Adventures of an Imperfect Man In Search of a Handmade Life
On this day before the coming Burns Night where we celebrate the Bard in virtual lockdown I invite you to pull up a chair, pour a tall drink of something potent, and enjoy a few poems from the master of Scottish vernacular. This evening, I strongly recommend you find a copy of Tam O'Shanter and … Continue reading Burns Night, a Dirge
With an excellent video with music of Clanadonia. Let us begin the winter feasting season in the old north. Not just a Scottish or Christian holy day, much of Europe is tied to animal slaughter and feast days to kick off the long dark season. From and anthropological and historical perspective the feast itself is … Continue reading Happy Saint Andrew’s Day!
A painting by the Scottish artist John Burr (1831-1893). Tinkers were originally tinsmiths or "tinners". One of many itinerant jobs pursued by a class of casual laborers. These were mostly skilled and specialized crafts like basket making, shoe repair, leather work, and metal work but many poorer workers were migrant farm labor picking hops and … Continue reading “The Travelling Tinker” by John Burr
Here is a painting by the Scottish artist John Burr (1831-1893) of an itinerant fiddler playing for a family in a Scottish lane probably trying to make enough money to eat or maybe even receive some food for his entertainment. I can't help but think the father looking out has a skeptical look; possibly wondering … Continue reading Wandering Minstral
Here's a wonderful old photograph of a "Tinker Family in Scotland." It is believed to be taken sometime in the 1920s but the location was not identified. The wagon could just about pass for a western American sheep camp. Even thought they had the wealth to own a wagon it was still a pretty tough … Continue reading Tinker Family in Scotland
... an interesting historical post about the fate of traveling folk in 17th century Scotland Scotland had draconian laws against travelling folk. Hostility towards “Egyptians” took off under King James VI, who was also famously opposed to Border Reivers, Gaelic-speaking Highlanders, alleged Witches, Protestant religious dissenters and tobacco smokers. Edinburgh, 13 May 1682: ‘His Royall … Continue reading Banished to New York:
https://vimeo.com/145695544 Ardnamurchan (Àird nam Murchan: headland of the great seas), Lochaber, Highland, Scotland. This is a beautiful short film of the westernmost peninsula of the British mainland.
As if traditional bagpiping weren't enough, here are the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards going all Pachelbel for your listening enjoyment. https://youtu.be/xod2ZDzUR8U A view of the amazing Scottish country of Scotland. All these photo's were taken by friends on the Isle Of Skye. Accompanied by the music Canon by The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Music Available … Continue reading Bagpipes Gone Baroque
A beautiful and sentimental song by Dougie MacLean, a Scottish artist. If you've never heard of him you probably know at least one of his tunes. MacLean's most famous piece is probably "The Gael", from his 1990 album The Search, which was adapted by Trevor Jones as the main theme to The Last of the … Continue reading Sunday Music
Salmon fishing in Scotland romanticized by R.R. McIan, mid-19th century.
Maybe it's time to institute Highlander Art Mondays for a while. From James Logan's The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845. Great kilt, bill staff, and some fine pampooties.
A Highland Outpost by John Pettie.
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 