My  Fellow  Members,
December was a great month.

First we had our silent auction and social. The food and presentation were superb. Genene Butler has again done an excellent job with her assistants. We also did a great job raising money for the Baird scholarship fund, netting over $700 through our silent auction. I would like to thank all who generously donated and bid on the various items.

The following Saturday the Society bus trip to the Alexandria Christmas Walk made its way into the icy realm of northern Virginia. I understand that the weather was biting cold. The falling snow was a grand sight. The brave members who marched in the Walk and represented all of us delighted many a youngster when they handed out their candy presents. Well done to all of you.

The end of the month brought the Portsmouth Christmas Walk and Hogmanay. We had a great turnout at the Walk and everyone had a merry ‘ole time.

January brings the excitement of various Burns Nicht dinners. I know many of you will be at the St. Andrews dinner at Dam Neck. There is also a Burns Night Supper and Whisky Tasting at Brutti’s in Olde Town Portsmouth. While a bit pricey, the food is superb and there will be a great selection of whisky as well. Rob Lockwood, Skip Hunter, and myself are only a part of the entertainment that evening. If you want a grand meal and a grand time, please visit the society website and make your reservation to this event.

Coming in February there will be a Society brunch at Murphy’s at the Beach. The price is low at $6.95 per person. I hope many of you will come out and join some of your fellow members for an afternoon of camaraderie.

Other events are in the planning for the future. Again I encourage all to join us at as many events as you can. Everyone has fun that shows up.

Elections are in March. I hope some of you will consider a position on the Board. If not, please consider serving on one of the various Society committees. You will have a good time and be able to help place your mark on Society activities.

Slàinte,
Mike

Back

One humid June night in the summer of 2003, Ed Wilkinson and I had just cleared up a “man with a gun” call. While discussing the dynamics of the case, we began to talk about our Scottish heritage, Ed being a MacDonald and myself with lineage to the Clan Gunn. Of course we love to hear a tune on the pipes.

Here we were at 2:30 in the morning formulating our plans for a pipe and drum corps. We thought it odd that there was not a police or fire pipe band in this area. We felt a need to bring this time-honored tradition to Hampton Roads. Now I know some will argue that the Chesapeake Sheriff's Office has a pipe band but the last I had heard was that they were defunct. So don't go blaming Ed and me for starting something on the Peninsula.

Within days we found volunteers and had our first meeting. We received media attention and by mid-August we were on our way. Initially I had organized some practice with a local pipe band but that went sour after only a few lessons. While there were many helpful and sympathetic individuals within that pipe band, the feeling overall was that we were not wanted. Thankfully our media exposure had piqued the interest of several people and excellent instruction was on the way.

Brendan Konouck, a local attorney and bagpiper for the Strath James, attended one of our practices and had us on the road to piperdom. He is a taskmaster but we enjoy it. We improve as a band with each practice. Brendan is now our Pipe Major and we are practicing sets. We are keeping it simple for the time being.

Another big catch for us was Ron MacGregor. Father Mac is a retired NYPD officer and piped with the Fraternal Order of Police in New York City. Another piper is Erik Brazzale with the Suffolk Fire Department. Ron and Erik also pipe for the Royal Canadian Legion. Arthur Korff is another pipe instructor. His specialty is helping us with our timing. Thanks to Art we are able to practice three times a week.

Brendan also helps our drummers and Chip Barkley, the Drum Sergeant for the Strath James, will be assisting as well. Todd Hudson, a Newport News Police officer, is our acting drum sergeant. Todd has already drummed in several events. We also have two former members of the Yorktown Fife and Drums with us as well and they are quick learners.

Our drum line is pretty solid with Todd as the foundation. Brent Stoufer, U.S. Army soldier, and Howard Eley, schoolteacher, help round out the drums.

We are known as the Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps, Ltd. We are also called the Blue and Crimson Guardians Pipes & Drums. This name represents the firefighters who have joined our organization. On both our unit patch and clan crest you will find the links of a rope colored blue and red to represent the police/fire bond. Also on both the crest and patch there are thistles that represent the Guardian Thistles of Scottish lore.

For funds we sponsor ceilidhs approximately every three months. If you want to have a good time don't miss our next one. Also several civic organizations have donated monies to our cause. People can check our webpage at: http://newportnewspolicepipe.homestead.com for more details of upcoming events.

We currently have 12 pipers and 10 drummers. Three of our members are teenagers who are embracing their heritage. We also have several people who are support personnel for the band and have very important assignments in fundraising and membership committees. Our members include police officers from Newport News, Hampton and Suffolk. We also have firefighters from Newport News, Suffolk and Portsmouth Naval Hospital. Other members are family, girl friends and friends of the cause.

The make up of our membership is why we will not accept money to perform at the services for a line of duty death. We seek to provide solace to a grieving family during a time of loss.

Our motto is "To Honor The Fallen."

That is what we intend to do.

Tom Crouch is the President of the Newport News Police Pipe & Drum Corps and the Blue and Crimson Guardians Pipes & Drums

For the second year in a row, the Society bus trip to Old Towne Alexandria for the annual Christmas Walk was like being inside a snowy pop-up Christmas card with the friends you love best.

Even the groans of having to get up and dress at O’Dark Thirty to drive to the Indian River Road “Park and Ride” to meet the bus were forgotten in the excitement of settling in to ride comfortably and greet members as they arrived. The second group of passengers we picked up at the Hampton Wal-Mart parking lot had a bit more time to sleep!

With orange juice, Danish pastries, bear claws, and other carb-laden victuals to keep our spirits up (along with some other spirits as well), we were able to enjoy the sight of snow beginning to coat the roadsides without having to worry about driving in it ourselves.

Forty-four of us arrived safely to be greeted by the sights and sounds of streets lined with men in kilts, bagpipes, Scotties, Westies, and other plaid-coated canines, Scottish banners, and old friends or family members waiting to meet us in the warm lobby of the Holiday Inn.

After an interval of meetings and greetings and just a wee bit of shopping for heather and wooly hats at the annual open-air market, we bundled ourselves against the cold and found our place in the parade line-up. We were very nearly the last group to march (we were closely followed by a white-bearded gentleman in a sleigh), but we found shelter in the porch of a Safeway and were able to sip hot cocoa, chat, and enjoy various snow scenes The townhouses in Old Towne were decorated for Christmas as only they can be, with the snow-lined branches of the holly trees framing them into perfect Christmas cards.

We were fortunate that the snowfall was light and that the wind had dropped when our time came to join the parade. With our younger members proudly bearing the Scottish Society of Tidewater banner (not an invisible one this time), we waved at the people lining the streets. We were rewarded with applause and laughter when the more energetic members of our group ran Chinese fire drills around us to keep warm. A few members passed out candy canes to the children.

At the end of parade, some of us disbursed to meet with our various Clans, while others headed for the traditional informal lunch at Murphy’s Irish Pub. The owner had kindly reserved the Society several tables upstairs near the blazing log fire that quickly thawed out cold fingers and faces. Here, we were able to see many of the regimental uniforms and costumes of those who marched that we might have missed during the parade. A welcome addition this year was a live band that performed Scottish tunes old and new. Various impromptu performers also appeared, such as the large-mustached band member banging away at his bass drum and the Highland dancer who leapt up to perform a triumphant sword dance over his crossed table knives.

Shopping was next on the agenda and there never was a town so suited for Christmas browsing as Olde Towne. The historic storefronts of King Street, lighted and decorated, offered toys, antiques, Scottish books, pipe tobacco, Irish items of all kinds, Pendleton woolens, and hats of all descriptions. Our pocketbooks may have given out before our feet did!

A few of us found our way back to another pub to rest, refresh, and listen to a Celtic rock band until the bus arrived to pick us up at 5 pm. After a Kodak moment on the steps of the lighted town square, we boarded the bus for home. The refreshments went around on the bus again and kept us going until we arrived back to the Hampton or Indian River Road parking lots around 9pm. I hope everyone on the trip enjoyed it as much as I did!

The science of human genetics DNA analysis has emerged from the research laboratories and courtroom paternity lawsuits to being a new aspect of genealogy research. One company that’s offering this new service is FamilyTreeDNA based out of Texas.

Family TreeDNA currently has over 750 surname projects. The test uses twenty-five markers to produce clear results. The cost for the test is under $200 and your results can be expected in eight to 10 weeks. The test is not invasive - just two simple scrapings from the inside of the cheek, no pricking for blood. Only males of direct clan descent can take the test, which is performed on the Y chromosome, passed only from father to son. This doesn’t mean that women can’t participate, just that they must recruit a male sibling or cousin of direct descent.

For further information about what’s happening with human genetics DNA analysis or to learn if your Clan is participating in a DNA study visit the Family Tree DNA website at www.familytreedna.com/.

For those with the genealogy bug, your results can provide insight into your family ancestry and may be helpful if you have run up against a “brick wall.” While your results will not provide you with a direct link to any individual, it will give you direction of where to search to start the “paper trail.” In recent years, a number of Scottish Clan Associations like Donald USA, Donnachaidh, Gregor, Hamilton, Maxwell, Montgomery, Scott and Wallace have undertaken studies to identify patterns of their clansmen.

The Clan Gregor Society has participated in a DNA study for several years and has DNA samples from the hereditary chief’s line of Glencarnoch and the major lines of Glengyle, and Roro. These lines are of Celtic / Gaelic origin. Upon participating in the study one is able to determine if they are descendant from one of the identified lines or if they are associated with their Clan through their ancestor’s community relationship. As you may know early clansmen could be related by blood or by community through the adoption of the leader’s surname. And don’t let your surname fool you - a couple of Clan Gregor participants have learned that even though they have the McGregor surname, they actually have Viking DNA!

Test results show that the long-standing idea that the Clan Gregor is the purest of blood due to the 200 years under harsh proscriptions is being dispelled. Clan Gregor, like many other clans, is comprised of many community members.

With very little family history, no names of my immigrant ancestor’s parents or a place in Scotland, my genealogy research has been difficult. However, upon receiving my test results, I was surprised to learn that my family is from the same line as our hereditary clan chieftain. These results are providing me with some vital direction. These results also lend some credit to the undocumented account that we are related to the Clan’s most famous individual, Rob Roy MacGregor.

To learn more about the Clan Gregor DNA study, visit their website at www.clangregor.org/macgregor/dna.html.

In lieu of the December Society meeting, a Christmas Ceilidh and Silent Auction was held to kick off the holiday season, bringing everyone into the Yuletide spirit. Our usual Library meeting rooms were transformed with beautifully decorated tables, courtesy of Genene Butler and her family.

The potluck Christmas dinner allowed society members to showcase their culinary talents. The turkey that Mark Butler grilled was awesomely delicious. It took three tables to handle all these great entrees, plus a forth table to handle the abundance of most wonderful desserts. When everything was over only a few crumbs were left. Perhaps next year more food is needed and less calories.

The silent auction was truly fun, and the Society made over $700 to benefit the Baird Scholarship. The hit of the auction was the placemats made by Genene on her new sewing machine; they would make anyone with Scottish ties delighted to take them home. The lucky bidder was Skip Hunter.

Among the other items up for bid was a clock that played bagpipe tunes on the hour, a bottle of single malt whisky, Christmas ornaments, and many books on various Scottish subjects.

It was a grand way to welcome in the holiday season, Scottish style!

Scottish Society members Rob Lockwood and John Wallace have been awarded the designation “FSA Scot” by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland was founded in 1780 and it was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1783. It is the second oldest antiquarian society in Britain.

The purpose of the Society is set out in the first of its Laws:

".... the Study of the Antiquities and History of Scotland, more especially by means of archaeological research"; the Society today is concerned with every aspect of the human past in Scotland.

The Society is an active body. Members have, from the beginning, been known as Fellows of the Society, and there are now some 3000 Fellows around the world, as well as 25 Honorary Fellows elected for their outstanding scholarship. Membership is by election, held annually on St. Andrews Day, 30th November; it is open to all with an interest in the history and archaeology of Scotland.

On December 29^th, 2003, Carrie McCabe, Juanita (Wanny) Nicholson, and I arrived in Scotland ready to take on the world-famous Scottish New Year’s revels. We had a blast from start to finish, and would like to pass on some tips, caveats, and contact info for traveling to Scotland during the winter season.

The Royal Bank throws a huge Hogmanay block party on Princes Street in Edinburgh. But the fun is not confined to New Year’s Eve; the Edinburgh City Council sponsors a series of events, from Dec 29^th-Jan 1^st, many of which are outdoors and free of charge.

Carrie found something called the First Foot Club on the Internet. You Scots know about First Foot traditions already, I am sure. Membership in this club costs about £15, and it guarantees admission to the Royal Bank Street Party, preferential booking for ticketed events, and discounts at a variety of businesses around the city. It is a great deal, for sure - ya cannae beat it!

One spectacular event that takes place on the 29th is the Torchlight Procession. This is a parade involving music and fire. You can buy a torch for £5 and really be part of the festivities. People dressed like Highland warriors and Vikings lead things off with a giant wooden Longship. The procession snakes its way from the Royal Mile to the top of Calton Hill, where the Longship is burned in a huge bonfire. There is also a concert as well as fireworks.

On the 30^th, there are Night Afore International celebrations on George Street. Each year they choose a different nation/culture to “join hands” with; this year it was India. Part of the “street art extravaganza” was the Bollywood Brass Band, the Tartan Dholies, an Indo-Celt band, and Indian food vendors. My favorite part of the Night Afore street party was the World’s Longest “Strip-the-Willow” down at the Ceilidh Stage. BBC One broadcast this. We saw some inebriated Highlanders there with whom we had partied and spoken Gaelic earlier at one of our favorite pubs (Filthy McNasty’s and Greyfriar’s Bobby’s Bar).

Hogmanay itself is a monster party. There are indoor and outdoor concerts in all genres of Scottish and international music. Surprisingly, they do not sell alcohol on Princes Street during the Royal Bank Street Party, but you can BYOB as long as it is in a non-breakable container. We ran into the Q-Bar on Leith Street below Calton Hill to down a few pints before going back to Princes Street.

Unfortunately, due to the winds and the drizzle, the outdoor concerts and the 7 Hills Fireworks (set off from all 7 hills surrounding Edinburgh), and World’s Biggest Auld Lang Syne, was cancelled. There were messages on the video screens on Princes Street advising people to leave. Leave?! You gotta be kidding! We didn’t come all the way from America to make an early night of it! We walked around socializing, taking pictures, and wishing people Happy New Year. Carrie was offered free beers, snogs, and some raised kilt action, while Wanny and I just laughed at it all. Friendly people were waving their flags and wishing passers by well. It was my favorite New Year’s Eve ever, despite the cancellations.

Seeing Scotland in its wintertime beauty was a wonderful experience. We highly recommend it. Just make sure to dress warmly for the brisk temps. And possibly a flask of single malt would be helpful as well!

Edinburgh Hogmanay Office www.edinburghshogmanay.org/.

It's that time again! The deadline to apply for the Scottish Society of Tidewater’s Richard Baird Scholarship is fast approaching. All scholarship applications must be postmarked by March 1.

The purpose of the Baird Scholarship is to provide financial support toward the study of Scottish culture. This includes, but is not limited to, Scottish music, dance, language, literature, history, genealogy, politics and religion. Only applications relevant to Scottish culture will be considered. Applicants must be at least 12 years of age; there is no upper age limit. Preference will be given to residents of Hampton Roads, however all interested students are encouraged to apply.

If you would like to submit an application, please visit the SST website at
www.tidewaterscots.org,
or contact Marcey Burton at marcey9@cox.net

Good luck!

  The Jeff Greer Band is calling it quits. The “Celternative” music band has a large and loyal following among SST members, and they will be greatly missed. Don’t miss their last show at the White Horse Jan. 30-31.

  Mark Allen, our program chair, has accepted a new position in Florida. While Mark hopes to join us for many future SST activities, he had to resign as program Chair. Melissa Colton has volunteered to serve in that capacity. Thanks for the help, Melissa! And good luck, Mark!

  Josiah “Skip” Hunter, OS1 in the USN, has recently been transferred to sea duty, and is assigned to the USS Carr.

  Scottish Dance Theatre of Virginia and Trad na Trad Pipe Band are off to New York in mid-January with three other groups representing the Virginia Arts Festival's International Tattoo. They are part of a mini Tattoo and will entertain at a travel convention of Tour Bus companies and help promote Virginia travel. There will be fifty-five traveling on the bus to New York (mostly teenagers) Rick Perkins and Eleanor Unger have their earphones prepared.

  Sandie Robinson has relocated back to Gulf Breeze, Florida. We wish her good health and happiness in her new home.

  Anne Korff will once again escort a group to Scotland in 2004. There will be 22 in the group - consisting of 14 singers and a piper (Arthur Korff), and their spouses. The trip will combine sightseeing with singing. Hope they have a GREAT time!

Do you have some interesting news to share with the SST membership?

Want be more engaged in the SST? Want to make a difference in the direction of our organization? Want to meet new people? Then now is the time to GET INVOLVED!

It’s almost election time for the SST. Next March we will have elections for officers and board of directors. If you would like to run for President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary, or for a position on the Board of Directors, please contact John Wallace, the SST Nominating Committee Chair. You can reach John at johnrwallace@earthlink.net

During the last century and a half, Scotland has undergone a metamorphosis as seldom scene in the modern world. Since 1839, when photography was introduced in Scotland, these tremendous changes have been carefully documented on film. The Scots: A Photohistory captures a stunning visual record of Scotland and her people, and it’s a publication not be missed by devotees of Scottish culture.

The subject matter ranges from lighthearted (the Gordon Highlanders drinking whisky - from buckets! - at Hogmanay), to serious (haunting pictures of the urban poor, and victims of the Highland Clearances). It also features hopeful images (Scottish settlers in the New World), and mythical themes (the caves of Staffa). Coastal, rural, and Highland culture are represented, as are Edinburgh street scenes, factory working conditions, and leisure activities, such as rugby and beachgoing.

The stunning photography of MacKinnon documents a century of intense contrasts, of division, turmoil, and change that transformed forever the spirit of Scotland.

The Scots: A Photohistory contains 236 photographs. It is available at the Virginia Beach Central Library.

Happy Reading!

SPRINGBANK: CAMPBELTOWN