Post by neil6147 on Oct 9, 2006 20:45:20 GMT 10
9th October
Today in 1995 the Scottish Conservative policitian, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, died. The aristocrat, who entered No.10 from the Lords and lasted less than a year, was the last Premier to "emerge" from a mysterious system of consultations dubbed the 'Magic Circle'. His appointment, on the advice of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan from his hospital bed, caused a furore. Two leading Tories refused to serve in his administration and he later scrapped the appointment process, introducing leadership election ballots. He was the only man since the Marquess of Salisbury in 1895 to become Premier from the House of Lords. He resigned his six peerages just four days later and, after a by-election, returned to the Commons as MP for Kinross and West Perthshire. His short-lived period of office lasted less than a year from October 1963 to October 1964, spanning the period of the assassination of US President, John F.Kennedy. Following his resignation, he took the title, Lord Home of the Hirsel.
10th Oct
On this day in 1802 writer and geologist Hugh Miller was born on the Black Isle. Miller is mainly associated with the Devonian epoch. Indeed, his work on fossils found in Devonian strata gave the era its other name of the "age of fishes". He opposed the theory of evolution, arguing that the complexity of ancient fish fossils was evidence that God created them fully formed.
Today in 1985 Jock Stein, Scottish football manager, collapsed and died. He suffered a massive heart attack after watching Scotland draw 1-1 with Wales in a World cup qualifying match in Cardiff. As well as managing the national team, from 1965-78 he was Celtic's most famous manager, seeing them win the European Cup in 1967.
11th Oct
On this day in 2000, Scotland's first First Minister Donald Dewar died suddenly after a fall on the steps of his official residence in Edinburgh. Dewar served as Secretary of State for Scotland from 1997-1999 and became the first leader of Scotland's devolved Parliament in 1999.
Today in 1993, comedian and singer, Andy Stewart, died in Arbroath. Glasgow-born Stewart made his biggest mark as the chirpy presenter of the BBC show, 'The White Heather Club', which began in 1960. He scored a hit with that classic ode to kilt-wearing, Donald, Where's Yer Troosers?
Today in 1297 was the date of the letter from William Wallace to the mayor of Lubeck. One of the few relics remaining of Scotland's great hero, the letter followed victory over the English at the battle of Stirling Bridge, and invited German merchants to begin trading directly with Scotland since the ports were no longer under English control. Originally thought destroyed in World War II, the letter was found intact in a Lubeck museum, and after some campaigning has been returned to the Museum of Scotland 'on loan.'
12th Oct
Today in 1929 saw the birth of Magnus Magnusson, writer and broadcaster. Born in Iceland, Magnus moved to Scotland when only a baby. He made a career in journalism, finally achieving the post of Assistant Editor with The Scotsman. Best known for his long stint as question-master of BBC TV's 'Mastermind', he has also published over 30 books, as well as presenting a number of other notable TV programmes, most memorably the monthly series on world history and archaeology, 'Chronicle' (1967-80), and a 12-part series called 'Vikings!' (1980).
Today in 1866 Ramsay MacDonald, Britain's first Labour Prime Minister, was born. McDonald was from very humble beginnings and had no secondary education, but was a rousing speaker. In January 1924 he formed Labour's first administration in coalition with the Liberals. His appointment of Red Clydesider and fellow Scot John Wheatley as Health Minister raised hopes of social change.
Wheatley's 1924 Housing Act attempted to introduce a programme of slum clearance and subsidised housing, but it died with the Conservative victory in the October General Election. Fear of Bolshevism played a large part in the downfall of MacDonald's first government. He returned to power in 1929, but when he sided with Conservatives in 1931 over planned spending cuts he lost the support of his party.
13th Oct
This day in 1713 saw the birth of Allan Ramsay, the Enlightenment painter. His father was another Allan Ramsay, well known for his poetry. After studying in Italy, Allan Jr. became renowned as one of the best portrait painters of the Rococo era, and painted subjects as important as the future King George III.
14th Oct
Today in 1285 Yolande, the youngest daughter of France's Robert IV, married Alexander III, King of Scots, in Jedburgh. Alexander's first wife, Margaret, died in 1275 after bearing him three children who had also died young, so he (and the rest of the country) were desperate for an heir. It was while returning to his young second wife from Council in Edinburgh that Alexander fell from his horse at Kinghorn and died.
Once it became clear she was not pregnant, Yolande was shipped back to France. Alexander's death was a tragedy for Scotland: the throne was left without an obvious successor, and the resulting lack of leadership ultimately led to years of bloodshed and oppression at the hands of Edward I.
Today in 1788 the first steamboat experiment was held on Dalswinton Loch. Robert Burns was farming at Ellisland, just outside Dumfries, when he was invited by his landlord, Patrick Miller, to go out in a small experimental steamboat. The boat, which was fitted with an engine designed by William Symington, was the first paddle-propelled steamboat in the world, and Robert Burns was one of its first passengers.
The worst Scottish fishing disaster ever recorded was the Great Storm of October 1881. In Eyemouth it is known as 'Black Friday.' After weeks of bad weather the local fleet were becoming impatient to go to sea. On Friday 14th October 1881, they awoke to a calm morning. Ignoring the low reading on their barometer, they put to sea. By midday they had just begun their line fishing when the whole country was hit by a violent storm. The boats rushed home but many failed to make it safely into the harbour. They either capsized or smashed on the Hurkar Rocks at the harbour entrance. Their families on the pier looked on helplessly.
A total of 189 men lost their lives that day. They left 93 widows and 267 children. The Berwickshire Coast was worst hit. Eyemouth alone lost 129 men, and one third of its fleet. Others were from the nearby villages of Burnmouth (24), Coldingham Shore (3) and Cove (11). Seven men were also lost from Musselburgh's Fisherrow and 15 from Newhaven. Two days after the disaster, one of the Eyemouth boats, the 'Ariel Gazelle' limped into the harbour. Her crew were all safe. Instead of trying to make for the shore, they had struck out to sea and rode the storm.
A Disaster Fund was set up for the relief of the families of those lost at sea. Money poured in from all over the country. Over £50 000 was collected. Widows received 5/- a week with 2/6d for each child who was attending school regularly. There were also unborn children to consider.
A few years later, work began on Eyemouth Harbour. Some felt that the loss would not have been so great if the improvements had not been delayed. For this, they blamed the 'tithes' disputes, which took place in Eyemouth in the mid 19th century. Bitter arguments took place between the local fishermen and the church, and Willie Spears, known as 'Kingfisher', led the fishermen. It is said that on the morning of the Disaster, he was apprehensive and said there was going to be an earthquake.
The people of Eyemouth will never forget 'Black Friday'. Many in the town are descendants of those who were lost that day. A Memorial stands at the sea front and in 1981, a commemoration service was held to mark the centenary. A special tapestry hangs in the Memorial Room in Eyemouth Museum. It records the names of all the boats and crew who drowned. Beginning with the storm, it ends on a note of hope, with images of new technology and a sunrise signifying a new day. Today the town is the largest fishing port on the South East Coast of Scotland.
Today in 1995 the Scottish Conservative policitian, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, died. The aristocrat, who entered No.10 from the Lords and lasted less than a year, was the last Premier to "emerge" from a mysterious system of consultations dubbed the 'Magic Circle'. His appointment, on the advice of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan from his hospital bed, caused a furore. Two leading Tories refused to serve in his administration and he later scrapped the appointment process, introducing leadership election ballots. He was the only man since the Marquess of Salisbury in 1895 to become Premier from the House of Lords. He resigned his six peerages just four days later and, after a by-election, returned to the Commons as MP for Kinross and West Perthshire. His short-lived period of office lasted less than a year from October 1963 to October 1964, spanning the period of the assassination of US President, John F.Kennedy. Following his resignation, he took the title, Lord Home of the Hirsel.
10th Oct
On this day in 1802 writer and geologist Hugh Miller was born on the Black Isle. Miller is mainly associated with the Devonian epoch. Indeed, his work on fossils found in Devonian strata gave the era its other name of the "age of fishes". He opposed the theory of evolution, arguing that the complexity of ancient fish fossils was evidence that God created them fully formed.
Today in 1985 Jock Stein, Scottish football manager, collapsed and died. He suffered a massive heart attack after watching Scotland draw 1-1 with Wales in a World cup qualifying match in Cardiff. As well as managing the national team, from 1965-78 he was Celtic's most famous manager, seeing them win the European Cup in 1967.
11th Oct
On this day in 2000, Scotland's first First Minister Donald Dewar died suddenly after a fall on the steps of his official residence in Edinburgh. Dewar served as Secretary of State for Scotland from 1997-1999 and became the first leader of Scotland's devolved Parliament in 1999.
Today in 1993, comedian and singer, Andy Stewart, died in Arbroath. Glasgow-born Stewart made his biggest mark as the chirpy presenter of the BBC show, 'The White Heather Club', which began in 1960. He scored a hit with that classic ode to kilt-wearing, Donald, Where's Yer Troosers?
Today in 1297 was the date of the letter from William Wallace to the mayor of Lubeck. One of the few relics remaining of Scotland's great hero, the letter followed victory over the English at the battle of Stirling Bridge, and invited German merchants to begin trading directly with Scotland since the ports were no longer under English control. Originally thought destroyed in World War II, the letter was found intact in a Lubeck museum, and after some campaigning has been returned to the Museum of Scotland 'on loan.'
12th Oct
Today in 1929 saw the birth of Magnus Magnusson, writer and broadcaster. Born in Iceland, Magnus moved to Scotland when only a baby. He made a career in journalism, finally achieving the post of Assistant Editor with The Scotsman. Best known for his long stint as question-master of BBC TV's 'Mastermind', he has also published over 30 books, as well as presenting a number of other notable TV programmes, most memorably the monthly series on world history and archaeology, 'Chronicle' (1967-80), and a 12-part series called 'Vikings!' (1980).
Today in 1866 Ramsay MacDonald, Britain's first Labour Prime Minister, was born. McDonald was from very humble beginnings and had no secondary education, but was a rousing speaker. In January 1924 he formed Labour's first administration in coalition with the Liberals. His appointment of Red Clydesider and fellow Scot John Wheatley as Health Minister raised hopes of social change.
Wheatley's 1924 Housing Act attempted to introduce a programme of slum clearance and subsidised housing, but it died with the Conservative victory in the October General Election. Fear of Bolshevism played a large part in the downfall of MacDonald's first government. He returned to power in 1929, but when he sided with Conservatives in 1931 over planned spending cuts he lost the support of his party.
13th Oct
This day in 1713 saw the birth of Allan Ramsay, the Enlightenment painter. His father was another Allan Ramsay, well known for his poetry. After studying in Italy, Allan Jr. became renowned as one of the best portrait painters of the Rococo era, and painted subjects as important as the future King George III.
14th Oct
Today in 1285 Yolande, the youngest daughter of France's Robert IV, married Alexander III, King of Scots, in Jedburgh. Alexander's first wife, Margaret, died in 1275 after bearing him three children who had also died young, so he (and the rest of the country) were desperate for an heir. It was while returning to his young second wife from Council in Edinburgh that Alexander fell from his horse at Kinghorn and died.
Once it became clear she was not pregnant, Yolande was shipped back to France. Alexander's death was a tragedy for Scotland: the throne was left without an obvious successor, and the resulting lack of leadership ultimately led to years of bloodshed and oppression at the hands of Edward I.
Today in 1788 the first steamboat experiment was held on Dalswinton Loch. Robert Burns was farming at Ellisland, just outside Dumfries, when he was invited by his landlord, Patrick Miller, to go out in a small experimental steamboat. The boat, which was fitted with an engine designed by William Symington, was the first paddle-propelled steamboat in the world, and Robert Burns was one of its first passengers.
The worst Scottish fishing disaster ever recorded was the Great Storm of October 1881. In Eyemouth it is known as 'Black Friday.' After weeks of bad weather the local fleet were becoming impatient to go to sea. On Friday 14th October 1881, they awoke to a calm morning. Ignoring the low reading on their barometer, they put to sea. By midday they had just begun their line fishing when the whole country was hit by a violent storm. The boats rushed home but many failed to make it safely into the harbour. They either capsized or smashed on the Hurkar Rocks at the harbour entrance. Their families on the pier looked on helplessly.
A total of 189 men lost their lives that day. They left 93 widows and 267 children. The Berwickshire Coast was worst hit. Eyemouth alone lost 129 men, and one third of its fleet. Others were from the nearby villages of Burnmouth (24), Coldingham Shore (3) and Cove (11). Seven men were also lost from Musselburgh's Fisherrow and 15 from Newhaven. Two days after the disaster, one of the Eyemouth boats, the 'Ariel Gazelle' limped into the harbour. Her crew were all safe. Instead of trying to make for the shore, they had struck out to sea and rode the storm.
A Disaster Fund was set up for the relief of the families of those lost at sea. Money poured in from all over the country. Over £50 000 was collected. Widows received 5/- a week with 2/6d for each child who was attending school regularly. There were also unborn children to consider.
A few years later, work began on Eyemouth Harbour. Some felt that the loss would not have been so great if the improvements had not been delayed. For this, they blamed the 'tithes' disputes, which took place in Eyemouth in the mid 19th century. Bitter arguments took place between the local fishermen and the church, and Willie Spears, known as 'Kingfisher', led the fishermen. It is said that on the morning of the Disaster, he was apprehensive and said there was going to be an earthquake.
The people of Eyemouth will never forget 'Black Friday'. Many in the town are descendants of those who were lost that day. A Memorial stands at the sea front and in 1981, a commemoration service was held to mark the centenary. A special tapestry hangs in the Memorial Room in Eyemouth Museum. It records the names of all the boats and crew who drowned. Beginning with the storm, it ends on a note of hope, with images of new technology and a sunrise signifying a new day. Today the town is the largest fishing port on the South East Coast of Scotland.