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Dear Readers, Yes, it is still Sharma Krauskopf but my column has taken on a new look and format. My upcoming book is entitled "Lighthouse Letters" which I felt also appropriate for my Scottish Radiance column. I will be chatting with you sometimes about things at the lighthouse and at others I will write about more serious issues. With the dawn of a new millennium I want to take a serious note for this first letter.
A Nation's HeartJames Hunter's book "Last of the Free" had been begun my thinking about Scotland's future. James Hunter projects that Scotland's success depends on the country tapping into its resources from the past. The culture that has been its strength since the beginning of recorded history is impressive. Some people tend to think only of the romantic Scotland that is symbolized by Brigadoon, heroes like William Wallace and talk of castles. These are definitely a part of this wonderful country. But, Scotland is much more than romantic stories. We must remember it is a real place with people struggling to make their way especially as a new millennium dawns. Scotland's heart is its people. People molded into a foundation consistent with their complicated and often misunderstood past. The past often ended in dispare and disappointment instead of the romantic tales people seem to love to read. The Scots because of this often-bitter past are fighters. They know how to uncover ways around obstacles. They know how to pick themselves up when the world knocks them down. Two specific examples I would like to mention The first, James Hunter touched on in his book. The Shetland Islands have been expanding their knitting industry making other parts of the world a successful market place for their beautiful sweaters. The Fair Isle designs are popular the world over. It is not uncommon as James Hunter points out to find Shetland knit wear for sale. My addition to Scotland using their resources from the past to go charging into 2000 is related to the music of Scotland. Immediately people think of bagpipes when Scotland's music is mentioned. Bagpipes are wonderful and can give you chills. A new type of music is coming from Scotland and the world is embracing it with open arms. People like Capercaillie, Moira Kerr, Blair Douglas, Ian Green (guiding light of Greentrax Recordings) and Aly Bain, are leaders in this effort. Not just ancient or traditional songs but new songs, which ring of a strong and modern Scotland are being played. Maybe we at Scottish Radiance know this better than most. We sell CDs and have people listens to our RealAudio music selections from almost every nation. Millions of people visit Scottish Radiance and listen to the songs we have provided. As an example I have selected some songs, which show both the old and the new. First, Moira Kerr sings "Flower of Scotland" for the old and then a new beautiful composition "This is My World. Blair Douglas does a traditional favorite, Braes of Uig and a beautiful new composition, Skye at Last. From Greentrax we have Keltic elektrik doing a new Clumsy Lover. Music is only one way Scotland's heart, its people, will be taking their culture from the past into the new millennium. I feel fortunate to be just a small part of this new and exciting millennium where Scotland will continue to share the best of it culture and heritage with the world. This is what James Hunter points out in "Last of the Free" will strengthen the Scottish economy and keep the country growing. As is fitting at the end of a year and the beginning of my new column I want to close with an old Scottish favorite done in a most modern way. Keltic elektrik presents Auld Lang Syne. Just like this song based on Robert Burn's song from the past bursts with energy and excitement Scotland's Heart, its people, meet the new millennium grounded in the past and alive with the future. Happy 2000, Sharma
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You can find more articles in the archive under Island Miniatures.
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