Scottish Flotsam from the Shetland Islands - Dates and Happenings of December

I imagine the first question anyone will ask is what is a column called "Scottish Flotsam". I guess we will have to begin with what is "flotsam". Among the definitions of the word are "things washed ashore" or "miscellaneous trifles". Well, we believe you can find some great treasure on the ocean shore. But -- you will never know what you will find or its value. So we decided that is what this column is - flotsam. We wanted a place to put things that didn't fit anywhere else and might be of interest. Each item could be a column itself and might be some day but for now it will be the flotsam, which washes our way.

Engagement, 26 - 27 December 1647
By the latter part of 1647 it was becoming obvious that Crowmwell (1599 - 1658) and the Independents has no intention of carrying out the terms of Solemn League and Covenant. Accordingly certain noblemen, notably Lauderdale (1616 - 82) and Hamilton (1606 -49), concerned in any case about the growing ascendancy of the Kirk, contacted Charles I (1600 - 49) who although a prisoner of the Parliamentarians was still able to sign the Engagement. Thus the King, in return for promising to introduce Presbyterianism for a trial period of three years in England and granting various economic concessions, would receive Scottish military aid. As it happened both Leven (1580 - 1661) and David Leslie (1682) the two principal Covenanting generals refuse to join the Engagers and an inferior force led by Hamilton was easily overcome by Cromwell at Preston in August 1648. The significance of the episode was twofold; it decisively marked the serious division that had occurred in the ranks of the Covenanting opposition and the defeat of the more moderate Engagers allowed the fanatics to seize power. Shortly afterwards in January 1649 the Act of Classes was passed.
Stevenson, D. ,Revolution and Counter Revolution in Scotland 1644 - 51, Royal Historical Society, 1977.

Now lets look at some specific dates:

1584 - December 2

A boy, who set fire to a heather-stack opposite the Tron in Edinburgh and endangered the whole town centre, was himself burned at the stake.

1952 - December 5
The Ness district on the Isle of Lewis was selected as an area for influenza vaccine-trials.

1165 - December 9
William the Lion became King of Scotland, aged about 22, on the death of the invalid Malcolm IV who had ruled for 12 years.

1948- December 16
Edinburgh decided on a radical experiment by providing the city's refuse-men with gloves as protection against dermatitis.

1879 - December 28
First Tay rail bridge blown down in a gale while a train passed over; 78 passengers and crew died.

Source - Scotching the Myths by Jim Hewiston can be found in the History Book Section of Scottish Radiance.

It is time to stop combing the library but we can not quit without some quotes from The Pocket Book of Scottish Quotations another great History bookshelf resident. Let's see what quotes we can find.

Pleasures and Pastimes

When the noisy ten hours drum
Gars a' your trades gae dandering hame,
Gie a' to merriment and glee
Wi' sang and glass they fley the power
O' care that wad harass the hour.
James Fergusson (1750 - 1774), Auld Reekie

I mend the fire and beikit me about,
Then took ane drink my spreitis to comfort,
And armit me weill fra the cauld thereout;
The cut the winter nicht and mak it short,
I took one quair, and left all other sport.
Robert Gebrtsib (1425 - 1500) The Testament of Cresseid

Silence is, perhaps, the greatest hallujah; the silent hosannas of the sun, the stars, the trees and the flowers. But silence is not enough - the innumerable songs of earth mighle with the acclamation of the serene witnesses. The wind, the cries of birds and beast and the thoughtful uttterance of humanity; each day is life's messiah and at is feet are leaves about iss head are the canticles of joy.
William Soutar (1898 - 1943), Diary

Now for a Gaelic Proverb for this month.

Is òg an Nollaig a' chiad oidhche. Christmas is young the first night

You can find more articles in the archive under Scottish Flotsam.

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