August, 2011

In this Issue:

 President's Message  Coming Events
 What Does “Jacobite” Mean?  August Celebrations
 Did You Know?  Know the Clans
 Bonnie Prince Henry  Caledonian Society Officers
 Dalriada—The Old Kingdom  General Meeting Minutes
 News About Alex Beaton  Important Dates in August
   


President's Message

Here we are in August, hopefully seeing the downhill side of summer for this year. OKAY, I’m just a dreamer. If you are among the many that have not been coming to the meetings, we have missed you. The Board continues to transact business to attain our goals. July saw several of us attending the Flagstaff Festival, and it was great fun and good weather – no rain!

I am sure by now that most of you have heard about Alex Beaton having a serious accident at his home on July 2nd. He did NOT have a stroke or heart attack, but did have pneumonia and that caused him to blackout and fall resulting in a spinal cord injury. His family and staff are asking for our prayers for both Alex and Linda.

Hope you got to see the movie on the Hallmark Movie Channel July 30th, called “The Cabin”. We announced it here on the web site last month.

Jason Temple is already working on the upcoming games for 2012 and has some great plans for taking us to another level of excellence. Some of us were out at the park Thursday afternoon, checking on our new layout and we are excited about the changes. We also have a couple of new Fund Raising opportunities coming up that sound very promising. Hope you will be eager to help out on these events like you do at the Games. It is what we must do to grow these Games as we head toward our 50th Anniversary in 2014. You can be a large part of this big step into the future!

We have some promising programs coming up in September and October and I am working on another one for August. Hope you can make it out to join us.

THE FUTURE OF THE CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF ARIZONA depends on YOU! This is a VOLUNTEER organization, so please come on down to the ICC and do your part. Thanks for all you do in other ways.

Sincerely,
Jean Latimer







What Does “Jacobite” Mean?
By Steve Tilson

In reading the history of Scotland in the 17th and 18th centuries, you are likely to come across the term “Jacobite” and perhaps wonder who the Jacobites were and why they played a pivotal role in this period.

In 1685, on the death of his brother Charles II, James Stewart ascended to the joined thrones of Scotland and England as James VII of Scotland and James II of England. James was the first openly Catholic ruler of Scotland in over 100 years, and he immediately made himself unpopular with much of the populace of both countries by instituting a program of religious tolerance for all, including Catholics and even Quakers. By 1688 powerful political leaders in both countries were ready to get rid of James, and did so in the coup that came to be called the Glorious Revolution. The crown was given to James’ daughter, Mary, and her Dutch Protestant husband, William of Orange, who jointly ascended to the thrones of both countries. James was forced to flee to France where he continued to insist that he was the legal ruler of Scotland and England. About the only serious support he had in Scotland came from certain of the Highland clans. King James was rendered “Jacobus Rux” in Latin, so the supporters of the lost Stewart dynasty became known as Jacobites. The Jacobite struggle went on for several decades and has become firmly entrenched in Scottish lore and legend. The symbols of the Jacobites; the white rose, the white cockade worn on the bonnet and the toast that includes surreptitiously passing the glass over a water tumbler to symbolize secret allegiance to the “King over the Water,” are all part of the romantic Jacobite legend. The historical reality is a bit more prosaic. A couple of abortive attempts to re-establish the Stewarts on the throne were made, the first in 1715. The second, and last gasp of Jacobitism was in 1745, the “45” of Scottish legend when Bonny Prince Charlie, the descendant of James, landed in Scotland, raised the loyal clans and marched on England. After marching well into the English Midland, the Prince and his followers were forced to fall back into Scotland, pursed by much larger, better armed and organized English forces, until the end of the legend came at Culloden Moor near Inverness in April of 1746.




Did you Know?

Are they Scottish or British or both?

Most Americans get a bet confused when trying to figure out if someone from Britain should be called British, Scottish, Welsh or Irish. Correctly, anyone from Britain (United Kingdom) is British, although many Americans will call anyone from the U.K. “English” when what they really mean is British. Scots in particular resent this. So, when you meet someone from the United Kingdom and you know which of the countries that make up the U.K. they come from, you would not be wrong in calling them British. But you also could say that the person was Scottish, English, Welsh or Irish (meaning Northern Ireland).

What is the origin of “Scotland”?

The name Scotland derives from the Scoti, a Celtic tribe who migrated to Scotland from Ireland during the 5th and 6th centuries. They merged with the Pictish tribes to form the Scottish Nation, and so began a long and eventful history.

King of the Castles!

Every year Scotland gets close to 20 million visitors and one of the favorite attractions which the tourists flock to is the many historic castles. So which are the most popular strongholds that they want to see?

Well, not surprisingly Edinburgh Castle is the top crowd-puller in Scotland—and it’s also king of the castles in the U.K. beating London’s Windsor Castle into second place. Well over one million people visit Edinburgh Castle, home of the Military Tattoo.

Second in Scotland is Stirling Castle with nearly half a million annual visitors. In third place, the picturesque Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich is a magnet for a quarter of a million tourists a year. Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness comes in fourth with just under a quarter million visitors coming in hopes of possibly spotting Nessie.

Next is Blair Castle in fifth place and sixth is Glamis Castle in Angus, the legendary setting of Shakespear’s “MacBeth” as well as the childhood home of the late Queen Mother which receives over 100,000 guests a year.

Culzean Castle in Ayirshire is seventh which had President Dwight D. Eisenhower as a visitor on four occasions. Eighth is Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye which attracts just over 90,000. Crathes Castle in Kincardineshire is ninth and coming in tenth is Inveraray Castle.




Bonnie Prince Henry
By Bowen Pearse

Everyone knows about Bonnie Prince Charlie—his vaulting ambitions and ultimate defeat on the fields of Culloden. But for news of his younger brother, Henry Stuart, you will often look in vain. Henry’s most recent biographies were published more than half a century ago and his elder brother hogs most references in history books Yet in pictures of the two young men, Henry looks as bonnie as Charlie. And in later years, while Charles lost his looks and his life descended into dissolution, drink and failure, Henry became a great cardinal of the church who won respect and financial help even from his enemies. Yet because of Henry’s vow of celibacy, he was the last of the Stuarts, throwing away forever any chances of Stuart family descendants ruling from the throne of England.

Henry’s father was the Old Pretender, known among the Jacobites as James III. The boy’s birth in Rome in 1725 among Jacobite exiles created a tremor of unease in the Hanoverian court when King George was becoming increasingly unpopular. There had been repeated attempts to put another Stuart on the throne, mostly emanating from Scotland, so the news was hardly welcome that there were now two boys liable to claim the crown. Tradition dictated that the second son of British royalty should be baptized Duke of York and this title was accordingly given to Henry. (England, not surprisingly, declined to recognize his right to the title.)

But as far as Henry was concerned, the Hanoverians need not have worried; his future lay elsewhere. From a young age, the boy was seen to be devoutly and sincerely religious. He was intended for the church and this goal was only suspended when it seemed likely that the young prince would be needed in battle in defense of his brother and father.

Both brothers showed a liking for hunting and other outdoor pursuits, but as they grew older, it was Henry who became the more academic, settled and mature. Charles, it was said often acted as a spoiled brat, giving way to periodic tantrums. Charles had set his cap on the English throne. In January 1744 he secretly left Rome to start out on his great venture not even telling his brother. It wasn’t until August 1745 that his family received the news that he had sailed to Scotland. Henry would have followed his brother at once, but their father refused to give his consent.

At first everything went Charlie’s way as Scots everywhere rallied to his banner. His army was 2,000 strong. Henry was anxious to join him and pawned his jewels to assist the cause. Late in August Henry, also secretly, left Rome and traveled to Avignon to stay with the Duke of Ormond but fell ill with fever, this delayed him for two months. Scarcely recovered, he traveled to Paris to make a personal appeal to the French king for assistance. But when he at last was summoned into the king’s presence it was not clear whether France would fight alongside the Jacobites against England.

Hearing of Charles’ early successes, the Pope sent Henry a large sum of money to further Stuart aims. Henry was to sail at once from Dunkirk with 11,000 men and six or seven ships. But then news reached France of the change in fortune of Charles’ army and Louis XV withdrew his offer of French help.

Henry lingered on the coast until news came of the Jacobites’ defeat at Culloden and he knew he would now never visit Britain. Charlie was being hunted over the Highlands like a dangerous criminal and no mercy was given the Bonnie Prince’s remaining followers. The English had learned their lesson. Never again would they be humiliated by Jacobite ambition.

When Charles landed in Brittany in 1746, a beaten man, the brothers had an affectionate reunion. But they soon fell out. Charles sought refuge in drink while Henry prepared himself for a life in the Church. Henry’s piety only infuriated Charles because he felt this only undermined his cause. They seldom spoke to one another for years and their enmity lasted for the rest of their lives.

On June 30, 1747 Henry received Holy Communion from the hands of the Pope in his private chapel. On the following Monday, Pope Benedict XIV created him a cardinal-deacon of the Holy Roman Church. On September 1, 1748, he was ordained a priest. Thus it became clear that his acceptance of the cardinal’s hat meant virtual renunciation of the English crown—welcome news in King George’s court. Only Charles was left to disturb British relations and he was unlikely to find a wife. In British eyes, his chances of claiming the English throne were almost as unlikely as it was for the new cardinal.

Through his royal connections, Henry rose rapidly in the church and in his lifetime served under five popes. He became Archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, Archbishop of Corinth, Bishop of Frascati, Vice-Chancellor of the Roman Church and Dean of the Sacred College of Cardinals.

Henry must have acquired a considerable income because he was able to afford a collection of costly furniture and pictures as well as a library of rare books and manuscripts. He is reputed to have had one of the best libraries in Europe and read every volume himself.

Charles continually let down the family. His alcoholism took a firm grip and his life was an increasingly tangled and sordid mess. For years—and must against his will—Henry financed Charles’ debaucheries, brutal rages and disastrous marriage. In 1788 Charles suffered a fatal stroke and it was Henry who performed the last rites and had the body laid to rest in a crypt at Frascati Cathedral.

A Jacobite to the last, Henry then proceeded to proclaim himself King Henry IX of Great Britain. This was the last even remotely serious claim to the British throne by a Stuart. But it was the French Revolution in 1789 that put an end to Henry’s wealth and power. He lived, an old man now, on a small pension provided by the British Prime Minister, William Pitt, to the end of his days. Plainly, the Stuarts were no longer seen as a threat. He died in 1807. Charles’ body was taken from its Frascati vault and placed with Henry’s body in the crypt of St. Peter’s in Rome.

And here endeth the Stuart claim to the British throne.





Dalriada—The Old Kingdom
By Steve McGrail


Look at a map of Scotland’s west coast, left and slightly down from Glasgow, and you will see a scattering of islands around the Firth of Clyde. These islands are beloved destinations of Scots and visitors alike. Kintyre, The Isle of Arran, Jura and Islay—famous for their malt whiskies and Bute. Looking at the map, you’ll note something else too. Ireland is very close at hand.

The water between Ireland and Scotland is technically called The North Channel, but it has another more intimate title, the Moyle. This is the old name familiar to the Scots and Irish who live near its shores. The intimacy reflects not only the physical closeness of their two countries (barely 16 miles separate Kintyre from Fair Head in County Antrim, Ireland), but also their cultural closeness.

Eons ago, Ireland was connected to western Scotland by a land bridge, but as this highway submerged, the Moyle took its place. For thousands of years people sailed back and forth across it; raiders, merchants, scholars and farmers. Over time links developed.

These links reached their zenith at the time of the joint Scottish-Irish kingdom called Dalriada. Established in Ireland in the 2nd century AD, by the 5th century Dalriada had extended eastward across the Moyle into Scotland. This was under King Fergus Mor MacEire, from whom most Scottish kings and queens have claimed descent. The 6th century was Dalriada’s Golden Age; the great Argyllshire fortress of Dunadd was its probable capital. To this day, a boar and the imprint of a foot, signs of kingship, can be seen where they were carved into the fortress’s stones. By 1000AD, however, Scotland and Ireland had gone their separate political ways. Dalriada was no more.

Now, if all that sounds like ancient history, it is, except that Dalriada still endures in hearts and minds—and also in place names—in both countries. Gradually the link is being refashioned through a host of community initiatives on both sides of the Moyle, born of much more than mere nostalgia. In short, a new Dalriada is being born.

The times are right for it. Enmity between Britain and Ireland is generally lessening. There is growing inter-governmental contact; indeed, Scotland now has its first Irish Consul. This link is not only about governments however. Much is being done at local levels by people who simply feel an affinity with those across the sea. The two Celtic languages, Gaidhlig and Irish are clearly crucial, as is a shared love of music and story. A new Dalriada is emerging.

An illustrated map of the old kingdom has been produced, a new Dalriada tartan has been created and a small magazine now covers stories from both sides of the Moyle. Most significant of all are the activities and numerous project of the Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust.

The Trust’s beginnings were in the 1980s. Originally it was basically a heritage society, a group on both sides of the Moyle who were interested in the Celts. Little had be taught of Dalriada’s history. In 1995 the society became a Charitable Trust, a proper legal body, its goal being to advance the education of the public in Celtic language, heritage and culture.

Promoting Gaelic is a major part of the Trust’s work. Gaidhlig is weak on Arran though reviving. Classes are now being offered in Gaidhlig on a weekly basis to children in a few places. Parents are fully backing this. Even though few speak the language themselves, they want it for their children.

Another group, the North Antrim Dalriada Group (NADG) is interested in the role of Scots in the North of Ireland; their legacy lives today in surnames, words, religious practices and the like. It is this group that produced the map of the old kingdom and the new Dalriada tartan. The tartan is a grand thing, showing the shared Ulster-Scotland heritage. Because of the Troubles there between Catholics and Protestants the colors chosen represented both traditions. Hopefully, both could wear the kilt with pride.

In the past, people wouldn’t always have wanted to meet Celts from the Moyle who could be feared as “the long-armed ones” because their weapons allegedly stretched further in battle. Now-a-days, however, there is a lot of meeting and greeting among 21st century Dalriadans. For now the “long arms” are simply those of welcome.





News About Alex Beaton


NEWS FROM NASHVILLE ABOUT ALEX BEATON
WORLD RENOWNED RECORDING ARTIST * SCOTTISH BALLADEER

Phoenix, AZ ~ By now each of you may have heard about a spinal cord injury that our dear friend Alex Beaton sustained on July 2.

Here is the latest news about Alex and the progress he is making, from the Beaton family:

“Thanks to everyone for continuing your prayers and concerns for Alex and Linda during this challenging time. They both are drawing strength from the outpouring of love shown to them. Having been at GMHG this weekend and getting the chance to speak with some of you, we wanted to clarify some details because there was incorrect information floating around. Alex has a serious spinal cord injury. He did NOT have a stroke or heart attack. He is still in Baptist Hospital in Nashville in the Medical ICU. When I returned on Monday, I quickly saw how much better he looked!

He had a busy weekend. In Physical Therapy he sat up in a chair for 2 hours on Friday and for another 30 minutes on Saturday. Also he had some localized sensations in his extremities but he still has significant edema. Fighting pneumonia continues to be his main battle and we pray that he gets past that very soon as that limits his rehabilitation efforts. He's getting stronger each day and the medical team is working towards moving him to a rehabilitation facility at the end of the week.

Linda is now looking for the best rehab centers for his long term recovery. Please pray that she will have wisdom to make the best choices for their family. His prognosis remains strong; however, he will have a long (and probably slow) recovery. So please keep praying - it's working!

Cards can be sent to:
Alex & Linda Beaton
P O BOX 681707 *
Franklin TN 37067

Thank you again for all of your expressions of love. God bless you all.”

Let’s hold Alex and his family up in prayer for a successful and speedy recovery.

Jean Latimer, President
~ The Caledonian Society of Arizona


Coming Events

Aug 5-7 Highland Games
Monterey, CA
Aug 11 Membership Meeting
Aug 13-15 Highland Games
Denver, CO
Sep 3-4 Highland Games
Pleasanton,CA
Sep 8 Membership Meeting
Sep 8-11 Highland Games
Estes Park, CO
Oct 7-9 Highland Games
Ventura, CA
Oct 13 Membership Meeting




August Celebrations

Aug 1 Paul & Tina Deloughery—Anniversary
Aug 1 Leonard Wood—Birthday
Aug 2 Madeline Forman—Birthday
Aug 3 Kathryn Dollar—Birthday
Aug 3 Ruth Anderson—Birthday
Aug 4 Amy Connally—Birthday
Aug 6 Dan & Linda Neel—Anniversary
Aug 7 Nathalie Van Gundy—Birthday
Aug 8 Roger Thayer—Birthday
Aug 10 Ian MacFarlane—Birthday
Aug 10 Charles Mullen—Birthday
Aug 11 Sheila Kehl—Birthday
Aug 12 Kathy Howard—Birthday
Aug 12 Robert & Patricia Goyer—Anniversary
Aug 12 Kate Arthur—Birthday
Aug 14 Margaret & Gregory Romas—Anniversary
Aug 14 Robert Cowie—Birthday
Aug 14 Kevin Gossett—Birthday
Aug 14 Carol Kuna—Birthday
Aug 14 Christine Cameron—Birthday
Aug 15 Toni Sarcinella—Birthday
Aug 16 Janet Wilson Hiatt—Birthday
Aug 18 Frederick Ferguson—Birthday
Aug 18 Bob & Penny McKinley—Anniversary
Aug 18 Kathy Ridlehoover—Birthday
Aug 20 Roger & Dorothy Thayer—Anniversary
Aug 21 Susan Hawkins—Birthday
Aug 24 John & Leila Glasgow—Anniversary
Aug 24 Lizzie MacFarlane—Birthday
Aug 24 Amy Corden—Birthday
Aug 25 Sada O’Brien—Birthday
Aug 25 Arch Robertson—Birthday
Aug 26 Bob McKinley—Birthday
Aug 28 Margaret Hamilton—Birthday
Aug 29 Steve & Gail Wylie—Anniversary
_________________________________________



Know the Clans—Carmichael
What's in a Name?
By Ron Dempsey
Carmichael

The surname Carmichael means Michael’s fort or fortified house. The first element is from “caer” a Brittonic word for fort. This hill fort was named after one of many churches built nearby by order of Queen Margaret, wife of Malcom Canmore in honor of St. Michael. The lands are in Lanarkshire and became a part of the wide parcel of land granted to the Douglas family from Robert the Bruce. The earliest way of getting one’s name documented in Scottish history was to be a witness in the exchange of land or better still be the recipient of land. The name Carmichael was documented in 1220 with a claim of church lands at Cleghorn. This was also the case for one John Carmichael when he received lands from the Earl of Douglas between 1374 and 1384. These same lands were confirmed as the Barony of Carmichael in 1414.

As part of the “Auld Alliance” John de Carmichael fought against the English while they were invading France in 1421. Sir John was part of the Scottish army sent in aid of the French in their resistance to the English. A royal connection was made in the family when Sir John’s daughter, Catherine, became mistress to King James V and bore him a half brother to Mary Queen of Scots.

Another Sir John became a favorite of James VI and was sent on an expedition to England and held many court titles such as Privy councilor. The first Lord of Carmichael was Sir James a Baronet of Nova Scotia.

The name McMichael is often interchangeable with Carmichael. Carmichaels of Galloway often changed their names to McMichael, while the MacMichaels in Argylleshire did the reverse.





Society Meetings
Regular membership meeting are held the second Thursday of each month at the Irish Cultural Center, 1101 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ. Beginning at 6:45pm. Come join us or call 602-431-0095 or log on to www.arizonascots.com
Caledonian Society Officers

President: Jean Latimer—602-867-6507
Vice President:
Tim Wallace—602-740-0575
Treasurer: Joanne G.—602-431-0095
Games Chair: Jason Temple—602-920-5445
Recording Sec: Jean Whyman—602-956-6424
Corresp. Sec: Kay Morneau—480-503-0341
Trustee: Alan Ramsdell—480-969-8400
Trustee: William Wallace—480-838-7055
Past President: Elizabeth Grant—602-509-1146
Newsletter Editor: Jo Ramsdell—480-969-8400


Society Meetings

Regular membership meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 6:45 pm at the Irish Cultural Center located at 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Come join us, or log on to www.arizonascots.com or call 602-431-0095



The Caledonian Society of Arizona
General Meeting Minutes

July 14, 2011


President Jean Latimer called the meeting to order at 6:55pm and gave a “Welcome” greeting to all those assembled. We were delighted to be joined by Brian and Sharon Blair, who moved to the Valley a year or so ago from Wisconsin. We told them about our other Blair family who moved away to the Northwest. It is nice to have Clan Blair back with us.

MINUTES: The minutes of the June meeting were approved as written in the Desert Highlander on a motion by Jacquelyn Sinclair and a second by William Wallace.

TREASURERS REPORT: The Treasurers report shows our bank balance at $15,630.75, as of June 30, 2011. We have some non-cashed checks still out, including the one to Steele Park. The Board has approved the splitting of money into an account for the Games and a new one for the Operation of the Society. This should simplify the handing of the money for both sides of the equation.

NEW BUSINESS: 1) The Board discussed and voted to send $600.00 to the Arizona Academy of Highland Dance, for two dancers who did very well at the Regionals this year; 2) We have signed a new contract with Jackie Carro of Marketing Ideals for the 2011-2012 and we are looking forward to a great year; 3) Our Games Chair, Jason Temple has some new ideas to share with his folks at the Games meeting. He has replaced a few Area Chairs that had vacancies, so we are moving forward to March 2012.

There was no further business, so we adjourned to refreshments and visiting and were out the door by 8:30pm.

Respectfully submitted by
Jean Whyman, Acting Recording Secretary




Important Dates in August
Aug 1 Lughnasa (Pagan)
Aug 1 Ramadan (Islam)