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The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Yes, Scotland owned slaves, but don't just blame us
But this also means comprehensively, rather than partially and selectively, and recognising in the words of the novelist L. P. Hartley that 'the past is another country'. Goring asserts that 'even' the Picts traded in slaves. Why 'even'? All tribes and societies throughout history probably did, and we can all agree that Britain's part in the Atlantic trade and the plantations was brutal and appalling, but could not have happened, at least to the extent it did, without the enthusiastic and enriching supply role of the West African kings and tribal chiefs. She might also have mentioned the North African Barbary slavers who for centuries kidnapped and enslaved an estimated one million Europeans from Mediterranean countries, plus England, Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Iceland. She praises Edinburgh University, but its 'cancellation' of David Hume, based largely on one brief and understandable reference (if untypically poorly researched) among all his numerous writings, was unwise and simplistic. Sir Peter Mathieson, the principal, says 'we cannot have a selective memory about our past', but as Ms Goring writes, he seems selective about the present (Re China). Likewise, Edinburgh City Council is selective in its Melville Monument plaque in St Andrew Square. I admired the late Professor of Brewing, Sir Geoff Palmer, but he and his panel did not apply a historian's rigour to their choice of wording, which is certainly not comprehensive or impartial, but gives a misleading, distorted and false view of history to its readers, both locals and tourists, about Melville's role in the slave trade's abolition – as many historians have asserted. But the university leadership's silence lends it regrettable credence. Finally, the Race Review, overseen also by Sir Geoff for the university, refers to Britain's 'genocide' of colonised people, and condemns former PM and Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour for his role in creating today's Palestine and the Middle East. Both these points are partial and misleading. Balfour was maybe naive, but his 1917 Declaration was clear that a national home for the Jews in Palestine must not prejudice the rights of its existing non-Jews. Arguably, Germany set the scene for modern Palestine by bringing the Ottoman Empire into the First World War as its ally, leading to the defeat of both, and by the Nazi atrocities in the Second World War. John Birkett, St Andrews. Letters: Racism and prejudice are rapidly becoming the norm Letters: Middle East arms sales morally wrong Letters: Salmond and Sturgeon have torn the nation apart Oliver's army I RECENTLY predicted the collapse of the UK economy and society, and the hope that some benevolent, omniscient Cromwell-type figure would take over, sort everything out, then hand it back to Parliament. The nearest thing we have to this is what President Trump is doing in the US, and on the world stage. Toby Young, the founder of the Free Speech Union, suggested Trump should become a UK Citizen, take over Reform UK and stand against Keir Starmer's Labour in the next general election. Clearly he was making a point rather than a serious proposal, but apart from his opposition to Net Zero and woke ideology, Nigel Farage has neither the policies, people around him, nor guile and ruthlessness to remake the UK. So it will take someone like Trump to withstand what Young referred to as a radical, reforming government being "met on day one by an institutional intifada" and "seen off by the closed ranks of the Establishment". Even a year ago I wouldn't have imagined writing the above, but you only have to look at the surreal rearguard action against UK gender laws taking place in NHS Fife and elsewhere, Ed Miliband, Anas Sarwar and John Swinney's trashing of oil and gas, and the windmill obsession. Also, the impossibility of controlling both legitimate and illegal immigration, and the benefits bill that is engulfing our finances to realise the enormity of the challenge and the need for leadership and brutal reality that doesn't currently exist in the UK Allan Sutherland, Stonehaven. Gold-hearted rich AS a postscript to my letter responding to Neil Mackay's recent opinion piece ('Us vs them: why the rich like Musk and Bezos are destroying our world', The Herald, August 7), I would like to add a thought that suggests that there is another side to this coin, of which, perhaps, a lot of the population are unaware. First, Bill Gates has created a philanthropical foundation that supports many causes throughout the world. Second, in Britain there is the Patriotic Millionaires network, who lobby the government about accepting a nominal percentage of their wealth as a form of taxation; the object being to redistribute this to where it would benefit the country. There may well be others who do much more than is known; this may be where the problem lies. Perhaps a form of 'quiet' publicity would raise awareness and challenge the incumbent government to acknowledge that this cohort does in fact do more than many are aware of. If we, the public, and Neil Mackay, draw conclusions that are wrong, who is to blame? However, the present available information leads to the conclusion drawn by myself, Mr Mackay, and many others . A balance of the scales is needed, otherwise the perception of the need for a 21st century 'Robin Hood' will remain, and actions be demanded from our politicians. There is no doubt that something needs to be done, and to be see to be done. Ian Gray, Croftamie. Keeping economy afloat What an inspiring sight I saw from Kirkcaldy Esplanade the other day. Seven large ships all headed up the Forth. Whether they were bound for Leith or Rosyth, Hound Point, Braefoot Bay, or even Grangemouth, they represent the trade on which we all depend. Wouldn't it be something to have a Scottish government that focused on growing our economy, so that there were twice, or three times as many ships in the Forth? Reform UK, perhaps? Otto Inglis, Fife. Pipe dreams ELLE Duffy's weekly log from Rum is enthusiastically read every Saturday. My memories of the island date from a trip there in 1975, on a tandem laden with wife, three-year-old son and even bagpipes. Elle's writing would be more easily digested, however, if she would rid her copy of such ghastly Americanisms as 'gotten' and trees 'laying' down. Gordon Casely, Kincardineshire. Dynamism and tight deadlines are the key to solving a crossword, it seems. Fast times I JOIN Ian McNair (Letters, August 8) in being irritated by Scottish Government spokespersons claiming to be working 'at pace'. I am leaving no stone unturned and attempting to be dynamic and resilient under the tight deadline I have set myself for completion of the Wee Stinker. In my determination and resolution, I shall stop at nothing. David Miller, Milngavie.
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Fort George hosts Celebration of the Centuries for hundreds of fans
History fans were treated to a spectacle as 2,000 years of Scotland's past unfolded at one of the country's biggest sites. Crowds packed into Fort George in Inverness this weekend to see re-enactments ranging from tribes of Picts to legions of Romans and even a jousting tournament featuring Robert the Bruce as the Celebration of the Centuries event got underway. The event, held each year, brings history to life with colourful costumes and re-created scenes from Scotland's past. Fans were treated to a medieval battle (Image: HES) The event gave a glimpse of the past (Image: HES) With activities throughout the day and Living History camps to explore, the event offered something for everyone, organisers Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said. READ MORE: Celebration of the Centuries takes place at Fort George (Image: HES) The Celebration of the Centuries is part of the exciting annual event programme taking place at Historic Scotland sites, which are managed by HES.
Daily Record
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Scots grafitti artist brings walking route to life with new Pictish warrior mural
A mural created by artist Andy SGM of a Pictish warrior and his trusty dog has appeared on an underpass. Walkers between Tullibody and Menstrie have been flocking to see the village's latest art installation – a graffiti mural of a Pictish warrior and his trusty dog. The vibrant piece appeared on an underpass along the Tullibody- Menstrie pedestrian and cycle path following a week of work to create it. He created the piece on an area which had already been covered with grafitti. It was created by Scottish Graffiti Murals, run by street artist Andy SGM. Andy says he has been blown away by the reaction to the mural and he explained to the Stirling Observer how he created the piece. He said: 'It's a plan I have been mulling over in my head since around April last year. I had been making regular trips to the lochs and forests of the central belt and the west coast to serve as a bit of natural healing, as I was going through a bit of a rough patch – and I ended up doing these day trips where I would just sit beside lochs and in forests and get some down time to sort myself out. 'In the lead up to April last year, my mural business was on its knees and I was faced with a choice of continuing to just paint everything and anything for anybody, not be fulfilled artistically, be up against strong competition, quite possibly fail and have to give up – or actually starting to be a real artist and start painting what I want and make a real go of it. 'I chose the latter and chose to fight and try and carve my own path out. Sitting in the woods one day I asked myself 'what will I paint? what will I do?' and suddenly the answer was all around me. Nature, wildlife, the forest. 'I began to think of the animals we have here, then I thought of the animals we used to have – wolves, bears, lynx – and I thought these would be great to paint and also it kept it in this area of the world.' Andy then turned his attentions to people and Scotland's ancient ancestors, including the Picts, Gaels and Vikings. 'They all shared so much. I thought about their connection to the land, their connection to the wild animals, the myths they had, their religions, their style of carvings – and that coupled with the forest wildlife seemed like such a unique and interesting subject matter to paint murals of', Andy added. 'There was so much material there with depicting portraits of them, the mythology and lore they had and it all connecting back to nature. 'I began only uploading videos of the forest, and work that was nature based to my social media to start paving the way – with the thought of doing a huge tribute to an ancient Pict once I was ready to start painting these portraits. So that mural in Menstrie really is a benchmark for me to symbolise the start of something new. 'It also ties in with the history of the area, as it's a tribute to all of the ancient ancestors who lived across Scotland, Pictish, Viking, The Caledonian tribes." Andy, originally from the Stirling area, moved to Glasgow before living abroad. He then returned back to Glasgow before more recently settling back in Stirling 'for the foreseeable future'. He added: 'I started off with and continued to do calligraphic graffiti pieces up until about 2022, painting under the name 'As One' for years – but now I'm pushing myself in a new direction, simply using my name Andy – and SGM – so Andy SGM.
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Mysterious stone head found on tiny Scottish island of Rousay
The carved head found at Skaill Farm, Westness, Isle of Rousay, Orkney. PIC: UHI Archaeology Institute. | UHI Archaeology Institute The head was found during an archaeological dig at Skaill Farm Sign up to our History and Heritage newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... A carved stone head found on a tiny Scottish island has been described as a 'fascinating enigma'. The head was found during an archaeological dig at Skaill Farm at Westness on Rousay in the Orkney Isles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With its 'beautifully carved locks of hair' and 'real character', the artefact is the latest find at the site. It was discovered during the university's annual summer excavation of the land at Skaill Farm. Skaill Farm has long been of interest to archaeologists given its long timeline, with the site a hive of activity during the Norse Period, when it was home to Viking chieftain Sigurd of Westness. The landscape features The Wirk tower and the remains of St Mary's Church, both which have been linked to the Norse era and which were later added to during the medieval period. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dr Sarah Jane Gibbon, of the UHI Archaeology Institute said the discovery of the stone head indicated that a 'building of splendour' once stood nearby. The head is similar to stonework found at St Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall, which dates to the early 12th Century. READ MORE: The ancient Orkney site where Picts and Vikings settled now under threat Dr Gibbon, one of the excavation co-directors, added : 'This is such an exciting find. 'Over the years excavating at Skaill and The Wirk – the nearby hall tower – we have found several interesting, moulded pieces of red sandstone but nothing like this. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The rich, red sandstone, with yellow inclusions, was likely quarried from the island of Eday and is the same as the moulded fragments from the nearby St Mary's old parish church.' 'For now, the Skaill head must remain a fascinating enigma in terms of date, origin and use, but its discovery, along with many other fine pieces of carved red sandstone, as well as those built into the nearby kirk, strongly suggests a building of some splendour once stood in the vicinity.' Rousay has often been dubbed the Athens of the North given its rich archaeological deposits, including at least 15 Neolithic chambered cairns, the earliest which dates to around 3,500 BC. In 2019, archaeologists made a breakthrough at Skaill Farm after the remains of a Norse great hall, likely used for drinking and gatherings from the 10th to 12th Century, stood on the land. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The place name of Skaill derives from the Norse for hall and long suggested the area was home to a high-status site. Following its discovery, the hall was linked to Sigurd of Westness, whose chieftainship of the area was documented in the Orkneyinga Saga. Archaeologists found stone benches running down each side of the hall, which is around 13-metres long and runs down a slope towards the coastline. The 13th century historical record documents that Sigurd of Westness was a friend of the 12th Century Earl of Orkney, Paul. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In 1136, Paul was staying with Sigurd at Westness when the notorious viking Sveinn Ásleifarson kidnapped the earl and spirited him away, leaving the Earldom open for Rognvald II to step in and take control. Other finds from Skaill Farm include soapstone from Shetland, pottery and a fragment of a Norse bone comb.
STV News
02-07-2025
- General
- STV News
Worshippers rally to save historic church from sale
A Highland community is rallying to save a church on what is believed to be Scotland's longest continuous Christian worship site. Worshippers at Loch Insh Old Kirk near Kingussie in the Highlands hope to purchase the building and preserve its religious heritage after the Church of Scotland announced it was to be sold in 2023. The church is situated on a historically significant Christian site, with roots dating back to the sixth century. The grounds have been linked to Columba's missionary monks, who played a vital role in spreading Christianity throughout Scotland. Members of the tiny lochside church's congregation attended a special event at Kincraig to celebrate its long history and debate its possible future. STV News Merryn Glover Appleby Merryn Glover Appleby of the Loch Insh Old Kirk Community Group told STV News: 'The understanding is that it was probably originally established as a cell by one of Columba's early missionary monks. 'So, you're looking back to the seventh, if not even the sixth century – and they would have come down here and begun to share the faith which spread very quickly across the Picts at the time. 'People are acutely feeling a loss. For many folks, it's because this has been part of their family's story for a long time. 'Babies have been brought here for christenings, people have had their weddings here and they've laid loved ones to rest, so it means a lot. There's a lot of strong emotional roots, sometimes going back generations.' The strength of faith was demonstrated by a big turnout to discuss options for the future on Sunday, June 29. STV News Locals attended an event to discuss the future of the church The present building is believed to have been erected in 1792, with later renovations in 1912 and 1963. With no running water and a roof in need of repair, much could hinge on a structural survey and meeting the price. Local conservation architect Alan Marshall said: 'It's in quite good condition for its age which means you can always find bits and pieces you want to do. 'The roof is one exception – which I feel is 'nail sick'. 'A lot of the old iron rusting nails are still in place and it's quite obvious that slates slip out, but they've been doing a very good job of keeping it waterproof.' A new charity created by the congregation has until the end of 2026 to meet the Church of Scotland's deadline for selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of the property. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
