The Journal of The Scots Heritage Society 

Published August 2004.

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REGULARS

4     Editorial

6     Letters

8     SCOTS Q & A - find the answers to those elusive questions.

78   SCOTS Crafts - John Thompson, bird carver

82   SCOTS Gaelic - Ruairidh MacIlleathain

84   SCOTS Genealogy

88  SCOTS Gardens – Greenbank

92  SCOTS Style

104  SCOTS Fare – Jamie Thewes

108 SCOTS Music – Robin Laing

110 SCOTS Music Reviews -Pete Clark

112 SCOTS Book Reviews - Seumas MacLeod

DIRECTORY

114 Caledonian Calendar

115 Clans and Societies

120 SCOTS Business Directory

FEATURES

10  THE CRANNOGS OF LOCH TAY

A vivid record of the lives of the Crannog people who lived on Loch Tay 3,000 years ago is being uncovered by Scotland's leading underwater archaeologists, Dr Nicholas Dixon and Barrie Andrian.  Georgia Stannard reports from Kenmore in Perthshire. 

16  THE HOUSE OF DUN

The great Scottish architect William Adam created a Georgian masterpiece when he designed the magnificent House of Dun for David Erskine, Lord Dun, in the 1730s.  The House of Dun, now beautifully restored by the National Trust for Scotland, is rightfully regarded as one of the great houses of Scotland.  Catriona Stuart reports.  

22  POINTING THE BONE

The University of Dundee's Professor Sue Black is training the next generation of scientists in the skills needed to unravel the mysteries of violent death.  Angus Urquhart reports. 

28  SCOTS IN CANADA

Jenni Calder concludes her series on Scottish emigration to Canada.

34  AILSA CRAIG

Ailsa Craig, the distinctive green domed granite island in the Clyde estuary is home to one of Scotland's most important sea bird colonies.  Under the terms of a 15-year lease, the island's owner, the Marquess of Ailsa, has agreed to allow the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB Scotland) to take responsibility for its management.  Heather Ross reports. 

40  ORCADIAN MOSAIC 

Orcadian artist Sheila Scott is transforming the once dull interiors of Scottish airports and ferry terminals into attractive modern galleries who art works not only welcome visitors, but also give them an inspiring glimpse of the beauty of the Highland and Island.  Iain Gunn reports from Rousay. 

48  BATTLE OF THE BEAVER

To beaver or not to beaver?  That is the question which is being bated back and forth across the political divide in Scotland as opposing forces make claim and counter-claim for the reintroduction of the creature which is believed to have been driven into extinction in the early 17th century.  Heather Ross reports from Argyll. 

56  FIRTH OF TAY

The Firth of Tay may be the smallest of Scotland's major firths, but its history and its wildlife also make it one of the most interesting.  Fiona MacGillivray reports.

60  STAR GAZING

Peter Hill started his working life as a relief lighthouse keeper on the tiny island of Pladda in the Firth of Clyde.  Thirty years on, his hilarious experiences are brought sharply into focus through the wry, self-deprecating humour of his new book, Stargazing.  Isla Macdonald reports.

66  DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

Fiona Armstrong and landscape photographer Sir Malcolm MacGregor conclude their journey through Dumfries and Galloway.

72  A YARN FROM NORTH RONALDSAY

Writer Polly Pullar and artist Keith Brockie conclude their series of rural portraits with a visit to the Orcadian island of North Ronaldsay, home of the hardy seaweed-eating sheep.

78  THE BIRDCARVER OF BIRSAY

John Thompson's beautifully sculptured wood-carvings capture the elusive spirit of Scotland's waterbirds.  At his home at Birsay on the north west coast of Orkney's Mainland, he spoke with SCOTS Editor Susan Cromarty.

84  TRACING OUR SCOTTISH ANCESTORS

In the first of a regular series on genealogy, Susan Cromarty reports on Edinburgh's newly established Scottish Family History Service.

100  GRIMBISTER FARMHOUSE CHEESE

Susan Cromarty journeys out to Orkney's Grimbister Farm to meet Hilda Seator, one of Scotland's few remaining traditional farmhouse cheese makers.