Scottish Wedding Theme
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If you want to hire a local bagpiper, see some samples of different tartans up close, view different interpretations of the various styles of kilts, learn more about your clan's history, hear some different ideas for music, eat a day-full of Scottish food, and see lots of Scottish traditions first hand ~ then a nice Highland Game is the way to go.

For more detailed information about the events listed, go to U.S. Scots and the Scottish Heritage Society.

For a good dose of the Highlands, here's the June schedule ~

May 29 to June 1, Glasgow, KY ~ Glasgow Highland Games
June 1 to 3, Wingham, NSW, Australia ~ Bonnie Wigham Scottish Festival
June 2, Canton, Ohio ~ Stark County Irish & Scottish Festival
June 2, Liberty Corner, NJ ~ Bonnie Brae Scottish Games
June 2, Milwaukee, WI ~ Milwaukee Scottish Highland Games
June 2 to 3, Harrison, OH ~ Celtic Heritage Days
June 2 to 3, Sterling, CO ~ Sterling Celtic Festival
June 6 to 7, Callender, Ontario, Canada ~ Callander Celtfest
June 6 to 7, Greenville, SC ~ Greenville Scottish Games
June 6 to 8, Arlington, TX ~ Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games
June 6 to 8, McHenry, MD ~ McHenry Highland Festival
June 7, Greenfield, NH ~ Southern New Hampshire Scottish Games
June 7, Modesto, CA ~ Modesto Highland Games
June 7 to 8, Ferndale, WA ~ Belllingham/Whatcom County Highland Games
June 8 to 9, Brockville, ON, Canada ~ Brockville Celtic Festival
June 8 to 9, Kansas City, MO ~ Kansas City Scottish Highland Games
June 8 to 11, Portarlington, Victoria, Australia ~ National Celtic Folk Festival
June 9, Abbotsford, BC, Canada ~ Sons of Scotland Highland Games
June 9, Georgetown, ON, Canada ~ Georgetown Highland Games
June 9, Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada ~ Grande Prairie Highland Games
June 9, Harrisburg, PA ~ Harrisburg Pipes & Drums Festival
June 9, Havre De Grace, MD ~ Steppingstone Museum Scottish Highland Festival
June 9 to 10, Cape May, NJ ~ HCSV Celtic Highland Festival
J June 13 to 15, Blairsville, GA ~ Blairsville Scottish Festival & Highland Games
une 13 to 14, Salt Lake City, UT ~ Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games
June 14, Clover, SC ~ Clover Scottish Games
June 14, Fort Wayne, IN ~ Indiana Highland Games
June 14, Franklin, NC ~ Taste of Scotland Festival
June 14, Leesburg, VA ~ Potomac Celtic Festival
June 15 to 16 Sarnia, ON, Canada ~ Sarnia Highland Games
June 15 to 17, Canon City, CO ~ Gaelic Highland Festival
June 15 to 17, Evergreen, CO ~ Colorado Celtic Arts Festival
June 15 to 17, Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec, Canada ~ The International Celtic-Acadian-Louisiana Festival
June 15 to 17, Windsor, ON, Canada ~ Windsor Celtic Festival
June 16, Billings, MT ~ Billings Highland Picnic
June 16, Miles City, MT ~ Montana Highland Gathering
June 20 to 21, Oak Brook, IL ~ Illinois St. Andrew's Highland Games
June 21, Campbell, CA ~ Campbell Highland Games & Celtic Gathering
June 21, Ganges, BC, Canada ~ BC Legion Highland Gathering
June 21, Huntsville, AL ~ North Alabama Scottish Festival
June 21 to 22, Prosser, WA ~ Prosser Scot Fest
June 22 to 24, Macomb, IL ~ Macomb Heritage Days Highland Games
June 22 to 24, Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada ~ Yukon Gathering of the Clans & Festival
June 23, Greenfield, MA ~ Western Massachusetts Highland Games
June 24, Edmonton, AB, Canada ~ Edmonton Scottish Society Highland Games
June 24, Evans, CO ~ High Plains Scottish/Irish Festival
June 24, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada ~ Red Deer Highland Games
June 27 to 28, Ancaster, ON, Canada ~ Hamilton Highland Games
June 27 to 29, Summerside, PEI, Canada ~ Celtic Festival of Summerside
June 28, Eagle River, AK ~ Alaskan Scottish Highland Games
June 28, Lorain County, OH (near Cleveland) ~ Ohio Scottish Games
June 28, Tacoma, WA ~ Tacoma Highland Games
June 28 to 29, Rapid City, WY ~ Wyoming Celtic Festival
June 28 to 29, Manheim, PA ~ Pennsylvania Celtic Fling & Highland Games
June 28 to 29, Vista, CA ~ San Diego Scottish Highland Games
June 30, Stamford, CT ~ Round Hill Highland Games
June 30, Vancouver, BC, Canada ~ BC United Scottish Highland Games

Tomorrow, The Robert Burns Calendar celebrating his 250th birthday…

June 3, 2008 09:26 - Robert Burns Memorial Calendar

The Ayrshire Cancer Support Group recently contacted me, asking if I'd add their 2009 Calendar to my Robert Burns information.

The calendar celebrates the 250th anniversary of his birth. The proceeds will be used for cancer patients and their families in Ayrshire.

If you're considering calendars as gifts, or need one to keep track of your wedding plans, this would be a good one.

The Ayrshire 2009 Calendar is printed on high-quality board, the photographs are detachable to be used as postcards.

Not having seen the calendar, I don't know what the photos are, but theirs lots of choices in Ayrshire. William Wallace and Robert the Bruce are two more famous Scotsmen from the district.

Famous Ayrshire clans include Boyd, Boyle, Bruce, Campbell, Cathcart, Craufurd, Cunningham, Hamilton, Hunter, Kennedy, Lockhart, Montgomery, Mure and Wallace. So if your ancestors are from any of these clans, the calendar would have even more meaning.

Other points of interest in Ayrshire are 40 castles, including Turnberry castle, dating from the 13th century and thought to be the birthplace of Robert the Bruce, the 34th King of Scotland.

The city of Troop has hosted the British Open Golf Championship.

Johnnie Walker whisky originated in Ayrshire, as did Ayrshire cattle.

Tomorrow, begin reading more about Ayrshire, the clan tartans, Dunlop cheese, Barbra Gilmor, and the marriage stones of Scotland…

June 4, 2008 16:55 - Ayrshire Cattle, Cheese & Clans

Beyond Robert Burns, Ayrshire is noted for many diverse things…

A breed of cattle known as Dunlop cattle or Cunninghame cattle was developed in Ayrshire by the Dunlops and the Cunninghames.. The Dunlops imported stock from Holland and developed the breed. The Cuninghames improved the breed. Using the cattle docks at Cunninhgamehead station, Ayrshire cattle were exported around the world.

Milk from the Ayrshire cattle was used by Barbara Gilmour, a Dunlop, to develop Dunlop cheese from whole milk. [more in a few days]

In 1887, John Boyd Dunlop developed the first practical pneumatic, inflatable tire. Though born in Ayrshire, Dunlop moved to Ireland. Watching his son trying to negotiate the cobblestone streets of Dublin, he built a tire that inflated and rode more smoothly.

John Muir, born in Ayrshire, was the premier naturalist of the U.S.

Tomorrow, a display of the famous Ayrshire clans' tartans will begin…

June 5, 2008 14:31 - Famous Ayrshire Clans ~ Boyd & Boyle

Famous Ayrshire clans include Boyd, Boyle, Bruce, Campbell, Cathcart, Craufurd, Cunningham, Hamilton, Hunter, Kennedy, Lockhart, Montgomery, Mure and Wallace.

The Boyds have two tartans ~

Boyd Clan Tartan WR1819

Boyd Clan Tartan WR1820

Billy Boyd, the actor, has popularized the Boyd tartans. Separately or together they could look quite Scottish and stylish.

The Boyles have no tartan of their own. Most references name them as a sept of the MacDonald clan, Galloway District, and Lochaber district, plus several Irish tartans.

MacDonald Dress Tartan WR1998

MacDonald WR419 - the oldest known MacDonald tartan

These two MacDonald tartans could work quite well together for a wedding theme. The boldness of the dress tartan with a subtlety of WR419, with touches of red, blue, and white could be striking.

Galloway District Tartan WR850

Galloway District Tartan WR1469

Lochaber of Cameron District Tartan WR42

Lochaber Home Guard District Tartan WR685

These last two Lochaber tartans are striking and used together would build a truly memorable wedding theme

Lochaber District Tartan WR41

Lochaber Old District Tartan WR33

Tomorrow, the Bruce clan, including King Robert the Bruce…

June 6, 2008 14:23 - Famous Ayrshire Clans ~ Bruce

When discussing famous Ayrshire clans, especially since the movie Braveheart, most everyone knows the family name of Bruce. More specifically, Robert the Bruce. His portrayal in the movie is said, by historians, to be inaccurate, in that he never betrayed William Wallace.

Robert, under the title of Earl of Carrick, served as a Guardian of Scotland from 1298 to 1300. Then as Robert I the Bruce, he served as King from 1306 to 1329. His only legitimate son served as king from 1329 to 1371 as David II.

Robert is considered to be one of the great guerilla leads of any known age and the one who secured Scottish independence from England. This victory was won at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

The Bruces have five tartans ~

Bruce Clan Tartan WR1821

Bruce Clan Old Tartan WR876

Bruce Family Tartan WR1848
recognized as a Bruce tartan since 1571

Bruce Clan Hunting Tartan WR1816

Bruce of Kinnaird Clan Tartan WR1483

June 9, 2008 08:55 - Ayrshire Clans ~ The Campbells, Part I

Between 1200 and 1500 the Campbells emerged as one of the most powerful families in Highland Scotland. Colin Campbell, and his family, were strong supporters of Robert I the Bruce. From this support they received land grants and titles, plus good marriages.

From the 1300's through the Battle of Colloden, Campbell military forces played significant roles. For the most part, the Campbells supported the English during the Jacobite rebellions.

The Black Watch tartan, also known as the government sett, is still worn today by many military units throughout the British Commonwealth. Though there several variations, this is the original Black Watch Campbell tartan.

Campbell Black Watch Tartan

This is the primary Campbell tartan ~

Campbell Clan Tartan WR1

The following tartans are for various uses within the Campbell Clan ~

Campbell Clan Dress Tartan WR19

Campbell Clan Dress Tartan WR21

Campbell Clan Dress Tartan WR1962

Campbell Clan Hunting Tartan WR16

Campbell Clan Red Tartan WR1592

Campbell Clan White Stripe Tartan WR8

Campbell Clan Trade Tartan WR1969

Campbell Regimental Tartans

Campbell 42nd Regimental Tartan WR12

Campbell 42nd Regimental Tartan WR22

Campbell Sept Tartans

Campbell Argyll Clan Tartan WR1961

Campbell Argyll Clan Tartan WR9

Campbell Breadalbane Clan Tartan WR1046

Campbell Breadalbane Clan Tartan WR208

Campbell Breadalbane Clan Tartan WR209

Tomorrow, more Campbell sept tartans...

June 10, 2008 11:11 - Ayrshire Clans ~ The Campbells, Part II

Continuing the Campbell Sept Tartans, any of which you might use for a Scottish wedding theme ~

Campbell Brown Family Tartan WR1822

Campbell Brown Personal Tartan WR17
for Captain Campbell of the Blythswood Family

Campbell Cawdor Clan Tartan WR2

Campbell Cawdor Dress Trade Tartan WR1975

Campbell Glenlyon Clan Tartan WR14

Campbell Loch Neil Clan Dress Tartan WR1963

Campbell Lochawe Clan Tartan WR1038

Campbell Lochawe Clan Tartan WR13

Campbell Loudoun Clan Tartan WR3

Campbell Loudoun Plaid Portrait Tartan WR5

Campbell New Loudoun Regimental Tartan WR11

The following two tartans could be combined for a wedding color theme ~

Campbell Marquis of Lorne Commemorative Tartan WR18

Campbell Sir Walter Scott Clan Tartan WR10

Last, but not least, even the Simpsons have a Campbell tartan ~

Campbell Simpson Family Tartan WR783

There are many septs within the Campbell Clan. The following list was found on Wikipedia ~

• Arthur, MacArtair, MacArthur, MacCarter
  
• Bannatyne
  
• Burnes, Burness, Burnett, Burns
  
• Caddell Cadell, Calder, Cattell
  
• Connochie, Conochie, MacConachie, MacConchie, MacConnechy, MacConochie
  
• Denoon, Denune
  
• Gibbon, Gibson, MacGibbon, MacGubbin
  
• Harres, Harris, Hawes, Haws, Hawson
  
• Hastings
  
• Isaac, Isaacs, Kissack, Kissock, MacIsaac, MacKessack, MacKessock, MacKissock
  
• Iverson, Macever, Macgure, MacIver, MacIvor, Macure, Orr, Ure
  
• Kellar, Keller, Maceller, MacKellar
  
• Lorne
  
• Louden, Loudon, Loudoun, Lowden, Lowdon
  
• MacColm, MacColmbe, MacLaws, MacLehose, MacTause, MacTavish, MacThomas, Taweson, Tawesson, Thomas, Thomason, Thompson, Thomson
  
• MacDermid, MacDermott, MacDiarmid
  
• MacElvie, MacKelvie
  
• MacGlasrich
  
• MacKerlie
  
• MacNichol
  
• MacNocaird
  
• MacOran
  
• MacOwen
  
• MacPhedran, MacPhederain, Paterson
  
• MacPhun
  
• Moore, Muir
  
• Ochiltree
  
• Pinkerton

Tomorrow, read more about John Muir and his tartan…

June 11, 2008 08:49 - Ayrshire, The Home of John Muir

A special tartan was created for the 150th anniversary of the John Muir's arrival in the USA. He founded the first National Park in California, thus saving the Yosemite Valley. He is seen as one of the world's first environmentalist. John also founded the Sierra Club.

Muir & Roosevelt image courtesy Wikipedia

John Muir's great-grandson, Michael Muir, has carried on the family interest in the out-of-doors. Michael found the group Access Adventure. They help people, in their wheelchairs, to visit nature.

The legacy is carried on by his great-grandson, Michael Muir, who founded a group called Access Adventure, to help people with disabilities experience the outdoors in their wheelchairs atop horse drawn carriages.

The John Muir Trust owns Dunbar Castle, which preserves a herd of Black Angus cattle.

A tartan has been designed and presented to his descendants in California ~

John Muir Tartan 2682

Coming tomorrow, Dunlop cheese from Ayrshire…

June 12, 2008 08:21 - Dunlop Cheese and Barbara Gilmour from Ayrshire

Dunlop is a village in East Ayrshire on the old turnpike road to Glasgow. The name Dunlop is thought to come from the Gaelic words Dun, which means a castle, and luib, which means a bend. So Dunlop becomes a fortified hill by the river's bend.

There are three Dunlop tartans you can consider ~

Dunlop Clan Tartan WR1197

Dunlop Clan Tartan WR1205

Dunlop Family Dress Tartan WR1784

Though Dunlop is known for many things, one of the tastiest is their cheese. Dunlop cheese is a mild, buttery-tasting, sweet-milk cheese, resembling a soft cheddar in texture. It needs to cure from 6 to 12 months. That the milk came from Ayrshire cows, as discussed in the June 4, 2008 blog.

Barbara Gilmour, as a Presbyterian, was exiled to Ireland around 1660. Legend claims she learned how to make whole-milk cheese while in Ireland.

After the Revolution of 1688, she returned to Dunlop. Records place her as the wife of John Dunlop. He owned Overhill Farm, now known as 'The Hill'. Some of the locals came close to accusing her of witchcraft. They 'knew' cheese could not be made from whole milk.

Other sources say local farmers accused her of copying their recipes. Most agree the Barbara introduced and developed Dunlop cheese, regardless of whether it was a local discovery or an import from Ireland.

Tomorrow, the Saga of Dunlop Cheese and Barbara Gilmour continues…

June 13, 2008 07:59 - The Saga of Dunlop Cheese & Barbara Gilmour Continues

The 17th-century road leading from Glasgow to Irvine ran past 'The Hill', the Dunlop farm. The most popular forms of transport at the time were pack animals and sledges.

Many of Barbara's neighbors copied her process, as well as the housewives in nearby provinces. Partially the popularity of Dunlop cheese spread due to farmers relocating away from Dunlop. Barbara was also a strong advocate. Described as forthright and energetic, she traveled, teaching others to make her cheese, and spread the fame of Dunlop cheese across the Central Lowlands of Scotland.

Regardless of where the cheeses were processed, they were called Dunlop cheese. In 1837, the Ayrshire Statistical Account records that 25,000 imperial stones per year of the cheese were made in Ayrshire parish alone.

Cadgers, or middlemen, bought the cheeses directly from the farmers and sent them to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and other places. In 1837 there were 14 cadgers in the Dunlop parish

In Ayrshire, roasting the cheese to spread on an oatcake or scone was a very popular breakfast meal.

After World War II, Dunlop cheese lost it's popularity, but has had a revival. It's now used in various recipes and is also eaten on its own as an accompaniment for a dram of Scotch whisky. Many areas of Scotland now produce Dunlop cheese.

Monday, the "Receipt" for Dunlop cheese…

June 16, 2008 05:30 - 'Receipt For Making Dunlop Cheese'

A poem, entitled Receipt for Making Dunlop Cheese was written by Reverend Hamilton Paul between 1800 and 1820 ~

On Tuesday morning at the peep of light, Take all the milk that has stood overnight, and, by the lustre of the dawning beam, With a clean clam shell, skim off all the cream, And from her lazy bed the dairy maid Be sure to rise, and call her to your aid; With rosy cheeks and hands as soft as silk, Bid her hang on the pot and warm the milk, Let not her heat it with too great a lowe, But make it tepid, as warm from the cow; Restore the cream, and put in good strong steep, But through the molsy first let the milk dreep. Now pay a due attention to my words; And press, O gently press, the snow white curds; Nor mash them small, (now mark well what I say) Till you have squeez'd out almost all the whey. Light be the weight for hours, one, two, or three, And then the pressure may augmented be, Oft change the clouts, and when the cheese is dried, Send for the Parish Minister to Try't.

With the revival of the popularity of Dunlop Cheese, 'The Hill' farm is now a historical site where Barbara's cheese press can still be seen, along with other more primitive presses.

Among the notable historic items found on the farm is a marriage stone positioned over the entry door. More to follow tomorrow about marriage stones..

June 17, 2008 06:30 - The Marriage Stone at The Hill

Image courtesy Wikipedia

The 'Marriage stone' positioned over the entrance to 'The Hill' mansion house. Included is the motto "Delights and Adorns", which referred to Psalm 149. There is also a Bible held in a heraldic 'hand dexter' upright position. This suggests a link with both Northern Ireland and Protestantism.

Psalm 149 reads ~

Praise ye the LORD. Sing unto the LORD a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand; To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the people; To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron; To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints. Praise ye the LORD.

Tomorrow, more marriage stones…

June 18, 2008 09:01 - Marriage Stones ~ Part I

Marriage stones were a carved stone lintel placed over the entrance to the home. Often the couple's initials, the family coat of arms, and the date of marriage were included. Other locations for the stone included above the fireplace or a window. Sometimes the stone was placed in a romantic spot in the garden.

During the Victorian Era, marriage stones fell out of popularity. Because they were carved in stone or wood, and protected as part of the home exterior, many have survived and can still be seen today.

The formal gardens at Robertland displays a marriage stone above the garden gate.. Robertland was originally owned by the Cunninghames who were among the original cattle barons of Ayrshire (June 4, 2008 blog).

Image courtesy Wikipedia

Marriage stones were a record of marriage and were popular with aristocratic families, as well as among the newly established middle class. If a new home was built for the couple, they were installed during construction.

In pre-existing homes, the information was carved into the lintel. The stones clearly told who owned the home. They were also meant to claim the marital bliss and social advancement of the family.

Tomorrow, Marriage Stones ~ Part II

June 19, 2008 06:15 - Marriage Stones ~ Part II

When a datestone, or keystone, was installed to commemorate the construction of a building, if entwined hearts were included, the stone was also a marriage stone.

The Hill Farm at Dunlop has both a datestone and a marriage stone.

The stones still in existence are quite detailed, displaying the married couples initials, date of marriage. Some have both the wife and husband's coat of arms, other display only the husbands. Others have a new coat of arms combining those of both families.

Some stones display a religious sentiment, as the 149th Psalm at The Hill farm. Others display artistic ornamentation. Sometimes the words were etched in. Other times the words were carved in relief. Often they were brightly painted and adorned with gilt.

In Germany, many synagogues were constructed with a treustein, or marriage stone facing the inner courtyard. These often bore the words of God's blessing to Abraham, from Genesis 22 ~

That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and they seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; and in they seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.

Tomorrow, Inverness District Tartans ~ next week, Scottish Marriage Stones…

June 20, 2008 07:18 - Inverness District Tartans

One reader inquired about the Craib family name, which I found to wear the Inverness District tartans. Craib appears to be a variation of crab. So at one time the family may have harvested crab.

Another possibility is a variation of craig. Craig Phadrig, which was the fort of the Pict King Brude, is a few kilometers away.

Inverness Castle and River Ness
courtesy of Wikipedia

Inverness lies in northeast Scotland and is currently Europe's fasting growing city. The population count varies because the city has no statutory boundaries from an original letter of patent from the government.

These first three tartans could easily be used together for a Scottish theme wedding ~

Inverness Tartan WR1445

Inverness Tartan WR1445

Inverness District Tartan WR1438

Inverness District Tartan WR1438

WR1438 was created for Augustus, Earl of Inverness, sometime prior to 1822.

Inverness Fencibles Regimental Tartan WR394

Inverness Fencibles Regimental Tartan WR394

The Fencibles Regimental Tartan from Friday could also be combined with the Duke of York Inverness ~

Inverness, Duke of York Tartan WR557

When George V was the Duke of York, this Inverness tartan was created for him. That would be between 1901 and 1910. George VI also wore the tartan as Duke of York. It's also called the Inverness Hunting Tartan.

Monday, more Inverness information and tartans…

June 23, 2008 06:51 - Inverness Tartans ~ Part II

Continuing the information and tartans for the city of Inverness ~

Established by the 6th century, the city sits where the River Ness enters the Moray Firth. Loch Ness is close by. The city's name means mouth, or confluence, of the Ness.

Culloden Moor, the site of the Battle of Culloden is nearby.

The local governor, who was summarily hanged, once denied Mary, Queen of Scots, entry into Inverness Castle. Marymass Fair, held in August, commemorates the Queen.

The Northern Meeting, the most important solo piping competition in the world, is held every September in Inverness. The Inverness cape, the outer rain garment worn by most pipes around the world, is named after the city.

Inverness, Florida, is a sister city.

Some more Inverness tartans to choose from ~

Inverness Augustus Portrait Tartan WR1470

Inverness Augustus Portrait Tartan WR1470

Taken from a portrait of Augustus, the Duke of Sussex. The portrait hangs in Fishmongers Hall.

Earl of Inverness District Tartan WR1446

Earl of Inverness District Tartan WR1446

This tartan appears in the first edition of The Scottish Gael. It's the first published illustration of a tartan sett.

Tomorrow, Scottish Marriage Stones continues…

June 24, 2008 06:36 - Examples of Scottish Marriage Stones ~ Part I

Marriage stones can be found across Scotland.

Some locations are ~

• Aiket Castle, Dunlop, East Ayrshire ~ the stone is set into the wall of a building. The building was later used as a timber mill and the marriage stone is badly worn.
  
• Albion House, Cromarty, Ross and Cromarty ~ situated in the garden of Albion House and originally from a house which was situated between Albion House and No 49 Church Street, known as the Waterloo House. The original house, with it's marriage stone, was built by Donald Junor and Katrin Gally, who married in 1710. In the early 20th century, the building was demolished after a fire some time before.
  
• Albion House, Cromarty, Ross and Cromarty ~ Donald Junor [above] may be connected to the Andrew or Alexander Junor whose marriage stone was found built into the Courthouse.
  
• Bogflat, Stewarton, East Ayrshire ~ now in the Stewarton Museum, the Bogflat stone is dated 1711 with a 'JR' carved into it. The other initials have been cut off.
  
• Castle of Park, Cornhill, Aberdeenshire ~ an early 18th century marriage stone was set into a wall of the dining room.
  
• Craigdarroch House, Moniave, Dumfries & Galloway ~ the 1537 marriage stone of Robert Fergusson and Lady Janet Cunningham. The shakefork of the Cunninghams, plus other carved stones, are on the base of the old tower.

Tomorrow, the list continues…

June 25, 2008 07:11 - Scottish Marriage Stones ~ Part II

Continuing yesterday's list of Scottish marriage stones ~

• The Hill, Dunlop, East Ayrshire ~ The Hill stone is now placed above an internal window in the original farmhouse, but it, may have been moved or the building substantially altered. It reads '16 ID & BG 92' in old characters ('I' for 'J'). This commemorates the marriage of John Dunlop and Barbara Gilmour of Dunlop cheese fame. Their daughter, Mary, married Allan Brown. Their son, Andrew Brown inherited "The Hill". A Brown family marriage stone is also present on a lintel entering the old farmhouse.

• The Hill, Dunlop, East Ayrshire - the initials 'AB' and 'JA' positioned over the entrance to The Hill 'mansion house' together with the motto "Delights and Adorns" and a Bible held in a hand held upright, suggesting both Northern Ireland and Protestantism. The 'AB' stands for Andrew Brown, grandson of Barbara and John. He married 'JA', Jean Anderson, daughter of Matthew Anderson of Craighead, which they later inherited. As 'well to do' farmers they may have built the 'mansion house' at the 'The Hill', converting the old farm into a dairy and byre, however the window above is 'off centre', suggesting an adaptation.

Tomorrow, the list continues…

June 26, 2008 06:54 - Scottish Marriage Stones ~ Part III

Today completes the list of historic Scottish Marriage Stones ~

• Knockshinnoch Farm, New Cumnock, East Ayrshire ~ in the byre, which may be the original farmhouse is a stone with the date 1691 and the initials HD and MC, a heart with what appears to be a dagger in it, a small star and a stags head.
  
• Lude, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry ~ the marriage stone of Alexander Robertson the 10th of Lude and Katherine Campbell, daughter of Glenorchy.
  
• Mains of Giffen, Barrmill, North Ayrshire ~ 'RC MC 1758' on a lintel in the old farm buildings.
  
• Castle Menzies, Weem, Perthshire ~ a marriage stone faces the entrance, installed by James Menzies in 1571 to record his marriage to Barbara Stewart, daughter of the Earl of Atholl.
  
• Robertland House, Dunlop, East Ayrshire ~ placed above a door leading into the formal gardens. [pictured in the June 18, 2008 blog]
  
• Rowallan Castle, Kilmaurs, East Ayrshire ~ Jon.Mvr. M.Cvgm. Spvsis 1562 Is on the stone.
  
• Townhead of Lambroughton, Stewarton, East Ayrshire ~ a marriage stone is now built into a wall on the farm . It reads 'AL MR 1707'. The 'AL' may stand for Alexander Langmuir. The stone was found in a contemporary building which was demolished in the late 20th century.
  
• Woodside House, Parish of Beith ~ a stone built into the corner of a gable with "G. 1759 R," and "A. 1759 P". This is for Gavin Ralston of that Ilk, and his spouse Anabella, daughter of James Pollock of Arthurlee. Another stone has "W.C.P." and "A.C.P." with the initials and date, "W. 1845 P." underneath. This stone belonged to William Charles Sochran-Patrick and his spouse. Finally, a pediment stone in Roman style has "W.R." and "U.M." for William Ralston of that Ilk, and his spouse, Ursula, daughter of William Muir of Glanderstoun and Jean, daughter of Mr. Hans Hamilton, Vicar of Dunlop.

Tomorrow, Marriage Stones of Today…

June 27, 2008 07:14 - Modern Marriage Stones

As you've read over the last posts, Scottish marriage stones were once quite fashionable as a means of recording a marriage and the home the couple lived in.

The thought might be stirring around in your mind that you, too, could have a marriage stone.

I've not been able to collect any details, but Prince Charles and Camille were presented with a larger than life marriage stone, which sits in a garden somewhere in the United Kingdom.

If they can, so can you. Yours might be carved in wood or stone. Using a stone from Scotland would be quite appropriate. But one the two of you collect together would be less expensive and possibly more memorable. It could be from a favorite spot, your wedding venue, the honeymoon location, or even the yard of your first home,

The possibilities are endless, limited only by your own imagination and pocket-book.

If you do decide to create one, I'd look to see a photo.

Coming Monday, David Strathairn, American actor, Scottish heritage…

June 30, 2008 09:14 - David Strathairn, American Actor

David Strathairn is one of my favorite American actors. His presence in movies has slowly grown on me over the years, beginning in Eight Men Out in 1988.

My all time favorite is Erwin 'Whistler' Emory, in Sneakers. As a blind geek, Whistler drove the rescue step-van across a parking lot with Robert Redford giving him directions via a walkie-talkie.

Other movie I've enjoyed him in ~

• The Firm (1983), as the jailbird brother of Tom Cruise
  
• Memphis Belle (1990), as the airbase commander
  
• Delores Claiborne (1995), as the low-life husband
  
• A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999), as Theseus
  
• Good Night and Good Luck (2005), as Edward R. Morrow
  
• We Are Marshall (2006), as Marshall University President
  
• The Bourne Ultimatum (2007) as Deputy Director Noah Vosen

Image courtesy Wikipedia

Though I've not seen The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008) yet, I'm looking forward to his role as Arthur Spiderwick.

David is known for delivering a powerful, yet understated, performance.

His paternal grandfather, Thomas Scott Strathairn was from Crieff, in Perthshire. This ancestry, along with a paternal Hawaiian grandmother, explains his dark, craggy good looks.

The name 'Strathearn' means the valley of the River Earn, which runs from Loch Earn, past Perth and Dundee, to the Firth of Tay on the North Sea.

David's family would wear the Strathearn District Tartan WR1890.

Strathearn District tartan WR1890

Edward, the Duke of Kent and of Strathearn, father of Queen Victoria, wore the Strathearn tartan. As Colonel of the Royal Scots Regiment from 1801 to 1821, he attempted to dress the regiment in his tartan. The Comrie Pipe Band, located in the Strathearn District, wears the Strathearn tartan.

Tomorrow, July Highland Games…