Minutes of Minutes

MINUTES OF MEETINGS

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Jim Adams, John Paterson, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor),
Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer),
APOLOGIES:
Nan Irving, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, David Ross, (Convenor), Ziggy & Craig Wilson (Merchandise Officers), Lily Love (Social Convenor).

Duncan chaired the meeting as David Ross was in the States.
There was a poor turnout with several members away on holiday & constant heavy rain all day.

TREASURER (Bob Irving):
The current Balance is £ 3941.76

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene phoned Historic Scotland to enquire further about the vandalised graveslab of King James III. It is now in Edinburgh being repaired. They will contact Irene to tell her when the job has been completed.
Irene wrote to Johnstone police station praising PC’s Ian Johnstone & George Hume, who made several visits to the hall on the evening of Wallace Day to check that everything was OK. Because of this, we had no trouble from the local youths as we have had in past years.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton):
Duncan brought in a stock sheet from Ziggy Wilson detailing stock levels of merchandise, expenditure, etc.
Duncan e-mailed historic Scotland to enquire why the vandalised graveslab was left in a vulnerable position in Cambuskenneth Abbey bell tower. If they had realised it’s importance, why did it not have a small notice next to it, informing visitors what it was? Why wasn’t it put upstairs with the other artifacts, which are kept behind a locked gate? To date there has been no reply.

Duncan showed newspaper clippings from Wallace Day sent to him by Archie & Jean Millar. Also a clipping about author Edwin Moore’s new book, which claims that Wallace “was a murdering coward who butchered thousands of innocent and defenceless people” Duncan will reply to the newspaper.

Duncan read out a news report about a mystery man who claims to know the whereabouts of the “real” stone of destiny. It is reported to be hidden in a cave 120 feet up a sheer cliff face near Arbroath.
Duncan had an e-mail from member Alasdair Russell informing the Society about a temporary exhibition at the Mitchell Library, which will run until the end of the year. It is about printing in Scotland & on display are copies of Blind Harry’s original book on Wallace & the Wallace Seal.

Another e-mail from member Alan Reid who sent a review of a newly published book called
“Bannockburn: The Scottish War & the British Isles, 1307 – 1323” ISBN number 978 0 7486 3333 3.
He also sent in a teachers’ leaflet containing details of a new history project. It begins in November, with 5 episodes shown this year & 5 next year. This will be shown on BBC1 Scotland. There will also be programs broadcast on Radio Scotland, and a new website bbc.co.uk/scotlandshistory.

A copy of the statue “Exiles” which was erected in Helmsdale last year has been unveiled in Winnipeg, Canada. This commemorates the Clearances in the 19th century which saw many Scots settle in Canada.

NEXT MEETING will be on 21st October at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th AUGUST 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, George Boyle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Eddie McNeill, David Murray, Eddie Scott, John Paterson, Jim Adams, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, P. Malcolm, Bob Irving (Treasurer), David Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Lily Love (Social Convenor).
APOLOGIES:
Nan Irving, Malcolm McNeill, Richard Quinn, Susan Boyle, Hamish MacQueen, Grant Williamson.

TREASURER (Bob Irving):
The current Balance is approx. £ 3257.56. Bob signed cheques for the alcohol for Wallace Day, & the wreaths for various commemorations.

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Following reports of vandalism of King James III’s tomb cover at Cambuskenneth Abbey, Irene phoned Historic Scotland to ask why it had been kept in such a vulnerable site. When Irene mentioned that she originally thought they had meant the raised tomb in front of the high altar, the lady she spoke to admitted that she didn’t even know it was there. When the Daily Record covered the story, it carried a picture of King James VIII !
Irene asked members for donations of bottles of alcohol for the bar.
DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton):
Duncan suggested that one of our collecting tins be put on the bar for customers’ loose change.
Duncan praised David Murdoch for setting up our new website, but called for any member with the experience to take over the running of it, to add new content, etc. He felt this was unfair to ask David to do this, as he is already Webmaster of at least half a dozen other sites. Member George Boyle agreed to do this & will speak to David on this subject. Duncan has many photos that could go on a picture gallery on the site.
Duncan thanked George Boyle for making his first speech for the Society at the recent Robroyston commemoration.

CONVENOR (David R. Ross).
David spoke about the recent success of the Scottish competitors at the Beijing Olympics, & said that it was time that Scotland had its own team to compete in future Olympics, as happens in the Commonwealth games at present.
David informed members that the pub close to the village hall, The Wallace Tavern, is now under new management. He has spoken to the new owner & believes he is a patriot. The pub will also be holding events to commemorate Wallace Day, & it is hoped that this will attract more people to the area & swell the numbers at the celebrations.

SOCIAL CONVENOR (Lily Love)
Lily asked for donations of sandwiches, home baking, etc., for the tearoom.

Member Jean Millar has spoken to the Pipe Major of Kilbarchan Pipe Band & they have confirmed that they will lead the march on Wallace Day.

Member Eddie Scott suggested the Society have a stall at next year’s World Pipe Band Championship, held in Glasgow.

Member Gordon Aitken brought in a recent copy of the Falkirk Herald, which featured an article with photos of the commemoration of the Battle of Falkirk, at the newly built cairn in Callander Park.

A.O.C.B.
David Ross asked Gordon Aitken if he would like to do a few musical numbers during the ceilidh on Saturday night, while the bands are taking a break. Gordon agreed.
Eddie McNeill said that the friends he will be bringing to Wallace Day have their own instruments, & would be willing to do the same during the breaks.
Irene suggested that Eddie MacNeill be chosen to lay the wreath at the monument this year. This was agreed. All other final preparations for Saturday’s commemoration were discussed.

Could I remind members that the annual subscriptions are now due. This can be paid on the day or by completing & posting the attached form. Thank you again for your support.

Thanks again to Lily Love, our Social Convenor for providing tea & snacks for members after the meeting.

NEXT MEETING will be on 16th September at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.

P.S. I have been asked to attach this to the newsletter to publicise next year’s Homecoming celebrations.

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As I’m sure you are aware, 2009 is the 250th birth anniversary of Scotland's most famous son, poet Robert Burns. This landmark event has inspired the creation of Homecoming Scotland in 2009, to celebrate Scotland as the Home of Your Ancestors, the Home of Golf, the Home of Whisky and of course the Home of Burns.

As part of Homecoming, there will be an exhibition of contemporary art inspired by the life, poetry and songs of Robert Burns, featuring work by a distinguished group of artists from the UK and overseas. The contemporary work will be presented alongside a small collection of previously unseen Burns’ relics. The exhibition represents a fascinating and unprecedented way to convey the influence and relevance of Robert Burns' work in the present day.

The Exhibition takes place at the Mitchell Library in Glasgow between 4 April – 20 September 2009 and admission is free.

We are firstly looking to encourage Scots and expats to come back to Scotland but also secondly, to visit the exhibition.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th JULY 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, George Boyle, A. Millar, Douglas Cassidy, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Eddie McNeill, Sandra MacGregor, Mae Duggan, Shannon McLaren, Bob Irving (Treasurer), David Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer)
APOLOGIES:
Nan Irving, Malcolm McNeill, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, J. Millar, Lily Love (Social Convenor), Jean Nellies, Richard Quinn, Michael Reid, Jennifer Gilmour, Grant Williamson.

TREASURER (Bob Irving):
The current Balance is approx. £ 3300
Bob brought up the subject of stall lets in the village hall for Wallace Day & prices were discussed.

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene reminded everyone that stalls are not allowed to sell or raffle alcohol, because this has caused problems in the past with under-age drinkers.
Irene phoned the Sunday Herald to complain about an article which equated nationalism with nazism.
Irene will organise the wreaths for commemorations of the Battle of Falkirk, Robroyston & Wallace Day.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton):
Duncan brought in an article from BBC History magazine, which tried to excuse Butcher Cumberland’s actions in the aftermath of the Battle of Culloden. Too many modern day historians seem to want to santise our history to make it more palatable. Member Debbie Bardo e-mailed Duncan to watch out for this article. Duncan remnded members that Doors Open Day is approaching. During the month of September, many properties open their doors free of charge to the public. More information can be found at www.doorsopendays.org.uk
Duncan reminded members that the annual commemoration at Robroyston will take place at the monument on Saturday 2nd August, beginning at 2.00 pm. The Campsie Nairn pub has been booked from 3.00 till 5.00 pm for refreshments. It is situated in Woodhill Road, just off Auchinairn Road (B812). Duncan thanked Scott Love for cleaning the graffitti from the Wallace Stone at Riggend, and tidying up the surrounding area.

CONVENOR (David R. Ross):
David spoke about his recent time in the USA on the Highland Games circuit. He read out a letter he’d received from a Reverend that he’d met. It said that David’s speech had touched him, making him realise that although he is 7 generations American, his bloodline is 100 generations Scots. David also mentioned just how many Amercans speak Gaelic, when there are so few speakers in Scotland.
David read out a letter of thanks to the Society from Robroyston Community Council for members of the Society taking part in their annual fun day, educating people about the links between Wallace & Robroyston.

Thanks to Willie Douglas & Mary McCabe who provided the buffet after the meeting in the absence of Lily Love, our Social Convenor.

NEXT MEETING will be on 19th August at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 17th JUNE 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
David Brown, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Grant Williamson, Richard Quinn, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Marion McMillan, Sandy Bain, Ann Bain, Douglas Cassidy, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Lily Love (Social Convenor).
APOLOGIES:
Nan Irving, Malcolm McNeil, Eddie McNeill, David Ross, Hamish McQueen, Betty Burns, Iain Ramsey, George Boyle.

Duncan chaired the meeting as David was in the States at the launch of his new book.

TREASURER (Bob Irving):
The current Balance is £ 3261.63

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene brought in a news clipping about a proposed statue of Robert the Bruce to be erecterd in Annan – facing across the Solway Firth to where Edward Longshanks’ statue stands in Burgh-by-Sands.
Irene told members that the previously mentioned Silver Bell trophy was competed for at Hamilton racecourse for the first time since 1977. It will now be an annual event. Maybe more of the public will have the opportunity to see it, rather than it being locked in a basement vault.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton):

Duncan gave details of the forthcoming Bannockburn March on 21st June.

He mentioned that the Wallace Stone at Riggend, which had been vandalised with paint, has now been cleaned up, and thanked member George Boyle & his friends at the Paisley Tartan Army for this.
Work has begun on the new path leading to the Wallace Memorial Cross at Robroyston. Hopefully, this should be completed in time for the commemoration on 2nd August.
Duncan brought in a quote for prices for the new Wallace Society enamel lapel badge, and has since received three more quotes thanks to George Boyle, who gathered the information. These have now been passed to the treasurer for further investigation.

Member Richard Quinn voiced disappointment at the open day at Robroyston not being mentioned at last month’s meeting. The local primary school had asked the Society to send along some members in highland dress to man a table to explain to the public the connection with Wallace & Robroyston. David Ross & some members attended. Duncan apologised for this ommission.

Member Archie Millar showed members a leaflet for the Marie Stuart Society, & asked if our Society should be putting out something similar. It was discussed that this was possible to have on display at Wallace related events, but the cost of putting them into visitor centres would be prohibitive.

Member Gordon Aitken gave a report on the commemoration of the massacre of the Clan Lamont by the Campbells, which occurred in 1646. This was held last Saturday in Dunoon, and organised by Na Fir Dileas.
Also a reminder that the 1st anniversary of the unveiling of the Falkirk Cairn will take place on Saturday 19th July. The cairn was raised as a memorial to the fallen at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
Member Marion McMillan brought along a guest, David Brown, who gave a talk on Scottish history, beginning with Alexander III. He covered the Battle of Largs in 1263, & the sad death of the little Maid of Norway. His talk was interspersed with musical interludes on his harmonica, which included “Loch Lomond”, “Scots Wha Hae”, & “Flower of Scotland”.
He recited the poem “The Ballad of Patrick Spens” & read from a book of 50 favourite poems of Edwin Morgan, called “From Saturn to Glasgow”. The poem he chose was the one he had nominated for inclusion, called “Lines for Wallace”. This had been written for the 700th anniversary of Wallace’s judicial murder.
Marion handed out out copies of this book to members. She also had copies of the Glasgow Herald’s booklet, “Scotland – The Autobiography” & maps of Medieval Glasgow which she distributed amongst members.
David & Marion were thanked by members.

At the end of the meeting, Marion produced a bottle of Scottish Independence whisky, & asked David Brown to break the seal. This was served among members in memory of her late father. Marion told us that this was her father’s wish.

Thanks again to Lily for providing a superb buffet for members to enjoy after the meeting.

NEXT MEETING will be on 15th July at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.

David Ross's monthly contribution hasn't reached me yet as he is still in the USA. This will be sent out as soon as I receive it.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 20th MAY 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens,
T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Richard Quinn, David Murray, George Boyle, John Paterson, Willie Douglas, Mary McCabe, Cris MacLeod, David R. Ross (Convenor),
Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Lily Love (Social Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer)

APOLOGIES:
Bob Irving, Hamish McQueen, Grant Williamson, Susan Boyle, Gary Stewart.

Treasurer Bob Irving was not present, but e-mailed Duncan with the bank balance which stands at
£ 3258.53

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene thinks that the Glasgow Herald have finally taken on board her comments about their “On this day” feature in which they consistently confuse Britain with England. The last few entries have made this distinction.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton)
Duncan gave a short report on the Annual flag-raising ceremony at Avoch this year by the Andrew de Moray Project, at which he presented the new saltire to Charlie Beattie on behalf of our Society.
Jim Singer from Crann Tara gave Duncan a cheque for £50 for the Society’s funds. This is part of the proceeds of the sale of the DVD which was made of the unveiling of the Battle of Falkirk Cairn last July.
Duncan told members of a visit to Culloden, which although a little pricey at £10 entry fee plus £2 for car parking, he thought was worth it if you hadn’t been before. The highlight is the audio-visual show.
Duncan suggested the Society make more lapel badges for sale as our supply is now exhausted. Member George Boyle offered to look into manufacturers, cost, etc.
Duncan read out an e-mail from member John Mackay, saying that, on a visit to Edinburgh’s Dungeons, the glossy brochure states that the Norman Conquest of Scotland occurred in 1068, & the Union of the Crowns took place in 1606! Duncan asked for any members visiting the Dungeons to bring some brochures to the meeting.

CONVENOR (David R. Ross).
David will be in the USA shortly to launch his new book, “James the Good – The Black Douglas”, which is released on 3rd June.
David visited Dunfermline Abbey recently & was told that during maintenance work on the heating, when part of the floor had been dug up, they had discovered some of the tombs which were thought to have been destroyed during the Reformation.
David told members of his travels in England to research a new project on the women in Scotland’s history.
Member Gordon Aitken
Gordon had tickets for sale to members for the anniversary of the Battle of Falkirk commemoration on 19th July.
He gave members a rendition of a song he has written about the Black Douglas, called “Teba Sky”.
Members responded with rapturous applause.

A.O.C.B

David asked members for ideas for the 700th anniversary of Bannockburn in 2014. A good discussion followed. John Paterson suggested that people might want to organise a march from their own locality to converge on Bannockburn on the day, reflecting the mustering of troops who would have made their way to the battlefield in groups. It was suggested they carry a banner with their home town written on it.
Duncan suggested each group could bring a stone from their locality to the battlefield, perhaps with their town’s name painted or engraved on it. This could maybe be built into a cairn at a later date to commemorate the 700th anniversary.

Malcolm McNeill
Malcolm told members of an upcoming event in Dunoon on 14th & 15th June. Organised by Na Fir Dileas, this will be a march to commemorate the slaying of the Lamonts by the Campbells which took place in 1646. There will entertainment at a local pub in the evening.

NEXT MEETING will be on 17th June at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 15th APRIL 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Mae Duggan, David R. Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Lily Love (Social Convenor).

APOLOGIES:
Bob Irving, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Willie Douglas, Angus McKenzie, Cris MacLeod, Hamish McQueen, Grant Williamson, Jennifer Boyle, Michael Reid.

Bank balance stands at £ 3297.07

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene phoned David to during the meeting to say that she had a puncture en route to Elderslie, & couldn’t make it.

CONVENOR (David R. Ross)
David told members of his recent travels in the north of Scotland. He visited Skye & Lewis. He came across a memorial stone to Bonnie Prince Charlie that he hadn’t previously known about at Arnish.
He also visited the memorial to the shipwreck of the Iolaire, which sank on New Year’s Day in 1919. It was carrying soldiers returning from the war. Out of 284 servicemen, only 79 survived.
He visited the newly opened visitor centre at Culloden battlefield, & was impressed by the audio-visual display.
Unfortunately the North-East Wallace Day in Stonehaven has been booked for the same day as our own at Elderslie. which is a shame because many folk like to attend both.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton)
Duncan showed a collection of photos taken by former secretery, Willie Douglas. These showed post boxes around Glasgow that still have the King Edward VII cipher on them. Of course Scotland never had a King Edward.
Duncan read out an article which appeared in the Scotsman newspaper last week. It concerned Conservative MP Leslie Clark, who claimed that “ disgruntled southern voters are looking for their own version of William Wallace to free the oppressed English nation.” He also stated that a Tory victory at the next election would be the “biggest threat to the Union since Bonnie Prince Charlie.”
An article in the Scottish Daily Mail claimed that eduction bosses consider that too much emphasis is placed on dates in history, & that communication skills should be considered more important. Duncan believed that historic dates are critically important to proper education, & to retain a sense of chronology.

Member Gordon Aitken attended the re-enactment of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath last week & brought in photos of the event.
He informed members of the Battle of Falkirk Commemoration, which will take place on 19th July. Gathering at the tomb of John de Graham outside the parish church, at 1.00 pm, the march will leave at 1.30 pm to the Falkirk Cairn in Callander Park, unveiled just last year. Commemoration led by Scottish Knights Templar, begins at 2.00pm. Evening entertainment will be at Camelon Bowling Club, with Kevin Wilson’s new band, White Rose & Fiery Jack. 7.30 till 12.30.

NEXT MEETING will be on 20th May at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 18th MARCH 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Brian Young, Cris MacLeod, John Paterson, Geoge Boyle, Peter Malcolm, Jim Adams, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, David R. Ross (Convenor), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Lily Love (Social Convenor).

APOLOGIES:
Bob Irving, Nan Irving, Eddie MacNeill, Malcolm McNeill, Susan Boyle, Irene Rowan, Hamish McQueen.

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene read out a short story about Wallace written by our newest & youngest member, Ellie Hunter, who is 6 years old. She is the neice of member Betty Burns. It’s good to see youngsters taking an interest in Wallace.

CONVENOR (David R. Ross)
David had been invited to the opening of the new Wallace exhibit at Edinburgh Dungeon. This will deal with Wallace’s torture & death. He gave them a copy of his book, “For Freedom” to use as reference. John Smeaton, the Glasgow Airport have-a-go hero was also present for publicity.
David has also been filming for the History Channel. It will be part of a series called “Warriors”
David brought some of his collection of weapons, including a copy of Wallace’s sword, battle axe & war hammer. He showed members how they were used in battle.

Bank balance stands at £3159.25. Although Tresurer Bob Irving was not present, he had e-mailed the bank details to Duncan the week before.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton)
Duncan mentioned a newsclipping about history teaching in Scotland. Schools in Glasgow are being given a curriculum pack which explores Glasgow in the medieval period. He also spoke about the forthcoming BBC Scotland programme called “Scotland’s History”. It has already attracted a lot of negative comments from academics for being blantly Anglo-centric. Duncan has been to see the Silver Bell racing trophy which is on display at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. He warned members that if they go to see it, photography is not allowed in the exhibition. Duncan e-mailed Rosslyn Chapel’s website which now also has a no-photography rule. As he has photos from previous visits over the years, he asked why this ban is now in place. No reply has been received as yet.

NEXT MEETING will be on 15th April at Elderslie Village Hall at 7.45pm.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD IN ELDERSLIE VILLAGE HALL, GLENPATRICK ROAD, ELDERSLIE ON TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2008 AT 7.45 PM.

PRESENT:
Gordon Aitken, Karen Owens, Richard Quinn, Malcolm McNeil, Eddie McNeill, Brian Young, John Paterson, Alex Scullion, George Boyle, Susan Boyle, Peter Malcolm, T. Lavelle, I. Lavelle, A. Millar, J. Millar, Frank Boyd, Bob Irving (Treasurer), Duncan Fenton ( Vice Convenor), Irene Clarke, ( Media Officer), Elizabeth Gosnay (Minute Secretery).

APOLOGIES:
Nan Irving, Lily Love, Angus McKenzie, Jamie Wright, David Ross, Brian Young, Grant Williamson, Fiona Douglas, Hamish McQueen, Morag McLaren, Willie Douglas

Duncan chaired the meeting as David had a prior speaking engagement.

TREASURER (Bob Irving):
The current Balance is £ 2222.48

MEDIA OFFICER ( Irene Clarke)
Irene phoned the Glasgow Herald about an article which mentioned King James II. She pointed out that although they meant James VII of Scotland and II of England, they never make this clear. This means that young people who are just learning our history may be confused. The book about St. Mungo mentioned at last month’s meeting is now on display at Glasgow Cathedral.
Irene spoke about a news item from 13th February. A ring which was used by Jacobite agents to identify themselves while carrying secret messages from Bonnie Prince Charlie has been sold at auction. Originally valued at £3000, it sold for £12,200. The ring, set with an emerald, was carried to prove the message had originated from the exiled prince.

DEPUTY CONVENOR ( Duncan Fenton):
Duncan spoke about a news clipping sent to him by Archie & Jean Millar. It mentioned a forthcoming five part TV series on Scottish history. It will portray William Wallace as a failure, Robert the Bruce as a king who struggled to keep power, and that Scotland agreed willingly to the union with England in 1707. There was no mention of the programme makers or which channel will be showing it, only that it will be aired in the Autumn. The teaching of Scottish history in schools was discussed.
Duncan informed the members about a small mausoleum in Kilsyth cemetery which contains the embalmed remains of Jean Cochrane & her son. She had been the wife of John Graham of Claverhouse, Bonnie Dundee. After Dundee was killed at the Battle of Killiecrankie, she married William Livingstone, who succeeded his father as third Viscount of Kilsyth. Whilst living in Holland, the turf roof of their cottage fell in, & they were both killed, although Livingstone was rescued. Their bodies were embalmed & sent back to Kilsyth to be interred there. The 19th century mausoleum occupies the site of the 16th century Monyabroch Kirk. More information can be found at

www.paperclip.org.uk/kilsythweb/history/archivesources/kilsyth_mausoleum__.htm

David had intended to do the Wallace slideshow, but as he could not attend the meeting, Duncan showed a home video of the Knights of Royal England performing a medieval jousting display, shot at Linlithgow Palace in 2001.