The Journal of The Scots Heritage Society 

Published February 2007.

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REGULARS

4       Editorial

6       Letters to the Editor

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

104   SCOTS Fare – Jamie Thewes cooks lobster and crab.

110   SCOTS Music – Deirdre Campbell-Shaw. 

114   SCOTS Book Reviews - Seumas MacLeod  

117   Clans and Societies

122   SCOTS SHOWCASE

FEATURES

10  GLAMIS CASTLE

Like a fairytale apparition, the distinctive red sandstone turrets and rampart of 15th century Glamis Castle stand shimmering at the end of an avenue of ancient oaks.  Donald Cameron was made welcome by the Strathmore family who have lived in the castle since 1372.  

18 ISLAY AND JURA

In his personal testament to these islands, the photographs and words of George Robertson, one of Islay's best known sons, capture their extraordinary beauty. 

26   TINKERS : THE TRAVELLING TRADITION IN SCOTLAND

For hundreds of years, until very recent times, families of wandering nomads roamed the Scottish Highlands.  The tinkers are today recognised as the custodian's of Scotland's great oral tradition in which stories, ballads and folk  music are passed down through succeeding generations.  Isla Macdonald had the privilege of meeting Sheila Stewart MBE, a traveller who is one of the leading lights in Scottish traditional music.   

32  EDINBURGH CASTLE'S PRISONS OF WAR 

Many thousands of prisoners of war have been incarcerated in the dank dungeons and vaults deep within Edinburgh Castle.  Some of their places of confinement have only just been excavated and are now on permanent exhibition.  Christopher Tabraham reports.  

38  DREAM ANGUS 

Myths are universal and timeless stories which reflect our desires, our fears, our longings and provide narratives that remind us of what it means to be human.  Dream Angus, Alexander MaCall Smith's latest book, explores the beautiful myth of the Celtic God of Dreams, a handsome and benign Eros who represents youth and passionate love.    

42  NATURAL CONNECTIONS 

Although Britain is far from meeting its target of halting biodiversity loss by the year 2010, a bold new initiative from the Scottish Wildlife Trust may hold the key to reversing the decline in native wildlife.   

46  THE CASTLE OF MEY 

On a rocky outcrop overlooking the Pentland Firth Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother established the only home she would ever own. 

54  FORTY DEGREES SOUTH

In the first of a series of features on Scots and their descendents abroad, Bruce MacWilliam braves the wild waters of Bass Strait to spend time with Garry Kerr, OAM, a distinguished author, historian and film-maker who also happens to be one of Australia's most successful commercial fishermen.   

62   DANIELL'S SCOTLAND 

In the summer of 1813 the artist William Daniell set off to circumnavigate Great Britain.  The voyage took 12 years to complete and resulted in the publication of a masterpiece.  Now, the National Library of Scotland and the Edinburgh publishing house, Birlinn, have combined to create a magnificent facsimile edition which concentrates entirely on Daniell's work in Scotland.

72  SCOTLAND'S CASTLES 

Christopher Tabraham continues his series in the castles of Scotland. 

78   FOWLESHEUGH

The aptly named Fowlesheugh (Bird-cliffs) near Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire are one of RSPB's most important nature reserves. 

86   CASTLETON HOUSE HOTEL

Our on-going search for the best hotels in Scotland takes Seumas MacLeod out to the braes of Angus and the quiet secluded elegance of the Castleton House Hotel. 

100  SCOTS WHISKY

Charles MacLean visits Islay, the home of Ardbeg, the peatiest of all Scotland's single malt whiskies.