Supreme Thrashing!

During the year 1707 the Scottish Lord's accepted many large bribes, retained their lands in England, and happily sold Scotland to English dominance without asking the people what they themselves wished.  The riots following indicated their position quite well I think.

Today the descendants of such Lord's have once again gone against the will of many Scots and bound Scotland to domination 'until England allows this.'   Any nation that has pride in itself will naturally be up in arms at this, not unexpected ruling, however, there appears to be online social outcry but little effective noise from the powers that be.  I wonder why?

The Scots government, led by the SNP, could as I understand it,

call an election based entirely on independence.  It would be good if those sitting as MPs in Westminster were also to resign their seats and force a by-election in each one.  Has Nicola got the desire for such things?  I do not believe she, her MSPs or her MPs have such willing.  Nicola enjoys being queen of the state, she cares little re independence, her power is more important, her MPs do not wish to lose £84,000 a year plus pension either. 

Once again Scotland is treated as a colony.  

Once again the Scots government will do nothing, while being well cared for thank you.

Once again England dominates a colony from which she dare not be free as she cannot pay her own way.

Once again Scotland loses out.

It is time for change.

I tried, honest I tried, but I could not watch Spain toying with Costa Rica.

As the thrusting, young, eager Spanish players warmed all over the unfortunate opponents I feared the worst.  Clearly this is not yet a Spanish side destined to win the World Cup, however, it is one with every chance this time.  

When the third goal went in and all over Costa Rica lunch was spoiled by the rioting natives I decided to join them, not in rioting but in looking away.  I returned to my Christmas shop.  Here I wished to make use of a voucher, from an unusual organisation.  I decided 'Waterstones' was the place to go online.  I searched, glanced back at the football to see the fourth goal go in, and looked away.  I sought books of solace, well anything really.  Every so often I glanced at the game, 5-0 now, I looked away.  I went through the rigmarole to pay and naturally the new voucher they say works is not represented here!  I paid anyway as well, I might as well.  With the post again on strike for two days they may be another Christmas present for me.

What?  Oh, 7-0 huh?  

OK, Costa were not going to win, this is the toughest group, and lots of goals will be sought at the Costa end.  Two more long games ahead for the goalkeeper...

A Scottish Poem

I bought this book years ago and found it once again while staring into the bookcase.

Trevor Royle has brought together poetry and prose, including some fictionalised acounts, of the great War.  I was touched by this poem, something that does not usually happen, as it reflected the emotions felt by the couple involved.  It spoke better than most works from the time.

 

Pilgrimage: Being the thoughts of an ex-soldier at Ypres, 8/8/28

Me, an’ Jean, an’ the bairn;
The wee lad spierin’ an’ starin’;
Daunderin’ quiet an’ douce-like doun
The Menin road into Ypres toun.
‘Did ye kill ony Germans here?’
Man, it’s sair what a laddie’ll spier.
An’ Jean whispers ‘Wheest!’ – an’ there comes
The band wi’ its trumpets an’ drums.
There’s a glower i’ the wee laddie’s ee.
Ay, he’s ettlin’ ti sojer like me.
An’ Jean whispers low in her pain:
‘Lord, Ye’ll no lat it happen again!’
Syne the Gate whaur the weary feet trod
Like a white kind o’ promise fae God.
An’ in silence we’re spierin’ an’ starin’
– Me, an’ Jean, an’ the bairn.

Me an’ Jean
Her wi’ a saft warm licht in her een,
Thankfu’ that I am come through,
But trimlin’ a wee at the mou’,
Prood o’ the medals I wear –
The same as the Prince stan’in’ there;
Her hand grippin’ hard in mine here
– Oh Jeannie! Oh Jeannie, my dear! –
An’ I ken a’ the things she wud say
An’ Geordie was fond o’ her tae.
We saw Geordie’s bivvy yestreen,
Me an’ Jean.

Me,
Lookin’ yont ower the years juist tae see
Yon War like the ploy of a loon;
But a queer kind o’ shiver rins doon
My back as the things dribble in
– A hallikit lauch i’ the din,
The sangs, an’ the mud, an’ the claes,
An’ my buits, an’ yon glint through the haze
O’ anither lad’s bayonet, an’ lichts
Makin’ day o’ the darkest o’ nichts,
An’ the drinkin’ our tea fae ae can.
– Oh Geordie! Oh Geordie, my man!
An’ – deil tak’ this dust i’ my ee.
Me!

---

J. B. Salmond

from The Old Stalker and Other Verses (Edinburgh: The Moray Press, 1936)

The poems were often written in an Arbroath dialect.

I found this on the excellent Scottish Poetry Library.

 

Steam in the Highlands - The Jacobite Steam Train (Hogwarts Express)

Intellectual Talk at SPAM re 1707 Bribery

1707 Bribery

Last night, after an attempt at recovering from my day trip, I headed down the long road to the Liberal Club for some Liberal chat with the fellow members of SPAM.  As always the early birds were in first, as always good cheer and friendliness were abundant.

I soon stopped that nonsense.

It happened, I mention this in passing, that I was wearing a loose fitting T-shirt, one eminently suitable for the weather.  I also mention in passing, for you information, that across this blue T-shirt were emblazoned the words 'Scottish not British.'  This was fine in my book, and the attractive young barmaid greeted me warmly, as always, and with a smile.  As I took my seat without checking my change, it is not that I trust then barmaid, it is just that I am not arguing with her, again, a comment from one senior member excited the gang around him.  

"You believe in Scots going it alone?" 

"Yes indeed," replied I.

At this point 'Daily Express' educated nonce across the table cried out.

"You asked to join."

This nonsense was soon put in its place.

"You can't survive without Britain paying for you." (Note the use of 'Britain' here)

This nonsense was soon put in its place.

Voices were raised, as were a chair and table or two, until the attractive young barmaid got of her seat across the way and came over and belted us.

That brought the discussion to an end.

We moved onto safer subjects.  

One thing that became clear is the rising prices, with Brexit to blame, beginning to be recognised by the 'Daily Express' educated peoples.  They are beginning to understand, somewhat reluctantly, that Brexit was a lie, that it costs a great deal, and they are paying for it.  There remains a hope that the new liar in Downing Street will improve things, a faded hope at the moment as all agree none of the prospective leaders are worth having.  It appears that we will not have a new leader until September the 5th for reasons as yet unclear, but simply to allow Boris to ruin much more before he goes.  

It has to be said the Labour leader, whatisname, is bringing a motion to the House to demand his removal forthwith, using another couple of sex and bribery involving women as a reason.  There is however, no doubt that they lackeys will ensure this does not succeed, even those who wish Boris out will not be enough to ensure he is removed.  Keeping in with the important people is important for backbench MPs.  

  

With Jeremy Hunt promising to scrap the Ban on Hunting we moved on to circuses.  In days of yore all of us had seen animals in the circus, one member of out tribe related the abuse from anti-circus protesters as he drove to the big tent.  He was frightened by the banging on the roof and screaming abuse.  I indicated this was similar to the attractive young barmaid a few minutes ago, and he retorted that this mob was worse.  This caused us all to gasp!  

It appears a new, small zoo has opened up new Maldon.  This is a good thing, for those that can get there.  Maldon has seen large animals before, elephants in a circus came one year and were taken to the large pool there for a  wash.  The children were in there with them and all had a great time it appears.  Elephants are very family orientated and would love the attention and fun water games offered.  I doubt if such a thing would be allowed today, too many rules, H&S, and just generally spoilsports around to let kids have fun with elephants or other animals.  Mind you in 1936 a lion escaped from the circus here as it arrived, this took a few hours before it was captured.  I thought I had scribbled about this before but I cannot find the details.  Most annoying.  Just imagine wandering into the garden and finding a lion there!  

Having debated Scotland, zoo's, circuses,' various long gone public houses, varieties of beers, and the vicars daughters wedding in Indian style on Friday (apparently last Saturday a feast was held for this, table groaning with food, as indeed were those who attended while I sat at home with a cheese sandwich.) and the taxi with the wife in had come for our noble leader, we decided to depart. 

A mixed groaning as stiff knees and backs were removed from chairs, glasses trembled as tables were jarred, screeching as chairs were moved (on carpet?), and goodnights exchanged while we still knew who we all were.

And so to bed.

I appear tired today...

 

Wednesday Slob

This photograph, as you will realise, was taken on slides way back in the early 90s.  I recently found a way to transfer them, with difficulty, to the laptop.  This was great fun, if you like stress.  Now looking at the view, apart from the road obviously, I am wishing I could go up there again for a wander.  This bit itself is a wee boring area, but Glencoe is round the bend and the view there is quite good, in Spring and Summer.  

Wandering anywhere is off at the moment.  Walking to church Sunday, walking to supermarkets Monday, then to the vicars induction, and home in the evening.  Tuesday I went down to the Post Office to post a parcel, and carried on to the church for coffee time.  This morning I was back in supermarket territory, milk does not last long in this heat!  

My knees are not happy with me, they keep creaking and demanding I lie on my bed and snooze.  I must say I have regretfully obeyed them, and intend to do the same tomorrow.  It may be tropical heat outside but I remain indoors, unwilling to move.  Mind you, outside it is hot, inside there is a draught.  It never ends, and while people strip off in the park I wear my jacket!   It was ever thus here, facing the cold north.

Nicola tells us she is preparing for Indy 2 once again.  I will believe this when real evidence is forthcoming.  I fear this is a mere sop to the demands being made by the people.  Nothing will come of this I say.  

Meanwhile Boris is hiding behind Priti Patel, she is attempting to send asylum seekers to Africa, all to appease the 'Daily Mail' reader.  This too is a false front.  They know it will not happen, but votes will come their way, division increase, and they keep power.  I consider a rope too good for of them.

'Dipper Books'

 

I have begun reading these two, what I call 'Dipper' books.  That is, they are full of short chapters on a variety of different subjects and therefore do not requre long term attention.  Ideal for bathrooms everywhere.

'Reportage Scotland,' was first published in the year 2000, this version in 2005, 'World of Books' tempted me again.  This attempts to give reportage from 'eye witnesses' or as near as possible down through Scotland's History, beginning with Tacitus detailing in 'The Agricola,' the adventures (always successfull) of his father-in-law, Agricola.  Some famous, some notorious I suppose, and many unknown people offer their view on events they see.  

John Knox, the great reformer, gives his view on the death of Cardinal Beaton, a candle-maker in Leslie in Fife writes later to a freind of the problems caused by the bandit Rob Roy, and the 'Caledonian Mercury' of 1778 discusses John Paul Jones, a Scotsman who had joined the American revolution and later founded the navy.  The trial of Burke and Hare, or at least Burke, Hare had turned Kings Evidence and got off, in 1828 is here, as is the 'Edinburgh Evening News' report from 1890 concerning the opening of the Forth Bridge.

I love such books as they give an insight to historical events, important and less so, from the people who were there.  As always there is a need to understand from what perspective they are writing, but I think this is a great book.

'The Modern Explorers' published first in 2013, is slightly newer.  It follows similar short chapter settings where modern explorers speak of the sights seen and endured, as they continue to traverse the earth into places as yet unknown to most of us.  Polar regions, Deserts, Mountains and the like are covered by those brave, or stupid, enough to cross them.

One advantage of such books must be the short chapters.  Any that bore can be dumped and another chosen.  Another advantage is that you can learn something from someone who was there, or maybe near enough.   

 

Never the Twain

National

 

The other day, when in conversation with two of what I took to be highly intelligent men, I realised once again that I live in a foreign country.  It was clear their knowledge of Scortland was limited, and their reaction to Nicola Sturgeon reflected a message poured out by the 'Daily Mail,' 'Daily Express,' and BBC News.  This was disturbing but not unusual down here.

A hatred for Sturgeon that they cannot adequately explain is based on false information and a desire to oppose independence.  Yet some of these people voted for Brexit! and what they called and English independence.  

Sturgeon is no favourite of mine, however, she has handled Covid better than England, that means Boris, has attempted to protect people at all levels and while surely has made mistakes, though who would not in the circumstances, has been seen as a competent politician, one Boris dare not face.  

Scots who dislike Nicola do so because she favours the absurd 'trans' and 'gay' ideology, or is failing to seek independence.  It is likely she is happy with the situation just now as she remains happily in charge of her Cabal with no opposition.  However, 'Indy2' appears not to bother her whatsoever.  

In England dislike is based on tabloid media and ignorance.  Such ignorance includes a failure to understand how Scotland has been abused by England since the Lords took bribes and kept their lands by selling out to England in 1707.  This brought continued the peace brought by James VI & I taking the English throne (and ignoring Scotland) but almost killed Edinburgh and was rightly refused by the people.  No benefits accrued to Scotland until Scots took power in England's parliament.  Only then did money shift north, and probably into only certain pockets.

Financial figures, misreported and misunderstood seek to make Scotland a failed economy yet Denmark, Ireland and others with smaller populations succeed.  Joining the EU helps, but Scotland's  trade will improve without the Brexit folly hindering her.

Scottish nationalism is not based on hatred of England, as the London press keep repeating, but on love of country.  English nationalism is however based on xenophobia, hatred of foreigners and a belief they are still a 17th century imperial power.  This clearly is not the case.  Since Brexit all power has been lost, the English importance rotted away and all that matters is the pigs with noses in the trough, the nation, flag waving or not, matters not and is dying.

Will the English ever understand how Scots are second class citizens in their own country.  They will never understand why the BBC refers to 'British' football fans when talking about 'English' ones.  They note a tennis star who was 'Scots' until he won Wimbledon and became 'British,' and numerous daily occurrences similar to this.  I queried one newsreader when she mentioned the train leaves Kings Cross for Scotland.  "Where is this station called 'Scotland'?" I asked.  The next time she appreared it was amended to Edinburgh though she missed out the 'Waverley' bit.  Unconscious racism is bad when we are black, but not when we are Scots.  

Boris Johnson himself is known for his antipathy to Scots and has published many such statments in his writings.  Possibly action ought to have been taken here?

Scots know much more about this foreign country than the English know of Scotland, for a 'United Nation' we are very disunited, may it become permanent soon.

 

WoS

Successful Scottish Cricket!

 

 

Scotland have won at cricket!

Now there is a headline you don't see often!  

Scotland has of course played cricket since the game began way back when, however, once football was organised, by Scotland first in spite of English Toffs claims, cricket took a back seat.  It was never considered important to most Scots and while the 'Better schools' attempted to turn young Scots into Englishmen by force feeding them cricket and rugby, normal schools, the 'ragged schools' of my youth ignored the game.

So cricket was not important to the majority though various places have had clubs dating back hundreds of years, and therefore Scotland, a nation of 5 million, never produced a top level cricket side.  Now however, having worked their way through the lower orders similar to themselves they have qualified for what is considered the 'Top 12.' 

The will be 'dancing in the streets of Raith tonight,' because of this. Though it may be drink the mor likely cause.

For the cricket lover this is a good thing.  Scotland has, not that long ago, beaten England at the one day game, the first time ever, and now finding themselves for the first time ever at the top table the players and backroom people can be proud of their achievment.

What happens now?

Now Scotland enter another group phase.  This however includes three of the top sides in the world, India, Pakistan and New Zealand!  Afghanistan has also qualified, with one other as yet to be decided to join also.  It matters not, holding their heads high whatever matters is all that they are required to do now.  Qualifying for the first time was important, whatever the results against the top sides they matter not, just follow the Scotland attitude and 'have a go!'

The Chief Apologises | Scot Squad | BBC Scotland Comedy

The Auld Enemy

 

It is quite normal for Scotland to go down to Wembley and win.  After all we have been doing that for almost 150 years and as we invented the game, developed it through 'scientific football,' and provided the best players the world has ever seen, though Pele, Eusebio and Maradonna were all right, if you like that sort of thing, it will come as no surprise to see us put the arrogant imperialists back in their box.  So, needing to win at Wembley last night was not something to worry us.  However, having displayed all the intellect of one of Boris Johnson's cabinet members, we threw away our chances of going through by losing badly to the Czech's a few days before.  Therefore, we needed at least a point and in the end hard work, team work, and individual brightness brought us a no score draw, and I think this was two points dropped.  

England, as the English press have it, were not very good.  Nothing is said re Scotland outplaying them?  England, the manager tells us, "Got the point that ensures qualification," which is true.  What manager Gareth Southgate did not mention was the vermin of the English press would have savaged him, a decent bloke, had he lost to what they consider an inferior product.  His team and tactics reveal a sensible man.

However, this is just England.  The game used to mean a great deal, not now.  From 1872 until 1972 the Scotland v England clash provided an outlet for national pride, now it means little.  Scotland has long lost interest in these games apart form the points. Certainly we wish to win, but for me Scotland require to develop a team that can take on European sides and win, beating a 'British' side like England means little.  Our loss to the Czechs showed we need to play a style that can beat such sides, power and strength against England means little.  The game against Croatia, who desparately need to win to avoid the wrath of their own fans, will reveal both our managers tactical ability as this level and our ability to play against such teams.

Forget England, Scotland requires to amend the league structure, change the way TV covers the game and how such cash is used, and develop young players who can make it at international level.  We need to get players once again who can get the ball down on the grass and beat the opposition, players like Bobby Walker, Tommy Walker, Jimmy Johnson and Jim Baxter.  We are way short of this today.

We also must ask, how do Wales do it?  No league of their own to speak off, players spread across many nations, yet they continue to play in all tournaments, qualifying more often than Scotland.  Having one man earning £600,000 a week in Spain cannot be the reason, he is only a part of that.  

Scotland must ask why Wales are better than us?

  

Alex For Me

 

National

 

This is the man who will get my vote tomorrow!  Sadly, he will not be represented on our voting paper.  For reasons unclear to me I am unable to vote for seats in the Scottish Parliament while 400 miles away.  This appears to me to be very discriminatory.  

The return of Alex to politics has upset Nicola's women and the Trans lobby that he claims have too much influence with the leadership of the SNP.  I believe he is correct in this.  I agreed with Alex on Twitter yesterday to find outrage from the Trans fraternity, many agreeing with those who dislike Alex, and abusing me for telling them he 'speaks the truth.'  Such lobby groups do not like hearing truth.  The number of 'He/she and Him/her' or whatever, who posted also shows they come in groups, partly to support their man/woman but mostly to justify to themselves their opinion.  I find trans and gays rarely come alone.  Brow beating is their speciality.

The other attack on Alex always implies he is 'creepy.'  This is because of his situation in court regarding women.  However, the Lady Judge and the mostly female jury (15 members in Scotland) cleared Alex of any wrong doing, with the judge implying the female witnesses had been put up to it by the unnamed Nicola and her Civil Servant friend, who still has not resigned.

Tomorrow however we will know which Poll has got it right.  It is likely SNP will once again take the majority but who will support them?  The Greens will, if they have enough seats, and Alba will also make their presence felt if they too get at least 6 seats in the House.  I hope so, the SNP have many internal divisions stemming from Nicolas and her support acts, Alba will bring Indy back to the people.

 

 

DMCA

The knees gave so much trouble at the weekend I have done little since.  I attempted to exercise, shop, walk and do other things all in one go.  I suffered for this as it appears I am no longer 25.   So, little has been done but annoy the neighbours while watching football, drink tea and argue on Twitter.  

That is all that is required surely?

Scotland's Success, Dominic's Failure!

 

 

Scotland qualifying, the hard way as always, for the Euro's last night was a welcome change from the mass of bumf that fills the screen these days.  By outplaying a feared Serbian side they deservedly won through.  Only Scotland however could allow the enemy to score an equaliser in the 90th minute of this game, an equaliser they did not deserve, and then, exhausted by the efforts over the previous hour and a half, almost throw everything away at the end.  Then, after an excellent penalty shoot out, it would be hard to find nine better taken penalties anywhere, and one excellent save from David Marshall we, at last, get back into the old routine.

In my youth Scotland made a habit of qualifying for such tournaments before throwing away all advatages on offer.  World Cup and European Nations would come and go, the only failure being not getting out of the section once we got there.  Nations close by with easier sections, as always, managed this regularly, even if they failed to make it to the finals in 1994 in the USA.  Now we have once again got back to normal I look forward to a glorious failure this summer, knives in the back for individual stars, and a mess of Bull in all the media.  That's normal in this country.  However, for now we enjoy and look forward with a smile, whatever that is!

 

Here is an excellent photo, not just because it catches the bright light indoors against the twilight outside, but because it appears Dominic is leaving.  I say 'appears' as we all know how much a part acting plays with this lot.  He may well be moving out, but his henchmen remain indoors, and his contact with his puppet will continue.  

There are those who consider a change is under way, Brexiteers are worrying, IDS and Redwood are spouting, and Brexit is six or so weeks away and many backbench Tories are worried, a 'No Deal Brexit may lose their seat, it may also hurt the nation but they are worried mostly about losing their seat! 

Our Heroic PM, the one hiding in a fridge, I suppose has seen a danger in this, the danger he may be pushed out in disgrace, something he wishes to avoid.  Moving Dominic, if indeed this is genuine, and obeying this weeks girlfriend, might just save his face.  Bidens victory has influencefuture talks.

Biden himself has shown his dark side.  This Roman Catholic, this nice man, has already stated he will give funds to those who murder children in abortion and reverse laws banning this murder.  That may give him support among the selfish but will lose it elsewhere.  This was a foolish move at this time.

 

Bleary Eyed Monday

 

This football is tiring!

I was forced to watch 4 very poor games yesterday, though I confess to falling asleep in one, and ought to have done in the others also.  On top of that I just watched two ex-Soviet sides failing to impress and now I have to prepare emotionally for Scotland playing against an unknown Czech side.  

This sort of thing leads to PTSD you know!

What with the virus, Lock Down, and silly players catching the virus when they ought to be at home there is always a backlog of games to play.  However, the men in suits have forced this tournament upon us which means crowding lots of games into a few days.  This is not good when so few players have had any games behind them at this time, even Belarus, who I just watched, were looking unfit by the end of the game.  Possibly as their season did not stop they may be worn out, but that was not a good sign.

Once more unto the viewer we go...

 

Boris, seen here with what he calls the 'British Flag, has been caught out again.  The 'Financial Times' discovered he was threatening to dump the Brexit withdrawsl agreement, in spite of the cost, and now is claiming it was a lie.  The story may change by the time I finish this.  I note the media are downplaying this, on instructions I suspect. 

Where are journalists today?  Where are the people in the mainstream media questioning this government?  The BBC, with the new Tory chairman, SKY, ITV and the papers do not question?  Not at all!  No government has such an easy run, especially when it is so inept.

Christmas and Brexit are close.  Stock up now!

Family History

Since yesterday morn, where, dressed like a gangster in a black mask, I visited Tesco before dawn I have refused to leave my chair.  Simple laziness plus a desire to reply to the genealogy query sent to me.  I was glad as wearing a mask I canny breathe and my glasses steam up so not going into shops makes life easier.  I agree with the principle, I just canny breathe!  
Anyway, some time back I failed to find anything about James, a distant relative.   I did the decent thing and gave up.  It was a bit trying at the time and I needed a break.  Yesterday, once I had restarted this quest, I was happy to discover someone else had been looking in the same area and had not only found James (The Young Yin) but also his father James (the Auld Yin) and further his father John (The Very Auld Yin).  All, as is the case, farmers or tenant farmers in the Scots borders.

Making use of Google Maps I can get a glimpse of the land as they knew it.  The small towns and villages they knew have not grown much, some not at all, and the area is still dependent on farming for the most part for a living.  Taking into account the hardship of the days, Religious strife, all proud Scots and Protestant, the wars that passed through their lands, including 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' not that far away, and I am left wondering looking at gaps in the story whether some men have wandered of to a war or two?  Certainly they would not follow Charlie, the would be Catholic King, but adventure may call on occasion.

Farmers at the time, enduring economic and weather led woes, would work physically all hours of the day.  Little else to distract them, church on Sunday, family times together, educating them as best as they could, and breeding well, one man had 10 children when I lost count, plus one that failed to survive.  
Eventually, great granddad moved into Berwick itself, running a pub near the market with the help of his daughters, one of whom was deaf, and farming a nearby 40 acres.  Having seen the vista from the farm land moving into Berwick must have appeared to him like moving into a big city.  Edrom still has a mere handful of houses, most of whom were created after his forefathers moved on, and while Berwick has the sea beside it, once Scotland's richest city,  it appears to you and I as a very small town indeed.

  
So, while researching this I managed to ignore the dreadful performance of the West Indies cricket team.  Poor bowling, howling batting and nothing more than a desire to get out of the dismal wet Manchester and return to somewhere warm!  I do not blame them!  

Declaration!

Clan McAlister

700 years ago today the nobles gathered to offer the 

Declaration of Arbroath.  

You can read it on the Clan McAlister page. 

Sunny Picnics and Boris

Leaning awkwardly through the back window I glimpse the sun offering us the appearance of summer once again.  Outside people pass by in flimsy outfits, T-shirts and shorts, dark glasses and thin dresses.  All pretending the weather is hot because the sun is in the sky.  Inside, I sit with a pullover on under my old man's cardie watching the temperature aim for the mid 60's, that's about 17% to you modern people.  By noon it might become summer properly again. 
Interestingly I was reading about one of those murderous English queens, Mary, the Catholic one who married Philip of Spain in an attempt to bring happiness to her people.  His first ten days in the country, in mid summer, were a torrent of continuous rain!  Add to this the diary of King George V, the one who served during the Great War as King, his 1914 diary is full of grumbles re the weather up to the end of July when it turns hot.
Some things never change.

  Nat Rec Scotland

Reading Jenny's blog brought back memories of Sunday School picnics in the 50's & 60's.  In times past it was normal for the church to organise a bus trip out of town for all the kids, his must have begun in Victorian days, horse drawn carts if lucky, walking far otherwise.  Charabancs in the 20's and buses by the 30's.  All the buses we saw in Edinburgh would have streamers hanging out the windows, some places using double deckers as the numbers were so high.  By the late 60's these had died out, the car, lack of numbers possibly, personal travel far afield ensured such events lost glamour to the wealthier society.  However the picnic, especially with a decent crowd, has not lost enjoyment as Jenny's pictures show.  
If lucky the place chosen for the picnic would be clear of sheep and cows and indeed their aftermath.  But in those days we did not complain, we were just told to 'Leave Pat alone and carry on.'  There were occasional races, competitions, though I canny mind any now, and a strange look from the Minister as I approached.  I am unclear what was going through his mind but it did not appear to be "Let the children come to me."    
I have vague memories of the strange smell of the plastic mug, even worse the tin one that enabled whatever we had put in it lost all flavour!  A bag of buns and I suppose sandwiches were given, I canny mind sandwiches but i do remember Edinburgh's buns!  In those days little side street bakers made their own cakes and buns, snowballs, 'fly cemeteries,' and brown things covered with chocolate were the thing!  When I was last in Edinburgh such dank bakers still existed, I wonder if they do now?  I miss the snowballs!  It is rather sad that 'Greggs' and the like and considered better than the corner baker.  
Of course Scots died from eating 50 years worth of such things...

Boris has 'visited' Scotland.
The Scots informed him of their opinion of him so successfully he left by the rear door!  
Unlike in England where many threw coloured balls at him as he passed nothing but 'Boos' and jeers greeted the bumbling PM.  In the west he had blethered on about the EU 'dropping the Backstop and showing 'common sense and intelligence,' failing to mention Theresa came up with the Backstop.  He also failed to mention why the EU should back down when he wishes to leave not them!
Ruth Davidson, the strange wee lassie who runs the Tories in Scotland, refuses to accept the 'No Deal' scenario and has made that plain to him while offering her full support, 'Tory style' I suspect.  
In short he has been shown the door by Scotland but like all at Westminster he will care not about that, his friends and his position are what counts to him.

 

Old Scots Vid

Too lazy busy to post so here is an old video you might like.

Sold!

Edinburgh Castle and Esplanade (Burns 1868)
By courtesy of Edinburgh City Libraries

Today is a day of shame.

On this day in 1707 Scotland was sold to England by Peers ensuring their livelihood continued while the Scots people suffered.  For the next 50 years Scotland, and Edinburgh in particular struggled.  Only Scots grit and hard work brought change.

The Unionists among us, mostly reading the 'Scotsman' paper, a media that has long sold out to unionism, in spite of rumours that it's sub-eds are all down south somewhere.  All media i Scotland is English owned including the BBC which while based in Glasgow is dominated by the Labour Party and that is English led.

Missionary work took me here, and often I have been threatened by the natives, I know not why as I am such a nice chap, and understand the advantages of two nations working together for mutual benefit.  I know also that Scotland is considered as an addendum and nothing else.  What a waste of an opportunity.

It is time Scotland ruled itself.

    

I came across this representation of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland.  I cannot find the link that gives details but I am convinced he looks like me and I wonder if in fact I am the rightful King of Scots?    

Just asking like...?

Note I say 'King of Scots' not 'King of Scotland.'  While Elizabeth claims to be 'King of England' the Scots King is King only of people, not the land.  English kings as you know grab all they can get.

Just saying like...

    

Spring has Sprung!

The chill wind sneaking across Essex from the North Sea did not hide the fact that Spring has Sprung and brightness is upon us.  We can look forward to more light, longer days, blossoming flowers and concentrate on such things while ignoring Brexit.  The birds chirp in the trees while eating the new buds as they appear, the wood pigeons chase each other keenly and the Sparrows have worked out how to hang onto the feeders.  
I contemplated this a wee bit as I trudged down to church to be renewed in spirit and cheered by all the young women ("cough") asking after me.  I had to be there as I was reading.  I made use of my best North Edinburgh voice in between coughing fits bringing a 'thumbs up' from one, a 'cracking voice' from another and 'Scots git' from one of the Ukip persona.  Tee Hee, she does not like me interfering with the Ukip stuff he puts on facebook, she attempted to bite me twice!  I was glad she was in a good mood.  

I was a bit worried last night when I noticed the early Sunday papers were suggesting a coup would take place removing Mrs May and replacing her as 'temporary' Prime minister one Michael Gove!
Michael, the man who stabbed Boris in the back because his wife told him to, has become famous for his weasel ways and interesting ideas.  Some make sense, most do not appear thought through and those that are become presented simply to make him look good, they will never be put into action.
Even worse appeared this afternoon when Theresa called a meeting at Chequers her PMs country hideaway.  Several important personnel were invited to push through the next step of the plan she does not have.  Who attended?  These are who:-

Boris Johnson, the would be PM with the integrity of a louse.

Dominic Raab, the one who did not understand how important Dover was to the economy.
Jacob Rees-Mogg, the millionaire member forthe 1700's who has already mad several million from Brexit and advised his people to put their money in Dublin, where his now lies.
David Davis, the Brexit secretary who did not read his briefs, or any paperwork or indeed do anything but got well paid for it.
Iain Duncan Smith, dearie me where do we start....?
Damian Green, fired for watching porn on his Westminster laptop, many others 'history' was cleared soon after, and a May loyalist.  
David Lidington, in theory next in line to PM but does not wish to be PM.
Brexit Secretary Stephen Barclay, who?
Chief Whip Julian Smith, didn't he whip the party and then voted against last week?
Conservative Party chairman Brandon Lewis, have you heard of him?
Steve Baker, ?
Alistair Burt, ?
Oh and it appears Rees-Mogg brought along one of his sons to take part or nick things is not clear.

The big cars sit in the drive, the millionaires with little comprehension or care re normal people cogitate and fight for position inside, the people await the result, knowing it will change as soon as the cabinet meets on Tuesday.  
I wonder if Kim Jong Un could drop one of his missiles on Chequers?

The Venomous Bead sums things up well.

On a brighter note Scotland beat San Marino by two goals to nil today.  This is the fourth time they have played them in San Marino always winning by two goals to nil.  Better teams than tonight's have obtained this result but people still complain the manager is bad the team is bad and they know what to do about things.  They don't actually.  This is the same nonsense we always have because Scotland considers itself a Big Team but it in these days merely middle ranking.  However we are supposed to stuff little teams by many goals, something we have rarely ever done.  Certainly there are glaring problems but removing the failing manager will not answer those.  Many changes required behind the scene, these will not be happening and we had better hope we produce a higher quality of man or just get used to things being as they always are.

Theresa Typical

I find it interesting that CNN, that nice Mr Trumps favourite enemy, has produced a decent view of Scotland's opinion of Theresa May visiting the country.  I looked at the BBC site, searched the Scotland section and eventually found the visit mentioned, why are they keeping it quiet?  
Anyway CNN have offered a short two minute clip that is worth watching here.  I note STV, the opposition channel in Scotland have not noticed her visit at all.
A visit to a Leather Factory somewhere in Glasgow, no meeting with Scotlnd's Fist Minister, Scotland's parliament nor any members of the press who might ask questions, both the 'National' paper and CNN were banned from the media pack, not that it was a big 'pack.' 
This is typical of the offhand manner in which Westminster in particular and the English in general regard Scotland, soon Scotland will react and the words NEMO ME IMPUNE LACESSIT will bring forth fruit!  England will have to pay her own way and not live of Scotland.  Of course when independent I suspect the locals will kick me out as an EU national while I wave my Scottish passport.  I could also wave pictures of Rees-Mogg to hold them off.  Brexit will have one good result, Scotland's independence.
Now I am watching the second of three football matches in a row, I need this to help me sleep as they wish me to go back to work tomorrow!  Tsk!