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.

Flora MacDonald (1722-1790)

Flora was born in Milton, South Uist, one of the Outer Hebridean Islands to the west of Skye. After the death of her father Ranald MacDonald, her mother married Hugh MacDonald, a member of the house of Sleat. She was brought up on Skye and attended school in Sleat and then Edinburgh.

Flora was visiting Milton when she became involved in the plan to help Bonnie Prince Charlie escape his pursuers.

After Charles's escape, Flora was taken to London and held in protective custody until July 1747. She was widely admired for her courage and money was quickly raised which enabled her to return to Edinburgh and then Skye.

She married Allan MacDonald of Kingsburgh. They lived at Flodigarry and raised a family. In 1774 they emigrated to North Carolina.

Flora returned to Skye in 1779 whilst her husband and two sons fought in the American War of Independence. After her husbands return they lived at Kingsburgh.

She died at Peinduin and it is said that over 3000 mourners attended her funeral at which 300 gallons of whisky were drunk. She was buried in the graveyard at Kilmuir.

Source: http://www.isbuc.co.uk/People/FloMac.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.

Seasons, Wind and Weather (cont.)

Now skaills the skyis:
The night is neir gone.
Alexander Montgomerie (c. 1545 -c. 1610)

Silence is in the air:
The stars move to their places.
Silent and serene the stars move to their places.
William Soutar, The Children

Autumnal frosts enchant the pool
And make the cart-ruts beautiful.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), The House Beautiful

Triùir a thig gun iarraidh - Goal, Eud is Eagal

Three that come unbidden - Love, Jealousy and Fear

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