonj a ghnath.

Gun chota-biin, gun leine !

'S biodh iadsan toilicht anns an doigh

A dhorduicheadh le Dia dhoibh,

Ach b'annsa leam-sa mhuinntir choir

Do 'm buineadh cloth 'us bian geal.

A riamh cha d' thug mi suim no speis
Do 'n dialhan-breige neonach,
'S do 'n iodhalaoraidh oillteil, bhreun,
Cha deanain geil gu deonach ;
'S gur trie a dh-fhag e mise tinn
Bhi cluinntinn screach an canain,
Oir, oh, OS ceann gach cainut is binn,
Gur binn leam fhein a (jhaidhlig.

Thoir dhorah sa mointeach choir an fhraoich,

'S a ghaoth bhiodli fallain, tialaidli,

Ri seideadh suas tre thir nan laoch,

i.e slainte sgaoilt fodh' sgiathan ;

'S biodh acasan an tirean cein

Gach euslaint bhreun a dh-innsear,

An uair bhios mise falbh leam fein,

'S mo cheum air fonn mo shinnear.

'Nuair bhiodh na naimhdean guineach, dan,
'S am Biis gun iochd mu 'n cuairt dhiom,

W c sud an uair bu mhiann le m' lamh
Bhi fior gu brath do d' bhruaichean ;
'S ged bhiodh a' faoileach fiadhaich, fuar,
No teas 'g am bhualadh iosal.
Cha b' nrrain iad gu bas toirt buaidh
Air mend mo luaidh de d' chriochan.

Ge lionmhor ceol a chuala mi,
Bha binn gu fior 'us gleusda,
'Nuair sheideadh suas ceol mor na piob,
Co 'n ceol bhiodh binn 'n am eisdeaohd ?
An sin gu 'n teicheadh each air cul.
Mar ni nach b' fhiu leam cluinntinn,
Oir, oh, b' e sud am balgan-ciuil
A thogadh surd air 'm inntinn.

Tha iomadh seorsa gearradh grinn,

'Us dathan grinn air aodach,

'S tha cuid cho seolta, sgiobalt. cruinn,

'S tha cuid gun loinn oho slaodach ;

Ach 's aithne dhomhsa trusgan gearr

A ruigeas bar nan ghluinean,

Bu trie a choisinn buaidh am blar,

'S a b' aluinn snuadh air urlar.

Gur fior gu 'n d' fhas mo chiamhag liatli,
'8 gu 'n chain mi sgiamh na h-oige,
|S mo cheaim air fas cho Ian do chiall
'S gu 'n thriall am fait ri m' bheo dheth ;
Ach 's coma leam ; tha 'n cridhe blath.
Gun fhailneachadh bho thus air,
"S gur cinnteach mi gu 'm bi gu brath,
Gu 'n carar sios fodh 'n uir e.

Oh, 's iomadh bliadhna thriall a null

Bho dli-fhag mi fonn mo dhuthcha,

'S chaidh iomadh caraid caomh a chall

Bho thionndaidh mi mo chul rint ;

Tha pairt aca 's a' chuan 'nan tamh,

'Us pairt an tirean ceine,

'S och, och, nach fhaic mi chaoidh gu brath.

Am pairt a b' fhearr leam fein ac'.

Cha b' am gu dearbh an laithean aois
A chlaou iad as gun eifeachd,
Ach gearrta sios air cuan 'us raoin,
Gu 'n chaochail iad 'nan treunachd ;
'S gur iomadh teaghlach truagh le bron
A dh-fhag iad leonta, cianail,"
Ri gul_ 's a caoidh na suinn a sheol,
'S nach till iad beo gu siorruidh.

Seadh dh-fhalbh iad sud, 's cha d' fliag 'nan deigh

An leithid fhein 'nan aite,

'S gur trie a bhios mo chridhe reubt'

La ouimhne gheur 'g an aireamh ;

'S air leam gu faic mi cruth nan laoch

Gu caoimhueil, caomh mar b' abhaist,

Ge cian a null bho thir an fhraoich

A dhaog iad fad bho 'n cairdean.

Cha'n 'eil, cha'n 'eil iad ann ni's mo,
Gidheadh gur mor mu run sa
Do thir mo ghraidh, 's am b' abhaist leo
Bhi 'comhnuidh cridheil, sunntach ;
Ged dh'fhas mo cheum, a ghaoil, cho fann
Gu direadh bheanntann arda,
Gidheadh sud ort, a Thir nam Beann
'S le run nach gann — ChUD Failts !
India. L\IN iMacGhriOGAIR.

124

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Clan Mack at Society.— The January nieetiiit,'
of this society was lield in the
Oddfellows' Hall, Edinburgh—
Dr. George Mackay in the
chair. Mr. John Mackay,
secretary, exhibited a i>hot(>.
of the colours of the Dutch
Mackay regiment, and referred
to its history. He also made
a statement in regard to a col-
lection of music of Rob Donn
Mackay 's songs, which led to a
most interesting discussion upon Gaelic music
in general, and Reay country music in particular.
The chairman gave'some particulars in regard to
the furtlicoming social gathering, after which Mr.
Donald Mackay gave an excellent rendering of a
Gaelic song. The meeting was one of the most
siiccessful and enjoyable yet held in Edinburgh.

The February meeting was held in the Water-
loo Rooms, Glasgow, on the loth ult., Lieut. Wm.
Mackay in the chair. There was a large attend-
ance. A valuable paper was read—" Francis Mac-
kay and his three sons "-contributed by Mr. John
Mackay (" Ben Reay"), Germany, in which he gave
an account of the eventful history of a distinguished
family of the clan, since 1G70, in Austria and
Canada. :Mr. John Mackay, Kingston (secretary),
exhibited a number of beautiful colour sketches
of the Mackay country, taken in 1820, and lent by
Mr. John Mackay, Hereford, in connection with
which he gave a description of the various places.
(In this issue of the C. M. we present our readers
with a reproduction of one of these— Rispond,
Durness —Ed.) The after part of the evening was
devoted to songs and music contributed by mem-
bers and friends.

The Uist and Barra Conversazione, which
was held in the Waterloo Rooms, was well attended.
Lieut. John Macdonald occupied the chair, and
gave an account of the work of the society. Other
speeches followed, after which the tables were
cleared away, and dancing was kept up with great
spirit till the early hours of the morning.

Clan Mackinxon Society.— The second annual
gathering of this clan was held
in the Waterloo Rooms— the
chair being occupied by Lieut.-
Col. L. D. Mackinnon, Doch-
garroch. There was a large
,aiiiiil;iiire. The chairman
iii:nlr .1 iiii.st interesting speech,
rciii 1 111'^ to the past history of
me cij.li, U.11' I ii.iiismeii who had done honour to
the name. He quoted Sir Walter Scott's descrip-
tion —

" The ilail ot grey KinROn. whose offsprinp; have given

Such heroes to'cnrth and sui'h nlurlyrs to heaven."

An assembly followed, which was well attended.

Gaelic Society ofGla8i:ow.— A largely attended
meeting of this society was held on the liOth inst.,
in the Religious Institution Rooms— Mr. Magnus
Maclean, M.A., in tlie cliair, who was sui)ported by
Rev. Dr. Ulair, Mr. Win. Mackenzie, Crofters' Com-
mission ; Dr. MacNicol, Uulmally ; Mr. John
Murdoch, and others. Professor O'Growney, May-

nooth College, Ireland, gave a most instructive
lecture upon " Scotland in Early Irish Literature,"
in which he emphasised the close relationship which
existed until nuite recent times between the Celtic
people of Scotland and Ireland. Interesting a,d-
dresses were given by Messrs. Henry Whyte, John
ISIurdoch, and the chairm;vn. The learned Irish
Celtic professor received a very hearty reception
from the Gaels of Glasgow, and we trust that this will
only be the beginning of a closer intimacy between
the Gaelic students of Erin and Scotia.

Clan Chattan Association.— The first monthly
meeting of this association was held in the
Trades' Hall, about 200 members being present.
Mr. William Mackintosh, president, occupied the
chair, and stated that there were 3000 members of
the different septs of the clan on the Ghisgow
electoral roll. The secretary (Mr. W. G. Davidson)
gave a short address on the aims of the society.
Other meetings are being arranged for.

Clan Maclean Society.— A very successfvU con-
cert in connection with this
vigorous society was held in the
Assembly Rooms, Bath Street,
under the presidency of .Mr.
Lachlan Maclean, vice - presi-
dent, who delivered an eloquent
address on the clan and its
eventful history. The musical
part of the programme was well
su.stained, and an assembly
followed.
Cl^n Gregok Society.— The monthly meeting of
this society was held

tlie ciali, j-ui

on the 13th ult., in
the N.B. Railway
Hotel — Mr. John
MactJregor in llic
chair. .Mr. .MacGrcgor
Kergusson delivered a
moat interesting ad-
dress on '• Some Inci-
dents in the Life of
Hob Hoy," which led
to a very instructive
discussion. The chair-
man stated that it was proposed to have a clan excur-
sion this summer to the MacGregor country He
also advocated the opening of a H.ghUmd club or
reading-rooms in Glasgow, a proposal which was vu)
favourtibly received. The clan piper gave a selection
of tunes on the pipes, and a pleasant evening was

^'"annual Social GATiinuiNos.-We regret that
owing to the pressure on our space this moii h we
cannot notice as fully as we would like all the High-
land gatherings held since our last issue. ^\ e may
mention, however, that the following very successlul
gatherings were held, in each case the hall being
crowdedT-The Glasgow Cowal Societj--Uiau-n,an,
Lord Provost Russell; Kintyre gaU^^ing- .Mr.
Graham of Erins ; Edinburgh Sutherland— Mr. Ucw
Morrison ; Coatbridge Higblanders-Mr. Graeine A.
Whilelaw, M.P. ; Brechin Celtic Society-Mr. A. K.
Maclean Murray ; Glasgow Ross and t romarly-
Sheriff Johnstone ; Clau Menz-ies «o^'"^\y-^f ''^."'■'
Mcnzies; Clan Mackay - Rev Ir. J. Abengh
Mackay ; London Argyllshire-Dr. II. C. Gillics.

SIR MALCOLM MACGREGOR OF MACGREGOR, BART,,

Cliff ,,/ III,- Cliiii llrnjiir.

TM CELTIC MONTHLY:

4 MAGAZINE FOU HIGHLMDEfiS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 7. Vol. II.]

APRIL, 1894.

[Price Threepence.

SIR MALCOLM MACGREGOR OF
MACGREGOR, BART.

Ip^lHE j'oung Chief of Clau Gregor, whose
Xl^ portrait is now given, will attain his
^■^^ majority this year, having been born
on the 3rd August, 1873, at Edinchip, in Bal-
quhidder. He joined H.M.S. Britannia as a
naval cadet in September, 1S8G, and passed
into the Eojal Navy in December, 1888, third
on a list of .59, and was immediately appointed
to H.M.S. Beileroplion, the flagshijj on the North
American station, under the command of Ad-
miral Watson. Sir Malcolm returned to Eng-
land in 1892, and served during the summer as
midshipman on board the training ship at Leith.
In the winter of the same year he went to the
West Indies with the training squadron.

Since April, 1893, he has been going through
the various classes and e.xaminationH at Green-
wich for the rank of lieutenant, and in every
esamination hitherto has obtained a 1st class
certihcate. He is now at Portsmouth, prepar-
ing for the examination in pilotage.

The young chief has one brother, Alexander
Pionald — now at Malvern College— and three
sisters, the eldest of whom married, in June,
1892, the Hon. Granville Somerset, grandson
of General Lord Raglan, the British Commander-
in Chief in the Ci'imea.

Edinchip, the family residence, was built in
18i8, by Sir John Atholl, grauilfather of the
present baronet, and contains manj- interesting
relics connected with the family and clan, and
also with the Bannatyues of Kames.

Sir Malcolm is a staunch Highlander, de-
voted to his clan and coimtry. His father, the
late Rear Admiral Sir ^lalcolm MacGregor,
entered the navy in 1 846, vvhen only j ust twelve
years old, and his first voyage was in H.]\I.S.
Hoice, when she took Her Majesty Queen
Adelaide to Madeka. After serving on differ-

ent stations Sir Malcolm went to the Crimea in
1854 as first lieutenant on board H.M.S. Ro/iai
Albert (Captain Pasley), but was soon appointed
fiag-lieutenant to Admiral Sir Frederick Grey.
At the end of the war, on Sir Frederick haul-
ing down his flag. Sir Malcolm was promoted
to the rank of commander. In that rank he
commanded H.M.S. Harrier and H.M.S. Ma:-
under, and was a second time appointed to the
command of H.M.S. Harrier, on the Austrahan
station, in ISGO, whence he returned on attain-
ing the rank of post captain, at the early
age of twenty-eight years. In 18G4 he mar-
ried Lady Helen Laura M'Donuell, only child
of Hugh Seymoui- M'Donnell, 9th Earl of
Antrim.

In the winter of 1 867 he went to the West
Coast of Africa in command of H.M.S. Damie,
which command he resigned at the end of a
year, affairs at home requii'ing his presence.

Sii' Malcohn received the Crimean medal and
the Turkish Order of the Mejidje for his ser-
vices in the Crimea, and was awarded the
medal of the Humane Society for saving the
life of one of the men of H.M.S. JJanae by
jumping overboard and swimming with a life-
belt to his rescue.

Sir Malcolm became a rear admiral a few
months before his death in August, 1S79. He
was greatly beloved by all who knew him, and
took the keenest interest in all matters pertain-
ing to his own clan and to the Highlands
generally.

The present burial-jjlace of the chief's family
is a mausoleum built by Sir John Murray Mac-
Gregor, in Balquhidder; the previous one is
further up the Braes at Invercearuaig ; and in
still lilder clays the chiefs were laid to rest on
Inch Cailleach, in Loch Lomoud. Among the
articles of interest at Edinchip are the broad-
sword used at the battle of Gleufruin by Alex-
ander MacGregor, the then chief of Clan
Gregor, and a dirk given by Prince Charles
Edward to his aide-de-camp, Major Evau ]Mac-
Gregor, the great-great-great-grandfather of
the present Sir Malcolm.

126 THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

THE HEADLESS SPECTRE: A SUTHERLANDSHIRE GHOST STORY.

By the Editor.

Chapter I. — The G haves of the
Strangers.
WONDER how many of my readers in
their summer wanderings have visited
Durness, that green and fertile land,
rich in beauty of natural scenery, and
the congenial home of poetry and ro-
mance. It borders on the wild Pentland
Firth, and even on the calmest day the
surge and roar of the ocean may be
heard far inland. In this old-world place
you tind the quaintest relics of ancient
times rubbing shoulders familiarly with
the most recent developments of our
modern civilisation. On all sides the
eye meets objects which bring you into
contact with the remote j)ast. Every
hill, stream, glen and headland has its
tale of battle, love, or disaster. Indeed,
if the traditions of this historical coun-
try were collected and published, they
would form a volume of the most ab-
sorbing interest. I have heard many
of these stories related, and it is now
my intention to narrate one of the most
remarkable which it has been my privi-
lege to hear. Many of my readers who
do not believe in the supernatural or
'second sight" may describe it as a mere
invention, or a freak of the imagina-
tion, but I have taken the trouble to
verify the truth of the story in various
conclusive ways, and, furthermore, there
are many persons now living who re-
member the incidents quite distinctly,
so that the facts may be accepted as
being well authenticated. I shall en-
deavour to describe these events in
[ilain language, exactly as 1 heard them
related b}' one who was an eye-witness
of them.

One day I found myself in the
ancient graveyard of Balnakeil, which
is certainly the most interesting spot in
the whole county of Sutherland. It
takers us at one ste]i back to the time of
the Culdees. In it are the ruins of a
monastery, a venerable relic of the wild
days of old, when the lionian Catholic Church was a power in the land, and the strongest arm and
the sharpest liroadsword were the universal arbiters of what was right or wrong. In it also is the
grave of Rob Donn Mackay, the Reay country Gaelic bard, covered with a rude stone bearing a brief
inscription, and near it is the handsome monument erected to his memory by his admiring clans-
men in 1829. The wliole surface of the ground is covered with stones, many of them most
beautiful examples of the sculptor's art.

I came at last to a corner of the graveyard where there were the marks of many graves, but

•this I'LAfP; IS KNOW.V TO US AS THE CORNi:i! OF TIIK
' ANONYMOUS.' "

THE CELTIC MONTHLY,

1-27

there was not one stone ei'ected to record the
names of the persons who were buried there. I
thought it very remarkable, and asked a friend
who accompanied me if he could explain the
reason.

"Ah," he said, "don't you know the history
of this corner'? It is a very strange place, and
if the poor fellows who sleep there could ri.se
and tell their histories and sufferings, they
would have some weird slories to relate."

t^uch a reply was only calculated to provoke
my curiosity, and I asked my friend to tell me
what he knew of the mysterious spot.

" Well, if I could only remember all I have
heard I daresay I could narrate some thrilling
tales that would cause you to wonder. This
place is known to us as the corner of the ' anony-
mous ' — the graves of the strangers. Being so
close to Cape Wrath, this coast was at one time
the scene of the most dreadful disasters.
Wrecks along these rock-bound shores were of
frequent occurrence, and on many a fateful
morning, when the day broke after a storm, the
people have found the shore strewn with wreck-
age and the dead bodies of the unfortunate
crew. Many a lirave seaman, whose name was
never known to us, has found his last long
home in this peaceful corner, and no one al)le
to convey to his sorrowing wife and family the
sad news that the poor sailor liad found a grave
on Sutherland soil."

" But," I said, " surely the splendid light-
house at the Cape will make a wreck here now
rather a rare occurrence 1 "

" Wrecks do take place on rare occasions, but
a sei-ious disaster which hapiiened many years
ago created a great stir in the country, and was
preceded and attended by circumstances which
are likely to cause wonder for years to come.
No fewer than sixteen bodies were washed
ashore on the sands, and these green mounds
mark the place of their burial."

" But, tell me," I asked, " what are the curi-
ous circumstances to which you refer. Was it
anything supernatural 1 "

"I do not know what you would call it, or
whether science could now explain what even
to the present day the people of Durness cannot
understand ; but this 1 do know, that there are
persons living here who will remember that
awful shipwreck to their dying days. It seems
to me that there are influences operating in our
midst which can only find their origin in the
spirit world. The great dark gulph which
separates the living and the dead is bridged
over, if only we could find the entrance. But
there we all fail."

From tlie serious manner in which my friend
spoke, I felt sure that there was some horrible

story connected with these nameless graves, and
that story I was most anxious to hear.

" But you have not yet told me the extraor-
dinary circumstances you refer to," I replied.
" Surely it cannot be that the liviug and the dead
have held communion in this secluded place'?"

" My dear sir, I would not care to relate to
you — even although I knew the whole facts,
which I do not — all that I have heard told
about this disaster. Were 1 to do so you would
think me superstitious, or that I was narrating
the distorted impression of some hideous night-
mare. But if you ask Joseph Morrison, who
lives in the village, he will tell you all about
the wreck of the Juniper. He was an eye-
witness of the events, and T only heard the
facts related, but when you have heard his
story you will in some measure understand the
mysteries which are associated with these green
mounds."

I need hardly say that these strange remarks
interested me very much. That very evening I
paid a visit to the village, and found Morrison
standing outside his cottage door enjoying a
chat with a neighbour after his day's labours.
After a good deal of persuasion I induced him
to tell me the story of the shipwreck, but he
assured me before he commenced that he was
not superstitious — he only believed that things
hajipen in every person's experience which no
one can satisfactorily explain.

Seating himself on the dyke by the roadside,
from which an excellent view of the bay, which
lay right in front of us, could be had, my friend
narrated the following story. I cannot do
better than tell it in his own simple but graphic

Chapter II. — Morrison Encounters the
Spectre.

When ] was a young lad, many years ago,
the boys of this place were very fond of playing
on the long stretch of sand which you see in
front of us. Our favourite game was " hai'es and
hounds," M'hich we usually played when dark-
ness lent an additional excitement to the game.
I can remember, as if it were but yesterday, a
number of us going down to the shore to engage
in our favourite pastime. It was an evening
just like this. The moon glimmered through a
mass of clouds, yet clearly enough to permit one
to recognise objects at a considerable distance.
The rocks which jut out from the sand here and
there cast shadows which usually proved con-
venient hiding - places for the poor hunted
" hare."

The game was let loose, and after the usual
grace time had elapsed, the "hounds" set out in
pursuit. All the jDack except myself took the

128

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

right side of the bay, wliile I went in the opjio-
site direction alone, feeling sure that 1 sliould
find the quarry hiding among the rocks in the
distance. Unsuccessful in uiy search, I decided
to conceal myself among the boulders, and watch
the sands in the hope of seeing the olyect of my
pursuit. It was a very lonely spot, and although
I was not much given to superstitious notions, I
began to feel just a little bit "queer." The
cold, clammy air, and the dismal surge of the
billows, combined with a sense of lonliness,
helped to cool my youthful ardent spirits. IMy
companions were now far out of sight and
hearing.

I was just about to rise from my uncomfort-
able position when I fancied I saw in the dis-
tance a figure near the water's edge. "This
roust be the hare after all," I thought. " I
knew I would catch him ! " so I decided to i-e-
main still, and when it had come near enough
to me, I would pounce upon it. I watched the
figure as it passed alongside the edge of the
water, and when it came nearer I could make it
out a little more distinctly. I had only watched
it for a short time when I felt a curious feeling
coming over me. I tried to shake it off, but
found I could not. The horrible idea suggested
itself to me that it was a ghost ! This proposi-
tion I soon ]iut to the test. Right in front of
the advancing figure was a part of the sand
which was still moist and dark with water.
" Now," I thought, " if this figure is a human
being, his footsteps will leave a mark in the
sand, which I can easily see. If a spirit —
ghosts leave no marks." Trembling with excite-
ment, I watclied the shadowy figure. It reached
the moist spot and — disappeared ! In a second
it reajipeared on tlie opposite side, and seemed to
glide along, rather than walk. I tried to scream,
but 1 could not, my throat was parched. I
strove to rise, liut I was utterly helpless. Some
powerful influence held me in its iron grasp,
and I was \inable to resist it. Oh I I .shall never
forget those dreadful moments.

1 lay still and simply stared at the ajjparition.

Then I saw clearly that it had the appearance of
a man with no clothes upon him except a shirt,
which fluttered in the breeze. Slowly the figure
approached, and soon it was quite close to the
side of the rocks. It had now left the edge of
the water, and was coming straight towards me.
Unable to stand the strain on my nerves any
longer, I overcame the feeling of weakness which
oppressed me, and struggling to my feet, scram-
bled over the rocks towards the grassy bank
wliich overlooked the sands. Trembling like a
leaf I reached the top, kee]iing my face towards
the sea, and dreading each moment that the
unearthly spectre would clutch me.

Before fl}ing from the scene I gave one glance
behind, and there, sure enough, was the ghostly
apparition gliding up tlie l)ank towards me. I
was again helpless — that terrible feeling had
again taken possession of me. I watched it,
fascinated, and I then saw for the first time
that — horror of liorrors — the spectre had no
liead ! The upper part of the head from the
mouth was missing. The lower jaw only re-
mained — the rest was a Ijloody cavity!

Then I found strength to run and scream. I
ran as I had never run before, feeling that a
horrible fiend was close behind me. Bursting
into the first house I came to, that of James
Mackay, I fell down on the floor in a fainting
state. Hearing the frightful screams, all the
the people round about ran out, and pressed
into the house. When I recovered somewhat I
narrated as best I could all I had seen. No one
said anything to doubt the truth of my story,
my pallid face and trembling limbs showed only
too ]ilainly that 1 had seen "something." No
one suggested that it was not a ghost, but it
was noticeable that the people gave the sands a
wide berth after that at night. The boys no
longer played " hares and hounds " among the
rocks, and soon every one in the parish, and for
many miles beyond, heard the story of the head-
less spectre of Durness Sands.

(To be concluded).

DONALO.M?^KMVR.CHOV
IS.LO.VASIUTOHIS.

-* — ~. rREl^a

.- .(^.VAR..TO

.VE'TO.^HIS.MAIS
:R.- lN*VEIRD.AtO:V0. mn^

CUUIOUS TOMUSTOKli IN bAl.NAKhll. I llAI'DI,, DLKKESS.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

129

THE LATE A. B. M'GRIGOR, LL.D.,
GLASGOW.

President, Clan Gregor Society.

|p|a|HIS month we give the portrait of the
V^ late Dr. A. B. M'Grigor, who was Presi-
'^J^ dent of the Clan Gregor Society from
1887 till his death in 1891.

Dr. M'Grigor's career was one of which the
society and the clan may well be proud. Born
in 1827, and a
native of Glas-
gow, in which
town his great-
grandfather had
settled in the
beginningof last
century, he was
the senior part-
ner of the well-
known firm of
Messrs. M'Gri-
gor, Donald &
Co., solicitors, a
concern whose
commencement
dates from well
over 100 years
ago, it having
been established
in the latter half
of last century
by Mr. Alexan-
der M'Grigor.
grandfather of
Dr. A. B. M'Gri-
gor, and himself
in later years a
vice-president
of the society.
From an early
period in his
career Dr.
M'Grigor took
a leading rank
among those of
his profession,
and for twenty-
five years before

his death he appeared in almost every important
legal inquiry and negotiation in Glasgow, among
which may be mentioned the City of Glasgow
Union Railway Company, with its numerous bills
and references; the Glasgow Tramway Company,
the Vale of Clyde Tramway Company, and
latterly the City of Glasgow Bank, in connection
with the failure of which he was elected (with
one other) to make the preliminary report to
the shareholders, and was subsequently the chief

adviser in the liquidation and the numerous
cases which aro.se from it. Through all of them
he was identified with the best traditions of
his profession, with the strictest honour, invio-
late confidence and high talents. But he was
more than a successful lawyer, he was .also a
man of wide culture and academic and intellec-
tual attainments, and among his friends he was
highly esteemed for his ready sympathy, his
genial temperament, and his largeness of heart.
An omnivorous and rapid reader, he was
thoroughly
versed in the
contents of his
library, which
was an excep-
tionally large
and varied one,
and tiiere were
not many better
acquainted with
all that was
worth reading
in the general
literature of
poetiy, history,
and iirt.

An honorary
LL.D. of Glas-
gow University,
he for many
years acted as
Lord Rector's
assessor in the
University
Court, and in
few places is he
better remem-
liered than in
the precincts of
that University
which has as-
sisted the citi-
zens of Glas-
gow to record
the acknowledg-
ment of his ser-
vices by the
erection of a
beautiful win-
dow in the Bute Hall to his memory.

A keen clansman, he was perhaps prouder of
being President of the Clan Gregor Society tlian
of any other honours which had been bestowed
upon him, and his services to the society at its
resuscitation in 1886 were simply invaluable.
From then he took the greatest interest in its
prospects and affairs generally, and its present
thoroughly sound and successful position is
greatly owing to him, Editok.

130

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TONGUE AND ITS HISTORIC
SURROUNDINGS.

By Jons Mackay, C.E., J.P., Hereford.

Part III. — The Mackays at Bannockburn.

(Continued fro7ii pcuje 117).

'HILE the Scottish forces were thus
gathering; together to the Torwood, the
appointed rendezvous, and being drilled
by companies, brigades, and divisions, under the

care of Edward Bruce, Douglas, and Randolph,
Robert Bruce was prudently engaged in piepar-
ing for the impending and eventful conflict by
every means that military expediency, experi-
ence, and knowledge of warfare could dictate,
or ingenuity and strategy could devise. As a
necessary preliminary, he ordered tlie wliole
population from Berwick to Stirling, unable to
bear arms, to remove with their goods and
chattels to the hills, out of the way of the in-
vading enemy. At the same time he looked out
for a field of battle advantageous to his own

Tongue nor.sii— tiiu a.nciknt seat

small army to contest for the gage of victory
with Ivlward's mighty power now advancing
from Berwick —

" So wide, so far, that boundless host,
Seem'd in the blue horizon lost."

Bruce, with that intuitive strategic skill which
distinguishes great commanders, selected his
battlefield immediately north of the Bannock
burn, having a front long enough to give the
three front divisions of his small army fairplay
and space for fighting, and short enough to eni-

barrass the big battalions of his ojiponents in
deploying fur a general attack. His right front
and Hank were protected from cavalr}- charges
by the steep banks of the Bannock and by a
wood. His left, on the east, was posted on the
high ground in front of St. Ninian, and in a
measure |ir()tccted by a morass, which could be
turned, but, to obviate this defect, a few nights
before the battle he quietly ordered parallel rows
of small pits to be dug in the firm groun<l be-
tween the morass and his left flank and front,
to disorder and bewilder the English men-at-

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

131

arms in the event of their attacking liini in
those quarters. Stakes were placed in tiiese
])its, and he caused them to be lightly but care-
fully covered over to deceive the enemy.

Having thus skilfully secured a favourable
field, and made all requisite preparations, he
calmly abided in the Torwood for the approach
of the invading army. Learning that it was
advancing from Linlithgow, Bruce ordered his
army to retire by divisions from the Torwood
and take post on the positions assigned them in
the chosen field by Bannock's banks. Edward
Bruce, with liis division, marched away first and
took up his position on the right, Douglas
followed and took up his in the centre, by
Edward's left, Randolph with his division took

up the space allotted to it on the left of Douglas,
while Bruce himself, with the rear division,
took a central jjositiou on a rising ground behind
the centre division of Douglas, in order that
from this commanding position he might the
better watch the pliases of the lighting and order
assistance to be given to any of his front divi-
sions as necessity arose. Sir Walter Scott beau-
tifully describes how each of these divisions was
composed, and where they came from. Of the
left division he says —

" North-eastward, by St Ninian's shrine.
Beneath fierce Randolph's charge, combine
Tlie warriors whom the hardy north
From Tay to Sutherland set forth."

Having thus placed his army in position under

rh,.t„]

TIIK FIELD OF BANNOLKBl F.N H.il.M Till. l.II.LIEh HILL.

[/-/' Vulnilhw,

the command of three of the best fighting gene-
rals of the age, Bruce raised liis banner to the
breeze, waiting for Edward's approacli, which
was not long in coming —

" Flashing with steel and rough with gold
And l)ristled o'er with bills and spears,
With plumes and pennons waving fair
Was that bright battle front ! "

This was some of the foremost divisions of
Edward's army, which, on the evening of the
23rd of June, came in sight of the Scottish
array posted opposite to them on the other side
of the Bannock. It was on this evening that
Bruce's personal encounter with the De Bohun
took place, and the discomfiture by Randolph of
a body of English cavalry that attempted to

pass by his left to relieve Stirling. Two events
successful in their results that greatly roused
the spirits of the Scots and as greatly depressed
the English.

Early in the morning of the eventful 24th
June, 1.314, both armies were astir. Bruce, now
mounted on his great war-horse, and attended
by his generals, rode along the whole line of his
front division, encouraging one and all to stand
firm, and addressed them in tho.se stirring terms
so well paraphrased by Burns. The enthusiasm
was immense. Generals, commanders and men
took up the theme, and responsive swore —

For Scotland's freedom, king, and laws
That day "to do or die."

The battle began by the advance of a formid-

132

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

aWe body of English archers from tlie h'ft, who
fiercely assailed with their artillery Kdward
Bruce's division, inflicting considerable damage
upon his men. Tiie tiery Edward could scarcely
restrain himself from advancing to attack them.
Meanwhile his more prudent brother ordered
Keith with his men at arms to make a detour
and fall upon the archers in flank and rear.
This movement was completely successful. The
archers were so cut up that they fled the field,
and gave no more trouble that daj' Tlie fight-
ing now became general all along the line from
west to east.

"Unflinching foot 'gainst foot was set.
Unceasing blow by blow was met,
And slaughter revell'd round."

Yet the fighting went on fast and furious. The
King of England, provoked by the sturdy and
obstinate resistance of the Scots, ordered a divi-
sion of his mail-clad cavalry to advance and
make a furious charge on Randolph's and
Douglas's divisions, partly posted behind the
pits. This grand charge, from which so much
was expected, soon ended in disaster and com-
plete overthrow.

"Down I down ! in headlong overthrow.
Horsemen and horse, tlie foremost go

Wild Houndering on the field.
They came like mountain-torrent red.
They broke like that same torrent wave
When swallowed by a darksome cave."

The terrible failure of this grand cavalry^ attack
disconcerted Edward and his commanders and
dispirited his whole soldiery, still, English tena-
city would not yield. Fresh divisions from tlie
rear were brought to the front to sustain the
fight. Bruce from his vantage position anxiously
yet calmly watched the phases of the dreadful
conflict ; he intently scanned its ebb and flow,
and admiringly beheld how valiantly his men
were contending with much sujierior numbers,
now and again re-enforced. Edward's supe-
riority in number of men enabled him to renew
the battle after every repulse. Tlie Scots,
animatinl by their brave commanders, and
cheered by their gallant king calling to them in
confident tones—

" My merry men, tight on ! "

redoubUnl their efforts, did fight on, ami eveiitu-
iilly were gaining ground, when Bruce's eagle
eye, perceiving that the crisis of the battle had
at last tak(;n place, shouted —

" On thcni, men I on them ! they fail ! they fail \"

Wheeling his war-horse round, lie rod(! to tlie
rear division, hitherto held in reserve, but burn-
ing with im])atience to have a ))art in the fray,
and ordered it to advance. Then, rising in his

stirrups and brandishing his great claymore,
exclaimed —
" Follow me ! one effort more, and Scotland's free."

Then directing Angus Og ISIacDonald, with his
west Highlanders, who formed the right wing
of this division, to wlieel to his right and assist
his brother Edward, he addressed him in these
words : —

" Lord of the Isles ! my trust in thee
Is firm as Ailsa Rock ;
Rush on with Highland sword and targe,
While I with my Carrick spearmen charge.
Now I forward to the shock."

Bruce personally led his Carrick spearmen
and the rest of his division to the assistance of
Douglas and Randolph. These reinforcements
arriving so opportunely gave a fresh impetus to
the Scots, and dismayed the front ranks of the
English. At this critical moment the baggage-
guards and camp-followers appeared to the Eng-
lish commander on the horizon, marching over
the Gillies' Hill, like an army arriving to the
assistance of the Scots. Confounded at this
spectacle, the tenacity of the English gave way,
and Bruce, at once judging that the supreme
moment had come, like Wellington at W^aterloo,
ordered a general advance to be made, which
soon swept the Plaiitagenet and his myrmidons
oflT the field, and Bannockburn was won I A
glorious field of fight, creditable alike to the
noble Bruce, to his brave lieutenants, and to
every gallant Scot, Lowland and Highland, who
contributed to the victory.

The consequences of it were of the highest
importance to the king and the country, politi-
cally, morally, and socially. It asserted tlie in-
dependence of Scotland, secured for it twenty
vears of internal peace and tranciuility after
twenty years of internal wars and commotions;
raised the character of the Scots, while it equally
depressed the arrogance and ambitious motives
of the English and their kings.

Bruce aftervvards gratefully acknowledged his
obligations to those who aided him in his adver-
sity or contributed to his pros)ierity. He en-
dowed his chiefs with large estates, and amongst
the yeomen classes whose services to him in his
(lays of adversity did not go unr(;wanled w.'re
the Mackays of Kintyre, who harboured and
befriended him after "the fight and flight at
Methven, and the dispersion of his followers by
MacDougall of Lorn. To these he gifted lands
in Mid Kintyre, where they prospered greatly,
for in the 17th century there wen; not less than
twelve territorial lairds of the name Mackay in
that district.

To tile Mackays in Galloway he was ecjually
liberal. Some of these assisted him after the
dispersion of liis patriot band by Aymei- De

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

137

ably brotliers. Leases of tliis old date are
ulvvays valuable, and this one forms no exception.
While the landlord warrants the possession, he
also maintains and defends the tenant, and, on
the other hand, the tenant not only pays rent
but gives service. It should be remembered, to
Angus's credit, that he did not raise the rent,
leaving the same as by use and wont. The
period of endurance is indefinite, and is important
in ascertaining what the real position of tenant
and occupier was of old. Though the spelling
is modernised the language is so rude that the
meaning is occasionally doubtful. I ha%-e not
hitherto observed the name of this clergyman
of Eilean Finan parish, now united with Ardna-
murchan. The old church stood in a small
i-sland lying towards the south-east of Loch
Shiel. Neither have I observed the name of
John MucGliey, vicar of Kildalton, who was
probably the writer of the document.

" Be it kenned to all men by these presents, me,
Angus M'Conall of Dunywag and Glenis, &c., grants
to have set in assedation for farm duty, and service
letting, and by the tenor hereof sets, and for farm
duty and service sets to my loving servitours, Donald
Mac Innis Mao vie Finlay, minister of Ilan-Inan, and
to Finlay Macdonald maol Mac vlo Finlay, all and
haill the ten-merk land of the farm land of ReseboU.
with the pertinents thereof, lying within the land of
Sunart, and sherift'dom of Tarbert, the said Donald
and Finlay, their heirs and assignees, paying to rae,
the said Angus, and ray heirs and assignees, yearly,
the ferme of old use and wont, their entry being
at the Whitsunday afore the day and date hereof, and
this ferme to be paid every year at the Whitsunday
term. This ten-merk land, before named, of farm
land shall be enjoyed, bruiked, and possessed by the
saids Donald and Finlay, their heirs and assignees,
as long and during the true, leal, affaild service done
to me, the said Angus, and my heirs ; — And in like
manner I. the said Angus, binds and obliges nie, my
heirs and assignees, to assist, warrant, and defend the
saids Donald and Finlay against all manner of men
whatsoever, during their true service done to me, the
said Angus, and my posteretheis (successors?) against
all manner of men whatsomever, — And attour, when
the ferme is paid yearly at the term, the officer's part
to be allowed. In witness, and for more verification
of this letter of tack, we, the saids Angus, and
Donald, and Finlay, our heirs, subscribes this present
letter at Ardtelwa, the 17th day of August, 1595,
before these witnesses — John Oig Macleod, John Oig
Mao laine, and Ion M'Ghey, wicar and minister of
Kildalton, &c. (Signed) Angus M'Connall off Dun-
waig, Donald Mac vie Finlay. minister of Ellanfynan,
Finlay Macdonald Mowill, officer of the saidis landis
foirsaid, with my h.and on the pen."

Sir James Lyle Mackay, the distinguished
Indian financier, has decided to contest Plymouth
at next election.

Lord Archibald Campbell has presented Miss
J. N. MacLachlan with a beautiful cU'irsach, or
harp, the first of several manufactured by Mr. R.
Buchanan, jun., Glasgow.

Death of Dr. Mackonalu, lath M.P. for
Ross-shire. — Dr. Roderick Macdonald, late mem-
ber of Parliament for Ross-shire, died on Friday
afternoon, !)th ult., at his residence in Camden
Road, London. The deceased gentleman had been
ill for some months, and underwent a serious opera-
tion, which has just terminated fatally. Dr. Mac-
donald lost his wife some time ago, and never
seemed the same man afterwards. The deceased
was the son of a crofter, and was born in the island
of Skye. He became a tutor, and subsequently
studied for the medical profession at Edinburgh,
where he took his degree as M.D. On removing
to London, he practised in the East End. When
the Middlesex district was divided, about seven
years ago, he was elected to the Coronership, for
the north-east portion, a post worth £1600 per
annum. We understand that he has left handsome
bequests to several Scotch charitable institutions
in London, and to a few personal friends. His
property amoimted to £28,000. Dr. Macdonald
was one of the earliest subscribers to the Celtic
Moitthhi.

HIGHLAND NOTES AND QUERIES.

Clan Mackay. — I believe the words "wig wor-
gan " (mliic Morgan) are used by the Clan Mackay.
Can you inform me what this means ] If it is the
" son of Morgan," who was he / how was the name
derived ? and what does Morgan mean ( — J. Mao-
Lauhlan, London.

Macindoe. — Having read in various Highland
magazines particulars regarding the origin of High-
land surnames, I do not find any reference to the
name Macindoe. I have been told it signifies "' the
son of black John," as Mac Ian /'hH</i testifies this.
Perhaps some of your readers could say whether
this is correct or not. — John Macindoe, Glasgow.

The Clan Ferguson Society celebrated their
second annual reunion in the Trades' Hall, on 8th
ult. — Mr. James Ferguson, jun., of Kinmuudy, in
the chair. The attendance was good, the pro-
gramme was excellent, and the proceedings passed
ofl' with great eclat.

Gaelic Society of Gla.sgow. — At the last meet-
ing, the Rev. Dr. Blair, Edinburgh, delivered a lec-
ture on " Aiteal de sheann nithean Giddhealach "
(A glimpse of old Highland matters), which was
greatly enjoyed by the members, as all Dr. Blair's
Gaelic addresses are.

The Lewis and Harris Association met in the
Waterloo Rooms on Cth March — Mr. Malcolm
Macleod, president, in the chair. Mr. Henry
Whyte (Fiuim) delivered a most amusing lecture on
" Highland Wit and Humour," which clearly proved
that the Celt has as keen a sense of humour as his
southern critic.

Edinburgh Sutherland Association. — At the
March meeting of this association, Mr. D. W.
Kemp, J.P. , gave some interesting notes on the
schools and schoolmasters of Sutherland of past
generations, and stated that he was preparing a
work on that subject, and invited members to assist
him in collecting material for the " Fasti."

138

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

MAJOR A. Y. MACKAY, GRANGEMOUTH.

ipi3||HE ancestors of Andrew Younger Mackay,
V^ of Lea Park, hailed originally from the
^^^^ neighbourhood of Tain, Ross-shire. His
grandfather, Andrew Mackay, was a man of
distinguished scientific attainments, and, in ad-
dition to a professorship of mathematics, held
the responsible post of examiner for Trinity
House, London, and also for the East India
Company ; and liis father, George Gray Mackay,
in conjunction
with an elder
brother (John
Selby Mackay),
took a principal
part in founding
the Grangemouth
Coal Company.

Grangemouth
has had an almost
phenomenal
growth, having,
within living
memory, more
than quadrupled
its population and
risen into con-
siderable import-
ance as a sea))()rt
town. The two
brothers referred
to above grew
with its growth —
helped, indeed, to
make it what it
in — and, until
their death a few
years ago, filled
an honoured and
very conspicuous
place in the life
of the young com-
munity.

The subject of
this sketch was
born in Grange-
mouth in 1S1.">,
where lie still re-
Bides. After com-
pleting his education at Dollar Academy, he
entered the office of the (Jrangemouth Coal Co.,
of which his father was nianiiger. In 1SG8 he
went over to Germany, and was for eleven
months in a large shipowner's oHico in Rostock,
and on his return he passed into the employ of
George G. Mackay, steamship owner and iron
merchant, where he remained till ISt^.'S. There-
after, with a cousin as partner, he started the
firm of A. & A. Y. Mackay, steamship managers

and commission merchants, and is still engaged
in carrying on this business in its difl'erent
branches.

Mr. Mackay's aims have never been selfish.
As a volunteer, he is an enthusiast, and is
almost entitled to be called a veteran. Joining
the 1st Stirlingshire — now known as the 12th
Coy. of the 1st Fife — Volunteer Artillery as far
back as 1861 as a gunner, he has i)assed in
succession through the various grades up to the
rank of honorary major and commander of the
company, and last
spring received
the volunteer de-
coration as a tri-
bute to his long
and faithful ser-
vices. As a
civilian he takes
more than his full
share of public
work, in proof of
which it will be
sufficient to state
that he is a Burgh
Commissioner, is
sitting for the
second time as a
Councillor for the
County of Stir-
lingshire, and is
completing his
sixth year as
C h a i r m an of
G ra nge m outh
School Board, a
position which he
lias filled to the
entire satisfaction
of his coadjutors.
Mr. Mackay
has, since its for-
iiiatiou, been an
I'lithusiastic mem-
ber of the Clan
Mackay Society,
and a liberal con-
triljutor to its
funds.

Born and bred
in the Free Church, he is'still one of her staunch
and generous sup|)ort('rs.

Warm hearted, o]ien-lianded, in all things
above suspicion and reliable to the last degree,
Mr. Mackay is serving his day and generation
according to the will of God. There may be
more eventful careers than his ; there is not
any more lionoured or useful. It is through
such men that the life of a community is kept
fresh and sweet. S. M. Riddick.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

139

GAELIC AIRS TO LOWLAND SONGS.

By Malcolm MacFahlane.

{Continued from page 118).
Songs by Burns to Gaelic Airs.
Some of these are given in the preceding list,
and need not be repeated.

25. Gala Water. " From time immemorial,"
says Dean Christie in his ' Collection of Ballads,'
" ' Richie's Lady ' has been a favourite in
Bnclian ; and no wonder that ' Cam ye by
Athol,' liy Neil Gow, jun., became such a
favourite with the populace, seeing tliat its first
strain is little more tlian ' Gala Water ' turned
into Qjd: time." "Richie's Lady" is a set of
" Gala Water." The air is replete with Gaelic
feeling, and is a perfect e.vample of Gaelic style,
except the coda to which " Braw, braw lads " is
sung ; and this has apparently been added to
please the Lowland ear. For Gaelic tunes
ending similarly on the suspended notes | I : s ||
see Giulhin nam ho — The Cow-boy, and The
Highland Widow's Lament.

26. Bonnie Peggy Alison. The Braes o'
Balquhidder. There are two tunes named " The
Braes o' Balquhidder." One lias an older name,
"The Three Carles o' Buchiinan," is called
Gaelic in Maver's collection, and is suggestive of
Criiac/inii Be'inii.

27. From thee Eliza. Gilderoy. " Gilderoy "
is ihe S^Mglished form of (Jille lumUi — The ved-
li.iired lad.

2S. Gordon's Welcome Hamc. Out over the
Forth.

29. The Banks of the Devon. Banaracli
dhonn a' chruidli.

30. How lotig and dreary is the night.

31. Bonnie Castle Gordon. Moiag.

32. Highland Harry. The Highlander's
Lament. Burns writes : — " ' The Highland
Watch's farewell to Ireland ' is the oldest title
I ever heard to this tune." It is in Gunn's pipe-
music, and is named A' hhoineid ghorm — The
blue bonnet.

33. Musing on the roaring ocean — Driiim-
fhionn dubh. The Irish have a song with a
similar name, but the music differs.

31. Ae fond kiss. Rory Dall's Port.

35. My heart's in the Highlands. Failte na
miosg.

36. Kenmure's on and awa. Thn hoineid
hlieag, hliiorach air Alasdair garbh is the name
given to this bagpipe tune in Gunn's collection.

37. Fair Eliza.

38. Willie Wastle. The eight men of Moidart.
Wha'll be king but Charlie. The Gaelic words
to this air, in some parts, are as follows : —

" A null am mouadh, a null am monadh,
A null am monadh gu Tearlach, " &c.

39. Farewell thou fair day.. Oran an Aoig.

This tune is in Patrick Mac Donald's collection.
This song was afterwards adopted to " My
lodging is on the cold ground," an Irish air.
The Scottish " I lo'e nae a laddie but ane " is a
variant of the latter air, and "The 7Sth High-
landers' Quickstep " is another.

40. My lady's gown, there's gairs upon't.
Gregg's pipes. The Gaelic name of this pipe
tune is ChaidJi an cuthadi 'sa bhanarach.

41. Lovely Polly Stewart. Ye're welcome,
Charlie Stewart.

42. Blythe ha'e I been on yon hill. Liggeram
Cosh. Burns states, on the authority of " an
old Highland gentleman, a deep antiquarian,"
that this is " a Gaelic air, known by the name
of Gliogram chos." It is generally known as
" The Quaker's Wife." The air is Gaelic-like
beyond a doubt.

43. Whistle and I'll come tae ye, my lad.
Burns says — "This I know, Bruce (John Bruce,
a tiddle player in Dumfries), who was an honest
man, though a red wud Higlilander, constantly
claimed it (the tune), and by all the old musical
peojile here he is believed to be the author of it."
R. A. Smith, on the other hand, seems to allow
a claim by Ireland for it, under the name,
" Noble Sir Arthur." However that may be,
it seems to me to be an elaboration of the Scot-
tish Gaelic set of Robaidk donn glrrach, sung to
Na IciitJiean a dli aovi (see 'J7ie Celtic Lyre,
No. 38). It is not improbable that Bruce based
liis composition on the set I'eferred to.

44. Behold the hour. Cuir a chinn dileas.
This tune is common to Scotland and Ii'eland.
The Irisii name is Ccann dubh dileas. It may
be inteiesting to give the fragment preserved by
Hardiman in his "Irish Minstrelsy" —

" A cheinu dhuibh, dliilig, dhilia, dhilis !
Cuir do lauih mhin-gheal thorm a uall !
A blieiliu mheala, bh-fuil buladh na time air,

Is duiue gan chroidhe nach d-tii'ibhradh duit gradh.
Ta cailineadha air an m-baile-so air builleadh

's air buaidhreadh,
Ag tarraing a n-gruaige 's da leigeana le gaoith,
Air mu slion-sa, an soafaire is fearr san tuaithe,
Aoht d" tbreigfinu an meid sin air rim dhil mo
chroidhe.
As cuir do cheann dileas, dileas. dileas," iSc.
It may be remarked that the preceding, unlike
most Irish Gaelic songs, is defective in rhyme.
The chorus is practically the same as the High-
land one. The air, as found in books of Burns's
song.s, is in the minor mode, has two parts, and
is Irish-like. The air in .4' Choisir-clnidl, is in
the '• lah " mode, is simpler, true to the Scottish
Gaelic style, and has only one part. The High-
land words make a complete song, and have the
appearance of being old ones, the meaning of
the allusions being in some cases obscure. In
Tiree, from which the latter form of air comes,
the words are Cuir a gJiaoil dllis.
(To be continued).

140

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

ARCHIBALD MACMILLAN, F.S.L.A.
("Jeems Kaye").

Chieftain, Clan MacMillan Society.

^i^LTHOUGH Mr. Archibald MacMillan,
(xj^^ or rather "Jeems Kaye,' has for several
<^M:. j-ears back been delighting the readers of
The Bailie, our local Punch, with humorous
and entertaining letters on passing events, he is
not so well known to Celts as he ought to be.

Mr. MacMil-
lan was born
in Greenock
in 1843, his
father being a
j)rosi>erous
merchant in
that town. He
came to Glas-
when fourteen.
Getting into a
situation as
clerk he rose
steiulily step
by step till he
now conducts
a large busi-
ness on lii.s
own account
as commission
agent.

Wliile a boy
many of his
holidays were
spent at Kil-
malcolm, mid
opposite Otter
Ferry, Loch-
fyne, where he
acquired ii good
smattering of
Gaelic. He
herded the
" k y e " a n d
spent nights at
the herring
fishing during
his si.v weeks'
Kcliool holi-
days, and he

always declares that he owes his good health to
his yearly Jlighland sojourn, where he was fed
nn the [ilaiiu-st, and ran about half naked with
the lioys of the clachan.

Mr. MacMillan, as his writings show, is geni-
ality and good humour personified. He is a
thorough master of the doric, and can write it
with great force and freedom. Hi.s articles arc
not the laboured cflbrts of .serious study, but
rather the natural outllow in leisure momi^nts of

one who is a keen student of men and things,
and who can give a decidedly humorous turn to
his every saying. He has contributed to numer-
ous papers under various names, but it is chiefly
as the author of the " Jeems Kaye Papei-s " that
Mr. MacMillan's reputation as a writer rests.
These "papers" deal with various subjects, and
not a few of them make line readings, the
humour of which is never vulgar. A first col-
lection of the " Jeems Kaye Papers " was pub-
lished in 1S83,
and so popu-
lar has the
work been that
over twenty-
seven thousand
have been sold.
A second series
was issued in
1S8G, and in
1888 a third
a])])eared, both
of them being
accorded a
hearty wel-
come and a
ready sale.

It may be
stated tluit Mr.
MacMillan
was among the
first to join
the volunteer
force, lieing a
member of the

I 7tli( Account-
a n t s) Co m-
l)any, which
company ulti-
mately became
part of the 1st
Lanark Rifles,
and when the
" G 1 a s g o w

II igh landers"
was afterwards
raised it was a
grief to him
that he had
not waited and

joined that corps, as he is fond of the kilt and
tartan, and thinks pipe music the finest in the
world.

Mr. MacMillan assisted in the foruuition of
the Clan MacMillan Society, of which he is a
chieftain. He delights in travelling in the
Highlands, and makes himself thoroughly at
home among the peat reek. Smyluil fadu lUia!

Abciiibald MacMillan.

Ovcrnewton, Glasgow*.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

141

HIGHLAND WIT AND HUMOUR.

By " FioNN."

^gfJr.T lias been frequently asserted that the
^b^Ilighhiniler is very deficient in wit, and
^^ "[utterly lacking in humour. Of course it is
but natural that
the Lovvlandcr
should find little
wit in a language
which he does not
understand, and no
humour in the man
who speaks a
"barbarous lan-
guage," as our
mother tongue has
been frequently
designated. Of
course every
Gaelic-speaking
Celt understands
that many good
Gaelic stories and
jokes lose their point and edge when presented
in Lowland garb. Instead of attempting a ile-
finition of " wit," or an analysis of " humour,"
let me rather submit a few examples, and
leave the reader to assort them.

It has been asserted by a Highland sheriff
that it is next to impossible to convey to the
Celtic mind a correct idea of the " rights of pro-
perty." This, if true, may be the result of
' heredity," for we know that in the " brave
days of old " more than one clan piided itself on
its creaclis, and more than the Clan MacFarlaue
were prepared to take up the words of the
gathering tune, "'Thogail vam ho t/ieid siiin."
" The man who steals a sheep," said my honest
countryman, " is a mean thief, but the man who
' lifts ' a score of cattle is a gentleman drover."
A similar Highland idea of the " rights of pro-
perty " is represented in the following dialogue : —
DuGALD.- — Did you hear that Sandy MacNab
was taken to prison for stealin' a coo ? "

Donald. — Hoot, toot, the stupit ass. Could
he no bocht it and no paid for't ? "

There is rather an amusing story told of a
Highlander who was visited on his death-bed by
a clergyman, who, knowing Donald's cattle-
lifting proclivities, began to exhort him to reflect
on the long, black catalogue of his sins before it
was too late, otherwise he would have a tre-
mendous account to give on the great da}', when
all the crimes he had committed here would
appear in dreadful array against him, as evidence
of hie guilt. " Och, sir," said Donald, "and will

all the sheep and all the black cattle that Donald
lifted be there, too?"

" rnddulitcdly," replied the clergyman.

" That will be all right, then," said Donald,
with considerable relief, " just let every^ man
take back his own, and Donald MacGregor will
be an honest man again."

A certain noted poacher and smuggler in the
West Highlands was being reprimanded by his
"spiritual overseer" for his habits — the priest
winding up by saying in Gaelic, " Fliaic thu
Eoghain, viiir sguir thu dhetli, tlieid t/iu dh' ifrinn
cho cinnteach 'sa' chaid/i Colla Ciotach win" (" Look
here, Hugh, if you don't drop it you will go to
hell as sure as Coll Citto went there"). " Colla
Ciotach.'" arsa Eoglian, "ma bhitheas esanis mise
an sin clmiJda, cmnaidh sinn darna taobh an teine
dhiiinn fht'in " (" Coll Citto ! " said Hugh, " if we
two are there together we will keep the one side
of the fire to ourselves ").

Let us return to the drovers and shepherds.
Who could find fault with the idea of the rela-
tion that should exist between master and ser-
vant as set forth in the following : — "He was a
guid mai.ster, the laird," said Donald, "and he
keepit min' o' me till the last, for in his will he
said — ' I leave to my son Willie the twa black-
faced yowes that were lost last week, if they're
foun' oot. An' in case they're no foun' oot, I
leave them liaith to my faithful servant Donald.' "
The benevolent expression on Donald's counte-
nance deepened as he added, in a sighing under-
tone, " An' I hope they're no foun' oot."

A Highland — and evidently a Highland-look-
ing — drover attending Falkirk Tryst was accosted
by two Lowland scamps, who wanted to have
some fun at Donald's expense — "Well, Donald,"
said the more forward of ths two, " what will
she do wi' the coos the year? " " We'll do that
to the fat," said Donald, as he felled him to the
ground with his fist, " and we'll kick the lean to
the grass," as he gave the second a " ri.se in the
world " with the toe of his tackety shoe.

A clergyman, crossing the moor, met a High-
laud shepherd who happened to be calling his
dog "Moreover," " Moieover," "Moreover."
Accosting the shepherd, he remarked that it was
surely a strange name he had for his dog. Was
it the same as Rover ? " No, no," said the
owner, " I like to call all my beasts Scripture
names." " But where do you find that one in
Scripture ? " The shepherd expressed great
astonishment at the clergyman's ignorance, and
asked if he had never read the Bible story of
Lazarus, and how " Moreover the dog came and
licked his sores." This reminds one of the game-
keeper who called his first-born Nimrod — "be-
cause he was a mighty hunter." In due time a
second son apjieared, and the gamekeejier, with
a fine ear for euphony, named him " Ramrod."

142

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

"SECOND TO NON E."

(The motto of the Second Dragoons, lioyal Scots Greys).

CHARGE OF THE SCOTS GltEYIS AT WATERLOO; AXD I■■RE^T^ "EAGLE" CAPTURED liY
SERGEANT EWART.

[The above Bpiritecl pieture is reproduced from W. & A. K. .lolinston's excellent work on the " Royal Scots Greys,'
which we heartily rcconnnend to our readers.]

Scotland for ever ! hark, it is ringing,

Down the long vista of echoing years ;
Slirill and triumphant tlie cavalry trumpet

Sounds " To the charge," amid deafening cheers.
" Sensere gigantes," * the giants have felt it,

Jove's thunder falls powerless on Scotia's shield :
The pride of a nation, untouched by a focman,

The white standard-bearer to Scotland must yield.
Hurrah for the lads of the white plume and thistle !

Their fame lives for aye, in the deeds they have done ;
Where danger lies thickest, and stout hearts are needed.

Look there for the lads who are " Second to none."

Scotland for ever ! grey steed and sabre

Flash as the foam on a storm-beaten rock,
Back, driven hack on their haunches, the Frenchmen

Tremble and reel 'neath the terrible shock.
" Fight for the standard,"! brave son of the mountains.

The Waterloo eagle is linked with thy name ;
More leaves for the laurol entwining the standard,

Already o'erweighted with Scotia's fame.
Hnrrah for the lads of the white plume and thistle !

The lads of " the bonnets of Bonnie Dundee,"
Long may they llourish, our pride and our glory.

For the dread of their foes are the "de'ils o' Dundee."

• At Dettingcn the Greys captured from the French
the white ntaiidard, which bore in the centre a thunder-
bolt, with the motto, ".Sensere gigantes."

t During the retreat to Waterloo, Sergeant Ewart, of
the Oreys, captured the eagle of the 4r)th French Jii-
fantry, immortalised in art as " The Fight for the
Standard."

Scotland for ever I the " Greys " to the rescue

(Long shall the Frenchman remember the cry) —
They were two thousand, the Gordons two hundred,*

charged them with bayonet, to conquer or die.
Oh ! the wild clash they made, grey steed and tartan,

Hand on the stirrup, and face to the foe :
Scotland for ever! their columns are scattered

As trees are borne down by a torrent in flow.
Hurrah for the lads of the white plume jind thistle !

Resistless in battle, or cotirtesies charms ;
Long shall the land that so proudly hath borne them

Ring with the tale of the brothers in arms.

Scotland for ever ! grey steed and scarlet.

The clank of the spur, and the tuck of the drum ;
" Second to cone '' in their dash and their finish —

Welcome our gallants wherever they come.
On guidon and sabretache see the French eagle,

The grey steed clasped fast on the bearskin behind ;
On stirrup or saddle, where'er the eye glances,

Some record of valour he sure you may find.
Hurrah for the lads of the white plume and thistle !

Their fame lives for aye, in the deeds they have done.
Honour and welcome to Scotia's darlings,

Tiio bonnie " Scots Greys," who stand " Second to
none"

Alice C. MacDonf.ll.

London.

• The 92nd Gordon Highlanders, reduced to 200,
cliarRcd with the bayonet HOOO French. As they broke
into it, the (jrcys rode up in support, the Highlanders
holding on by their stirrups.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

143

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE REAY FENCIBLES.
To the Editor of the "Celtic Monthly."

London, 9th March, 1804.

Sir, — Controversy in these cohimns would be
reprehensible ; yet permit me, in seK-defence, to
say that I make every allowance for the clannish
zeal which prompted Mr. Mackay's remarks on my
notes about the Reays. This zeal has nnfortunately
led Mr. Mackay to make assumptions and deduc-
tions totally inconsistent with facts, so that, with-
out more conclusive proof, I cannot accept him as
a better authority — on the raising of these famous
Fencibles — than Colonel Mackay Baillie and his
recruiting officers. Consequently I adhere to my
statement " that the Mackays did not come for-
ward with such alacrity as is generally believed to
be the case."

Mr. Mackay's references to the "Gordon High-
landers " are not relevant, for that regiment was
raised as the " Gordon Highlanders," whereas
neither in army list nor muster-roll can be found a
regiment designed "The Reay Fencibles, or Maehaij
Regiment ;" so that those who write in this connec-
tion about the achievements of the " Mackays " at
Tara Hill or elsewhere are guilty of an unwarrant-
able assumption.

In conclusion, let me say Mr. Mackay should not
rely on the fictif)ns of Stewart of Garth, nor the
fables of the Mackay historian when accusing any-
one of making "misleading statements." So far
from there being (as Mr. jlackay avers on above
authority) " 104 William Mackays in the Suther-
land Fencibles, and 33 John Mackays in one com-
pany of the same," there were not 104 Maclaijs in
the whole regiment ! The muster-roll, which is
surely the most reliable authority, only gives 16
Johns and 13 William Mackays — so thus these oft-
quoted fables are exploded. — Yours, &c.

D. MuRRAT Rose.

THE HIGHLAND CLUB.

Sir, — I am glad to see that you are endeavour-
ing to establish a Highland Club, where all High-
land societies could come together for mutual
intercourse, and yet not interfere with their indi-
Wdual objects and interests.

I am sure there are many like myself, who are
descendants of old Highland families, though they
may not be of the Clans MacGregor or Mackay, but
are true-hearted Scotsmen, and miss the pleasure of
the company of like-minded men. Therefore I
hope that when your endeavours achieve success
tlirough the medium of your excellent magazine the
privileges and pleasures of such a club, with its
reading-roum and library, will be extended to us

also. J. GlLCHRLST MARSHALL.

"BAILEACH."
Sir, — I notice in the February issue " Bal-
gan-peolach" inquiring as to the correctness of the
word " baileach," used by M'lntyre in his " Ccad
deireannach." This word, in the instance quoted by
your correspondent, is a provinciahsm for "hiul-

each," which means wholly, totally. In the Perth-
shire Highlands it is almost invariably pronounced
with the " a " sound, and M'lntyre, boni and bred
contiguous to that county, and often wandering
through it, would be familiar with the Perthshire
rendering, and used the one or other as the exigen-
cies of rhyme required.

He uses the " a " sound in Mairi hhan Otj as
follows : —

'* Na'n cuireatlh i cill ruim '3 diultadh baileach
Bu chuis domh anart a'8 uaigh "'—

while in Oran nam Briogaisean he finds the " u "
sound suitable —

" Smachdaich iad pu buileach sinn

Tha aiigar a's duilichinn

'San am so air iomadh fear," &c.

The Gaelic term for a valley between two hills is
" healach," an entirely different word and differently
pronounced. — Yours, &c.

Alexander Stewart.

Polmont, Stirlinjrshire.

Sir, — I notice in your "Notes and Queries,"
page 104, that " Bulgan-peolach" is in a mistake
about the word " liaileach." The poet is right
enough. "Baileach" and " buileach " are synony-
mous, the latter more commonly used in the West
Highlands, while the former is oftener used in
Perthshire and the immediate neighbourhood. The
Gaelic for " valley between two hiUs" is bealach, and
not baileach, as " Balgan-peolach " thinks.

A. MacGregor.

MY LOVE'S ASLEEP.

Deak, tender dawn, that bids the world arise,

Break not too soon upon my loved one's eyes.

Wake her not rudely, let sweet darkness keep

My love asleep.

Oh ! wind of Dawn, breathe softly as you may.
Waft not a single silken tress astray.
Nor stir the lashes on her downy cheek
When she's asleep.

Sing soft, ye little birds, that so my dear
May think that in her dreams she hear
Sweet music ; sing of all that's sweet
While she's asleep.

Bright day, new bom, be gentle with my love.
Shower on her joys and blessings from above.
And when she wakes, oh ! give her dreams as
sweet

As when asleep.

Rita Richjiond.

The sketch on " Highland Wit and Humoiu-" is
taken from "Thistledown" — an excellent collection
of Scottish wit and humour, pubhshed by Alex.
Gardner, Paisley.

We regret that owing to the pressure on our space
this month, we have been compelled to hold over
the continuation of Col. Charles Stewart's interest-
ing article on " Covalla," and reviews of " Urquhart
and Glenmoriston," by \Villiam Mackay ; " Maimers
and Customs of the Highlanders," and " Irish
Gaelic Journal."

144

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Clan Mackat Society. — The annual social gather-
ing: in connection with this
society was held in Edinburgh
last month — Rev. Dr. J. Abcrigh-
Mackay in the chair. There was
a large attendance. Addresses
were delivered by the Chairman,
Sheriff .M.ickay,'LL.D., Colonel
A. Forbes Mackiiy, and Messrs.
Alex. Mackay, LL.D., and Hew
Morrison. The concert, which
was essentially Highland in its
character, was ably sustained by a nuniber of talented
artistes. The whole proceedings were very enjoyable,
and show that the Clan Mackay is in a flourishing
condition. We understand that a surphis of about
£10 has been realised from the gathering. The
AfAKfH MEETiN(i Was held in the Oddfellows' H!ill,
Edinburgh, on Thursday last— Mr. Thomas A. M.ac-
kay in the chair. The Secretary read a letter which
he had received from a clansman, offering to contri-
bute flOO to the Bursary Fund if other members
contribute £200. It was resolved to issue a circular
to members inviting subscriptions. Collections of
pictures of the Rcay country, and MSS. containing a
large niaiibcr of melodies of Rob Donn Mackay's
Gaelic songs were exhibited, as well as j)hotographs of
celebrated clansmen abroad, which gave rise to a very
interesting discussion. It was proposed to arrange an
excursion to the country during the summer, for the
benefit of children of the clan. A very pleasant even-
ing was spent. There was an unusually large at-
tendance.

Perth Gaelic Society. — The fourteenth annual
festival was hold on the Otli ult., in the City Hall,
Ex-Bailie MacGregor in the chair, and was supported
by the Lord Provost and a distinguished company
of gentlemen. Addresses were delivered by the chair-
man, Rev, Hugh Itoss, Glasgow, and Mr. Hew Mor-
rison, Edinburgh. An excellent programme of music
was sustained by the Glasgow Gaelic Musical Asso-
ciation, whose efforts were enthusiastically applauded.
This was considered the best gathering the society
ever held. — At the FEnuuAitY meeting — Mr, John
A. Stewart, solicitor, in the chair — a paper was read
on the " Children of Uisneach, first Duan of Fingal,
and the two Cuchullins," contributed by Colonel
Charles Stewart [Tiijli'ii jjuin). Like all the gallant
colonel's literary work, the paper was scholarly, and
an able exposition of an interesting period in early
Celtic history.

The Glasgow Cowai. Shinty Cldb held their
annual concert in the Waterloo Rooms, on 7th ult—
Dr. David Ross, M.A., B.Sc, in the chair. The
chairman advocated that Highlanders should engage
in the old Highland game of camanachd, as it was
superior to footliall or any other game. 'I'he concert
was sustained by a number of talented artistes, all of
whom gave great satisfaction. The dance was at
tended by over sixty couples.

The Clan GkEciOR Society. — The March meet-
ing of this society took the form of a smoking concert,
wiiicli was held in the North Britisb Station Hold.
Speeches were made, an<l songs and pipe nuisic
rendered by members of the clan, and a very pleasant
evening was spent.

AiRDRiE Highland Association met in the- rooms
on the 7th ult. — Mr. JlacNab, president, in tlic chair.
Mr. John Collie, read a paper on the " Depopulation of
the Highlands, and compared the census of the High-
lands in 1831 and 18!)I. He deplored the decrease of
population, and advocated legislation on the subject.

The Gaelic Class conversazione was held on
13th ult, — Colonel James Menzies in the chair. The
hall was crowded with members and friends. Speeches
were delivered liy Iricnds, a first-rate programme was
sustained by students of the class, and dancing was
carried on till morning. Mr. Duncan Reid, the able
teacher of the class, deserves to be congratulated on
the high marks taken by his scholars at the examina
tion, and on the success of the social gathering.
Gaelic Society of London. — At the February
meeting of this society,
Mr. John Mackay,
Hereford, read a most
instructive paper on
" Gaelic Laments," and
at the March meeting
lir contributed another
jiaper on " Satires,"
taking Hob Donn as his
special understudy.
'I^i^i ' _ _^„ .'1^ Both papers were great-
ly appreciated by the
members, and ga\e rise to most interesting discus-
sions.

The Paisley Gaelic Club celebrated their annual
reunion in the Good Templars' Hall, on 2nd March —
Rev. Alex. MacMillan in the chair. The hall was
crowded, and the whole proceedings proved a great
success. The Chairman's speech was particidarly
good, and raised great enthusiasm among the audience.
A dance followed.

►^ ClanMacLean Society.— a meeting of this society
was held in the Assembly Rooms,
on ist. ult. — Mr. Magnus Mae-
lean, M.A., in the chair. A
paper was read on " General
Maclean," contributed by Pro-
fessor J. P. Maclean, U.S.A.,
giving a biographical account of
this distinguished clansman, and
the after part of the evening was
devoted to Gaelic and English
songs by members and friends.
Glasgow Sutiierland.shiub Association. — The
March meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms —
Mr. Alex. Bruce, vice-president, in the chair. Mr.
D. W. Kemp, delivered a lecture on the " History of
the Municipality of the Royal Burgh of Dornoch,"
which led to a very interesting discussion.

The Govan HioiiLANnERs held their annual con-
versazione in the Broomloan Hall, on Hth March-
Mr. Edward E. Henilerson acting as M.C. There
was a good attendance, and dancmg was kept up
with great spirit till a late hour in the morning.

The Mull and Iona Gathering was presided
over by Colonel Gardyno of Glenforsa, who delivered
a very instructive address on the habits and customs
of our forefathers in the Highlands a century ago.
He considered the conditions of life had greatly im-
proved since then. The concert was very enjoyable,
and the dnncc was well attended.

DAVID REID CROW F. R.C.I.

Vice-Preiidtnl, London AnjijUshiie Associutiuli.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

A MAGAZINE FOI^ HIGHLANDERS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 8. Vol. II.]

MAY, 1894.

[Price Threepence,

DAVID REID CROW, F.R.C.I.,

VICE-PRESIDENT, LONDON AKGYLLSHIRE ASSOCIATION.

^JUt MOEE worthy Highlander tbau the
(^J^ki subject of oiu- sketch this mouth it
^^M^ would indeed be difficult to find. Mr. D.
Reid Crow was born at Lochgilphead, Ai'gyll-
shire, and there received the education which
so well fitted him for bis afterwards varied and
active life. His father, Mr. David Crow, was
in his day a well-known architect in Glasgow
and the West of Scotland.

At an early age our friend made his debut in
commercial life in Glasgow, but after a time he
exchanged that centre of industry for London.
There, amidst the bustle of a business cai'eer,
Mr. Crow, who weilded a facile pen, found
time to devote himself to jjress matters, and
many of the newspaper columns of a generation
ago are indebted to him for his able contribu-
tions. His knowledge of the affairs of the
day would soon have brought the young Scotch-
man into public eminence, l)ut about this time
his health gave way, and he was advised to go
abroad.

Selecting South Africa as his new abode, he
arrived in Natal in 1869. Here he met the
Kev. Mr. Newuham, M.A. Cantab., now a
rector in the south of England, and both being
deeply interested in the subject of education,
they foimded Hilton College, Natal, which has
since remained one of the leading educational
institutes in the colony.

In mUitary matters also Mr. Crow showed
great skill. When war broke out, and the
colony was assailed on the north and west by
the powerful Zulu tribes, he raised a battalion
of volunteers — known afterwards as the Hilton
Carabineers. This company, which formed a
valuable auxiliary to the regular forces, he
commanded in person, his knowledge of the
country I'endering him peculiarly suited for
the duty. On the annexation of the Transvaal

to the British Crown in 1877, Mr. Crow, along
with the celebrated novelist, Mr. Rider Hag-
gard, and Mr. Clarke, R.A. (now Sir Marshal
Clarke, governor of Basutoland), were appointed
to the staff" of Sir Theophilus Sliepstone After
the pacification of the country he was placed
on the Commission of the Peace and appointed
a Sjjecial Commissioner. At Heidelberg, Mr.
Crow had the honour of first officially hoisting
the British flag.

Again, in the Transvaal War of 1880-81, he
distinguished himself in the mUitary operations
at Potchefstroom. Dui'ing this exciting j)eriod,
however, many of his comrades fell. Mr. Crow
and his old friend Col. Clarke became j)risoners
of war untU peace was restored, when they
regained their liberty.

After these eventful times, Mr. Crow again
turned his attention to business, and settled
down in Pretoria. Here he was one of the
earliest and most successful merchants. His
connection with the Loudon markets necessi-
tated his opening an office there, which he con-
ducted himself, taking periodical visits to the
Transvaal.

Notwithstanding his eventful career, Mr.
Crow always clierished the warmest interest in
his fellow-countrymen and anything pertaining
to his native country. When, in 1890, the
London Argyllshire Association was formed, he
was unanimously elected president. To this
post he has been re-elected every year, till last
session, when, owing to his leaving London,
the Association hail to reluctantly accept his
resignation. He was, however, elected au
honorary vice-president.

Mr. Crow is a Fellow of the Roj'al Colonial
Institute, a member of the National Liberal
Club, and holds a high position in the Masonic
fraternity. Though yet in the prime of life,
he has retired from business, and, like a true
Highlander, has selected Ardrishaig as his
place of residence. That he may live long to
enjoy the fruits of his well-earned leism-e will
be the heartfelt wish of all his numerous
friends. Neil Macmillan.

146

TIIK CELTIC MONTHLY.

THE HEADLESS SPECTRE: A SUTHERLANDSHIRE GHOST STORY.

By Tiin Editoi;.

Chapter III. — The
Spectre again seen.

YEAR passed. As
the weeks rolled on,
and nothing more
was seen of the
spectie, I sometimes
wondered if it could
lie all real. Was it
jiossihle that I had
fallen asleep on the
rocks, and dreamt
what I had seen,
and awakening in
the midst of my ex-
c i t e m e n t, had
imagined it all true i
No ; I was too sure
about the reality of
my experience. 1
■saw tlie ghostly
tigure as clearly as
I see you now before
me, and I .shall not
forget its horrible
appearance as long
as I live.

Twelve months
had pa.ssed away,
and people were be-
ginning to remem-
ber tlie occurrence
as an old and curi-
ous story. It seemed
likely soon to be
looked upon as one
of the many weird
''traditions " of the
district. However,
it was brought fresh
to their memory in
rather a strange
manner.

One night the
village shoeniaker was working in Janus iNLickay's house, making a pair of boots for one of the
children. In the midst of work ho found that he required a tool which he had forgotten to bring
with him, and he asked his youngiM- brother, John Gordon, to go across the river to his house for
the instrument. Jolin dcpitrted on the errand, accompanied by his companion, Sandy Munro.
The r(jad winds round the edge <if the sands, as you can easily sei! from liere, then across the river,
and up the hill aljovc the shore towards the great cave of Suioo. The .sand reaches right around to
the cliils on the other side.

Well, it WHS a very pleasant night, and there was light enough to see the great expanse of sand
f|uite clearly. TIk; lads soon reached the liouse, proc\n-ed the required tool, and started on their
way back. As they came chatting along the road, Gordon suddenly stopped speaking, and looked
out towards the sea, as if watching some object.

KVKKVTUJNi: WAS WDAl'l'Kli IN MV.MKKV.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

After a little he stood and said :

" I wonder what that man out there can want
at this time of nifjht 1 "

" Where V exclaimed Munro, surprised.

" Why, out there. Don't you see him ?" .said
John Gordon, pointing out towards the sands.
" He is standing in the water. Surely the fel-
low cannot be bathing 1 "

Munro looked out, then rubbed his eyes and
looked again, but said he could see nothing.

" You must be very blind," said John. Then
])Utting his finger to Munro's right eye, in tele-
scope fashion, he added: "Now, look straight
down my finger, and you will .see a man. He
is now coming over this way."

Munro had to confess that he could see nothing
except the water and the sand. Not a living
being was in sight.

Up till this point neither of them had thought
for one moment of anything supernatural, but
now Munro began to feel somewhat scared.

For some little time John stood motionless,
his eyes rivetted on some object which they
seemed to follow. Then, in awe-struck voice,
almost a whisper, he said :

" Sandy, it's a ghost ! It has only a shirt on,
and it is quite close to us — ^^just down there,"
meaning the .sands which lay below the embank-
ment upon which they stood.

" Oh, John, don't stand there so quiet ; let us
run to the village," exclaimed Munro, who was
now greatly agitated.

" I can't, Sandy ! I can't move ! I feel a.s if I
were bound hand and foot," John said, slowly
and quietly, as if he only spoke mechanically.

" And oh, Sandy ! " he suddenly shrieked,
" it has no head ! It's James Morrison's ghost.
Run and bring my father, or it will carry me
away ! "

Munro needed no second bidding. He tied
on the wings of fear. As he rushed across the
bridge he heard a frightful unearthly scream,
and glancing back he saw John Gordon throw
up his arms and fall heavily on the road.
Terror-struck, Munro ran into James Mackay's
house, and breathlessly related all that had
passed. Mackay, Gordon's brother, and one or
two men who were in the house enjoying a
chat, started to their feet at once, and rushed
out of the house. Munro said he would not
venture outside again that night for his life.

On the edge of the road they came across the
motionless body of Gordon. His face was as
that of a corpse, and they thought at first that
he was dead, but soon found that he was in a
faint. They lifted the poor lad tenderly, and
carried him to the house. It was long before
he became conscious, and no one could induce
him to relate all that he had seen that night.
He simply said that he had looked upon the

remains of the dead, and that such things only
came upon us as a warning.

A party of men made a thorough search of
the sands, hoping to find some clue to explain
this ravelled myster}'. Every nook and corner
was explored, but all without result. No
human being was to be found, and no glimpse
could be had of the disturbing spirit. The sand
even below the place where the body was found
was closely examined, but no trace could be seen
of a footmark. Everything was wrapped in
mystery. The searchers went home feeling that
some horrible fiend was abroad at their very
doors, and they were unable to protect them-
selves from its unwelcome attentions. All they
could do was to wait and see how it was to end.

Chapter IV. — The Mystery Solved.

It may seem strange that intelligent people
should accept these gho.stly visitations as only
an earnest, a destinct warning, indeed, of some
great calamity which was to happen sooner or
later in their neighbourhood. They believed
that there was a purpose in these things, but in
what form that warning was to find expression,
or who the sufferers were to be, they could make
no satisfactory conjecture. . . . The next
generation may know more aVjout the super-
natural world than we do. Science and common-
sense may accomplish what scepticism has failed
to teach us.

At any rate, there was one thing which we in
this parish were sure of — the spectre had dis-
appeared from the sands, and it was fondly hoped
that its absence would be a permanent one.
Very nearly a year had come and gone and no
one had seen the dreaded spirit, which, truth to
tell, no one really wanted to see ! The weather
had been beautifully fine at the season I speak
of, and it seemed likely to continue so for several
weeks to come. One memorable night, when the
people had retired to rest, the moon was shining
brightly, and there was hardly a breath of wind
to ruffle the surface of the water.

In the early hours of the morning the good
folks of the village were suddenly awakened by
the roar of a great hurricane which swept over
the land, threatening to tear the roofs off the
houses. At short intervals bright flashes of
lightning illumined the landscape, while the
thunder kept up a continual crash overhead.
The dashing and moaning of the stormy aea
could be heard at a great distance. Indeed, such
a wild night had not been experienced for many
years in Durness.

In the morning, when the day had dawned,
the people came out to see if any damage had
been done to their property. The morning was
so quiet and serene that one could hardly believe

148

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

that only a few hours before such a wild storm
had raged.

A man liappened to go down to the shore, and
•what a sight met his eyes ! A large ship had
gone to pieces on tlie rocks, and the sands were
covered with a mass of wreckage. The news
quickly spread, and soon the whole population
were gathered on the beach, saving from the
waves the debris of the wreck. Not a soul on
board the ship was saved, the bodies of sixteen
drowned sailors being found strewn among the
rocks. Many others were carried out into the
deep Pentland, and were never recovered.

But what sent a thrill a horror tlirough the
spectators was the ap])earance of one of the bodies
which was found far up on the sands, just below
the spot where John Gordon had fainted. This
corpse had no head I Through some curious
accident the upper part of the head iiad been
wrenched off, the lower jaw l)eing all that
remained. It had no covering except a shirt of
the usual length. Not a word was said as the
remains were carefully lifted up on to the road,
and placed in a large box which was procured for
their reception. To the minds of those present
the discovery of this body had solved a mystery.

I1AI.N.\KIEL GKAVEYAltD .\N1» CM Al'i;!,, |iri{.\i:-is.

for the corpse was ])lacod in the coffin on the very
place where the ghost had been seen. It was
a most remarkable coincidence — if I could call
it that. And it exactly answered the descrip-
tion which botli Gordon and myself had given of
the spectre, even in regard to its scanty clothing.
The remains of the sixteen sailors were interred
in the graveyard at Balnakili, in the right hand
corner opposite you as you enter. !Many a poor
drowned seaman was buried tliere before, and
several have been placed there since. A great
number of the people of the place attended the
funeral, and saw all that was human of the
" headless speclro " placed under the sod.

Now that is all I have to tell you regarding
the wreck of the "Junii)er," and the strange
circumstances connected with it. If you can
explain to me by any rule of science or reason
how I saw that man's spirit two years before his
death, or why (iordon saw it twelve months
before the body was found, I shall be obliged to
you. To mo tlio memory of these events is not
a pleasant one. How could it be otherwise f

When Morrison had finished his weird story
I looked down at the beach, wliich was close at
liand. There was not a cloud in the sky, and
the long stretch of pure white sand was bathed

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

149

in a flood of moonlight. Awa}' in the distance
the great cliti's rose out of the water, and cast a
dark shadow. The whole e.xpanse of sand and
water could he scanned as far as the eye could
reach — a perfect fairyland to those who were not
acquainted with its gruesome associations.

Turning to my friend, wlio was preparing to
go indoors, I said :

" Was nothing ever found out about the
identity of this man — his name, position, or
history ! There must surely have been some
strange story connected with his career!"

" Nothing, absolutely nothing, was ever found
out about him. The bodies were never identified,

although full particulars regarding the vessel and
crew were afterwards ascertained. The ship
was homeward bound from India for the Clyde.
People Said that the man must have committed
some great crime, and that justice had overtaken
him in the storm. But it is getting late, and
you have some distance to go up the strath, so
good-night, and a safe journey to-morrow across
Erribol."

"Good-night," I answered, "and the best wish
that I can express is that you may see no more
headless spectres on Durness Sands."

(Concluded).

OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

FAILTE DHUIT, SLAINTE DHUIT.

To Lord Archibald Campbell, on his coming to preside at the second Mod
of the CoMUNN G.\iDiiEALACH lit Oban, in September, 1893.

S^isd. Kkv KV Lively, beating twice in the measure.

:s|s:n:d|s:n:d|s:l:t|d':t

O I fiil - te dlmit, sliliii - te dhuit. | ,\dli 'us toil - inn - tinn

I : did :

ch do shinn'si

nlf

:m|s : I : s|n: r :

Thig I sluagh 's iad ri oth - ail
Rann.

:n|s:l:s|n:r:

Mo dliinaohd 'hhi'n taic' ruil.h.

d I f : s : lid'

ad choinneamh nam mil

lis : f : n|r : d : r|m:d

Gu ! mod nam fear dil - eas Each ' diob • air

d I f : s : lid': t :

>ar [ cluiniitinn 'sgar faicinn, 'Nil

1 Is

I ghluaiseas

d I d : r : n I r : r

a' chaisnieachd moch m.adainn

s I s : 1 :

^a lihriiehdas

gaisgioh

:s|s:l:s|s:n

Duislnihoi' a<; • US bhe.ag-a

:n|s:l:s|n:r

Na I h-uillt 'y iad ri dranndan

1 : 1 1 d' : t : 11

troimh na glacan. 'S na j

1 : 1 1 d' : t : 1

: r I n : d

thar ai8 • ea''

d I f : s

la'n leuin leis

le feadain, 'S mac- 1 tall

lid': t : lis

na gleanntan, Co-|{hu

f : n I r : d

tigh'nn thair • is

n:d|d:r :n|r:r

a ga freag- • airt 'an j creag- - ar

f:m|r:d:r|m:d

.1 aig am bonn ris gach]tonn air

: f|r:-

beann ;Yrd ;
Fine.

d|d:-||

na bha. 1 1

r I r: —

Di - niAirt

did:-

'us mhiim,

B.C.

d|d:-j

an triigh. I

Cha'n ionann "s na li-uaibhrich nach tigeadh gu 'S do ghluasad air faiche, am maise, thar chJlich.

tuath, Gur ioraadh fuil uasal ag comhail a d' ghruaidhean,

Ach a mharbhadh 'sa ruagadh feadh chruach agus 'S tha inntinn nam buadhan 'an suairceasgunstrkic.

charn ;

Ri losgadh 'us leinadh air creutairean biidheach,
'Se crunadh an s61ais 'bhi comhradh mu'm bAs.
Acli 'b feJirr le Gilleasbuig toilinntinnean eile,
Cruit-chiiiil a Ijhiodh deiseil gu freagairt nan dkn.
Ag ^isdeachd nan oran gu h-aoibheil 's a' ch6iiihlan.
'S a' chainnt a tha ceolar an brdugh nam b&rd.

Gur math thig an deise thug buaidh air gach

sgeudach,
Mu d' choni a tha eireachdail deas air a' bhlar ;
'S a' bhoineid a direadh tha iteag an fhior-eoin

Cha d'fhuair thu le cheannach bhi cruadalach

smearail,
Ach diichas nan seanar nach leanadh an traill.
A' chbmhsaicheadh righrean an aobhar na firinn, —
"Chum coirichean cinnteach na riogh'chd o gach

niimh
Cha'n ioghnadh leam t-aogasg 's fuH Dhiarmaid a'

d' aodan,
'O cheannardaibh laoch a bha daonnan na'n siir.
Gur fiillein thu 'n chraobhaig a dh'fhks am Bun-

aora,

Crios-guaile nan rlorahadh fo ghrinn lannair braisd. 'Leig sios an fhuil chraobhach 's thug saorsa o thkir.
Cirbean a' bhreacain a bualadh air gartain,

'''"^s"*' John MacFadven.

150

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

REV. DONALD H. O. D. MACKINNON,
M.A., F.R.G.S.

HON. VICE-PUE.SIPENT, CL.\N MACKISNOS SOCIETY.

DONALD H. O. DIMSDALE
MACKINNON, ]\LA., F.R.G S., is the

eldest son of the late Major-General
Daniel MacKinnon, a distinguished officer, who
served in the 16th (Queen's) Lancers through-
out the lust Afghan war]_of 1838-!), and the
Sikh campaign
of 1845-6, for
which he re-
ceived two
medals wth
clasps for
Ghuznee, So-
braon, and
A 1 i w a 1, in
which latter
battle he had
his horse shot
under him,
and in which,
although a
subaltern, he
commanded a
squadron
throughout
the day, and
at the end of
which he was
almost the only
officer of his
coqjs fit for
duty when he
had to bury
the dead
throughout
the ensuing
night. M r.
MacKinnon's
mother was
tbc daughter
of the late
Honourable
T h o m a s
Robert, 4th
Baron Duns
dale, and his

great-grandfather was AVilliam, thirty-third
chief of the C'liin MacKinnon, who succeeded,
on the death, in 1808, of the last male repre-
sentative of the luhnoric, or direct line. On
WiUiam's death, in 1809, the chioftamship
passed to his eldest grandson, William Alex
andcr, whoso brilliant Parliamentary career
extended over a period of forty six years.

The subject of our sketch was educated at
Haileybury and Exeter CoUege,pxford, whence

he graduated in 1871, and proceeded M.A. in
1873. He was ordained deacon in 1872, and
was assistant minister of Quebec Chapel, St.
Mary-le-boue till 1879, when lie took charge of
Speldhurst, in Kent, of which he became rector
in 1889, as such holding tbe patronage of Rust-
hall and Langton vicarages, and the chapelry
of Groombridge. Li early life he devoted
himself to athletics, being a memljer of his
College boat for three years, and gaining several
prizes for run-
mng, jumping,
&c. After his
marriage, in
1875, with
Jemima,
daughter of
Jtimes Macal-
pine-Lenj', of
Dalswin ton,
D u m f r i e s-
shire, an
officer of the
8th (King's)
Hussars, he
spent much of
his leisure time
ui travel, hav-
ing visited
most parts of
Europe, and
latterly the
Cape. He ex-
p 1 o r e d the
Arctic regions
of Lappmark
in 1887 with
his wife, who
is one of the
tirst Britisli
ladies who
penetrated so
tar, and he
subsequently
published a
book entitled,
■'L a p 1 a n d
Lite," which
reached two
editions. Mr.
JlacKiunon is a Free Mason of Apollo Lodge
(Oxford Liniv.). He has always taken the keen-
est interest in all matters connictccl with the
Highlands, and in 1882 published the only
"Memoirs of Clan Eingon." Mr. MacKinnon
has long advocated the formation of a clan
society, and the wish of his heart has now been
happily realised. 1 1 e has three sons — George
(midshijjman, R.N.), Alaister, and Lachlan.
Glasgow. Duncan MacKinnon.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

151

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

By Chaeles Feasee-Mackintosh, F.S.A. (Scot.).

Part VI. — {continued from, page 137).
|pI3||HE last of the documents I have connected
y^ with Angus Macdonald is a bond of
^r^- friendship by Dougall, afterwards Sir
Dougall Campbell of Auchinbreck, dated 25th
August, 1603, the signatures to which, being
those of men of some consequence, are given in
facsimile. In a singular old MS. genealogy of
the Argyles, done by Advocate Campbell,

styling himself " Bailie of Argyle," and which
terminates with John, second Duke of Argyle,
who succeeded in 1703 — No. 40 of the line —
I observe from my copy, which is not very
legible, that, lieginning with " Smerrie Mor,"
who married a sister of King Aiden of Scotland,
(crowned Anno 542), the chronicling bailie in
due time reaches No. 28, viz., Duncan, father of
the first Auchinbreck. Here is the account : —

■ " 28. Duncan-an-aigh is said in France to have
killed a boar, for which reason the family has a
boar's head in their arms ; he married Marjory Stuart,
daughter to Robert, Duke of Albany, Governor of the
Kingdom under his brother, King Robert the Third,

1^ -^ "■ ■^

SIGNATURKS TO AfCIIINBRECK'S BOND OF 1603.

second king of the Stuarts. This King Robert was
he that was called John Harnyear ? So his wife was
King Robert's niece, and grandchild to King Robert
Bruce, daughter to King Robert Bruce, by whom tho-
crown came to the Stuarts. This Duncan begat on
this noble lady two sons and a daughter, viz , Archi
bald Roy and Colin, afterwards Sir Colin Campbell of
Glenurchy, called Colin-dubh-na-Roimh, who married
Margaret Stewart, eldest daughter to the Lord Lorn.
She built Castle Kilchurn, in the head of Loch Ow,
in her husband's ab.-enoe at Rome. On his return he
became tutor to Argyle, his nephew ; built the tower
of Inveraray. He married four times, and lived 100
years. Duncan an Aigh's second marriage was with
Margaret Stuart, daughter to Sir John Stuart of

Ardgowan, now called Blackball, a natural son of
King Robert, and had many sons of her, viz., Duncan
Campbell of Auchinbreck, whose offspring were called
Sliochd Donchy ; (2) Neil Campbell, of whom the
Laird of EUangireg ; (3) Archibald, the first Laird of
Ottar, in Cowal. This Duncan an Aigh was cotem-
porary with King Robert the Third, second king of
the Stuarts, crowned anno 1390, and with King
James 1st, crowned 1424."

I may mention that Duncan-an-Aigh is stated
to have been so called, being fortunate in his
life, while his feeble-minded brother John, pre-
decessor of Barbreck, had the significant appella-
tion of "Annain." Sir Dougall Campbell of

152

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Auchinbreck was a leading man among the
Campbells betwixt the years 1592 and 1625.

" Be it kenned to all men by these present letters,
We, Anjrus M'Connald of Dounavaig, and Dongall
Campbell of Auchinbreck, understanding the ancient,
honourable, and mutual bond, and the great friend-
ship that was, and is, betwixt the house of Kintyro
and the house of
Auchinbreck, and
now we, the saids
Angus M'Connald
and D o u g a 1 1
Campbell of
Auchinbreck,
being of that same
good mind that
our predecessors
was to others, and
willing to renew
the said ancient
and honourable
bond, I, the said
Dougall Camp-
bell of Auchin-
breck to be bound
and obliged, like
as I, by the tenor
hereof, binds and
obliges me for mj'-
self, and the haill
house of Auchin-
breck, and all
others my vas-
sals, friends, ser-
vants, tenants,
and dependers to
fortify, assist,
maintain and de-
fend the said
Angus M'Con-
nald of Douna-
vaig, his friends,
vassals, servants,
and dependers in
all his and their
honest, honour-
able, and leisonie
atlairs and adoes
whatsoever coii-
trar, whatsoever
person or persons
(His Majesty and
the Earl of Argil!
except), and sludl
not by myself, or
by any of my
house or any de-
penders, hear or
see the said Angus
or any of liis house or dependers hurt, or skaitb,
either in body, lands, or goods, without it come by
His Majesty, or by my Lord Karl of Argyll, but I
shall stop and latt the same to my power, and make
the said Angus and liis friends to be foreseen hereof,
in so far as I and my said friends may by any moyan
either by sea or land, and to corroborate the former
bond and this new bond. Likcas has given a solcnm

.M.VCDUNALl) OF Tllli ISLES.

" Tlie n^ire represents one of the Lords of the Isles sittinjr in judpnient (
Tom Moid, or Law Hill, in ICillcan Comhairlich. with his linrons i\
him. He weare the haher^eon, or shield of mail, ntnlcnt.Mih, i\u- sin-
a leather doublet are seen, and the legs and arms r\iiil. it thr ,,ppin
breacan of Lord M.i<*n<tnnld. The clopaid. or sknll i ij'. i "i tin i<>itii

bv the nl.l
fairni-on,
distiii^'ui--
The 8w..n
" Clans ol

private oath to perform the same, and shall renew the
same foties quoties if I be required thereto. In witness
whereof I have subscribed this bond with my hand,
as likeways the said Angus has sub.<;cribed the like
bond to me, at Skipnish, the loth day of August,
1603 years, before these witnesses. Colin Campbell
of Kilberrie, Neill M'Neill of Thynis, Malcolm
M'Neill his brother, Alexander Macdougall Persone
of Kildaltane,
Hector M'Neill,
fiar of Thynis ;
and Cuthbert
Adamsoun, Com-
missar of Argyll.
(Signed) Dougall
Campbell off
Achinbreck,
Colin Campbell ot
Kilberrie, wit-
ness; Noil
M'Neill of Thy
n i s, witness;
;\ I e X a n d e r
M'Doiigall Per-
sone of Kildal-
tane, witness ;
Cuthbert Adam-
son, witness.

Without
some account of
the desperate
feuds betwixt
the Isla family
and the Mac-
leans the story
of Angus Mac-
don aid's life
would be incom-
plete. Ill place
of attempting to
s n in m arise
matter s, and
committing my-
.self to either
side, I purjiose
to transcribe
the account
given by the
historian of a
northern clan
u n connected
with either bj'

^qi, ^ ;HnM 111. 'li.iil r ,,1 Imm K lir^nluT. vlutH' ticS, but

■"■■ ' ""■ "■^"' '" ''■'■■'"" friendly to the

M ac d ona Ids.
Tliis history has
not been published, was written aliout 150 years
ago, is conceived in easy and concise language,
and the part now given was introduced as a
matter of general importance in Scottish liistory
of the time : —

" Here it may be observed that, by undue influ-
ence, King James was in 1588 induced to confirm to

THE OELl'lC MONTHLY.

153

Hector Maclean certain lands in the Rinns of Isla,
stating that they at one time pertained to his pre
decessors.

" There had heen a quarrel of an old standing be-
tween the M 'Donalds of the Western Isles and the
M'Leans, which was like to prove fatal to either some-
time. As far back as the year 1586, Donald Gorra-
mor of Slait, intending to visit his brother, Angus
M ' Donald of Kintyre, he embarks in the Isle of Skye,
but was driven by contrary winds on the Isle of Jura,
which was divided betwixt the M'Donalds and the
M'Leans. He happened to land on the side of the
island belonging to the M'Leans.

" About the same time that Donald Gorm landed,
two gentlemen of the name of M'Donald who had a
quarrel with him arrived in the island with a company
of men, who, understanding that he was there, they
secretly, under silence of the night, seized a number
of cattle belonging to the M'Leans, and carried them
off in their boat, knowing that Donald Gorm and his
retinue would be blamed, and that the M'Leans would
revenge the loss of their cattle upon them, which
accordingly happened.

" Sir Lachlane M 'Lean being alarmed, presently raises
his men, and under silence of the night marches and
attacks Donald Gorm and his company and killed GO
of his followers dead upon the spot. Donald himself
and the rest escaped to a ship that stood in the
harbour waiting a fair wind.

"Angus M'Donald of Kintyre hearing of this un-
happy affair betwixt his cousin Donald Gorm and his
brother-in-law, Sir Lachlane M'Lean — for he was
married to Sir Lachlane's sister — he resolved to lose
no time in setting out for the Isle of Sky, to wait for
Donald Gorm, and to offer his good offices to make
up a peace betwixt two such near relations.

" Having stayed some lime in the Isle of Sky with
his cousin, he returns home, and in his way lands at
Mull, and went to Dowart, M'Lean's principal resi-
dence, though his two brothers, Coll and Ronald,
used their utmost effort to dissuade him from seeing
Sir Lachlane at that time, but rather to make an
appointment with him to meet him in some proper
place, and at the same time to acquaint him that
though Donald Gorm was so greatly injured by him,
yet he was disposed to have matters amicably ad-
justed, lint Angus had such confidence in his
brother-in-law that nothing could dissuade him from
seeing him then, upon which his brothers left him,
but his cousin Ronald accompanied him to Dowart.

" Sir Liichlane at first received him with a show and
appearance of great civility, but at length Angus was
seized with his men and secured in prison. His cousin
Ranald narrowly escaped that night, but Angus was
detained close prisoner till he renounced his title and
right to the Rinns of Islay, which was the heritage of
the M'Donalds by donation from the king for their
personal services. Angus in the end was forced to
consent or die. He gave James, his eldest son, and
Ranald, his brother, as hostages for the performance,
to remain at Dowart till Sir Lachlane was put in
possession of the Riuns, which being done they were
set at liberty.

" Angus, full of resentment at the injuries done to
his cousin and himself, meditates how to be revenged.
In order to which he sends a kind invitation to Sir
Lachlane to come to Islay to finish their agreement,
and to get the sasine of the Rinns. Sir J.achlane

accepts the invitation, and leaving Ranald, one of the
hostages, in fetters at Dowart, he brings the other,
James, who was his own nephew, along with him to
his house, promising to make him as welcome as his
heart could make him while his provisions lasted.
(Tu lie continued).

SON OF THE GAEL.

To "FlONN."

Son of the Gael, I will lilt tliee a ditty —
VVell art thou loved in the glen and tlie city^
Loved for thy diction so powerful and witty,
Loved for thy fealty so fearless and bright :
Long may health cling to thee,
While I now sing to thee —
Blessings on " Fionn " the fair — Vjrave Henrj
Whyte !

Son of the Gael, could I warble thy praises
With all the sweet freshne.ss and beauty of daisies,
Then would I cheer thee, 'mid mystical mazes,
While you teach Gaelic by day and by night :
Long may you praise the tongue
Which your own mother sung —
Blessings on "Fionn" the fair — brave Henry
Whyte !

Son of the Gael, sure thy heart's in the High-
lands,
Twined round thetightlittle,storm-beatenislands,
Thinking no country in foreign or nigh lands
Equals in grandeurthineown,andthou'rt right:
Long may you love the glens,
Corries and heath-clad bens —
Blessings on "Fionn" the fair — brave Henry
Whyte.

Son of the Gael, where the pibroch is screaming,
There with the mem'ries of old thou art dream-
ing—
Dreaming of martyrs who, heedless of scheming,
Fought 'gainst the darkness of Error for Light :
Long may you love to praise.
Men who have won their bays.
While we bless " Fionn" the fair — brave Henry
Whyte !

Son of the Gael, may thy faith never falter,
Till from the Highlands you loosen the halter,
Till on a pinnacle thou shalt exalt her,

To reign o'er a kingdom untrammelled by
might ;
Then every Gael sliall sing.
While all the Highlands ring.
Blessings on "Fionn" the fair — 1 rave Henry
Whyte !
M,n.i,»,t»r DuKCAX MacLean.

154

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. accommodated. The restaurant will be a means

ill Comiiiuiiiraiiuiu,. uii literary •iitd business of training the guls and supporting the estab-

maiterH,shnuhi he adtiressed to the Editor, 3ir. JOBS lishuient, aiid the depot IS going to be a parcel-

MAfKAV, 17 niiiiiliis street, Kinastoii, aiasuow. post arrangement J to encourage old and young

' ® ' to make and send marketable articles, and help

TERMS OP SUBSCRIPTION.— The CELTIC to revive the art of spinning, weaving, and

MONTHLY win be sent, post free, to any part of the knitting again in the Highlands.

United Kingdom, Canada, tlie United StaUi, and all ^y^ must, however, impress upon our readers

countries in ike Postal Union— for one year, 4s. tjjat such an undertaking . requires funds to

-~- - start successfully, and we liope they, as well as

T~H E C E LT IC Monthly °^^ Highland societies, and all interested in the

UAT 18M. Highlands, will help with the good work.

^^^ ^^^^^ ^__^__ ^ ^^^_^^^^_^^^ ^^_^;^;.,^_^:,;^;;a ^^^^ We understand that a Gaelic concert, under

fj o x< "F ^ T^ 1' s. ^^^ distinguished patronage of the Lord High

Dav.dRk,d CROW F.R.C.I. (plate-portrait). -" ■ ■ -145 Conmiissioner for Scotland and the Marchioness

Tim HBADLB8S Si'BCTBE : A Sutherlandshire Ghost Story of Breadalbane, will be given 111 Ldinburgli, dur-

(illustrated), 146 tjjg meeting of Assemblies, in its behalf.

oiRMr8,cALP*o.-FAiuTED.,r.T,StAiNTED„r,T ■ . 149 Secretaries— Mrs. Carmichael, 7 St. Bernard's

Kev. D0X.4LDH. O. D. MacKis.n-ox, M. A, F.R.O.S. (portrait), 150 i.«i. tt -.» i ■ ^ . i^j-

The LA.T Macdosalds of I8la, Part 6 (illustrated), . ■ 151 ^osv, and Miss Hay, Merchiston Avenue, Ldin-

So.N oi-tiieGarI/— To "FioNX" (apoeiii), - ■ • IfS burgh.

A HioHLAND RE018TRT — OCR NEXT issiE — he.vry wiivte We shall be gUid to recclve and acknowledge

TEST.MOS.AL .... - - ■ ■ . 154 s„,jscriptions on behalf of the " Highland

TosoiE AND ITS HisTORrc Si'RROfSDiHos (illustrated), - - 155 ^1^ o

HioiiuAXD Wit A.vDHiMoiH (illustrated), .... 1,58 Home.

Donald M.»cDosAi,D, New York, US.A. (portrait), - - 159

GAEUC A1R8 TO LOWLAKD SO.VOB, 100 O II R M P V T I « C 1 1 R

Coi. CiiAELiB Stewart, Tioii '.s Diin (plate-portrait). • 101 u u rt ra c .IV I I o o u c.

KEVIEWS-PRK.SENT.WIO.V TO HE.VRY Wiivte ("FioNN"), ■ ■ 102 "Wj, ,,.^11 present our readers with a life-like plate

Letter TO THE EDiTOK (The ReayFkncibles), - - -103 portrait of Mr Donald N. Nicol, of Ardiiiarnock, a

A Kies OF thkKi.no.) Hand (a poem), • .- - - -103 gentleman well known and greatly respected in all

Kews Of THE MoxTH, &c., 164 ^^^^ ^f Argyllshire, whicli will be accompanied

A HIGHLAND REGISTRY.

We are glad to intimate that the long talked of
Highland Register is actually about to become
an accomplished fact, and girls coming from the
north and west to our great city will, in a short
time, not only find friends to help them, but a
"Home" to receive them.

The Highland societies have had the subject
before them for a long time, and have discus.sed
it again and again witiiout any practical result.
Now, however, a few ladies in Edinburgh and
Glasgow have put their heads together, and
behold — the thing is done ! They have formu-
lated a plan, and in a few weeks we are told
that they intend to open a Highland Home in
our city, and, in connection with the Home,
propose to have a liegistin- for all Highlanders,
a Restaurant, and a Depot for home industries.
We confess that this at first appeared to us
rather a large order, liut after an interview with
one or two of the energetic ladies of the com-
mittee we came away convinced that the scheme
is quite practicable, and that, if once fairly
started, can be made, after a short time, self-
supporting.

The establishment must be on a small scale
to begin with, and only six or eight girls can be

with an interesting biographical sketch. We wUl
also give finely engraved portraits of Mr. A. Stewart
MacGregor, vice-consul at Christiania, Norway ;
Mr. A. MacNaV), president, .\irdrie Highland Asso-
ciation ; and Messrs. Thomas H. Murray, and Neil
MacMillan, joint-secretaries, London Argyllshire
Association. Mr. C. Fraser-SIackintosh will con-
tinue his valuable series of papers on the "Last
MacDonalds of Isla," which will Ue illustriiti'd with
fine engravings of several of the crosses and niicii'iit
churches of Islay, and a, facsimile of a MacDimald
bond. Mr. John Mackay, Hereford, gives a
graphic account of the career of Angus Dubh, the
Mackay chief, aiid the eventful battle of Druim-na-
cupa, in connection with which two beautiful views
of the Reay country will be given. In addition to
these, " Fionn" will contribute another paper on
" Highland Wit and Humour, "Mr. James Ferguson
a very interesting article on " Highlanders in the
Archer Guard of France," and several other attrac-
tive contributions in jirose and verse will appear
with suitable illustrations . We also hope to be
able to publish the i-csult of the John Mackay,
Hereford, Prize of flO.otlered by the Gaelic Society
of London, with the successful song set to music.

HENHV WHYTE TESTIMONIAL.

AVe beg to acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of the
following additional subscriiitions : — Mr. Alex.
Mackay, G3 Rentield Street, (Jlasgow, .£1 ; Miss
Stobo, Green Knowe, Bridge of Allan, os ; .John
Mackintosh, secretary, Connnm Gaidhealach, 6s ;
Messrs. Macpherson, Ivy Cottage, Easdale, 03.
Total, £'2(; 4s.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

155

TONGUE AND ITS HISTORIC
SURROUN DINGS.

By John Mackay, C.E., J.P., Hereford.

Part IV. — Assassination of Iye Mackav-
Battle of Tutem-tarrach.
{Continued from page 13.3).
^^tojp AGNUS,
^U^p the Mac-

■My^^ kay cliief
who led his clan
contingent in
Randolph's divi-
sion at Bannock-
burn, died in

1315, the year
after that event,
whether or not
from the effect of
wounds received
in the battle
history does not
record. He was
succeeded by his
son Morgan, who
ruled the clan for
fifteen years.
Such names as
Alexander, Wal-
ter, Martin, Mag-
nus, Morgan,
were at the time
foreign to the
North High-
lands, but were
common enough
in the south of
Scotland; in
Strathclyde and
Galloway the
probability
seems to be that
these names were
imported from
that district of
Scotland from
which these chiefs
came, and these
names seem to
corroborate the
supposition. The

is a river Clwyd in Denbighshire North
Wales.

Morgan is not a Saxon, nor a Pictish, nor a
Scottish name, but it is, even now, very com-
mon in Wales, where the descendants of the
ancient Britons now exist. It is very probable
that the Britons, who kept possession of the
south-west of Scotland for several centuries, and
i n ter m arried
with the natives,
would leave a
name common to
them behind.
They were not
expelled by the
Scottish mon-
archs who sub-
jected them to
their rule, turbu-
lent as they were
they remained.
Magnus, Morgan,
Martin, were
names common
in Galloway,
amongst gentle
and simple, and
imported thence
by the Mackay
chief, as we af ter-
wards find
Donald and lye
imported from
Kintyre. It has
been stated that
the Mackays
were called the
Clan Mhorgau
from this chief.
That is simply a
misconception.
It was only his di-
rect descendants
who were called
C 1 a i n n 51 h i c
Mhorgan. The
name Morgan
became extinct
amongst the Mac-
kays in about a
century. In the
same way the

MACKAY.

e fi^re weai's a flat bonnet, un w Inch the clan badge is displayed, and an
eagle's feather. The doublet, or jacket, is of strong cloth formerly
much worn, to which a dull red colour was imparted by a native dye.
The tartan is that reco^^nised as peculiar to the Clan Aodh, the brojrs
are molach or of hide, from which the hair is not removed ; the sword
and targe are of the forms in common use amonu' the Highlanders " —
James Logan, in R. R. Jl'Ian's " Clans of the Scottish Highlands."

Gallowegians were a mixed race of Picts and families of Farquhar, Paul, Angus, Neil, Thomas
Britons from Cumberland and Westmoreland, — sons of Mackay chiefs — were nicknamed Mhic
who penetrated as far north as the Clyde, and Ercher, Mine Pol, Mhic Angus, Mhic Neil,

took possession of Dumbarton, as the significa-
tion of that word implies — Dun-nam-Breatuin-
aich, the fort of the Britons— the more ancient
name of which was Al cluyd, or Al-cluith (ail-
cluith), the rock of, or at, the Clyde. There

Mhic Thomas, eventually Anglicised into Far-
quharson, Poison, Macangus, Nelson, Thomson.
Morgan was succeeded by his son Donald,
who, in his father's lifetime, sought for himself
a wife amongst his kindred in the south. It is

156

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

possible he may Imve been with his futht-r and
grandfather at Bannockbui n, and there became
intimate with liis Gallowegian, Kintyre, and
Isla relatives, and on his return visited those in
Kintyre, where he met Miss MacNeil, a daugliter
of lye MacNeil, chief of Gigha, whom lie mar-
ried and touk with him to Tongue to share with
him the amenities of the north.

This chief seems to have lived a quiet and
peaceable life, and died in 1.34(», leaving a son
and successor, named lye (Aodh, Hugh), afier
his grandfather of Gigha. Tiiis is another in-
stance of the relationship that theti and previ-
ously existed between the Mackay chiefs of the
north and those of the south.

lye Mackay had during his rule serious differ-
ences with William, Earl of Sutherland. The
earl did not feel himself sufficiently powerful to
take the law into his own liands, and was the
more disinclined to do so as the Sutherland men
xvere the ag-
g r e s s o r s,
though they
dearly paid for
it by the re-
taliations the}'
provoked. The
earl, unwilling
to admit that
his men were
the aggressors,
proposed to the
Mackay chief
to submit their
diflTerences to
the Lord of the
Islesiind others
for arl)itration
at Dingwall,
lye Mackay
consented. The
parties met at

Dingwall and submitted their relative cases to
the arbitrators. It would appear that> the
Mackay chief seemed likely to get the best of
it. The earl sought for an interview with lyo
and his son Donald, who accompanied him. and
in the heat of discussing the question in hand
the earl drew his dirk and killed father and son,
and at once rode ofi to Dunrobin, pursued by
the Mackay retainers who accompanied their
chief, but the earl with diliiculty got safely to
Dunrobin. Sir Robert Gordon, as usual, in
recording incidents dishonourable to the Earls
of Sutherland, does not tell the truth, for in
this instance he states that the earl's name was
Nicolas, whereas it ought to be William, and
gives the date 139.5, when it ought to be l.'iSd^
the year of the arI)itration and ass;issination.
This was the commencement of the feuds and

conflicts which lasted for upwards of two
centuries between the Mackays and the Earls
of Sutherland.

Donald, the only son of lye Mackay killed at
Dingwall, left three sons — Angus, who suc-
ceeded his grandfather as chief, and Hugh and
Neil. This Donald is stated to have been the
founder of the name Mackay in the north, from
being the son of lye — Mack-lye, Mack-aoi.
This is a mistake, for the name Mackay was
known in Galloway and the south of Scotland
as early as the reign of David I. Besides this,
the name MacKie, MacKai appears in charters
|)revious to 1340, notably in charters granted by
Bruce, who died on the 7th June, 1329.

Angus, the eldest son of Donald, and grand-
son of lye, succeeded. He married a daughter
of MacLeod of Lewis, had two sons — Angus
Du, or the swarthy, and Ruari-gallda, or Roder-
ick, the foreigner, from his having been reared
out of his
father's family
amongst his
mother's rela-
tives in Lewis.
He died at
an early age,
leaving his
family and
estates in the
care or tutor-
s h i p o f h i s
brother Hugh,
who proved
himself to bo
worthy of the
trust reposed
in him.

During his
tutorship, the
mother of the
young chief,
Angus Du, desired to have some share in the
management of the estates, and )irobably a
larger allowance than her husband set apart for
her. Hugh declined to agree to these demands.
She then complained to her brother, !\lacLeod
of Lewis, who came to Tongue with a large
company of men, with the resolution of comj)el-
ling Hugh, either by entreaty or force, to com-
ply with his sister's demands. Vindiug Hugh
inrte.xible, and that he would not be cajoled by
fair words, nor o^•erawed by force, he departed
in high dudgeon, and on his way back drove off a
great number of cattle from the Mackays' lands.
I his being reported to Hugh, he and his
brother Neil at onc(! collected their men and
pursued the Lewis men. Having overtaken
them ntTutem-tarrach, in Strath Oykel, Hugh
immediately attacked the Lewis men, and, says

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

157

Sir Robert Gordon, "a terrible battle was
fouglit," in which the islanders were annihilated,
one only finding his way back to Lewis to relate
the wuful tale. Hugh Du died two years after
this event, and his brother Neil died shortly
before or after him, leaving three sons — Thomas,

Neil, and Morgan — who, as we shall see in the
next chapter, played an important part in the
story of the great Mackay chief, which led to
the terrible conflict of Druiui-na-cupa, the
" Bannockburn " of the Mackay territory.

Many of our readers will be glad to learn that
the handsome prize oflered by The Scotfish Conyre-
(jativiuilist, for the best essay on " Benefits of
Attendance on Piililic Wurship," has been awarded
to Mr. John S. Mackay, Thurso, the local secretary
of the Clan Mackay Society.

We have to express our thanks to Mr. Donald
Mackay, Town and County Bank, Thurso, for
kindly giving us the use of his interestmg collection
of negatives of views of the Reay country. We re-
produce two of them this month in connection with
Mr. Mackay, Hereford's, article. We shall be
greatly obliged to any of our readers who can assist
us with photos, of places of interest on the north
coast from Keay to Bettyhill ; and also of Mingarry,
Ardlamont, and Toward Castles, Argyllshire.

The Highland Dress. — We have just been
favoured with a copy of Messrs. Rowan & Co.'s
new illustrated price-list, which contains a great
deal of information which should prove valuable to
parents anjdous to know where to get good value
in boys' suits. Messrs. Rowan make a specialty of
the Highland costume, and supply all the dress
accoutrements. Their catalogue contains a list of
nearly 180 clan tartans which they are in a position
to supply. Owing to the rapid increase in this de-
partment of their business they have been forced
to add a handsome saloon to their extensive
premises. There is no dress which becomes a boy
better than the Highland costume when correctly
made and of good material, and at Messrs. Rowan's
establishment customers may depend upon being
well satisfied in this respect.

Gaelic " ceann-mor" means big head, or a man
with large capacity. Mhic Mhorgan means the
son of Morgan, who was a chief of the Mackays in
the 14th century, and only applied to his descend-
ants, who for less than a century preserved the
distinction, and soon became extinct. — Macaoidh.

Clan Morgan, or Mackay. — Morgan means
" mawr-gkn," large capacity — the same as the

Mr. Thomas Sinclair, M.A , Falmouth, has a
new work in the press — "Caithness Events"
— which will be published shortly by the Northern
EiLsign Office, Wick.

" Raining's School Magazine " continues to do
credit to its editors and contributors. The recent
issues have been specially good, and we wish the
magazine every success. We are glad to notice
that the shinty club is so prosperous.

Music. — We are indebted to Miss Katherine
Mackay, Fort-William, Belfast, for a coj^y of Mr.
J. G. CaUcott's "March of Brian Boru." The
composer has done excellent justice to his subject,
the music being tuneful and masterly. It is pub-
lished by Mr. John Blockley, 3 Argyll Street,
London, W.

"The Gaelic Journal" (Dublin). — The
February and March numbers are to hand.
Not the least interesting feature of the jiresent
issues is the commencement of a series of easy
lessons in Irish, conducted by the learned and
active editor, Professor O'Growney. We also
note with pleasure that it is contemplated to
issue the Jom-iud monthly instead of quarterly.
We hope the conductors will be encouraged to
make this change, and thus give a fresh impetus
to the national language and literature,

168

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

HIGHLAND WIT AND HUMOUR.

By " FioNX."

jjJJNii T a fishinoiiger'a window, in Glasgow, a

^hland drover, accompanied by his
"J^^ faithful collie, was admiring the large
silver salmon, the splendid lobsters, and huge
crabs displayed on the window sill, which pro-
jected slightly into the street. By some un-
chancy accident the collie wagged his tail into
the claws of a crab, which instantly closed on
it. The dog gave a dreadful howl and bolted
along the street, the crab holding on with com-
mendable tenacity. On seeing his crab disa))-
fjear, the tishmonger rushed to the door, and
oliserving the owner of the dog shouted,

"Donald, Donald! cry back ye'r dog." "D n

you," exclaimed Donald, at his leisure, "cry
you back ye'r pen tan."

A Highland parish minister, who was ever
anxious to magnify his office, took some dislike
to a ])oor hcrdlioy who was employed by a
neighbouring farmer. This boy was the son of
a poor widow woman, and received some help
from the par(K'hial authorities — usually a suit of
mole.skin clothes once a year. One day the
minister driving with his " man " in the gig
espied the herdboy near the roadside, wearing
a new suit winch his reverence knew had been
supplied by the parish. Anxious to tease and
humble the boy, ho stopjjed the machine and
said — " Well, my boy, who gave you that

splendid suit of clothes?" "0, just those that
gave you yours — the parish," was the boy's
cutting reply. The minister felt he had been
caught, and drove off in a hurry. After a little
reflection, he felt to be so humbled in presence of
his "man," and addressing him, said — " Go back
and ask the boy if he will come and be my fool."
The mijiister's " man " went back in glee to the
boy and said, " ]\Iy master sent me back to ask
if you would come and be his fool ? " " Are j'ou
going to leave him?" asked the bo}'. "No,"
replied tiie minister's "man" iu astonishment.
" Well," said the boy, "go back to your master
and tell him that I think his stipend is small
enough to support two fools, without engaging a
third." The minister avoids that boj' now.

An English doctor came to reside in a High-
land parish. Being fond of flowers, he sowed a
large variety of them, and, true to nature, the
weeds also grew up alongside of them. Enquir-
ing if there was any handy man in the village
whom he could emploj^ to weed his flower-beds,
he was directed to a man somewhat weak in the
intellect, but who was accustomctl to garden
work. They went to the garden together, and
the doctor showed him his flower-plots, adding
— " Hut, Donald, I am afraid to trust you with
the work — are you sure you know the flouvrs?"
" No, sir," replied Donald, " but I know the
wet'ds." " Very good, very good, Donald," was
the doctor's reply, " that is all I want."

A certain man of mean and stingy manners sent
his man-servant, with whom he had often quar-
relled for not carrying out his orders t(j the veiy
letter, to weed a bed of onions, with the instruc-
tion — " A'a fa/f III air iiachdar talaimh " (Leave
naught above the ground). Coming back in a
short time he found that his servant had carrieil
out his behests to the letter, with the result that
onions and all had disappeared. " Rinn tliii sn
mar a dh' iarr mi ort" (You did this as I told
you). " Bha mi 'feuchainn lis" (I was trying to
do so), was Dugald's reply. " Nach tu seirblieis-
eac/i an Diabliail" (Aren't you the Devil's own
servant) ? " Tha mi creidsinn gar mi, acli tha mi
dol g'a fhagail aig an Flieill-Martainn" (I dare-
say I am, but I am going to leave him at Mar-
tinmas). He had given his master his warning.

Shinty — Cowal c. Kingussie. — This great shinty
match, which was played at Cathkiii Park on the
Spring Holiday ended in ii win for Cowal by 2
goals to 1 .

A VERY large circle of our readers will learn with
very deep regret of the death through pneinnonia
of Miss Macphersoii, eldest daughter of the vener-
able Major-General Macpherson, of Fortwilliani
Park, Belfast. Miss Abicphorson's labours in the
cause of philanthrojiy arc known and appreciated
all over the north of Ireland,

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

159

DONALD MACDONALD, New York, U.S.A.

SSeckktarv, New Youk Celtic Society.

|p|P||HE subject of this short sketch imbibed
W^ an intense patriotism with hi.s mother's
^r^ milk. It needed neither fortuitous influ-
ences, nor that distance which lends enchant-
ment, to develop the deep love for kith and
native country, which are leading elements in
his character.

Born in the island of^Tiree in 1858, he is in
the full prime and
vigour of man-
hood, with a
promise of oppor-
tunities before
him to add much
to that which he
has so well ac-
complished al-
ready in the
Gaelic world. At
the age of fifteen
he left the pater-
nal roof for the
city of Glasgow,
where he served
his term of ap-
prenticeship in
the carpenter
trade, coming out
as a highly skilled
and versed arti-
zan. His next
venture forth was
to England, the
busy centres of
INIanchester and
Newcastle being
among the places
where he wooed
and won fortune's
sunny smiles. A
position of re-
sponsibility
opened for him
at Neilston, Ren-
frewshire, and while here he became connected
with the ,3rd Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers, re-
maining with that corps for about four years.
Again he took up residence in Glasgow and met
with unqualifying success. He was a member
of St. Columba Chui-ch and of its famous Gaelic
choir, and during the remainder of his stay in
Scotland took a deep interest in matters affect-
ing or pertaining to his native Highlands, whether
social, political, or religious.

It is now about seven years suice Mr. Mac-
donald crossed the Atlantic. At that time there

-tL"?-^-^

was an awakening among the Toronto High-
landers, and he stepiied at once into the ranks of
the most active workers. It was not long before
his usefulness was seen in the success which
attended the society, of which body he was ap-
pointed recording secretary. He was the soul
of the society ; no more popular member or
officer was counectetl with it. He was espe-
cially successful in planning and carrying out
arrangements for entertainments, to which he
personally contributed n(jt a little. He com-
bined a keen {ear vvith^ a^ sweet, well-trained
voice, and was a
favourite singer
of Gaelic songs.

; He did much to

I infuse a love for,

and knowledge
of, Gaelic song
among his coun-
trymen in To-
ronto.

While M r.
M a c d o n a 1 d ' s
memory will long
be green in
Toronto, it looks
as if he had found
the true sphere of
his labour for the
Gael in the city
of New York.
Bearing with him
laurels which few
young men could
have won so well
in so short a time,
and worn so mod-
estly, it was but
the matter of a
few months after
his arrival in New
York when the
New York Celtic
Society, of which
he is the founder
and the father,
was formed. He
was appointed its first secretary, and that post
he still holds.

Mr. MacDonald loves his tight little native
island dearly, and his love for his native Gaelic
is equally great. He always spoke Gaelic
fluently and correctly, and has acquired an ex-
tensive knowledge of its' literature. This love is
contagious, and wherever he goes he has the
happy faculty of im|)arting to others much of
his own sentiment and enthusiasm. Buaidli 'us
piseach leis 'sgacli deaijh obair.

Toronto. ALEXANDER ERASER.

IGO

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

GAELIC AIRS TO LOWLAND SONGS.

By Malcolm MacFarlane.

{Continued from page 139).

45. Ca' the yowes to the knowes. Wliatever
the origin of this tune, it would be hard to find
one more Gaelic-lilie. (?)

46. Contentec] \vi' little. " Lumps of Pudding "
i.s the old name ot the tune. When sung in the
Ray mode, as it ought to be, it is of the style of
which Air failliriiin illirirm is a type. (?)

47. Address to the Woodlaik. Loch Erroch
Side.

48. Last May a braw wooer. The old name
of this tune is, "The Queen o' the Luthians
cam cruisin' tae Fife," a ballad song with a
fal-de-ral lairo chorus. It is impossible to over-
look the similarity of- this tune to 6" uite 'n
caidil an I'ib/iiiin an iioc/id, once the attention has
been drawn to it.

49. Aye waukin', O. This tune is certainly
Gaelic-like, and is practically the same as Onm
Mtdaid, No. 14, "Celtic Lyre."

50. Come boat me owre to Charlie. "Owre
the w-ater to Charlie" is called a Gfielic air in
Maver's collection.

51. Whistle owre the lave o't. This tune is
said to have been composed by John Bruce,
Dumfries (see 43). On the other hand, it is said
to have been in exi.stence before his day. Who-
ever composed it made a tune which is Gaelic
in every note. It is to this tune, played on the
bagpipe, that Seann Triubkis is usually danced.

52. There's a youth in this city.

53. The Battle of Sheriffmuir, Cameronian
Rant. This is a Highland reel tune. It is called
Biiail na hodaich a Cnlfliodair in Gunu's book.

54. Rattlin', roarin' Willie. Am port cram \s
the name given in Gunn's book.

55. Eppie Adair. My Eppie. This tune is
the same to which Am bard lindtugach made his
song Cha teid mise tiiillead/i a shadltaiiiii >ui,
cruinneig. See Macbean's " Songs of the (Jael, '
No. 10. See also Eraser of Knockie's collection,
p. 26, where it is called Crod/i laoigh nam bodac/i.

56. The Iligliland Widnw's Lament. The
air to this song was picked uji by Hui-ns on the
occasion of his tri)) to the Highlands. It is
given with harmony in a recent number of "The
National Choir."

57. The tither morn. The editor of " Albyn's
.Antlioliig'v " says A/o uighean itiibli is the tune to
vvhicli this song is adapted. But the best known
air for Mo nigliean diib/i is not that given to
Burns's song. It bears a slight resemblance to
it, and is of the same kind of measure.

58. I ha'e a wife o' my ain. Naebody.
Cliuidh mi gii banais mn gliaiiil is the name given
to the air in Gunn's book.

59. As I was a wandering. liinn m' flieicdail

mo mhealladh. Tliere seems to have been two
different tunes of this name. See Maver's col-
lection, p. 52, for " My darling has deceived
me," and Knockie's collection for the other
melody to which Burns made his words.

GO. The Lass o' Ecclefechan. Jacky (or Jock}')
Latin. The Gaelic name of this tune in Gunu's
book is Cidr do chuid airfirefaire. I have myself
heard words which suit this tune, beginning as
follows : —

■' Bidh fir .V bhaile farumach,
Bidh Hr a' bhaile suDudach,
Bidh fir a' bhaile farumach,
Bidh fonn air Banais Dhighaill."
6L Bannocks o' Barley. The Killogie. In
Gunn's book there is a tune named Bonnaich
mliiii eorna, wliich suits not only Burns's song
but that of Duke John of Argyle. The tunes
given to both tliese songs by Maver differ from
Gunn's. One of them is not unlike the pipe set.

62. saw ye my dearie. Eppie JIacNab.
Maver's collection, p. 104.

63. I gae'd a waefu' gate yestreen. The
Braes of Bushbie. This is called a Gaelic air by
Maver ; and Gunn's name for it is Port siubliait
Dhiuc Chat — The Duke of Sutherland's quick-
step.

64. 0, bonny was yon rosy brier. The wee
wee man. This air is named in Gunn's book
Crodh laoigh nam bodach, and also " Bundle and
go." Dr. MacLachlan of Raho3''s song, Cha'n
c>i mi deur tuiUeadit, is adapted to it. It is not
unlike the Irish " Garry Owen."

65. Scots wha ha'e. When Burns submitted
this song to his publisher Thomson, the latter
thought the air " Tuttie Taitie" to which Burns
had set it, and to which it is now sung, un-
wortliy of the words, and he caused it to be
adapted to " Lewie Gordon." In " Lewie
Gordon" I recognise A horo mo nighean donn
(see Sinclair's " Oranaiche," p. 15), which was
very popular at the Bath Street Gaelic con-
certs se\'eral years ago.

60. A Highland lad my love was born. 0,
an ye were dead, guidman. The White Cockade.
This latter, as the words evince, is a northern
tune. The Irish also claim it as ' Clarach's
Lament," and the Irish Gaelic words do suit the
air. Further, there is un Irish lullaby, com-
posed by Owen Roe O'Sullivan, a poet of last
century, Englished thus, " Sho-ho, baby, weep
no more," the air of which was taken down from
tho singing of David Condon, Bally Organ,
County Limerick, by R. W. Joyce, collector and
editor of "Ancient Irish Music." Although it
is not remarked by the editor that the air given by
him is "The White Cobkade," there can l)e no
mistake about its being it. I would not call it
a good set of the melody. The air, " White
Cockade," is familiar iu the Highlands as Port
nam pbg.

The late COLONLL CHARLES STEWART, J.P,
(Tujk\c Diua).

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

161

COLONEL CHARLES STEWART,
TIGH 'N DUIN.

The name of Colonel Charles Stewart, Tigh'n
Duin, is a household word in the Highlands,
especially in the district of Killin, where the
greater part of his life was spent He was
a direct descendant of the famous Donald
Stewart of Invernahyle, who fought with dis-
tinction at the battle of Pinkie, in 1547, and
whose sword and dagger, of Andrea Feraria
fame, he was proud of having in liis possession,
as well as many other interesting relics of the
Appin Stewarts.

Colonel Stewart was born at Glenlyon House,
Fortingall, and was the youngest son of Donald
Stewart of Glencripesdale, who was a large
landed proprietor, and was a celebrated breeder
of blackfaced sheep and Highland cattle. He
was educated at the University of Edinburgh,
and was originally intended for the legal pro-
fession, but his health and other circumstances
caused him to abandon tlie idea and live in the
country. Being a man of great intellectual
ability, of wide knowledge of the Highlands,
and of large-hearted sympathies, his influence
became widely felt all over Perthshire, where
he was universally esteemed and beloved. He
threw himself heart and soul into everthing
pertaining to the welfare of the Highlands and
Highlanders. He was a J. P. for the county of
Perth, a director of the Killin Railway, and at
all the agricultural and social gatherings he
always occupied a foremost place. By his
lamented deatli the extensive district of Bread-
albane has lost a valuable friend and counsellor.

Col. Stewart was warmly attached to tlie
Breadalbane family, and was a welcome fiiend
and visitor at Taymouth. By the nobility and
agriculturists alike his advice was held in high
esteem.

He was thoi'oughly conversant with the Gaelic
language, its folk-lore and music, its archieology
and monuments, and the dearest object of his
life was to help to conserve the grand old Celtic
race, its history and literature. As a keen anti-
ijuarian Colonel Stewart stands in the foremost
rank of investigators, and contributed many im-
portant papers to the "Proceedings of the
Society of Antiquaries," of which he was a
Fellow.

As chief of the Perth Gaelic Society many
will remember his stirring and eloquent ad-
dresses at the meetings at Perth, where he and
his celelirated " Killin Gaelic Choir," of which
he was the voluntary conductor, were deservedly
popular. He was an accomplished musician.
Highland Uiu.sic lieing one of his hobbies, ami

often spoke of tiie " mesmeric eflect " of Gaelic
music, which, he said, when played with the
real " dirl," stirred liis patriotism when nothing
else could. His " Killin Collection of Gaelic
Songs" is well known, and the interest and
value of the book is enhanced by the historical
and critical notes he affixed to each song. Col.
Stewart was a warm supporter of the Church of
Scotland, and his " History of the Celtic
Church " shed a new light on its early ecclesias-
tical history, and was acknowledged to be a
monument of patient research.

Owing to enforced absence in the South, on
account of his health, liis stately form has been
missed for some time from its accustomed place
— nevertheless, love of country, the distinguish-
ing mark of the true Gael, remained undimmed
to the last. Up to the day of his deatli he was
busily engaged with Celtic literary work. He
was an earnest student and translator of the
Ossianic poems, and has left many valuable
manuscripts, which will be published in course
of time. He was also the author of a cele-
brated work, "The Gaelic Kingdom in Scot-
land." Most of his published Celtic literary
work during the past year was written specially
for the Celtic Monthly, in the success of which
he took the keenest interest. The paper on
" Co valla," which we hope to conclude next
month, was perhaps the last contribution he
made to Celtic literature.

One of his favourite subjects was the religion
of the ancient Gaels, and their belief in the
immortality of the spirit, and this same belief
was the mainspring of his own spiritual being.
During his short illness of an hour and a half's
duration he was calm and conscious, and able
to tell of the happiness and repose he felt in
resting entirely upon his Saviour.

He passed peacefully away, in the full assur-
ance that death is no break, but only a transi-
tion from the growing life of faith and love here
to the full fruition yonder. Colonel Stewart
was laid to rest in Killin Churchyard on the
11th of April by a large gathering of sorrowing
friends, and the funeral, which was a representa-
tive one, was the largest that has taken place in
that district for many years. He leaves a widow
and two children.

We have great pleasure in presenting our
readers with an excellent plate-portrait of this
distinguished Highlander, from a photograph
taken four years ago. It is very appropriate
that a likeness of his little daughter — Miss
Minnie Grace Annan Stewart, commonly known
as "Gracie" — should appear beside him, as a
strong and unusuallv deep attachment existed
between fatlirr and .-liild.

162

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

REVIEWS.

" Uequhart and Glenmoriston : Oldek
Times in a Highland Pauish." By William
Mackay. Inverness : Xoit/ierii Chronicle Office.
— We have been looking forward with great
interest to the appearance of this work, and now
tliat it is before ws we fear we cannot say suffi-
cient in its praise. It is a large and handsomely
bound volume of 6u0 pages, embelli.shed with a
number of tine engravings of places and objects
of historic interest, and it contains within its
covers the result of the many years which Mr.
William Mackay devoted to the collecting and
preparing of material for this exhaustive liistory
of his native parish. Urquliart and Glenmoris-
ton, so full of rich, historic associations, has been
singularly fortunate in its historian, for no one
was better fitted to undertake this jtleasant,
though arduous, duty than the patriotic High-
lander who has presented us with this valuable
volume. Mr. Mackay's literary work has always
the stamp of " thorough " upon it. He tells tlie
story of the parish from the beginning, its
earliest history being of the usual legendary
character. Then the Picts and Norse appear
upon the scene, and Conachar, the ancestor of
the Forbeses, Mackays, and Urquharts, settles
in Urquhart. The period up to 1362 is devoted
to an account of the conflicts between the English
and the native inhabitants, in the struggle for
national independence, after which the clan
period begins, with its feuds and forays. The
story of the Solemn League and Covenant is one
of perpetual commotion, followed by the wars
of Montrose and the revolution period. In these
Mr. Mackay's own ancestors come pretty fre-
quently upon the scene, losing their lands and
regaining them, and through all these centuries
it is pleasant to learn that Mr. Mackay's ances-
tors have been identitied with the old place
— Achmonie. Perhai)S the most interesting
pages in the book are tliose devoted to an
account of the "Seven Men of Glenmoriston"
wiio so nobly accompanied Prince Charlie in his
wanderings ; and disdained to accept the brilie
of jL.'JO.OOU oflered for his head. A portrait is
given of Patrick (irant, one of the "seven,"
The '45 uprising brought misery and desolation
to these glens, and since that period "change
has followed change in lapid succession ; and
now, almost literally, old things are passed away,
and all things are become new." Three interesting
chapters are dt-voted to the church history of
the i)arish, which are followed by an account of
Kdiication and Culture, Kolk-Lore,and Industrial
and Social Life in the historic glens. Tliere are
also appendices which are certainly not the least
interesling feature of this attractive work, that
dealing with the bards of the parish being
specially valuable. We need aay nothing further

in the meantime regarding Mr. Mackay's
" Urquhart and Glenmoriston " except that is
perhaj)S the most exhaustive and readable history
of a Highland district that has ever been
published, and it is a work which ought to have
a place in every Highlander's library. In its
publication the author has <lone a service to his
native jiarish the value of which cannot be over
estimated, and the volume will remain a
niuniiment to his patriotism and literary ability.
We trust that this beautiful book will have a
large sale, and we heartily recommend it to our
readers.

"A Brief Account of the Clan Donnach-

AiDH," by David Robertson, F.S.A., Scot., has

just come to hand, and will be duly noticed in

our next issue.

PRESENTATION TO HENRY WHYTE

(" Fi on n").

Our readers will be glad to learn that the
testimonial to our valued contributor, " Fionn,"
was presented on Wednesday, 18th April, in
the Royal Kestaurant, West Nile Street, Glas-
gow. There were between tifty and sixty
gentlemen j)resent — several of them from a
distance, and Mr. Hugh MacLeod read letters of
apology for absence from numy prominent Celts.
The meeting, which was thoroughly re[)resenta-
tive' Vas presided over by Mr. Wm. Graham
of Erines, who, in a few aposite remarks, re-
ferred to the object of the meeting, and con-
cluded by calling on Mr. JIagnus MacLean,
M.A., to make the presentation. Mr. Mac-
Lean, as convenor of the committee, stated that
the result of the movement was that in three
months they had collected a sum of £160 from
representatives of every class, creed, and clan,
which showed how much " Fionn " was respected
by all. Mr. MacLean went on to enlarge upon
Mr. Whyte's estimable qualities of head and
heart, and his valuable labours, ungrudgingly
given, for the advancement of the Celtic people,
their language, and literature, and concluded
by presenting him with a pur.se of sovereigns
and a gold watch, which bore the following in-
scription : — " Presenteil, along with a purse of
sovereigns, to Mr. Henry Whyte {"Fionn'') by
numerous friends, in recognition of his valuable
services to Celtic literature. Glasgow, April,
1891." All In 'c/i'i 'f iKwh fliaic.

Mr. Whyto, who was loudly cheered, thanked
Mr. MacLean for the kind manner in which he
had spoken regarding him. There was nothing
enhanced the testimonial more than the fact that
it was the spontaneous gift of pe(i])le represent-
ing every sect and party. OthiT short aildresscs,
intersper.sed with songs, followed, and during the
course of the evening Mr. Neil Ross recited the
poem, " Son of the Gael " (see p. 153).

tHE CELTIC MONTHLY.

163

LETTER TO THE EDITOR.

THE REAY FENCIBLES.
To the Ediior of the " Celtic Monthly. "
Wiesbaden, 3d April, 1894.

SiK, — Mr. Rose's reply to my remarks in the
March number of the inagazine may be summed up
in one short sentence : he seems to bear a grudge
against the CLm Mackay. I do not like contro-
versy, but as he has made a disingenuous assertion
to the effect that the regiment known as the Reay
Fencibles never appeared in an army-list, I beg
permission to make a few further remarks, in order
that those who are not acquainted with the facts
may have a correct understanding of the matter.
Here are Mr. Rose's words : " Neither in army-list
nor nmster-roll can be found a regiment designed
' The Reay Fencibles, "/• Mackay licyimoU.' " I
fancy, in making this statement, he was hitting at
my having drawn attention to the fact that there
were 209 Mackays * in the ranks of the regiment
when the first muster-roll was drawn up [there
were also, at the same time, 11 Mackay officers],
and to my having added, " So its designation was
perfectly appropriate. The Reay Fencibles, or
Mackay Regiment of Highlanders." It is true,
Mackaij Reiiiment does not appear in the official,
that is, the War-Office list, but the Reay Fencible
Regiment does; and if that regiment was not the
Mackay regiment, what was it ? Perhaps Mr. Rose
can tell.

On the 4th November, 1894, the cousin and heir-
presumptive of the then Lord Reay addressed a
letter to the tacksmen in the Reay country, re-
questing their assistance in the raising of a new
regiment for the Government. In that letter he
asked (I quote his own words) " that the names of
the men who engage in the Mackay Fencibles,"
should be transmitted to him. This was probably
the designation which had been suggested for the
new regiment, though the warrant which Colonel
Baillie received merely authorised him to raise " a
regiment of fencible men " — no title being given.
As soon as it was embodied, however, it was in-
scribed in the War-Office list as The Reay- Fen-
cible Regiment. It was placed on the establish-
ment 10th June, 1795, and shortly afterwards pro-
ceeded to Ireland, where it served with distinction,
and was known as "Lord Reay's Highlanders."
Why was it so called ? Because it was raised in
Lord Reay's, or "the Mackay counti-y. "

Mr. Rose says that it is an " unwarrantable as-
sumption " to write about the achievements of the
Mackays at Tarahill or elsewhere ; " but I stated
distinctly that we did not restrict the praise to the
Mackays only, but accorded it equally "to the
officers and men who composed the regiment." Is
it not, therefore, a perve.rsion of facts on his part
to assert tliat the regiment acquired "laurels"
which were "unfairly placed to the credit of the
Clan Mackay alone?" The merest tyro in the
study of history could scarcely be guilty of such a

* There were seven Murrays and one Rose in the regiment. I
wonder if they constituted the "unwilling recruits" who were
tempted to enlist at Tain by the "bait" of "a bounty of two
guineas," dangled before their eyes by " the prtriotic . . . civic
authorities of the ancient burgh ! " (See D. Murray Rose on the
Reay FenciMcn, in this magazine, Vol. 1. 175).

blunder. In bringing this part of my remarks to
a close 1 will quote a few words by James Logan,
author of "The Scottish Gael." Logan furnished
the letterpress to M'lan's " Clans of the Scottish
Highlands," and in the latter work says — "In
1795 the Reay Fencible Regiment, or Mackay
Hvihlaiuki-fi were embodied." . . . The " signal
defeat of the rebels at the Hill of Tara" was "ac-
complished by the Mackays in gallant style." As
a historian, Logan was here stating a fact. Was it
an " unwai-rantable assumption " on his part to do
so ? I trow not. So much for Mr. Rose and his
' ' unwarrantable " allegations.

Another thing. Mr. Rose would fain make us
believe that the statements in General Stewart's
" Sketches" are fictions, and the figures which are
given as facts by Robert Mackay in his clan history
are fables. This is trying the credulity of the
readers of the Celtic Monthlij a little too far. If
what is recorded by these two authors about the
number of Mackays in the Sutherland Fencibles is
wrong, it is rather remarkable that no one before
this has drawn attention to the error. As I have
not seen the muster-roll of the regiment, I, of
course, cannot vouch for the correctness of the
figures ; but I will hold that General Stewart's
statements, as well as those given in the " History
of the Clan Mackay," are neither "fictions" nor
" fables," but facts, until Mr. Rose has furnished
proof that his own assertions are correct. Pray,
pardon the length of tliis communication. —
Yours, &c. John Mackay.

A KISS OF THE KING'S HAND.*

It wasna from a golden throne,
Or a bower with milk-white roses blown.
But mid the kelp on northern sand
That I got a kiss of the king's hand.

I durstna raise my een tae see
If he even cared to glance at me ;
His princely brow with care was crossed
For his true men slain and kingdom lost.

Think not his hand was soft and white,
Or his fingers a' with jewels dight.
Or round his wrist were jewels grand
When I got a kiss of the king's hand.

But dearer far tae my twa een

Was the ragged sleeve of red and green

O'er that young weary hand that fain.

With the guid broadsword, had found its ain.

Farewell for ever, the distance gray
And the lapping ocean seemed to say —
For him a home in a foreign land,
And for me one kiss of the king's hand.

Sarah Robertson Matheson.

' There is an old pipe-tune " I got a kiss of the king's hand."

Clan MacMillan, — Our readers will regret to
learn of tlie death of Mr. C. S. MacMillan, National
Bank, Govan, who has acted as treasurer for the
Clan MacMillan Society since its inauguration.

164

The OELTtC MONTHLY.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Clan MacKinnon Society. — A largely attended
meeting of this Clan was held
in the Waterloo Rooms, CSlas-
gow, on 2yth lilt. ^Ir. William
MacKinnon, hon. vice-presi-
dent, presided. The president,
Mr. Duncan MacKinnon, read
a long paper on the origin and
early liistory of the clan, trac-
ing them back to the 9th century, showing their
close connection with the MacGregors, MacNabs,
and other branches of the Alpine race of kings of
Scotland. He also described their migrations to
Mull and Skye, and referred to various conflicts in
which the clan tocjk part, their septs and branches,
the disasters of 1745, and the later history of the
clan.

Glasgow Skye Association.— The foUownig
gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the en-
suing session :— Chief , Capt. Macleod, Dunvegan ;
Hon!' President, Mr. Macdonald of Skaebo.st ;
President, Mr. R. Mackiniion ; Vice-President,
Col. Williamson; Secretary, Mr. Hugh Macleod
(writer) ; Treasurer, Mr. Duncan Finlayson ;
Directors— Messrs. Macdonald, K. Macdonald, M.
Nicolson, D. Maclean, A. Robertson, K. D. Mac-
kenzie, J. Macintyre, M. Nicolson, L. Mackinnon,
and A. W. Macleod. Temporary assistance was
voted to two deserving cases. The secretary's
statement showed a very satisfactory condition of
the society, notwithstanding the frequent calls on
its funds during the last year.

Cl.\.n- DoNNAcHAinn Society.— Thesecond annual
general meeting of this society was held in the
Merch-ants' Hall, George S<iuare, on Wednesday,
4th ult —Col. J. Leslie Robertson, C.B., of Butter-
glen, in the chair. The Chairman having intimated
an apology for the al)sence of the Lord Justice
General, who, he said, was with them in spirit,
alluded to the conspicuous position taken by
Robertsons throughout the world. He had never
met, after travelling the greater part of the worhl,
a Robertson who asked him for pecuniary aid,
except in New York, but on further incpiiry he
found this one to be an Englishman. (Laughter )
Mrs. Sarah Robertson Matheson, Dunfermline,
general secretary, stated that the membership
since the inauguration of the society in 18'J1 u]! to
date was 43."), and the funds in hand were £10(i lis Hd.
During the evening the Right Hon. W. E. (Jlad-
stone was proposed and unanimously accepted as
an honorary member of the society ; whilst Mr. J.
Logic Robertson (Hugh Halliburton) was appointed
bard to the clan. A capital concert followed.

Pbrth Gaelic Society.— The animal nieating
of tliis Society was held in the Guild Hall. Ex-
Hailie MacGregor, the Chief of the Society, presided.
Mr. J. MacKenzic, the Secretary, submitted the
annual report, fnmi wliich it ai>peared that the pa.st
year had been the most successful that the Society
liad ever seen. The mcinbership had been well
maintained, and during the year '2.') now members
had joined. There were 15 life members, 40 honor-
ary members, and 228 ordinary members. OlKce-
bearers for the ensuing year wore elected, ex-13ailio
MacGregor being re-appointod Chief.

Clan Mackay Society. — A concert of this"society
was held in the Sauchiehall
Rooms on Tuesday, 10th ult.,
Mr. Alex. Mackay, Charing
Cross, presided, and there was
a crowded attendance. Among
members of the clan present
were Messrs. Charles Mackay,
John Mackay, Ccltir Monthly;
Lieut. William l^Lickay, and
others. Pipe - Major John
Mackay, A. and S. H., Paisley, and Mr. W. Hen-
derson, Govan, played stirrnig selections while the
company was gathering. The chairman, after a
few remarks on the objects of the society, sug-
gested the confederation of the Highland Societies
in Glasgow for the purpose of organising a High-
land Club. .\ capital concert programme was
sustained by Jliss Flora Donaldson, "Scottish
Troubadours," Miss Williamson, Miss Sinclair
(pianist), Messrs. G. Morrison, John Sinclair, and
others. Messrs. E. E. Henderson and \V. Hender-
son gave the Highland dances with great spirit.
A dance, which was largely attended, followed.
-AiRDRiE Highland A.ssociation. — On Thursday
evening, Gtli ult., in the Associa-
tion Hall, Bell Street, the mem-
bers of the above society and
friends were treated to a high-
class lecture and musical enter-
tainment on "The Songs and
Poetry of the Highlands," by
Mr. John Mackay, Glasgow,
editor of the Celtic Munthlij.
Tliere was a good turnout. Mr.
\Vm. Thomson occupied the
chair, and briefly introduced
the lecturer and Miss Lizzie
B. Mackay, Glasgow, and Mr.
J. Mackintosh, secretary, Glasgow Gaelic Music;il
Association. Mr. Mackay touched upon Celtic
love songs, humorous love songs, poems on Nature,
songs that dealt with the desolation of the High-
lands, boat songs, laments, sacred songs and hymns,
marching songs, drinking songs, fairy and nursery
songs, and patriotic songs, all of which he dealt
with in a creditable manner, and evoked hearty
applause. The musical part was ably sustained
by Miss Mackay (a coming vocalist), Mr. Mac-
kintosh, and the lecturer, who sa)ig the Gaelic and
English versions (with piano accompaniments) to
the delight of those present. Altogether the
entertainment was a most enjoyable one. Mr.
MacDonald (vice-president), and Mr. MacNab
(president), awarded a hearty vote of thanks to
the entertainers, and one of the most enjoyable
meetings was brought to a termination at a season-
able hour.

DR. LIVINGSTONE'S ANCESTORS.
7o tite EdiUir of the " Cfltic .Monthly."
Sir, — I read with considerable interest the
article on David Livingstone and his relatives in
your issue for last month. I should feel obliged
if you would put a (inery in next month's number,
in order, if possible, to see whether Dr. Living-
stone was in any way related to the Livingstones
of Crogan. By doing so you would much oblige. —
Yours, &c. James Livingstone.

D. N. NICOL, of Ardmarnock.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

4 MAGAZINE FOS HIGHLMDEfiS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 9. Vol. II.]

JUNE, 1894.

[Price Tlireepence.

DONALD N. NICOL.

|pj^|HE subject of oiu* sketch this month ;
W^ Mr. Donald Ninian Nicol of Ai-dmar-
^;^ uock, wiU scarcely require an intro-
duction to many of our readers. A resident in
his native county of Argyllshire for many yeai's,
his name has become familiar as one who has
its interests and welfare deeply at heart.

The only sm-viving son of the late Dr. Nicol
of Ardmarnock, he received his early education
at Merchiston Castle School, and Glasgow
University, Proceeding afterwards to Queen's
College, Oxford, he took the degrees of B A.
and M.A. and having been called to the English
Bar joined the Northern Circuit. Although
he has ceased the active practice of his chosen
profession, his early study of law has proved of
excellent service to hun. A fluent and ready
speaker, he is able to grasp the salient and
material pioints of his subject and to communi-
cate them to an audience in a telling and
effective way. Since 1855 Mr. Nicol has resided
on his Ai-gyUshire estate with the exception of
a brief visit to London diuing the winter
months. At an early period he began to take
an active interest in local affairs. A Justice of
the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant of the County,
he was the Convener of the Finance Committee
imder the old regime of the Commissioners of
Supply, and when they were superseded by the
County Council, he continued to hold that
position and has proved himself an able
guardian of the Exchequer In presenting his
annual Budget to the Coimcil, Mr. Nicol
displays a masterly command over the iutri
cacies of his subject, and has the rare ability
of imparting to it a vivid interest which is
seldom found amidst the dry bones of statistics.
He was also Chakmau of the Valuation Com-
mittee, and is also a member of several other
Committees of the County Council. As a

member of the Lunacy Board he has been
f)rominent in the movement to modify the
excessive control exercised by the Central Board
in Edinburgh. He is also Chairman of the
Parochial Board of his own Parish of Kilfinan,
which he represents in the County Council.

In 1874: Mr. Nicol married the daughter of
Sir- Edward Bates, Bart., late II.P. for Ply-
mouth, and he foimd congenial work in taking
a leading part in successive contested elections
for that constituency. Since the retirement of
Colonel Malcolm he has been chosen as the
Unionist Candidate for Argyllshire. Mr. Nicol's
talents deserve a wider scope than the some-
what contracted sphere to which his energies
have hitherto been devoted, and his ripened
experience, ready tact and intimate and dis-
criminating knowledge of local and imperial
affau's lit him in an eminent degree for a seat
in the supreme Legislative Coimcil of the
Kingdom.

This brief sketch of Mr. Nicol's career would
be incomplete without some mention of his
warm sympathy with the cause of higher
education in the Highlands. As Joint Hon-
orary Secretary of the Highland Society of
London he has taken an active interest in the
provision of bursaries for the assistance of
students in the outlying districts. These
bursaries are awarded not by competitive
examination but after a careful comparison of
the merits of the applicants with special regard
to the difficulties under which they have pursued
their studies. Many a poor student has been
assisted by this means to overcome the initial
obstacles in his way and to enter upon a
successful career in one of the professions.
The personal knowledge which Mr. Nicol gained
during his study at Glasgow University of the
disadvantages imder which Highland students
are placed has led him to devote a very con-
siderable amount of time and trouble in working
out the details of a scheme which has proved
so fruitful in its results.

Mr. Nicol is a member of the Kintyre Club,
Glasgow Cowal Society, London Ai-gyUshire
Association, and other county organizations, in

166

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

the welfare of which he takes a keen interest,
and his presence at the recent Annual Social _
Gatherings in Glasgow was veiy heai-tily
welcomed by the members. It may be also
mentioned that as a native of CowiU he naturally
takes a special interest in the well known
Glasgow Cowal Shinty Club, of which he is a '
patron.
,., „„ James MacKellab.

GAELIC AIRS TO LOWLAND SONGS.

By Malcolm MacFarlane.

Key E.

Caidil Gu Lo.

From Albyn's Anthology (1cS16).
[Continued from page 160).

G7. Banarach dhonn a' chruicUi. The aubm-n-
haired lionnie dey — being an imitation of the
original Ciaelic song. "Hail to the Chief," by
Sir'^W. Scott, "Hillof Lochiel," by James Hogg,
and "The Banks o' the Devon," by Burns, were
adajited to this air or variants therof.

68. Guma slan a chi mi. Blythesome may I
see thee— by the Editor. A translation by Pro-
fessor Blackie is given in "The National Choir"
vol. 2, page 202 ; an original song to the same
air by Joseph M'Gregor at page 15G; and
another by Thomas Hood at page 157.

69. Soraidh slan do 'n Ailleagan. I still may
boast my will is free — by the Editor.

70. Tha mi .sgith 's mi leam fhin. Why should
I sit and sigh— by James Hogg. The following
remnant of the Gaelic words, diflering somewhat
from those given in part 3 " Celtic Lyre," is
worth quoting : —

" Tha mi sgith, 's mi leam fhln,

H-\nle la an Cnoc-na-beannachd ;
Tha mi sgith, 's mi leam fhin,

H-uile Ik a 'm onar.
H-uile Ik an Cnoc-na-beannaclul,

H-uile lit a 'm onar ;
H-uUe Ik an Cnocna-beannachd,

'S ni fliear tigh'nn g' am fbeoraich.
Cul an toraain, bcul an tomain,

C\\\ an tomain bhoidhich ;
Ciil an tomain, beul an tomain,
H-uile Ik a 'm onar.
7 1 . Caidil gu 16. Hush thee my baby— by Sir
Walter Scott. Eraser of Knockie, in a footnote at
page 7.'5, writes " This tune supposed to be com-
posed by the roving King James, would spread
among all his subjects as his iimduction : Imt 1
find the best set of it preserved in the lliglilands
and sung to Gaelic words." Patrick MacDonidd,
in his collection of Gaelic Air, calls it a Skye Air.
Knockie's .set is the simplest of the three and I
give it along with as much of the Gaelic song as
is preserved in Albyn's Anthology : —

Chorus.
;: Is -.n :d Id' ;-.r' -.n' |s :1 :f In;- ^

(), ho 10 1 ri ri laidil gu 16, )

Fine.

: Is :n :d Id' :— .r' :n' Is :n :r |d:— I

O, ho ro 1 ri ri oaidil jru 1>>. I

i:d'.4''ln' :d' :r

I 'S e lu' f hcudail i

Id' :n :f..fjs :1

n ciiirtfhear Dheaiuidli inir'

i:d'.,r'|n' :d' :r' Id' :s

I 'S e m' fheudaU an oiiirt.fhear

:tail :s )

:^\i sii^adh 1
D.C.

:n |r:-|l

Is :f

.luraiijinn pog. "

'S e m' fheudail am tleasgach
Ghabh air ialbh air au fbeasgar;
O, tha mi fo bhreislich
Ma sheasas an ceo.

Dol a null air an fhaoghailt,
Gu'n deanadh mo rogbainn ;
Bhiodh ciich air a dheaghaidh
'S mo roghainn air tus.

72. He 'n clo-dubh. Like lightening gleams
— by James Douglas.

73. Gura thall ann Sothaidh. It was o'er in
yon Soa — translation by Editor.

74. An gille gnanach. I've made a vow — by
Mrs. Gray. This is the well-known Seinii an
(luan so by Dr. JlacLachlan of Rahoy. The
Editor gives the following fragment of the
original song which, it will be seen James Munro
worked into his line song to this air (see Am
Filidh i)age 16 — An t-oigear uallach) : —

A ghille ghuanaich o hi o r('),
A ghille ghuanaich o ho i,
A ghille ghuanaich nan leadan dualach,
Tha mi fo ghruaim o'n dh' flu'ig thu "n tir.

75. Bealach a' ghiiraidh. O, my love, leave me
not— by Mrs. Grant. This air is best known as
"Mackintosh's Lament." The Gaelic words
given in Albyn's Anthology diti'er from those
given by Laclilan MacBean in his "Songs of the
Gael," and are worthy of quotation here: —

Ochain, a laoigh, leag iad thu (3 uairean)

Am bealach a' ghiiraidh.
'S truagh nach robh mis an sin (3 uairean)

Us ceatlirar gach laimh domli.
An leann thug iad gu d' bhanais (3 uairean)

Air t' fharaire bhk e.
'Nam bhreidich \ 'nam ghruagaich (3 uairean)

'S 'nam bhanntraich 'san aon Ik ud.
Gun chron iiir an t-saogh'l ort (3 uairean)

Ach nach d' fhaod thu saogh'l buan fhaotainn.
76. Soraidh slan do 'n Ailleagan. The Spring
for me revives in vain— Gray. This tune is a
variant of that to which I\l orison's spiritual song
An Calk is adapted (See No. 30 MacBean's
"Songs and Hymns of the Scottish Highlands").
Entirely diflerent airs of the same name appeared
in the Gael Vol. v. page 22, and in the " The
Highlander," No. 164.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

167

'■A • 5 H I NfTY -/n ATCH

CAMANACHD.

Times have changed in the North of Suther-
land, and with them the habits and customs of
the people have undergone an alteration also.
The amusements of the winter mouths are still
indulged in, but not so heartily, I fear, as they
were in the days of long ago. Shinty was a
favourite game on the sands at Balnakeil, o'er-
shadowed by the fine baronial residence of the
Lords of Reay, aud on New- Year's Day the
game is still jalayed. It may not prove un-
interesting to the readers of the Celtic Mimthtii
to describe a New- Year's Day Shinty Match as
it was played on these beautiful sands many
yeai's ago.

It is a tine clear morning, with a touch of
frost in the air sufficiently keen to add zest
to the exertions of the day. The players having
arrived, the Shinty is thro^-n do'W'U, and boys,
lads, and men play merrily for half-an-hour
■n-ithout drawing sides, hke the first flomish of
fence before beginning in earnest.

The crowd thickens, old men appear upon
the gTOund, and young wives and maidens also,
as spectators, come dressed in theii' best attii'e.
A miuTBur goes round that it is time to begin ; it
gets louder, and they collect in a gi'oup. The
company having assembled, it was proposed,
and unanimously carried, that the game be
commenced in earnest. Eetu'ing to the middle
of the sands, two persons are chosen to draw
sides, and a club is tossed in the air for the first
call. The chosen one standing out in the ring
looks around for his companiou-at-anns, who
modestly holds back until called by name, when
he advances, not unconscious of the honour

conferred on him. but with aft'ected humility,
perhaps finding fault with his principal for
havmg made such a bad choice. His opponent
next selects his man, and so proceed, at first
cautiously, each party consulting together as to
whom they would choose. At times both call
out a favourite player simultaneously, and then
the battle wages long and loud. But they now
get impatient, aud the names are called out
still faster, until none are left save a few half-
grown boys too young to join the strife of heroes,
and too old for entering the battle of the
pigmies. A hole is then made in the sand, the
ball is dropped into it. men are seen stri23ping;
shoes, stockings, bonnets, clothes are left in the
custody of some daughter or fair favourite, or
upon a sand hillock.

Two field marshals are appointed, who take
their stations; the ball is tossed out of the hole,
each man firmly gi'asps his club, each eye is on
the alert, up it ascends, aud then begins the
fight of heroes. All else is forgotten, brother
comes against brother, father against son, for
their blood is vq). Now they seem all in a knot,
next instant they separate, they press in a body
upon one end, and they then diverge like moun-
tain streams; but though many they are one,
for they have a common object, though only a
piece of wood three inches in diameter. The
fair ones, gentle and simple, group along the
shore, while many a loving look is exchanged,
no doubt stimulating some to greater exertions.
The running of one is beautiful, another's
plajdng is awkward, that of a third superb, of
a fourth ludicrous. The mascuhne exhibition
on that sea shore is really fine. What flashes
from that young man's eyes as he strikes forward
the ball ! "What a proud step after he has

ll).S

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

done it ! What attitudes that field marshal
puts himself iuto as the ball is deliberately fixed
on a fulcrum of sand before him ! Conscious of
the gaze of a thousand eyes, he retreats a few
steps, and, measuring the object with the eye,
dutches more firmly the club, and comes down
with it in a circular sweep, hitting the ball
beautifully, and following it with his eye as it
rises iuto the clear- blue sky. No I'est being
allowed, the ball is at times by mistake thrown
into the sea, into which, though the surge
should be considerable, a dozen stalwart fellows
leap, and even midst the breakers struggle for
it. As a tribute to this bravery, the one who
finds it is permitted to stiike without molesta-
tion, a sufficient reward, he considers, for his
ducking.

But look at that group who support a fainting
man. From an accidental stroke of the club
un the temjjle his skull is laid bai'e. He is
deadly pale as they carry him out of the melee.
Women also surround him, among whom is the
young man's sweetheart. Pale and trembUng,
she takes the handkerchief ofl' her neck, and
binds it round his head. His eyes open; that
look she gave him has acted like a cordial.
The wai'm blood once more mantles his face, he
says he is quite well, and wishes again to enter
the melee, but is kept back by a beseeching
look from the maiden, and the tears by which
it is backed have more weight with him than
the remonstrances of a thousand tongues.

But we see another and a larger group, but
it is difficult to wedge one's way into it. There
is a ling and loud words, inside are two
fellows with brawny arms, pale with anger,
collaring one another, while others try to hold
the determined fighters back. 'Let them
alone,' cries a sensible old man, and, left to
themselves, they see what a ridiculous figure
they cut ; they look at each other, shake hands,
and set oil' once more in theii- pursuit. Some-
times, however, they are not so easily separated,
and blood flows ere they desist from fighting.
But see that poor limping dog which has faith-
fully followed his master, and for his fidelity
has got a Ijiokeu leg. What has so suddenly
(.lisperse<l that female group '. The ball has
ellected this with as great expedition as a shell
falUng among a party of troopers. Ofl' it goes,
however; that handsome young fellow who eyed
it intently had a design upon it, and now is his
time, beautifully does he send it along, never
missing, and as skilfully does he out-mamuuvTO
his adversary, who meets him; he waits, strikes
it, and piusses him. With the ball at his foot,
a false step and all would bo lost, for he is
h(jtly pui-sued, the whole field being in full cry
at his heels. But he knows his jjower, and
reserves his strength to the last. Forward he

goes, only now pui-sued by two or three, and,
out-distancing aU, he is cheered by his own
party, while the opposition only sullenly growl.
Eeachmg now the goal, he strikes the ball
against the rock, while a trimuphaut hail rises
from a hundi'cd voices, and meets him grate-
fully as again he di-aws breath. By this time
it is almost dark, and as each youth, weary with
the day's exercise, retm-ns home in the gloam-
ing, he looks out for the gii'l he loves best, and
engages her as his partner for the evening
dance.

London. RoBINA FdTDLATER.

AG AMHARC AIR AIS.

Air tulaich ghuirm ri taobh na triigh,
Fodh sgi'iile tlatli nan creagan lom ;
Tha ni' inntinn mar gu 'm biodh i sn^nih,
Ag eisdeachd giirieh throin nan tonn.

'S mi cuimhneacbadh nam bliadhn' a thriall.
Mar bhruadar diomhanach nach till,
'S mo chiirdeau lionmlior, gradhach, fiall,
'Tha enimh a 'n diomhaireachd na cill.

06 'bheir an sgeula dhuinn air ais,
No'm bi sin glaiste uainn gu brath 1
Am faic sinn tuilleadh gniiis am uiais',
A phaisgeadh aim an glaic a' bh.iis?

An cluinn sinn tuilleadh cainnt am beoil,
A sheoladh sinn le 'n comhradli glic 1
An caidil iad a chaoidh fodh 'n fhuid.
An dorchadas a blir6in fodh 'n lie !

An lean an saogbal-so gu bn\tb,
A barcadh air 'us dheth an t-sluaigh !
'S 'g an iomairt mar na tuinn air traigh,
An uine ghearr a bliios an cuairt.

Tlia linn an deadhaidh linn gun t^mh,
Mar aVihuinn Ian a ruith do 'n ehuan,
'S mar liisan niaoth a thig fodh bhhVtli,
'S a bhi'isaicheas 'n uair 'thig am fuachd.

Tha caochladh sgriobht' air gniiis gach nl,
'S cha bliuain' an righ no 'n duine boolid ;
An gloir 's an ionmhais cha toir sith,
'S iad aig a chricli gun bhrigh gun toirt.

Ach tlia ar duil ri tir is fearr.

Far am bhcil fois do 'n iinrach sgUh ;

Far nach bi dealachadh gu bruth,

'S far nach tig br(>n no pliigh 'g ar tlaoidli.

Ach figaidh sinn e aig an Triatli,
Am lireithcanili ccart nach liar a' choir,
'Thug dhuinn ar ti;s, 's dha 'n aitlin' ar crioch,
'S a bhios gu suthainn siorruidh heh.

N. Macleoid,

THE CELtIC MONTHLY.

LONDON ARGYLLSHIRE ASSOCIATION.

THOMAS HUNTER MURRAY and NEIL MACMILLAN,

JOINT SECRETARIES.

169

THOMAS HUNTER MURRAY, though born iu
Glasgow, is of Argyleshire parentage, his ancestors of
several generations rest in the beautiful old church-
yard of Kilniun, his father's and mother's home being
separated only by the Holy Loch. His father's family
still possess the pleasant snuimer residence of Finnart
Bank, Kilmun, and his maternal grandfather was
John 0. Turner of Dunloskin, a man well-known and
greatly respected, who gave much time and voluntary
labour to all the interests of the County. Joining
the stream of young life which flows towards the
great Metropolis, he entered the Firm of Macmillan
& Co., Publishers, Strand, where he has been for
twelve years, rising gradually in position and respect.
Two years ago he became Secretary of the Argyleshire
Association, a friendly society, through which new
comers may find a welcome, and older members
may feel, from time to time, the strength of the
united centre, the fellowship of early days. Being
originated in 1890, the Association is still in its
infancy, but has every prospect of developing a vigour-
ous manhood in the years to come, unless its existence
is effaced by the time that's "comin'yet" "when
man to man the world o'er, shall brothers be, an a'
that ; " the advent of which is materially helped
forward by such Societies. Genial and upright, he
bears about in him amid all the toil ot business life,
the pure atmosphere of his native hills.

NEIL MACMILLAN was born at Bowmore, Islay,
and is the son of Captain Uonald Macmillan of that
village. On the maternal side he can trace his
ancestors as far back as "Traigh (jhruinard," while
paternally he comes of a well-known seafaring family.
His grandfather, the late John Macmillan, was one of
most respected and hospitable men in the island.
The subject of our sketch began his education at the
village school, and afterwards studied at Glasgow for
the Civil Service. At a competitive examination held in
London in the beginning of 1891 he took a high place
on the successful list, and was immediately called
upon to take up his appointment in Loudon.

After nearly two years service in a Government
Office, he resigned it in favour of the more active
pursuits of a commercial career, having received an
appointment with Messrs. E. D. Sassoon & Co., one of
the foremost East India Merchants.

True to his warm Highland sympathies he early
became a member of the County Association, and on
the resignation of one of the Secretaries he was
unanimously elected to fill the vacancy, the duties of
which he discharges with credit and satisfaction. He
is a member of the l'2th Aliddlesex (Civil Service)
Volunteer Corps, and also belongs to the Service
Rugby Football team, and plays a good game in the
forward division. In every respect Neil Macmillan
is a worthy son of " Green grassy Islay."

170

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TONGUE AND ITS HISTORI
SURROUNDINGS.

By John Mackay, C.E., J. P., Hereford.

Part V. — The Battles of Dingwall and
Haupsdale, and Slaughter of Mowat
OF Freswick.

{Continued from page 157).
''Va liave now arrived at an eventful and
luonientous period of Highland and
Mackay history during the liule of
Angus Du Mackay in Tongue. As we have
seen in the last chapter, this young cliief was a
minor at his father's death. During his minoritv

tlie clan was ruled by his elder uncle Huistean
L)u (swarthy Hugh), a man of great resolution,
determination and braver}', manifested by liis
opposition to the demands made upon him hy
the MacLeods of Lewis, and the quick re-
taliation he inflicted upon them at Tutem-
tarrach. Whether his young nephew accom-
panied him on that expedition, as very probably
he did, we are not certain, yet there cannot be
a doubt that his martial uncle instructed him in
all the necessary accomplishments of the period,
to govern and to lead men in peace and in war.
On his uncle's death two years after the l)attle
of Tutim-tarrach Angus Du assumed the reins
of government, and proved himself to be a real

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leader of men. From the associations lie had
formed, and the influence he had acquired in the
earlier years of his rule we find him to have
been a young man of the liighest capacity, attain-
ing within the three northern counties an ascend-
ency second only to the Lord of the Isles, when
tliat potentate rebelled against the Regent of
Scotland to assert his assumed right of succession
to the Karldoui of Ross during the long imprison-
ment of James the first in England.

The iMunros, Rosses, and otlu^r elans in that
Earldom, were on the side of the Regent, and
were not well inclined to the Lord of tlic Isles.
They preferred to be loyal to the government of
the Regent, and to liave his son as tlieir superior.

Probably enough instigated by the Regent Albany,
these clans formed a confederacy to resist the
pretensions of the turbulent and disloyal Lord
of the Isles, who had been plotting with the
Kings of England to re-subject .Scotland to their
domination and partition it between them.
Angus Du, being the more influential and power-
ful of the confederates, was chosen to lie
Commander-in-Chief to resist him. The Lord
of the Isles was informed of this confederacy,
and at once resolved to force these refractory
clans into submission. For (his purpose he
collected an army in the Isles and invaded Ross,
to take forcible possession of the lOarldom and
reduce these clans to acknowledge liim as their

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

171

over Lord. The confederates under the leader-
ship of Angus Du hastily assembled their forces
in time to meet the invading army of the Isles
at Dingwall, as Sir Robert Gordon tell us. A
bloody battle ensued, the confederates being
defeated with great loss of men. Angus Du
was taken prisoner, his young brother Rorie
Gailda slain, but no mention is made of the
Chiefs of other clans killed, or taken prisioners
by the Lord of the Isles This battle, severe as
it must have been, is assumed to have taken
place in the same year as that of Harlaw, 1411.
It is much more likely to have happened two
or more years previously, and for the simple
purpose of reducing the clans of tiie Earldom of

Ross to his submission before undertaking the
moi-e serious object of contending with the
Regent for the superiority of the Highlands
beyond the " Garbh-chrioch " — an event well
fixed by "The Day of Harlaw," — and which
Donald, Lord of the Isles failed to accomplish
by his want of tenacity of purpose, and by the
stern resistance he met with that day.

Angus Du, " the leader of lUOO men," taken
prisoner at the Battle of Dingwall, was kept in
bonds for a few months in Caisteil-tirrim, under
the guardianship of "Alastair Carrach," "Lord"
of Lochaber, and brother of Donald, Lord of the
Isles. Donald was politic enough to make terms
with so powerful a Chief as Angus Du. He

I.dUD ItKAVS I'KW, TONOl !•;

proposed to him, now, that the confederacy was
subdued, and the refractory clans had given in
their submission, to give ' him his liberty to
return to his own country and clan, to give him
also, his sister in marriage, and grant him as her
dowry, the superiority of lands in the south west
and north east of Sutherland, which he possessed
in right of his wife the Countess of Ross.

An agreement upon these terms was come to,
Angus Du, married the sister of Donald of the
Isles, obtained his liberty, and as " Sir Robert "
says, "carried her away with him to Tongue."

From the fact of this Mackay chief lieing
imprisoned for a few months in Caisteil-tirrim
by the Lord of the Isles, he was ever after nick-

named by his clansmen " Enneas-a-phriosan,
(Angus of the prison) erroneously given as
"Enneas-en-Tmprissi," (Angus theabsolate)absol-
ute and masterful he undoubtedly was, but the
words "eu-imprissi," is neither Gaelic, Latin, nor
Greek, but a corruption of "a-phriosan" as
above ; a similar epithet was afterwards applied
to his eldest son who was kept in ward in the
Bass for nearly ten years.

The Lord of the Isles, faithful to his treaty
with Angus Du, conveyed to him and his wife
Elizabeth, the superiority of a large stretch of
property in Ross and Sutlierland, extending from
the Church lands of Skibo to the confines of
Assynt and the whole of Strath Halladale, On

172

THE CELTJC MONTHLY.

taking possession of these lands by virtue of a
charter (1414), Angus Du, leased them to liis
three consins Thomas, Morgan, and Neil, the
sons of his uncle Neil, and brotlier of Huistean
Du. This extensive acquisition of territory-
adjoining his patrimonial estates gave the
redoubtable Mackay chief a ])reponderance of
inlluencc and power greatly superior to the Earl
of Sutherland. To him this was a great evesore,
and a greater grievance for the Mackay territory
now encompassed his on three sides, making in
reality Angus Du in Sutherland, " Angus the
absolute." Thus the Earl became extremely
jealous of the influence and power attained by
the Mackay chief; he felt himself powerless to
counteract tlie efiect, yet what he could not
accom])lish by policy or force he tried to do by
treachery and fraud in fomenting quarrels and
disturbances in that lawless age of continuous
contentions. He found willing instruments in
the Murrays, the cliief of whom was Angus of
Pulrossie, a wadsetter or lease holder of Thomas
JMackay, the cousin of Angus Du, referred to
previously.

This Tliomas, to whom Angus Du had allotted
Strath Halladale, Pulrossie and Creich, had a
dispute with Mowat, laird of Freswick in Caith-
ness, and was refused satisfaction. Hearing of
Mowat passing into Ross with a retinue of men.
he speedily pursued him, and overtaking
him at Tain, demanded redress, and not obtaining
it, words culminated in blows. The Mowats
were worsted and took refuge in St. Duthus'
Chapel, which was consideied a sanctuary. The
infuriated I\Iackays unable to get at the Mowats,
set fire to the chapel, and either burnt or slew
them. Complaint was made to the Regent
Albany. The crime was brought before the
Council, the fact of the atrocity of a Saint's
chapel being burnt was enough. Without
further investigation, Thomas Mackay, called
Neilson from his father being Neil, was forfeited
and a decree was issued to apprehend him, his
lands, goods and chattels to ,be the reward for
his apprehension.

The difficulty was who would or could ajjpre-
hend so powerful a man, for Angus Du would not
like to forfeit the esteem of liis clansmen by
bringing his cousins to justice if he were called
UjionI The Earl of Sutherland was afraid of
Angus Du whom lie thought it was not jiolitic
to od'end. The apprehension of Thomas lapsed
for some time. The Earl consulted Angus
Murray and urged him to do the deed. Angus
was not loathe to undertake it on the promise of
protection if \n: failed.

Angus Murray had two daughters of wliom
the younger brothers of Thomas Neilson Mackay,
Morgan and Neil were enamoured. Angus
Murray persuaded these miscreants to assist him

in apprehending their elder brother by giving
them his two daughters in marriage and
promising to share their brother's property with
them, which was now forfeited to the crown,
and promised as reward for the apprehension.
The unnatural brothers yielded, Thomas was
apprehended and executed at Inverness, and the
three villains received the promised reward.

In the meantime the Caithness people, indig-
nant at one of their Lairds being slain by Thomas
Mackay, made several raids upon Thomas' lands
in Strath Halladale, but after his execution and
Strath Halladale being conveyed by Charter to
Angus Murray, they extended their raids into
Strathnaver. Angus Du was not the man to
permit such deeds to be done on his own lands
with impunity. He convened his men and
marched into the heart of Caithness, unmolested
till he came to Harpsdale within a few miles of
Thurso, where the men of Caithness met him
and a furious battle took jilace attended with
great slaughter on both sides. The men of
Caithness getting the worst of it they made
loud complaints to King .lames the first of
Scotland, who had within a year or two been
released from his captivity in England. The
affair was much magnified to the King and
Council. James since his return had many
similar reports from other quarters in the High-
lands. He determined to go to Inverness and
personally inquire into the atrocities complained
of. He summoned the Highland chiefs to meet
him at Inverness. Angus Du, amongst the
rest obeyed the King's command, and gave the
King such good reasons for his conduct that he
was allowed to return on condition of sending
his eldest son to his Majesty as a hostage for
good behaviour in the future.

OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

C'AITE'N CAIDIL AN RIBHINN?

Key F.

d : n

d d

n |n :s :n ir :n :r Id
d Id :d :d t, :t, :t, I d

n_:r^ : d Id : n : s
t, :-:li id :d :d

Harmonised by H . C,
1 :-:- Is ■.-•As)]

d :-:- Id

Where'er tliou art,

2 Tha' ghaoth a' seideadh oirnn o'n deas,

'S tlia iiiise deas gu seoladli,
'S na'ii rolih tliu leaui air bharr nan stuagli ;
A luaidh, cba Vihitliinn bronach.

3 Bha mi deas 'us bha uji tuatli,

'S gu trio air chuairt 's na h-Innsean,
'S beau d' aogais riiimh cha d' fliuair mi ann
No samliladh do mo nigh'naig.

i 'S ann ort fein a dli' fhas a' ghruag,
Tlia bachlach, dualach, riomhach,
Fiamli an oir a's b6idhche siiuadli
'S e del 'n a dhuail 's na cirean.

.") Cha tog fiodhall, 's cha tog oran,
'S clia tog ceol na pioba,
'S cha tog briodal nigh'naig oig,

Aui br6n 'tha 'n diugh air m' inntinn.

G 'Se dh' iarrainn riochd na li-eala bhain
A shnamhas thai' a' chaolais, —
'Us racliainn fein troimh tlionnaibh breun,
A ehur an ceill mo ghaol dhuit.

7 Tha nis gacli ni a reir nio dheoin,

Gach acfhuinn 's se61 mar dh' iarrainn ;
'S gun mhaille theid mi air a tbir,
'Us posaidh mi mo nigh'nag.

2 My ship is floating on tlie tide,

And prosperous winds are blowing ;
If tliou wert only by my side
My tears would not be flowing.

3 I long have braved the stormy sea,

To distant lands oft sailings;

No maiden have I seen like thee ;

Thine absence I'm bewailing.

4 How fair thy locks are to behold

When in the sunbeams shiniug ;
In colour they will vie with gold
That oft has stood refining.

5 In song or dance I take no part,

And music cannot cheer me;
Nor maiden's smile can raise my lieart
Since absent from my dearie.

(J If like the swan I now could .sail
Across the trackless ocean,
Ere break of day my love I'd hail
And prove my heart's devotion.

7 M}' sails are set ; blow, breezes blow.
All thoughts of danger scorning ;
Where dwells my love I'll quickly go
And wed her in the morning.

Translation by 'Fkinn.

Clan MacLean Society. —
The annual general meeting of
this Association was held in the
Assembly Rooms, Mr. John Mac-
Lean, presiding — when the follow-
ing office-bearers for the year were
elected, viz ; — Chief, Sir Fitzruy
Donald MacLean of Duart and
Morven, Bart.; Chieftains, Mac-
Lean of Gailean (Swedish branch),
MacLean of Pemiycross, MacLean

of Torloisg, MacLean of Ardgour, and MacLean of
Drimnin ; President, Mr. Walter MacLean ; Chap-
lain, Rev. John MacLean, D.D. ; Vice-Presidents,
]Me.ssrs. Magnus MacLean, M.A., F.R.S.E., John
MacLean, William; MacLean, A. H. MacLean,
Lachlan MacLean, and Ex-Provost MacLean,
Govan ; Treasurer, C. J. MacLean, 115 St. Vincent
Street ; Secretary, Donald MacLean, 40 South
Portland Street ; and twenty Councillors.

174

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS

All Cvinminiirntions, un litrrnry tiiiil husiness
niattem, should lir nililreiised tii the Editor, Mr. JOUS
ilACKAY, 17 Viiiidns Street, Kinijulon, (Itasgon:

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.— The CELTIC
MOATIILY will be sent, post free, to any part of the
United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and all
countries in the Postal Union — for one year, ^s.

The Celtic

jryE, :

Month ly

COaWTTJBNrTS.

DoxALD N. Nicoi. (with plate), - -

Gaelic Airs to Lowland Songs,

Camanacitd— A Shinty Match in Sptherlasd, oHustraied), -
Thomas Hi'ntkr Mirrav & Nkil MacMillan (with portraits),
TONOCE AND ITS HisTORK' SrRROrNDiNGS (illustrated),
diR MfsicAL Page— C AiTB 'N Caidu, an Riiiinxv, -

A Highland Registry,

To oi'R Readers,

The La»t Macdonai.us of Isla, Part 7 (illustrated),

A. Stewart MacGreoor (with portrait),

Alexander Kendall Mackinnon,

DfNROBiN— A Remiiiiseence of a Voulnteer Re\ icw.

Highland Wit AND HuMoi'R

Abstract OF 0.s,siAN's CovALLA,

Letters TO THE Editor,

Reviews, , - •

News of the Month, &(:,

A HIGHLAND REGISTRY.

We are glad tf) be able to intimate that the proposal
to fonii a Higliliiiul Registry lias been so favourably
I'ect'ived that the directors have decided to open an
Office in Glasgow, for the purpose of providing
employment for the great numbers of young High-
land men and women who crowd into tliis city
continually in search of remunerative work. That
the Registi-j' will be a positive boon is admitted by
all. We understand that the responsible ])osition
of manageress has been otl'ered to, and accepted by,
Miss Annie Mackay, a lady whose intimate know-
ledge of the working of such institutions will jirove
of great service. Steps are now being taken to
secure suitable rooms in some central part of the
town, and we hojie to be able in our next issue to
give full particulars. Meantime, we trust that the
many Highland Societies in the district will give
the " Highland Registry '' their hearty support.

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

\Vk will present our leaders witli life-like jilate
portraits of Mr. .loliii MacMillaii, ,1.1'.. of (ilencrosh
and Holm, Diiiiifriesshire ; and ^tr. D. W. Kemp,
.1.1*., of Trinity, Edinburgh, whose name is so
familiar to our readers. Interesting biographical
sketches will iiccomiiaiiy the portraits. We will
also give finely engraved ])ortraits of Dr. K. N.
MacDoiiald, Oesto Hospital, Skye, editor of the
" .Skye Collection " of llighland Keels and Strath-
speys, Mr. W. MacCJregor Stoddard, London, and
Mr. George MacKay, Sanitary Inspector for Perth-
shire. In addition to these a far. slmllr will be

given of the famous bond of the " Men of Islay "
in favour of the forfeited Lord of the Isles, and a
number of views of places of interest in Islay will
also appear as illustrations to the next part of Mr.
C. Eraser-Mackintosh's interesting papers on the
MacDonalds of Isla. Jlr. John MacK.iy, Hereford,
contributes a valuable article on " Ian Abracli," the
young hero chief of the Clan MacKay, which will be
suitably illustrated with views of historic places in
the MacKay country. We also intend giving fac
si mill. -i of several of the beautiful plates which
appeared in the Queen's magniticent work on the
"Highland Clans." The article on "Highlanders
in the Archer Guard of France," held over from
this issue, will also appear, in addition to tlie
following interesting contributions, — " Doiuillacli
odhar nan creach's encounter with the Men of
Assynt" (illustrated), by George Morrison, "An
old' Highland Moderate Minister,'" by Rev. P.
Macleod, "Three rare Gaelic Books" by Rev. Dr.
Masson, "How a Provost was made in Wick nearly
two centuries ago," by Geo. M. Sutherland, F.S.A.,
Scot.; -'The Auldest Native," a humorous Highland
reading, by Mr. Duncan Maclean ; besides other
attractive contributions in prose and verse. We
hope to make our next number the best we have
yet issued, both in regard to the literary matter and
beautiful illustrations. We want to jirove that High-
landers can produce a Magazine which will compare
favourably with any published in Britain at the
price. Every Highlander should buy a copy of
next month's CvNic Mouthlij.

The Clan MAtKiNNON. — Our next issue will
contain contributions relating to this clan which
will prove of great interest to clansmen. Com-
munications on the disputed chiefshiii will also
appear.

We have to express our indebtedness to Mr.
Arthur MacKay Morrison and Miss Margaret J.
Morrison, Laurel Bank, Partick, for the use of a
large number of negatives of views of Islay, several
of which we reproduce in this issue. We lioiie to
give reproductions of several other scenes in Islay
from Mr. Morrison's unique collection.

Deati£ of a DisriNiaisHEii Sutheklandek. —
Many of our readers will regret to learn t)f the
deatl'i of Mr. (ieorge Munro, Bolton. Mr. Munro
was a native of Evclix, Dornoch, and although
absent for thirty four years from his native parish
he took a deep and practical interest in every project
which was intended for the benefit of his fellow
countrymen.

Shinty — Inveuakay i-. Oiian. — This important
contest which took place at Oban on 2Gth April,
resulted in a win for Inveraray by 5 goals to 2.

The Hiohlano Empokiu.m. — What has long been
a felt want in Glasgiiw is now likely to be supplied
— we refer to the establishment of a (laelic Book-
seller and Stationer in Glasgow. Mr. Henry Wliyto
(Fionn) has just taken over an old established
business at 4 Bridge Street— at south end of Glasgow
Bridge — where he intends to can-y on the business
of Gaelic Bookseller, Stationer, News .4gent, and
Tobacconist. Mr. Whyte's ac(|uaiiitance witii Gaelic
Literature generally, and his knowledge of the
wants and reiiuirements of his Celtic brethren in
this line, ought to secure him a large share of Celtic
jiatroiiiige. We besiieak for him tlie support of all
Highlanders.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN ISLAY.

175

LOCH GRirNARD.

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

By Chaeles Feaser- Mackintosh, F.S A. (Scot).

Part VIL — {continued from jKige L53).

" <^i5[&'^ ^^^ ^ custom among the Higlilanders tti
y^jjl visit from house to house making merry
■y^ while the provisions lasted, then they
would carry the master of the last house
with them to the next and so on. Angus said he
did not choose to demean himself in such a way
thro' Hay, as he had not the least doubt but he
would be fond of a jiroper opportunity to revenge
the treatment he had given him. But Angus
protested that he meant to live in the greatest
friendshijj with him as a brother. But besides had
he not the dearest pledges he could give him in the
world already. Add to all this it was his sister's
house, who would neither countenance nor sutler
the least ^vrong to be done to the meanest of her
relations, and far less to her brother. In fine Sir
Lachlan was prevailed upon to go with him which
he did without any fear or suspicion, accompanied
«-ith eighty of his relations and kinsmen besides
servants, to Angus' house, where they were enter-
tained at a very high rate. Sir Lachlan kept
James his hostage with him every night in his bed-
chamber in case of any attack.

" Angus had privately warned all his friends in
the Island to be in full armour at his house about
midnight and to wait his signal resolving to kill
them all the very lirst night after their arrival.

PORT.CHARLOTTE.

After supper M'Lean, at his own desire, lodged
with all his men in a long stnmg house that lay at
a little distance from the rest of the houses in the
town, keeping still his hostnge James with him.
About midnight when it was thought all were
asleep, Angus surrounded the house with 400 men
in arms. He came himself to the door, and called
upon Sir Lachlan to rise and let him in that he
might give him his sleeping drink which he had
forgot to give him before he went to bed. Sir
Lachlan thanked him but told him he wanted none
then. Angus, however, insisted that he should
come out and take it. Sir Lachlan suspecting the
worst rose and wenx to the door, carrying James
his hostage and nephew in his arms. The boy
seeing his father with a drawn sword in his hand at
the door, and others in the same way about it,
cried for mere}' to his uncle, which was granted,
and M'Lean retired with him to a private room till
morning. About daylight Angus M' Donald called
to all that were with M'Lean, that such of them as
wanted to save their lives should come out and
surrender themselves which all did except two, who
refused to come out and were therefore burnt in
the house. Next day there was a report spread
through all llay that Sir Lachlan's friends at
Dowart had caused Ronald, Angus' brother, the
other hostage, to be put to death. Though this
was a false alarm, yet Angus desired no more than
to be revenged on the M'Leans, for the very next
day he caused sixty of M'Lean's followers to be
beheaded in couples.

" The Earl of Argyle being informed of these
outrages acquaints the King and Council with it

176

TIIK CELTIC MONTHLY.

ui)on wliicli a herald was despatched to summon
Aii<;us to deliver Sir Lachlan M'Leaii to the Earl
of Arijn,le. But the harlioiir at which the heraUl
shoiild land was blocked up so that he could not
land but was o!)lij;ed to return without doint; any-
thing. But after a great deal of pains and travail
by Sir James Stewart the Chancellor and others,
and after imposing; very hijih conditions, Sir Lachlan
Avas released, and Ronald his brother and the other
hostaije set at liberty, and further Sir Lachlan was
obliged to give his own son and M'Leod of Harris'
son as hostages to Angus M'Donald and thus matters
were adjusted between them at that time.

"Some time after this Angus M'Donald being
obliged to go over to Ireland upon some affairs of
importance, Sir Lachlan M'Lean no sooner came to
know this than lie invaded Hay in a hostile manner,
and burnt, killed, pillaged all before him without

the least regard to his own faith or the safety of the
hostages. Angus M'Donald having returned from
Ireland never troubles the innocent hostages for the
outrages committed in his absence, b\it in great rage
convocates his men and in a hostile manner enters
Tyree, belonging to the M'Leans, and with tire and
sword kills all the inhabitants and cattle that was
for the use of man, without exception or distinction,
and from that proceeded to Mull, killing all the
M'Leans that came in his way at his pleasure.

"Sir Lachlan in the meantime enters Kintyre
with fire and sword and lays it waste. Thus for a
while they ruined one another till both their
- countries were desolate. At length Sir Lachlan to
detach John M'lain M'Donald of .Ardn.iuiurchan
from Angus M'Donald'sparty.heinvited himtoMuU
promising him his mother, to whom he had formerly
been a suitor in marrii^e. John M'Donald accepte

SANCTUARY CROSSES OF ISLAY.

KII.IIAI.TCIX.

of the invitation, goes to Mull and w:ih married,
but it being whispered that he could not be detached
fr(jm Angus M'Don.-ild's interest and party, a few
nights after the marriage, the chamber where John
M'Donald lay was forced open. He was violently
dragged out of bed from his wife and made prisoner
and eighteen of his followers killed on the spot,
nor woulil they accejit of his eldest son as iiostage
for him. At length Sir Lachlan M'Lean and Angus
M'Donald were both charged wit!i a herald to
compear before the King at Kdinburgli, \nider pain
of forfeitry. Both compeared and w/;re committed
close jirisoners to the Castle of RIdinburgh, at
length tliey were both reconciled and got remissions
and a severe ])enalty imposed njjon the hrst that
woidd break the peace.

"A considerable time after this Sir Lachlan
M'Lean resolves to strike at the root of the
-M'Donalds of .South Isles, having borrowed or pur-
chased an action against the whole Isle of Islay, the

ancient inheritance i^f -he M'Donalds, He thought
it a very pro]ier time to acooiaplisli his design when
his brother-in-law and famous antagonist Angus
M'Donald was laid aside Ijy old age and infirmities,
and Sir James M'Donald his nephew and the right
heir was but young and ine.xiierieiiced. He there-
fore raised his men .ind enters Isia with an army
to take possession of it by virtue of his pretended
claim.

" Sir James M'Dcmald being informed of the
jireparntions made by his uncle endeavours to be
as ready as he. Accordingly they entered Isla
much about the same time, several otl'ering their
good offices to adjust matters, and to make up tlu'
difference between them. Sir James being the
iiKjre reasonable of the two was willing for peace, to
let his uncle Sir Larhlan to possess the half of Isla
d\iring his life, provided he would hold it of him,
as the Macleans his ju'edecessors, held of his
ancestors, the Macdonalds, and offered to refer tint

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

wliole dispute to the King's Majesty, or any other
Arbiter. But nothing less than the whole would
please Sir Lachlan, whereupon they parted, and
both parties prepare to decide the controversy by
the longest sword, — Sir James having fewer men,
but better trained, a most bloody battle was fought,
— Sir Lachlan M'Lean with eighty of the gentlemen
of his name and two hundred common soldiers were
killed on the spot, his son Lachlan was severely
wounded and he and all that remained of the
M'Leans were chased to their vessels. There were
sixty of the M'Donalds killed and as many wounded,
Sir James being dangerously wounded, shot through
the body with the arrow and left for dead most of
the ensuing night among the slain.

" The King being incensed with these broils, and
finding that the original Right of Isla and Kintyre
was at his own disposal, he gave the whole land in
feu to the Earl of Argyle, who apprehended Sir
James and imprisoned him within the Castle of
Edinburgh where he was confined a long time."

From the Extract Clan Histor}' before given,
it will be seen that Angus had two brothers,
Coll and Ronald. In tlie Ivalender of State
Papers of Queen Elizabeth, Scottish Series,
there is a meniorandara in the hand-writing
of Sir Robert Cecil, circa 1602, regarding Angus
Macdonald's family and connection with the
Irish Macdonalds. The English Queen's repre-
sentatives and correspondents in Scotland spied
out and reported the most trivial events, and her
advisers had the great Scottish families pedigrees,
connections, quarrels, etc. minutely before them.
Sir Robert Cecil gives James Macdonald, 6th of
Isla family, as (1) Archibald who died without
issue; (2) Angus of whom we are now treating;
(3) Ronald or Randal ; (4) Coll who died with-
out issue ; (5) Donald Gorme, and (6) Alexander
whom he styles " Carrach " and must not be
confounded with the first Keppoch.

Angus married Fynvola, daughter of Hector
Oig Maclean of Duart, who is not named in the
Baronage unless indentical with the Flor-
ence therein mentioned, who is said to have
married Hector Roy Maclean of Coll; and if so,
Angus Macdonald was her second husband.

One of the charges against Sir James Mac-
donald, when indicted in 1604, was that in
January, 1597, by the desire of the Laird of
Loupe, then at great enmity with the Tutor of
Loupe who happened to be visiiting Angus
JMacdonald at Askomell, two miles distant from
Simereby, where Sir .lames lived, he. Sir James
with a large party, on refu.sal of Angus to
surrender the Tutor or open the doors, set tire to
the house, to the imminent danger of those
within. The lady is described as calling out
"Thiefe will thou burn thy mother," altogether
a shocking occurrence. The word "thief" was
of old a general term of opprobium much
extended from its primary signification, and
probably in this case signified "Devil" or "Spirit
of Mischief." In the times when witchcraft

was reputed as common in the land, the ladies
who wished to lay the wind, which they had
raised in the Devil's name, if they failed in the
first instance to do so, called upon "our Spirit "
and said to him,

"Tliiefie ThiefTe ! conjure tlie wind,"
etc. With regard to Angus Macdona,ld's
lawful children, besides Sir James, notice is
found of Angus Oig, who was executed in July,
1615, for taking and holding of the Castle of
Dunyvaig, notwithstanding his life was promised
on his surrender. Angus Macdonald had also a
daughter, Margaret, whose hard position in
1617 when the Privy Council gives her "special
license to resort at her pleasure to her friends,
to solicit their help notwithstanding her having
visited her brother Sir James Macdonald in
Kintyre during his rebellion" seems inaccount-
able. Margaret had married Archibakl Mac-
donald, younger son of Sleat, with issue Donald
who succeeded his uncle in 1616, was served heir
in 1617 and was the first Baronet of Sleat;
Mary who married a younger son of Clanranald;
also a .son Hugh, who though one of the worst
Macdonalds known in their history, occupied a
good position. Why it was necessary for the
poor lady to "solicit the help -of her friends"
is, as I said, inaccountable.

Angus Macdonald had at least two natural
sons, Archibald and Ronald Oig. Angus seems
to have made appeals to the King in the years
1605 and 1606, without effect. Tiiese are
couched in the most humble terms, and the state
of the proud chief had indeed become low when
he could get himself to pen them. He says he
paid all the Crown rents and dues of Isla and
Kintyre and promises to )iay them for the future,
except for the part that are waste, and he makes
the significant offer to find sufficient caution
ivitliin the luwianck that he would be obedient to
the laws of Scotland, and to that effect should
compear before the Council upon lawful pre-
monition wherever they sit. Upon 10th Sep-
tember, 1606, he .sent a final letter to the King
through the Bishop of the Isles whose interven-
tion he sought, stating among other things and
beseeching "your Majesty for the cause of Cod
to respect my age and poor estate and to let me
know your Hignness' own mind signed with
your Majesty's own hand, and if it please your
Majesty to continue me in the possession of
these kindly rooms which my forbears and I
have had of your Majesty, and your Highness'
Royal progenitors, I shall not only pay the
duties and maills used and wont herefor ; but
also shall find sufficient security for obedience
to your Majesty's laws in all points, and in all
time coming ; or otherwise that it may seem
good to your Majesty to let me know how and
whereupon I shall live."

178

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

A. STEWART MACGREGOR,

British V'ice-Coxsul, Christiaxia.

|pra|HE subject of the following sketch was
y^ born in Wales. His fatht^r, Mr. Alex-
^J^ ander MacGregor, a Civil Engineer, died
in India ; and when only two years of age the
boy was taken to Scotland. He received part
of Ills early education at Windsor Lodge Acad-
emy, Portobello, and afterwards attended private
classes in Edin-

burgh. We "

take the follow-
ing extract
from a testi-
monial written
regarding him
by the Rev. A.
Barron, M.A.,
then Head
Master of the
School referred
to. " At the
closing competi-
tions of his last
year with me
he stood at the
head of every
class (six) which
he had attended
during the
Session."

When he left
school Mr.
MacGregor had
himself a pref-
erence for the
Church, but, not
being very
robust, he was
advised to give
up continuous
hard study, and
to seek healthy,
if possible out-
door employ-
ment.

With a vii^w
to carrying out this idea lie devoted himself to
farming, first at home and subseciuently abroad.
At Edinburgh University in session 1870-71 he
took first-class honours in Agriculture and
olitained one of the two grants of hooks presented
to the class by the Highland and Agricultural
Society of Scotland.

He then visited Denmark and Sweden, and
while in the former country -having a thorough
knowledge of the language — with other co
editors, lie published Danish Notes on two of

Shakespeare's Plays. Archa>ology has great
attractions for him ; several years ago, he was
elected Mtmbsr of the Society of Northern
Antiquaries at Copenhagen, and to him was
entrusted the translation of the eminent Danish
Antiquarian, Professor Worsaae's last work : — -
"The Industrial Arts of Denmark." This little
book was written in Danish, but published in
English for the South Kensington Museum,
London. It is an interesting manual on the
beginnings of Danish Art in the Stone, Bronze,
and Iron Ages.
Since residing
abroad Mr.
MacGregor has
taken every
opportunity of
re-visiting Scot-
land, for which
he has an in-
tense afl'ection.
He lost both
parents while
he was still
<|uiteyoung,but
most fortun-
ately had been
placed by his
father under
the care of two
true - hearted
old Highland
ladies. Misses
Stewart, from
Appin, Argyll-
shire. This may
perhajis jmrtly
account for the
tact that the
Highlandshave
ever possessed
for him a wond-
rous charm.
Though these'
ladies, like so
m a n y other
11 igh landers,
were intcnseh'
loyal, they had
something of the old romantic admiration for
Prince Charlie, and an interest in everything
connected with the stirring incidents of the '45.
While ]\Ir. MacGregor was at Copenhagen the
then British Vice-Consul there retired ; the
vacant post was ort'ered to him. He was there
for several years as Vice-Consul and was then
nominated by the Marquis of Salisbury to the
Vice-Ccmsulship at the Norwegian capital,
subject to his passing the \isnal Civil Service
Examination. This Mr. MacGregor did. Since

^ALEXANDER KENDALL MACKINNON.

'I'flE CELTIC MONTHLY.

17D

1890 he has been British Vice-Consul at Christ-
iania, and upon several occasions during the
absence of the senior otHcer, he has discharged
the duties of Acting British Consul-General.
Notwithstanding all his foreign experiences,
comparing him with genuine Highlanders at
home, he lias said it himself and it may most
truthfully be said of him: — "His heart is in the
Highlands, and his love to the old country is no
less than theirs."

Crosshill. Clasirow. AlEX. MacGrEGOR.

ALEXANDER KENDALL MACKINNON.

j|Aj^ FTERthe decease of Alexander Mackinnon
(SJ^^ (of whose remarkable life we may be able
^*y=: hereafter to give an account), at Buenos
Ayres, on the 17th of November, 1815, his son,
Charles Villiers Mackinnon, settled at Monte-
video, in Uruguay, as a merchant. He married
on the 22nd February, 1823, Miss S. Kendall,
daughter of P. Kendall of Alfreton, Derbyshire.
Of this marriage were two sons, Alexander, the
the subject of our sketch, and Charles Duncan
who died at Brighton on the 16tli January, 1879.
Li 184.3 Mr. Charles V. Mackinnon brought
his family to this country to attend to the edu-
cation of his sons, but died soon after at Reading
on the 19th May, 1850.

Mr. Alexander K. Mackinnon received his
professional education of Civil Engineer and
Architect by private tuition, and afterwards, at
University College, London.

In 1851 he married Eniiley Netherwood (who
died on the 29th April, 1860), eldest daughter
of Christopher Netherwood, Esq , late of Cliffe
Hall, Keighley, Yorkshire, by whom he had two
daughters and two sons : — the eldest died, the
second son, Alexander G. Mackinnon, is at
Buenos Ayres.

Mr. Mackinnon married again in 1869 to Miss
T. Gomez, daughter of the late P. A. Gomez of
Montevideo, by whom he has living one daughter
and two sons — Frederick Alexander and Albert
Edward Mackinnon.

In 1851 he proceeded to Montevideo and
commenced the practice of his profession,
and was appointed by the Buenos Ayres Govern-
ment on an important Commission. He left
this country again in 1861 to continue the
practice of his profe.ssion at Montevideo. He
carried out some important works for the
Municipality there, and was afterwards appoin-
ted Director General of Public Works by the
Government.

The country was then in its infancy, as far as
Public Works were concerned. Mr. Mackinnon,
in the carrying out of an ambitious programme,
found an earnest supporter in President Flores.

The laying out of the new city, new roads, gas
works, the pioneer railways, water works, lazar-
etto, fireproof warehouses, reclamation of lands
by the construction of a sea-well more than 2000
metres long, and other public works, all of which
were either designed or assisted in tlieir realiza-
tion by Mr. Mackinnon.

In 1869 the Government sent Mr. Mackinnon
to this country as Special Financial Commissioner,
and also to contract the realization of his tire-
proof warehouses, both of which missions he
carried out successfully.

In 1889 he presented designs for Port Harbour
Works at Montevideo, a matter still under con-
sideration. Mr. Mackinnon is a Memlier of tlie
Institute of Civil Engineers, and also F.R.I. B. A.,
F.G.S., and F.I.I.

D U N R O B I N.

A Reminiscence of a Volunteer Review.

With round dark eye aglow with vvatclifulne.ss,
A redbreast on the path soft — sudden — dropt.
And boldly round our veiy footsteps hopped
In happy freedom. We stood still to ble.ss
Its confidence ; then fed it and passed on
To where, 'mid richest Hewers, the fountain rose
Into the irised sunshine, — thence to those

Whose martial tire the day had caused to don
The flowing tartan. Rattling rifles rang ;

And weighty guns sank in the ]jeaceful sward
Their wheels; while brazen-throated trumpets
sang
"The Huntsman's Chorus!" On tlie wind each

chord
Wavered : around, the writhing banners flew.
And over all the sky spread summer's softest
blue.

John Hogben.

A Lock of Prince Charlie's Hair.

Mr. A. Stewart MacGregor has many curiosities,
and among the things which he treasures most is a
little locket containing a piece of the Prince's hair.
Regarding this souvenir the following history has
been written by Mr. MacGregor himself. " It was
given to Miss Ann Stewart, a sister of the Appin
Stewarts (Miss Jessie and Miss Flora — referred to on
page 178), by a daughter of Colonel Campbell, Loch-
end. Miss Campbell got it from a grand-daughter of
Flora MacDonald's, the Campbells, Lochend, then
being tenants of Kingsburgh, Skye. This same
Miss Ann Stewart afterwards became Mrs. Mac-
Bride, wife of the Minister of the Parish of Little
Dunkeld. For a most interesting account of the
way in which the lock was cut, see " The Book of
the Noble Englishwoman " by Charles Bruce ; W.
Kimmo, Publisher. The only thing difficult to
understand is how anyone could call Flora Mac-
Donald an Englishwoman ! "

180

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

HIGHLAND WIT AND HUMOUR.

By " FioNN.

'iM^ HIGHLAND boy went with his mother
?^M^ to Inverness to get his first pair of hoots.
^^ Returning home with liis boots slung
round his neck, and feeling as proud as a chief,
lie paid little attention to his steps. Suddenly
he struck his big toe against a stone with a
terrible shock. Stooping down he began to hold
his toe in his liand, while with a rueful counte-
nance he showed the pain he was sutteiing.
Bri''htening up suddenly he turned to his mother
and^exclaiuied— " Taing do 'n Fhreasdal nach i
-a' hhrog Sir a fhuair siud," (Providence be
thanked that it was not the new .shoes that got
yon.)

A deer-stalker after a series of inexcusable
misses, remarked to his gillie— " Well, Donald,
whose fault was it that time I" Quoth Donald

" Well, he wasn't more than a hundred yards,

and it's not my fault you missed him ; and it's
not the fault" of the stag, for he stood still
enough ; and it's not the fault of the ritle, for I
ken well it's a right good one ; so I'll just leave
it to you to think it over, and find out whose
fault it was. '

This reminds one of the Highland lady who
sent her son — the young laird — for the fir=.t
time to the shooting, under Uie charge of old
Bandy the gamekeeper. On their return in the
evening with rather a light bag the fond mother
asked Sandy how the laird got on in the hill —
and if he was a good shot. " He shot real
pretty," was Sandy's reiily, "but Providence
was kind to the birds "

Two Highlanders were benighted, and lay
down to sleep on the side of a mountain. After
they had lain a little one of them got up, but
soon returned again. The other asked him —
" What's this, Donald I What have you been
about!" Donald replied— "I was only bringing
a stane to put under my head." Duncan started
up and cried — "Man, but you're unco jjernick-
ety ! Canna ye sleep without a stane aneath
your head V

Gaelic cpitai)hs arc but seldom met with, but
some of the English attempts to convey to the
reader an idea of the virtues of departed
Celts, arc very funny. Take the following for
example —

Here lies Andrew MacPherson
Who was a ))eculiar person.
He stood six foot two
Without his shoe,
And was slew at Waterloo.

It is not every epitajjh that is so painfully
true as the following : —

Here lies interred a man o' raicht.
His name was Malcom Downie ;
He lost his life ae market nicht
By f;i-in' aft his pownie. Aged 37.
On a stone not far from Rob Roy's grave at
Balquhidder, the following ludicrous inscription
may be seen —

Beneath this stane lies Seonaid Roy,

Shon Roy's reputed mother.
In a' her life, save this Shon Roy,

She never had another.
'Tis here, or hereabout, they say —

The place no one can tell ;
But when she'll rise at the last day
She'll ken the stane hersel.
The fact of a man being a good shot is not
usually included among "tombstone virtues,"
but in the churchyard of Fort-William we find
the following —

"Sacred to the memory of Captain Patrick
Campbell, late of the -t2nd regiment. He died
on the 1.3th of December 1816. A true High-
lander, a sincere friend, and the best deerstalker
of his day."

In a churchyard not far from Glasgow there
is a stone evidently erected by a Highlander —
The confusion of ideas in the epitaph is rather
extraordinary- Erected by Hugh MacMillan
in memory of his father Donald MacMillan who
died, etc., then we have this line from Gray's
"Elegy in a Country Churchyard" —

" He gave to misery (all he had) a tear,"
followed by this extraordinary coda —
Also my son Hugh.
It reminds one of the inscription over some
youth who was " shot by a blunderbuss, one of
the old brass kind — "For of such is the Kingdom
of Heaven " !

It is wonderful what havoc the misplacing of
part of a sentence, or even a comma makes on
the sense, as will be seen from the following —
"Erected to the memory of John MacDonald
who was shot by his brother as a mark of
respect." The members of this family must
have had rather a peculiar way of showing their
respect for one another.

A certain Captain MacPherson was about to
proceed on a long voyage, and his wife sent a
reipicst to the church to which they belonged
desiring an interest in their prayers. Poor
body, she doubtless wrote — " Captain MacPher-
son going to sea, his wife requests the prayci-s of
the congregation." The announcement made to
the congregation was — "Captain MacPherson
going to see his wife, reipiests the prayers of the
congregation." If Mrs. MacPherson was present
her fiTelings may be easier imagined than
described.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

isl

ABSTRACT OF OSSIAN'S COVALLA.

By TlIK LATE LlEUT.-CoLONEL ClIAKLES StEWART,

Tigh-'n-Duin.

(Continued from paije 121).

r^/^^jOVALLA, in answer to this question,
l^ft. first supposes it was the World-King's
^& son (Oaracalla) and his host ; but then
suddenly she changes, and says —

CoVALLA.

Conn's chant.

" But no ! 'tis my Fion's wraitli, surrounded

By those of bis host that are slain :

III
why hast thou come, my beloved one,

I I I

To fill me with grief and with pain.

Fingal arrives and thus addresses the bards —

Iain chridlte.

I I II.

" Mouths that duans chant, each your voice raise,

Of Carron's host, sing loud the praises ;

Fled, my swords shrive ! Caracul and his host have,

I I I I

Across the plain, and over the height tops.

I I II

As wraiths of the night, in their shining vestures,

Over the slope, they as lightnings onsped,

' 1,1

Neath the soft breezes, that blew from the westward.

With woods in bright beams, of light round about
them

I II I .

Hush ! is you, a voice I am hearing.

Or a sweet sound, of gladdening breezes

I III

That down from grey cairns, are softly breathing

Thro' my own glen, with its wiuding hillsides.
Co valla now for the first time realises tliat
it is Fingal in all his manhood who is near her,
and she thus addresses him —

CoVALLA.

Conn's chant.

I I I

" My chief, with fame great returning,

I I I

Who haat my fond heart all thine own,

joyfully take me beside thee,

To where we will find our repose."

Fingal replies-

lain chrirllic.

" Yes, my own loved one, come thou with me,

I I I I

Sped has the storm, and aglow are the sunbeams.

Come thou where, we find repose will,

III I

Huntress bold, of the high forest's cold ben."

CoVALLA.

Conn's chant.

I I I

" Then come thou hast, my brave darling,

I I.I

With a name that afar is renowned.

Thy arm fast holds me in love's clasp,

I I . I

My hero, my champion, my own.

Under thy shade I will rest me.

Behind thy fond sheltering form,

I I I

Till hither my spirit return makes,

I I I

That from fear is now floating around.*

In tuneful strains the most joyous

I I I

The harp's strings cause gaily to sound,

I I I

And ye maidens of eyelashes fairest

I. I.I

Duans raise to ennoble his fame.

Dersegrina.
" Ho )■(!.' mo nighean donn hhuklliearh."

I I I

" On the heath by Covalla three deer fell.

On high in the breeze a bright fire burns.

To the maiden's spread feast joyful come, then.

I II

King of Morven of wood-claden cairns.

* This has mostly been translated as. ' ' from fear that
is swimming around." This, however, is nonsense, and
the above is evidently the connect one. It is of no im-
portance as to the fact of her spirit being absent from her
body and soul, as either equally shows that to have
been the case. The Gaelic, "A nail" is decisive as to
this.

(Z'o he continued).

MACCRORIES or RORISONS:—

Can you tell me if the "M'Crorie's"' are a distinct

Clan, and if the "Rorison's" are a connection of same?

Greenock. T. D. RoRISON.

182

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE CHIEFTAINSHIP OF THE CLAN
MACKINNON.

'S RIOGHAIL MO DHREAM.

" Sliwhd nan rijrhribh diithchasach
Bha shios ann an Diin-staighineis,
Aijt an robh criin na h-Alba o thus,
"S a\^ a bheil duthchas fathast ris,"

Junior Constitutional Club,
London, W., 9th May, 1894.

Sir, — I shall be obliged if you will allow the
insertion in your interesting Magazine of a few
lines in reply to Mr. Duncan Mackinnon's article
on the above subject. It is lamentable, but no
less a fact, that there are five or six claimants to
that honour. It is manifestly an impossibility that
they have all a right to the distinction of Chief of
the Clan. It is desirable that all interested in this
subject should come to an agreement to .settle it
once for all. A divided house is most deplorable.

The Clan Mackinnon is increasing and multiplying
to such a degree that we may look forward ere long,
if not already arrived at that point, of wishing
])ossibly to raise a regiment of the Clan to tight for
Queen and Country, as our forefathers did in times
long ago. But we must have the Chief, whom we
shall agree to follow as the legitimate head.

I, in common with others, am unable to follow
the premises laid down by Mr. Duncan Mackinnon,
or the interesting and able work of the author on
" Clan Fingon." Others have written on the same
theme, and altogether diverse opinions have ap-
peared, proving that there is a great hiatus to be
filled up before we can settle the disputed point.
At all events let us in a friendly spirit endeavour
to solve this question as soon as possible, and in
accord with justice and right, without attacking
anyone, till we have found truth, which surely will
not elude (Uir grasp.

With the view of making a beginning let me say
what 1 know, which the circumstance that a large
number of documents, papers, and letters of an
ancient character came into my possession not long
ago, bearing on tlie "trunk," enable me. Now, none,
so far as I am aware, has ever disputed the direct
descent of the Chiefs which had their home in the Isle
of Skye. \\'itho\it going further back let me name
my great great grandfather, John Mackiinion of
Mackinnon, of Strathaird, and Mishnich. His son,
who succeeded him in the Chieftainship, was Charles
Mackinnon of Mackinnon, who married Ale.fandra,
daughter of John MacLeod, yoiniger of MacLeod',
and sister of Colonel, afterwards General MacLeod,
of Dunvegan Castle, Skye ; of this marriage were a
daughter, Mary Emilia(«-lio married my grandfather,
Alexander Mackinnon, Banker at Najiles, during
the time that Sir William and Lady Hamilton were
there), ami John, the Chief im the death of his
father in 1H08, in London, and who had made an
elibrt to recover the estates. This very interesting
document is in the possession uf a mend)cr of our
Clan.

Mary Emilia Mackinnon was married to Alexander
Mackinnon at Edinburgh, on the 5th of October,
179'J; of this marriage was my father, Chai-les
Villiers Mackimum, who when nuite a lad, accom-
jianied his father to Buenos Ayres.

Going back to Charles Mackinnon of Mackinnon,
I have printed documents of the tiiue, where is set
forth his title of Chief in Courts of Law in Scotland,
and no one attempted to (piestion the point. But
in fact the above author agrees to the issue of the
direct line of my family ; and even the late Mr.
William Alexander Mackinnon respected it, for we
find he did not register his patent of Chieftainship
at Edinburgh till 1811, after the death of my great
uncle, John Mackinnon of Mackinnon.

Having said so nnich I would suggest that all
claimants should agree to submit their claims to
experts, with all documentary evidence, and resolve
to abide by their decision.

^'ours truly,
Alex. K. Macki.n.non.

LORD REAY AND THE CUTTIE STOOL.

Sir,— At page 91 of Vol. I. Cdtic Monthly, the
Rev. Donald Masson, M.D., states that the" Rev.
Murdoch MacDonald, of Durness, " made the Lord
Reay of his day do penance on the cuttie stool."
It is a pity that the Rev. gentleman did not verify
his statement before aspersing the character of a
nobleman unique in his character of charity and
mercy, and of whom Rob Donn — the Juvenal of
the Highlands — could say :

" 'S ioniadh buille bha crfliteach,

A rinn am hks thoirt dhuinn.

.\ir chosd gheu^an do thea^hlaich,

Gun athadb bonn do na einn ;

Ach cha deaoh' uiread do throcair

A chur fo 'n fhud ri uio linn,

'S a ehaidh chdradh 's an t6nm,

'S e Morair Domhnull Mac.^oidh."
Lady Reay sought to coerce the Rev. Mr. Mac-
Donald to relax the discipline of the church in
favur of one of her maids, whose frailty had come
prominently before the parish, but the stern dis-
ciplinarian was immovable, and Sheritt' Forbes was
instructed to enforce compliance with her Ladyship's
demands. The good man heeded the Sheritt" as
little as he did Lady Reay, when the purity of the
churches ordinances was assailed, and the frail
damsel did the required penance before she was
allowed to cover her folly by the matrimonial veil.
Lord Reay needed no such expurgation as the Rev.
writer implies.

The memory of the Lords of Reay is still dear to
Durness men ; the family traditions have been
woven into their very being ; they are looking
hopefully to the time when a democratic Legislature
shall restore the soil of the British Islands to its
original owners, and re-establish the Lord of Reay
in his ancestral home to rule over the renniant of
his people. The peasantry will then take up the
wonls of Rub Dunn and sing with all the enthusiasm
of a rc-invigurated patriotic fervor, of a time when
prosperity favoured the straths and glens, once
teeming with loyal .and devoted adherents, (now,
unhappily, the home of sheep and deer, and of
south country sliejiherds and game protectors)

" Bha barraii tronia tir at^ainn,

Bha tormlh fridh i» fuirj,' af;ainn."

Yours truly,
London. (Captain) W. Morrison.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

183

R E V I E W S.

History of the MacKenzies, by Alexander
MacKenzie, M.J. I., new, revised and extended
Edition. Inverness : A. & W. MacKenzie.

The fact that a new edition of tins work has
already been demanded goes a long way to
prove its historic value and importance as a
book of reference. But this is not only a new
edition, but virtually a new book containing as
it does over two hundred pages more than the
former issue. The origin of this clan has long been
a matter of dispute, but Mr. MacKenzie in this
edition completely refutes the Irish origin of the
clan, tracing it to the famous family of the Earl
of Ross. As might be expected in elucidating
tlie history of the clan the author throws con-
siderable light on the actions of other clans, as
well as upon various historic incidents connected
with the Highlands. In this way the work
before us is such as cannot be overlooked by
anyone who would study the history of the
Highland people thoroughly. The question of
chiefship is discussed at some length and dis-
posed of in a satisfactory manner, the dignity
belonging to Mr. James Fowler MacKenzie of
AUangrange. The work as a whole is a monument
of perseverance, for the amount of labour and
research entailed in producing such a history
must have been enormous, and the task which
Mr. MacKenzie set before him has been per-
formed with wonderful accuracy and faithfulness.
In addition to a copious index we have an
excellent portrait of the author and a coloured
reproduction of the MacKenzie tartan. We
cordially recommend the volume not only to
members of the clan but to all who are
interested in matters Celtic.

Summer Tours in Scotland by David
MacBrayne's Royal Mail Steamers.

The Official Guide for this Royal Route has
just been issued for the present season. It
contains a vast amount of reliable information
regarding places of historic interest in the High-
lands, as well as valuable hints and carefully
compiled sailing-tables setting forth how and
when these places can be reached. We have
several clearly printed maps, and a large number
of excellent views, while the printing and
general get up of the Guide is all that could be
desired. To the thousands who patronize Mr.
MacBrayne's Steamers the work must prove
invaluable, being at once a pleasant as well as a
reliable companion.

A Brief Account of tue Clan Donnacii-
AiDH, with Notes on its History and
Traditions, by Davidson, F.S.A., Scot. — The
author explains that this work was read at a
meeting of the clan society, and was published

at the desire of the members. It contains a
brief history of the clan, in which its salient
points are emphasised, and a light thrown upon
matters which were before obscure. Some
curious facts are given which are no doubt new
to most Highlanders. The author quotes a
tradition to the effect that what historians liave
described as a body of camp followers whose
])resence on Gillies Hill decided the Battle of
Bannockburn, were really the clan Donnachaidh,
who had hastened to take part in the great
contest. Altogether the book is a most interest-
ing one, the illustrations and covers of the clan
tartan being very pretty. It is a work which
we have every confidence in recommending to
our readers.

The Clan Cameron, by John Cameron, J.P.,
— This handsome volume consists of a brief
sketch of the history and traditions of the
Cameron clan, with short notices of eminent
clansmen. Mr. Cameron devoted a great deal
of time and research in preparing this contri-
bution to the clan's history, and he has managed
to condense into a limited space a great deal of
curious and valuable information. Almost every
topic of clan interest has been touched upon,
tradition, poetry, antiquities, etc., all receiving
attention. The book contains fourteen full page
))ortraits of distinguished members of the clan,
which add a special value to it. Mr. Cameron
deserves to be congratulated on the valuable
contribution which he has made to the literature
of his clan, and we feel sure that it will be read
with interest by Highlanders of all clans, for it
is a work which should be on every Highland-
er's bookshelf.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

AiRiiRiE Highland Association. — The usual
monthly meeting was held on 2nd ult., when it was
arranged that the annual trip was to take place on
21st June, to Aberfoyle. A large turnout of mem-
bers and friends is expected.

Clan Macleod Society. — The third annual
social gathering of the Clan Macleod Society was
held in the Athenaium Hall, Macleod of Macleod,
Chief of the clan, presided, and there was a large
attendance. In the absence of the president (Rev.
Donald Macleod), the seci-etary (Mr. Peter Mac-
Leod), presented an address of welcome to the
Chief. Macleod of Macleod, who had a most cordial
reception, in reply said he was not going to say
much about the Highlands. The society was a
non-political one, but he desired to say that the
Macleods must all have an immense interest in the
country with which they had been connected for
hundreds of years. It was a beautiful but poor
country, and they had to search for fame and for-
tune elsewhere. He had a very great regard and
respect for the people who lived in that country.

is-t

THE CKLTR' MONTHLY

He was himself bom at Dunvegan, and he hoped
to spend his later years there. A programme of
music w;is i^one through, and other addresses were
delivered.

EmxBrKuH SrxHEKLAXD AssoriATioN. — The
monthly meeting of the Association was held on
Friday, 4th May, when there was a large turn out
of meinbers to hear a most interesting paper from
Mr. Alexander Mackay, upon his early recollections
of Sutherland. These recollections dealt with many
of the customs and manners of the people of Suther-
land in the tirst part of this century, customs which
have now considerably changed. Mr. Mackay's
paper was characteristic throughout, and was much
appreciated.

At the previous meeting in April the paper was
upon "The Ancient Forests of the Highlands" by
Mr. George Morrison, which was also an interesting
and instructive contribution. An important report
by .^^r. Hugh Mackay, M. .\. , the educational secret-
ary, in regard to the present position of the
Association's efforts to assist education in the
county, was further considered.

Gl-Wcow Cowal Society. — The 29th annual
general business meeting of this society was held
in the Religious Institution Rooms on Friday
evening— the chair being occupied by Mr. John
Black, president. From the secretary's report it
appears there are at present 330 members on the
roll, being an increase of 32 during tlie year. The
treasurers statement indicated that the income for
the year amounted to £120 7s 6d, and the expendi-
ture' to .£95 4s 6d, of which the sum of £'86 5s was
[paid to pensionei-s, who at present number 22. The
capital of the society now amounts to £854 13s Cd,
being an increase of £25 33 during the year. The
following are the office-bearers for the ensuing year :
Hon. President, Mr. Jas Waddell, Invereck, Kil-
malcolm ; president, Mr. Thos. Dunlop ; vice-
president, Mr. James MacKellar ; treasurer, Mr.
Donald Alurray, 152a Stobcross Street ; secretary,
Mr. Robert Murray, 103 Kent Road ; and nine
directors.

As CoMUXJJ Gaidheaiai'H. — A meeting of the
e.xecutive council of this association took place in
Oban. Among the more important business was
the appointment of judges for the coming Mod, to
be held in Oban, in September next, the adjustment
of the prize-list, conditions of competition, and
list of part songs and solos therefor. Competitors
(uxcejit in choral competition) who have already
taken tirst prizes two years in succession, are e.\
cludeil from competition at this Mod. Besides the
usual prizes by the association, the following special
ones have been ottered : — Two Gold Medals, value
£5, by the burgh of Oban, for best male and female
soloists; £5 53 by the Highland Society of London
for best original (Jaelic prose comi)osition ; £5 5s
by Ml-. John Mackay, C.E., Hereford, for best
original Gaelic poetrj- ; £10 by Lord Archibald
Campbell for solos accompanied by the Highland
harporcliirsach; £1 Is by Mr. C. Fraser-Mackintosh,
and £2 by Mr. William Birkmyre, M.P., Ayr
Burglis. It was arranged that a number of the
Iirizes should be given in the form of books. It
Wiis also agreed that the Mod should take place on
the d.iy iireceding the Highland Games, and that a
concert should be held in the evening as usual.
The Mod promises to be a success in every way.

Clax Macmillan
Society. — The annual
meeting of the Clan Mac-
niillan Society was held
on Thursday, 26th April,
in the Christian Institute,
Mr. Daniel .M a c m i 1 1 a n,
president, in tlie chair.
The secretary and treasu-
rer submitted their annual reports, which showed
the Society to be in a flourishing condition. Rev.
Dr. M;icmillan, LL.D., Greenock, was re-elected
chief, and Rev. Donald JMacmillan, M.A., Kelvin-
haugh Parish Church, chai)lain. ~ Messrs. Arch.
Macmillan, Saltcoats ; James Macmillan, Vulcan
Ironworks ; ex-Provost Macmillan. Rothesay ; and
Frederick Macmillan, publisher, London, were
reelected chieftains. 31r. Daniel Macmillan was
reelected president ; Mr. Archd. Macmillan, secre-
tary ; and Mr. Donaldj Macmillan, was elected
tre!.S'n-er,

ARCHIBALD MACMILLAN.
Chieft.mn, Clan MacMillan Society.

JOHN MACMILLAN, J.P

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

4 M4G4ZINE FOS HIGHLANDEfiS.

No. 10. Vol. IL]

Fc;:"cd by JOMM MACKAY. Kingston.

JULY, 1894.

[Price Threepence.

SKETCH OF THE FAMILY OF
MACMILLAN OF BROOKLOCH.

|^Tn||HE time at which the
yf^ Maoniillans came to
^^*^ the South is a matter
of controversy. One writer
tliinks they came into Gallo-
way from Argyllshire aftei-
the death of Alexander HI.
(A.D. 128G), but it is prob-
able they were located there
previous to that date. When Malcolm IV.
broke up some of the clans about the year
1260 the Macmillans were shifted from Moray-
shire, and ic is generally believed a branch of
the clan was sent direct into Kirkcudbrightshire,
where tliey acquired large possessions. They
originally held their land by the tenure called
" Manrent," but afterwaids King Robert the
Bruce created the chief. Baron of Ken, and gave
hiiii a charter of liis lands to be held " Blanche
of the Crown." The chief was Macmillan of
Brockloch, in tlie parish of Carsphairn, and Mr.
Macmillan of Holm of Dalquhairn in Carsphairn
and Glencrosh, in Dumfries .shire, is the i-epre-
sentative of this old family.

The estates of Holm and Brockloch were
united in 1741 by the marriage of David Mac-
millan of the former and Marion Macmillan of
the latter. Brockloch remained in the possession
of the family till 1831, when it unfortunately
pa.ssed into other hands.

The most important of the cadet branches of
this family is that connected with the property
of Lamloch in Carsphairn. In 1S03 Thomas,
third son of David Macmillan of Brockloch,
acquired by purchase the lands of Lamloch and
Drumanister. He married Miss Jean Boyle.
He died in 1831 and was succeeded by his only
son James, who ])urchased the lands of Changue,
Lc^;ton, and Craigmulloch, in the parish of

Barr, Ayrshire, and Corridow in Dumfries-.shire.
He married in 1835 Catherine, daughter of the
Jiev. William M'Call of Caifcloch, Dumfrie.s-
shire, by whom he had issue, five sons and one
daughter, viz : — Thomas of Changue and Lo.\-
ton; William of Lamloch; Samuel of Carridow;
James of Craigmulloch ; David of Drumanister;
and Katherine.

Thomas Macmillan of Changue died in 187.3
and was succeeded by his elder son David, who
is a Justice of the Peace for Ayrshire. William
.Macmillan of Lamloch is also a Justice, and
County Councillor for the parishes of Carsphairn
and Kells in Galloway.

The last recorded appearance of the South-
country clan was in assisting .James, Earl of
Douglas, against James II. , anno 144.3. About
the year 1G62 John Macmillan of Brockloch
was lined £360 for non-conformity to Prelacy
and adherence to the National Covenant, which
was then declared unlawful. In Carsphairn
Churchyard are many old Covenanting Grave-
stones. One of them believed to belong to the
]\Iacmillans runs thus : —

M. M.

VOV . TRAVLKRS . AS . YOV . PAS.S . I!V

COMK . RKAl) . AND . DO . NOT . KKAK
I'OR . DOVN . BUr.OV . THIS . STON . DOTH . I,\

TRVTH's . niA.MPlON . K\ HIRD . HKUK
AI.THONGII . III.S . 150NS . IIELO . THIS . sTO\

DO . PICE . AND . PICE . DECAY
HIS . .SOVI, . IX . HEAVEN . Ol' . OLORV . SllAI.

ANE . DEDM . VEAR . KOK . AV.

The in.scription of another Gravestone is
headed by the Macmillan Family Arms and
runs thus : —

I. M. ; K. L.

UROKLOCH . M'MILLAN . WHO . DID . DIE
UNDER . THIS . STONE . HIS . BOIJV . DOTH . LV
HIS . SOUL . AT . IIEAV'nLV . WORK . AHOVR
WITH . THE.M . WHOSE . FAITH . HERE . WROUGHT

BY . LOVE
MOST . USEFUL . WAS . In's . DAY . AND . STATION
IN . DEFENCE . OF . OIU . REFORMATION
GREAT . PROOFE . HE . (;AVK . AT . ALL . FIT . II.MES

1(5(5

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

FOR . THEM . THIN-GS . OXCE . CALL D . HIGHEST

CRIMES
XOU . he's . GONE . UP . ON . JACOb's . LAD'r
TO . PRAISE . KING . CHRIST . THE . MEDIATOR
CLOTIl'l) IS , HE . NOU . IN . A . WHITE . ROBE
WITH . THEM . THAT . STILL . SING . PRAISE . TO . GOD

VIRTUS . EIUS . POST . FUNERA . VIVIT.
OBIT . 2S . FBB : 1725 . ANNO . EIUS.

.trATis . 61.

John Macmillan of Brockloch ami llolni died
in 1830 leaving Holm to his eldest son Robert,
and Bi'ockloch to his younger son John. Robert
Macmillan married Mary Goldie, daughter of
Jaiues Goldie of Stonehouse and Marbrack, and
great-great grand-daughter of Bonnie Annie
Laurie. He died in 1858 and was succeeded by
his elder son J ohn, whose portrait accompanies
this sketch. He was born in 1833 and was
educated at Glasgow High School. He is a
Justice of the Peace for the Counties of
Dumfries and Kirkcudbright.

The Arms of the Family are " Argent on a
Chevron between three Mullets, sable ; as many
Besants, or"

Crest — A Lion rampant, bearing in his hand
a bloody dagger.

Motto — " Age aut peri."

„,.„,,„.„ Archibald MacMillan.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.

THE CHIEFTAINSHIP OF THE CLAN
MACKINNON.

Sir.— If the letter of Mr. Alexander Kendall
MacKinnon published in the June number
of the " Celtic Monthly" is intended to infer that
he considers himself to have a claim to the Chief-
ship of his Clan, it would be better at once to tell
him briefly tliiit his ))osition is quite untenable and
this on his own shewing. I do not desire to point
this out in an unfriendly spirit, and doubtless Mr.
A. K. MacKiimon's long residence in South America
may have put him a little out of touch, so to speak,
with the subject of Clan pedigrees. He traces his
descent from Charles, last Chief but one in the
direct line. Charles had a son John, the last direct
Chief, who died at Leith in 1808 (not in London),
and unmarried. Charles had an only daughter,
who married Alexander MacKinnon of Naples, a
clansman having no place on any recognised tree
or claim to the Chieftainshij). The Lady was Mr. A.
K. MacKinnon's paternal grandmother. Plainly,
therefore, Mr. A. K. MacKinnon can have no claim
to the dignity since he traces through the female line.
The late Mr. W. A. MacKinnon, M. I'., "respected"
the direct line of Mr. A. jK. MacKinnon's grand-
mother's family — because until the Chief John,
above alluded to, died, tlie Antigua branch of
wliicli lie became head, liad naturally no title.
A .slight inaccuracy on the i)art of Mr. A. K.

MacKinnon must here be set right. The late
Mr. W. A. MacKinnon stircrded his (iriiiidfuthei-,
Mllllam, who died at Bintield, Berks, in" 1809,
aged 77 years, and who thus was actually Chief
for one year after the death of John, 1808,
but for obvious reasons he would not have regis-
tered his patent. Mr. A. K. MacKinnon seems
to doubt the rights of the Antigua family. Besides
the jjatent allowed in 1811, there is the testimony
of si.x trees ranging from the early part of last
century to the time of Donald Gregory. All these
agree in tracing the Antigua family to Donald or
Daniel, second son of Lachlan Mor, which is all
that is wanted to establish the claim. Lachlan
Mor, who lived in the reign of Charles II., for
whom he fought at the Battle of Worcester, 1G51,
and Donald, who was taken prisoner, emigrated to
Antigua on his liberation, and from whom the
Antigua family is descended, and William Alex-
ander, who registered his patent of "Ensign
Armorial " as Chief, granted three years after the
death of John already alluded to, might be suthcient
to remove all doubt on the subject, the necessary
documentary proof having been admitted by the
Lord Lyon, in whose office the Certificates of
Births and Marriages up to Lachlan Mor can be
examined. In Bath Abbey there lies a slab stone
on which is a Coat of Arms, viz ; — that of
" MacKinnon " (with the bordure and crescent for
difterence). " To the memoiy of William Mac-
Kinnon, Esq., son of Daniel MacKiimon, second
son of Lachlan Mor MacKinnon, Chief of
MacKinnon, who died, October the 8th, 1767, aged
70 years." This gentleman was father of William
MacKinnon, who became Chief in 1808 on the
faihire of the direct line, and great-great grandfather
of the present Chief's father, William Alexander
MacKinnon, Esq., of Acryse Place, Folkestone, Kent.
I trust these few notes may satisfy Mr. A. K. Mac-
Kinnon, for I am not anxious to disturb the harmony
which is annually becoming more and more marked
among the members of the Clan, [irincipally throiigh
the instrumentality of the newly formed Clan
Society, of which 1 am happy to say Mr. A. K.
MacKinnon is a member.

Glasgow.

Duncan MacKinnon.

DESCENDANTS OF ALLAN CAMERON.

Sir, — Can any of your readers state, authen-
tically, whether Allan Cameron, — who married
Jean M'Gregor in lOtiG — brother of Ewon after-
wards Sir Ewen XVII. of Lochiel, had any children,
and Lf so, their names and what became of them.

D. C.

THE MACKITCHIES, MACCROSTIES,
MACGUFFIES, AND GORRIES.

Sll^ — Could you or any of your readers tell me
anything in regard to the Ritchies or MacRitchies,
MacCrosties, MacGutiies, and also the Gorries (
Are they Highland Clans, or septs of Clans I The
first is a [iretty common name in the Long Island,
in Perth, and Argyllshire. I shall bo glad of any
information as to their origin.

Yours truly.

TITR CRLTIC MONTHLY.

1S7

THE LAST MACOONALDS OF ISLA.

+ •■-j:

By Charles Fraser-Maokintosfi, F.S.A. (Scot.)
Part VIII.— Bond of the Men of Isla ; and

THE MacDoNALDS OF ANTRIM.

{Continued from page 177).

" ^^J^iOR it shall lie known, I shall seek mi nther
\j'Sp(|; rafui^e but onl}- your Majesty's cleiiiency,
'■jll*iij nor no other living, Imt that which your
Majesty's princely liberality, it shall
please your Highness bestow npon me as at uioj-e
length, the bearer
will inform your
Majesty, and so I
beseech God to bless
your Highness with
a long and prosper-
ous reign, your
Majesty's most
humble servant,
(Signed), Angus
M'Connal of Duni-
vaig. From lylaye,
the tent of Septem-
ber, 1606."

About this per-
iod the following
afl'ecting supplica-
tion was sent to
the Council,
whereof a facsim-
ile is given. The
spelling is modern-
ized : —

'•My Lords of
Secret Council,
please your Lord-
ships to understand
that we the tenants
and under sub-
scribers testify ami
approve to your
Lordships that
Angus M'Connell
of Dunivaig and his
f6rbears have been
native superiors
above us under His
Majesty's hands
and grace. Now
therefore we crave
of your Lordships'
grace in respect of

his native kindness of superiority over us, and
specially seeing has nothing to say against him, but
using us well, in all maimer of form, and is willing
to keep all good order that his Majesty and your
Lordships will lay to his charge, therefore we
beseech your Lordships for the cause of God to let
us have our o\vn native said Master your subject
during his lifetime, and thereafter his eldest son
and heir Sir James. This we beseech your Lord-
ships to do for God's cause, as we are ever bound
to pray for your Lordships standing. We rest at

Yllaye the day of . Your

Lordships subjects to be commanded with service,
(signed), Neil M'Ky, Officer of the Rinns, with my
hand; Neil M'Kay, younger ; Hector Mactavish in
Kinibos ; Archibald Makduphee in Ballijonen ;
Donald Makduphee in Killicolmane ; Neil Neonach
Makduphee in Migirnes ; Archibald Makduphee
of Skerolsay ; Malcolme Makphersone in Mullin-
drie ; Lauchlane Makirini levin in Gronozort ;
Neill Makphetera of Kepposiche ; Donald Maktav-
ish of Ardacheriche ; Hew M'Ky of Killikeran ;
Donald MakGoin of Esknis."

No satisfactory reply was made. Angus'
name appears occasionally thereafter at meetings
of Western High-
land Potentates,
and heading the
Lists. But restora-
tion was not to be ;
and baffled and
unsupported
Angus Macdonald
on 1st January,
16 12, for the
trifling sum of
6000 merks re-
nounced in favour
of Sir John Camp-
bell of Calder all
his rights to Islay,
and dying shortly
thereafter, is re-
ferred to in 161-1,
as "u m q u h i 1 e
Angus Macdonald
called of Duny-
vaig."

C?t

SS^.

MacDonnells op
Antrim.

Although in
part anticipating
events, a brief
account of the de-
scendantsof Sorley
buie may be
given. He had
by Mary, daughter
of Con, first Earl
of Tyrone, several
sons, the elde.st,
Donald was killed in 158.5; the second, Alex-
ander was subsequently taken prisoner, executed
and his head placed over one of the gates in
Dublin. The father having occasion to go to
that City, an English officer cruelly brought him
to this gate and jjointed to the head, whereupon,
alluding to the power and influence of his family,
Sorley said with dignity " my son hath many
heads." The third son was James, the fourth

IF THE MEN OF ISLA.

ISS

THE CELTTO MONTHLY,

Randal, fifth Anjjus, and sixth Lother. Mary
O'Neill died 15Si', and Sorley died in 1500,
succeeded hy his third son James, afterwards
Sir James Macdonnell, who married Mary
O'Neill, daughter of Phelim of Claunaboye.
This Sir James came to Scotland and made
some claims to the Isla Estates in 1597. He
was well received by James Vf. by whom he
was Knighted, and received a grant of twenty-
two merks of land in the south-west of Kintyre,
of which the principal messuage was (JuUelungart.
These lands formed part of the Isla possessions.
In an old Chronicle it is said of Sir James, he
Avas " ane bra uian of ])er.son and behaxiour, but
had not the
Scots tongue,
nor nae lan-
guage but
Erse." It is re-
ported of Rory
Mor Mackod of
Macleod that
■when he either
paid a visit, or
was summoned
to appear in
London before
King James, he
like Sir James
Macdonnell had
no English, and
the conversa-
tion between
them was
carried on in
Latin. It
turned out sat-
isfactory, per-
haps llory com-
plimented the
Royal pedant
in his mastery
of the language
but be that as
it may, Rory
departed from
t li e Royal
audience as Sir

Rory. Sir James died Easter Monday 1601,
not witiiout suspicion of being poisoned, and
according to the Four Masters " the most
distinguished of the Clan Donnell, either in
peac(- or war." Altho' Sir James had several
sons, his brother Randal was immediately
recognised as chief. Having been fostered and
V)rought up in Arran he was known in Ireland
as " Arranach " and beitig more of a politician
than a soldiffr, became a warm supporter of the
English interest after Elizabeth's death. King
Ja;iits conferred the honour of Knighthood; and

ShX'OXIl t:.\l!l. .XMi KIltST .MAIil.MIS or ANTlilM.

re-granted, and on L'Gth Maj', 1 603, confirmed him
in upwards of .'500,000 acres of land in Antrim.
He married, about 1604, Alice O'Neill, daughter
of Hugh, Earl of Tyrone and niece of the Earl
of Tyrone, and surrounded by enemies he had
great difficultly in maintining his position. He
was confirmed in the Kintyre lands of his late
brother, and had a tack of seven years of Isla,
receiving no benefit. Always favoured by King
James, he in iiOth June, 1618, was created
Vi.scount Dunluee, and on l:ith December, 16l?0,
Earl of Antrim. The Kintyre Estates of the
Macdonalds fell into the hands of James
Campbell, son by his second marriage of the
"A p o state"
Earl of Argyle,
created Lord
C a n t i r e in
1622. Like his
relative Calder,
in the case of
Isla, Lord Can-
tire soon found
that their ac-
(juisitions were
unprofitable,
and desired to
get rid of them.
Lord Cantire
first offered the
lands to his
senior half-
brother, Lord
Lorn, w h o
declined to ))ur-
chase. T h e
Earl of Antrim
then c a m e
forward, agreed
with Lord
Cantire and
paid down
.£1,500 sterling
of the price.
Upon t li i s
coming to the
ears of Lord
Lorn, he was
easures to stop the Karl
lands, and used every

furious, took fonibli
being infeft in th

exertion and remonstrance within his power
with the ruling powers in Scotland to prevent
the Earl of Antrim from getting possession.
Th(! Earl however was infeft on 16th January,
163.'"); and in answer to Lord Lorn's threats
stated that he was one of the remainder men
under Queen Mary's Charter to James Mac-
donald of Isla, was the successor of his brotlier
Sir James who had po.sse.ssion of part of Kintyre,
and he had bought them when for open sale

GEORGE MUNRO

THE OET/riC MONTHLY.

IS'.t

by Lord Canlire. In reply to a specitic charge
by Lord Lorn, that if he got possession he would
be representing, nourisliing and maintaining the
ancient papists, and troublesome Macdonald
Islanders, who had been happily suppressed.
Lord Antrim stated that he and his jiredecessors
had welcomed and given shelter to Scottish
people on his Irish Estates, not enquiring as to
their religion; and as regarded Kintyre and the
Macdonalds that there had been such wholesale
evictions and clearances, since the Campbells
acquired possession, that only two three Mac-
donalds, in very humble circumstances remained.
But all was of no avail, Lord Lorn now Earl
afterwards Manjuis of Argyle, worthy son of
him regarding whom it was said

"Now Earl of Guile, and Lord For Lorn thou goes
Leaving thy Native Prince to serve bis foes ;
No faith in plaids, no truth in tartan trews.
Chameleon like, they change a thousand hues."

was up till 1660 all powerful, and thedisraemberer
of the great County of Inverness, easily defeated
Lord Antrim. By the time of the restoration,
it was too late to recover Kintyre. The tirst
Earl of Antrim died at Dnnluce, lOth September,
1636, leaving two sons and six daughters, and
by the kindness of the present Earl of Antrim,
I am enabled to give the poitrait of the second
Earl and first Marquis of Antrim, preserved at
Glenarm Castle, to whom reference will be made
later on. This great man, born in 1609, was in
use to relate himself, that he wore neither hat,
cap, shoe, nor stocking till seven or eiglit years
old, being bred "in the old Highland way."

THE LATE GEORGE MUNRO,
BOLTON.

|nra|HIS notable Sutherlander was born at
X^ EveUx, in the Parish of Dornoch, in
•^^S* 1832, and was educated at KosehaU
School, his parents having removed to the farm
of Invemanld in that district. At the age of
nineteen, when stUl undecided as to his future
career, his imcle, Mr. James Hall, who had
made a considerable fortune in the Sugar
Plantations of Jamaica, returned home to
Sutherland, and thi-ough his intervention Mr.
Munro obtained his first situation with Messrs.
Findlater and Mackie of Manchester, and soon
raised himself to a position of trust by his
abihtj' and application.

In 1860 he started business on his own
account, and so successful did the venture soon
become that ui five years he was able to

jjurohase the property in which his place of
business was situated. At this time he was
ably assisted by his schoolfellow and friend.
Mr. Alexander Boss, now qf Leicester, who
after leaving Mr. Munro has had a very success-
ful career. No keener sportsman than Alec Ross
is knowii on the moors and rivers of his native
comity, and his friend Mr. William Black, the
celebrated novelist, has instanced him in several
of his works as the model of a true sportsman.
In 186-4, in partnership with his cousin Mr.
John Forsyth, a branch of the business was
successfully established in Blackburn, and a
fiu-ther extension was made two years later,
when the present large and important concern
in Hanley was commenced. In this latter
enterprise he was fortunate to secure as partner
a fellow clansman, Mr. John Munro, a native
of Clashmore, Dornoch, who now, as surviving
partner, possesses the Staftbrdshire portion of
the business.

In politics Mr. Munro was an ardent Liberal,
and for three years, 1886-9, represented the
Exchange Ward in the Bolton Coimeil Cham-
ber, and was the respected Chairman of the
Ward Lil)eral Association. He was also a
member and generous supporter of the St.
Andrews Presbyterian Church. Mr. Mimro
always cherished a strong attachment to his
native county, and was a life member of the
Edinburgh Sutherland Association, to whose
Jubilee (Victoria) Bursary Fund he contributed
a very handsome donation.

Li 1863 Mr. Munro married Miss Isabella
Waugh of Lochmalien, Dumfries-shire, and had
tliree sons and four daughters, who survive him.
In this lady Mr. Munro found in the highest
sense a helpmeet ; who by her gentle con-
sideration, and readiness to help and comfort
all with whom she came in contact, endeared
herself to a large circle of friends.

On the Sunday following Mr. Mimro's funeral,
the Kev. T. B. Johnstone of St. Andi'ews Church,
in addressing his mouruLug cougi'egation said —
" after a long and painful illness our dear friend
Mr. George Munro, who has been so honourably
connected with this congregation for over thirty
fom* years, during the greater part of which
time he was member of the Deacons' Court and
Treasurer of the Church, has been removed by
death, and a heavy blow thereby falls on all
who knew him, and were associated with him."
Frank and open in all his dealings, simple
minded, generous, and sincere, Mr. George
Munro has left behind a name for amiability
and goodness of heart that will not readily be
effaced from the miuds of the inhabitants of
the Town of Bolton.

Ihuiluy.

JOTIN- MuXRO.

190

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

FAMOUS HIGHLAND BARDS.

No. L — Iaix Lom.

By W. DrummondNokie.
r|P||HE MacDonells of Keppocli, like tlieir
j^i^ kinsmen, the MacDonalds of Glencoe,
^i^ have from the most remote period of
their history been justly celebrated for their
distinguished heroism in the field, and for their
skill in the art of versification ; two apparently
opposite characteristics, but in reality 4uite in
harmony, for had there been no heroes to inspire
the bards by their deeds of valour, there would
have been no bards to liand down to posterity
the famous achievements of their kings and
chieftains. Had Agamemnon never lived and
fought at Troy, or had Fingal preferred a pas-
toral existence among the hills of Morven to the
glorious career of a warrior, the grand epic of
the immortal Homer would never have been
written, and the voice of Ossian would have
Taeen mute.

Foremost among the many talented bards of
the family of Keppoch, and for the matter of
that, among Highland bards generally, Iain
Loin's striking personality stands conspicuous.
The e.xact date of his birth is uncertain, but it
probably occurred during the early years of the
reign of Charles I. He was of gentle blood,
being descended from Iain Aluinn, IV. Chief of
Keppoch, who lived in the l"ith century, and
was consequently related to the head of his family
and occupied a position of some importance in
the clan.

Born amid the romantic scenery of Lochaber,
with the great mountains of Ben Nevis and Ben
Chlinaig looking down upon him as lie lay in his
cradle, and for his lullaby the music of the tur-
bulent rivers Boy and Spean, it is scarcely to be
wondered at that poetical instinct should have
been early awakened in his breast. Of Iain's
boyish days little is known, but a tradition is
extant that owing to his marked predilections
for study, he was sent to the great Catholic
seminary at Valladolid in Spain to receive his
education at the hands of the scholarly clerics
who directed the studies at that celebrated es-
tablishment ; and that, having incurred the
anger of his tutors by some breach of discij)line
or youthful escapade, lie returned to his native
land to avoid the chastisement he probably de-
served, but which his proud Highland blood
could not brook. There is great probability of
truth in this story, as it is a matter of history
that Ranald, th(! eldest son of "Alasdair nan
fleas," X. Chief of Keiijioch, was living in exile
in Spain at this time, and it was no doubt under
his protection that young Iain lived while pro-
secuting his studies at Valladolid.

Upon his arrival in Lochaber, lain found his
clan ready to take up arms in the cause of their
rightful King, Charles I., under the leadership of
his relative and chief, Donald Glas of Keppoch,
and the renowned Montrose, against the forces
of the Covenanters, headed by the astute Argyll.
Iain, who hated the Campbells with a deadly
enmity, hereditary in his blood, and begotten of
many an ancient feud in which his clan had
suHered from the cruelty and lapaeiousness of
the race of Diarmid, threw himself vigorously
into the warlike preparations that he found going
on around him, and roused his fellow clansmen
to fresh exertions by his stirring poetry. He
placed himself in communication with Montrose,
who received his overtures gladly, and a friend-
ship was cemented between the Highland bard
and the famous general, which only ended with
Montrose's death. In February, 1G4."), the
Highland army, ha\ing wreaked its vengeance
upon the Campbells by a six weeks' raid among
the Argyllshire glens, had retired along the
shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich to Cille-
Chuiniein (now Fort Augustus), and lay in camp
there awaiting fresh developments. Meanwhile
Argyll, exasperated at his late re^•erses, and
burning with a desire to wipe out the insult he
had received at the hands of his enemy Montrose,
hastily mustered an army of three thousand
Campbells, and followed stealthily along the road
taken by the Royalist troops, destroying and
wasting the lands of the MacDonalds and
Camerons as he went. Arriving at the old castle
of Inverlochy in Lochaber, he determined to hall
and commence a fresh series of depredations in
that district before proceeding further, lain
Lom got wind of this movement and hastened
to Montrose with the news. It is not certain
that he actually saw Montrose on this occasion,
for there is a story in existence that when the
bard arrived at Cille-Chuimein he was received
by Alasdair MacCoUa (MacDonald of Antrim),
who was in command of the Irish contingent.
MacDonald listened to Iain's account of Argyll's
arrival at Inverlochy, and appears to lia\r
doubted the truth of the story, for turning to tin
bard, he threatened that if \w. had told an un
truth he would hang him on the first tree he
met. Iain replied angrily, " Unless you shall
find the Campbells all here, for certainly they
are in the country, before this time to-morrow,
you may do so."

Whether this is a correct version of what
really took place is, of course, uncertain, but
there is little doubt that Iain Lom pot only was
the first to bring the tidings of Argyll's inesence
at Inverlochy to the Itoyalist eanip, Imt thai he
personally led the army of Montrose through the
secret mountain passes to Glen Nevis, and that
it was in a great measure due to this stragetic

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

191

movement, so rapidly carried out, that Mac-
Cailean Mor and his marauding Campbells
were utterly routed by the shores of the river
Lochy on Sunday morning, February 2, 1645.
The bard took no personal jiai't in the tight,
having excused himself, when ofl'ered a claymore
by MacDonald of Antrim, on the ground that if
he fell in battle there would be no one left to
sing the praises of the victors.* There was no
gainsaying this argument, so Iain Loni was left
to witness the engagement from the safe vantage
ground of one of the towers of Inverlochy Castle,
from whence he amused himself by hurling
aV)Usi\e epithets at the discomfited Campbells.
The poem, entitled " Latlia Inbher-Lochaidh," in
which he describes the events of the battle, is
probably one of the mo.st powerfully descriptive
in the Gaelic language. Every detail of the fight
is brought before the reader with marvellous
distinctness and accuracy, and it is easy to con-
jure up in the imagination the whole of the
stirring scene that was enacted under the shadow
of giant Ben Nevis more than two centuries ago.
Throughout the whole poem there is a current of
biting sarcasm and almost savage jubilation at
the expense of the hereditary foes of Clann
Donuill ; in fact, so bitter and caustic are the
bard's satirical utterances that they are quite
untranslatable into the English tongue. It was
this inveterate hatred of his enemies, this vein
of sarcasm in his nature, that earned for John
MacDonell the nickname of Iain " Lom," hna
signifying in the Gaelic haiv, and it was probalily
bestowed upon the bard on account of his skill
in laying bare the faults and weaknesses of those
whom he lashed with the whip of his stinging
satires.

After the battle of Inverlochy little is known
of Iain's movements, until we find him taking an
active pai't in avenging the dastardly murder of
his young chieftains, Ala.stair and Ranald, about
the year 1663. Space will not admit of a his-
tory of the Keppoch murder being given here ;
it was a cold-blooded crime of the worst descrip-
tion, prompted by jealousy and avarice, and it is
some satisfaction to know that to Iain Lom be-
longs the credit of tracking the murderers and
meting out to them the punishment they so richly
deserved. This event is vividly described with
all its ghastly details in his poem '■ Mort na
Ceapach " ; an extraordinary work full of pathe-
tic interest and horrible realism. A curious
memorial of the bard's terrible vengeance on the
slayers of his kinsmen, is to be found in the
monument erected by Colonel Macdonnell of
Glengarry, in the year 1812, near the well in

which the seven murderers heads were washed,
before being laid at the feet of the chief. The
spot is locally known as "Tobar nan Ceann"
(" the Well of Heads "), and may be seen by all
who travel to Inverness by the Caledonian Canal
when passing through Loch Oich. Several poems
were composed by Iain Lom about this period
relating more or less to the Keppoch murder.
" A bhean leasaich an st6p dluiinn," " Oran do
Shiol Dughaill," and "An Ciaran Mabach "
were all inspired by that atrocious crime, and,
powerful as they are, there is something so re-
pugnant to our feelings in the poet's exultation
over the dying agonies of the criminals when he
had them at his mercy that it is impossible to
refrain from an expression of regret that he
should have so lowered himself. It is a relief to
turn from these blood curdling horrors to the
scathing sarcasms of the "Oran air Righ Uilleam
agus Ban-righ Mairi" (Ode to King William and
Queen Mary) ; here Iain is at his best, and we
see in him the staunch adherent of the Royal
Stuarts, as with fearless pen he castigates the
the usurping William of Orange and hiis Dutch
followers ; or if we want pathos and tender
sentiment we may find it in the " Marbhrann do
Shir Seumas Mac-Dhonuill " or the " Marbhrann
do dh' Alasdair Dulih Ghlinne-garaidh," both
good specimens of the old Highland laments in
vogue at that period, and full of real poetical
feeling.

Iain lived to a great age, and died in the reign
of Queen Anne about the year 1710. He sleeps
among his native mountains in the ancient
burying-ground of St. Cyril, on Dun-aingeal, in
the Braes of Lochaber, where a suitable monu-
ment has been recently erected to his memory
by the munificence of Charles Eraser-Mackintosh,
Esq., of Drummond.

* The actual words used by the bard on this occasion
were, it is said, " Cha-n e sin mo ghnothuch, cath-
aiohibh sibhse 'us innsidh mi.se. "

Clan Menzies.— Tne Members of this Clan have
decided to commemorate in some fitting manner the
fiftieth year of Sir Robert Menzies' occupation of
the position of Chief of the Clan.

The Clan Campbell Society had their Annual
Excursion to Lochgoilhead on the Queen's Birthday.
There was a large turn-out of members and friends,
and a most enjoyable day was spent.

The St. Colu.mba Gaelic Choik also had their
Annual Outing on that day to Kelly Glen, Weniyss
Bay, which proved as pleasant and successful as
those of former years.

Obituary.— Many of our readers in all parts of
the world will regi-et to learn of the death of Rev.
James Cumming, Melness. Sutherland, who for over
forty years officiated as Free Church Minister in
Melness and Eriboll. We are also soiTy to intimate
the death of Mr. Archibald Maxwell Macdonald of
Glencoe, whose remains were interred in the family
burial place in St. Munda's Island on 15th June.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

THE MACKAY (Hereford) PRIZE SONG.

Thk Prize of Ten Guineas ottered by Mr. Joliii Miickay, Hereford, for ''The best original and
unpublished Gaelic Song, written on a Patriotic theme" and suitable to be sung to the Music which gained
The Charles Fraser-Mackintosh Prize of £20, h:is been awarded to Mv. Malcolm MacFarlane, Elderslie,
whose .<iong we give below. The Judges were Messrs. John Wliyte, Henry W'hyte, and Archibald
Flt^'usou. It will lie readily conceded that the task of composing words to the music was im easy one,
.IS the call for rhyme necessary to the renuirements of Gaelic style, was excessive. The theme is a ha]>i)y
one, and one which Highlanders would do well to take to heart, and not be content with singing it only
but acting up to it.

NA GAIDHEIL AN GUAILLIBH A CHEILE.

(Hii:hi,anii?;rs, Snori-iii:u

Shoiloku.)

Miis'u: by J. LisDs.\v Mackay, IM.A., LL.H. H'(jn./s //y Malcolm MacFaklani;,

Key AIj. With spirit.

:d .r In :— . r :d |r .d : — :li |S| :— .Mi :Si 1 1, .d :

Do liiinh flhonih :i cliar-iid. oir's (J.iidheil a Ih'annaiim,

:r In

. r : d I d . s

a lihi ■tannin;

: n In : -

li illuil

:d.r In :— . r :d |r .d : — :1| |si :— .n, :si jli.d : — :r In :— .f :s jn :r :d|li:

Is liraithreaii sinn wile, S' <-lm duan e feuni tuillcodli Blii ruinnti- iiar l.uiilliiiinean eml
Ket Ey I

Ir :-,
|d:-i

i-..

. s : s I d' . s : — : n I n :— . r : d I r . n : — : f | s :— . s : s I d' . s : — : ri 1 1 : — : — | s

nlu-ach inlli-sluia

\ -.s I s :— . s : s I d' . t

I A,- .rea.ha>, ai,- lua»;;la

Chokis — Kev Aij f

:d' Ir'

:1 II .d':-:t.l|l :-

li --luasa.l Mar l>ii dulli

.s :n jn .s : —

Iminii, All '.^uuillilih

Id:

•.d.did :-.n :r Id :ti -.1, |Si

Thii-aibh ii rolilia liiiM'ailih o ci
Key Eh (.

:d Ir :-.d :r

Air (laidlicil an

ri . s : — : n | r : -

"uaillil.h a clieil

j Air N'aile: Clia siiaracli
Kkv a?/".

I : f . 1 Is :- -. n . n I r . d :

( Tliii-ail.h u rul.ha liiurail.li

:f Is :1 :t Id' :t :1 |s.d':~:n

.Un fcacli.l iad a' 'duasad mar .s diitli dlioilih :

laillibli

: r I d : - : -

a cliL'il

l : n Is :— . n . n

( S gu 11 niiiteaiUi ar

glaodli

- : n Is :— . n : n | i

Gaill CaidlU'il sail

Tha 'chuiseag so-aomaidh

Do 'n oiteig a's faoine
Thar monadh 'us raoii a bhios seideadb ;

Ach seall oirre sniomhte

Am uieadhon an t-sloniain —
Ou 'in bacadh a righnead an steud-cach.

Sud lensan bu clioir dhuinn

'Bin 'g .aithris an comhnuidh
'S a' tarruing as eblas 'clnnii feum dliiiinu-

Ma "s math leiini blii buadhmhor.

Is fhoudar bhi 'glnasad
Mar 's diUh dhuinn, an guaillibh a chclle.

Tha eachdraidh ag iiniseadli

Mn mlinrachd ar sinnsre'
'S gu 'n robh iad 'nan linntibh-san trcmnii

All cliu a lliaobh d'llse

Cha leigear air dldochuimlin"
(Jus an sguirear de Bgiiobhadli '» de Kiiiibi

Ach 's beag iii e dh" flieiun dbuiini

Hhi 'luaidh air am beusan
Mur bi sinn fhcin gleusda 'clium euclidaii,

.\r giiilan fior-uasal,

.\r n-oiioir gun truailleadli
'si ar gluasad an guaillibh a cheilc

: - : n | s : — . n : n j r . d : — : r | n : - : -- | n : -

Air Caidhcil an Kuaillilih a . iu-il . <■ ;
IJall.

: s 1 1 :— . s : n I r . d : — : r I d : " : — I d : -

jlil, S (,'u 'n toifadh (jacil aon diulili an scisd kinii.

'S i tir nam beaiin Jirda,

'San d' fhuair sinn ar n-arach,
An diithaich a's aille fo 'n ghrein leiini ;

'S i 'Gliaidhlig a' chanain

A dh' ionnsuich sinn trathail
I\i briathraibh ar mathar ag eisdeaclid ;

"S c 'an fraoch bharr a' mhonaidh

Ar suaicheantas dosrach —
Co 'n Gaidheal iiach nochdadh mor-S])eis da

Gach abhaist a's dual dhuinn,

Ma 's airidh iad, suas leo !
Ach gluaismid an guaillibh a cheilc.

Nis leagamaid miotlilachd

'Us togamaid fior-ghradh,
"Is deachdaiiiaid dichcall 'us gcur-clniis

.V reiteachadh cuisean

.\r cinnidh "s ar diithcha,
(inn smaointinn air tionndadli no g<'illca<Ui

K mar bhoid 'us mar bhriath'r dhuinn,

Ma 's triiill no ma 's triatli 'th' ami
"I'ha bagairt no miannachach bend oirnii,

I in 'm cas sinii a suas ris,

"I'oirt biuiidh as gach cnuvidh-chaa
Lc bid 'gluasad an guaillibh a cheile.

C('i'.vii;/'i'.— .1" i:iuh(f Heaemd Oy Oadic SiKiftii '>/ Unilwi.

■

■*^''..

DANIEL WILLIAM KEMP, J. P.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

193

DANIEL WILLIAM KEMP.

^O better proof can be given of the vitality
of a movement than its power of
assimilating elements from the outside.
Judged by this test the Celtic movement is in a
very fair way. The voice of the syren still
Hoats down from our mountains and up from
our shores, and tlie unsuspecting wanderer
comes and liears and is conquered. Sometimes
the friendliness is merely sentimental, but in the
case of the subject of this sketch it is a spring
of beneficient activity.

I). W. Kemp was born at Wrexham in
1844. He was educated at the Grammar
School of that town and afterwards at an
Edinburgh Academy. Although born in the
Principality he is of pure Scottish descent, the
Kemps being an old Lowland family. Xor is
the Highland strain awanting, for among his
immediate ancestors are a MacAlister, a Mac-
Phail, a Davidson, and a Donaldson.

Mr. Kemp is a man of manj--sided and
remarkable activity. Business, politics, litera-
ture, science, art, antiquities, volunteering and
philantrophy all claim his attention, and it is
truly surprising how they all receive it. At an
early age he gave indications of the drift of his
talents. When only fourteen he wrote an essay
on Hydrogen which was published with illus-
trations in the Annual of his school in Edinburgh.
The .scientitic interest manifested in youth
became with manhood a leading impulse. He is a
life Fellow of the Eoyal Scottish Society of
Arts and has been awarded several medals by
this society for papers on original subjects. In
1870 he suggested the formation of the Edin-
liurgh Association of Science and Art. On
attaining its majority in 1891 the association
presented him with a Diploma of Distinction
as its founder, and in recognition of the
eminent services which he had rendered to the
association throughout the whole period of its
history.

In the early days of volunteering Mr. Kemp
tlirew himself with characteristic enthusiasm
into the movement. He was largely instru-
mental in raising the 5th Highland Company of
the Queen's Own Rifle Volunteer Brigade, and
was its first Ensign. At that time the Highland
companies wore the kilt.

Whether or not it was in this connection that
his blood " warmed to the tartan " we do not
know, but about this time we find him visiting
the far north, and forming a strong attachment
to the romantic county of the 93id and Reay
Fencibles. He soon made himself intimately
acquainted with the history, topography, and
antiquities of Suthei'land, and in extent and
accuracy, his knowledge of these matters is

outstanding, if indeed it is not unequalled.
Already he has published a number of works
bearing on the county of his adoption. These
include an edition, with valuable notes and
illustrations, of " Bishop Pococke's Tours in
Sutherland" in 17G0, published for the first
time from the original !MSS. in the British
Museum, and forming the second volume of the
"Sutherland Papers " (1888) : "Xotes on Iron
Smelting in Sutherland " (1887); "The Demo-
cracy of Sutherland" (1890): and "An Eccentric
Sutherland Dominie" (1892). Other works not
yet published, but, we believe, in an advanced
stage of preparation are the " Endowments of
Sutherland," "The 'CJod's Acres' of Sutherland,"
'^ Fasti Scholae Sutherlandianae" etc. In connec-
tion with the endowments of the northern county
it may be mentioned by tlie way, that one practical
result of Mr. Kemp's researches was his discovery
of a forgotten School Fund which had lain in a
Highland Bank for twenty vears unclaimed.
On the formation of the Scottish History
Society in 1887 he was requested to undertake
the editing of its first volume — a complete
edition of "Pococke's Tours in Scotland,
1747-17GO."

]Mr. Kemp possesses probably the lai-gest and
most complete collection of Sutherland books
extant. What Sutherlander, as he reverently
handled those treasures, but secretly sighed for
a brief recall of the good old "lifting days!"

Mr. Kemp has been for many years a moving
spirit in the Sutherland Association (Edinburgh),
and it may be .said with strict justice that the
Victoria Bursary Scheme and the Publication
Scheme of that Society owe their origin and
success mainly to him.

In recognition of his services to Sutherland
he has been appointed a J. P. of the County.
The Ancient City and Royal Burgh of Dornoch
has also bestowed upon him tlie privilege of its
"freedom," and he has on .several occasions
represented this Burgh as its Assessor at the
Convention of Royal Burghs.

In politics Mr. Kemp is a progressive Liberal.
He is President of the Leith Liberal Club, an
office which he has held for several years.

He is still a comparatively young man, this
being his Jubilee year, and it is therefore legiti-
mate to hope that the best of his career in busi-
ness, science, letters and afl'airs is still before him.
This sketch would seem inadequate to anyone
who has been a visitor at Ivy Lodge, Trinity,
near Edinburgh, Mr. Kemp's surburban home,
unless reference were made to the kindly hospi-
tality of the amiable and accomplished lady who
presides over his household. Mrs. Kemp is a
descendant of a Sutherland family, and accords to
her husband's guests a true " Highland welcome.'

Pnrfar. D0N.\I,D M AcLeOD, M.A.

194

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

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mailers, shoulil !>/■ addressed to the Editor, Mr. .JOBS
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The Celtic Monthly

JIfLr, 1894.

coriiTE::prTrs.

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Lkitbiu* to the Editor, - 186

Tim Last Macdoxai>ds ok Isla, Part 8 (illustrated), - - 187

TiiK LATB Okorok Munro, Boltos (with plate), - - - 1^9

Fauois HiuiiLA.ND Bards,— I.u.vLOM, 190

OiR Mi'siCAL Page— The Mackat (Hereford) Prize Soxo, - 102

Damkl WiLLiAM Kemi" (with plate), lltS

To OUR Readers, Wi

TosouE AND ITS HISTORIC SURROUNDINGS (illustrated), - - 195

\V. MacOreoor Stoddart, London (with portrait), - - 19s

Dr. Keith Norman MacDosald (with plate), - - - 199

Highlanders in the Archer Guard ov France, • • - 199

George SIackav, Perth, (with plate), 201

Reviews, , 201

DONNACHADH ODUAR NAN CREACH'S ENCOU.VTER WITH THE

Men ok Assynt, Sutherlamdshire (illustrated), . 202
News of the Month, &c., 20-1

CLAN MACKAY SOCIETY.

BuKSARY Competitions. — This Society lias now
made a practical start in giving effect to one of its
most useful objects, namely the encouragement of
higher education. Two Bursaries for Ma(;k.\v.s are
to be comiieted for in Sutherland and Caithness
early in August, full particulars as to Rules,
subjects, etc., will be found in our advertising
columns. There is one feature of these competitions
which deseri'es special notice, and which does credit
to the thorough " Highland" spirit of this society.
(iaelic Grammar and Comi)osition are made one of
the essential subjects in these competitions, so that
before a young Mackay can presume to seek higher
education in the English language, he must first
prove that he has a thorough knowledge of his
mother tongue. It is only by the preservation of
the native language that Highlanders can hope to
preserve their individuality as a race.

A Gknekois Offer. — In response to Mr. John
Mackay, (Hereford's) offer to contribute £100 if
Members of the Clan will subscribe other £200, so
as to increase the capital to .£700, the following
donations have been already intimated : — John S.
Mackay, LL.D., Edinburgh Academy, £10; Rev.
J. Aberigh Mackay, D.l). , Bridge of Allan, £5 5a;
(jeorge J. Mackay, J. P., Mayor of Kendal, £5 5s ;
Dr. George Mackay, 2 Raiulolph Place, Edinburgh,
£'5; John Mackay {lien Hviuj), Wiesbaden, Germany,
£5; William Mackay, F.S.A., Scot., Solicitor,
Inverness, £1} Ss ; Dr. W. Murray Mackay, North
Shields, £1 Is; R. G. Mackay, Berriedale, Stamford
Hill, London, £1 Is ; Eric Mackay, 7 Royal E.\-

change, London, E.G., £1 Is; P. M. Mackay. \"\\\a
Dilred, Hilversum, Holland, £1 ; Provost ^^'. W.
Mackay, Isabella Villa, Dunoon, £1.

A Brief ActorsT of the Clan Donnachaidh.
—We regret that in the review of this interesting
work in our last issue a mistake was made in regard
to the authorship. Mr. David Robertson, F.S.A.,
Scot., is the author and publisher.

The Highland Registry— We are glad to be
able to state that suitable premises have now been
secured at 10 Park Road, near Great Western
Road, and that Miss Mackay is now prepared to
assist Highland girls coming to Glasgow to secure
suitable employment. We trust that it will receive
the hearty sujiport it deserves from our countrymen
and countrywomen. Members' tickets are now
being issued, and can be had on application at
above address.

"FlONT*" AT THE GLASGOW HIGHLAND Cko.S.S. —

As we anticipated, the premises which Mr. Henry
Whyte recently opened at 4 Bridge Street, have
already proved a most encouraging success. Mr.
Whj'te deserves great credit for his enterprise, and
we are glad to find that Highlanders have acknow-
ledged this by bestowing upon him their patronage.
He has already laid in a large stock of books in
Gaelic and English on the many subjects in which
Highlanders are interested. We are glad to con-
gratulate our talented contributor on the well-
deserved success which has attended his venture.

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

Grand Summer Number.
Our next issue is to take the form of a Grand
Summer Number, which will be siiocially attractivi'
both in regard to its literary contents, and tiiu'
illustrations. With it we will present our readers
with five life-like plate portraits of the following
gentlemen— Messrs. William (iraham of North
Erines, President, Kintyre Club and Argyllshire
Society; Captain James Mackay, Trowbridge, viit-
president, Clan Mackay Society ; AthoU MacGn-gof,
Dunkeld, President, Clan Gregor Society; I'ii>vost
George J. Mackay, Kendal, (a distinguished Caith-
nessian), and Thomas Greer, London, of the Clan
Gregor. These portraits are of a larger size than
those we usually give, and are engraved by the best
known process.

In addition to these we have arranged for several
articles of exceptional interest. Mr. John Mackay,
Hereford, contributes a valuable paper on " Tlie
Highland Brigade at Waterloo," which will lu'
suitably illustrated. A complete list will also 1)e
given of the number of otlioers of each clan name
present at the battle, and other interesting infor-
mation. Mr. Frascr Mackintosh will give part IX
of his papers on the " Last MacDonalds of Isla,"
and rejiroductions will be given of the MacDonald
plate from the Queen's book on the cl.ans, and a fac-
simile of the Clan Neill Bond. Besides these
several very attractive contributions will appear, in
prose and verse, and no trouble or expense will be
spared to make our " Summer Number " worthy of
Highland literature.

Owing to the (Jlasgow Fair Holidays our next issue
(being the August Number), will appear about the
middle of July.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

195

TONGUE AND ITS HISTORIC
SURROUNDINGS.

By John Mackay, C.E., J. P., Hereford.

Part VI. — Ian Abrach, and the Battle
OF Driu.m-na-Cupa.

{Continued from page 17"2).

|pI^|HlS was a dodge of the King to get the
y^ heirs of the principal Highland chiefs into
^^^ his custody, to civilize them in the South
of Scotland and near his own court as he himself
had been educated and civilized in England.
In this artair Angus Du succeeded admirably in
spite of his traducers. Tiie King saw that he
was more sinned against than sinning.

CLANS SUTHERLAND AND MACKAY.
From "Highlanders of Scotlanrf," bv Kenneth Macleay, R.S..\., (The Queen's

of tfie Clnnx), published by Mr. .Mitchell, London, in IS70.
(1). .I.inies Sutherland, born in 1833, at Doll, Brora, Sutherland ; was series

the Sutherland Ritle Volunteers.
(-2). Adam Sutherland, born in 1843, at Knockarthur, Rogart, Sutherland.
(■■>). Neil Mackay, born in 1830, at Achvoulderock, Tongue Ferry, Sutherland :
Ferryman at Hope, parish of Durness.

The truculent and cowardly Earl of Suther-
land still plotted against his powerful neighbour,
Angus Du, though shorn of the territory given him
liy the Lord of the Isles as the dower of his
wife, by the unfortunate action of his cousin
Thomas. It was seen by the Earl that Angus
Du was getting into years and was deprived of
his son and heir who niitrht never return. He

again had recourse to Angus Murray of Pul-
rossie to try to persuade his sons-in-law, Morgan
and Neil Mackay that they now were the
successors of Angus Du, his son Neil being
taken away by the King, and that John the
younger son had not so good a title to
the territory or the chiefship, as they had.
No doubt these young ruffians had by the

I;i6

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

apprehension of their brother Thomas incurred
the high displeasure of Angus Du. The know-
ledge of this made them more readily the tools
of the Earl and Angus Murray and to fall into the
farther plot of weakening Angus Du, and if
successful become possessed of his territory.

The demand was made, and Angus Du no
doubt refused compliance. The plotters were
impatient, and at last determined to obtain
possession by force. In this determination they
were encouraged by the Earl of Sutherland,
even by the admission of Sir R. Gordon, that
they had " Earl Robert his attoUerance."
Angus Du, desirous of preserving the King's
j)eace, sent his cousins a message informing them
that he would sui-render them all his possessions,
except Kintail, now Tongue. His cousins
would have all. The aged hero was astonished,
consulted his youthful sou .Tohn .Abradi, as liis
clansmen called
him from hav-
ing been reared
amongst his
mother's rela-
tives in Loch-
aber. He con-
sulted too his
chief men. The
resolution come
to was, to
defend the
territory, and
the honour of
their chief and
clan, or die in
their defence.
The resolution
was conveyed
by the fiery
cross from ham-
let to hamlet of
the Mackay

country and every preparation made to meet
and resist the threatened invasion.

Angus Du, though aged and infirm, had yet
much of the fire of youth when aroused. When
he ascertained the determination of his youthful
warrior .son and the leading men of the clan to
die in his defence and the freedom of their
country hitherto so well preserved and defended
lie ro.se to the occasion, scouts and spies were
sent into Sutherland to ol)scrve the doings and
movements of the enemy, and to report upon all
they iieard and saw, especially to ascertain in
what direction the threatened invasion would
be made. Jt was soon known that throughout
the whole of Sutherland men were preparing
for some wailike expedition ; there was no
concealment as to its purpose and intent, and
tliat full encouragement was given to one and

TIIK VII.L.VGK.

all by the Earl to take part in the invasion and
assist Angus Murray, who w^as also bringing
men from Ross and Assynt, promising them all
the plunder they could capture. Angus Du
was ke])t well informed of all that was going on,
and he and his young son and head-men were
at the same time devising means and making
every possible preparation to meet so formidable
an invasion. Councils were daily held with the
old veteran chief, who knew the lie of the land,
and the advantage of choosing the field of strife
for a defensive battle, which should be as near
Tongue as jiossible. He pointed out Drium-na-
Cupa as offering the greatest disadvantage for
attack, and the greatest advantage in resisting
it. This ridge slope is two miles from Tongue,
on the west side of Ben Loyal, having a narrow
boggy valley at its foot, trending westward to
l\inloi-li and northward to Tongue. On the
south side of
this valley the
land rises to
the same level
as Drium-na-
Cupa, with a
narrow pass
i|uite close to
the foot of Ben
I>oyal. Thro'
this pass the
road track
to and from
Tongue went,
and it was
anticipated, if
Tongue would
l)e the point of
attack, this
would be the
route the in-
vaders would
prefer, being
shorter by some miles than the other route by
the east side of the mountain. Besides these
advantages of position, it was not lost sight of,
that the further the Sutherland men had to
march the more tired they would be in the
light. There was a doubt as to which of the
routes the invader.s might adopt, and lo ascertain
this a strong party of Jlackays was posted
in ambush on the south front of J5en ].,oyal to
watch the advance of the enemy and report as
to the route. From this point of view they
could see over many miles in their front. It was
observed that the invaders were coming in by
the west end of Lochnaver and making for the
west side of Ben Tioyal. This being rcportcni
the Mackay commanders took post on the slope
of Drium-na-Cupa ridge, while at the same time
a detachment was sent forward into the pass

DR. KEITH NORMAN MACDONALD.

TilK OKLTIC MONTHLY.

I'Jf

and amliusli themselves in a copse wood growing
i;; the slope of the pass, and when the greater
|iortion of the invaders had passed to cut
into their Hank. The party posted on the south
face of the mountain were ordered to follow up
the rear of the invaders and skirmish with tlieni
as best they could till the flank attack had taken
ett'ect, when they were to fall in with might and
main. These arrangements being made Ian
Abracli and the other commanders advised the
aged chief to keep out of the battle and retire
to a knoll in the rear, where lie could survey the
tight a)id be out of harm's way. He consented
and gave Ian Abrach the command. The
invaders confident in their superiority of
numbers came on through the pass in a disorderly
manner, leaders in front. On emerging from
the pass, the Mackays were seen right in front
in a compact body, posted on the slope of the
opposite ridge.

Judging them to be very inferior in numbers
one of the Sutherland leaders said, " come on,
we shall soon shackle tliese calves," to which
another replied, "take you care of yourself, these
calves may jump too high for you to shackle
them.'

The invaders as they emerged from tlie pass
rushed across the valley, and came up the slope in
a straggling manner for the onset. They wore
tirndy and fiercely received by Ian Abrach and
his men. In the meantime the flank attack
was made upon the rear portion of the invaders,
struggling and hurrying confusedly through the
pass. They were soon thrown into disorder,
and the scouting ])arty which followed in the
rear coming up, the annihilation of this portion
of the invaders was complete, the few fugitives
that escaped ran on to the main body causing
dismay and terror, pursued by the ambuscade
men, who advanced and attacked the left rear

and Hank of the invaders. The Sutiierland men
fought resolutely and bravely but they were
out manceuvred, still they continued the fighting.
Their left wing was soon turned and doubled up
on the centre, they had to fight in front and rear,
and their commanders Angus Murray, Morgan
and Neil Mackay were slain in the front of the
battle. At last falling into disorder, the sur-
vivors fled from the fsital field by the passes at
the west end of Ben Loyal j)ursued by the
infuriated Mackays, who gave no quarter, for
several miles till the last man was slain at Atli-
charrie, where a stone was reared to commemo-
rate his fall and the close of the chase.

The fighting over on the field of battle, and
none left on it but the dead, the dying, and the
wounded, the old chief Angus Du came upon
the ground to view the slain and see if he could
find aniongt them the bodies of his unnatural
cousins. Having found tliem, and as he was
leaning on his staff looking at them and be-
moaning the carnage of which they were the
cause, he was shot dead by an arrow from the
bow of a Sutherland man lurking in a bush,
who had come too late, or had been too
much uf a coward to take part in the fight.
He immediately decamped and got safely home,
to fall another day by the hand of Angus Du's
grandson.

So momentous was the issue of the liattleand
the utter annihilation of the invaders that Sir
R. Gordon is forced to record in his history two
centuries thereafter. — " The memory of this
skirmish remaineth in that country (Mackay
country) with the posterity unto this day."
The memory of it remains to this day, and to
this day the graves of the slain on the ridge slope
of Drium-na-cupa may be seen and counted
in parallel row.s.

(Tu be riniluiii,,!.}

l.>lXR01il.M O.VSTI.K.-SKAT OF THE DUKK OF SI THFKL.V.NO.

19?

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

W. MACGREGOR STODDART,
LONDON.

CT^HE Htoddarts wore originally a Renfrew-
>i^/ shire family, but like most Scottish
'-'^^ names it is now to be found in all parts
of the world. Among those who left their
native land to win fame and fortune in distant
parts was Ad-
miral Stoddart,
who, with Ad-
mirals Keith
and Gordon,
was one of the
founders of the
Russian Navy.
It is from
this gallant
Scotsman that
the subject of
our present
sketch is de-
scended. Mr.
W. .M.Stoddart
was born near
K d i 11 b u r g h ,
where his
parents wire
staying for a
time, but he
looks upon the
M a c G r e g o r
country as his
native spot,
having spent
many years in
that romantic
district. His
love for Perth-
shire may be
Ijetter under-
stood when we
state that on
his mother's
side he is
descended from
Rob Koy, lur
grand father,
J a m c s M a c -
Gregor, being
the grand.son of

Rob's third son James, who died in Paris, where
he fled after the ' ih and was buried in Pere La
Chaise. Though the third son he was the most
famous ; it was he who led the clan ai
Prestonpans, where he greatly distinguished
himself by his bravery.

Mr. Stoddart has been in l>ondon for the last
ten years, during four of which he has occu|)icd

the position of Headmaster of St. Stephen's
School. It is, however, as a Highlander that he
is best known in the Metropolis, and there are
few Celtic Gatherings in which he is not a
moving spirit. He is Captain of the L. N.
C. Canianachd Club, member of the Gaelic
Society ~of London, and the Highland Balls
Committee. He also acts as Hon. Secretary
for the Paddington and District School Sports
Association,
and for the
Society for the
Extension of
University
Education. He
has rendered
good service in
the cause of
Gaelic Music,
ha\'ing harmon-
ised most of the
melodies ren-
dered by the
Gaelic Choir at
their recent
Concert, and
has acted as
A ccom panist
since its forma-
tion. He takes a
special interest
in the success of
the Clan firegor
Society, of
which he is a
life member.

In conclusion,

it may be said

to his credit

that although

ho has travelled

a good deal

abroad he has

always made it

a rule to do so

in the Highland

costume, and

our readers will,

we feel sure,

agree with us

when we say

that he could

not liave chosen a more graceful dress, and there

are few who do it better justice. Mr. MacGregor

Stoddart is considered one of the best all round

Highland dancers in London, and for several

years past has acted as )\I aster of Ceremonies at

the Highland Halls held under the auspices of the

Shinty Club and the Highland Balls Committee.

i,„„i„,, John MacGukiiou.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

190

DR. KEITH NORMAN MACDONALD,
F.R.C.S.E., EDINBANE, SKYE.

,jJ|?vR. MAC'DOXALD, w- to give liim his
^,K;^J| full designation — Dr. Keith Norman
S-^ Macalister Mac Donald, is the third son
of the late Charles MacDonald, Ord, Sleat, Skye,
and grandson, on the maternal side, of Captain
Neil MacLeod of Gesto, and therefore a true
son of Eih'dii-a-cltfo. He received his early
education by private tuition, and went to study
Medicine in the Edinburgh University in 1854.
After completing his curriculum he practised
for some time in Skye, and then sought, in
1S60, a wider field, under the glorious shadow
of Ben Nevis — among the genial and hospitable
Highlandeis of the Braes of Lochaber, where
his Jacobite instincts found full scope. Leaving
Lochaber he removed to North Wales where he
acquired considerable experience, Init finding
the work too heavy he took charge of a Hospital
in Bath for a time, so that he might recuperate
and study. He soon afterwards proceeded to
India and after a time was appointed by the
Government of India to the Civil Surgeoncy of
Prome, and it was when in charge of this station
where he had a Hospital, Dispensaiy, and three
hundred convicts under his charge, that he
undertook to translate the practice of Medicine
among the Burmese from original palm-leaf
manuscripts which he procured, after a great
deal of troulile, from the native doctors, but
which could not be purchased at any price, as
they had been handed down from father to son
for countless generations, something after the
manner of the oral teachings of the Asclepiades
This work was afterwards published, with a
liistorical sketch of the progress of ^ledicine
from the earliest times. Dr. MacDonald's
success at this station was considerable and his
name was frequently mentioned in the Govern-
ment Blue Books, and his sanitary reports and
the great good he had ati'ected in the interests
of the public health of Prome, were very
favourably received and acknowledged by the
Government. Considerations of health, how-
ever, blighted his bright prospects at this time, and
he was obliged to return to Europe in 1869, and he
has practised at home ever since. During his
long experience he did not neglect the splendid
opportunities that such a varied and wide field
of practice placed before him. He has contri-
buted between thirty and forty papers of
scientific interest to the literature of his pro-
fession, and has encroached on the Sister Art of
Music by publishing a " Skye Collection of
Keels and Strathspeys" which many good judges
consider second to none, and has also added
some Fantasias for Violin and Piano, on Scotch

and Irish airs. As the Editor of " Musical
Scotland"* remarks. Dr. MacDonald is one of
the " most worthy rei)resentatives now living of
the leisured amateur whose sympathies extend
warmly to pi'ofessional nnisicians, as well as
amateurs, all being "brothers in art!" In
1872 Dr. SlacDonald married Mi.ss Niblett of
Erneston, near Edinburgh, and has two sons
and three daughters. It may be here stated
that Dr. MacDonald is a M.D. of St. Andrews,
a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians,
Edinburgh, and Licentiate of the Royal College
of Physicians, London. He is at present
Resident Medical Otticer, Gesto Hospital, Skye
— enjoying the love and attachment of his
fellow-islesmen. Saoglialfada dha. Fionn.

"Musical Scotland " by D. Baptie. Paisley: J. &
R. Parlane, 1S94.

HIGHLANDERS IN THE ARCHER
GUARD OF FRANCE.

By .James Feruuson, Glasgow.

i^5^|0ME years ago, a well-known American
^5^i monthly gravely remarked that the

portion of Scotland North of the Forth
had contributed little or nothing to the greatness
of the Scottish Race. That was amusing ; and
to anyone who possessed the most elementary
knowledge of Scottish History and Ethnology it
must have seemed surprising that an assertion
so remarkable should have found its way into
the pages of an intelligent and impartial
Journal. Yet, upon consideration, the matter
is, perhaps, not so wonderful after all. Your
Saxon is a fine fellow ; but he has never been
very keen to do justice to his Celtic brotlier.
There is no part of the British Empire on which
the Celt — Scottish, Welsh, Irish, or Cornish, —
has not set an indelible mark. His name meets
us everywhere. The History of our connection
with India, both civil and military, for example,
is besprinkled with Highland names as freely as
the battlefields of that Country have been
bedewed with Gaelic blood ; tlie muster roll of
the Canadian Parliament is like that of a
gathering of Representatives of the Highland
Clans ; and the number of men bearing High-
land names who have been Prime Ministers or
have occupied other positions of distinction in
the Colonies is amazing when one considers the
relative size of England, and the Country from
which they sprung. Men like Sir Alexander
MacKenzie, the Pioneer Explorer of the
North American interior ; Livingstone, the
Ulva Crofter's son ; Henry Morton Stanley, the
Welshman ; MacKinlay, the Cowal man of

TH K CELTIC MONTHLY.

Australian fame; and many others in whose
veins the warm blood of the Celt predominated,
have done fur more tlian their share in the
arduous task of filling up the blanks on the
Map of the World. But all that does not avail
with your modern Anglo-Saxon chronicler.
Knglish ])oliticians tell us, without a stammer,
that Kngland alone has built up the Empire :
and we have became accustomed when we piek
up Cockney Journals of a certain class to find
the inferiority and supineness of the Celt dilated
upon with an unfailing zest. Possibly, therefore,
the American Writer was a student of the
Cockney Press and took his notion of the
Scottish Celt second hand. If so, it is not to be
wondered at the Saxon element should bulk so
largely in his view that the Celt should be
crowded out, or, at best, should appear but
dimly in the background, a mere humble access-
ory to the glowing portrait of the great, ruddy,
Jolly Saxon in the foreground.

There were, it is said, more Irishmen and
Welshmen than Englishmen in the victorious
army at Crecy ; but what English Historian
dilates «pon the little fact I

The silence is significant — and typical ! The
Celtic student of history has encountered it
elsewhere and often.

A distinguished Scottish Historian recently
told the present writer that, in his opinion,
" the History of Scotland, as far as the Celtic
people are concerned, has often been misinter-
preted and misrepresented." Every ('eltic
student of History will agree that, unfortunately,
the work of misrepresentation still goes meiiilv
on. Possibly it is the outcome of in.suflicient
knowledge; for John Bull, despite his prejudices
and with all his limitations, i.s, in the main, an
honest fellow. It is none the less unpleasant
however : especially when we call to mind that
the English saying demands that even the devil
shall get his due.

Not long ago, an English Military Journal
imblished an article on the Scots in France, in
which, of course, the writer took occasion to let
it be understood that the Scottish Adventurers
whose gallantry redounded so much to the cr(>dit
of their Native Country were entirely recruited
from tht^ Saxonised districts of Scotland. In
answer to that somewhat sweeping assertion —
your Saxon is always sweeping in his assertions
— one might remind the writer in question that
Kabutin, for instance, (Co//. Petitot, vol. xxxi,
page G7) thus describes a body of Scots in the
French service about l-");TI. "Most of them,
mounted on small spirited horses, were rather
Kcantily armed, ivearituj Ki//s and red bonnets."

Did the lowland Scot of the year \'>T)\ wear
the Kilt (

One miglit also hint that u century later, the

first Coni])any of the Ho\'al Eccossais wore the
Highland dress.

It may be useful, however, to inquire more
particularly into the composition of the stream
of adventurers who continued from the year
1419 to pour out of Scotland to fight Scotland's
ancient foe on foreign soil.

The first event of consequence in their history
is the Battle of Beauge in which the Duke of
Clarence fell before the onset of the Earl of
Buchan. The Duke received the coup de grace
(according to the Book of Pluscarden) at the
hands of a Highlander named MacAusland, one
of Buchan's retinue. Under Stewart, Earl of
Buchan, there would of course be many North
Countrymen, and in this instance we find a Gael
in the thick of the fight.

Again at the Seige of Cravant, in I -123, where
the Scots made a glorious stand, two Knights
named respectively Cameron and Davidson were
among the slain. When Knights so named fell,
in those feudal times, they fell amid their clan.s-
men; so we may rest assured that the (Jaelic
slogan was heard in the thick of the fight at
Cravant. The Account of the Seige of Verneuil
Virings us to a most interesting and significant
episode. Here there were 10,000 Scots under
the Earl of Douglas. Verneuil was .strong and
Douglas had recourse to a stratagem. He sent
a large number of his men " who could sj)eak
English," says the Chronicler, and to them the
gates were opened by the defendei-s, the latter
imagining that the new comers were Englishmen.
An interesting question occurs here. If the
Scots were all Lowland-men, as we are asked to
believe, why should it have been necessary to
say that the men who were selected to carry out
the stratagem "could speak English?" Or how
did it come about that the enemy, whom bitter
experience had already made well aware of the
presence of Scots in the opposing army, were
deceived by their speaking English! One must,
at the same time, bear in mind that, even as late
as the days of James VI. "a great part," as
George Buchanan tells us, of tin; district between
the Clyde and the Solway was still Gaelic-speak-
ing, and many of the inhabitants were prolmbly,
owing to the gradual spread of Lowland Scottish,
bilingual, like the Highlanders of to-day. \V'(!
know, also, that (raelie was still spoken at this
period in many other districts which are now
termed Lowland. It is, for instance, an open
(|uestion whether it was not alive in Fifeshirc
in the middle of the ISth century ; and it was
certainly spoken in the Ochils at that time. So
that even if the Scots adventurers were all from
Lowland districts (which they certainly were
not) a large proi)ortion of them might still be
Gaelic speaking Celts.

(To be concluded.)

GEORGE MACKAY.

THE CKLTIO MONTHLY.

201

GEORGE MACKAY,

Sanitary Inspec-i'ok of Pertiisiiire.

5^yjpR. GEORGE MACKAY was born ia
vil^h the Parish of Applecross, Ross-shire,
■My^ where he received his early education.
He was teacher in tliat parish for two year.s,
l)ut desirous of seeking a wider sphere of activity
he went to London in LS.")?, and from thence to
Glasgow, where he was appointed a Detective
Officer in the Central District. When the Sani-
tary Department was incepted in 1SG3 Mr.
Mackay rendered valuable assistance in its
organization. To ])erfect his knowledge of
sanitation he entered Glasgow University, and
studied Chemistry and Physiology. In 1882 he
was appointed Sanitary Inspector for Govaii
where he quickly altered the insanitary con-
dition of that populous burgh, and rendered
public services which were tangibly acknow-
ledged on his securing the important post of
Chief County and District Inspector for Perth-
shire in 1890. The Provost and Magistrates
presented him with a Solid Silver Tea and
Coffee Service, and his daughter with a handsome
Gold Present, as an e.xpression of their good
wishes towards him, and their regret at losing
such a valuable i)ul)lic servant. There were
300 applicants for the Perthshire appointment,
but Mr. Mackay's (|ualilioHtions for the office
were so high, and his certificates so incomparable,
that he was selected almost unanimously. That
his appointment was a happy one has been since
evidenced by the excellent work he has already
performed in the cause of sanitation in Perth-
shire. It may be also mentioned in this
connection that he an Examiner in Sanitary
Science, a Member of Council of the Sanitary
Association of Scotland, and held the position of
Secretary of the Association for four vears,
ending July, 1890. He is frequented cunsulted
by various local Authorities and Sanitary
Officials in both England and Scotland.

In 1863 Mr. Mackay married a daughter of
the late Alexander MacGregor, Shipowner,
Applecross, and has one daughter.

Mr. JSIackay is well known as an enthusiastic
Highlander, and a good Gaelic scholar. He
naturally takes a special interest in the Clan
Mackay Society, of which he is a councillor, and
with which he has been connected since its
formation in 1888. We trust that he may lie
long spared to take part in the work of that
flourishing societj', and to complete the valuable
.scheme of sanitation to which he is devoting his
best energies in Perthshire.

Blinl.iip'h. AlE.XANDEK Ross MacKAV.

REVIEWS.

An Uiseag (The Lark). — A Collection of
Gaelic Songs in two-part harmony for the use
of Schools. (Jlasgow : Henry Whyte, 4 Bridge
Street.

When we mention that this little work is
compiled by Mr. M. MacFarlane, and Mr.
Henry Whyte ("Fionn") our readers will be
satisfied that the preparation of such a work
could not have been placed in better hands, and
that the book is likely to supply adequately a
decided want in the (jdiicational literature of
the Celt. The / 'iseay contains sixteen carefully
selected songs, in two-part harmony. Many of
the airs are already popular, while we have three
original ones to excellent songs, which have
hitherto had no airs associated with them. This
is the first time that a Gaelic Song Book in
two-part harmony has been given to the public,
and we trust that School Boards and teachers
will give it a trial, and so render still more
popular the native music of the Celt. Junior
Choirs intending to compete at the annual Muil
will find this book exceedingly serviceable. The
book is neatly got up and carefully edited, and
is without doubt an excellent threepence worth
of Gaelic music.

THE MACPHAIL BURSARIES.

We are glad to observe that a movement is set on
foot to recognise the services of Rev. Dr. James
Calder MacPhail, Pilrig, on the occasion of the
Semi-Jubilee of his Scheme of Grammar School
Bursaries for Gaelic -speaking youths. A Meeting
of Highland Ministers and others who had benefited
by the Scheme was held in Edinburgh during tlie
time of the Assembly, and resolved to raise a fund,
the interest of which is to be devoted to the forma-
tion of additional Bursaries to be known as " The
MacPhail Bursaries," in honour of its originator.
We need hardly refer to the large number of High-
landers who now occcupy distinguished positions,
and who are indebted to these Bursaries for the
means by which they were enabled to ecpiip them-
selves for the professions in which they are now
engaged. A small Committee was appointed to
carry out the above jiroposal, of which Rev. Peter
Macdonald, M.A., Edinburgh, is Convener, and
Rev. Adam Gunn, M.A., Durness, Sutherlandshire,
Secretary. Mr. James Macdonald, W.S., 21 Thistle
Street, Edinburgh, has kindly consented to act as
Treasurer for the fund, and will be glad to receive
contributions towards this deserving object.

Gaelic Society of Inverne.ss. — The Annual
Concert in connection with this Society, takes place
in Inverness on 12th July (the evening of the Wool
Market), Mr. Charles Fraser- Mackintosh, Chief of
the Society, in the Chair. A very attractive
]irogramme has been arranged, and the procuedinifs
priimi.se U> be specially interesting this year.

202

THE OELTIO MONTHLY.

DONNACHADH ODHAR NAN CREACH'S
ENCOUNTER WITH THE MEN OF
ASSYNT, SUTHERLANDSHIRE.

fT is not more than two or tliree centuries
ago since the Borders of Scotland were
— the happy hunting-grounds of cattle-
raiders, and there are to-day several esteemed
and well-to-do families in the south of Scotland
whose ancestors belonged to that questionable
class of the community. The midland Counties
of Scotland suffered severely for many genera-
tions from the predatory incursions of these
raiders. The Lotliians were such fertile counties
and the cattle being considered superior to any
others, they suffered much accordingly. These
raiders were petty chiefs or despots on the
Borders, who kept a number of servants or
retainers, and
paid them gen-
erally according
to the success
of each raid or
according to
their valour.
When a large
pillaging incur-
sion was con-
templated, two
or three of the
raiders joined
with their men
so that any
opposition to
such a number
was out of
the question.
When the spoil
was brought
home, it was

equally divided among the various raiders who
had taken part in the foray. The cattle were
kept on each man's ground and were used as
required, or were driven to the market towns of
England and there disposed of to the best
advantage. The raiders were chiefly tall and
able bodied men who could use the sword as
easily as the whip and to the same effect, and
would kidnap a fair maid as soon as lift a cow.
Indeed, it is said that the Lothians lost several
fair daughters, wlio were unceremoniously
carried on horse-back across the Pentlands or
Lammermoors behind their fathers' and kindred's
cattle to their future lionies among the Border
hills and valleys. Oral tradition has it^that
the Mid-Lothian people united and commenced
to build a huge dyke having a large ditch
on the one side — with the view of keeping
back the Border thieves and preventing them

HKN SI ILVICX, ASjiV.NT.

getting the cattle acro.ss. Until lately a part of
some ancient dyke and ditch was visible near
Balerno, which was said to have been the
Border robbers' dyke. But although the
Borders were the locus of the raiders, yet the
Highlands liad their creachadairs, who ha\e been
quite as famous or infamous as their brethren of
the South when the geographical conditions
were suitable. Indeed there are some families
in the Highlands who pride them.selves on their
clan's name or connections, and whose ancestors
have frequently marched to the strains of the
gathering tune — " Tlwgail nam bo ihiid siiin."
I believe that the raiders or creachudairs con-
sidered this method of cattle lifting a more
honourable way of making a living then, than
buying a cow without paying for her, is to-day
considered. The Highland humorist insinuates
this very strikingly in the following colloquy: —
Dougal. — "Did
you hear that
Sandy MacNab
was taken to
prison for
s t e a 1 i n ' a
coo!" Donald.
— "Hoot, toot,
the stupid ass,
could he no
bocht it and no
paid for 't ] "

Doniiachadh
Odha r n a n
Cieac/i, or Dun
Duncan of the
raids, which de-
signation seems
to be V e r y
appropriate ac-
cording to his
description, was
a native of Lewis, and depicted as a man of six
feet and a half, with long shaggy dun hair and
whiskers; a complexion rather unusual in
Lewis, and which indicates an admixture of
Norse blood in his veins. He wore a dim tartan
kilt, whose shortness violated all the rules of
etiquette, but was favourable to his mode of
life ; he had a dun sporran made of the skin (if
a calf ; a large claymore adjusted by a belt made
from a hide of the same colour, and a stout stick
from a well smoked rowan tree, attached to
which was a strong hide thong, and which
served the double purpose of a .stalf and whip
as required. After he had subdued all the other
cre.dchadairs in the island, and finding the Park
Hills rather too narrow a scope for his calling,
he furnished himself with .several boats or
".'alleys and made fre<iueiit incursions to the
West Coast of Sutherland, Itos.i, and Inverness-

THE CELTIC INrONTIILY.

203

shire, which afforded a wider field for his opera-
tions. He made several successful raids on
Assynt, which incensed Macleod of Assynt so
much that he swore by all that was holy that if
Donnuchadh made another raid he would have
him hanged to the walls of Ardvreck Castle and
left there until he became as black as he was
dun. Donnachadh was equally aggravated at the
Macleod for depriving him of a splendid creach,
during which he nearly lost his life at Lochinver,
on one of his incursions upon the coast of Assynt.
He determined to be upsides with the chief and
his men. Donnachadh equipped himself and his
retainers with the best arms that could be got,
and set sail for the main-land. He landed
somewhere on the North Coast of Lochbroom,
some have it at Cean-chaoilis and others at
Coigach, but more probably between both,
according to the route taken by him, at a place
called Bad-na h-urach, a small creek at the foot of
Craigmore. Day was breaking on a fine
summer morning when Donnachadh and his men
landed, and looking around him, he stood
motionless for a short time, as if reflecting on
past errors, or speculating on future mishaps, or
perhaps entranced with the wild and rugged
sight before him. —

"It was a barren scene and wild,
Where naked clifl's were rudely piled."

His reverie over he left one or two men in
charge of the boats and marched up Glaic-bad-
na h-urach, along Drumminie and into Elphin,
Assynt.

This part of the extensive parish of Assynt is
termed Ard-Assynt, and is the most fertile
district on the West Coast of Sntherlandshire
and the cattle bred here had long been known
to Cveachadairs as the best to be found at any
season of the year. The sublime scenery of this
place is picturesque and romantic; the mountains
lofty but not rugged, and the green straths at
their base famous for their fertility. This
district was inhabitated by man from a very
early period, which is proved by the various old
buildings and quaint structures of the ancients.
It was but early in the morning when Donnach-
adh and his men arrived on the top of a small
hill overlooking the whole district. He could
not resist the beauty of the scene ; so he stood
and gazed around him to view the magnificent
spectacle. The sun was then clearing the
shoulder of Benmore, whose serrated edges and
quartziferous formation threw a dazzling bright-
ness over the scene and Ben Suilven seemed in
the distance engulfed in a sea of indistinct haze,
showing the summit clear and like an island
afloat in the air — the lazy smoke from the
scattered houses rising straight, but slowly as
there was not a breath of wind to aid it in its

upward course, and the cattle were spreading
themselves out over the plain, while the lark
began its carol in the sky. But as Donnachad/i
was more a lover of the creach than of nature,
he resisted the charms of tlie latter and betook
himself to the rougher and harder work which
he had in view. He gave express orders to his
men how to proceed and how to act in case of
emergency. The men executed his commands
as directed and in a very short time a large
drove of cattle was collected, all in prime
condition. So satisfied was Donnachadh with
the drove that after getting it on the track for
Lochbroom, he began singing the " Creachadair's
return." He raised his hoarse voice to its
highest pitch, either from joy at his success or
as a defiance to the Assynt men, so that eacli
hill re-echoed in its turn. The inhabitants of
the distant hamlets were aroused from their
accustomed quiet by the shouting of men and
the bellowing of cattle, and on looking abroad
saw to their dire loss the majority of their
cattle driven at a rapid rate beyond their
marches. A cry got up from house to house
that Donnachadh Odhnr nan Creach was driving
away their cattle. What was to be done? The
chief with the best men and arms was either
away on a similar expedition or was settling
some feud on the borders of the county. How-
ever, the brave men of Ard-Assynt were not
dismayed ; both young and old took up the
nearest available instrument, however rude and
unwarlike, and gave chase to the creachadairs.
They overtook them at Bldrdochan-ashe, now
almost a small tarn between Drumminie and
Elphin. Here a fierce struggle took place
between DonnachadKs men and the men of
Assynt, who were led by Uilleam Mac Thormaid
Mhic Ailein 'ic Iain Mhoir. The Lewis men were
completely routed leaving behind all the cattle
and several of their companions dead or dying
on the plain. The cattle were driven back by
the victors, but a party of the more desperate of
them thought of pursuing Donnachadh and his
men with the view of despatching them or seeing
them clear away from the coast. The raiders
without looking behind made all haste to gain
their boats, knowing that they were pursued by
the infuriated Assynt men. On reaching the
upper end of Glaic-had-na h-urach, and in sight of
where their boats lay, they turned round and to
their amazement saw that they were pursued
by only a dozen men instead of two or three
score HS they had thought.

The Lewis men, enraged at the lo.ss of their
creach and at so many of their companions being
injured, faced their pursuers and a bloody fight
took place with the result that all the Assynt
men were killed except one who escaped up the
burn-.siile. Donnachadh and his men reached

i('4

THE CKI/nC MONTHLY.

their boats and made all speed for home, dis-
appointed at the loss of the creach and several
of his men, but on the other hand, overjoyed at
the later result which had proved so fatal to his
pursuers.

Glaic-bad-iia h-uiach is a long narrow glen that
intersects Craigmore from the sea to almost its
extremity. It terminates at a point nearly
surrounded by steep heathery braes and jierpen-
dicular cliffs, with a craggy cascade over wliich
How the waters of a muddy and mossy rill,
fed by the overflow of several tarns in the
district. Of the many mountainous regions of
the Highlands, with which I am familiar, I do
not know of another that is so entirely destitute
of drinkable spring water as the vast mountain-
district of Craigmore. This of course could be
explained by geological agency, but which
explanation doth not concern the theme of my
story. It was at the end of this glen or corrie
w'here the struggle took place that ended so
fatally to the brave warriors of Assynt. On a
semi-green and heathery mound beside the burn
is a cairn of stones, said to mark the spot where
the Assynt men fell, or to cover their remains.
This corrie has been ever since called Coire-fhiv-
Assynt.

One tradition has it that DonnachaJh was
slain at Bldr-loclian-aslie when the first fight
took place ; another that he and his men were
wrecked in the Minch on their way home and
all drowned, a severe storm having sprung up at
the instigation and intercession of a noted
As.synt witch; a third again says that he was
gored to death by an infuriated bull on the
Park Hills in Lewis. The latter imputed end
seems to be the most correct, as it is related
that he was seen, many years after this, making
a considerable dei)reiJation on Eddrachillis, a
district of the West Coast of Sutherlandshire,
where he was designated as Doiinacliadh 0<lhnr
nam hi''. It is also said that he visited the West
Coast of Ross-shin^ and Inverness-shire after
the Assynt incident from whicli he took con-
siderable craiclis and was known as Cicachatliir
iiiur Lr.ttdliuis.

During my emiuiries regarding this notorious
jiersonage, I found that he is not much known
in parts of Lewis, and that he seems to be
confounded with another cieachii<l(tir, or that he
had a different name. Doiinnchaitli Mac Hob ic
Alutnif dliuibh is said to have been a noted
citiwlmdair who was \'ery successful in all his
expeditions, on which account, it is said, that
he was in league with His Satanic Majesty.
He was found killed under mysterious circum-
stances on the Park Hills, and that the marks
of the hoofs of the scaly monster were around
where he was found, which circumstance indi-
cates thiit his term of compact had expired.

He was said to be very eccentric in his dress
and was of very fair complexion ; this is probably
the same individual. The dates I received as to
the time at which he lived, had considerable
variations, so much so that I consider it prudent
not to give them at all, but as all oral traditions
are the same, it is better to restrict them to
between centuries rather than to be confined to
certain years. Therefore it appears that Domi-
iwhadh Odhar nan Creach lived sometiiiK^ in the
sixteenth or seventeenth centuries.

The good old days when " Right was Might "
are gone ; they have vanished like vapours
before the rising sun. Education has converted
the ancient motto : —

'' That tliey should take who ha\e the pov^'er,
And they should keep who can."

to the modern one : —

"That they shoukl give who have the will,
"And they should help each on."

i.,ii„i„,,„i, Gkouge MORIilSOX.

NEWS OF THE MONTH.

Glasgow Cowal Shinty CLris. — Mr. William
Robinson, who for several years ha.s acted as. Goal-
keeper for this Club, was on 5tli Juno presented
with a handsome Marble Timepiece by his Club-
fellows on the occasion of his marria<^e. Mr. John
Mackay, Kingston, President of the Club, made
the presentation in the presence of a large atten-
dance of members and friends, and an enjoyable
evening was afterwards spent.

Edinburgh Caledonian Pipers' Club. — The
usual Sunnner Competition of this Club was held in
the Royal (lymnasium Hall, Fettes Row, on Satin--
day Evening the 22nd inst. There was a very good
turnout of Competitors, Members, and Spectators.
One of the principal features of the meeting was
the competition for the Silver Medal presented by
Councillor Hay for Marches, Strthspeys, and Reels.
The coveted Prize was finally carried otf by Piper
\\illiam Robb, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders,
who had won it on two previous occsisions. The
handsome Challenge Cup which decides the Cliani-
|iionship of the Club was secured by a young
Member Piper, C. Dindjar, Glencorse. The Pipe-
Major's Medal which carries along with it the
honorary oftice of Pipe-Major of the Club for the
I'usuing year, was deservedly won by Mnrdo
Macrae, Piper to Mr. V. Cameron, Corrychoillie,
Chief of the Cluh. At the conclusion of the com-
jietition dancing was heartily engaged in by the
whole company present and a most enjoyable
evening was spent.

The following is the Prize List -.— The Chih'.'<
('liiiUei)iiif Cup, Piper Charles Dunbar, Glencor.-ic ;
Till- VinVs UliaUemic Mi;Ud for Amitvurx, J. A.
Center ; Gardner Medal tor P,7i)(,Wi.s, D. C. Mather ;
llaii Medal, Piper William Robb; I'lpe-Major's
Mrihd, Min-do Macrae, Pijier to the Chief; Medal
for lloihland Flimi, D. C. Mather; MnM for
'Shotlispe,! ami Heel, D. C. .Mather.

WILLIAM GRAHAM, North Erines,

im CELTIC MONTHLY;

A MAGAZINE FO^ HIGHLANDERS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 11. Vol. II.]

AUGUST, 1894.

[Price Threepence.

WILLIAM GRAHAM, J. P.,
OF NORTH ERINES.

inrajHE subject of our
V^ sketch was born
^t^ in Glasgow, and
is the younge.st son of
the late Patrick Graham,
Merchant, who was one
of the Grahams of Kit-
tochside. His mother
was a Miss Lang, whose
father u.sed to boast that as a boy he was fondled
by Prince Charlie when passing the Lees, Stirling-
shire, the family residence. Mr. Graham was
educated at the High School and LTniversity of
Glasgow. He afterwards entered the office of his
brother, John Graham, CA., with whom sub-
sequently he became a partner under the firm of
J. A W. Graham (now Grahams <fe Co.), and
carried on a large and successful business as
Chartered Accountants. In addition to tiie many
important trusts and audits which he conducted,
he held various responsible public appointments.
He was officially connected with the Burgh of
Cove and Kilcreggan, where he resided during
the summer months for twenty-seven yeais, and
where he is still held in high esteem for his
public and private services to the community.

He retired from active business abuut ten
years ago, and lias since largely devoted himself
to charitable and educational pursuits. He has
been for a long time an active director of the
Glasgow Eye Infirmary, and last year was
unanimously elected Chairman of the Glasgow
General Education Endowments Board in succes-
sion to the late Sir Michael Connal. He is also a
Governor of the Logan and Johnston School of
Domestic Economy, and an ex-Preses of the
Graham Charitable Society, whose motto is —
"For Grahams and Grahams' bairns, and all
who sleep in Grahams' arms."

In 1883, Mr Graham purchased the small
residential estate of North Erines, Tarbert,

Lochfyne,yjWhich property he lias greatly im-
proved and beautified. From his professional
experience he has rendered useful services to
the county of Argyll, formerly as a Commissioner
of Supply, and until lately as a County Coun-
cillor. He is Chairman of the Parochial Board
of South Knapdale, which he also represents on
the Mid-Argyll District Committee. He is a
J. P. of the County and Commissioner on Income
Tax.

Since he purchased North Erines he has
heartily interested himself in Highland affairs,
lending invaluable assistance to many of its
charities. At the present time he happens to be
the President of two of the premier Societies
connected with Argyllshire — the Kintyre Club
and the Glasgow Argyllshire Society — a position
unique in itself and not likely to occur in the
experience of another. He has joined the Gaelic
Society of Gla.sgow, the Celtic Society, and the
Argyllshire Gathering, and is a member of the
Royal Highland Yacht Club. From his genial
disposition and urbanity of manner he has made
himself popular with all sorts and conditions
of Highlanders. As a director of the West of
Scotland Bible Society, he has been largely in-
strumental in propagating the circulation of both
the Gaelic and English versions of the Scriptures
all over the Western Highlands. For thirty
years he has been a devoted office-bearer of the
Church of Scotland. He was one of its lay
Representatives at the Pan-Presbyterian Council
held at Philadelphia in 1880. He is an elder
of the Tarbert Parish Church, of which he laid
the Memorial stone in 1883. He has done much
to encourage Young Men's Mutual Improvement
Societies both in Glasgow and Argyllshire, by
giving lectures, and otherwise.

We trust that he may be long .spared in health
and strength to enjoy his beautiful residence in
Knapdale and to interest himself in every matter
relating to the Highlands. All who listened to
his interesting address as Chairman of the recent
Re-union of the Natives of Kintyre in Glasgow,
must have felt how warmly he sympathizes with
those, who by force of circumstances have left
"that school-boy spot
We ne'er forget, though there we are forgot,"

206

THE 'CELTIC MONTHLY.

and how deeply he longs for the enforcement of
the Small Holdings and Allotments Acts, in
the hope of preserving, if possible, to the High-

lands a remnant at least of our rural peasantry
— of those "hardy sons of rustic toil," from whom
old Scotia's greatness sprung. Editor.

THE LAST MACDONALDS OF ISLA.

By Charles Fraser-Mackintosh, F.S. A. (Scot.)

Part IX. — Sir James MacDoxald; and
Bond of the Clan Neill.
{Continued from page 177).
JAMES MACDONALD succeeded
his father ^\.ngus, and was the last of the
Macdonalds of Isla. Prior to his father's
death, he had for years been taking the leading
part in family atlairs, and may be said to have
been nurtured and reared among scenes of
\iolence and blood.

.•#11 IK

m 5

The first document I have connected with
him, is a Bond of the Clan Neill, wherein he is
described as Apparent of Dunyvaig, dated at
Killeonane, 18th July, 1.594, of which ufac-sifiiite is
now given. The following is a modernized copy: —

"At Killeonane, the 18th day of July, 159*
years, the which day Hector Macneil, Donald Dhu
Macneill, Lachlan Mor Macneill, John vie Eachin
vie Neill, and John vie Gilliechallum Macneill has
granted and also conferred, as by the tenor hereof,
grants and confesses themselves and every one of
them to liave taken the Right Honourable James
MakConili of Simereby, Apparent of Dunyvaig,
their foster maintainer, defender and master above
any man, Angus MakConUl being excepted. And

1<ii^,- ^^

ti.~.'^ T« f^i/J K.>.*-

y ^../-Pj ^T-r^^-r^S^.^ ^.±A^,^ tf-;-W^'

■A"^\i

itl^.W-^z^'y^^^r-z-^^-ti'^i

,T*-,fc ^rii^-

n__;^_rj "-"J SJ^ tliil^ ' ' ."'^nf'lT'jiJdlt'^WtrMi' i

ULAN NKILL liilNL), L'.IH

by the tenor hereof, the present persons, and every
one of them with all the ruiuaueut of their kin and
s\iruanie of the olfspring that tlioy arc couie oti",
promises truly and faitlifuUy to be fosters and
foster fathers to the said James, and do their duty
to him in all things that becometli theui, and as
they are bound U> do. For the whicli doing, the
said James promises truly and faithfully to uiaiutain,
fortify, warrant, assist, and defend the foresaid

1)eraons, and all their surname, defenders and
tindly tenants in all their doings, and in all thing.s
as bccometh a foster to do to such fosters and
foster fathers. In token whereof both tlie .said
James and the foresaid persons has subscribed those

presents with their hands as follows. At Killeo-
nane, the 18th of July, l.-iOt, buforo these wituosjej,
Neill Buie M'Neill, Donald Makayne, Tormoyde
M'Neill, Donald Madder M'Neill, and John
Stewart, with other diverse. (Signed) Ja. M'Connall
of Simerby, Hector M'Neill of Carskey with my
hand, day, year, and place aforesaid. Wo
Lachlan Mor M'Neill, John M'Aichan vie Neill,
John M'GiUie Galium vie Neill, Donald M'Clery
vie Neill, Mubnoric M'Neill, (idlie Calluni M'Neill,
with our hands led on the pen. I, Donald Dhu
M'Neill, son to Hugh M'Neill, with ray hand
touching the pen. John Stewart, as witness and
writer hereto."

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

207

Sir James in some documents is described "of
Simereby" in Kinchouslancl, in others "Master
of Kintyre," and followed his father's course in
endeavouring to strengthen tlie position of tlie
family by means of Bonds of Manrent and
frienaship. Killeonane was a two merk land,
situated within the old Parish of Kilkerran, now
incorporated witli the modern Parish of Cainp-

l)elltown. The Bond was granted by the Mac-
neils of Carskey, Cadets of the ancient house
of Gigha. Hector, the principal subscriber, was
doubtless the same person appointed in 1618 as
interim keeper of the Castle of Kilkerran in the
absence of Argyle.

Between 1594 and 1590 James Macdonald
received the honour of knighthood, as in the

CI.AX MACDONALD

hlandeis oi SLOthiiid," bv Kenneth Madeay, K> A., (.Tla'liJueiiVi

Clans), published by Mr. Mitchell, London, in 1870.

(1). Farquhar MacDonald, born in 1831, in the Island of Scalpa.

(2). Lachlan MacDonald, born in 1830, at EUigoll, Strath, Skye.

Book i}f the

following Bond, dated 19th January, 1596,
he is designed Sir James Macdonald of Knock-
ransay, Master of Kintyre. The deed granted
by Gillespie MakdufBe, indweller in Isla, and
John Gromach Mac vie Eachan, indweller in
Colonsay, is as follows, modernized : —
~ " At Glasgow, the 19th day of January, the year
of God, fifteen hundred, [four score, and sixteen
years, the which day we Gillespik Makdutiie, in-

dweller in Isla, and John Groiarae Mac vie Eachene,
indweller in Colonsay, <{rants and confesses us by
the faith and truth of our bodies to have taken and
accepted Sir James MakConell of Knockrynsay,
Knycht, Master of Kintyre, as our only Lord and
Master, and promises faithfully never to leave the
said Sir James during our lifetime, and shall main-
tain, assist, fortify, and defend the said Sir James,
contrar all men whatsomever to the uttermost of
our power, in all things and at all times herafter.

208

^THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Fur the wliich doing, 1, the said Sir James promises,
ivs also grants me to have received the foresaid
persons in my maintenance, protection, and defence,
and sliall defend and assist them in all their lawful
adoes in contrar of all men whatsomever. In token
whereof we have subscribed these presents with our
liaiids as afterfoUows day, year, and place foresaid,
before these witnesses, Alexander Makdongall,
Parson of Kildaltone, Johne M'Cay and John
Stewart, servitors to the said Sir James, with others
diverse. (Signed) Sir J. M'Connall of Knockransay,
Knyt; J. Gillespie Makduphie in Hay, with my
hand touchand the pen, day and year, and place
foresaid. I, Johne Groiame Mac vie Eacheane in
Colonsay, ^vith my hand touching the pen, day,
year, and place foresaid. '"

Sir James married Margaret Campbell of
Calder, and although there are references to a
proposed divorce in the year 1621, after Sir
James' return from abroad, they seem to
have been a devoted couple. He frequently
refers to Margaret in his letters, and she at his
trial in 1607, for the affair of Askomell formerly
referred to and other crimes, exerted herself
vigorously to get Mr. John Russell, Advocate,
to compear for her husband, going to him per-
sonally, and making protest at his declinature.
Sir James had to defend himself notwithstanding
a warrant by the Lords of Secret Council, allow-
ing Counsel to appear for him ; and to his eternal
disgrace, and contrary to universal custom and
etiquette of the bar, "The said Mr. John Russell
refused to compear." Sir James was found
guilty and sentenced to death. The sentence
was not carried into etfect, and Sir James who
had been confined for upwards of two years,
first in Blackness and afterwards in Edinburgh,
lingered in prison until 1615. Several of Sir
James' letters have been preserved, from which
some extracts may be given. To the Duke of
l^ennox, 27th June, 1607 : —

"I am willing to accept what His jSIajesty will
bestow on me, either in my own kindly room, or in
any other part of his kingdoms, and shall find
caution for my obedience, which I beseech
>'our Grace to report to His d English
verses of his own, written for Albyn's Anthology.
It was originally composed as a Strathspey ; and in
the year 17'J1 or 92, it was published and inscribed to
the Rev. Patrick M'Donald of Kilmore, the
Editor of the " Collection of Highland Airs" men-
tioned in the Preface of the present Work. In Mr.
Nathaniel Gow's Collection, this Strathspey is
called " Lord Balgoicnij's Delight," and pointed out
as a " very ancient air." It has since been published
by Mr. J. M'Fadyen of Ghisgow, under the title of
,' (fUiomij Winter's note aira," a Scottish Song,
written by R. Tannahill, with Symphonies and
Accompaniments by B. A. Smith. Wherefore, it
being now reclaimed, this indispensible egotism
will freely be pardoned by every liberal and candid
mind, when a Writer, in order to do himself
justice, embraces a fair opportunity, as in the
present instance, of doing so.

212

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

HIGHLAND WIT AND HUMOUR.

By "FiONN."

.^/^F late yearsJCockney and Lowland Tour-
Ww^j ists have invaded the fortresses of the

'^*=^ Gael, nor has the incursion been resisted
beyond the impost of a swinging tax in the
shape of hotel liills and charges for guides.
Hotel keepers and guide.s are inclined to con-
sider Tourists their S))ecial prey, and many stories
are told of the stratagem practised by both to
fleece the Sasimiiuc/i whose pockets are supposed
to he lined with gold.

A Cockney having reached Arran, determined
to climb GoatfoU without a guide. Reaching
the foot of the mountain, he informed the guides
who offered their services of his intention. The
guides could not see the fun of being deprived
of a day's work, and so they forthwith proceeded
to warn the Tourist that his project was a mad
one, that lie might lose his way and that he
would certainly miss some of the finest sights.
All was of no avail, the Cockney although some-
what alarmed was determined to keep to his
resolution. "Well," says Donald, as he pretended
to withdraw — "since you will not have a guide,
good luck to you. Mind you don't miss the
Clavh-hhodharr— or Deaf -stone."

" What stone?" demands the Cockney.

"Oh, on the top of Goacfell," replies Donald,
" there is a stone that wight well be called
enchanted. When you stand upon that stone,
no sound can reach your ears."

"Really?" says the Cockney, gaping.

" Aye a thunder storm might burst over your
head and you would not hear it," added Donald,
with feigned concern.

" Most wonderful," exclaimed the Tourist.
"How shall I know the stone ! Do tell me."

"Not very easily," i-eplied Donald, "it is only
known to guides. However as a favour J will
try and explain to you where it is."

Here Donald entered into an explanation that
sounded like Greek to the Cockney — who capitu-
lated at once and told Donald to " conip along."

Near the top of the mountain they came to a
large boulder which Donald declared was the
enchanted stone. The Cockney at once took up
his position on it, and begged the guide to stand
a few steps ofTand to shout at the top of his voice.

Donald began to make all sorts of contortions,
placing his hands to his mouth as if to carry the
sound ; but not a whisper reached the ears of
the Tourist. Donald began to get blue in the face.

" Take a rest Donald, you will make yourself
hoarse. It is most wonderful. Not a sound
has reached my ear. Now you go and stand on
the stone and I will shout."

They changed places. The Cockney shouted
with all his might. Donald did not move a muscle.

"Don't you hear anything!" cried the poor
Cockney.

Donald was not so silly as to fall into the trap.
He simply demanded the Cockney to shout louder.

" It's wonderful,'' remarked the Tourist, as he
sat down to take a rest. " I never saw any-
thing so remarkable all my life," and putting
his hand in liis pocket he drew out a golden
guinea and placed it into Donald's hand, adding
"I would not have missed this on any account."

Sitting beside the Driver of a Highland Coach
a Tourist remarked, " Dear me, Donald, are
there no milestones on this roadi" " Hoch yes,"
was the reply, "the last milestone was a big tree,
and the next is an inn where they keep a good
dram." Donald got his dram !

Ronald accompanied an English sportsman
who was a wretched shot. After each shot the
gillie considered it ])roper to make some remark
to soothe the feelings of the sportsman. These
remarks took the shape of " Yon one got a big
fright," "If he stayed yonder he got it" or
"Yon one will know a gun again." Such obser-
vations only exa.sperated the Cockney who
tuincd on the gillie saying, "Stop your infernal
clatter, what would it matter to 3'ou if I blazed
a ton of powder into the air," to which Donald
meekly replied, " Vou would not need a gillie
to do that."

ATHOLL MACGREGOR.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

213

ATHOLL MACGREGOR, DUNKELD.

^^THOLL MACGREGOR, President of
^j^^ tte Clan Gregor Society, whose portrait
<^~^ we now present to our readers, is second
son of the late Sir John Atholl MacGregor by
Mary Charlotte, daughter of the celebrated
Admiral, Sir Thomas Hardy.

Sir John, his father had served in the
Austrian Cavahy, and was noted for horseman-
ship among those who were then considered
the best riders.

For some years Curator on part of the Atholl
Estate, he settled on family pro2oerty and
bunt the present house of Edincbip.

A thorough Highlander and an enthusiastic
sportsman of the old type, he was a general
favomite among all classes in the Perthshure
Highlands, and his feats on mountain and moor,
in Glenartney, Glen TUt, and Rannoch are
still quoted by the older inhabitants. His
prematm-e death at the age of forty, a few
weeks after assuming the Governorship of the
Virgin Islands, was regretted by a wide circle
of relations and friends.

The subject of our sketch proceeded from
Haileybmy in 1855 to join the Madi-as Civil
Service, visiting en route the Crimea, where
hostile shots were still being exchanged.

Arriving in India shortly before the great
Mutiny he was detached to an insolated post,
seventy miles from head quai'ters, to watch the
lawless Clans on the Madura coast, and later
was deputed as Special Magistrate to hold in
check the Malabar Moplahs, a tribe of fanatical
Mahometans, who related to those in the
Soudan, and numbering nearly half a million,
had recently mui'dered the Chief Magistrate.
During the nine years he served among them
only one outbreak occiu-red, which was quelled
the same day, his measiu'es receiving the
approval of the Madras and Home Govern-
ments. \Yheu in 1870 Local Government was
extended to the Madras Provinces Mr. Mac-
Gregor, as Chief Civil Officer of Malabar, was
able to carrj' to completion a system of Roads
and Bridges, Elementary Education, and Town
Conservancy thi-oughout this, probably the
largest District in India, where his long
pre\'ious experience had given him a thorough
insight into the character and requii'ements of
the people and country.

Of his twenty-live years serrice the last five
were spent in the coveted post of British
Resident in Travancore, and retiring in 1881
he settled in Perthshire where he stiU serves
his countiymen in various capacities, as Member
of the County Council for the Dimkeld Dirision,
Chau'man of the Limacy Board, and Bench of
Magistrates, Governor of the Eoval School,

Representative for St. Marj''s in the Episcopal
Chuixh Council and Member of its Clergy
Fund, etc., and last, but not least, as President
of the Clan Gregor Society, in connection with
which he has done most excellent and useful
work. Under his Presidentshij), to which office
he has just been re-elected for a further tei-m
of three years, the Membership of the Society
has not only been much increased, but chief!}'
on his initiation a special branch has been
added, by which deserving persons of the Clan
Gregor can be assisted in making prorident
aiTiuigements by way of efl'ecting insurance on
their Uves for the benefit of themselves or their
famihes, or for prorision for themselves after a
certain age, or in case of sickness, or by giving
aid in cases of exceptional necessity. This impor-
tant branch is now in complete working order
and is credited with considerable funds. It is
therefore hoped that it may result in great
benefit to those for whose assistance it was
inaugurated.

The numerous trophies of large game which
adorn the walls of Eastwood bear evidence of
the keenness with which he pui'sued sport in
the intervals of business, and but for an out-
break of cholera which prevented H.R.H.
the Prince of Wales from carrying out the
intended sporting torn- on the Travancore Hills
he might possibly have emulated the deed by
which his ancestor won the Clan motto and
ai-morial beaiiugs. He married, in 1878, Caro-
line IJ aiy Stewart, eldest daughter of Sii- Robert
Menzies, a lady who by her kindliness of heart,
wide sympathies, and gracious bearing has, in
the neighboiu'hood of her home, as well as in
Travancoie, and in a more extended sphere,
divring the last two years at the Palace of
Holyrood House, won golden opinions from all
sorts and conditions of men and women.

■rosienor rescen , AxEXANDEK M'GrIGOR.

BoHNK Copies of Volu.mes II. — As we wiU
be able to supply only a very limited number of
copies of this handsome volume, those who wish
any are requested to apply to the Editor at once.
The prices are — Buund hi strong leather, with gilt
lettering, 8|-; Cloth, (i/O.

Clan Mack.\y Society Bursary. — We beg to
remind clansmen who intend competing for this,
and the St. Andrews University Bursaries, that the
examinations are to take place in Sutherland and
Caithness early in August, and those who intend
competing are requested to communicate at once
with Mr. Thomas Mackay, 40 Henderson Row,
Edinburgh, Ediicatvinal Sirrvfnrij.

We understand that a new volume of the "Waifs
and Strays of Celtic Tradition'' by the late Rev,
J. Gregorsun Campbell of Tiree, is in preparation
for the press.

214

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

All Conimtinicatiorm, on literary nnd business
matters, should he ndrlressed to the Editor, Mr. JOHS
MACKAT, 17 Dundas Street, Kingston, Glasgow.

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.— The CELTIC
MONTHLY will be sent, post free, to any part of the
United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and all
countries in the Postal Union — for one year, 4«.

The

Celtic Monthly

AUGUST, 1894.

WiLUAsi Graham, J.P., of North Brinks (with plate), • 205

The Last Macdosalds of Isla, Part 9 (illustrated), - • 206

A Bravb HioiiLAND Girl, 208

Captain jA.Mr.8 Mackat (with plate), 210

Garlic Airs to Lowland Songs, 211

Highland Wit and Htmocr, 212

Atholl MacGreoor, Di-NKELD (with plate), .... 213

To our Readers, 214

Our Musical Page— MARBHR.4NN Culoinn Ruspainn— The

Respond Family Elegy, 215

Tub Highland Brigade at Waterloo (illustrated), - - 216

George J. Mackay, Eendal (with plate), .... 219

Highlanders in the Archer Guard of France, - - - 220

Thomas Greer, J.P., F.R.O.S. (with plate), • • - - 221

OHIBFTAIN8II1P OF THE OlAN MacKiNNON, .... 221
SOEUL NO DOA MU DHONNACHIDH BAN, 222

Doiiaverty AND ITS TRADITIONS (illustrated), - • - 223

OF INTEREST TO OUR READERS.

With our next issue we will complete the second
volume of the Celtic Monthly. It will, we. trust, be
conceded that the promise which we made at the
beginning of the volume to steadily improve its
literary and artistic departments has been most
amply fulfilled, and our ideal of what a thoroughly
patriotic Highland magazine ought to be is pretty
nearly attained in the present number. It will, we
think, compare favourably with any magazine pub-
lished at the price. However, we intend malsing
some further improvements in the next volume, not
the least important of which will be an attractive
cover, embellished with appropriate Celtic ornamenta-
tion, which is being S])ecially designed by a High,
lander of rfpute in artistic circles. We are at present
engaged in arranging a prospectus of contributions
for next volume, and we hope in September issue to
place a most interesting programme before our
readers. All the gentlemen whoso valuable contribu-
tions appear so frequently in our pages have promised
to continue their support, and their names alone is a
Bure guarantee that the high reputation which the
CtUic Monthly has already achieved will be fully
maintained. We intend, further, giving special atten-
tion to the artistic department, which has become one
of the most attractive features of the magazine.
However, next month we will be better able to lay
before our reailers a complete statement regarding
our future arrangements.

Having on our part promised this much we expect
our large circle of readers will continue to extend to

us their hearty support. We depend largely upon
our Annual Subscribers, who are to be found in every
quarter of the globe, and to them we again confidently
appeal. We are most anxious to complet e our List of
Annual Subsc ribers for next volume, and will e steem
it a favour if those mlw intend renewing their sub-
scripf ion x for another year would ki7idly Jill up the
enc losed order form, and forward it, with postal
order for 41; to the Editor, Celtic Monthly, 17
Dundas Street, Kingston, Glasgov\ at once. We

trust that our readers will give this matter their
immediate attention.

A Title page and list of contents for the
present volume will be given with nest number.

Wk have to express our indebtedness to Mr. Graham "|
of North Erines for kindly providing the charming
views which accompany the article on " Dunaverty •,"
and to Mr. Millar (of Messrs. William Cross & Co.,
45 Montrose Street), for permitting us to reproduce
the two plates representing the Clans Mac Donald,
Sutherland, and Mackay from his copy of the Queen's
Book of the Scottish Highlanders. Mr. Millar
possesses one of the finest collections of rare Highland
books and curious prints we ever had the pleasure ot
viewing.

MacMillan Hunting Tartan. — We are living in
a time when the clan spirit of former days has been
quickened, and every clansman aspires to do some-
thing to add to the good name of his clan. Messrs.
MacMillan of Partick have done their clan a service
and that in a practical way. They have designed for
their clan a new Hunting Tartan, which in every
respect is a decided improvement upon the older
tartan. It is modest in its colours, and yet sufiiciently
bright and artistic to produce a most pleasing effect.
The designers have shown good taste in their work,
and we have no doubt hut the tartan, which they
euphoniously call " Breacanseilgmhicghillemhaoil,"
will become very popular among members of
the Clan MacMillan. Wo desire to congratulate
Messrs. MacMillan on the success of their design.

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

We will present our readers with lifelike plate
portraits of Sir Charles A. Cameron, M.D.,F.R.C.S.I.,
Dublin, Chieftain of the Clan Cameron, who will be
appropriately represented in the Highland dress ; and
Messrs. A. K. Sandison, Southampton (a notable
Caithnessian), and A. W. Martin, Secretary, Gaelic
Society of London. In addition to these a large
variety of contributions will appear, wliich will be
profusely illustrated, and portraits will also appear of
welbknown Gaels. Our next number will be as
attractive as any we have yet issuinl.

The following new works of Highland interest have
reached ns just as we go to press, and will be
reviewed in our next number : — " Transactions of the
Gaelic Society of Inverness;" "Talcs of the Ilcithcr"
by Emma Hose Mackenzie; "A Visit to StafTa and
lona" by Malcolm Ferguson; and also the "Irish
Gaelic Journal."

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.
OUR MUSICAL PAGE.

215

THE^following Elejiy to the Respond Family is by
Rob'Donn, the Sutherland Bard : —

The Respond Family consisted of two brothers
who lived together in single blessedness. Tliey
were mean, sordid misers. They had a stock of
sheep and cattle on the hills. They amassed gold,
and like the man in the parable, hid it in the earth,
in a spot it is said where from their house window
they could see its hiding place. They had a liouse-
keeper. In the dead of winter, and late on a
Saturday night, a poor woman came to their door
for shelter, but they closed it in her face, an act.

which at that time, and for at least one hundred
yeai's subsequent was in those parts looked upon as
a heinous crime. Before that night week the three
were dead. The house-keeper first and the brothers
within a day and a night of one another. The trio
were borne to their last resting place by the same
company of men and laid together in mother earth.
It is possible, though we have no account of it, that
remorse for the act they had been guilty of, might
have accelerated their end ; at any rate the Bard,
the teacher, — may I not add the "Preacher of
Righteousness?" — made it the theme of his Poem.
Ale.xander Mackay, Edinburgh.

MARBHRANN CHLOINN RUSPAINN— THE RESPOND FAMILY ELEGY.

Gai^lir (ruci/.s /<;/ Rob Do.nn Mackay. Traastufion by Miss Scobie, Kcnldale, Sutherland.
Key D. Slowhj aith fcdin.j.

:d ,r 1 n ., s :

n ., r 1 d ., r :

PI . n 1 n ., s :

d' ., t 1 1 :-.

'Nan luidhe

so gu h-iosal.

far na thiodhlaic

sinn an triuir,

Quite hale and

strong and hearty

at the opening

of the year,

: 1 , t 1 d' . n :

s .,1 1 d' .,t :

d' .lis ., n :

r ., n 1 d : — .

Bha fallain.

Ikidir, inntinueach 'n uair dh' inntrig

a' bhliadlin' iir ;

Were the three whom

we have buried

and now lie so

lowly here ;

: . s 1 d' ., r' :

n' ., r' 1 d' ., 1 :

s . 1 1 d' ., r' :

d' .til :-.

Cha deachaidh

seachd fhathast

ach deich latha

dhith thus,—

Ten days have

only passed as

yet since the new

year began, —

: . d' 1 s ., n :

s . 1 1 d' ., t :

d' . 1 1 s . PI :

r . n 1 d :— .1

Ciod fhios nach

tig an teachdair-s'

oirnn, ni's braise

na ar duil /

Who know when

this dread messenger

may call for

any man /

Am bliadhna thiom' bha dithis diubh,

Air tighinn o'n aon bhroirm,
Bha iad mar na comjaanaich,

O'n choinnich iad na'n cloinn ;
Clia d' bhris an t-aog an comunn ud,

Ged bu chomasach dha 'n roinn,
Ach ghearr e snJithainn na beath' ac'.

Gun dail ach latha 's oidhch'.

Daoine nach d' riiin briseadh iad

Le fiosrachadh do chilch ;
'S cha mhi a rinn iad aon dad,

Ris an can an saoghal gras ;
Ach ghineadh iad, is rugadh iad.

Is thogadh iad is dh' fh^s —
Chaidh strJichd de 'n t-saoghal thairis on'',

'S mu dheireadh fhuair iad has.

An ddigh na rinn mi rusgadh dhuibh

Tha duil agara gim lochd,
'S a liuthad focal firinneach

A dhirich mi 'n ur h-uchd,
Tha eagal onu nach e'isd sibh

Gu bhi feumail do na bhochd ;
Ui 's mo na rinn na fleasgaich ud,

A sheachduin gus a nochd.

Within the circle of a year

Were two of these men born ;
Closest of comrades ever were

Since days of life's gay morn ;
Ev'n death, who heeds not closest bonds

No separation made.
For in the space of one brief day

He both in silence laid.

No wrong had they to any done

Judging by human ken ;
But neither had they helped in aught

Their needy fellow men ;
And all that can be said of them

Is — they were born — survived
Some years upon this earth— and then.

The hour of death arrived.

But after all that I have said

The whole of which is true,
(For in this song most faithfully

I've told but what I knew),
I fear you will not heed my words.

Nor help the needy more
Than those poor fellows who last week

Were biu-ied at our door.

The above Music was taken do^vn by the late John Munro, a native of the Reay country
and is now published, we believe, for the first time.

•:i6

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Part I.

" Tlie last time France stood British fire

The Brigade gained glory att its cost,
At (^)uatre Bras and Waterloo

Three dreadful days they kept their post ;
Two thousand there, who formed in squares

Before the close, a handful grew.
But the little phalanx never flinched

Till " Boney" fled at Waterloo."

Soldier's Ditty.

'■ AgincoiU't may be forgot
And Cressy be an unknown spot

And Blenheim's name be new.
But still in storj' and in song
For many an age remembered long
Shall live the towers of Hougomont

And held of Waterloo.

Scott.

Waterloo, like Inkennan, was essentially a
soldiers' battle. Never on the plains of the
Peninsula, had the British soltlier better shown
with " what a majesty he could fight." The
Great Moltke said that Waterloo was one of the
finest instances of defensive warfare in all
history, and no other than the British soldier
could have withstood the fiery assaults of the
French for so long without tlinching. The
Highland Brigade was decimated on the Pyrenees
and the fields of Orothes and Toulouse, and its
itinks, on its return home in IM I, were filled
with the newest of recruits, wlio for the most
part had scarcely emerged from tlu'ir teens,
when sent to Flanders to form the immortal
.squai'e.s, upon which the Gallic fury broke like
waves of foam upon their native coasts.
Yet young as they were in tliis eaujpaign,
which terminated so gloriously at Waterloo,
the martial youths of Scotland evinced a

steadiness, a courage, and audacity worthy of
the best days and deeds of their country.

No country in Europe is so proud of its
gallant national regiments as Scotland. No
country manifests so much pleasure and delight
in receiving into its midst, one or other of its
gallant corps, on returning from a campaign, or
long foreign service. The Metropolis of Scotland
has never forgotten nor neglected its sense of
the duty owing to the brave warriors she sends
forth to defehd the rights, and vindicate the
honour of their country. Happily for Scotland
her soldier sons are easily distinguished in the
field or in garrison by their national uniform,
■which attracts attention, and spreads terror.
It was at Waterloo Najioleon for the first time
saw this warlike uniform before him in martial
array. He knew who wore it. He heard too
for the first time the wildly animating pibroch
notes that sounded that fearful charge which
confounded a whole division of his grand soldiers,
inured to warfare and vastly superior in numbers,
drawing from him the appreciative exclamation,
" Ceg braves Ecossais," but he did not know that
those other grand soldiers mounted on gallant
grey steeds, were also "J'Jcossais" who, when their
kilted countrymen by their furiously sustained
charges threw his division into disorder, came
galloping up from the rear, and fell like a thun-
derbolt into the disordered ranks, ploughing
through them, cutting, slashing, stabbing,
jiiercing them through and through, annihilating
or taking prisoners the whole division. The
sight was terrible; Napoleon winced, saying,
"Qui soul terribles, ces clievratix gris" (How
terrible are these grey liorses), yet these infantry
and cavalry corps were both " Kcossais." The
one had a distinctive uniform, the other had not.

SliTrf 4 iiE

GEORGE J. MACKAY.

THE OELTTC MONTHLY.

217

Should successive governments be permitted to
eflace so distinctive and distinguished a uniform I
The regiments which composed the Highland
Brigade at Waterloo, Alma, and in India, with
other equally national Scottish corps, from the
day they were first enrolled to the present time,
have conferred the highest honour and glory
upon their country by their bravery and manly
conduct in the field, and l)y their equally ex-

cellent behaviour in quarters. They well deserve
the hearty welcome, the artectionate greetings,
the kindly embraces of their " auld mither,"
whenever they are permitted to meet her.
Between Scotland and her gallant soldier sons
exists a vein of affection, respect and regard,
wholly unfelt, unknown, in other countries.
Her sons are delighted to visit the old country.
The "auld mither" is cliarraed at the expecta-

' BLACK WATCH-

EEPEI.LING A FRENCH CAVALEY CHARGE
AT WATERLOO.

The .above spirited Picture is reproduced from Messrs. W, & A. K. Johnston's excellent

work on the *' Black Watch." which

tion of again seeing and meeting with her
martial sons returning to lier with credit and
honour, and the reception she prepares for them,
and accords to them with such spontaniety and
enthusiasm is nowhere else witnessed. Long
may this continue !

The soldier's ditty often heard "sixty years
since," well describes the position of the allied
armies in the eventful month of June, 18L5.

Ou the 16th day of .June, my lads, in Flanders where

we lay
Our bugles did the alarm sound, before the break of day,
Our British, Belgians, Brunswickers, and Haiioveriaua

too,
Brussels we left that morning for the plains of Waterloo.

** + ****

At Quatre Bras we met the French, their shape to us

seemed new.
For tliey were in steel armour clad for the field of

Waterloo.

218

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Tlie Highland Brigade were in tlie gallant
Picton's fighting division, encamped at Brussels,
On the night of the 15th June Wellington had
intelligence from the Prince of Orange, who was
posted with a division of Dutch, Belgians, and
some English regiments around Quatre Bras, in
touch with the Prussians to his left at Fleuris,
that Napoleon was approaching Charleroi.
Orders were at once issued to prepare to march.
By " midnight more precise intelligence was
received that the French had beaten the Prussians
in front and around Charleroi, and taken posses-
sion of it in great strength. There was no longer
any doubt as to Napoleon's real points of attack,
nor as to his plans for future action. He had
been well informed of the scattered position
taken up by the forces of Wellington and
Blucher. He as well concealed from them the
movements of his own troops till he had collected
them at one point, and by overwhelming forces
to thrust liimself like a wedge between the two,
to defeat the Prussian first, then turn upon
Wellington, defeat him and get [lo.ssession of
Brussels, when he thought Belgium and Holland
would declare themselves in his favour.

Wellington about midnight^ of the 15th,

IHAUnrNi; Tlir. COI.drns mI nn: ;mmi CUMKUhN nKilll.A.NHKHS.

having received the above intelligence, at once
gave orders to Picton to march with his divisions
in advance to Quatre Bias to the assistance of
the Prince of Orange, in case he might
be attacked by tlie French advancing from
Charleroi. At the same time he sent orders to
the other divisions of infantry, cavalry, and
artillery to march and converge on Quatre Bras
as quickly as possible. Then there was seen in
and around Brussels the mustering squadrons
and the clattering cars pouring through the
echoing streets, and drum and bugle summoned
horsemeji and foot soldiers to their places in the
ranks for war. Byron, in his immortal "Childe
Harold," grandly depicts the scene that night in
Brussels, and in the early morning when the
79th left for Quatre Bras along with the otlier
regiments in Sir James Kempt's brigade of
Picton's division.

Sir Walter Scott says, "Our two distinguished
Highland corps, the 42nd and 92nd, were the
first to muster. They assembled with the
utmost alacrity to the sound of the well-known
pibroch, 'Come to me and 1 will give you fiesh,'
an invitation to the wolf and the raven, for
which the ne.vt day did, in fact, spread an ample
bancjuet at the expense of our
countrymen, as well as of their
enemies. One could not but
admire their fine appearance ;
their firm, collected, steady, mili-
tary demeanour as they went
A^y" ] rejoicing to battle, with their

■* ' bagpipes playing before them,

and the beams of the rising sun
shining upon their glittering arms.
The kind and generous inhabi-
tants assembled in crowds to
witness the departure of their
gallant friends, and as the Higli-
landeis^marched onward with a
steady and collected air, the
people breathed many a fervent
ex)iression for their safety."

Picton's division was composed
of two brigades, the first com-
manded l)y Sir James Kempt,
comprised the 79tli, 28th, 32nd,
and 95th regiments ; the second
commanded by Sir Dennis Packs
was composed of the 42nd, 92nd,
Royal Scots, and the 44th regi-
ments, all infantry, arrived at
Quatre Bras at 2 p.m., having
marched 24 miles, at a most
critical time, wlien the French
under tlio command of Marshal
Ney, '■ the bravest of the brave,"
had defeated the troops of the
Prince of Orange, and were

pursuing them past Quatre Bras. Pioton's
division were at the time marching through
fields of tall wheat and rye, obscuring tlieni
from the enemy, and obscuring the enemy from
them. The Prince of Orange made and was
still making a gallant resistance. His Dutch
and Belgians fought well, but they could not
resist the impetuosity of the French. The
Belgians were the first to give way. The 42nd
were the first to emerge from the rye fields into
a field of clover. Seeing the retreating Belgians'
order was given to open ranks and let them pass
through, to form in the rear. In an instant tiie
ranks were closed when the pursuing French
were seen right in front. 'Ihe French were
staggered at the sudden appearance of the
Highlanders. The order was at once given the
42nd to fire, advance, and charge. The wild
terrifying yell of the Highlanders was enough.
The French immediately faced right about, fied
and fell before this impetuous charge, and were
pursued for some distance towards the main
body. Marshal Ney was not the man to permit
such audacity to go unpuni.shed, if he could.
Instantly ordering a regiment of lancers to
advance from the Wood of Bossu where they
lay concealed, and attack the 42nd before they
could complete their formation to receive cavalry.
Imagining these lancers to be Bruns wickers
coming to cut up the retreating French, the
42nd were unprepared for the shock. They had
to do with angry foes instead of friendly Ger-
mans. Speedily perceiving the mistake, a
rallying square was formed to meet the fierce
Polish Lancers, but two companies were unable to
come in, and one side of the square was open when
the lancers burst upon them, and here they speedi-
ly found an entrance. The two companies were
soon cut down to a man, fighting back to back.
In this perilous crisis the 42nd were true to
their ancient fame, and with marvellous steadi-
ness completed their formation, hemmed the
lancers within their square, shot and bayoneted
the most of them, making ]nisoners of the rest,
while the restored front baffled all the eflbits of
those outside to penetrate to their comrades'
succour. Finding every effort useless, and losing
men from the fire of the square, the lancers
retired after receiving a dreadful volley from the
42nd, which laid low many a man and horse.
The fight was hot, though brief. In the space
of a few minutes the command of the regiment
devolved upon four officers in succession — Sir
Robert MacAra, killed ; Lieutenant-Colonel
Dick, severely wounded ; Blajor Davidson, mor-
tally wounded ; and Major Campbell.

(To he continued.)

THE CELTIC MONTHLY. 210

GEORGE J. MACKAY, J.P., KENDAL.

tEORGE J. MACKAY was born in the
Parish of Mey, Caithness, on 5th Sep-
tember, 1845, and was removed when
four years of age to Olrig. He was educated
at the Parish School, Castletown, where he was
considered the cleverest boy in his classes. His
first start in business life was made with Mr.
Sinclair Bain, Ironmonger, Thurso, and he after-
wards occupied situations in Leith, Glasgow, and
Whitehaven (Cumberland), at which latter place
he married. He went to Kendal as manager
and traveller for the present Mayor, Alderman
William Bindloss, J.P., D.L. , and after remaining
in his worship's employment for some time he
started business on his own account as Horse
Clothing Manufacturer, and built the finest
mills in the district. He has also an old estab-
lished factory at Chatteris (Cambs), which was
burned down recently, and is now being replaced
liy mills of ranch larger dimensions. Mr.
Mackay holds large contracts from H.M. Govern-
ment, and does a large export busine.ss to the
Continent and Colonies.

Mr. Mackay has for many years past taken a
considerable interest in municipal affairs, and
was Chairman of the Finance Committee, and
member of seveial others. In 1890 he was
elected Mayor of Kendal, and in the following
year was created a J. P. for the County of
Westmorland. During his term of office he
had the honour to receive and entertain Her
Royal Highness the Marchioness of Lome, and
other distinguished visitors. On completing his
term of office the Corporation entertained him
to Dinner, and presented his wife with several
valuable ornaments, etc.

The subject of our sketch takes a very deep
interest in the Masonic craft, and was initiated
in the Union Lodge, Kendal, in December,
1872. Since then he occupied various offices,
and until recently acted as Right Worshipful
Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and
Westmorland. He is a Past D.P. Grand Master
of the Royal Order of Scotland, and filled
various offices in the Order of Knights Templar.
Mr. Mackay is also Vice-Patron of the Royal
Masonic l5enevolent Institution for aged Free-
masons, the GirLs' and Boys' Schools, and has
collected large sums on behalf of those noble
charities. He is also a Member of ?>'! Degree.

Mr. Mackay has led a very active and laborious
business life, and is now considering the pro-
priety of retiring, and seeking rest and recreation
in a voyage round the world. At last election
he " narrowly escaped " being elected a Member
of Parliament. He was invited to represent
Whitehaven, but being engaged at the time in

220

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

assisting the local candidate, Mr. Morley's
telegram did not reach him until too late.

Like a true clansman Mr. Jlackay takes a
special warm interest in the Clan Mackay
Society, of which he is a Life-member, and has
contrilmted liberally to its various educational
and other schemes. He also attended the grand
rece]ition given by the Clan in Glasgow to the
Chief, Lord Reay, on his return from Lidia, and
delivered on that memorable occasion an eloquent
address. He is a Life-member of the Glasgow
and London Caithness Associations.

Although himself born in Caithness, Mr.
]\Iackay'a parents were both natives of Lord
Reay's countiy in the north of Sutherland.

We trust that with greater leisure at his
command Mr. Mackay will be soon able to take
even a larger interest in matters relating to the
mountain land from which he sprung, and upon
which he has reflected credit. Editor.

HIGHLANDERS IN THE ARCHER
GUARD OF FRANCE.

{^Continued from page 199).

^J^fi. T the battle of Yerneuil, the Earls of
Aj^f Buchan, Mar and Moray were slain ;
^^^^ and large numbers of the common
soldiers must of necessity have been North
Country Celts.

As long as the war with England continued,
the hereditary enemies of the Saxon never ceased
to pour into France and gather unfading laurels.
The English hated them with a deadly race-
hatred. C^uarter was given to all "save the men
of Wales and Scotland." No quarter for the
Celt, who had baffled the Saxon advance at home
and now baffled it abroad ! Thirty Scots were
Inmged in cold blood at the siege of Melun. At
the battle of Verneuil nearly 9000 Scots fell.
" The cause of this implacable slaughter" says
one writer, "was the pride of the Scots, who
would neither give nor take quartei'."

After twenty-five years' hard fighting we find
the Scots Guard instituted. A hasty survey of
the muster roll of this famous body shows that
the English military writer was scarcely correct
when he a.ssured us that the Highlanders had no
share in its glory.

The rolls are somewhat difKcuIt reading and
many of the names, after passing through the
alembic of a French brain, cannot be identified
even as Scots, much less Highland or Lowland.
The orthography, as one might expect 15th
century orthography to be, is execrable, and one
is frequently staggered by such names as Hour-
dcla, Nyssuenain, Doyel, Yon, IIoulphell,^and

Neuserich. The Lowland Scottish names must
have been comparatively easy writing for the
French penman : but one can easily imagine his
dilhculty with the Gaelic ones and the process
by which M'Lellan might become Leolain ; or
Dughal, Doyle; or Iain, Yon. \Ve trace a certain
Doincarap through the rolls of several years
\intil, to our surprise we find the name resolve
itself into "Duncan": Doincamp being the frantic
attempt of the clerk to spell "Donnachadh."
Other Highland names are more easily identified.
]\Ioureau is plainly Munro ; Macrat, ]SIacrae ;
Maclaclem, MacLachlan ; and so on. We have
no difficulty with Joe Maguy, who appears on
the list in 1449.

In studying the Muster Rolls one is struck by
their brevity, running as they do from 14 to 170
names. It must be kept in mind, however, that
only the names of the gentlemen are entered,
no notice being taken of the common archers.
Each Highland name infers a Highland following;
so that, at times, there must have been a con-
siderable contingent in the Archer Guard. For
example, on the Roll for 1449, we have, among
other names which are indistinguishable, at least
33 unmistakably Celtic names. Each of these
must, at the lowest computation, have had five
Celts at his back, and, without doubt, men
of his own clan ; so that, to mention a few
names, there would be 3G Stewarts, 12 Frazers,
18 Robertsons (or Donnachies), and of Rosses,
Mackays, Gordons, MacDugals, Macleods, Sin-
clairs, MacMillans, and Macleans, 6 each, in the
Guard of that year. There must have been
plenty of Gaelic spoken in the barrack room of
the Archer Guard in the year 1449.

A cursory survey of the lists up till about
1500 gives us the names of the following High-
land Clans, some of them slightly disguised by
the French spelling — others only to be guessed
at:—

Cameron, Campbell, Comyn, Davidson,
FVazer, Forbes, Fullarton, Graham, Grant,
Gordon, Lamont, Mackay, Maclean, MacDugal,
MacLachlan, MacDonell, Macrae, MacCalluui,
MacMillan, MacLay, Macauslan, MacKinlay,
MacMorran, Maclellan, Menzies, Munro,
Robertson, Ross, Sinclair and Stewart. Loudc
(the same man appears as Patrick Loude and
Patrick Clou) is, no doubt, Macleod ; Mag Nyn
may be MacKinnon ; Fagozil, which, traced
through the rolls of successive years, becomes
Fargozilles and finally Fergouzil, is probably
Ferguson.

Many of the men seemed to have been entered
under names which refer to some personal char-
acteristic, such as " Le Petit," " Le Roy," kc.

There is one very interesting and most signi-
ficant instance of this on the Roll for about
1450, viz: John Coquenen, called the Saxon. It

THOMAS GREER, J. P.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

221

is hardly probable that a guard composed of
Saxons would confer such a title as a distinctive
name. The fact is that most English writers have
exaggerated the Saxon element in Scotland; and
few of them recognise the fact that what is now
an English-speaking district may still be in the
main Celtic. The Archer Guard in which John
the Saxon found himself cannot have regarded
itself as very much akin to the English, yet
there were many Lowlanders in it.

It was not for nothing, it may be added in
conclusion, that Sir Walter took his famous
Archer from North of the Tay and sent the
immortal (Juentin out from Glenhoulakin, —
"The Glen of the Midges" as Durward himself
translated it — in the Braes of Angus.
Glasgow James Fergijson.

THOMAS GREER, J.P., F.R.G.S.

%■* ~1

iT is an interesting study to trace the
changes which have taken place in several
^^ of the Clan names, and those in connec-
tion with the Clan Gregor are perhaps as varied
and interesting as any. This month we give a
life like portrait of a gentleman who bears a
name familiar to Scotsmen, and yet few are
aware of its Highland origin.

Thomas Greer of Sea Park, Carrickfergus,
was born in 1837, and is the eldest son of Alfred
Greer of Dripsey House, Co. Cork, and grand-
son of Thomas Greer of Rhone Hill and Tully-
lagan, Co. Tyrone, who died in 1840.

Their ancestor, Henry Grier of Rock Hall,
Alnwick, removed to Redford, Co. Tyrone, in

16.t3, and died in 1675. His father. Sir James
Grier, Kt. of Capenoch, Dumfries-shire and
Rock Hall, Alnwick, adopted the name of Grier
instead of Grierson, and was the fifth .son of
Sir William Grierson, Kt. of Lag and Rook Hall,
Dunifries-.shire, seventh in descent from Gdbert
Gregorson of Lag, son of Malcolm the lame Lord
of MacGregor and brother of Gregor Anulich.

This Gilbert had a Charter from George
Dunbar, Earl of March, to himself and heirs
male, called by the name of Grierson, early in
the fifteenth century ; the lands of Lag were
conveyed to him by a Charter from his cousin,
Henry Sinclair, second Earl of Orkney, dated
6th December, 1408. The present representa-
tive is Sir Alexander Grierson, ninth Baronet
of Lag, to whom Mr. Greer of Sea Park is
seventh cousin. Mr. Greer was High Sheriff of
Carrickfergus in 1870 and for Co. Tyrone in
1876, and M.P. for Carrickfergus from 1880 to
18S6. He was the last Representative in the
Imperial Parliament for that Ancient Borough.
Mr. Greer married in 1864 Margaret, only child
of the late John Owden of Brooklands, Co.
Antrim, and niece of the late Sir Thomas
Scambler Owden, Lord Mayor of London. Mr.
Thomas Greer is J. P. for Co. Antrim, and a
F.R.G.S., FR.Z.S, F.R.B.S., and M.R.I.A.

Duiikei.i. A. G. Murray MacGregok.

THE CHIEFTAINSHIP OF THE CLAN
MACKINNON.

Sir. — I confess that the reply of Mr. Dimcan
MacKinnon to my connnunication of the i)th May
is unsatisfactory. He does not attempt to deal
with the schism existing, nor of the different claims to
the Chieftainship, or accept my proposition to bring
about a conference with the view of setting the
matter at rest definitively. He cannot be unaware
of the adverse feeling there exists in and out of the
Clan MacKinnon Society on this topic.

It is to be lamented that Mr. D. MacKinnon has
not seen my grandfather's name in the pedigrees
before him. His great grandfather was of Strath,
Skye, but he left it for Arran. His son, father of
Alexander MacKinnon, was named Ian og Mac-
Kinnon of Corrie-Crevie. He completed his educa-
tion in Glasgow, and was a pupil of Dr. Adam
Smith. Then he left for Leghorn and was articled
to Mr. W. Orr of that place from 178(1 to 1786.
Subseqently he established a Banking House at
Naples ; was Purveyor to the British Fleet in the ,
Mediterranean and Admiralty Agent for Prizes,
during an anxious time with regard to the War
with France. I have a large Cf)llection of letters
from the highest member's of the aristocracy showing
how much he was esteemed, inchiding a most
friendly one from H.S.H. Prince Frederic, Duke of
Sussex ; from Lord Andross, Secretary of State ;
Lord Gardenstone, etc. The latter refers to him

222

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

in tiattering terms in his published travels in Italy
(g. v.).

I press for another opportunity to give some
further facts regarding this remarkable man, up to
his arrival at Buenos Ayres, that country then
sutiering from the etl'ects of the Capitulation of the
British Forces under General Wliitelocke.

His merits were soon found out, for we find that
about a dozen British Merchants there named him
spokesman in the communications with the Home
Government, and the nearest Minister resident at
Rio de Janeiro, in the struggle against the arbitnuy
proceedings of the then ISjianish Viceroy. These,
with my grandfather, were tlie j>ioneers of British
Trade, which has since been enormously extended.

Well, I do not claim the Chieftainship through
him, but through my grandmother, the daughter of
Charles MacKinnon of MacKinnon. Tliere are
several clans that are now represented through' the
female line.

I, nevertheless, keep an open wind, and, if it
should be found on a careful examination that the
<jther claimants of the branches cannot establish
their pretention, and that the j^resent Chief remains
unmoved by the ordeal, then I am quite prepared
to " lower my colours" and make my Mlaain to them.

Surely it is desirable to endeavour to take up
this matter, and settle it once for all, and, then,
" ,all shoulders to the wheel," to work to make the
Clan MacKinnon Society a success, which it deserves.

In the meanwhile 1 consider myself entitled as
representing the main line to sign myself, with
becoming modesty, as Chief of the Clan MacKinnon,

London. Al.E.V. K. M.\cKlNNON.

SGEUL NO DHA MU DHONNACHADH

BAN.

riH|H A iad so mar a chuala mise iad : — 'N uair
>i^ a bha Donnachadh Ban a' dol feadh na
'-'a^ duthcha a' trusadli ainmeannan na feadh-
nacii a bliitheadh toileach a leabhar a ghabhail
'nuair a bhitlieadh e deas aig na clo-bhuailteirean,
ihachair dha a bhi iatlia 'a an Oban Lathurnacli.
B' e Di-Sathuiriie a l)h' ann. Am feadh a liha
Donnachadh a' spaid.searachd uiu 'n cuairt thach-
air e-fhein agus Uilleam Duhh Macan-tSaoir
air a' cheilc. Bha soilheacli aig Uilleam d' am
b' ainni an " (ieorge." agus bha i air an latha
sin anns a' piiort. Ohaidh an da charaid comlila
do Thigh C'iach-a'-ghe6idh, tigh-osda a bh' aig
fear lain Mac-an-t-Saoir. Bha lain a' stigh,
agus cluiir an triiiir bcagan hine seachad 'an
cuideaclid a' cheile. An deigli dhoibli siola no
dha a chur as an t-sealiadh catorra, thubliairt
Udleain i>uljh gu 'ni I>u nihaith Icis iad a dhol
coinhla ris do 'n "George" agus gu 'n galihadli
iad Hgriob a inach leatha. Bha lain agus i>onn-
achadli toileach sinn a dheanainh, agus gun
dh'i-chuimhnnachadh botul a dli' uisge-boatha a
thoirt leo, cliaidh iad air Imrd, agus fihc(>l iad a
mach. An deigh dhoil)h tillcadb thainig an

oidhche orra inu 'n d' fhuair iad air tir. Ohaidh
iad a rithist do Tliigli Clach-a'-gheoidh. Bha
da leaba cas ri cois anns an t-se6mar, agus air
do 'n chuideachd a bhi sgith, cadalaoh, chaidli
iad a laidhe. Bha Donnachadh Ban agus
Uilleam Dubh anus an aon leaba, agus ghabh
Iain agus a bhean tamh anns an leaba eile. Bha
latha na Sabaid gu maith air aghart niu 'n d'
rinn iad dusgadh. B' e Donnachadh an ceud
fhear a rahosgail, agus ghlaodh e a mach, " Ho
fheara ! Ciod e an saod a th' oirbh an diugh !"
Fhreagair lain, agus thubhairt e : — •

" Cha chuir mi mo chas "am bat',

'S cha teid mi gu brilth air muir,

Uir leis na dh' nl mi 'n laoir de 'n dram

Is truagh "tha mo cheann an diugh ;

Mo mhile mallachd do Uhonnacliadb Ban

"S mar a's fc^Vird do Uilleam Dubh ! "

B' e an t^lain Mac-an-t-Saoir so a rinn an
t-Oran Molaidh a tha 'n deireadh leabhar
Dhonnachaidh Bhain.

Bha Donnachadh air a' cheart thurus do 'n
taobh tuath, agus a' dol thairis air Caolreithe,
'n uair a fhuair e 's a' bliata, dh' fliaighnioh e de
ghille-an-aisig, "Co a's iiide air a' bhata sol"

Fhreagair an gille, " Thk an cranu, 'n uair a
tha e 'n a sheasauih !"

" Cha 'n e sin a tha mi a' ciallachadh," thubh-
airt Donnachadh, " 's ann a tha mi a' ciallachadh,
Co a's inaighstir oirre!"

" Tha an stiiiir," thubhairt am balach, " tra
bliitheas i oirre !"

'N uair a fhuair iad air tir thug am balach
Donnachadh leis do thigh 'atiiar a chur seachad
na h-oidhche; 's thuit a luach gu 'm b' e buntata-
pronn a bh' aca gu 'n suipeir, mar bu chleachdta
leo 's an diitiiaich 's an am, 's dh' fhaighnich
bean-an-tighe de Dhonnachadh, " Cianiar tha 'm
buntata-pronn a'cordadh ruibh ('

" Bhitlieadh e duilich a thoileachadh, am fear
nach cordadh am buntata ris," thubhairt Donn-
achadh, " am fear leis am bu nihaith leis pronn
c, gheibheadh e pronn e. agus am fear leis am
bu nihaith cnapach e, gheiblieadh e cnapach e!"

Is doclia leam gu 'n robh am buntata air a
dhroch phronnadh, agus gu 'n robli cuid dheth
min, agus cuid garbli.

Dh' fhaighnich bean-an-tighe dlietli an sin,
" An tusa Donnachadh Ban nan Oran i "

" 'S mi," thubliairt esan.

" Is tusa 'rinn Beiiin Dorain ! "

" 'S e Dia a rinn Beinu D6rain, ach is raise a
mhol i !" fhreagair esan.

" Is duilich nach robh an diV theanga agaibh !"

" Na 'in bitheadh an diV chanain anns an t6 a
th' agam, dheanadh i 'n gnothach," thubhairt
Donnachadh.

D. Mac Isaac.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

2l>3

DUNAVERTY ^iTs-feA,

aiGlONS

BY -< -;••■

Part l.l
Early History
.^^^/^KjN a rocky promontory in the^ south end
tJKIj of Kintyre, with a precipitous sea-wall
>\3Si and only to be approached from the
mainland' l)y a narrow isthmus, are the few
visible remains of what was once one of the
most important fortresses in Western Scotland.
At what period of our history Dunaverty Castle
was built we have no definite information, but
it undoubtedly is of great antiquity, and comes
into notice early in the annals of Scotland.
Mention of it is made so far back as the time of
the Danish invasions on the Scottish coasts, and
there is reason to believe in its existence at an
even earlier date, for we find the name of
Dunaverty — though perhaps not the castle —
associated with the Dalriadic or Scoto-Irish
settlement on the shores of Argyle in the
beginning of the sixth century. These Scoto-
Irish appear to have been a branch of the great
Celtic family, generally supposed to have found
their way into Ireland from the western shores
of North Britain, and to have established them-
selves in that portion of the island now known
as Ulster. There they appear to have divided
themselves into two ditferent tribes or clans, the
most powerful of which got the name of Cruithne
(eaters of wheat), from the fact that they were
addicted to agricultural pursuits. The quarrels
between these rival tribes were frequent, and
about the middle of the third century rose to
such a height of violence, as to call for the
interference of Cormac, King of Ireland at that
time. Accordingly his general and cousin,
Cairbre Riada, conquered a territory in the

north-east part of Ireland which was possessed
by the Cruithne. This tract was granted to him
by the King, and denominated Dal-Riada or the
portion of Riada over which Cairbre and his
descendants ruled for many generations, under
the protection of their more powerful relations,
the Sovereigns of Ireland. The Cruithne of
Ireland and the Picts of North Britain, being of
the same lineage and language, kept up a con-
stant communication with each other, and it
would appear to be clearly established that a
colony of the Dalriads had settled at an early
period in Argyle, from which, however, they
were afterwards expelled and driven back to
Ireland, about the time of the Roman abdication
of North Britain, in H6.

The Dalriadic Settlement in Argyle.

In the year 50.3, a new colony of Dalriads or
Dalriadini, under the leadership of three brothers,
Lorn, Fergus, and Angus, the sons of Ere, the
descendants of Cairbre Riada, came over to
Argyle and settled in Kintyre. As to the
causes of this settlement, which afterwards
proved so important in the annals of Scotland,
history throws but little light and it is doubtful
whether it was obtained by force or by favour,
but, as the invaders met with feeble opposition
from the native tribes, the latter supposition is
probably the correct one. Their chiefs had each
his own territory and tribe. Lorn took posses-
sion of the district of Argyllshire, which still
retains his name ; Angus is supposed to have
acquired away over Islay, for it was enjoyed
by his son Murdoch, after his decease ; and
Fergus, who landed at Dunaverty, took possession
of Kintyre, and on his brother Lorn's death,

■2-2i

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

added his territory to his own, and so became
the sole monarch of the Scots, and has ever since
been recognised as the head of our Scottish
kings. Dr. Skene writing on the subject, says :
"The Firth of Clyde is universally allowed to
have been the boundary which separated the
Dalriads from the Strathclyde Britons, and
consequently it follows that Dalriada, or the
territory of the Soots in Britain, must have been
confined to South Argyle, or that part of the
country lying to the south of Liiine Loch ; and
tlie Scots appear to have maintained their
possession of a territory so inconsiderable in
comparison with that of the Picts, partly by the
strong natural boundaries and impervious nature
of the country itself, and partly by the close
connection whicii they at all times preserved

with the Irish " — (" Highlanders of Scotland,"
Vol. 1., p. 33). The same author also says of
the three tribes of Lorn, Cowal, and Kintyre,
"that of Kintyre attained to so great power as
eventually to obtain the supreme authority over
all Scotland "—(Vol. II., p. 'J).

From Cairbre Riada or Ruadh, Kintyre and
the adjacent lands got the name of Dalruaidh or
the portion of Ruadh ; the Scots were called
Dalruadhini; and their capital or seat of
Government, Dalruadhain, which was after-
wards changed to Campbeltown. For nearly
three centuries and a half this town continued
to be the seat of Government and the capital of
the Scottish kingdom, until 813, when Kenneth
the Second, having finally subdued the Picts,
merged into one the two kingdoms of Picts and

r\i;i'.i:i;T, i.hchfv.m:

Scots, and transferred the seat of Government
to Fortcviot, in Perthshire.

Danish Invasions.
( )n the seat of Government being thus changed,
Kintyre became a prey to foreign invaders and
an a.sylum for i)irates. The Danes and Nor-
wegians had already got firm posses.sion of tlie
vast portion of tlie Western Isles, and making
frequent incursions into the very heart of the
kingdom, put it entirely out of the Sovereign's
power to pay any attention to the frontiers.
They fortified the Castle of Dunavia'ty, and made
it their principal stronghold on that part of tlic
coast ; and during their rule, the neighbouring
country sufTered the same fate as the other
islands with which it was classed.

It is, however, at a later period, that we come
to the history jiroper of Dunaverty. As the
author of "Glencreggan" remarks : "Where you
come upon the track of a Lord of the Isles you
may feel pretty sure that you are upon the foot-
steps of war and violence ; and as Dunaverty
Castle was one of the great strongholds of the
Macdonalds, who were Lords of the Isles and
Lords of Cantyre, we may be certain that this
rocky promontory formed no exception to the
))eaceful rule." No, not by any means an
e.\ception as we shall afterwards see, but mean-
time it may not be out of place to say something
Ikmc about this illustrious family who owned
Dunaverty, and who for so long were the ruling
power in the Western Highlands.
(To be continued).

SIR CHARLES A, CAMERON.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY:

4 MAGAZINE FOU HIGHLANDERS.

Edited by JOHN MACKAY, Kingston.

No. 12. Vol. II.]

SEPTEMBER, 1894.

[Price Threepence.

SIR CHARLES ALEXANDER CAMERON-

IR CHARLES ALEX. CAMERON

tis the youngest and only surviving son
of the late Captain Ewen Cameron, a
Highlander who
served with distinc-
tion in the Penin-
sular Wars and
was wounded
severely eight
times. Captain
Cameron married
Belinda Smith,
an Irishwoman,
which no doubt
accounts for the
tact that their son
was born in Dub-
lin and not in
Lochaber. Sir
Charles received
his early education
in Schools in
Dublin and Guern
sey. He was in-
tended for the
army, but li i s
father dying when
his son was only
tliirteen years old,
tliis intention was
abandoned on the
ground of expense,
as in those days
an Ensign's com-
mission cost £400
to purchase, beside
the expense of an
outfit. Sir C. Cameron has devoted himself to
Science in several of its departments, more
especially Chemistry, Geology, Agriculture, and
Hygiene. As a Student in Germany he gained
the esteem of the celebrated Chemist, Baron

[SIR CH.-\I!LES A. CAMERON.

Liebig, to whom he dedicated one of his works.
Sir Charles Cameron is the author of a large
work, entitled "A Manual of Hygiene and
Compendium of the Sanitary Laws;" and of
several works on Food, Sanitation, and Agricul-
tural Chemistry. He edited six editions of
Johnston's well-known Agricultural Chemistry
(Blackwood, Edinburgh), and wrote the treatise
on that subject in Cassells' Technical Educator.
His opus magnum is the History of the Royal
College of Sur-
geons in Ireland,
which, however, is
really a history of
the healing art in
Ii-eland .since the
earliest ages. It
contains three
hundred biogi'a-
phies of eminent
Irish|medical men.
Sir Charles has
translated [a Vol-
u m e of Poems
from the German,
and in his earlier
days was a con-
stant contributor
to the newspaper
and serial press.
Sir Charier Cam-
eron is a D.P H.
and ex-Examiner
in the University
of Cambridge, and
is Examiner in the
Royal University
of Ireland. He
was this year re-
elected President
of the Society of
Public Analysts
of Great Britain
and Ireland, and
for four years was President of the British
Institute of Public Health. He was President
of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland ;
of the Irish Medical Association ; of the Metro-
politan (Dublin) Society of Medical Officers of

22G

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

Health ; and of the Surgical and Public Health
Sections of the Academy of Medicine. He is
an Honorary Member of many Societies, for
example, the Swedish Academy of Medicine ;
the Hygienic Societies of France, Belgium,
Paris, IJordeaux ; the State Medical Society of
California : the Royal Hibernian Academy,
which corresponds to the London Royal
Academy and the Scottish Society of Arts.

He presided in 1892 at the Sanitary Con-
gress (at Portsmouth) of the Sanitary Institute,
and his address formed the subject of leading
articles in scores of Xewspapei-s in the United
Kingdom, India, and the Colonies. The Times
devoted nearly a page to it. Sir Charles holds
numerous ap]iointments. He is Professor of
Chemistry and Hygiene; R. C.S.I. Lecturer of
Agricultural Chemistry to the Commissioners of
National Education. He is the Chief Medical
Officer of Health of Dublin, and the whole
Sanitary department of that city is directly
under his control. He is Consultant for various
Government departments, and Public Analyst
for the greater number of the Irish Counties
and Cities. He is a Member of the Array
Sanitary Committee, and has been a Member of
various Commissions and of the Juries of
International Exhibitions.

Sir Charles was married in 18G2 to Lucie,
daughter of John Macnamara, an Irish Lawyer;
who died in 1883, leaving seven children.
"Men and Women of the Times" and "Con-
temporary Medical Men," etc., contain memoirs
of Sir Charles Cameron.

To Highlanders Sir Charles is known as an
enthusiastic Cameron, and the hearty reception
which was accorded to him two years ago when
he jjresided at the Annual Social Gathering of
the Clan in Glasgow showed the high respect in
which he is lield by his Clansmen and liy
Highlanders generally.

Kirkintilloch. JoHN CaMEKON, J.P.

A MINOR POET.

|^|A T the close of an Autumn day, which
(xj^^ had begun in brilliant sunshine, and was
■^^ closing in mist and driving rain, a belated
traveller found refuge in the smoky mystery of
a Highland farmhouse kitchen.

He was a man of evident culture, with a
handsome shrewd face, framed in snowy hair ;
and, as ho and the old farmer talked together,
in the grateful glow of the peat (ire, they found
many points in common.

In the background, a sturdy short-gowned
lass was washing dishes, and scouring pots. A
young man sat well back in the shadow, listc'ning
intently to the conversation, and frowning im-

patiently at the girl, who, in a spirit of mischief,
was squirting water on him from her tub.

" Have ye suppered the brown quey, Donal'f
The farmer swung round on his chair, and
darted tlie question at the young man in the
corner.

A muttered, inarticulate answer came out of
the darkness ; Donald then advanced, and took
down a lantern from over the fireplace, in sullen
silence.

"It is a glorious country, this of yours!"
continued the traveller. " It would make a
poet of a man, whether he would or no.'

" God save us from poets, sir, we've too many
poets here 1 It is honest, dependable men we're
in sore want of — not paper and pencil 'Amadain'.'
As he spoke, the old man glowered wrathfully
on Donald, who made a hasty exit, amid the
suppressed tittering of the herd lad who had
just come in, and the giggling of the girl.

"Well, Donald Mackenzie, I hear you are a
poet."

Donald, hard at work cleaning out the byre
in the morning, looked up with a crimson face
and a quick suspicious glance. He was a broad-
shouldered, well-knit youth, with an aquiline
type of face, and large light blue eyes, which
kindled and darkened under excitement.

His eyes fell, under the grave, kindly inspec-
tion of the liclated traveller of the night before,
and he stood awkwardly leaning on his grape.

" Would you mind guiding me to the nearest
station, if I got you a day's holiday to do it in,
Donald V

Donald was electrified. " Indeed, sir, I will
be very proud to do it," he responded eagerly.
He gripped the barrow-load of manure blocking
the doorway, trundled it out of the way, and
stood outside, cap in hand.

" Well, then ; will you Ije ready to start in
an hour's time V
" I will, sir."

The stranger made his way to the house.
Donald hauled the overturned barrow out of the
midden, and resumed his byre cleaning in a
fn^iizy of haste.

" Well, now, Mackenzie ; what about this
poetry 1" questioned the stranger, wlu'U they
had left the farm about a mile behind tlum.

Once more the joung man blushed like a girl.
For answer, he pulled a bulky package from an
inner coat-pocket and handed it to his (juestioner,
with a liaud wiiich slightly trembled.

They were passing through a tir wood. "We
will stop here and consider the matter," said the
gentleman, seating Iiimself on a fallen tree, and
undoing the package, with great delil)i>ration.

Donalil wiitihid the examination of the pack-
age with ]iiitlietic anxiety. He leant against a
tree, his lip treml)ling, his colour coming and

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

227

going, as one after another, his precious papers
were skimmed over, and laid aside.

" There is far too much of Donald Mackenzie
here," said the gentleman at last, raising his eyes
and looking straight into Donald's face. "Don't
write another line of verse for the next two
years, if you want to write anything worth
reading."

The young man took the parcel without a
word, and walked on by the stranger's side, his
lip tirin, hut his face ghastly pale under the sun
tan.

His companion had been attentively watching
him. " Donald," he said, " I have not given you
your death-blow, though that is what you are
thinking. I have been through it all before you,
man, and I tell you it rests with yourself, whether
you make a spoon or spoil a horn. You are only
twenty-three ; give up dreaming ; put your
poetry into your work ; and gather grit and
backbone, man."

" The papers have printed some of them."

" The papers print a deal of rubbish."

" I may as well be dead and buried at once, if
I am to live the life of a clod !" Donald bur.st
out, fiercely, after a long pause.

" That is quite true."

He turned a puzzled, suspicious look on the
face of the stranger ; Ijut it was calm and
meditative.

" Did it never strike you, young man, that
your heart could never be nourished on water-
falls and mountains, sunsets and sunrises? What
is a poet worth, if he does not take his share of
the burden of humanity — if he does not feel and
sufler, with and for, his fellow creatures! Leave
the rocks and the mountains alone for a time ;
and try, in the next twelve months, what you can
do to make those around you happier and lietter,
and never fear, all the poetry in you will have
scope enough."

Still the youth shambled along by the stran-
ger's side, with blank despair in his downcast
countenance. His gait had lost all the easy
spring of the true Highlander, his shoulders
drooped, and his step was heavy.

" Donald Mackenzie! are you a selfish coward
after all V

Donald started out of his gloomy reverie, and
faced round on his adviser, in angry surprise,
at this stern demand. He subsided before tlie
other's steady gaze, and muttered, resentfully,
" A man must have time to gather himself up,
when his house is levelled on the top of him."

They had reached the crest of a hill. Below
them lay a well-watered valley.

"Is that the station?" asked the stranger,
pointing to a faint haze of blue smoke, about
two miles off.

" It is, sir."

" Then I can find my way. Now, Donald
Mackenzie, if I'm alive and well I'll look you
up next year. And don't forget, that there is
grander poetry in your own old bible — lying
neglected in the bottom of your trunk, })erhaps —
grander poetry, I say, than you or I could ever
write."

" I'm not one that can turn round and lick
the hand that thrashes me," Donald jerked out,
when they parted, but I'm not without sense,
sir, and I'll come to it in time — I'll come to it
in time."

But his literary vanity and ambition died
hard. He sat on a rock for hours, gazing with
blank eyes over the moor, with the wild High-
land cattle and sheep sniffing and stamping
round, at intervals. "Fool! fool!" he shouted,
as he thought of his mad exultation on receipt
of his first proof-sheet. And as the cattle
scampered away, snorting and tossing their
heads, he fiung himself, face downward, on the
heather, and wept like a four-yearold boy.

But in the still hours of the night, he swung
himself down from his sleeping loft overhead,
uncovered the " smoored " kitchen fire, and
watched his air castles vanish in smoke and
rtame.

On the morrow, he faced the future, empty of
everything but the sacred purpose which led
him, in the end, by a way that he knew not, to
an honoured place among the good men of the
earth.

Pitlothry.

K. S. Cameron.

DESCENDANTS OP ALLAN CAMERON.

Sir. — I note no one has replied to a query in the
July nmiiber by D. C. as to the descendants of
Allan Cameron. The following are all the facts
kno\vn, viz ; —

Allan Cameron (Ailean Mac Iain Duibh) XVI.
Chief of Lochiel, who died about the year 1645,
married a daughter of Stewart of Appin by whom
he had issue. — 1st. John, who married in 162C
Lady Margaret (daughter of Robert Campbell of
Glenfalloch, who in 1040 succeeded his brother Sir
Colin in the estates ahd baronetcy of Glenorchy,
and became father of the first Earl of Breadalbane),
with issue ; 1st Ewen (the famous Sir Ewen
Cameron of Lochiel); 2nd Allan, who married in
KiOO Jean, sister of James Macgregor of Macgregor.
He was a man of many parts, but died early and
there is no record of any issue of the marriage.

W. D. N.

A Mii.iTAiiV Conti:ast. — Last year, the total number
of recruits for the whole of Scotland was 2485. I'his
is a paltrj' luimber when compared with the 40,000
men who were raised in the Highlands alone, in sis
short years, from 179.3 to 1790.

228

THE CELTIC MONTHLY

l«1

"^a-i^^r^

:P0^

Part I. — {Continued from page 219).

fs^lAPTAIN MENZIES, a tall, powerful
\ man, and an excellent swordsman, fou,<,'ht
^ outside tlie square like a hero of anti-
quity, but liis good claymore was no match for
the long Polish lance. He received a severe
wound in the chest which unhorsed him. Lying
on his back he saw another lancer aiming a
thrust at him. Quickly rolling himself round to
avoid the blow, he grasped the foot of the lancer
and pulled him off his horse. The foe fell on
the top of him ; another lancer riding by, saw
the struggle, and made a thrust at the gallant
Menzies, who instantly grasped the lancer and
placed him in a way to receive the tlirust. The
enemy was killed and Menzies freed himself of
his weight. After being unhorsed a drummer
boy got hold of the liorse. A private of his
company (grenadier) Donald Mackintosh, came
to Menzies' assistance. He was immediately
mortally wounded. The little drummer seeing
Donald fall, left the hor.se to come to his assis-
tance. A lancer noticing the horse unattended,
lliought him a fair prize and made a dash to
capture it. This did not escape? the watch-
ful and keen eye of the dying Highlander, who,
with all the provident spirit of his country
"ruling strong even in death," groaned out,
" Hoot man, ye manna tak that beast, it
belangs to oor Captain here." The lancer
understanding nothing <>f this remonstrance and
respecting less the writhing gesture it provoked,
seized the horse, and was making off with it, when
Donald loaded his musket for the last time and
shot him dead— and the ne.xt moment fell back,
and expired content. Anotlier private of his
company now came up, and asked his Captain
what he could do to assist him ? " Nothing, my

good friend, but load your piece and finish lue."
" But your eye still looks lively " (said the
devoted grenadier) " Tf I could move you to the
92nd fighting yonder I think you would yet do
well." With "the aid of a fellow grenadier he
was moved, and soon seen by Colonel Cameron
of the 92nd, who instantly ordered him every
possible needful aid. Four men carried him in
a blanket to the rear. While they were raising
him Colonel Cameron exclaimed, " God bless
you, I must be off, — the devils (meaning the
French) are at us again — I must stand up to
them." He did so, and in a few minutes there-
after, the brave and gallant Cameron of the
92nd was wounded and stretched upon the field.
It is a pleasure to add that the gallant Captain
Menzies of the Grenadier Company of the
Black Watch survived for some years, to wear
the honourable decorations and marks of sixteen
wounds received in this arduous and unequal
conflict. Still the battle reeled hither and
thither in the throes of mortal desperation. In
vain Ney's splendid cuirassiers and lancers
dashed upon the 42nd. They might as well
have ridden against a wall of iron. For more
than two hours the Black Watch unllinchingly
bore the hurstling storm of the French artillery
and the repeated charges of cavalry and infantry,
rejjelling every attack in square, or in a more
extended formation, till leinforcements came \ip
towards T) p.m. In the next cliajiter we shall deal
with the deeds of the 79th and 'J2nd round Quatre
Bras, and afterwards with the doughty deeds
performed at Waterloo by the Highland Brigade.
"For those are deeds which must not pass away,

And names that nuist not wither, though the earth
Forf,'ets hor Empires with a just decay.

The enslaver, and the enslaved, their death and
birth."

THE CELTTO MONTHLY.

229

Part II. — The 7Sth Cameron Highlanders.
The 79th Cameron Highlanders, like the
42nd, were fearfully cut up at the Battle of
Toulouse. Out of 494 officers and men who
took part in that action, only 263 came out
unwounded, showing a loss of 2.31 officers and
men, while the 42nd lost 321 officers and men.
The importance of the positions carried by these
two regiments was so great, that their capture

decided the fortunes of the day and compelled
the French to retreat and abandon Toulouse.
The behaviour of these regiments was so gallant
and intrepid that they won special commenda-
tion from the Duke of Wellington, being two
of the four regiments particularly mentioned in
his despatch of 12th April, 1814. The 79th
landed in Cork on the 26th July, 1814, where
its shattered ranks were filled hj a large draft

DEPARTURE OF THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE.

from the 2nd Battalion. In February, 1815,
it set sail for America, but was driven back by
contrary winds. It again sailed for the same
destination on the 1st of INIarch, when providen-
tially it was also driven back by the same cause,
and was then sent to Belfast. Here in May it
was called upon to take part in that fierce and
final struggle with Napoleon at Quatre Bras

and Waterloo, and assist in putting an end to
his bloody machinations against the peace of
Europe. The 79th joined the army of Welling-
ton at Brussels, and was brigaded with the 28th,
32nd, and 95th, under the command of Sir
James Kempt, in Picton's division.

On the dread night of the 15th June, 1815,
the alarm rapidly spread that the French had

230

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

crossed the frontier and were rapidly approach-
ing. The 79th were the first to muster ready
for the march to meet their old opponents, and
by i a.m. were on the road to Charleroi, pro-
visioned for three days. Byron, in a stanza of
" Cliilde Harold," thus refers to the Cameron
Highlanders. —

" And wild and high the Cainerons' Gathering rose,
The war note of Lochiel, which Albyn's hills
Have heard, and heard too, have her Saxon foes : —
How in the noon of night that pibroch thrills
Savage and shrill ! Bnt with the breath that tills
Tlieir moinitain pipe, so till the mountaineers
With the fierce native daring which instills
The stirring memories of a thousand years,
And Evan's, Donald's fame rings in each clansman's
ears."

The gallant Camerons marched on through
the forest of Soignes, past Waterloo towards
Genappe, hearing on their way the roar of
cannon and the rattle of musketry, towards
Quatre Bras, within half a mile of the enemy,
from whom the column was separated by a
rising ground. From this position a full
view was obtained of the French, obliquely to
the left, and in movement to their front. The
79th formed the extreme left of the division,
which after a very short halt broke off to the
left, lining the road to Namur, the banks of
which were here ten to twelve feet high on each
side. The ground had scarcely been so taken
up when the enemy advanced in great force,
sending out " a cloud of sharp-shooters." The
light companies of the first brigade, with the
8th company and marksmen of the 79th, were
sent forward to meet them. These gallant men
maintained their ground bravely for an hour in
spite of the constantly increasing numbers of
the enemy, but as the French sharp-shooters had
by this time |)icked off nearly all the artillery-
men serving the only two British guns that had
come into action, and most of the officers, and
as the French were in such force in front
VVellington directed Picton to detach a regiment
to the front to cover the guns, and drive the
enemy from his advanced position. Kempt
thereupon rode up to Colonel Douglas, telling
liiiu that upon the Cameron Highlanders would
devolve the honour of e.xecuting his Grace's
orders. Gallantly was this order obeyed and
performed. At a bound the regiment clearcnl
the banks in its front, fired a volley, and
immediately charging with the bayonet drove
the French advanced troops with great pn-cipi-
tatioM and in di-sorder to a hedge about a hun-
dred yards in tlii;ir rear, wh(^re they attempted
to reform, but were followed up with such alac-
rity that they again gave way, and were pursued
to another hedge about the same distance, from
which they were again driven in confusion upon
their main column, which was formed in great

strength upon the rising ground opposite. The
79th now joined by its detached companies
began tiring volleys upon the enemy from behind
the last mentioned hedge, and in the course of
fifteen minutes expended nearly all its ammuni-
tion. Whilst in this exposed situation it was
ordered to retire, which it accomplished as if on
parade, although it had a broad ditch to leap
and the first hedge to repass, when it formed
line about fifty yards in advance of its original
jiosition. Being here much exposed to the fire
from the enemy's guns it was ordered to lie
down, and so continued for nearly an hour,
when it was again directed to resume its first
position in the Namur road, and form in column
as circumstances might require. Being after-
wards repeatedly threatened by cavalry it
formed and moved forward in square, but
without being attacked.

{To be continued).

W. A. MARTIN,

Secretarv, Gaelic Sucietv of London.

|p|^|HE subject of this sketch is a young
y^ Highlander, well and favouraljly known
^■^^ for his earnest and practical enthiasiasm
in the matters Highland of London. A Lewis
man by birth and a true Gael in heart, Mr.
Martin received his early education, first in the
Free Church School, and afterwards in the
Nicholson Institution, in his native town,
Stornoway. He completed it at King's College,
London, and afterwards joined the staff of
Messrs. Gray, Dawes k Co., Merchants, and
London Agents to the British India Steam
Navigation Company, Limited. Here he re-
mained for over seven years, when he left them
(a year ago) for an a|ipointnient with the New
Zealand Shipping Company, Limited.

As already stated, .Mr. Martin takes an active
part in all the Highland movements in London.
He is Joint Honorary Secretary of the Gaelic
Society of TiOndon ; a Member of the London
and Northern Counties Camanachd Club ; the
London Highland Amateur Athletic Club ; the
London Ross and Cromarty Association, and of
several other Highland Societies. He is also an
enthusiastic volunteer, and is a non-commissioned
oflio(!r of that deservedly ])opular corps, the
London Scottish Rifle Volunteers ; and F.
Company, over whicli Captain Glynn Smith
holds connnand, shows no one with a more
soldierly bearing than the subject of this sketch.

Mr. Martin is not yet thirty, and has
therefore a life before him. Jjet us wish him,
then, a long and happy one, with healtii and
strength to mak(! his mark in the world that
lies before him. I,ean </ii dlulh ri cliu du shiimsir.

i.oiKion T. D. MacDonald.

W. A. MARTIN

THE OELTIO MONTHLY.

231

DUNAVERTY ^Its^^,

©iGlOHS

■>;r BY '^ i)h

J'HftmtLTON-||

ITCHELL

Part II.

The Lords of the Lsles.

According to Towry's " Clanship and tlic
Clans," the founder of the family of the Isles
was Gillebride MacGille Adaranan, who had the
ill fortune to be expelled from liis possesions by
the Norwegians, and sought refuge in Ireland.
Having received assistance from the MacQuarries
and MacMahons he afterwards undertook an
expedition for the recovery of liis territories, but
was unsuccessful ; and it was left to his son to
retrieve the fortunes of his house. This son
was Somerled — the "mighty Somerled" of Scott.
Putting himself at the head of the inhabitants
of Morven, he expelled the Norwegian invaders,
and soon became Master of Morven, Lochaljer,
and Argyle ; and in order to secure the Isles for
his posterity, he cai'ried off and married the
daughter of Olaf, Norwegian King of the Isles.
By her he had three sons, Dougall, Reginald,
and Angus.

Somerled having so far been successful, now
sought a wider sphere for his operations. After
an attempt to secure the Earldom of Moray for
his grandsons, his next great aim was to depose
Malcolm IV., in favour of the "Boy of Egre-
mont" (William, grandson of Duncan, a son of
Malcolm Canmore) ; but after many conflicts he
was ultimately repulsed by Gilchrist, Earl of
Angus, and a treaty of psace was concluded in
1153, held to be of such importance that it
formed an era in dating Scottish Charters. The
fiery spirit of this warrior, however, once again
asserted itself, and in a second rising in I16-1,
Somerled with his army appeared at Renfrew,

on the Clyde, where he was met l.iy the Steward
of Scotland with a large force, and slain along
with Gillecallum, a son born of a previous
marriage. Gillecallum's son, Somerled II., then
succeeded to his grandfather's possessions in the
Highlands, while Dougall, above mentioned,
acquired sway over the Isles.

Somerled II. remained in undisturbed posses-
sion till 1221, when he took part in an
insurrection which caused Alexander II. to
march against him. Collecting an army in
Lothian and Galloway, the Scottish King sailed
for Argyle, but was overtaken on the way by a
storm and driven into the Clyde. A second
attempt, however, proved more successful, and
Somerled was compelled to retire to the Isles.
At the same time, Argyle was raised into a
Sheriffdom, with Gillespie Campbell of Lochawe
as hereditary Sheriff.

In the Sagas, under the name of Sundereyan
Kings, appear the two sons of Dougall — Dougall
Scrag, and Duncan. On these Princes refusing
to yield even a nominal homage to Norway,
King Haco desjiatched his commander Ilspac,
with a fleet to reduce them to obedience ; but
the leader of the expedition was in reality a
brother of the two men he had been sent to
subdue, and abandoning the service of Haco,
united himself to them. Upon this Haco him-
self advanced against them, and ultimately slew
Dougall Scrag and his ally Somerled II. Uspac
and Duncan escaped, but the former was after-
wards slain in Bute. Duncan subsequently
reasserted his authority, and founded the Priory
of Ardchattan in Lorn. His son and successor,
Ewen, continued his allegiance to Haco.

232

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

DUNAVERTY ATTACKEU BY THE NORWEGIANS.

The troubled state of the Isles at this period
and the wavering allegiance of numy of those
northern chiefs who were the acknowledged
vassals of Scotland, were a source of continual
annoyance and anxiety to the Scottish monarch
(Alexander II.) and it became necessary for liim
to devise some means to maintain his superiority
over this portion of his territories. Accordingly,
when all efforts to come to a compromise with
Norway had failed, the chiefs whom he had
completely bound over to his interest, were
commissioned to attack the more steady adherents
of that nation, and ravage their dominions by-
tire and sword till they were thus reduced to
such a state of misery and weakness, as to be
glad to sujjpjicate for forgiveness and embrace

the friendship of the Scottish King. Acting
under the influence of this policy, Allan, Earl of
Galloway, a faithful vassal of Scotland, with a
fleet of a hundred and flfty ships set out in 1228
and attacked and conquered the dominions of
Olave the Black, King of Man. To revenge this
insult Haco despatched an expedition to the
Western Isles in 1230, and succeeded in re-
establishing his vassal, Olave, in his kingdom of
Man, though in other respects his expedition
did not meet with much success. The Nor-
wegians were violently oppo.sed in Islay, and
again in an assault on Dunaverty Castle, they
lost three hundred of their men. The castle on
this occasion was bravely defended by one of the
chiefs of the Stewarts; and when Haco's soldiers
afterwards attempted a descent on Kintyre on

SALTPANS AND MACIIKIIIAMSH BAY, KIN'TVUK.

their return from l\lan, thej' were repnlsed with
much lo.ss and com])elled to return to Norway.
Haco, however, notwithstanding this defeat
peremptorily refused to acknowledge the property
of the Scottish Crown in the Western Isles and
indignantly rej(!cted a subsequent proposal of
Alexander to purchase their surrender by pay-
ment of a large sum of money. The Scottish
monarch had now no other course open to him
than to resort to arms, and having assembled a
powerful fleet he declared that he would con-
quer the Isles and plant his standard on the
clifl's of Thur.so, (Caithness at tliat time being a
Norwegian jirovince. Death, however prevented
the accomplishment of these designs for the
King had not proceeded fartlier than the little
island of Kerrera ofl the coast of Lorn, when

lie was seized with a mortal illness and died on
8th July, 1219, The account of his death as it
is given in the Norwegian Chronicle, is striking
and romantic : '• King Alexander," it says,
" then lying in Kiararej' Sound, dreamed a
dream, and thought three men came unto him.
lie thought one of them was in Royal robes, but
very stern, ruddy in countenance, sometliing
thick, and of midilling size. Another seemed of
a slender make, but active, and of all men the
most engaging and majestic. The third, again,
was of very great stature, but his features were
distorted, and of all the rest he was the most
unsightly, 'i'hey addressed llieir speech to the
King, and en(iuired whether he meant to invade
the Hebrides. Alexander thought he answered,
that he certainly proposed to subject the islands.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

233

The genius of the vision liade him so back, and
told him no other measure would turn to his
advantage. The King related his dream, and
many advised hira to return, but the King
would not ; and a little time after he was seized
with a disorder, antl died. The Scottish army
then broke up, and they removed the King's
body to Scotland. The Hebridians say, that the
men whom the King saw in his sleep, were
Saint Olave, King of Norway ; Saint Magnus,
Earl of Orkney ; and Saint Columba."

Alexander III. on attaining his majority,
resolved to complete the designs of his father,
and sent the Earl of Ross against the Isles.
Haco collected an army and assisted by many
Highland chiefs, determined to oppose the forces
of the Scottish King, and if possible assert his
supremacy over the territories in question. In
1263 both armies met at Largs where, as we
know, the Norwegians were totally routed and
Haco's hopes for ever blasted. Ewen, who
during the hostilities had changed his mind and
remained neutral, died without male issue, and
the Lordship of the Isles then passed to the
descendants of Reginald, second son of Somerled
I. This Reginald was a more powerful Prince
even than his father, and it was from him that
those Macdonalds of Kintyre who in other
days ruled with Princely state at Saddell and
Dunaverty, were descended. Kintyre paid the
Lords of the Isles a yearly tribute of five
hundred cows. Islay contributed another five
hundred, and the other isles a like proportion.

Robert Bruce visits the Castle.
One of the Macdonalds surnamed Angus Og,
was the friend of King Robert the Bruce in his
adversity and sheltered him at Saddell and
afterwards at Dunaverty whence he crossed over
to Rathlin after his defeat at Methven in 1306.
This chieftain was the selfsame

"... heir of mighty Somerled,

Ronald, from many a hero sprung.

The fair, the valiant, and the young,

Lord of the Isles, whose lofty name

A thousand bards have given to fame ;"

the true name of the hero as Sir Walter Scott

explains in a foot note being exchanged for

Ronald eiiphoniac gratia. It was to this Angus

also, on his arrival at Torwood, near Falkirk,

that Bruce addi-essed these words still borne as

a motto by the lineal descendants of the Lords

of the Isles : " My hope is constant in thee."

The monarch had waited long and anxiously

and was even beginning to suspect the chieftain's

allegiance, for Edward II. of England with a

mighty force was fast approaching and the battle

which was to decide the fate of Scotland was at

hand. Angus, however, like a ti-ue Highlander

proved as good as his word and nobly repaid his

monarch's confidence by his valiant bearing at

Bannockburn. It is to that juncture indeed
that the poet transfers the words of Bruce : —
" Lord of the Isles, my trust in thee,

Is firm as Ailsa Rock ;
Rush on with Highland sword and targe,
I, with my Carrick spearmen charge ;
Now, forward to the shuck ! "
Upon the failure of the line of Reginald by
the slaughter of Ronald in 134G, the Lordship
of the Isles was inherited by John Macdonald,
Chief of the Clan Donald, who had married his
third cousin Amy, sister of Ronald ; and in this
family it remained until the failure of the direct
line by the death of Donald Dhu in 154.5.

James IV. ascended the Scottish throne in
1488 and in the si.xth year of his reign thrice
visited the Highlands and the Isles, and having
penetrated as far as Dunstaffnage and Mingarry,
reduced most of the refractory chiefs to obedience.
The Lord of the Isles, however, refused to
submit and the King not being then in a condi-
tion to attack him in his strongholds with any
prospect of success, returned to Edinburgh,
where he assembled a Parliament which declared
the title and possession of John, then Lord of
the Isles, to be forfeited to the Crown. Since
that jjeriod the title has been borne by the heir-
apparent to the Scottish throne.

Captured by James IV.
When proceeding on his first expedition,
James landed at Tarbert, Loch Fyne, and having
repaired the fort originally built there l)y his
great ancestor Robert the Bruce, he provided
it with artillery and skilful gunners. On his
return in July he also seized the Castle of
Dunaverty and placed a garrison in it for the
purpose of reducing to submission the rude and
turbulent chiefs of the district. This act gave
great offence to Sir John Macdonald of Islay
who it is said had nourished the hope of regaining
possession of Kintyre which at one time had
belonged to his family. On the first favourable
opportunity the infuriated chieftain collected his
followers, laid siege to the Castle and being
successful showed his contempt for the royal
authority by hanging the governor over the
wall in sight of the King and his fleet. This
savage revolt took James completely by surprise,
but as most of his followers were absent on
another expedition, he was unable to take
immediate steps to punish the rebel chief. But
so promptly were measures taken for the vindi-
cation of the royal authority, that in a short
time Sir John and his four sons were captured
and conveyed to Edinburgh where they were
found guilty of high treason and executed on
the Boroughmuir, a huge tract of land in the
neighbourhood of what is now known as the
district of Bruntsfield.

('I'o be continued.)

234

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

TO CORRKSPONDENTS

All Coiniiiuiiicatiini.1, on literiiiu itnil huainrss
matters, shnulrl he arlrirrsai-d to the Kitilor, Ulr. .JOHN
3IACKAY, IT ItitiKliix Street, Kiiifinlon, ^ilaagoir.

TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION.— Tht CELTIC
MONTHLY will be sent, post free, to any part of the
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The Celtic Monthly

SEPTEMBER, 1894.

coic^'E:i>arTs.

Sir Cu-irlbs A. Camkros (with plate),

A .Minor Poet,

Dksceni>.\nts of Allan Cameron,

The Highland Brioade at Waterloo (illustrated;,

W. A. .Martin, London (with plate),

DlNAVERTY AND ITS TRADITIONS (illustrated), - . -f

To OUR Readers,

The Last Macdonalds of Isla, Part lu (illustrated), ■

Notes and <^rERiES,

Oeokok Di^NCAN Shearer, Airdiue (with plate). -

Andrew Key Sandison (with plate),

OiR Canadian Letter, -..--...
F.wioi's Highland Bards,— No. IL "Rob Dosn" Mac Aoidii,
Om Mi'BicAL Paob— Marak'HE nan Tonn— The Sailor

Laddie,

Reviews, ,

cuieftainsiiir of the c'lan .mackinnon, ....

OUR NEXT ISSUE.

As we begin our third volume with the October
issue we iiiteud making it a specially attractive
number. \\'ith it we will present our readers with
life like plate portraits of Mr. Alexander .\lackay,
J. P., Wilts, President of the Clan Mackay Society;
Lieut. Colonel Duncan Menzies, .T.P., of Blarich,
Commanding the Ist Sutherland Highland Rifle
Volunteers; and Alderman Thomas Bantock, Wolver-
hampton, a distinguished native of (iolspie. In
addition to these a number of very interesting
contributions will a|)pear, which will be profusely
illustrated.

To SliisciuI'.eks. — We beg to remind our readers
that the Aiimuil Subscriptions for Volume III. are
now due We are most an.\iou5 to com))lete our list
of Annual Subscribers for next volume, and will
esteem it a favour if tho.so who intend renewing theii
Subscriptions for another year would kindly forward
a postal order for 4/- to the Ixlitor, VMir. Monihlij,
17 l)unda.s Street, Kingston, Glasgow, at once. We
shall feci greatly obliged if our readers will give this
matter their immediate attention.

Pound Copies ok Voi.i'mk 11. — As we will be
able to BU])ply only a limited number of copies of this
handsome volume those who wish any are requested
to apply to the Kditor at once. The prices are —
Hound in strong leather, with gilt lettering, 8/-;
cloth, 6/6. Post free.

Garlic Society of Invkrnkss. — The Annual
Concert in connection with this flourishing Society
wa« held in Inverness on the Evening of the M'ool

Market, Mr. C. Fraser- Mackintosh, Chief, occupied
the Chair, and was supported by a large number of
notable Highlanders. The Concert was a brilliant
success, the programme being a specially attractive
one. The popular chairman delivered a most interes-
ting address on Gaelic music, and urged on High-
landers t« cultivate more the beautiful melotlies of
their own land. Miss Lizzie B. Mackay, Ghisgow,
was the leading vocalist, and receiveil a hearty
reception from the audience.

Mr. T. U. MacDonald, London, whose name
is familiar to so many of our readers, has, we under-
stand, accepted the management of the Rideaii Club,
Ottawa, Canada, and leaves for the Dominion in
September. Mr. MacDonald is a thorough good
Highlander, and has taken an active part in all the
great national, social, and literary Highland move-
ments for many years past, and we are glad to learu
that his countrymen intend presenting him with a
handsome testimonial as a mark of their esteem. Mr.
W. A. Martin, 24 Beauclerc Road. London, W., acts
as .Secretary, and will be glad to receive subscriptions
from Mr. .MacDonald's many friends. We trust that
his valuable services will be adequately acknowledged.
He has our best wishes for his prosperity in the land
of his adoption.

We have again to acknowledge our indebtedness to
Mr. Adam Millar (Mes.srs. William Cross & Co., 45
Montrose Street, Glasgort') for the use of several
valuable engravings for reproduction in the Celtic
Monthly. He has kindly placed his splendid collec-
tion of Highland books, prints and paintings at our
disposal for engraving purposes, and we hope to give
fine copies of these from time to time.

We are also indebted to Mr. William Graham of
North Erines, and Mr. John Cameron, J. P., Kirkin-
tilloch, for two of the plates used in this issue: and to
Mrs. Kamsay of Kildalton, Islay. for a photograph of
Dunyvaig Castle of which we give an excellent
reproduction.

The Mod ok Gathering of the Highland
Association takes place in Oban on 11th September.
We trust that as many as possible of our readers will
attend. Full particulars will be found in our adver-
tising paijes.

The Glasgow Cowal Shinty Cn-n have re-
cently been making themselves ii.seful in eoiilriliuting
to the success of the Highland .'-^ikhIs at F.diiiliurgh
and l)unooii. At both tlie.se gatherings this faincms
club sent two picked teams who gave a spirited
exhibition game of shinty, which on each occasion
aroused great enthusiasm among the spectators, and
proved the most exciting item on the programme.
They are still open to send teams to other sports, in
the hope that in this wcy they may revive an interest
in the grand old Highland game.

'I'liE C'oitKY .Ma<;Kinn((Ns. — We are obliged to
the lady of the MacKinnon Clan who kindly sent us
a copy of the pamphlet stating (he claims of the
Corry branch of the Clan to the Chieftainship. We
have read it with much interest.

Dii. Ahchibald CAMriiELL, Captain of the
(iLASOow Cowal Shinty Ci.iii, has just taken his
degree at GlasgiiW University, ami the interesting
event was duly celebrated at a Social Meeting of the
members, when the Duclor wius heartily congratulated
on his success.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

235

Part X. — Prior of Oronsay's Bond;
Troubles of Sir James MacDonald ;
AND Destruction of Dunyvaig Castle.

|pI5||HE next document I have of Sir James
X^ Macdonald's is a Bond by Ronald
^^^ M'Connald vie Iain of Hand, which is
as follows, modernized : —

I have not identified the granter, unless he
were owner of the Isles at the mouth of Loch
Kilkeraii, sometimes called " Island L>avaar,"
and have some doubt where Knockransay is
situated, probably in Loch Ranza of Arran, or.
the five merk land in South Kintyre called
" Knockreanoch." The Witnesses were all men
of note.

" Be it known to all men by these present letters,
the Ronald M'Connald of Hand, vie ean to have
granted, confessed, and accepted as by these presents
grants, confesses and accepts the Right Honourable
Sir James M'Connald of Knocki-ansay, Knight, as
my superior Master and Foster, and therefore by
the tenure hereof binds and obliges me to fortify
against and defend the said Sir James with all and
whatsoever force, strength, and might, that I ean
or may have, either of men or gear, in all his actions,
errands or business in whatsoever places he have
or shall have to do, contrar and against all deadly
or mortals without any exception in all times
hereafter, and for the more verification of all and
sundry the premises the said Ronald has s\ib-

scribed these presents with my hand as follows. —
At Knockransay the 9th day of March, 1597 years,
before these witnesses, Gorrie vie Allister of Lupe,
Archibald M'Connald of Largie, and Archibald
M'Allister of Crossage, Avith others diverse. I
Ronald M'Connald with my hand at the pen led
by the ^vriter under written because I could not
write myself. (Signed), Johne M'Kay, -irriter
hereof as witness, etc."

The next and last of my original documents
is most interesting referring as it does to
Oronsay, tliat Sacred Isle adjoining Colonsay,
where by tradition Columba first set foot on
Scottish soil. Oronsay in the ancient Parish of
Kilchattan or Kilduran was a five merk land
and belonged to the Priors instituted it is said by
Columba, and carried on till 155.5 when Robert
Lamont, probably the last Catholic Prior was
presented to the Priorate, vacant by the death
of Donald Macduffie. The remains of the
Church and Cloisters are still considerable, with
fine crosses and handsome tombs, all connected
with the ancient family of Macdutfie otherwise
Macphee. Of this Bond a fac simile is given,
and with the spelling modernized is as follows: —

" Be it known to all men by these presents me
Sir James M'Conill of Knockrinsay, Knight, to have
taken and by these presents takes my loving
servitor and native kynd man Donald Makduphee
Pryor of Oronsay in my maintenance, warrand and
life safe guard, and promises faithfully to warrand

236

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

and defend, fortify and assist the said Donald in all
his lawful adoes in contrar all men — the King's
Majesty being excepted. For the which doings, 1
the said Donald grants and confesses me to have
taken the said Sir James my chief master, and
promises to wair mj'self goods and gear in the
maiutenange of the said Sir James during my
lifetime, so long as the said Sir James does his
lawful duty to me. And for more of verification
and shewing of my obedience to the said Sir James,
1 by the tenure hereof grants me to have given
upon myself and my brethren and our heirs ane

baiiii's part of gear to the said Sir James and his-
heirs for ever ; and the said Sir James to do all
duties that he ought to us, and ours for the same.
In token whereof both I, the said Sir James, and
the said Donald, has subscribed these presents with
our hands as follows : — At Simerby the :?rd of
July, 159", before these witnesses — Uillespic Mac
vie Allister of the Largie, John Mac Gillespie vie
Cay, John Oig Mac MarcNis, and John Steward,
writer, hereinto with others diverse. (Signed),
Sir J. M'Connall of Knockransaj', Kn3't, I,
Donald M'Duphie, lies subscryssit, this present

j^.l::r^.:>5)X''^

I'UKut or ()K(l^■s.\^■

contrak for my own [lart, and in my brother's
behalf."

Sir James M'lJonakl was taken prisoner as
early as 1601, and after one attem])t of e.scape
which failed in consecjuence of liis l)einfi; kept in
irons, wliereby he fell and was injured, finally
escaped in May, lol."). Prior to tlii.s Dunyvaig,
which had been occupied by the Bisliop of tlie
Isles, liad been suddenly seized by Angus Mac-

donald, and some of the Bishop's family held in
security. Information being conveyed to Sir
James that tlie time was favourable for his re-
appearance, and he having also heard that the
King had secretly given the Earl of Argyle
power to carry out the old sentence, made a
determined and successful attempt to escape.
Accompanied by Ke])poch and others he moved
rapidly through Perthshire and the Islands, and

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

237

arrived in Isla, where we find liim at Hunyvaig,
given up by the Cam])ljells. At first many
flocked to his standard but gradually melted
away, and it is clear by his letters from Duny-
vaig that he wished to be restored to his estates
peacefully. Later on he had to flee to Ireland
and thence to Spain. Meantime, his followers
were mercilessly pursued and hunted down, his
base brother Angus, who took Dunyvaig, and
surrendered on promise that his life would be
safe, being tried and executed. A reward of
£5000 had been oflered for the apprehension of
Sir James ; of £3000 for Keppoch and Coll
Gillespie ; and of three thousand merks for
others, by the Privy Council. Mr. Cosmo Innes
says of Sir James, " though his early exploits
show him reckless of blood, in later life he was
not cruel, and sometimes spared his enemies
when in his power. His letters, many of which
are preserved and have been printed, show a
touch of feeling and self respect, and of what
was due to his ancient race; with a straightness
and manliness of expression that contrast
favourably with some of the lawyer's letters
among which they are found."

Sir James had a warm friend in Sir liachlan
Mackintosh, long his fellow prisoner in the
Castle of Edinburgh. Now what was Calder's
position'? He had attained what for years he had
plotted for, shed blood, sold his jilate, and
dilapidated his great grandmother's ancient
Estate of the Thanedom of Calder, all to carry
out his objects, and the end was not worth the
candle. By 1619 he could not pay the Crown
Duties, was put to the horn, and friends and
relatives assembled in council to extricate
matters, if they could. In 1623 Calder had
resolved to sell the illgotten grand Estate of
Isla; but the family managed to pull through
until aljout the year 1726 — the island never
having jiaid its way, and been retained with
difficulty. Notwithstanding the Welsh marriage.
Rumours of the Sale not only of Isla, but even of
Calder, reached the North causing great conster-
nation among northern friends and particularly its
representative Sir Archibald Campbell of Clunes.
He implored his nephew that if a Sale was
necessary it ought to be of Isla, and that the
first ofler of Isla and Muckairn ought to be
made to the Duke of Argyle, and that it was
well worth £20,000 stg. Sir Archibald was mis-
taken as to the rumoured Sale of Calder, and writ-
ing to his nephew on 17th June, 1726, he says: —

' ' I own my mistaking your aftairs for which begs
pardon, and desires to be gratefully thankful for
your valuable resolution of leaving this your North
Country Estate free to your posterity, which I
wish as heartily as I can do anything in time, and
hope if your dear bought lands in Argyleshire be
gone, that better may come in their place, and be

annexed to the ancient honourable Hawthorn Tree,
as formerly."

In 1631 John Fiar of Calder asked the Privy
Council to sanction the destruction of Dunyvaig
which was granted, and tho' it has since been a
ruin, it stands out an imjiosing warning to its
umi]uhile Campbell possessors for the mean and
shabby opinion and spirit disjilayed for its being
destroyed. It is no surprize to find this Calder
cognosced as a lunatic in 1639.

It would rather appear that Sir James'
appeals to the King, formerly referred to, had
never been forwarded, for we find that after
several years absence he was recalled by King
James from Spain, received into favour, and a
handsome pension given him. He was not
allowed to return to Scotland, and his history
from 1616 to 1626 when he died is as yet in
obscurity. Doubtless .some notices are to be
found in English Records. He left no male
issue, and the representation was claimed by the
Earl of Antrim who desired to acquire both
Isla and Kintyre.

NOTES AND QURRTES.

Seann Oran : — Dh' ionnsaich mi na rannan so
'n uair a bha mi 'n am bhalachan ann an Uithist.
Cha 'n fhaca mi riamh ann an leabhar iad. Tha
mi 'g an cur do 'nr n-ionnsuidh anns an diiclias
gu 'm faigh sinn tuilleadh ma tlia e51as aig
leughadair 's am bith air an 6ran no air c6 a
rinn e. — A MaoIsAAC, Clachan-an-d'iseirt.

(ied nach "eil mi acli og
'S beag m' abhachd ri sp6rs ;
Rinn m' ardan 's mo phnMs
Mo threigsinn.

Dol dha 'n arm g' am cheart dheoin
'S mi chaidh iomrall 's a' cheu :
'S e mo chall-sa 'bha niiir
'N a dhe'igh sin.

Thug sinn turns da uair
Gu Uigh Lochlainn mu thuatb ;
'S ann da rioghachd 'Ini clu-uaidh
A's sgeula ud.

Chuir sinn 'aitreibh 'n an gual,
Chuir sinn gaiseadh 'n a sguaib,
'S thug sinn creach as le ruaig
Beumsge'ilhe

'S iomadh clkr agus bord
Air 'n a chh,radh mo Ion
Bho 'n a chaith mi 'cheud chota
Is Mine.

Cha 'n 'eil cearn 's an Roinn-Eurp'
'S nach 'eil larach mo bhroig
Eadar traigh is tir-mtSr
'S na slt'-ibhtean.

238

THE CELTIC MONtHLY.

GEORGE DUNCAN SHEARER,

President, Airdrie Highland Association.

l^^lHE subject of the following sketch is a
V^ North-couiitry-man, emljued with all
^=^ the love of fatherland and pride of birth
contained in that word. He was born in the
Orkneys and his childhood was spent on those
rock bound
isles, liis father
h a ^• i n g been
ruling Magis-
trate in Strom-
ness^ for the
long period of
fifteen j'ears.
Mr. Shearer
was partly
educated at a
private tutorial
School in Ork-
ney before he
proceeded to
(Jlasgow Uni-
\ersity, where
he completed
his education,
and passed as
a Solicitor
in 1885. He
thereafter coni-
nienced the
practice of his
profession in
Airdrie, where
he has been
eminently suc-
cessfui, his
genial tact and
gentle ra anl y
bearing win-
ning the respect
of all cla.sses of
the community.
His succes.s he
owes to his
natural ability
and admirable
legal training in
one of the lar-
gest ollices in

(ilasgow, and also to the thorough earnestness
and energy he brings into all his work. He is
known (but will only admit it on provocation) to
occasionally contribute to one of the (ilasgow
papers, and has even thrown himself with fer-
vour into warfare with those who favoured the
despoilers of those lovely straths in our High-
lands now the haunt of the deer. Mr. Shearer

is a bit of a sportsman and is fre([uently seen
with his gun. He is one of the Presidents^of
the Airdrie Highland Association, which along
with the sister Association in Coatbridge seeks
to keep alive the best traditions of the land of
the 'brown heath and shaggy wood.' The Associa-
tion is managed by an able committee and is
making itself a powerful factor in the Monkland
district for bringing together the afl'ections of
the "children of
the mist," and
in preserving
by Evening
Classes and f re-
(juent commu-
nications, the
language of
their race.
During the last
winter session
xMr. Shearer
presided over
one of the lar-
gest and most
successful Con-
certs of the
Society ever
given in Air-
drie. We learn
that County
gentlemen,
members of
well-known
Highland clans,
are realising
the disinteres-
ted motives
of its patriotic
promoters,
and are identi-
fying them-
selves with the
Society, which
is not yet very
old, but success
se(!ms so as-
sured Ihiit the
rstabl ishment
of a Highland
Institute buil-
ding is being
considered.
Presided over as this Society is by such an
aVjle and energetic leader as the subject of our
present sketch we fear not but that many
residenters in Airdrie will investigate into their
ancestry and discover some long forgotten
Highland forefather who will entitle them to a
claim on its Membership.

L. Grant.

ANDREW KEY SANDISON.

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

239

ANDREW KEY SANDISON.

already earned an abiding place in the atl'eutions
lit" his countrymen.

i.,„„io„ Neil MacMillan.

^a^J^R. A. K. SANDISON was, until he
'SfSfeh left London some years ago, perhaps
■^f^i. one of the most popular Scotsmen in
the city. He was born at Pulteneytown, Caith-
ness, where he served his apprenticeship in the
office of the Sorthern Ensiijn, Wick, then edited
by the late Mr. John Mackie.

Intent upon following an active commercial
career Mr. Sandison went to the Metropolis in
1869, and obtained an appointment upon the
staff of the " Public Ledger," the oldest existing
London daily newspaper. His connection with
this journal lasted till 1884, when he was
appointed Visitor and Collector to the London
Scottish Corporation, at which time Mr. George
Henderson was Secretary. Wliile acting in this
capacity Mr. Sandison rendered valuable services
to many of the Higliland Associations in London,
including the Caithness, Morayshire, and Inver-
ness-shire, all of whom retain a keen sense of
appreciation and gratitude for the practical
interest which he took in their prosperity. On
retiring from his position with the Scottish
Corporation he was appointed to a responsible
post on the staff of the celebrated " Le Oansk,'
Southampton, on whose behalf he now does
yeoman service in all jjarts of the British Isles.

Although Mr. Sandison bears a name which
is probably of Scandinavian origin, he is on the
maternal side closely allied to the Clans Stewart
and Mackintosh, so that tlie Celtic blood Hows
freely through his veins. He prides himself in
being a Highlander, although it is not often
that a Caithnessian will claim connection with
the Gael ! Immediately on his arrival in London
he joined the Caithness Association, and has
ever since continued an active member, and has
contributed not a little to its success. He is
also a Life Governor of the London Scottish
Corporation.

Mr. Sandison has a large circle of friends,
for he makes friends wherever he goes. Natu-
rally of a genial disposition, and gifted with a
rich vein of Scotch humour, he is at all times a
delightful companion. He is always ready to
help forward Highland movements; and we have
frequently heard the Editor of the Celtic Monthhj
express his indebtedness to Mr. Sandison for
introducing the magazine to so many High-
landers whom lie met in his travels in all parts
of the kingdom.

Mr. Sandison, as will lie seen from the
excellent portrait, is still in the prime of life,
and has yet the prospect of many years of
usefulness before him. Tlirough his patriotic
services on behalf of the Highland cause he has

OUR CANADIAN LETTER.

Enthusiastic Gathekini: of the Clan Fraser.

1'ekhai's the event in Highland circles so far this
svuiuuer has been the Gathering of the Clan Fraser
in Toronto. The e.^aiiiple was set by the Clan
MacLean, who gave a recei^tion to Sir Donald
Fitzroy MacLean of Duart last fall, after the great
gathering at Chicago. One result, as has been said,
was the Fraser Clan Banquet, and if there was no
hereditary Chief or Chieftain present to evoke
enthusiasm, there was genuine Clan sentiment in
abundant measure, and no more loyal Clansmen
ever assembled to honour Clan name and tradition.
It is now long ago since the Clan Fraser organized
in Canada ; so long ago that Keltic was able to
avail himself of a good notice of it in his History
of the Clans, an account which must be familiar
and interesting to most of your readers. At the
time the Clan was then organized there were over
12,000 men of the name in Canada, not one of
whom was a day laborer, and all of whom were in
comfortable circumstances. In Nova Scotia the
country is teeming with Frasers, while they are
numerous all over the country.

With the view of bringing the Members of the
Clan once more together and considering the forma-
tion of a Clan Society, the Clan Dinner was held.
Over three hundred letters were received conveying
greeting from Clansmen who could not be present,
and invitations were accepted from many parts of
Canada. A goodly company sat to dinner, which
was served in excellent style. Mr. Alexander
Fraser, Toronto (of the Clann Tc Fliionnlaidh
branch), presided, the vice-chairs being occupied
by Mr. Kobert Lovat Fraser, barrister, Toronto, and
Blayor Fraser, Petrolea. The dining-room was
neatly decorated. Among the things that lent
interest as well as beauty to the room were a finely
poised Royal Stag's Head (the Crest of the CUm),
draped with Fraser Clan Tartan, Mezzo-tint Pic-
tures of Simon, Lord Lovat, beheaded on Tower
hill, of Brigadier-General Simon Fraser, killed at
Saratoga, kindly sent by Mr. B. Homer Dixon, a
Water-colour of tlie Coat-of-Arms of the Clan, a
Map of Inverness-shire, showing tlie Clan possessions,
a Lite-size Copy of Hogarth's Picture of Simon,
Lord Lovat, the "last of the Martyrs," a Life-size
Copy of an Engraving of Sir Alexander Fraser, of
Pliilworth, f uunder of the University of Fraserburgh.

The project of forming a Clan Association was
heartily received and a Commitee, with Alexander
Fraser, Toronto, as Chairman, was formed to carry
out the work of organization.

Tn,-n„tr. P„nn.l, SGIAN DUBH.

BouNo Copies of Volume I. — We have now
only a few copies of this handsome volume left,
which can be had from the Editor at the following
prices—Bound in strong leather, 6/G ; cloth, gilt
lettering, 5/-. Post free.

240

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

FAMOUS HIGHLAND BARDS.

Ko. II. — " lioii DoNN " MacAoidii.

By W. Drummoxd Nouik.

ctl3lAR away in the rugged north and within
y[^ sound of the angry billows of the North
^?v) Sea lashing themselves into fury against
the precipitous rocks of the Sutherland coast,
Robert Mackay was born. His parents, who
were in a humble (losition of life, resided at
Allt-na-caillich in the beautiful and picturesque
district of Strathmore, one of the most lovely
spots in the celebrated " Diitlmicli Mhic AoidJi "
(country of the Mac-
kays), and it was
here that sometime
during the winter of
the year 1714, the
future bard made his
entrance into the
world. Uonald
" Donn" Mackay, his
father, does not
appear to have had
any poetical or liter-
ary tastes, and it was
probably from his
mother that Rob
Donn derived his love
of poetry, for we arc
told that she was a
woman of more than
ordinary ability and
possessed talents of a
very high order. She
could recite with the
greatest ease long
poems descriptive of
the Ossianic heroes,
and other metrical
stories relating to the
ancient traditions of
lier native country,
and it is therefore

only reasonable to conclude that she would take
every opportunity of encouraging her son's
natural inclination in the direction of verse-
uiaking as soon as it became ajiparent, which if
the following story is to be credited, it did, at a
remarkably early pi'i-iod of his life. His bio-
grapher informs us, tliat wlien Rob was quite an
infant his father had occasion to slaughter two
oxen, one of which on being prepared for curing,
was found to be considerably inferior to the
other. Small-pox was raging in Strathmore at
the time, and l)y way of a joke (surely a very
grizzly one), Donald Mackay turning to his chil-
dren, who were watching with childish curiosity

IM'MKNT TO ROB
BAI.NAKIKI, ORAV

the process of salting the meat, remarked,
" Now, the best of this beef is not to be touched
until we see who survives the small-pox to .share
it." Rob, who like his brothers had been deeply
interested in the proceedings, suddenly exclaimed
in childish accents "'»§ oh a chnid sin do 'ii f/iear
a dli' fhalblids." — (He who departs will have a
bad share of it then !) " True my boy," replied
his father, somewhat surprised at his child's
precocity, "and yours will never be a bad share,
while you remain able to use it."

Another instance of the youthful bard's
genius is recorded of him, when he had attained
the mature age of three. It was the custom at
that period to dress children in a short frock
fastened tightly
round the waist and
buttoned at the back.
Rob's mother had
procured one of these
garments from the
village tailor, and on
the morning after it
had been sent home,
the child proud of his
new acquisition, and
anxious to exhibit it
to his brothers ai\(l
sisters, endeavoured
to put it on himself,
but all his eftbrts to
fasten the buttons at
the back were in
vain. Angered at his
failure he ran out of
the house perfectly
naked, and met his
mother just returning
from some of her
farm duties; she was
naturally annoyed at
seeing her son in such
a state and probably
administered a little
maternal correction
to him on tlie spot.
Rob's pride was hurt, and young as he was lie
composed the following lines as an outlet for
his feelings : —

" 'S maith dhomhsa bhi 'n diugh gun aodach,
Le slaodaireachd Mliurchaidh' 'ic Nbill,
Mo bhroilleach chur air mo chiilthaobh,
'S nacli 'oil a dhtinadh again fliein !"

About three years later, when Rob"Donn had
reached tlic age of six years, he fortunately
attracted the attention of Mr. John Mackay of
the family of Skerray, a gentleman of cultivated
tastes, who in addition to his many other
attainments, was an accomplished poet. He

DONN 7. MACKAY,
KYAUI), DIHNESS.

tHE CELTIC MONTHLY.

241

apparently took a great fancy to the cliilcl liard
of Allt-na-caillich, and found a place for him at
his farm of Jlusal, where he employed him to
herd calves and fulfil other light duties about
the place, leaving him ample leisure to follow
his favourite occupation. It was whilst living
at Musal that Rob Donn first began to give real
evidence of his powers as a poet, and even at
this early stage of his career, his verses possess
considerable merit and argue a keenness of
observation, and knowledge of human nature
remarkable in one so young. Nor was humour
wanting, as we shall find on I'eading " Am Jhi.r
Hath" — (The Grey Man); an amusing produc-
tion written out of spite, because he was not
allowed by his master to attend the wedding of
a neighbour who went by that appellation.

Rob, like most of his bi-other bards, was no
stranger to the tender passion, and as he
approached man's estate he fell a victim on
more than one occasion to the shafts of love shot
from the dark eyes of the Highland maids of
Strathmore, His first love was Ann Morrison,
and it was in her praise that he composed the
finest of his love poems, commencing

" 'S trom leam an airidh,

'S a gh^ir so a th' innt,
Gu 'n a phairt sin a b' abhaist,

Bhi 'n driisd air mo cbinn ;
Anna chaol-mhalach, chioch-chorrach,

Shlip-cheannach, ghrinn,
'S Iseabail a bheoil nihilis,

Mhanranaich, bhinn.''

The Isabel referred to in the above verso,
was the daughter of his employer, and after
Ann had proved faithless, he consoled himself
for her loss by attuning his lyre afresh and
singing the charms of Isabel Mackay. One of
the bard's most characteristic productions is a
song of which this lady is the matif. It is
entitled " Fiobaireachd Iseabail Nic-Aoidh" and
is written to the well-known ])ipe tune " Faille
Fhrionns " — (The Prince's ."Salute). In this
song we have ample evidence of Rob Bonn's
rythmical powers, for the difficulty of closely
following all the variations of the Highland
piobaireachd in verse, as he has successfully done,
must be palpable to all those whose knoivledge
of the intricacies of pipe music, enables them to
form an opinion on the subject. Whether
Isabel Mackay reciprocated the bard's passion is
not known, probably the fact that he was in
her father's service, and consequently inferior
to her in social position, deterred her from
encouraging his advances, as marriage between
them was out of the question. Nothing
daunted by his failure in this quarter, Rob
looked elsewhere for consolation, and soon found
it in the society of Janet Mackay, the daughter
of a small tenant farmer of Durness parish,

whom he eventually married, and she being a
woman of good sense and of the most amiable
disposition, their domestic relations were of the
happiest description,

The first few years of Rob Bonn's married
life were spent at Bad-na-h-achlais, a farm
belonging to his old friend and patron Mr. John
Mackay, and here he became known as one of the
most e.xpert deerstalkers in the neighbourhood.
It was due to his skill as a hunter, rather than
to his fame as a poet, that brought him about
this time luider the notice of his chief Lord
Reay, who provided him with a small croft at
Allt-coire-Fraisgil, on the eastern shore of Loch
Erribol, where he was employed in the con-
genial duty of supplying his Lordship's table
with venison, and his own at the same time.
As time went on, so many deer had fallen to
Rob's gun, that Lord Reay gave strict orders
that no more were to be killed without his
direct command. Little heed however was
taken of this injunction by the bard, who like
the rest of his class in the Highlands, looked
upon wild game as the property of the people ;
a feeling expressed in the following Gaelic
proverb "/s ionraic a' mhiiirle na feidh" — •
(Righteous theft is {the killiiifi) deer). At last
Rob's notorious disregard of his chief's orders
got him into trouble, and he was summoned
before the Sheriff-Substitute to answer for his
disobedience. He set out for the Court accom-
jianied by his wife and with his favourite gun
on his shoulder. Tliey had not proceeded far,
when Rob espied a small herd of deer quietly
browsing on the hill side, and with utter dis-
regard of the consequences, he took a steady
aim and brought down two line stags. His
wife was terrified when she saw what he had
done, and commenced to upbraid him for his
recklessness. His only reply was " Go home
and send for them ; if I return not you shall
have the more need for them ; but fear not, it
shall go hard with me if I am not soon with you
again to have my shai-e." His words were soon
verified, for he was so popular in the district
that no one could be found to bear witness
against him and he was let oil" with a caution.
Shortly after this episode he was appointed
Lord Reay's bow-man at Baile-na-Cille, a farm
close to the sea coast within a few miles of
Cape Wrath, where he remained for the greater
part of his life, with short intervals of other
employment elsewhere. One of these occurred,
when, probably at the request of his chief he
enlisted in the 1st Regiment of Sutherland
Highlanders, rai-sed in 1759, in whose ranks he
made many friends both among the ofKcers and
men. His military duties do not appear to
have been of a very arduous character, a fact
which was probably due to his popularity with

242

THE CELTIC MONTHLY.

the officers of the regiment. One day he was
strolling listlessly about in the neighbourhood
of the barracks, when an officer who liad only
recently been appointed enquired somewhat
curtly of him "to what company do you belong?"
" To every company " replied the bard and
passed on, leaving the officer standing aghast at
his apparent impertinence. The incident was
reported to the commanding officer, and after
explanations had been made the matter ended.
In 1763 the regiment was reduced, and Rob
Donn once more returned to his ordinary avo-
cations. A slight diH'erence with his employer,
which is thought to have been occasioned by
some satirical verses in which Lord Reay was
held up to ridicule, caused a temporary breach
in their otherwise amicable relations, and Kob
removed with his family to Achmore in the
same parish ; but after a brief interval returned
to Baile-na-Cille where he remained until his
chief's death. A touching tribute to the many
estimable qualities of that nobleman will be
found among the bard's jioems. After Lord
Reay's death the place of Baile-na-Cille was
managed by Mackay of Skibo, and afterwards
became the residence of Colonel Hugh Mackay,
the son of Rob's old patron. An amusing
anecdote is told of a meeting which took place
in Lochaber between Rob Donn and MacDonakl
of Achatriochadain, who were at that time quite
unknown to each other. The bard had missed
his way and meeting MacDonald asked him if
he could direct him to his destination. Having
done so, and noticing the northern accent in
Rob's Gaelic, Macdonald remarked " I perceive
by your dialect you belong to the north, — what
part there?" "To Lord Reay's country," replied
the bard. " O then you must know Rob Donn !"
" Yes I could point hiiu out to you in a crowd."
" Pray inform me then what like a person he is,
of whom we hear so niiichf" "A pereon, I
fear of whom more has been spoken than he
well deserves." "You think so, do youl"
returned MacDonald with some sharpness, for
he was something of a poet himself and con-
sidered the stranger's answer argued a want of
appreciation. The conversation then lapsed for
a few minutes until they came in sight of Ben
Nevis, when pointing to its cloud enveloped
Rummit, MacDonald enquired " Were you ever,
my man at the toj) of yon mountain (" "I
never was," said Rob. " 'Then you have never
been so near Heaven." " And have you your-
self been there?" "Indeed I have." "Then what
a fool you must have been to descend," retorted
tlie bard, " are you sure of being ever again so
nigh?' This witty re])ly fairly took away
MacDonald's breath, and turning to his com-
panion he exclaimed " I'll be shot if thou be
not thyself Rob Donn." The bard modestly

admitted that such was the case, and a friendship
was struck up between them on the spot.

Owing to his wife's failing health preventing
her from continuing her duties about the farm,
Rob Donn removed to a small croft at Nuybig,
where she shortly afterwards died. The bard
himself never recovered from the shock, and
only survived her a few months. He died on
the oth of August, 1778, at the age of sixty four
years, beloved by all who knew him and
mourned by the whole country side. Although
we cannot claim for Rob Donn the highest
place among the Gaelic bards, it would be no
exaggeration to say that few excelled him.
His satire was keen without being vindictive;
his humour (except in a very few instances)
racy, without being indelicate, and his wit
natural and unforced. In private life he was a
fond and faithful husband, a good father, and
a staunch friend. His only failing was an
occasional over indulgence in the national
beverage, a fault which most of his fellow
countrymen will readily excuse, on the ground
that "people who live in glass houses musn't
throw stones." Some years after his death a
subscription