Book List

Proceedings Against the Episcopalians, pp.278-319.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    It will readily be inferred from the tone of the declarations and testimonies of the persecuted Presbyterians, that when they got the upper hand, Episcopacy would receive scant toleration from them. From the adoption of the Covenant down through the period of the civil wars, the great leaders abjured … Continue reading Proceedings Against the Episcopalians, pp.278-319. →

Proceedings Against the Covenanters, pp.173-277.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    THE historian of “the sufferings of the Church of Scotland, from the Restoration to the Revolution,” filled two dense folio volumes with the materials which he had collected on the subject, and they overflowed into some ancillary works of biography and general gossip. There is no intention on the … Continue reading Proceedings Against the Covenanters, pp.173-277. →

Gender-Fluidity in Scottish History

[IndyLive Research Contents] The history of those seeking to physically change their gender doesn’t extend further back than the 1930s really, when surgery became available, in a limited & pretty basic fashion, for that purpose. Prior to the 20th century the most that could be achieved was in how you dressed, styled, and carried yourself. … Continue reading Gender-Fluidity in Scottish History →

Proceedings Against the Roman Catholics, pp.117-172.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    FOR reasons which it is unnecessary to examine on this occasion, the establishment of the Reformation in Scotland was an extremely rapid operation. On the morning of the 23rd of August, 1560, the Romish hierarchy was nominally in full existence; ere eve, it had become penal to perform its … Continue reading Proceedings Against the Roman Catholics, pp.117-172. →

Spectral and Dream Testimony, pp.78-116.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    IT is often remarked how very rarely narratives of supernatural events find their way into the proceedings of courts of justice, when it is remembered how large an amount of belief they still receive even among the educated classes. There is something uncongenial with the supernatural in such an … Continue reading Spectral and Dream Testimony, pp.78-116. →

Trials for Poisoning, pp.1-78.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    M. DUMAS makes his Count of Monte Christo comment sarcastically on the vulgar criminal poisoner, who, with the marks of excitement visible on his countenance, goes to the nearest chemist to buy arsenic for destroying imaginary rats, mixes in the victim’s food enough of the poison to slay a … Continue reading Trials for Poisoning, pp.1-78. →

‘Scottish Railway Incidents: 1904-1907,’ (2022)

[Available Books Contents] ‘Scottish Railway Incidents: 1904-1907,‘ [Illustrated] (Aug., 2022) https://youtu.be/hJ131wwXj2U Hardback Paperback Kindle For Those Looking to Avoid Dealing with Amazon Click Here to Pay by Paypal & receive £5 discount - Paperbacks Click Here to Pay by Paypal & receive £5 discount - Hardbacks [Please DON’T tick for goods or services – Paypal will take a … Continue reading ‘Scottish Railway Incidents: 1904-1907,’ (2022) →

Trials for Witchcraft, pp.236-310.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    THE study of the witchcraft trials in Scotland leaves behind it a frightful intelligence of what human nature may become. The impression made by these tough and sometimes drearily formal records is more dark and dreadful than anything imparted by fictitious writing. The difference is as great as all … Continue reading Trials for Witchcraft, pp.236-310. →

The Burning of Frendraught, pp.202-235.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    A LONG conflict between two great houses in the North reached its climax in a tragedy so strange and horrible, that it became marked and renowned among the thousands of feudal outrages which fill the history of the period. Though common fame stamped it as an act of feudal … Continue reading The Burning of Frendraught, pp.202-235. →

The Darien Expedition, and the trial of Captain Green for Piracy and Murder, pp.101-201.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    ON the 11th of April, 1705, the commander of the English trading ship, the Worcester, with two of his crew, were hanged in chains on the sands of Leith, having been convicted by the Scottish Court of Admiralty of piracy and murder. It was a general impression at the … Continue reading The Darien Expedition, and the trial of Captain Green for Piracy and Murder, pp.101-201. →

Trial of James Stewart for the Murder of Campbell of Glenure, pp.73-100.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    THE solitary crime of which we are now to give a brief account, forms no inapt supplement to the wild history of the Macgregors. It was the expiring flame of that clan animosity which had been fostered by the previous monarchs of Scotland, as the divide et impera by … Continue reading Trial of James Stewart for the Murder of Campbell of Glenure, pp.73-100. →

Proceedings Against the Clan Gregor, pp.1-72.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    IF one were desired to point out upon the map, on no surer ground than the mere physical character of the country, that spot which must have been the main battle-field between the Celtic races living among the mountains, and the people of Saxon origin who tilled the plain, … Continue reading Proceedings Against the Clan Gregor, pp.1-72. →

Introductory Notice, pp.iii-iv.

[Narratives from Criminal Trials Contents]    WHOEVER professes to disclose from criminal records anything that has both importance and novelty to recommend it, will generally need no further excuse for offering it to the public. There can be no source of information more fruitful in incidents which have the attraction of picturesqueness along with the … Continue reading Introductory Notice, pp.iii-iv. →

‘Narratives from Criminal Trials in Scotland’ (1852)

[Scanned Images Contents] This wee set was obtained with the help of a super supportive patron of RSH. I felt they might be of use to glean wee stories from for folk that may be interested in readings of them. After flicking through them, I fell like the author may be one of the same … Continue reading ‘Narratives from Criminal Trials in Scotland’ (1852) →

Chap. 6., pp.135-195.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] Consequences of the restoration of episcopacy - Ejection of nonconforming ministers.  - Battle of Pentland. - Highland host at Glasgow. - Battles of Drumclog, Glasgow, and Bothwelbridge. - Persecutions. - Death of Charles II. - State of affairs under James II.  - Revolution. - Re-establishment of presbytery.     WHEN the … Continue reading Chap. 6., pp.135-195. →

Chap. 5., pp.100-134.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] The subject continued. - The commonwealth. - The restoration.  - Episcopacy re-established in 1660.     THE whole authority in Scotland, was at this period, in the hands of Argyle, and the covenanters, a party, which was most inimical to the interests of royalty. In their political conduct, however, they embraced … Continue reading Chap. 5., pp.100-134. →

Chap. 3., pp.48-76.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] History of the Bishoprick continued - Presbytery abolished in 1610  - Re-established in 1638.     After closing the tragedy of the celebrated Mr. John Ogilvy, we return to the spiritual part of the history of the bishoprick, and find in the year 1610, our sagacious sovereign James VI. of Scotland … Continue reading Chap. 3., pp.48-76. →

Chap. 1., pp.1-20.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] The history of the bishoprick from the earliest accounts to the Reformation.  IN the nether-ward of Clydesdale and shire of Lanark, on the banks of the Clyde, stands the city of Glasgow, situated in 55°. 51’. 32”. N. Latitude, and 4. 15’. Longitude W. of Greenwich. GLASGOW, we are told by … Continue reading Chap. 1., pp.1-20. →

Sect. IV., pp.23-28.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] Of the Protestant Church.  THE gross corruption of doctrine, the extreme indolence, the dissolute manners, and the barbarous cruelty of the Romish clergy in this kingdom, concurred to bring about the reformation of religion, which was established by parliament, anno 1560. From that time, the Romish regular clergy were suppressed, … Continue reading Sect. IV., pp.23-28. →

Sect. III., pp.14-23.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] Of the Romish church.  THE church of Rome introduced, by slow degrees, her innovations and corruptions into Scotland. A few of her superstitious customs were adopted in the eighth century.  It has been said, that, before the eleventh century, we had no diocesian bishops; and that, although we had one … Continue reading Sect. III., pp.14-23. →

Sect. II., pp.13-14.

[History of Glasgow, &c. Contents] Of the Primitive Christian Church.  AT what particular time Christianity was first made known in Scotland, cannot be easily determined. It is not improbable, however, that it had sure footing in North Britain, in the third, and fourth centuries. But, as pagan druidism could not have been at once extirpated, … Continue reading Sect. II., pp.13-14. →

Scotish Minstrel Miscellany

[Old Scottish Music Contents] The music here is from a series of books I lent Paul Burns out the RSH archive, 'Scotish Minstrel' (undated 19thC publications). He has very wonderfully provided these for us from them. - Jenny has kindly loaned to me some rare books in her ‘Scotish Minstrel’ collection of Vocal melodies. This tune … Continue reading Scotish Minstrel Miscellany →

 🌈Pride in Scottish History 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[IndyLive Research Contents] As it’s Pride season, with MardiGla just having taken place in Glasgow there, I thought we’d get into how those found to be attracted to the same sex have been treated throughout our history. I did turn up in my rainbow unicorn onesie to see off the rainbow clad marchers, though I … Continue reading  🌈Pride in Scottish History 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 →

Note E. – John Layng, Rector of Kilpatrick-Juxta and Parson of Luss, pp.93-99.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    Master John Layng, whose name is written on the Abridgment of the Black Book of Paisley, was rector of Kilpatrick-Juxta, in the deanery of Annandale, in 1539. On Thursday, 16th October, of that year, he was present at a meeting of the Dean and Chapter of Glasgow, when … Continue reading Note E. – John Layng, Rector of Kilpatrick-Juxta and Parson of Luss, pp.93-99. →

Note D. – Canon Gibson and John Gibson Junior, pp.92-93.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    Of both Canon Gibson and John Gibson Junior, there are several notices in the Registers of Glasgow. In 1496 the former appears as Chamberlain of Glasgow, and Canon, (Reg. Episcop., Glasg., II. p. 2), and next year he is again mentioned. (Ib. II., p. 496.) On 10th May, … Continue reading Note D. – Canon Gibson and John Gibson Junior, pp.92-93. →

Note C. – Decreet Respecting the Black Book of Paisley, pp.91-92.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    Vicesimo Nono Martij, anno 1574. Anent our souerane lordis letrez purchest at ye instance of Claud Hammiltoun, commendator of Paisley and convent thairof, aganis Robert Lord Symple, makand mentioun that quhair in ye lait trublis bi past ye said Robert Symple obtenit and gat in his handis ye … Continue reading Note C. – Decreet Respecting the Black Book of Paisley, pp.91-92. →

Note B – John De Burdeus, or De Burgundia; The Pestilence, pp.79-91.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    John de Burdeus, de Burgundia, or cum Barba1 was a citizen of Leodium (Liege), and professor of medicine there about the middle of the fourteenth century. He was an astrologer as well as a physician, and, like Chaucer’s Doctor of Physic,2 ...   "He was grounded in Astronomye,  He … Continue reading Note B – John De Burdeus, or De Burgundia; The Pestilence, pp.79-91. →

Note A. – Black Book, pp.77-79.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    Sir George Mackenzie does not give any authority for his statement as to the use of the term, “Black Book.” It was one in common use, but not appropriated, I think, to a monastic chronicle. The volumes in which episcopal and monastic bodies and municipal corporations copied the … Continue reading Note A. – Black Book, pp.77-79. →

O Raging Fortune’s Withering Blast

[Scenery & Songs Contents] O Raging Fortune’s Withering Blast.  Words by Burns.  Air by Tam Linn.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  O raging fortune’s withering blast,  Has laid my leaf full low!  O raging fortune’s withering blast,  Has laid my leaf full low.  -  My stem was fair, my bud was green,  My blossom sweet … Continue reading O Raging Fortune’s Withering Blast →

Here’s a Health to ane I Lo’e Dear

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Here’s a Health to ane I Lo’e Dear.  Words by Burns.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  Here’s a health to ane I lo’e dear,  Here’s a health to ane I lo’e dear;  Thou art sweet as the smile when fond lovers meet,  And soft as their parting tear, Jessie!  Although thou maun … Continue reading Here’s a Health to ane I Lo’e Dear →

Charlie is My Darling

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Charlie is My Darling.  Arranged by John S. Macgregor.  -  Oh! Charlie is my darling, my darling,  Oh! Charlie is my darling, The young Chevalier.  -  ‘Twas on a monday morning,  Right early in the year,  When Charlie came to our town.  The young Chevalier.  -  Oh! Charlie is my darling, … Continue reading Charlie is My Darling →

Pibroch of Donuil Dhu

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Pibroch of Donuil Dhu.  Words by Sir Walter Scott.  Arranged by John S. Macgregor.  -  Pibroch of Donuil Dhu,  Pibroch of Donuil,  Wake thy wild voice anew,  Summon clan Conuil.  Come away, Come away, Hark to the summons!  Come in your war array, Gentles and commons.  Come away, Come away, Hark … Continue reading Pibroch of Donuil Dhu →

Gloomy Winter’s Now Awa’

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Gloomy Winter’s Now Awa’.  Words by Tannahill.  Arranged by John S. Macgregor.  -  Gloomy winter’s now awa’,  Saft the westlin’ breezes blaw;  ‘Mang the birks o’’ Stanly shaw,  The mavis sings fu’ cheerie, O.  Sweet the crawflow’rs early bell,  Decks Gleniffer’s dewy dell,  Blooming like thy bonny sel’,  My young my … Continue reading Gloomy Winter’s Now Awa’ →

When Wild Wars Deadly Blast was Blawn

[Scenery & Songs Contents] When Wild Wars Deadly Blast was Blawn.  Words by Burns.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  When wild wars deadly blast was blawn,  And gentle peace returning,  And eyes again with pleasure beam’d  That had been blear’d with mourning;  I left the lines and tented field,  Where lang I’d been a lodger,  … Continue reading When Wild Wars Deadly Blast was Blawn →

Of a’ the Airts the Wind can Blaw

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Of a’ the Airts the Wind can Blaw.  Words by Burns.  Air by Wm. Marshall.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  Of a’ the airts the wind can blaw,  I dearly like the west,  For there the bonnie lassie lives,  The lass that I lo’e best,  Tho’ wild woods grow, and rivers … Continue reading Of a’ the Airts the Wind can Blaw →

The Braes o’ Balquhither

[Scenery & Songs Contents] The Braes o’ Balquhither.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  Let us go, lassie go,  To the braes of Balquhither,  Where the blae berries grow  ‘Mang the bonnie highland heather.  Where the deer and the rae  Lightly bounding together,  Sport the lang summer day  On the braes o’ Balquhither  -  Let us … Continue reading The Braes o’ Balquhither →

Wae’s Me for Prince Charlie

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Wae’s Me for Prince Charlie.  Words by William Glen.  Arranged by John S. Macgregor.  -  A wee bird came to our ha’ door,  He warbled sweet and clearly;  And aye the o’ercome o’ his sang,  Was ‘wae’s me for Prince Charlie.’  O when I heard the bonny, bonny bird,  The tears … Continue reading Wae’s Me for Prince Charlie →

The Flowers of the Forest

[Scenery & Songs Contents] The Flowers of the Forest.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  I’ve seen the smiling of fortune beguilling,  I’ve felt all its favours, and found its decay;  Sweet was its blessing, kind its caressing,  But now ‘tis fled, fled far away;  I’ve seen the forest adorned the foremost,  With flow’rs of the … Continue reading The Flowers of the Forest →

Tak Your Auld Cloak About Ye

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Tak Your Auld Cloak About Ye.  Words from Allan Ramsay’s Tea Table Miscellany.  Arranged by Finlay Dun.  -  In winter when the rain rain’d cauld,  And frost and snaw on ilka hill,  And Boreas wi’ his blast sae bauld,  Was threat’ning a’ our kye to kill;  Then Bell, my wife, wha … Continue reading Tak Your Auld Cloak About Ye →

Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon. Words by Burns. Arranged by Finlay Dun. - Ye banks and braes o’ bonnie Doon,  How can ye bloom sae fresh and fair,  How can ye chant ye little birds,  And I sae weary, fu’ o’ care!  Ye’ll break my heart ye warbling birds,  … Continue reading Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon →

Here Awa’, There Awa’

[Scenery & Songs Contents] Here Awa', There Awa'. Words by Burns. Arranged by Finlay Dun. - Here awa’, there awa’, wandering Willie!  Here awa’, there awa’, haud awa’ hame!  Come to my bosom, my ain only dearie;  Tell me thou bringst me my Willie the same.  -  Winter winds blew loud and cauld at our … Continue reading Here Awa’, There Awa’ →

VII. – Facsimile Page of the Black Book, pp.71-76.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    The page of the Black Book of Paisley of which a facsimile is given, is from the latter part of Chapter 13 and the beginning of Chapter 14 of Book XII., and is the verso of folio 199, which is the first sheet of quire 22.    The … Continue reading VII. – Facsimile Page of the Black Book, pp.71-76. →

Miscellaneous Sports

[Ancient Sports Contents] Dundee Courier, Monday 1st January, 1934, p.10.  ANCIENT FIFE GAMES TO-DAY  —————— Kirkcaldy and Wemyss Contests     At Kirkcaldy and Wemyss this morning two ancient Ne’erday games peculiar to the respective places will be played.     On Dominic’s Green at Ravenscraig Park, Kirkcaldy, the game that will be played is called “A … Continue reading Miscellaneous Sports →

Gowf (Golf)

[Ancient Sports Contents] Scotsman, Saturday 30th July, 1831, p.3.  LEITH GOLFING.     In ancient times, Leith was distinguished for nothing so much as its golf-playing. This healthful Scottish game was practised by all classes with a degree of frank and free hilarity, which has long since ceased to animate the modern practice of this manly … Continue reading Gowf (Golf) →

VI. – The Chronicle of Paisley, pp.68-71.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    The Black Book of Paisley is often spoken of and treated as an original work1 but as has been shewn it is not so. Still, the language of some of the older writers suggests the question whether there was not, after all, an independent chronicle kept or written … Continue reading VI. – The Chronicle of Paisley, pp.68-71. →

V. – The Abridgement of the Black Book, pp.63-68.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    Dr. Skene remarks1 that no sooner had the Scotichronicon appeared than there seems to have arisen an outcry against its intolerable diffuseness and irrelevant sermonizing, and Bower himself proceeded to prepare an abridgement, which is represented by the Book of Cupar. In 1501 the Paisley copy of the … Continue reading V. – The Abridgement of the Black Book, pp.63-68. →

IV. – The History of the Black Book, pp.43-63.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    The Scotichronicon, as we learn from statements in its text, was in progress in 1441,1 and was completed, according to the Memorandum on the fly leaf of the Black Book of Paisley, in 1447, or as Mr. Skene says, betwixt that date and 1449,2 the year in which … Continue reading IV. – The History of the Black Book, pp.43-63. →

III. – The Text of the Black Book, pp.29-43.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    Without pretending to give anything like a collation of the MSS., it may be interesting to compare, in a general way, the text of the Black Book with that printed by Goodall.     PREFACIUNCULA OPERIS. - The Black Book and the Schevez MS. correspond with the Edinburgh MS., … Continue reading III. – The Text of the Black Book, pp.29-43. →

Vellum Instrument of Sasine Related to Anne, Duchess of Hamilton (1723)

[Scanned Images Contents] I cannot guarantee I've not made a couple of wee errors but this transcription is definitely the best I can do over the course of 7 hours with much of the rechecking of words throughout. The author's Vs look like Bs but I've typed them out as Vs after deciding copying it … Continue reading Vellum Instrument of Sasine Related to Anne, Duchess of Hamilton (1723) →

Preface.

[Notes on the Black Book Contents]    THE following account of the Black Book of Paisley was originally intended to form part of the Appendix to Dr. Lees’ History of the Abbey of Paisley, but at the request of the Publisher a shorter one was substituted, and this was reserved for a separate publication. The … Continue reading Preface. →

The Asteria, or Star-Fish, p.350.

[Three Hundred Animals Contents]    ALSO a middle-being between vegetation and animality, is often found adhering to rocks on the sea shores. They have a slow and progressive motion, and, like the Polypus, if cut into several pieces, have the property of forming again new limbs, and thereby becoming a whole individual. The common species … Continue reading The Asteria, or Star-Fish, p.350. →

The Coral and Corallines, pp.349-350.

[Three Hundred Animals Contents]    HAVE been long supposed to be vegetable marine productions, and, indeed, their ramifications and progressive growth give to them so much the appearance of a plant, that it is no wonder if they have been, for so many centuries, classed among the children of mere vegetation. However, it has been … Continue reading The Coral and Corallines, pp.349-350. →