Gallery
|
|
Graham McTavish and Sam Heughan of 'Outlander' fame pictured here with Paraig MacNeil at Borthwick Castle, in August, 202o after have told tales to them both, of which playing card connects both the Massacre of Glencoe with the Battle of Culloden. These were told around the banquet table in the castle whislt being filmed for a new series.
|
So why is the 9 of diamonds the Curse of Scotland on 3 counts?
And how does this playing card feature in the traditional folklore of the terrible events of 1692, 1707, and 1746? All revealed at a Scottish castle banquet table. |
Taken in the woods at Stirling University where I was reciting my winning poem 'Pine' for the Ochil'l Tales project, and for filming it also to present to the Souter Festival in Perth April, 2021
Telling tales in Callander, 2019
Singing traditional and original Scots and Gaidhlig songs at the Donald Dewar Monument, Glasgow.
scotsbard, Paraig MacNeil
Below are photos taken throughout the years, part of a TV programme, pictures from another programme and some home-spun tartan plaids and pictures in a slideshow taken in May 2013.
The slideshow contains lyrics from the theme of this website, Spinner o' Yarns, Weaver o' Words with its first verse and the second slideshow containing the chorus.
The song is also findable to sing along to on the Home page video.
The slideshow contains lyrics from the theme of this website, Spinner o' Yarns, Weaver o' Words with its first verse and the second slideshow containing the chorus.
The song is also findable to sing along to on the Home page video.
Chieftain of Kinlochard Gala/Games, 2015.
Myself singing in the company of Duncan Williamson 'Faither', and Alison, now my wife, at Leeziewells Cottage, Auchtermuchty, Fifie 1989.
Taken on Hogmany Ben Lomond climb 1998, wearing full belted plaid, proving yet again that old Highland Dress is still primarily for the wild outdoor.
Sláinte Mhòr !
Also taken on the same trip.
"There is nothing wrong with water, so long as it is taken in the right spirit!"
Taken in 2003, Commerorating at both Stirling Castle and Stirling University, Clan Gregor's 400th Annivesary, of the Battle of Glenfruin , when in 1603 one of the worst proscriptions against their name was issued from the Castle.
During that same gathering, an official reconcilliation was made with the Colquouns in Glenfruin by the Chief Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor with representatives of the clan.
2003 also coincided with the inflamitory writings of an eminent Scottish historian libeling the memory of the clan hero and partisan Roy Roy MacGregor, compounded with the unfortunate passing away of the chief, Sir Gregor MacGregor, the 23rd Chief of Clan Gregor, whose lament (Marbhrann do'n t-Ailpineach) I am here singing at Stirling University. This was to be my 3rd major composition for the society since being appointed Honoray Bard/Seanchaidh in 2000.
During that same gathering, an official reconcilliation was made with the Colquouns in Glenfruin by the Chief Sir Malcolm MacGregor of MacGregor with representatives of the clan.
2003 also coincided with the inflamitory writings of an eminent Scottish historian libeling the memory of the clan hero and partisan Roy Roy MacGregor, compounded with the unfortunate passing away of the chief, Sir Gregor MacGregor, the 23rd Chief of Clan Gregor, whose lament (Marbhrann do'n t-Ailpineach) I am here singing at Stirling University. This was to be my 3rd major composition for the society since being appointed Honoray Bard/Seanchaidh in 2000.
At Auchindrain Folk Museum, Argyll, May, 2011 telling traditional tales and singing traditional Gaelic songs of the area.
See 'Galleries/ Museums' in Testimonies/Traditional storytelling and song.
See 'Galleries/ Museums' in Testimonies/Traditional storytelling and song.
Televised demonstrations of how the old belted plaid is worn have been hosted by Ruby 1989 in her series Wax on Wheels (1989), with actor Tony Kearny on the Gaelic programme Brag (1990), and more recently with comedian, presenter and actor Hugh Denis (of Mock the Week and Outnumbered fame. who fronted a series about geology called The Great British Countryside . On this programme, filmed at the Kingussie Folk Museum, we also spoke about the native dyes, showing samples of the plants used. Then we had Hugh don the ancient belted-plaid..
Now who's outnumbered?
Further to this I was interviewed by TV presenter and historian Paul Murton on the series The Clans (2007). Interviewed as Clan Gregor Society honorary Bard/Seannchaidh on his programme on the MacGregors, we spoke much amongst other things about remote MacGregor genealogy and its importance in traditional rhetoric, filed here in Dalmally, Argyll. Scroll forward to 5 minutes 25 seconds:
From: Latha nan Drobhairean
The Day of the Drovers
Taken on the:
Cowboys, Cattlemen, and Drovers Ceilidh
Crieff Tryst, October 2013
Here left to right Myself, Margaret Bennett, with Aileen Carr, Skip Gorman, and Margaret Stewart.
The Day of the Drovers
Taken on the:
Cowboys, Cattlemen, and Drovers Ceilidh
Crieff Tryst, October 2013
Here left to right Myself, Margaret Bennett, with Aileen Carr, Skip Gorman, and Margaret Stewart.
The Cowgirl, the Cowboy, and the Drover.
Campbelltown Library, Argyll, St. Andrew's week, 2013
Tell us a story,
Sing us a sang,
Play us a tune,
Or oot ye gang!
Tell us a story,
Sing us a sang,
Play us a tune,
Or oot ye gang!
Chieftain o' the Games, Kinlochard, 2015
T.V. series Wax-on-Wheels, 1989 with Dolina Maclennan, Michael MacDonald and comdian, Ruby Wax. Ruby kidnapped on Cairngorm and taken to bed by a wild Highlander! Ruby had been on a mission to find a real Highlander, but had been told that there were none to find - all gone, until ..... !
