Scottish Flotsam from the Shetland Islands - People, Famous Scots, Quotes, and Proverbs

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.

Lets begin with a famous Scot.

Willie Carson

Born in Stirling, Scotland on 16th November, 1942, it took a while for Willie to take off in racing. He readily admits that in the early days he thought of quitting.

However, he plugged on with the determination that was so evident in his energetic riding style. Willie was definitely the punter's pal as he gave all horses a ride.

He is probably most remembered for his association with Nashwan and Dayjur--two completely contrasting race horses. Willie's riding performance to hustle Dayjur to the lead from an outside draw in the Breeders' Cup Sprint was impressive. He looked like he had kept something up his sleeve for that final drive to the line and although Dayjur attempted to jump a shadow near the finish line and forfeited the race to Safely Kept, it was a great ride.

Today Willie keeps himself busy. At the race course, he splits his time commentating for the BBC and is European racing manager for The Thoroughbred Corporation.

Source:http://www.jockeysroom.com/itm00107.htm

It is time to stop combing the library but we can not quit without some quotes from Quotable Scots another great History bookshelf resident. Let's see what quotes we can find.

Fame and Fortune

In all times and places the Hero has been worshipped. It will ever be so.
We all love great men.
Thomas Carlyle, On Heroes and Hero-Worship

Who grasped at earthly fame
Grasped wind
Robert Pollok (1798-1827), The Course of Time

Sound, sound the trumpet, sound the fife,
Loud the glorious truth proclaim:
One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832)

If it is for fame that men do brave actions, they are only silly fellows after all.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), The English Admirals

Now for a Gaelic Proverb for this month.

Is mall adhart na leisge Slow is the progress of the lazy.

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

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