Novel Orkney Book Scheme Marks a 60th Anniversary Back in 1954 began a service of distributing books to avid readers in some of Orkney’s most far-flung islands by ways of library vans boarding and unboarding ferries. “…it is thought that it was the very first example of this type of service anywhere in the world” …” says Orkney library and … Continue reading →
At the end of each year I always look forward with much anticipation to the post-woman visit when she comes and knocks at the door with a whole pile of colourful almanachs, an old tradition in France. Then, I choose among the almanachs (full of very useful information and local maps ) one with gorgeous pictures of animals, of a … Continue reading →
Dear readers, I’m very happy to be back again on Scotiana after celebrating New Year Day in Berry, France, not far from Aubigny-sur-Nère, a favourite place of us not only because it is a very picturesque town with its half-timbered old houses but also because of its historical links with Scotland. Situated in the valley of the river Nère some … Continue reading →
Welcome 2014 ! Scotiana’s team is happy to celebrate this great moment in time with you! Happy, Healthy & Peaceful New Year and may all your wishes come true ¸.•*¨*•♫ “Long may your chimney smoke.” [When people had coal fires, if the chimney was smoking it meant they could afford coal and keep warm.] Cheers !!!!! Mairiuna, Jean-Claude, Margaret, Iain … Continue reading →
“One of the most unnatural and shocking truths about the Scotland Christmas celebrations is that there haven’t been any for a long time. Christmas celebration was banned in Scotland for almost 400 years. Oliver Cromwell, who ruled United Kingdom till 1658 AD, passed the ban on Christmas in 1647 which lasted for almost 15 years. Although the ban was lifted … Continue reading →
Dear readers, Christmas trees are glittering everywhere in crowded city streets, in the heart of towns and villages, in big stores and tiny shops while we are still looking for the best ideas of gifts to put under the little Christmas tree which is waiting for us at home. You should not be very surprised if I say that … Continue reading →
Remember reading in Rankin’s Inspector Rebus series that his famous detective, John Rebus, lived on Arden Street in the residental affluent area of Marchmont in Edinburgh? Since that moment, all fans of Rebus were on a quest to discover the exact Arden Street’s flat number that was home to the much revered Scottish detective of all time! Ian Rankin himself … Continue reading →
Dear readers, No more sweeties… the little candles which had given life to the eyes of our plump red-cheeked pumpkin have gone out and the witches and weird creatures have vanished in the cold spooky night of Halloween. But now, the end of the year is fast approaching, bringing with it the hectic times of Christmas shopping. … Continue reading →
http://youtu.be/PSH0eRKq1lE Dear readers, 11 november 2013… A number of celebrations have taken place yesterday and all day long today in many parts of the world in memory of the soldiers who gave their life to preserve ours and, here, in France, the very moving ‘sonnerie aux morts’ still echoes in the night… Lest we forget… Many moving testimonies from … Continue reading →
Hi Mairiuna! The Prince’s journey up to Glenfinnan being the subject of one of your recent articles, I thought it would be a great idea to continue our “blog conversation” on the topic of the Glenfinnan viaduct which greatfully enhances the scottish landscape. It is situated just on the other side of the road, facing the monument. You have visited … Continue reading →
The rose of all the world is not for me I want for my part Only the little white rose of Scotland That smells sharp and sweet And breaks the heart (Hugh McDiarmid) Hi everybody, The name of Bonnie Prince Charlie is often associated with the little white rose which became the emblem of the Jacobites at the time … Continue reading →
Hi Mairiuna! Upon reading your great article about the magnificient Prestonpans Tapestry: the Prince’s journey up to Glenfinnan… I wondered if postage stamps were issued to commemorate this milestone in Scottish history? I surfed the web and .. by golly … found one! 🙂 It was issued in 1981 by the Royal Mail to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of … Continue reading →
Hi everybody, Our recent visit to the Bayeux Tapestry Museum which temporarily shelters the magnificent Prestonpans Tapestry, made me want to know more not only about the tapestry itself and the people who contributed to the creation of this great masterpiece but also about the journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie from Rome to Prestonpans and beyond… http://www.tapestry-bayeux.com/index.php?id=1&=&L=1 The Prince … Continue reading →
… Mairiuna, did you know that one of our most popular competitive sport here in Canada is curling? “To Curle on the Ice, does greatly please, Being a Manly Scottish Exercise, It Clears the Brains, stirrs up the Native Heat, And gives a gallant Appetite for Meat.” ~James Bicket It was the lowland Scots who brought this game … Continue reading →
‘The Embroidery’ by Franz Xaver Simm (1853-1918) Le tambour bat son plein* ! ………………………… Hi everybody ! So, after the unveiling of The Prestonpans Tapestry in 2010, and of The Great Tapestry of Scotland in September 2013, at the Scottish Parliament, http://youtu.be/LvWo_6JIYAA The Scottish Diaspora Tapestry, a new artistic chef-d’oeuvre is now in the hands of a … Continue reading →
