The Lamplighter

My tea is nearly ready and the sun has left the sky;
It's time to take the window to see Leerie going by;
For every night at teatime and before you take your seat,
With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.
Now Tom would be a driver and Maria go to sea,
And my papa's a banker and as rich as he can be;
But I, when I am stronger and can choose what I'm to do,
O Leerie, I'll go round at night and light the lamps with you!
For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door,
And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more;
And O! before you hurry by with ladder and with light,
O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him tonight!





by Robert Louis Stevenson. This poem is about the days when "Leerie" the lamplighter went round to lignite the gas lamps in the streets of Edinburgh. Stevenson was a sickly child (hence the reference to "when I am stronger) and looking out of the window to see the lamplighter would be a frequent occurrence for the lonely child.





This is a sweet little song about the lamp lighter. It is not Scottish but it fits.






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Hogmanay 2011

Spectacular Torchlight Procession



Hogmanay: Biggest and friendliest party on the planet

Published Date: 31 December 2010
By Tim Cornwell

Edinburgh's Hogmanay organisers claimed a late surge in ticket sales for the Street Party celebration tonight after winter storms had stalled visitors' plans for the party in the capital.
As Scotland prepared for its biggest night of the year, celebrations kicked off in Edinburgh to the cool sounds of jazz and early fireworks. A huge crowd of people

snaked through the city in the annual Torchlight Procession to Calton Hill on a cold clear night that showed off Edinburgh's beauty to the full.

A New Year's Day "conversation" with crime writers Ian Rankin and Lin Anderson, discussing Edinburgh's place in life and art, became the latest Hogmanay event to sell out yesterday. All tickets have sold for both the Concert in the Gardens headlined by Biffy Clyro and The Keilidh, the open air ceilidh.

Hogmanay organiser, Unique Events' Pete Irvine, hailed the opening of the "biggest and friendliest party on the planet".

He said: "The Street Party was ahead of sales on last year until that bad weather. Then they stalled, so we were concerned, but in the last few days they are selling faster.

"We live in a late-ticket world now. At the beginning and at the moment, they are selling faster than previously."

However, Mr Irvine declined to give any details of how many of some 80,000 Street Party tickets had now sold. "No promoter will tell people, to start a mass panic or mass rush," he said. Tickets were still available yesterday for both the Street Party and the New Year's Day concert headlined by KT Tunstall.

• Hogmanay: good times on a smaller scale

• Staff jet-lagged on leaving festive time zone

• Hogmanay fashion: Ring out the old looks, ring in the new – or add a twist to a classic

Places for the Loony Dook New Year's plunge have gone faster than before.

"There is no real competition for this. Round the world there are fireworks displays but there is nothing like this. We think the anticipation and the buzz is here and the city is full of people. We say we are the home of Hogmanay, which is a bit couthy, but we are the only New Year's celebration."

Edinburgh's Hogmanay has shrunk from five days to closer to three. Organisers will be watching to see if this year's figures live up to those of last year, when visitors from 55 countries bought tickets, and nearly 90 percent of accomodation in the city filled, generating an estimated £24 million worth of business for Edinburgh and £29m for the Scottish economy.

Backers claim the concentrated celebration will create a better atmosphere. While this year's numbers have yet to be tallied, there was no mistaking the enthusiasm among visitors.

"It's one of the things you have to do before you die," said Matthew Cole, a London journalist visiting the city with his girlfriend, Jackie Brown.

"I've been to Edinburgh before and loved the place, so wanted to come back at Hogmanay.

It's lovely to be here, it's very romantic."

"I've always heard that Edinburgh is a great place for Hogmanay, and I've never done it," Ms Brown said. "There's a whole atmosphere here."

The Scottish Government's Culture Minister, Fiona Hyslop, said: "This is the best place to party on Hogmanay. It's a fantastic opening of a whole series of festivities."

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland/Hogmanay-Biggest-and-friendliest-party.6675689.jp?articlepage=2

ST BERNARD'S WELL

According to tradition, St. Bernard's Well near Stockbridge in Edinburgh was re-discovered by three Heriot's school boys while fishing in the Water of Leith in 1760. Legend has it that it was originally discovered by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, the founder of the Cistercian Order, in the 12th Century. After being poorly received at court, and suffering from a sickness, he went to live in a cave near the Water of Leith. There, he was attracted to the spring by the birds which visited it and he drank its healing waters until his strength returned.

In September 1760 the mineral spring was covered by a small wellhouse. 'Claudero' (James Wilson), the contemporary poet, composed a eulogy for the occasion:

'This water so healthful near Edinburgh doth rise which not only Bath but Moffat outvies. It cleans the intestines and an appetite gives while morbfic matters it quite away drives.'

Chemical analysis revealed that the water was similar to the sulphur springs at Harrogate in Yorkshire. The mineral well soon became a popular resort for those afflicted by the fad for 'taking the waters'. By 1764, the well was so great an attraction that accommodation in the Stockbndge area was at a premium during the summer season. It seems that habitual drinkers of the waters must have had cast iron constitutions, for one later visitor likened the flavour of the water to 'the washings of foul gun barrels'.

In August 1788, the well was bought by Lord Gardenstone, who claimed he had derived great benefit from drinking the waters and, in 1789, the present construction, a circular Roman Temple was commissioned by him. This elegant architectural structure in the form of a Doric rotunda is inspired by the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli in Italy. Under the lead dome stands a marble statue of Hygieia, Goddess of Health.

In 1885, the well and grounds were purchased by the publishers Thomas Nelson & Sons. After restoration, it was left to the City of Edinburgh. The pump-room was refurbished in lavish Victonan style. The interior was designed like a celestial vault sparkling with sequin-like stars when sunlight strikes through the stained glass windows. The white marble pedestal is inscribed BIBENDO VALEBIS (By Drinking You Will Be Well).

The revitalised well remained popular until its closure in 1940, following the outbreak of war. Remarkable claims continued to be made for its medicinal properties, ranging from the efficacy of a regular morning glass as a tonic for the system to a complete cure-all for rheumatism and arthritis. The temple then resembled a continental cafe with 'little tables where regulars chatted with friends'. Aerated water from the well was even bottled and marketed for a short while.



Well set to spring back to new life
Published Date: 07 October 2009
By BRIAN FERGUSON
THE striking Roman temple was erected by an eccentric Edinburgh judge with a fondness for pet pigs and a taste for spring water.
Lord Gardenstone was so convinced by the restorative powers of a natural spring discovered by the banks of the Water of Leith in the 18th century that he had a monument built in its honour.



His well, inspired by the Temple of Vista in Tivoli and featuring a statue of Hygeia, the
Greek goddess of health, is believed by experts at Edinburgh council to be the "hidden gem" of the capital's 200 monuments.

That is set to change under plans to open the well to the public properly for the first time in more than 50 years – and even start serving its water again.

It is expected to become the latest of Edinburgh's weather-beaten monuments to receive a makeover, following similar projects involving the likes of the Nelson and Burns monuments on Calton Hill.

The revamp of St Bernard's Well, expected to cost about £100,000, will also see its long history – and the myths it helped inspire – brought to life for a new generation.

The circular temple is currently only opened to the public for occasions such as the Doors Open Day and events organised by the Dean Village Association. It is now hoped that guided tours, storytelling sessions, poetry readings, drama events and even weddings will become regular fixtures. Visitors will hear how three pupils from George Heriot's School discovered the spring in 1760 and how it swiftly became a popular visitor attraction for "taking the waters".

Lord Gardenstone, a wealthy Court of Session judge, commissioned the celebrated artist Alexander Nasymth to design the monument in 1789.

Almost 100 years later, the well and its grounds were bought by the publisher Thomas Nelson & Sons, which paid for a major refurbishment and additions to its striking roof, including a lavish pump room and stained glass windows. It was only closed down at the outbreak of the Second World War.

It is hoped the restoration, being jointly pursued by the city council and Edinburgh World Heritage, will get underway next year, subject to funding being secured. A spokesman for EWH said: "St Bernard's Well is a real treasure of the Water of Leith.

"Given its intricate stone carving and statuary, any conservation work will require specialist craftsmen. We'll be working with the council on a fundraising effort to help preserve this well-loved landmark."

Paul McAuley, keeper of monuments at the council, said: "Although St Bernard's Well is pretty well known to people living in the area, it's the real hidden gem of the city's monuments and few people know about the discovery of the spring, how the temple ended up being built or who was behind it."

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Well-set-to-spring-back.5709239.jp

Capital flying high in US visitor stakes

Published Date: 05 October 2009
EDINBURGH is the most popular UK destination for American and Australian tourists after London, new research has revealed.

New data from Experian Hitwise showed that American and Australian web searches for flights to the UK have increased by more than 50 per cent over the last 12 months.

Edinburgh Airport was the second most popular destination, after London.

Sinead Feltoe, regional director for VisitScotland, said: "Edinburgh is recognised as one of the world's top destinations and was runner up as 'Best UK City' in the Sunday Times Travel Awards 2008 and more recently runner up in the UK's Favourite Cities category at the Conde Nast Traveller Awards.

"This report would appear to reinforce the fact that Edinburgh is the UK's fastest growing airport.

"The city has a world-class reputation for its stunning architecture, its unique history as well as its year-long festival programme so it's no surprise that Edinburgh is a 'must visit, must return' destination."

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Capital-flying-high-in-US.5703138.jp

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As a rule I am not a fan of cities but Edinburgh is different. I am crazy about this wonderful place that is so unique and enchanting.

Auld Lang Syne manuscript set for auction

The famous Robert Burns work may fetch as much as £50,000

heraldscotland staff


Published on 11 Aug 2009

The original manuscript of Auld Lang Syne went on display today before an auction of historical treasures.

The famous Robert Burns work may fetch as much as £50,000 when it goes under the hammer in Bonhams’ Scottish Sale later this month.

But the buyer will not be able to take it home. Instead they will be “patron” of the 18th century manuscript, which will be kept in the new Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayrshire.

A Bible owned by Burns in the later stages of his life also went on show.

The book is preserved in a velvet-lined blue Moroccan box with “Burns Bible” lettered on it in gilt and may fetch £2,000 in the auction.

A number of items relating to Queen Victoria will also be sold.

These include a woollen bag she made using purple and gold thread, a Royal Stewart silk shawl which she once wore, and a stickpin in memory of John Brown which Queen Victoria presented to her servants and cottagers on the anniversary of his death.

A commissioned ceramic Wemyss Pig will also be auctioned, with all proceeds from this sale given to Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The three-day sale starts on August 18 in Bonhams in Edinburgh.

http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/more-arts-entertainment-news/auld-lang-syne-manuscript-set-for-auction-1.822550

Edinburgh 'most desirable' city

Edinburgh was voted the most desirable city to live in the UK


Edinburgh has been voted the most desirable city to live in the UK, ahead of places like London, York and Bath.

A YouGov poll of 10,000 adults from across Britain saw Scotland's capital come top for "atmosphere" and its positive reputation.

The city also performed well for its culture, cuisine and shopping.

Other indicators used to judge Edinburgh's desirability were safety, the friendliness of locals and the cost of living.

The Placeindex study, carried out in July, ranked each city on 11 key indicators.

Included were ease of getting around, investment potential and the media "buzz" generated by different places.


'Enviable quality'

When the scores for each indicator were combined, Edinburgh emerged the highest ranked city in the index, beating off its nearest rivals York, London, Cambridge and Bath.

The report said: "Not only does Edinburgh have lots to offer but the city is safe to visit, easy to get around and the local people are helpful and friendly.

"Aside from its entertainment and leisure offerings, it is also considered a city worth investing in."

The city's council leader, Jenny Dawe, welcomed the results as further confirmation of the capital's positive reputation.

She said: "Edinburgh has much to be proud of and provides an enviable quality of life. We all contribute to the city's success and, while the council has an important role, there are many others who need to be given credit."

The result comes despite disruption caused by the city's tram works and the continuing bin dispute.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8199815.stm


Photos by Beth Maxwell Boyle 2005

Edinboro Highland Games

The Edinboro Highland Games were going on at the same time as the huge Gathering of the clans in her sister city Edinburgh, Scotland!

See my photos of the Edinboro Festival!
http://www.ramshornstudio.com/2009_highland_games_.htm



Analysis: Scots groups worldwide need to unify

Published Date: 27 July 2009
By Alan Bain
HOMECOMING 2009 and The Gathering are both welcome signs of Scotland and the Scottish Government's interest in its Diaspora.
The successes of these two events are a clear indication of the importance attached by the Diaspora to coming home and reveal the potential economic as well as tourism legacy that those events can provide.

The legacy, however, will depend on the
egree and manner in which it is capitalised
upon by Scotland and its government.

Today's Homecoming Scotland Leadership Conference suggests the hope that the conference's sponsors – the American-Scottish Foundation and the Illinois St Andrew Society – have true partnerships that will evolve between Scotland, its government and the Diaspora.

We suggest that an approach to the Scots Diaspora akin to the non-controlling Irish model be taken. Development and evolution of these partnerships should be organic within a framework that is acceptable to both parties.

In the United States, for example, there is a feeling that greater benefit to both Scotland and its Diaspora could be achieved by a joined-up approach that each has for Tartan Day and Scotland Week.

The importance of a joined-up approach lies in the fragility of the Scottish Diaspora organisations.

The American-Scottish Foundation is volunteer-driven and has no endowment; it depends on membership dues and sponsorship income to function. Communications from Canada and Australia reveal a similar fragility.

Sustaining and building the Diaspora is an objective that both the Diaspora and the Scottish Government have in common. Scotland and its government, it is hoped, will play a vital role in the effort to attain this objective.

Scots abroad tend to gravitate to smaller communities with no access to St Andrew societies and their like. However, the internet can connect the Scottish community.

Discussions took place over the weekend concerning the formation of a single .sco internet portal that would bind Scots worldwide.

We urge that such an initiative be led by the Scottish Government and that it include all parties that have relevant information to provide.

We also encourage the government to develop a Diaspora Task Force that includes representation from those governmental, non-governmental and private sector organisations that have a stake in a successful outcome.

• Alan Bain is president of the American-Scottish Foundation.

http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Analysis-Scots-groups-worldwide-need.5494997.jp

Be Sure to Get Yourself to the Royal Highland Show!

The show is organised by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, an organisation of over 13,000 members. The 2009 Show will be held between 25-28 June.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/outdoors/categories/royal_highland_show/

Royal Highland Show preview: Stunning displays promised

12 June, 2009

This year’s Royal Highland Show, which takes place on June 25-28, is shaping up to be one of the best yet with a focus on all things Scottish and its largest ever display of livestock.


The Royal Highland Show, which is this year being hosted by Aberdeen Area, has received record livestock entries totalling more than 5,000 head of cattle, sheep, goats, horses and poultry.

Organisers are now faced with the task of fitting in nearly 1,000 cattle, 1,500 sheep and almost 2,000 horses.

Show manager David Dunsmuir says: “We have had an overwhelming response from exhibitors and, in some sections, we have too many entries to fit the stock accommodation available. We are now working on a solution.

“One thing is certain, the display of livestock will be stunningly impressive with the pride of British and Scottish genetics on show.”

As the focus of the show is Homecoming and celebrating all that is good about Scotland, Mr Dunsmuir adds it is appropriate the traditional breeds which gave Scotland its reputation for stocksmanship and breeding have increased their entries this year.

In the beef section, Highland cattle lead the way with 130 entries (91 last year) followed by the Limousin at 129 (124).

In addition, the Salers breed will be hosting its international convention at the show with entries in the Salers classes more than trebled to 67, from 21 in 2008.

In the sheep lines, the popularity of the Texel as a terminal sire is reflected in an entry of 237 compared to 190 last year. Beltex comes next with 187 and there are excellent entries of Blackface at 88 and North Country Cheviots which, with park and hill sections, total 139.

In the light horse section, where the show’s top prize, the Queen’s Cup, will be awarded, there are nearly 1,600 entries with Hunters Under Saddle and Coloureds sharing top billing with 153 forward. In heavy horses, there are 352 entered with Highland Ponies at 184.

Dairy cattle entries have yet to be finalised.

Best of the rest of the attractions:

•Aberdeenshire President’s Initiative – An “Aberdeenshire Village” in the Food and Drink Hall will showcase 18 North East food companies, plus chefs from local hotels and restaurants, promoting and demonstrating local food. Aberdeenshire exhibitors will be identified throughout the showground and there will be local arts, crafts and music.

•Renewable Energy. Introduced last year, this enlarged exhibit will feature more than 20 companies who specialise in wind and solar power, biomass and alternative energy sources.

•Food and Drink at the Royal Highland. The top exhibition of Scottish food and drink plus speciality foods from other areas, non-food ancillary products and cookery demonstrations with emphasis on the current trend “buy local, eat local”.

•Countryside Area – The seven-acre site incorporates a one-acre loch and stunning landscaping. Trade stands, demonstrations and events, reflecting a range of country sports and activities – gundogs, falconry, fly fishing, ferrets, terrier racing and sheepdogs. The Rural Marquee features traditional skills, from fly tying to wood turning.

•MacRobert Theatre – The purpose built sheep shearing facility. National pride is at stake in the Highland Shears Open competition. Look out for the haka when Scotland take on New Zealand in a shearing test match.

•Children’s Discovery Centre – Run by the Royal Highland Education Trust. This centre is a for the young visitor, either in an organised school party or with mum and dad. Hands-on activities help children understand more about the countryside, food and farming.

•Music – Classical Brit Award winners, the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards will be topping the musical bill at the Show. The pipes and drums of one of Scotland’s most senior regiments will be appearing on Friday and Sunday with music from their award-winning album Spirit of the Glen – Journey.

They top a musical programme embracing almost every sound from Scottish favourites the Alexander Brothers to the pan pipes, percussion and guitars of Kantarro from the Peru.

http://www.farmersguardian.com/story.asp?sectioncode=31&storycode=26705






A winning Pony from the 2005 Show by Beth Maxwell Boyle

Highland Show to have royal visit

The Queen was last at the Royal Highland Show 25 years ago


The Queen is to officially visit the UK's largest agricultural show for the first time since 1984.

As patron of the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS), she will visit The Royal Highland Show on Thursday, 24 June.

She is due to be accompanied by her daughter Princess Anne to mark the 225th anniversary of the event.

Princess Alexandra is also due to attend the Ingliston Show, which runs until Sunday 28 June.

The Queen was last at the show when it celebrated its 200th anniversary.

Ray Jones, RHASS chief executive, said: "We are delighted to welcome The Queen as our Patron in our 225th year and our other Royal visitors.

"The Royal family have been strong supporters of the society and its activities over the years and we look forward to pointing out some of the show highlights."

The Queen's father King George VI bestowed the title "Royal" on the show at the Inverness event in 1948, in the days when the event moved around Scotland each year before settling at its current home in 1960.
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I spent two days at the Royal Highland Show in 2005. I would love to be there this year. What a wonderful event this is. I feel very lucky I could take in the show.The Royal Highland Show is the greatest gathering of all that is good about Scotland. It’s one of the featured events during Homecoming Scotland and is expected to attract 160,000 people over four days. The show is at the Royal Highland Showground, Ingliston from Thursday 25th June until Sunday 28th June.



http://www.royalhighlandshow.org/

Rabbit doctor in first for Europe

Brigitte Reusch will run a clinic as well as lecture


A special rabbit doctor has been appointed in Edinburgh following a surge in popularity of the furry pet.

Brigitte Reusch has taken up the role as lecturer in rabbit medicine and surgery at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.

Ms Reusch, who has several years of experience in treating rabbits, will also run a dedicated rabbit clinic.

Edinburgh University said it was the first post in Europe for a lecturer in rabbit medicine and surgery.

It is estimated that there are more than 1.4 million pet rabbits in the UK, which are either kept indoors as house pets or outside.

Ms Reusch said: "An increasing number of people are buying rabbits as pets, with what is very much becoming a lifestyle decision. Many people, for instance, are deciding to have rabbits as house pets as this fits in better with their busy working lives than having other pets.

There is a lot of misinformation around about the best way to keep rabbits in optimum health


"There is a lot of misinformation around about the best way to keep rabbits in optimum health.

"Common things that we see include dental, urinary tract and digestive diseases, all of which could potentially be fatal."

One of the most common problems relating to rabbit welfare is poor diet, as owners may not realise that simply feeding them breakfast and dinner is not good for wearing the rabbits' teeth down as they need to eat hay or grass throughout the day. This also prevents them from becoming bored.

It is also important to ensure that pet rabbits, which have evolved from the European wild rabbit, are not kept too warm to avoid them becoming over heated.

Caroline Adam, 42, of Aberdeenshire, bought her rabbit Humphrey three years ago.

Ms Adam said: "I got Humphrey as looking after a rabbit is easier than say, for instance, looking after a dog or a cat.

"He has his own run outside attached to inside and also likes having the run of the house.

"He does have problems with his teeth but has had scans and all sorts to help with this.

"The good treatment that he receives means that, although his dental disease is something that will persist, he is a happy chap."



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7878548.stm