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The Advertiser
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
'I couldn't believe it': location of Captain Cook's HMB Endeavour finalised
It was early afternoon in September 2017 when Australian National Maritime Museum maritime archaeologist Dr James Hunter took his first dive on the shipwreck lying in 13 metres of murky water at Newport Harbour in Rhode Island. He was joined by two local divers from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP). They were underwater for just 20 minutes. "We just went down and swam around," says Hunter. "I saw two cannons sitting on the seabed. The visibility wasn't great. We were looking at it for the first time and realised: 'Wow, there's a lot here.'" They were diving amongst a graveyard of British 18th-century transport ships scuttled by the British to blockade Newport Harbour in August 1778 during the American War of Independence. What they were looking at was the shipwreck RI 2394 - now positively identified by the Museum as HMB Endeavour (later renamed Lord Sandwich), the ship used by Lieutenant James Cook on his discovery of Australia in 1770. Their findings are part of the Australian National Maritime Museum's final 126-page report, Locating HMB Endeavour, into the 25-year journey to positively identify the ship's resting place Authors Kieran Hosty and James Hunter state: "This report outlines the archival and archaeological evidence that confirms the identification of the shipwreck site of Lord Sandwich, formerly HMB Endeavour... and at the same time discounts any of the other investigated shipwreck sites as that of James Cook's renowned ship of exploration." READ MORE: Let's not cancel Captain Cook: what history tells us of the great navigator Ms Daryl Karp AM, director and CEO of the museum, said, "This Final Report is the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel. "It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe. This Final Report marks our definitive statement on the project." The positive identification was based on a 'preponderance of evidence' approach. An agreement between RIMAP and the Sydney Museum established 10 key criteria needed to positively identify the wreck. The museum is now satisfied that those criteria match Cook's ship, launched in Whitby, North Yorkshire in 1764, originally named the Earl of Pembroke. Work by the museum positively identified the precise part of the ship on which they were diving and led them to identify the stump of a pump shaft used to pump water out of the bottom of the hull. Hunter said: "RIMAP maintained that all ships scuttled prior to the Battle of Rhode Island had their bows facing north, but notes that didn't make sense because of prevailing southerly winds and swell that are characteristic of Newport Harbour in August. They would have been easier to prepare for scuttling with their bows facing south into the wind and waves. "I'd acquired high-resolution scans of the Endeavour plans from 1768. I superimposed them over my site plan with the bow facing north, but it didn't work. So, I swung the site plan around in Photoshop, and multiple hull features lined up. I couldn't believe it." Dr Kathy Abbas, however, one of two principal investigators at RIMAP, refuses to acknowledge that the ship is Endeavour. Her report, released last November, states: "Some details are consistent with the possibility that she could be HMB Endeavour, but there has been nothing found to refute or confirm the identification of this site as that iconic vessel." The impasse, Hunter says, is delaying further research. He suggests bringing one of the ship's cannons to the surface to compare it with one jettisoned by Cook when he ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef in June 1770 (now on display at the Museum). Endeavour originally had 10 four-pounder cannons. Six in total were abandoned to raise the ship in the water when it grounded and there are four lying inside the surviving lower hull. It is, however, possible the cannons were changed as the ship was later deployed in different roles. "RIMAP has always had the concept that you have to find an artifact with a name on it or something compelling like a ship's bell," says Hunter. RIMAP is looking for a 'gold nugget' artefact. "They have the gold nugget artefact. It's the hull. But they're still not over the line. They're still not saying: 'Yeah, you guys have got it right.'" Marine archaeologist Nigel Erskine, former museum archaeologist who first dived on the wrecks in Rhode Island in 2004, is convinced the identification is correct. He said of Dr Abbas: "She wants something, a bit like Shackleton's vessel [Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was found in 2022] with great preservation and the name still intact across the stern, you couldn't miss it. But that's not the case with this vessel, or any of the others there in Rhode Island." Report co-author Kieran Hosty said preservation of the site remained a priority. "The development of a conservation management plan in association with the state authorities regarding management of the site would be a good move." He said he had great respect for Dr Abbas as a historian. "Dr Abbas has done some amazing work in Newport on the shipwrecks there," he said. "But I think she's incorrect in her premise that it's not the Endeavour." Daryl Karp added: "We want to acknowledge the work of the museum's archaeological team over the past 25 years, the work of Dr Kathy Abass in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island authorities, and the many subject specialists who have provided expert information and guidance over the years." The writer is a contractor for the Australian Maritime Museum It was early afternoon in September 2017 when Australian National Maritime Museum maritime archaeologist Dr James Hunter took his first dive on the shipwreck lying in 13 metres of murky water at Newport Harbour in Rhode Island. He was joined by two local divers from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP). They were underwater for just 20 minutes. "We just went down and swam around," says Hunter. "I saw two cannons sitting on the seabed. The visibility wasn't great. We were looking at it for the first time and realised: 'Wow, there's a lot here.'" They were diving amongst a graveyard of British 18th-century transport ships scuttled by the British to blockade Newport Harbour in August 1778 during the American War of Independence. What they were looking at was the shipwreck RI 2394 - now positively identified by the Museum as HMB Endeavour (later renamed Lord Sandwich), the ship used by Lieutenant James Cook on his discovery of Australia in 1770. Their findings are part of the Australian National Maritime Museum's final 126-page report, Locating HMB Endeavour, into the 25-year journey to positively identify the ship's resting place Authors Kieran Hosty and James Hunter state: "This report outlines the archival and archaeological evidence that confirms the identification of the shipwreck site of Lord Sandwich, formerly HMB Endeavour... and at the same time discounts any of the other investigated shipwreck sites as that of James Cook's renowned ship of exploration." READ MORE: Let's not cancel Captain Cook: what history tells us of the great navigator Ms Daryl Karp AM, director and CEO of the museum, said, "This Final Report is the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel. "It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe. This Final Report marks our definitive statement on the project." The positive identification was based on a 'preponderance of evidence' approach. An agreement between RIMAP and the Sydney Museum established 10 key criteria needed to positively identify the wreck. The museum is now satisfied that those criteria match Cook's ship, launched in Whitby, North Yorkshire in 1764, originally named the Earl of Pembroke. Work by the museum positively identified the precise part of the ship on which they were diving and led them to identify the stump of a pump shaft used to pump water out of the bottom of the hull. Hunter said: "RIMAP maintained that all ships scuttled prior to the Battle of Rhode Island had their bows facing north, but notes that didn't make sense because of prevailing southerly winds and swell that are characteristic of Newport Harbour in August. They would have been easier to prepare for scuttling with their bows facing south into the wind and waves. "I'd acquired high-resolution scans of the Endeavour plans from 1768. I superimposed them over my site plan with the bow facing north, but it didn't work. So, I swung the site plan around in Photoshop, and multiple hull features lined up. I couldn't believe it." Dr Kathy Abbas, however, one of two principal investigators at RIMAP, refuses to acknowledge that the ship is Endeavour. Her report, released last November, states: "Some details are consistent with the possibility that she could be HMB Endeavour, but there has been nothing found to refute or confirm the identification of this site as that iconic vessel." The impasse, Hunter says, is delaying further research. He suggests bringing one of the ship's cannons to the surface to compare it with one jettisoned by Cook when he ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef in June 1770 (now on display at the Museum). Endeavour originally had 10 four-pounder cannons. Six in total were abandoned to raise the ship in the water when it grounded and there are four lying inside the surviving lower hull. It is, however, possible the cannons were changed as the ship was later deployed in different roles. "RIMAP has always had the concept that you have to find an artifact with a name on it or something compelling like a ship's bell," says Hunter. RIMAP is looking for a 'gold nugget' artefact. "They have the gold nugget artefact. It's the hull. But they're still not over the line. They're still not saying: 'Yeah, you guys have got it right.'" Marine archaeologist Nigel Erskine, former museum archaeologist who first dived on the wrecks in Rhode Island in 2004, is convinced the identification is correct. He said of Dr Abbas: "She wants something, a bit like Shackleton's vessel [Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was found in 2022] with great preservation and the name still intact across the stern, you couldn't miss it. But that's not the case with this vessel, or any of the others there in Rhode Island." Report co-author Kieran Hosty said preservation of the site remained a priority. "The development of a conservation management plan in association with the state authorities regarding management of the site would be a good move." He said he had great respect for Dr Abbas as a historian. "Dr Abbas has done some amazing work in Newport on the shipwrecks there," he said. "But I think she's incorrect in her premise that it's not the Endeavour." Daryl Karp added: "We want to acknowledge the work of the museum's archaeological team over the past 25 years, the work of Dr Kathy Abass in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island authorities, and the many subject specialists who have provided expert information and guidance over the years." The writer is a contractor for the Australian Maritime Museum It was early afternoon in September 2017 when Australian National Maritime Museum maritime archaeologist Dr James Hunter took his first dive on the shipwreck lying in 13 metres of murky water at Newport Harbour in Rhode Island. He was joined by two local divers from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP). They were underwater for just 20 minutes. "We just went down and swam around," says Hunter. "I saw two cannons sitting on the seabed. The visibility wasn't great. We were looking at it for the first time and realised: 'Wow, there's a lot here.'" They were diving amongst a graveyard of British 18th-century transport ships scuttled by the British to blockade Newport Harbour in August 1778 during the American War of Independence. What they were looking at was the shipwreck RI 2394 - now positively identified by the Museum as HMB Endeavour (later renamed Lord Sandwich), the ship used by Lieutenant James Cook on his discovery of Australia in 1770. Their findings are part of the Australian National Maritime Museum's final 126-page report, Locating HMB Endeavour, into the 25-year journey to positively identify the ship's resting place Authors Kieran Hosty and James Hunter state: "This report outlines the archival and archaeological evidence that confirms the identification of the shipwreck site of Lord Sandwich, formerly HMB Endeavour... and at the same time discounts any of the other investigated shipwreck sites as that of James Cook's renowned ship of exploration." READ MORE: Let's not cancel Captain Cook: what history tells us of the great navigator Ms Daryl Karp AM, director and CEO of the museum, said, "This Final Report is the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel. "It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe. This Final Report marks our definitive statement on the project." The positive identification was based on a 'preponderance of evidence' approach. An agreement between RIMAP and the Sydney Museum established 10 key criteria needed to positively identify the wreck. The museum is now satisfied that those criteria match Cook's ship, launched in Whitby, North Yorkshire in 1764, originally named the Earl of Pembroke. Work by the museum positively identified the precise part of the ship on which they were diving and led them to identify the stump of a pump shaft used to pump water out of the bottom of the hull. Hunter said: "RIMAP maintained that all ships scuttled prior to the Battle of Rhode Island had their bows facing north, but notes that didn't make sense because of prevailing southerly winds and swell that are characteristic of Newport Harbour in August. They would have been easier to prepare for scuttling with their bows facing south into the wind and waves. "I'd acquired high-resolution scans of the Endeavour plans from 1768. I superimposed them over my site plan with the bow facing north, but it didn't work. So, I swung the site plan around in Photoshop, and multiple hull features lined up. I couldn't believe it." Dr Kathy Abbas, however, one of two principal investigators at RIMAP, refuses to acknowledge that the ship is Endeavour. Her report, released last November, states: "Some details are consistent with the possibility that she could be HMB Endeavour, but there has been nothing found to refute or confirm the identification of this site as that iconic vessel." The impasse, Hunter says, is delaying further research. He suggests bringing one of the ship's cannons to the surface to compare it with one jettisoned by Cook when he ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef in June 1770 (now on display at the Museum). Endeavour originally had 10 four-pounder cannons. Six in total were abandoned to raise the ship in the water when it grounded and there are four lying inside the surviving lower hull. It is, however, possible the cannons were changed as the ship was later deployed in different roles. "RIMAP has always had the concept that you have to find an artifact with a name on it or something compelling like a ship's bell," says Hunter. RIMAP is looking for a 'gold nugget' artefact. "They have the gold nugget artefact. It's the hull. But they're still not over the line. They're still not saying: 'Yeah, you guys have got it right.'" Marine archaeologist Nigel Erskine, former museum archaeologist who first dived on the wrecks in Rhode Island in 2004, is convinced the identification is correct. He said of Dr Abbas: "She wants something, a bit like Shackleton's vessel [Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was found in 2022] with great preservation and the name still intact across the stern, you couldn't miss it. But that's not the case with this vessel, or any of the others there in Rhode Island." Report co-author Kieran Hosty said preservation of the site remained a priority. "The development of a conservation management plan in association with the state authorities regarding management of the site would be a good move." He said he had great respect for Dr Abbas as a historian. "Dr Abbas has done some amazing work in Newport on the shipwrecks there," he said. "But I think she's incorrect in her premise that it's not the Endeavour." Daryl Karp added: "We want to acknowledge the work of the museum's archaeological team over the past 25 years, the work of Dr Kathy Abass in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island authorities, and the many subject specialists who have provided expert information and guidance over the years." The writer is a contractor for the Australian Maritime Museum It was early afternoon in September 2017 when Australian National Maritime Museum maritime archaeologist Dr James Hunter took his first dive on the shipwreck lying in 13 metres of murky water at Newport Harbour in Rhode Island. He was joined by two local divers from the Rhode Island Marine Archaeology Project (RIMAP). They were underwater for just 20 minutes. "We just went down and swam around," says Hunter. "I saw two cannons sitting on the seabed. The visibility wasn't great. We were looking at it for the first time and realised: 'Wow, there's a lot here.'" They were diving amongst a graveyard of British 18th-century transport ships scuttled by the British to blockade Newport Harbour in August 1778 during the American War of Independence. What they were looking at was the shipwreck RI 2394 - now positively identified by the Museum as HMB Endeavour (later renamed Lord Sandwich), the ship used by Lieutenant James Cook on his discovery of Australia in 1770. Their findings are part of the Australian National Maritime Museum's final 126-page report, Locating HMB Endeavour, into the 25-year journey to positively identify the ship's resting place Authors Kieran Hosty and James Hunter state: "This report outlines the archival and archaeological evidence that confirms the identification of the shipwreck site of Lord Sandwich, formerly HMB Endeavour... and at the same time discounts any of the other investigated shipwreck sites as that of James Cook's renowned ship of exploration." READ MORE: Let's not cancel Captain Cook: what history tells us of the great navigator Ms Daryl Karp AM, director and CEO of the museum, said, "This Final Report is the culmination of 25 years of detailed and meticulous archaeological study on this important vessel. "It has involved underwater investigation in the US and extensive research in institutions across the globe. This Final Report marks our definitive statement on the project." The positive identification was based on a 'preponderance of evidence' approach. An agreement between RIMAP and the Sydney Museum established 10 key criteria needed to positively identify the wreck. The museum is now satisfied that those criteria match Cook's ship, launched in Whitby, North Yorkshire in 1764, originally named the Earl of Pembroke. Work by the museum positively identified the precise part of the ship on which they were diving and led them to identify the stump of a pump shaft used to pump water out of the bottom of the hull. Hunter said: "RIMAP maintained that all ships scuttled prior to the Battle of Rhode Island had their bows facing north, but notes that didn't make sense because of prevailing southerly winds and swell that are characteristic of Newport Harbour in August. They would have been easier to prepare for scuttling with their bows facing south into the wind and waves. "I'd acquired high-resolution scans of the Endeavour plans from 1768. I superimposed them over my site plan with the bow facing north, but it didn't work. So, I swung the site plan around in Photoshop, and multiple hull features lined up. I couldn't believe it." Dr Kathy Abbas, however, one of two principal investigators at RIMAP, refuses to acknowledge that the ship is Endeavour. Her report, released last November, states: "Some details are consistent with the possibility that she could be HMB Endeavour, but there has been nothing found to refute or confirm the identification of this site as that iconic vessel." The impasse, Hunter says, is delaying further research. He suggests bringing one of the ship's cannons to the surface to compare it with one jettisoned by Cook when he ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef in June 1770 (now on display at the Museum). Endeavour originally had 10 four-pounder cannons. Six in total were abandoned to raise the ship in the water when it grounded and there are four lying inside the surviving lower hull. It is, however, possible the cannons were changed as the ship was later deployed in different roles. "RIMAP has always had the concept that you have to find an artifact with a name on it or something compelling like a ship's bell," says Hunter. RIMAP is looking for a 'gold nugget' artefact. "They have the gold nugget artefact. It's the hull. But they're still not over the line. They're still not saying: 'Yeah, you guys have got it right.'" Marine archaeologist Nigel Erskine, former museum archaeologist who first dived on the wrecks in Rhode Island in 2004, is convinced the identification is correct. He said of Dr Abbas: "She wants something, a bit like Shackleton's vessel [Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship Endurance was found in 2022] with great preservation and the name still intact across the stern, you couldn't miss it. But that's not the case with this vessel, or any of the others there in Rhode Island." Report co-author Kieran Hosty said preservation of the site remained a priority. "The development of a conservation management plan in association with the state authorities regarding management of the site would be a good move." He said he had great respect for Dr Abbas as a historian. "Dr Abbas has done some amazing work in Newport on the shipwrecks there," he said. "But I think she's incorrect in her premise that it's not the Endeavour." Daryl Karp added: "We want to acknowledge the work of the museum's archaeological team over the past 25 years, the work of Dr Kathy Abass in Rhode Island, the Rhode Island authorities, and the many subject specialists who have provided expert information and guidance over the years." The writer is a contractor for the Australian Maritime Museum
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
New historical fiction novel inspired by a folk song about a Scottish hero.
John Ogden has just published his new novel which tells the story of Jack the Painter, a man who single-handedly almost succeeded in bringing the Royal Navy to its knees. The story is interwoven with that of Will, a modern-day veteran, who is teetering on the edge of life. Over one night they tell each other their stories. Jack's tale of his role in the American War of Independence, and how he almost single-handedly brought it to an early end; Will's of fighting for freedom in a world which soon forgets the fallen and fractured. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Paint it Jack Tired of his dead-end factory job, Will - a lad from the North-East of England - joins the army where he goes to fight in the War on Terror. He becomes a man able to save and take lives until one day his world falls apart. Broken and despairing he meets Jack, another lost soul, in the shadows of Old Portsmouth. Jack, born and brought up in Edinburgh's Cowgate and once England's most wanted man, also fought for freedom but his fight was many years ago. As the night passes they tell each other their stories: Jack's tale of his role in the American War of Independence, and how he almost single-handedly brought it to an early end; Will's of fighting for freedom in a world which soon forgets the fallen and fractured. The historical fiction novel Paint it Jack is set in Scotland, England, the USA and France of the late 18th century, and Portsmouth, Afghanistan and Durham of the early 21st century; it is a story of hopes, heroes, fear, loss and redemption. The author. How did the book come about? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A few years ago John came across a book of folk songs in a Hampshire Museum. The most modern of the songs was from the 1960s it was 'The ballad of Jack the Painter'. In it the songwriter celebrates – 200 or so years after the event - the death and grisly afterlife of Jack the Painter. Why would someone feel the need to celebrate something long past? John needed to understand who Jack was, where he came from, what he did and why he still inspired resentment, these themes inspired the writing of the book. As John researched Jack's story and travelled across the country he came across more and more homeless veterans who were living on the edge of life, He felt compelled to tell their story. The book interweaves two stories Jack's and Will's the latter a composite of many of the homeless veterans John met. Author Biography John Ogden was born in North-East England. On leaving school he went to work in a factory spending his evenings playing drums with a number of bands. In his early twenties he headed towards London in search of musical fame and fortune, something which never materialised. He eventually put down his drumsticks and as he was already able to count to four became an accountant. Always fascinated by words he began to write and perform poetry appearing regularly on Vanessa Feltz's popular BBC Radio 2 show and at Open Mic sessions. After half a lifetime away he returned to his native North-East in 2022. John now lives with his wife Janet in the beautiful North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby, where he hopes to add to its considerable stock of stories. Paint it Jack is John's first book. James Aitken AKA Jack the Painter Where can people buy the book? If readers find themselves in Whitby, Paint it Jack can be bought from Holman's Bookshop and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, from the publisher's website or from Amazon.
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling this weekend to mark 250th anniversary of American War of Independence
The city's connection with the major world conflict is marked with a memorial in the Old Town. On the 250th anniversary of the start of the American War of Independence, Scotland's fascinating connection to this major world event is being marked with the unveiling of a restored memorial in Stirling's old town cemetery. In the medieval section of the cemetery stands a monument to Major Arthur Forbes and the military service of the Forbes family. Major Forbes, who died at the age of 78 in 1831, was in his Majesty's North Carolina Highlanders, a unit formed by Scottish settlers in the then British colony which would become part of the United States. Many of them were former Jacobites, including Flora MacDonald (famous for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape following Culloden), who had been driven to exile for their loyalty to the Stuart line. In North Carolina, Flora helped summon the clans in support of the crown during the war, but the unit suffered a major defeat at the hands of the North Carolina Provincial Congress militia at the Battle of Moore Creek Bridge, one of the turning points in the conflict. The battle, which took place on 27 February 1776, included the last recorded Highland Charge, with some of the defeated unit deported back to Scotland in the aftermath. As part of this unit, Forbes may very well have been involved in the battle and, while there is still some mystery about his life, the sight of this intriguing memorial falling into disrepair on the 250th milestone of the conflict, prompted Stirling Council Archaeologist Murray Cook to start a crowdfunder to restore it. With the funds quickly raised, Stirling Council's Cemeteries Service repaired the memorial. Tomorrow (Saturday) it will be unveiled by Stirling's Lord Provost Elaine Watterson as part of a special ceremony that will also include a free talk from Dr Cook and a visit to another memorial of a soldier involved in the American Revolutionary War – General Samuel Graham who was threatened with summary execution by General Washington. Stirling Council Archaeologist Murray Cook said: 'For centuries, Stirling was one of the most important places in Scotland, a frontier, a capital and the site of victories. 'After the Union of the Crowns and Parliament, Stirling became central to the British Empire and military success across the globe. 'At no other cemetery in Scotland is so much history crammed into such a small place: in five minutes you can walk from spots connected to the Scottish Wars of Independence, The Rough Wooing, The American Wars of Independence and the march across India. 'This memorial details a century of military service by the Forbes family across the globe starting with Major Arthur Forbes who would have been in his early 20s at the battle of Moore's Creek Bridge. 'While we still don't know whether he fought there, how he ended up in the North Carolina Highlanders or what happened to him next, his memorial helps shed light on Scotland's role and its people in the American War of Independence, and it's great to see it standing tall again as we celebrate today's strong ties between both countries. 'Heroes and villains, generals and privates are all commemorated at Stirling - why not come for a look to find out more about these people and how they shaped world history.' Stirling Lord Provost Elaine Watterson said: 'Stirling and its Old Town Cemetery is a historical treasure trove with connections not just to key moments in Scottish and UK history but major events across the world. 'It's important we preserve our rich history and built heritage to bring the stories of our people and places to light for current and future generations, so I was delighted to see this memorial restored - my thanks to everyone involved. 'The people involved in this story about the American War of Independence lived in different times and fought for what they believed in. 'As we mark the 250th anniversary of this turning point in world history, it's been fascinating to learn more about these individuals and the impact the conflict had on the city and Scotland, as well as reflecting how much has changed, with the United States and the Britain becoming great allies and recently marking the 80th milestone of VE Day together. 'We would like to welcome anyone to come along to this special commemorative event on Saturday May 24.' The ceremony which will involve a number of dignitaries will take in Stirling's Old Town Cemetery at noon on Saturday following the traditional Preambulation for Stirling's Walking of the Marches, which starts at 10.45am on the Stirling Castle Esplanade. The public are welcome to attend both events. However, a reception after the ceremony to mark the restoration of the memorial to Major Forbes inside the Church of the Holy Rude is a private event. Stirling's Old Town Cemetery is situated next to Stirling Castle, with the esplanade of Stirling Castle forming the eastern boundary of the site. The cemetery expanded from the original Holy Rude Kirkyard between 1857-59 into the adjacent Valley and Mars Wark Garden. The site of the Drummond Pleasure Ground was purchased in 1862. Panoramic views can be gained from the cemetery across the carse of the River Forth. The cemetery is a site is of outstanding cultural, scenic, historical and architectural value as well as containing outstanding examples of works of art. Stirling's Walking of the Marches will take place on May 31, beginning at 10.45am at the rotunda at the foot of King Street, and will see the procession walk through the city and finishing at Cowane's bowling green.
Daily Record
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Perth and Kinross Council recognises 300th anniversary of Black Watch
The regiment was formed in 1775 and has historic links with Perth and Kinross Perth and Kinross Council has this week recognised "the fearless and renowned reputation" of the Black Watch as it celebrates its 300th anniversary. The regiment has had 151 battle honours since it was first formed in 1775. On Wednesday, May 7 councillors unanimously offered its full support to all veterans, and their families. Armed Forces and Veterans champion Chris Ahern asked councillors to support the motion at a meeting of Perth and Kinross Council, on Wednesday, May 7. Tabling the motion, the Perth City Centre Conservative councillor Chris Ahern said: "The 300th anniversary of the Black Watch is something we can be proud of in Perth, given it's historical links to Perth and Perth and Kinross. "Perth was the home of the regimental depot (including the museum) until 1961, and continued to be the home of the regimental headquarters and museum. "In 1947 the regiment received the Freedom of Perth." The regiment's history dates back to General George Wade - who formed watches to patrol the Highlands following the 1715 Jacobite rebellion. The Black Watch went on to be involved in the Battle of Fontenoy, the American War of Independence, the Battle of Waterloo, both World Wars and many historic battles. The regiment also played a key role following JFK's assassination. Bailie Ahern told councillors: "In 1963, the Black Watch pipes and drums and military band toured the USA and were invited to play at the White House. Nine days later, President Kennedy was assassinated and Jacqueline Kennedy requested that the Black Watch pipe major and eight pipers play at the funeral—they led the cortège from the White House to Washington Cathedral." He added: "Many changes and reforms have impacted the Black Watch over the centuries, including the highly controversial merger in 2006 of the distinct Scottish regiments into the Royal Regiment of Scotland. We must never forget the names of those regiments lost in that merger." Conservative group leader John Duff seconded the motion to celebrate the "extraordinary legacy of one of Scotland's most distinguished regiments". He added: "Since its formation in 1725 during a time of instability in the Highlands, it has been synonymous with fierce courage, unfailing discipline and an enduring sense of duty to Crown and country. The Black Watch stands proudly among the roll of famous British and Scottish regiments and takes its name – Am Freiceadan Dubh in Gaelic, or the Black Watch – from its distinctive dark green and black regimental tartan." The Highland Perthshire councillor shared his own special memory of the Black Watch, as a schoolboy in Aberfeldy. Cllr Duff said: "The regiment's connection to Aberfeldy is part of the town's rich and proud heritage and, as a 10-year-old boy, I can vividly remember Saturday, September 5, 1970 when the Freedom of the Burgh of Aberfeldy was conferred on the regiment. A large crowd gathered in the area around the Black Watch monument on a beautiful sunny day to watch the ceremony." He added: "Over the period of 300 years, the Black Watch has gained a reputation for their Highland honour, fearless gallantry, discipline on the battlefield and indisputable loyalty. It is testament to the courage and sacrifice shown by soldiers of the Black Watch that they have been awarded no fewer than 14 Victoria Crosses - Britain's highest military decoration for valour. "The Black Watch has been at the forefront of military service both in the darkest hours of war and in a peacekeeping role, in lands at home and abroad, from the Highlands of Scotland to the fields of Waterloo, from the Western Front to the hills of Korea and the streets of Basra."
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
'Outstanding' pistols go on public display in rural Stirling village where they were made in the 1700s
The American War of Independence was said to be started by a shot from a Doune-made pistol in 1775 and only a few hundred examples of genuine 'Doune Pistols' are known to remain around the world today. Ten 18th-century pistols have returned to their place of origin in an extraordinary homecoming for the historic village of Doune. Once part of a private collection, the pistols are now on permanent public display at the community's Information and Heritage Centre in the village. Forming the centrepiece of new heritage exhibitions, the collection has been gifted to Kilmadock Development Trust (KDT) by collector Andrew Yool in a remarkable act of generosity. Crafted by six different Doune hammermen in the 1700s, the pistols are said to be outstanding examples of the artistry that made the village a renowned centre of gunsmithing. Each piece features elaborate decoration, often Celtic-inspired, applied through fine engraving and silver wire inlay. 'The fact that a representative selection by the most well-known local hammermen has finally found a permanent home on display at Doune for all to see and admire is undoubtedly an occasion for celebration,' said collector Andrew Yool. 'These flintlock firearms are of unique design, construction and decoration, instantly recognised and appreciated worldwide as iconic examples of Scottish ingenuity, craftsmanship and enterprise, as a result of which they have earned international fame for the village of Doune where they were made 300 years ago.' The roots of Doune's pistolmaking tradition trace back to 1646, when Thomas Caddell brought the gunsmith trade to the village. With iron scarce, he made use of old horseshoe nails and, through dedication to his craft, developed a level of refinement that defined the Doune style much sought-after around Europe. His legacy passed down through generations of apprentices, establishing Doune as the heart of Scotland's pistolmaking industry. After the Jacobite's defeat at Culloden, Scottish mercenaries fled abroad, taking there arms with them. It is said that the American War of Independence was started by a shot from a Doune-made pistol at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775; later described as being the 'shot heard round the world'. Only a few hundred examples of genuine 'Doune Pistols' are known to remain in museums and private collections around the world today. Karen Ross, Chair of KDT says: 'We are thrilled that such a unique part of Doune's history is now on display in the village where they were made, and are grateful to Mr Yool for his generosity. 'While having a practical function, the pistols really are fine works of art and would have taken countless hours of craftsmanship by candlelight to bring to fruition.' While relatively small places, Doune and Deanston have a wealth of history to delve into. These are featured in the new heritage exhibitions at the Information and Heritage Centre, which have been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Run by local volunteers, and open throughout the week, visitors are invited to come spend some time and discover the stories of Scotland's historic crossroads.
