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.
Clencairn Rising (1653 -4)
The royalist inspired attempt at insurrection was the only serious threat to the Cromwellian Union. Glencairn (c. 1610-64), who arrived in Scotland in August 1653 with the official backing of Charles II (1630-85) for this rebellion, won support both from certain Lowland families and from a number of clan chiefs. Inevitably, of course, the motives of the latter were varied, including dislike of any governmental initiatives at controlling their actions not to mention suspicion of Argyll (1607-61) and his policy. However, despite the addition of Middleton (c.1608-74) as military commander there was a lack of co-ordination and determination about the whole enterprise that ensured the rising was comparatively easily suppressed by the English authorities. The final set back came at Dalnaspidal in July 1654 when a force under Middleton was defeated by Monck (1608-70). The main consequence of the rebellion was the worsening financial circumstances of various noble families as the occupying government confiscated their property and levied fines from them. Dow, F., Cromwellian Scotland, John Donald, 1980.
Now lets look at some specific dates:
1423 - August 5A fierce fire virtually destroyed the town of Aberdeen
1167 - August 9
In the presence of King William the Lion, the grassy slopes to the north of the Brothock stream in Angus were solemnly dedicated as the site of Arbroath Abbey.
1981 - August 13
Scots jockey Willie Carson fractured his skull when his mount fell in the Yorkshire Oaks.
1932 - August 18
Scots aviator Jim Mollison made the first west-bound solo crossing of the Atlantic,
Fierce winds 'blasted' wheatfields in Scotland which resulted in an extraordinary dearth toward the year's end.
1798 - August 28
James Wilson, a lawyer born in Fife and a signatory to the American Declaration of Independence 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 Quotable Scots another great History bookshelf resident. Let's see what quotes we can find.
Politics (cont.)
Go back to your constituencies and prepare for government
Sir David Steel speech to party conference, 1985.
Lord Asquith, 1923 Every time the Labour Party are asked to name their weapon they pick boomerangs
Ian MacLeod Being Chancellor of Exchequer is a humdrum activity.
Norman Lamont Mail on Sunday, 1991
Now for a Gaelic Proverb for this month.
Garbh-innse nan uirsgeulan- The big telling of stories.
You can find more articles in the archive under Scottish Flotsam.
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