The Immeasurable Wilds: Travellers to the Far North of Scotland

Two Highland Exhibitions: Glasgow 1911, Inverness 1930

The 1911 exhibition was held in what is now Kelvingrove Park, and featured displays from Industry and Art. But the Highland village (Cuimhneachan Air A' Chlachan) formed an important part, not least because the aim of the exhibition was to fund, from the profits, a Chair of Scottish History and Literature at Glasgow University. The aim was successful, with the Chair established in 1913. The village presented a view of Scotland steeped in the past, with thatched cottages and traditional crafts on display. These are the images found in the Souvenir booklet:

Whilst the 1911 Highland Village Souvenir booklet contains little else but photographs, the Inverness Highland Exhibition catalogue contains hardly any. But it has a long introduction which I will display in images below, and it gives details of all the items on display, and where they came from. It is notable that many were loaned by individuals, many presumably living in the area. What a wonderful collection it is, too. Everything from Bonnie Prince Charlie's christening cloak (lent by Muirhead, Moffat & Co.) to more humble items like a wooden egg cup (lent by Mr Dunbar, Coignafunterach). I'll go through the various categories, pointing out anything that catches my eye. 

The various sections:

Section A: Prehistoric:

Items include a Boar's Head of Sheet Bronze, found at Deskford in 1819. Thought to be Iron Age. Lent by Banff Town Council.

A Bronze Spear-head, found in the parish of Duffus, "said to be the finest specimen ever found in Scotland."

The Carmichael Collection of Antiquities, lent by Prof. W.J. Watson. The various items were "personally collected by the author of Carmina Galedica" (Alexander Carmichael), who is described as "exciseman and folklorist."

There was also a portfolio of photographs, many supplied by the Hon Mrs Smyth of Ness Castle.

Section B: Agriculture, Harness and Tools:

Various peat-cutting implements were displayed, including a " 'luggit spade', [named] from the projecting piece of iron 'lug', i.e. Saxon for ear. " Lent by the Smith Institute, Stirling.

"A kind of snow-shoe for preventing ponies sinking in the peat." Lent by Mr A. Henderson Bishop.

A Cass-chrom, or Foot Plough, described as "Main or only agricultural implement used by crofters in the Highlands of Scotland, serving at once as spade and plough." Lent by Marischal College.

Various Flails (threshing tool), concerning which it is noted that "in almost every case, the 'striker' of the flail has the bark left on to prevent it from splitting."

A Quern "used for grinding the meal for Lady Grange during her imprisonment on the Island of St Kilda." After separating acrimoniously from her husband, he had had her imprisoned on St Kilda for attempting to offer to the authorities letters suggesting that Lord Grange had acted treasonably to the Hanoverian government. The Quern was lent by Sir Reginald Macleod of Macleod, Dunvegan Castle.

Various items of which I had never heard:

    A Lippie Measure, lent by Mrs Kennedy, Corrybrough, Tomatin. [A lippie was a unit of dry measurement        being one-quarter of a peck.]

    A Wecht, lent by Mrs Beaton, Coignafunterach. [A Wecht consists of a wooden hoop, over which is                    stretched skin or canvas to form a kind of tray, used for winnowing corn, or carrying grain or potatoes.]

    A Mill Stone Chipper, lent by Mr Colin Macdonald, Forres. [Used by the Miller's assistant, or 'Piccaman'        to roughen the mill stones when they became too smooth.

    Bleeding Fleem and Mallet, lent by Mr Macdonald again. ["Used for bleeding the cattle and sheep, not            only for medicinal purposes, but also to draw blood to eke out the scanty supplies of food in years of              scarcity."]

Thraw Crook, lent by Elgin and Morayshire Literary and Scientific Society. [A Straw Rope Twister].                  Ropes made from various materials  were displayed: Horse Hair, Fir Roots, Bent Grass, Straw and Hay. For more on ropes, see Housing below.

Arms:

A variety of swords, pistols, targes (shields), and one blunderbuss.

One dress sword, which belonged to Campbell of Glenlyon, the perpetrator of the Massacre of Glencoe (lent by Marischal College).

One silver dirk, engraved "No union", said to have been worn by Sir Kenneth Mackenzie (Baronet of Gairloch) at the date of the Union. Lent by Sir Hector Mackenzie of Gairloch.

Regimental Relics:

Medals, including a Victoria Cross earned by Major-General William MacBean "for killing eleven men single handed with his sword", and another earned by Captain Henry Macdonald at the Crimea.

A corkscrew, owned by Captain John Macpherson who was known as 'the Black Officer.' He "lived in Badenoch at the end of the 18th century, and was employed as a local recruiting officer. It was believed that he was in league with the Devil, and all sorts of stories were told of the guile, force and supernatural powers he employed in inducing men to take the King's Shilling. He was lost in an avalanche in the forest of Gaick, a well-known haunt of demons and witches, where he had gone with a party of boon companions for a Christmas carouse. Even still many local stories are current of how he was really carried off by his master." Lent by Mrs Dunbar, Tomatin.

Musket of the 42nd Regiment found among some natives in Central Africa about the middle of the last [19th] century. Lent by Sir A.P. Gordon-Cumming of Altyre & Gordonstoun.

Domestic:

Again, items I had never heard of such as a Fleerish (a short piece of curved steel used to create a spark from flint to ignite tinder or paper), and a Peerman (for holding Fir Candles). The "Moving Iron Peerman" lent by Mrs Campbell of Rogart  was "with grid for drying fir knots."

Also Cnagans, jars for holding oil. That lent by Mrs MacInnes of Heribusta kept "fish oil burned in the cruisgean (lamp)".

Lots of Cruisies (iron lamp with rush wick, formed of two boat-shaped bowls placed one above the other and attached to a bar). There are also Cruisie moulds. There was a box of rushlights "made by an old man in Tiree" for use in the Crusie lamp.

Other lamps include an Oilie Bubbly (Rush Wick Lamp), a Bouat (wooden hand lantern), and a Hanging Naphtha Lamp (Naphtha is a flammable oil distilled from the oil shales of Central Scotland).

The catalogue suggests that "the usual plenishing of a Highland cottage was 4 or 5 pots of different sizes."

A Crook, or 'Swee' made of iron "used for the suspension of Pots, Girdles, etc. over peat fires built in the floors of the cottages of the Highlands. It is in three pieces: the ring, which slipped over the rafter and carried the stalk which held the cleek [large hook]".

A Frostick (Cream Switch). That supplied by Mrs Watt of Inverness was made of cow's hair. One cow's hair whisk was made for making 'Broken Milk'. "The dish was made of lightly set curds with a little cream. A favourite Hallow'een form of divination was to put buttons, etc. in the broken milk, which was served in a large dish. The whole company eat it by spoonfuls our of the dish." The Frostick was also known as a Lanitch.

A Bossie (Porridge bowl).

A Lodar (Porridge ladle).

A Creepie Stool (Orcadian milking stool).

The Inverness Town Council provided a "Ploe Buntata". Quite what this is I have failed to discover. Buntata is a potato. Is 'Ploe' a misprint for 'Pole'?

A Ciosan (Meal basin or basket).

A Craggan (A jar).

A Coigie (unknown).

Mrs Fraser of Grianach, Nairn supplied a glass rolling pin "which [items] were given by the young fishermen of Nairn to their sweethearts upon their formal betrothal."

Finally, the Duke of Sutherland supplied a "Block of Bog Butter, found at Casheldu, near Dornadilla." Apparently, Bogs acting as refrigerators, can preserve butter for thousands of years.

Housing:

More rope: Heather Thatching Rope, lent by Ranald Macdonald of Lochmaddy.

Other rope mentioned in this section includes some made from Fir Roots, also Rush (Gadag), and there is mention of a Rope Reel for Straw Ropes. Ropes were also made from Horse Hair.

Dress (Men's):

All sorts of Sporrans, including "purse in goatskin, with eight yellow worsted tassles. Worn by a Jacobite at Culloden" (lent by Marischal College); an "Old Wildcat Sporran" (James Mackenzie, Airdrie), and a "Sporran, Purse in calfskin, with semicircular clasp in brass, engraved with scroll pattern and grotesque figures." (Marischal College again).

A "Flowered Coat and Satin Waistcoat, believed to have belonged to Prince Charles Edward." Lent by Inverness Town Council.

"Trews, Mackintosh Tartan. Early 19th century. These are the old trews cut on the cross and with feet." Lent by N.D. Mackintosh of Raigmore.

Ladies' Dress:

There are various Goffering Irons in this section, which were used for ironing ladies' caps. Also, an "Iron for Ironing the inside of Caps worn  by Old Women" (lent by Mrs Mackenzie of Craigdarroch).

Various Mutches (close-fitting caps), also called Currachd, and "An Implement for Netting Mutches." Lent by Miss N. Brown, Edinburgh. Miss Macpherson of Farr provided a "Night Mutch".

"Highland Lady's Marriage Costume, consisting of Dress and Plaid, also Silver Ring, all over 150 years old. The Dress and Plaid are of Homespun 'Hard' Tartan, and the Dress is lined with Homespun linen made from Lint grown in the Aird district of Inverness-shire. The Brooch bears the initials of the original owner, Isabella Fraser." Lent by Mrs John McIver, Achnacloich.

"Riding Habit, in which the fiancee of Prince Charles Edward's A.D.C. rode across Culloden. 'Wearing this riding habit, the lady rode across the Moor, where she found her wounded lover, put him on the saddle, and escaped with him to a cave nearby, where he was in hiding for six weeks, this intrepid lady feeding him daily." Lent by Mrs. Grahame Walker, Drumbuie.

"A Silk Scarf of Tartan, made in France, believed to be one of the earliest of what afterwards set a fashion." Lent by Dr. T. Burn Murdoch, Gartincaber, Doune.

Tartans:

A small number of tartans, some clan (MacDougall, Fraser, MacRae, Munro, Ross, Farquharson, Kennedy, and Stuart of Bute). Some of it 'Hard' tartans, some of it Silk.

Clan Relics:

Ardintoul Manuscript of the MacRaes. A genealogical account of the MacRaes by John MacRae, 1704. Lent by Lt.-Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap of Eilean Donan, Ballimore. He also lent a Genealogical and Historical account of the Mackenzies known as the Letterfearn Manuscript.

Various Clan charts, some referring to the Lords of the Isles.

Snuff Horn, made by William Sinclair, 1734. Once owned by John Gunn MacHamish, Chief of the Clan Gunn in Kildonan. Lent by the Duke of Portland, Worksop.

The 'Bratach Bhan', or White Banner of the Clan Mackay, lent by the Clan Mackay Society.

"Drum used in the last Clan Raid when the Grant Clan raided Elgin." Lent by Miss Grant, London.

"Inauguration Stone, from Amulree, Perthshire. The imprint of two feet in Highland skin shoes are cut on it. Such stones were used for the Inauguration of Chiefs or Petty Kinglets." Lent by Inverness Town Council.

"Luckenbooth Brooch, which was given by the baby son of the Chief of the Macdonalds of Glencoe, who was saved from the Massacre, to the foster-mother of his first child, after the baby was taken from her. The initials of the chief (Ian Macdonald) and the foster-mother (Isabella Cameron) are intertwined on the back of the Brooch, which has come down directly to Mrs Cameron from the original owner, who was her great-great-grandmother." Lent by Mrs. Roderick Cameron of Elgin.

"Back Piece of Armour worn in a duel in France, 1425, by French Hugh Fraser of Foyers." Lent by Lt.-Col. Neil Fraser-Tyler, Aldourie Castle.

Burgh Life:

An Inverness halfpenny, dated 1793, lent by Messrs. W.S. Lincoln & Son, London.

"Heavy Old Scottish Bronze Measure, with the Stirling Coat of Arms. From the times of the earliest records of the Burghs, one of the duties of the Burgh Authorities was to inspect all Weights and Measures used within their Towns. " Lent by Perth Council.

"Nairn Town Drum. All the Burghs of Scotland employed town musicians, whose duty it was to rouse the inhabitants in the morning; to play round the town at the close of the working day;to attend distinguished visitors, and to play at other times. The town musicians generally consisted of drummers and pipers, but fiddlers and players of the 'Almany quhistle' are sometimes mentioned. The town minstrels generally wore the burgh livery." Lent by Nairn Literary Institute. There is also a "Town Rattle", lent by Mr Kelly of Inverness, and an "Old Hand Bell, 'Chanrie of Ross'" lent by Fortrose Town Council.

Miscellaneous - Medical Charms, etc.:

An 'interesting' section with items like "Stone Blood Measure from Sutherlandshire", "Old Tooth Extractor" and "Lance for Bleeding Human Beings."

Two entries are labelled "St Kilda Mailboat". These were small waterproof model boats into which the islanders put their mail, in the hope that a passing ship would spot and collect and deliver them.

One has the description "Letters conveyed by this boat were delivered in Glasgow five days after it was put in the sea at St Kilda, which is sixty miles from the island in which it was picked up."

"Two Written Charms for the Cure of Toothache: from Cauthness. These were to be worn under the clothing and over the heart." Lent by Alexander Polson, Inverness.  Another item is described as "Copy of a Charm for Toothache, used by Kate MacAuley, professional witch at Kishorn, Ross-shire." (Lent by Lady Anne Murray, Strathcarron). Other charms include "Two Stone Charms", and the "Raasay Charm Stone, or Clach Leighis, an heirloom in the family of Macleod from a remote period, and believed in former times to possess great curative powers. The Raasay Stone is remarkable for its size and uncommon shape, and has the usual flaw or fracture, supposed to have foretold the declining fortune of its possessors." Lent by the late Mrs Scott of Fortrose.

"Two very fine Scottish Rock Crystals, of undoubted antiquity. As charms they were held in great repute, and were used for curing disease, on the last occasion in 1833. There is a tradition that they were brought from the Holy Land, but their very nature and use show that they are probably Scottish in origin." Lent by Mr A.J. MacDougall, Oban.

"Polished Stone Axe, called a 'Thunder Bolt' by the old woman by whom it was given.  The Thunder Bolt was regarded as a Talisman with power to keep away misfortune and cure disease. It is believed, for instance, that they assist the birth of children; that they increase the milk of cows; that they cure the disease of the eye; that they protect the houses in which they are kept from lightning, and that they have many other such marvelous virtues." Lent by Captain H.A.N. Rose of Nairn.

"'Goddess of Bernera.' This bone was found in the island of Bernera, where it was regarded with superstitious veneration. ..It is the shoulder bone of the arm or flipper of a whale. An attempt has been made to carve a rude face on it." Lent by Inverness Town Council.

Section C: Fine Metal Work:

"Iron Celtic Bell, from Strowan, known as St Fillan's. Made of a single sheet of iron bent into the form of a bell of quadrate type and riveted up each side. At one time coated with bronze, of which there are still traces. Was used as the bell of Struan Parich Church, Perthshire, until 1826, when Mr McInroy of Lude obtained it in exchange for a new bell." Lent by Miss D. McInroy, Blair Atholl.

Many spoons, including one "made out of treasure trove found at Ardintoul at the end of the 18th century."

Two fine Quaiches, one with Gaelic inscriptions, and the other, the 'Wallace' Quaich.

Brooches:

A number of brooches listed on 3 pages, such as "Old Niello Brooch which belonged to Lochiel, time of Jacobite Rising." Lent by Messrs. Peter Henderson, Glasgow.

Snuff Implements:

Various snuff mulls, made out of Horn, Bog Oak, Leather, Silver, etc.  Also snuff boxes, one gold musical, and another "Highland Sporran Snuff Box", snuff ladles and spoons (one in the shape of a man), snuff grinders, etc.

Writing and Script:

A small section that includes four Irish Facsimiles "to show the masterpieces of script."

Two volumes by Hugh Miller (geologist), one of his poems "presented to him by his mother."

Dyes: 

One of the few pages to contain an image:

Woolens:

A variety of items to do with the weaving industries, from Spinning Wheels to Carding Combs.

The Highland Home Industries Ltd., based at Strathpeffer, lent "Tweed Patterns, all hand spun and woven, [from] Harris , Fair Isle, Sutherlandshire, and St Kilda."

One or two more obscure items, such as "One Riddle for Grading Straw Plait", lent by Mr Kirkness, Edinburgh, who also lent " One Jackreel for Measuring Straw Plait."

"A Glass-topped box containing a small plait of Orkney weaving, alongside of which is placed the dried stalk of the rye, specially grown there for the manufacture of straw plait at Sandwick, Orkney." Lent by Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh.

Fearsaid (a Wool Spindle) for twisting wool to make it two, three, or four ply. This is an old one, but similar spindles are used wherever wool is spun on spinning wheels." Lent by Mrs Macleod, Skye.

Mudag (Wool Basket), lent by Mrs Macleod, Ness.

Textiles - Linen:

"Wooden Heckle (Old Heckling Comb). Heckle. A framein which is stuck, sharp ends uppermost, a number of iron spikes, through which the hemp or other material is drawn to straighten it for manufacturing purposes. On the Dundee halfpenny, of date 1797, a heckle is shown in use." Lent by Elgin & Morayshire Literary & Scientific Society.

Embroidery:

A small section, that includes a 1774 sampler made by a 12-year-old.

Music & Instruments:

Various Bagpipes, including "The Old Pipes of Kintail (with Celebrated Chanter). Originally fitted with two drones. A third was added about the time of Waterloo." Lent by Major Colin MacRae of Colintraive.

"Photograph of a Print of a McArthur Piper. 'McArthur was a native of the Island of Mull, and was allowed to be well skilled in bagpipe music, having been taught by an excellent preceptor, Macrimmon of Skye. He was piper to the late Sir Reginald Macdonald Stewart Seton of Touch and Staffa, Bart., and in 1810, the date of the print, he competed at the annual competition of pipers in Edinburgh, but failing to carry off the first prize, he refused to accept the second, thereby debarring himself from again appearing before the Highland Society on any similar occasion.'" Lent by Mr James Mackenzie, Airdrie.

Old Set of Bagpipes which belonged to the MacDonalds of Islay, and which have been in the possession of the Exhibitor's family, who were pipers to the Macdonalds of Islay, for generations." Lent by Mr John MacIndoer, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

"Jews' Harp or Trump. An instrument much played in the Highlands." Lent by Mr Macleod, Ardgay.

Sculptured Stones:

Only two entries in this section, one of 38 prints, and the other "Sculptured Cross, Canna, on Site of Chapel of St Columba. One arm and top piece wanting. West face with patterned panels. The outer face of the portion set back at their side, bears heads and busts in relief." Lent by Ancient & Historical Monuments, Edinburgh.

Section D: Communications with the South:

A interesting section, starting with a number of late 18th and early 19th century coins (mainly halfpennies) and tokens.

"Tappit-Hen, shaped, quart, lidless type." [A Tappit-Hen was a pewter measure peculiar to Scotland, often with a decorative lid - but not in this case].

"Pot-bellied Measure, lidded, Scots pint size. The measures known to collectors as 'pot-bellied' are peculiar to the North of Scotland. They are now rare, but were apparently made in five sizes, and both lidded and unlidded. " Lent by Mr Lewis Clapperton, Glasgow.

"Pewter Quaich, 17th Century. Lent by Mr Lewis Clapperton, Glasgow. The Quaich is an exclusively Scottish form of drinking cup. They were made in silver and other metals, hollowed out of a block of wood, or built from staves of one or more woods, sometimes mixed with ivory."

"Quill Pen Maker." Lent by ex-Provost Wolfenden, Kinguisse.

Section E: Medieval:

Two items in this section, a "Map of the Wanderings of King Robert Bruce",

and a "Small Three-Legged Bronze Cooking Pot. A relic of mediaeval times.

Found at Ballintuim, Strathardle." Lent by the Misses Macdonald of Ballintuim.

The image on the right is found on the same page as this section.

Montrose, etc.: 

"One of the Originals of the National Covenant of 1638, subscribed by the Marquis of Montrose and a large number of other members of the nobility." Lent by Mrs Carnegy Arbuthnott of Balnamoon.

Various examples of arms - Gun Barrel, Dirk, Cross-bow, etc. - supposed to have belonged to Montrose troops.

"Knife and Fork Carvers, with rude deerhorn handles, which belonged to the Marquis of Montrose." Lent by the Duke of Montrose. 

"Highland Musket, with snaphaunce lock, finely engraved, the lock plate bearing the maker's stamp I.S. surmounted by a crown of three points. The barrel is octagonal with engraved silver hands bearing the coat of arms of John, 4th Earl of Montrose and initials I.E.M. Engraved across the breach is the date '16..' The stock is of walnut wood carved and fluted, the plate of brass, engraved." Lent by the Duke of Montrose.

"Sword taken from an English Officer by Rob Roy." Lent by Mr Robert Macfarlane, Glasgow.

"Pocket Whisky Bottle. This was Rob Roy's Pocket Flask, and was given to him by a Clansman in Balquhidder." Lent by Sir Malcolm MacGregor, Lochearnhead.

"Wooden Quaich, said to have been given to a woman by one of the soldiers flying from Auldearn, in return for the fill of it in whisky." Lent by Major Stables, Forres.

"Four Cannon Balls from Carbisdale, Invershin. Site of the last battle fought by the Earl of Montrose." Lent by the Duke of Sutherland, Dunrobin Castle.

"Letter from Montrose." Lent by Sir A.P. Gordon-Cumming, Altyre and Gordonstoun.

Claverhouse, etc.:

"Safe Conduct, signed by Lord Strathnaver, dated 1685." Lent by Mr C.I. Fraser of Reelig.

"Part of the Helmet worn by Claverhouse at Battle of Killiecrankie." Lent by Miss D.F. McInroy, Blair-Atholl.

"Target and Claymore carried by Ian Grant, Ach Craggan, yr. of Glenmoriston, at Battle of Killiecrankie." Lent by Captain I. Grant of Glenmoriston.

"The 'Gentle Lochiel's' Snuff Box." Lent by Colonel D.W. Cameron of Lochiel.

The '15 Rising:

Both this section and that of the '45 contain much that is of interest. I will limit the amount of detail I record.

"James VIII's Snuff Box" (Lent by Viscount Arbutnnott).

Oil painting (by Rigaud) and Miniature of James, the Chevalier.

Silver Watch, and Sword of the Chevalier.

"Miniature of Mackintosh of Borlum." (Lent by Mrs H.G. Reade of Checkendon, Reading).

"Scottish Sword...inscription 'King James to General Gordon of Glenbucket, 1715'." (Lent by Stuart Page, Warrington). 

Two Passes granted by the Duke of Atholl to Andrew Husband of Logie, 1715, and another , a General Pardon issued after 1715. Also a Safe Conduct. 

"An Order to General Hugh Fraser of Newton to take Command of all the Country North of the Ness, about 1715-20."

"Old Document, signed by the Lairds of Argyll, promising to support the Duke of Argyll in the maintenance of 'Law and Order' against Prince Charles Edward in 1715." (Lent by Lady Alice M. Patten MacDougall, Oban).

"Sword found on the shore of Loch Duich, below the Manse of Kintail, where the Spaniards anchored their ships at the Battle of Glenshiel." Lent by Mrs Campbell, Inverness.

"Original Proclamation of General Wade, entitled 'A Thunderer for Disarming the Clan and Tribes of MacDougall, G. Wade' dated september, 1725 (when Wade was making his military roads in the Highlands.)" Lent by Lady Alice M. Patten, Oban.

"Fruit Dish belonging to General Wade, and used by him when residing at Jock's Lodge, Laggan, Kinguissie." Lent by Lady A.M. Patten.

The '45:

Items said to have belonged to Prince Charles Edward:

His Christening Apron; Holograph Letter; Letter to Macleod of Raasay; his Signet Ring; his Plaids; his Garters; Brooch containing a lock of his hair; Sporran; A Razor; Razor Strop; Sleeve Link containing a Lock of his Hair; Two Purses; "Brooch of old French Paste, made from a Shoe Buckle worn by Prince Charles Edward; Gold Lozenge-shaped Ring; Old Flintlock Pistol and Dirk said to have been carried by the Prince at Culloden; more pistols; a Targe; Silver Quaich; Powder Horn; Silver Plaid Buckle; Sleeve Links; Sheets he slept in at Doune; The Prince Charles Edward Bowl, which was broken when Ann Macdonald was drinking with the Prince on Skye, 29th June 1746; Table Napkin; Plate used by him when in the Shepherd's hut on Raasay; Wooden Quaich; Wooden Toddy Ladle; Case with silver Spoon, Knife and Fork; Cooking Pot; Chair he sat on when on Skye; Silver Brooch, given by the Prince to Flora Macdonald; Mull and Drinking Cup of Silver given by him to Lochiel, with the inscription "Snuff Box or dram cup while skulking in ye Highlands"; "Tartan Long Cloak and Trews worn by Prince Charles Edward, and discarded by him in exchange for a common dress the night after the Battle of Culloden."

There are items belonging to Flora Macdonald too, including a Petticoat; Memorial Ring; Gold Watch and Seal; Wedding Ring; Old Point Lace; her Marriage Settlement; Two Letters.

The '45 section is by far the longest in the catalogue, and it obviously formed an important part of the Exhibition. I shall pick out just a few of particular interest, but most of what was on display, much of it relics from Culloden, is worthy of recording.

"Snuff Box in Ivory carved with representation of Prince Charles Edward as a child between his Father and Mother. One of the type which was circulated among Jacobites at the time of the birth of Charles Edward." Lent by Dr Tancred Borenius, Kensington.

"Oblong Horn Box with Celtic pattern and bust portrait of Prince Charles Edward on top and inscription 'Arise, anoint him, for this is he.'" Lent by Mr John Ogilvy, Forfar.

"Pair of Pistols belonging to Mr Cornwall, who was taken prisoner by the Highlanders at Prestonpans. The locks were broken when returned to him to prevent him using the pistols." Lent by Col. W. Cameron of Lochiel.

"Mother of Pearl Snuff Box, which belonged to Simon, 13th Lord Lovat, and was given by him from the scaffold to a friend." Lent by Lord Lovat, Beaufort Castle.

"Rare Jacobite Garter, knitted in tartan colours, and inscribed 'God Bless P.C., and Down with Rump.'" Lent by Dr Tancred Borenius, Kensington.

"Snuff Mull, with false lid, containing portrait of Prince Charles Edward. This mull was sent over with some others to various Scottish families before the Rising of '45." Lent by Lord Lovat, Beaufort Castle. There is also another Snuff Box with concealed portrait of the Prince, lent by Lt-Col. Baynes, London.

Appin Murder:

The Appin Murder involved Colin Roy Campbell of Glenure, who in his role as Factor for the Forfeited Estates Commission had evicted members of the Clan Stewart from their lands, replacing them with members of Clan Campbell. On 14th May 1752, he was shot by an unknown marksman, though later James Stewart was tried and found guilty of the crime. It is thought he was innocent.

A book on the events, published in 1753, was lent by David Mackay of Glasgow.

"Snuff Box belonging to Colin Campbell of Glenure, Crown Factor on the forfeited estates of Ardshiel, Mamore and Callart, and found on his person after his murder by a person unknown, when in the execution of his duty, on May 14th, 1792[?misprint for 1752?]." Lent by Clan Mackay Society.

Prints of Old Inverness, etc.

Three pages of details of prints that were on display at the exhibition.  Mostly Inverness, including the Old Bridge that was swept away in 1849. Some plans too, by John Wood, F. Garden, etc.

Fishing and Sport:

"Instruments for Twisting Hair for Fishing Casts before Cat Gut came into use." Lent by ex-Provost Wolfenden, Kinguissie.

"Brazier for 'Burning the Water'. A form of poaching. The Brazier was filled with peat embers and held over the water, and the fish, attracted by the light, were speared." Lent by Mr Dunbar, Inverbrough.

"Fish Spear or Leister. Leisters of this type were provided with long shafts and rope attached, and were thrown a great distance with accuracy. They are of different form from hand leisters." Lent by the Smith Institute, Stirling. Other spears include a "Boar Spear".

"The Moy Strength Stone. It was a feat of strength to lift this stone single-handed. It was a Highland custom to have such stones." Lent by The Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Moy Hall.

"Crown used at Cock Fighting. Last used at a Cock Fight at Auldearn." Lent by Major Sables, Forres.

"A Loofie, or Early Form of Curling Stone, found in the wall of a Cottage in Perthshire." Lent by Mr A. Henderson Bishop, Thornton Hall, Lanarkshire.

"Horse Hair Rope used by the St Kildians on Fowling Expeditions down the Cliffs." Lent by Sir Reginald Macleod of Macleod, Dunvegan Castle, Skye. Also "Gin of Horse Hair used for Catching Puffins on St Kilda."

Forestry:

A small section "explanatory of the Development of Modern Forestry..."

Land Settlement. Modern Agriculture:

Again, small. "Two Observation Hives of Bees" and some maps showing Land Settlements in parts of the North and the islands.

Maps:

Three maps, including one unnamed "Old Map of the Highlands."

Roads:

"Set of Maps used by General Wade in making his Roads." Lent by the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

"Map of the King's Roads made by General Wad, from starting to Inverness and adjacent Counties, published Jan. 4, 1746." Lent by Aberdeen University Library. 

"Macdonald Coaching Horn, made of copper, with a plated mouthpiece." Lent by the Rt. Hon. Lord Macdonald, Armadale Castle.

"Panel from a coach used by Lord Seafield." Lent by Mr Herbert Dunn, Edinburgh.

Canals:

"Two Sections of Rails used in the Construction of the Caledonian Canal." Lent by the Caledonian Canal Commissioners.

"Bucket Dredging Tools used in the Excavation of the Caledonian Canal." Lenders as above.

Railways:

"Barrow and Spade used at the Opening of the Inverness and Nairn Railway." Lent by Inverness Town Council.

Electricity:

The last section in the Exhibition. Mostly photographs: the task of providing electricity, and the development of Hydro production of energy were major projects at this time in the Highlands. Electricity became widely available in the Highlands only from the late 1940s onwards.

Double-click here to add your own text.