The find-it-in-scotland Blog

STOP PRESS - EXCITING NEWS!...

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:01:19 GMT
WE'RE SETTING UP A NEW SCOTTISH WEBSITE - "SCOT-TALK.COM" -A FREE SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE TO ENABLE US TO PUT YOU ALL IN CLOSER TOUCH - ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. LIKE FACEBOOK, U-TUBE, ETC., YOU'LL BE ABLE NOW TO SET UP YOUR OWN GROUPS AS SOON AS YOU JOIN. IT'S SO EASY, EVEN WULLIE CAN DO IT (AND HAS, ALREADY). TAKE A LOOK, JOIN IN, AND - PLEASE - PASS THE WORD TO OUR FELLOW-SCOTS, OR ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO HAS AN AFFINITY WITH THINGS SCOTTISH. Just click on the link to take a wee peek.

Scot to Scot connections for lost friends and family.

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:50:20 GMT
Lost touch with Scots Family, Friends, Colleagues? We may be able to help link Scot to Scot.

SCOTTISH ASSOCIATIONS WEBSITE LINKS

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:26:18 GMT
SCOTTISH ASSOCIATIONS WEBSITE LINKS

New Zealand-Scottish website links

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:23:14 GMT
New Zealand-Scottish website links to Associations and Societies

Scottish Myths, Legends and Tales

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 07:45:04 GMT
Scottish Myths, Legends and Tales in no particular order...

Wee Bits of Scottish interest

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 06:24:06 GMT
a mixtur-maxtur of wee bits of scottish interest

SCOTS INVENTIONS , SCOTTISH FIRSTS, NEW IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS...

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:50:05 GMT
SCOTS INVENTIONS , SCOTTISH FIRSTS, NEW IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS FROM THE SCOTS

NEW PAGE NEW PAGE NEW PAGE

Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:11:14 GMT
Our latest page has just hit the presses (weel, whateffer the equivalent is in e-speak). BUILDINGS OF SCOTLAND will, in keeping with our aims, introduce you to a wide range of lesser-known edifices (edificae?), from big posh ones to wee humble ones; some old, some older; some VERY old. And now & then, some new ones that may be considered worthy of your interest. Why not take a look, now? It's the "Scots Buildings" button, on the left.

THE BEAVERS ARE BACK...(SOON)

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 12:38:46 GMT
... a joint application submitted by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and the Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) for reintroduction of the European Beaver to the Knapdale Forest in Mid-Argyll, has been approved by the Scottish Government. If the trial is successful then the European Beaver will be the first mammal to be reintroduced to the UK. The trial will be for a five-year period in total and will see 15-20 beavers introduced and monitored in Knapdale. It is hoped that the beavers will be introduced in spring 2009. Beavers bring many benefits to other native species and habitats and have already been successfully reintroduced in 24 other European countries. This means that beavers will come home to Scotland next spring - after an absence of more than 450 years, when they were hunted to extinction for food and their insulating pelt. The project partners have to raise a minimum of 750,000 to support the beaver trial over the next five years. As they are without core government funding they will have to rely on donations from their members and supporters to make this project a success. If you would like to help support this by donating, you'll get details of how to make your very welcome contribution to the Beaver Project by clicking on this link:-

UPDATE OCTOBER 25TH 2008

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:00:28 GMT
...Wullie has been indulging himself again; away to Scrabster, right at the top of the civilised world, for a days' sea angling- hence this snap of Dunnet Head from the sea. ...Dunnet Head is, as you know, the most northerly point in Scotland - not John o'Groats, though that wee place has the northernmost shop, and house, in the British mainland - (and we'll be following with a page about John o' Groats in the website to show these). The Head is the big lump on the extreme left; you can just see the lighthouse on the top.) Mrs Wullie decided to go along so, as you do, they decided to spend a couple of nights there, and then work their way down via John o' Groats, to Aviemore for a few days. So Wullie had a grand chance to see a wee bit more of our homeland and heritage. And take a wheen o' foties (large number of photographs) we can use on find-it-in-scotland to pass on to yourselves, our brothers and sisters across this sair trauchled world (sair trauchled? - sorely troubled, burdened with hardship). They saw a fair few bonny sichts: John o'Groats, of course; the Highland Wildlife Park; the Gunn Clan Heritage Centre; Dunkeld Cathedral; the Clan MacPherson House and Museum ; Cairngorm National Park (bits of - it's a muckle place) - all of which will soon appear on the website but, just for a wee taste, let us tell ye aboot the Hill o' Many Stanes...

The Hill O' Many Stanes

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:26:02 GMT
...(Wullie tells) we were gently wandering down the east coast, on the A99 road about halfway between Ulbster and Lybster, when we chanced to see a brown signpost (brown is the colour used by Historic Scotland to indicate sites of interest) naming this "Hill o' Many Stanes". Being of curious dispositions, we said to ourselves "Weel now...", and turned back (by this time we were a wee bit down the road from the sign), turned left into this skinny road which rapidly became single track, and very soon came to the sign-posted entrance to the Hill. We had NO idea what this might be; there's nothing to tell its story - till you get there. It's only a few yards up a gentle slope and... there you are! It's a fair-sized patch of gorse - lovely in bright yellow bloom at this time of year - covered with these Stanes, or stones; each one about 18 inches above ground. The Stanes appeared to be in no pattern, but from the in-situ board with historical details we learned they were actually set in straight lines - and as we walked round, this became apparent as the perspective changed. These stones were laid down around 4000 (yes, four thousand) years ago. About 200 stones are arranged in at least 22 rows running north and south, fanning out slightly towards the south end. The site has lost around 50 stones over the past 100 years, and a lot more before that; it's reckoned the site would have about 600 stones if the pattern were complete. There is no certainty as to the reason for or function of these stones, but considerable time, effort and organisation must have gone into creating this monument, device, or religious site - whatever it was/ is. It's certainly worth a visit. And we'll have more pictures and info on the website, shortly. _______________________________________

UPDATE OCTOBER 9TH 2008....

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:28:33 GMT
Visiting places of interest again, we've been at South Queensferry, sandwiched between the two famous bridges, and Stirling Castle. South Queensferry has a much older claim to fame, though; it's home to a Carmelite Priory that goes back to around 1440 AD AND it's the site of - wait for it... the ORIGINAL QUEEN'S FERRY, set up by Queen Margaret in the 11th century. A lot of the original building remains at the Priory, and careful & tactful restoration work has the wee church looking magnificent; a must-see if you're in the area. And just a few yards from the Priory is the site of the Queen's Ferry; the rocks on the shore formed a natural landing point for the ferry service set up by the Queen to take pilgrims, free of charge, across the River Forth to holy shrines, in Dunfermline and elsewhere. ...Stirling Castle is MAGNIFICENT! Its great defensive walls protect many fine buildings, among them some of the finest examples of renaissance architecture in Europe. And it overlooks the sites of two of the most famous battles in Scottish history - Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn. We'll have full-length features of the Castle and South Queensferry on the website, further down the line. Meantime, you might like to look at our new pages - Wee Bits, Scots Firsts and Scottish Myths

Free Newsletter

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:55:54 GMT
Scottish-based, Free Newsletter for Scots throughout the world

The Scots Language

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:50:31 GMT
The Scots Language. Speaking Scots. A lighthearted look at the way we speak across the land, in dialect and idiom.

SCOTTISH ASSOCIATIONS WEBSITE LINKS

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:05:57 GMT
A website links page for your scottish association site to the world

UPDATE 14TH AUGUST...

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 15:35:02 GMT
We've been out and about again; this is a view of a Castle in the shape of a boat. Yes - a BOAT! It's Blackness Castle, jutting into the river Forth. Built in the 15th Century, this was the main port serving the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow, where the King had Linlithgow Palace as a residence. We'll be adding a page in "Beauty of Scotland" shortly. We also visited Falkland Palace, one time Royal Palace of the Stuart Kings, and still owned by the current Sovereign. Mary, Queen of Scots "stayed" there for a while and, though the Palace was badly damaged by the English army, a large portion of it remains intact, and lived in to this day.Again, more to follow in the website. The July issue of our newsletter is now out; it's free, topical, and sometimes funny, and our "resident" diarists - the Gunn Family - always have their own slant on things. If you don't currently get this sent to you, why not ask for it; hit the "free newsletter" tab at the top left, and complete the wee form.

Scottish Names

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:41:54 GMT
Scottish Names interesting snippets, history, stories,

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW 2008

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:55:03 GMT
Wullie and Mrs Wullie spent a few days at the Royal Highland Show (RHS) near Edinburgh, recently. This was the 168th show held by the Society (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society Society - RHASS- founded in 1784). The first Highland Show was held in 1822 in Edinburgh on a site now occupied by the Scottish Parliament. The showground is BIG - almost 300 acres - and there's an awfu' lot to see. It's a four-day event, showcasing rural and agricultural life. It is also Scotlands biggest outdoor event and one of the UKs top agricultural shows. The 2008 show welcomed over 161,000 visitors to the showground. Over 1000 exhibitors attended and more than 4000 animals took part. For much of Scotlands farming community the show is one of the most important events of the year but its appeal extends much wider, welcoming visitors of all ages for a great day out. The main thrust of the event is the showing, judging and prizegiving for the agricultural side of the country, but there are hundreds of exhibits, from very large agricultural machinery to very small fishing flies, for All Things Rural (and some not so rural). There are numerous exhibitions on offer, like Sheepdog Training,Falconry, Flycasting, Chainsaw Sculpture, as well as large exhibitions of arts and crafts. The Pipes and Drums are always somewhere around, but there's also a good selection of different types of music,from Scotland, and all around the world, being played every day at various sites in the showground. And, of course, there's The Dancing. Wullie and Mrs Wullie saw an awfu' lot o' grand exhibits but, just for a wee flavour, we've featured two, with their own flavour of Scotland, after this article. The RHS used to move around the country on an annual basis but has been held at the current showground at Ingliston, next to Edinburgh Airport, since 1960. There may be only four more shows at this site, however: the operators of Edinburgh Airport - BAA - have embarked on expansion plans which means they will swallow up most of the RHS site, with the target completion date of 2013. So, a new showground had to be found; this has been settled on Norton Park, just south of the existing site, and therefore just as convenient for access by road, rail and air. Architects and Landscapers have just been appointed, and we'll keep you up to date with developments

...Longniddry Stick Makers

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 18:12:16 GMT
Jim Beveridge has been a stick maker for many years. It's a labour of love for him; so much so that he's part of a programme of training for other aspiring stickmakers.He works from Longniddry, a small village in East Lothian, and the stick-making was originally little more than a hobby. But the interest and involvement grew, and he is now part of a programme he set up, to teach others his craft. Each horn and each shank presents a different problem - one reason why evening classes are so popular, encouraging a hobby that keeps the craft alive. The craft of stick making is very, very old. Carved sticks have been found in ancient tombs opened up in various countries, though the shepherds crook seems to be peculiarly British. A century and much more ago, shepherds were almost certainly crook makers; their cottages in those days were primitive affairs, often with nothing better than a paraffin lamp for lighting. This gave a poor light for reading, but enough to carve a crook. It had one advantage, though: heat from it could be used to bend horn. In those days before wireless, television or a daily paper in outlying parts, mid-winter evenings must have seemed long and very boring. The hill shepherd could while away the time by whittling his crook. Today things are very different. Shepherds still make their own sticks, but they have been joined by a great number for whom stick making is a fascinating hobby, a shaping of natural materials for use and ornament combined. Perhaps it's a reaction to mass production: where one batch of plastic is exactly like all the others in colour and texture, no two hazel or holly or applewood shanks are identical, and no two horns are alike after they have been roaming the hills and valleys. Jim does not yet have a website, or even an e-mail facility set up but, if you would like to ask him about making a crook, or thumbstick, or similar; for yourself or as a special - different- present for someone- contact us and we can put him in touch with you. _____________________________________________________________

..."Original Smokies From Arbroath"

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:55:59 GMT
Arbroath Smokies originated in Auchmithie, a small fishing village a few miles north of Arbroath, once populated with fisher folk of Scandinavian origin; 'Spink' is a Norse surname. Iain uses the same methods that were used in the late 1800's .The fishwives originally smoked the fish in halved barrels with fires underneath, trapping the smoke under layers of hessian sacking. At the start of the 20th century the first Auchmithie fisher-folk began moving to Arbroath, and the process soon became known as the Arbroath Smokie, as we know it today. Only haddock can be used to produce an authentic 'Arbroath Smokie'. The fish are gutted at sea, washed and boxed ready for auction at the fish market. Once back in the fish house, they are headed and cleaned, or 'sounded'. They are then dry salted in tubs for a given period. This helps to draw excess moisture from the fish and toughens the skin in preparation for the smoking process. The length of salting time depends on the size of the fish and how fresh they are (amongst other factors). After salting, they are thoroughly washed off, then tied by the tail in "pairs" and hung on sticks. The smokie pit is then prepared. A hole is dug in the ground, and a half whisky barrel is set into it. The base of the barrel is lined with slates to protect it, and a hardwood fire of beech and oak is lit inside. The sticks of fish are then placed over the pit and the hessian cover allows the fire to breathe and maintain the required heat. The number of layers and dampening of the 'cloots' depends on the weather, and may be adjusted throughout the smoking to prevent the fish either smoking too quickly and burning, or smoking too slowly and drying out. The cooking time is usually a minimum of 30 - 40 minutes but only an experienced smokie maker knows exactly when they are ready. The resultant golden brown fish, eaten straight from the barrel is a truly mouth-watering experience that has to be tasted to be believed! for more info. you can visit Ian's website ... www.arbroathsmokies.net _____________________________________________

"WHARE'ER YE GO..."

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:31:54 GMT
Wullie was in the Channel Island of Jersey a couple of weeks ago and decided to take himself and Mrs Wullie (although I believe she decided for him) to look over the big Elizabethan fort at the south of the Island. It's called Elizabeth Castle, and lies in the sea just south of the capital, St. Helier. The fort is cut off from the mainland by the tide for all but two hours either side of low water, on a good day and, at any other time, access is possible only by boat - or the local service by DUKW- an amphibious vehicle adapted to carry passengers. (more of which below). So Wullie and Mrs Wullie duly bought their tickets and climbed into the DUKW. The ride to the island was very pleasant; a light breeze, water fairly calm, and a gentle trundle across the water to the fort. They had a braw time looking over the fortress - it's fairly big, and has a lot of history to it, Elizabeth Castle was built in 1590 and was once the home of Jerseys Tudor Governor Sir Walter Raleigh. It has defended Jersey from the French for more than 300 years. These Dukws work to a timetable, and there was a bittie time to wait for it leaving when we went back. So Wullie chatted to the driver - who turned out to be another ex-pat Scot from Glasgow area, George McIlwraith. "The pace of life on the island is far quieter than up in Glasgow", said George, pictured here with his water bus, "but I still meet an awfu' lot o' folk frae back hame". The designation of DUKW is not a military pun - the name comes from the terminology used for military vehicles in World War II; the D indicates a vehicle designed in 1942, the U meant "utility (amphibious)", the K indicated all-wheel drive and the W indicated two powered rear axles. Although technically a misnomer, DUKWs are often referred to as duck boats. The DUKW was used in landings in the Mediterranean, Pacific, on the D-Day beaches of Normandy, and during Operation Plunder. DUKWs are still in use, as well as purpose-built amphibious tour buses, primarily as tourist transport in harbor and river cities, including but not limited to: Seattle; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Chattanooga; Nashville; Boston; Branson, Missouri; Grapevine, Texas; London; Liverpool; Dublin, Ireland; Rotorua, New Zealand; The Netherlands; Singapore; Washington, DC; and Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. DUKWS are street legal to drive on the roads and are also legal to drive on water as recreational boats. ______________________________________

JEWISH TARTAN IS OFFICIAL AND REGISTERED...

Fri, 30 May 2008 16:10:36 GMT
The Scottish Tartans Authority has approved and registered a Jewish Tartan. It was initiated by Rabbi Mendel Jacobs, who is the only Scottish-born Rabbi living in Scotland. It's 100 Kosher - a non- wool/linen mix, and is designed to incorporate many aspects of Scottish-Jewish cultural and religious history. The Scottish Tartans Authority was formed in 1996 by Scotland's leading weavers and tartan retailers and enjoys a unique mix of governors from both the private and commercial sectors. It has been joined by its kindred spirit in the USA - the International Association of Tartan Studies (IATA) and the Tartan Educational and Cultural Association (TECA) and a representative from those bodies serves on its Board of Governors. One vitally important objective has been to compile and maintain the International Tartan Index to record and document all known historical tartans and to provide a free, dependable and accountable information resource for the public and a 'register' for the Recording of all new tartans. The Authority describes the new tartan thus:- "A tartan, not only for the Jewish population in Scotland, but for Jews and non Jews anywhere in the world. Initiated by Rabbi Mendel Jacobs of Glasgow, it was designed by Brian Wilton of the Scottish Tartans Authority. The central gold line on navy blue represents the gold from the Biblical Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant and the many ceremonial vessels. The silver is from the Scroll of Law and the red represents the traditional Kiddush wine. The brightest section of the tartan is the blue and white of the Israeli flag. There are seven lines in the central motif and three in the flag - both numbers of great significance in the Jewish world. " The registration number in the International Tartan Index is 7615.

"So ye want tae be a Piper, then..."

Wed, 28 May 2008 15:51:15 GMT
...Students from as far away as Germany and Japan are being taught to pay the Bagpipes over the Internet. The National Piping Centre in Glasgow is teaching via the Skype videophone system, and currently has pupils from 41 countries on its books. Internet music lessons have been run for some years for other instruments, but the technology standards have only recently become good enough for the Pipes - and new Webcam development is under way that will follow the moving teacher, rather than forcing him/her to remain static while playing. The National Piping Centre website gives full details of these courses, for anyone who might like to learn the Pipes in the privacy of his or her own home. The website says..."The Great Highland Bagpipe, perhaps the best known of Scotland's musical instruments and an ambassador for Scotland throughout the world, is accorded new prominence by the founding of The National Piping Centre. We serve as a national and international centre of excellence for the instrument and its music. Close to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, we incorporate a school with rehearsal rooms and an Auditorium, not only for the Highland pipes but also Scottish Smallpipes, Uillean Pipes, Fiddle, Accordian and Drumming. There is also a museum and interpretation centre, and a reference library, as well as conference facilities and a hotel. The National Piping Centre provides facilities of the very highest quality for both the piping and non-piping fraternity. Visitors and regulars, from both home and abroad, will equally enjoy the experience, whether they come for study, performance, or simply pleasure." So, if you are coming to Scotland, and have any interest in the Scottish Piping Traditions, or the Drumming, Fiddling, or Accordianing, this Centre would be well worth adding to your itinerary. Links to the site are:- homepage...http://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk; and for the internet tuition... http://www.thepipingcentre.co.uk/tuition/online-tuition/ _______________________________________________________

"THE GREATEST CLAN GATHERING EVER..."

Wed, 28 May 2008 14:51:22 GMT
PRINCE Charles is to be the patron of the largest Scottish clan gathering in almost 200 years. The heir to the throne, who in Scotland is titled the Duke of Rothesay, will oversee The Gathering 2009, which is expected to bring together more than 8,000 clan representatives from all over the world at Holyrood Park. The Scottish Government is promoting 2009, the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, as the Year of Homecoming in an effort to attract people worldwide who have Scottish roots. Already more than 60 clans have said they want to take part, including Clan Donald, the world's largest clan. Holyrood Park will host a magnificent Highland Games over the two days of 25th and 26th July 2009, then on the Saturday evening Clan members will parade up the historic Royal Mile and take their seats on the castle esplanade for a spectacular Clan Pageant . The two-day event will be the first time, since Sir Walter Scott's Royal Pageant in 1822, that so many clans have assembled in the city. For many years Scotland has witnessed a decline in the popularity of Highland Games and a near extinction of clan activity. However, the opposite is true in some countries, especially in North America, where clan membership exceeds 100,000 and over 300 Highland Games and festivals are held annually. This massive Gathering will be in part therefore an opportunity to thank the Clan Associations and Scottish Societies from around the world for their role in keeping these traditions alive, as well as a unique celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, and a celebration of one of Scotlands greatest traditions. The programme will also feature the 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Events Championship and an International Gathering of Scottish Clans and Families. (Scotland had a disastrous day recently at the World Highland Games Heavy Championships in Bridgeport, West Virginia USA,when both of her representitives had to withdraw without tossing a caber in anger. Sean Betz of Nebraska was crowned World Highland Games Heavy Champion, holding off fierce challenges from Larry Brock of South Carolina and former 5 time world champion Ryan Vierra of California. Scot Bruce Robb had to return home to Scotland within hours of arriving at the competitors hotel because of a family emergency, and then defending World Champion Gregor Edmunds had to withdraw as a result of a disc injury.) *******************************

CORRECTION

Sat, 19 Apr 2008 21:12:44 GMT
I've had an e-mail from Moira Gibb (see item below) pointing out that the fish I so proudly caught was not a Bluefin, but a blueFISH. Sorry for that, Moira - but thanks for putting me right and stopping me giving duff gen every time I tell the tale - though the way I tell 'em, that fish will soon be big enough to be a bluefin. A' the best.

...IT'S A SMALL WORLD...

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:02:34 GMT
My wife and I were over in the US of A recently, visiting our daughter and her young family in New York State, and we all went for a few days to John's Pass on the west coast of Florida. Weather was great, people very friendly, condo very comfortable - everything fine (except when we got ripped off for 18 extra added to our restaurant bill as there were over 5 of us with the three very young children; this is apparently fairly standard practice there, and I discovered later, not legally enforcible. So if you're visiting - be aware.) My favourite pastime, hobby, failing - whatever - is Sea Angling. So when I spotted, just a couple of hundred yards along the beach, a few rods sticking up at the water's edge -I just had to go and see what the local fishing was like. There were at that time only two anglers,both very well equipped and looking the part and, as most of us with the bug do - I asked politely in my most clear english (not broad scots) how the fishing was going, and what were they catching, and what gear were they using (all highly technical stuff, ye ken). And of course, they were Scots; who now live in Canada, and visit Florida regularly and have done for many years. They are Jack and Moira Gibb from Burlington, Ontario, and not only did they take time to explain the modus operandi (the wey ye dae it) but were kind enough to offer me use of a spare rod the following day; and I caught my first bluefin. Thanks again, Jack and Moira; you were very kind. I really enjoyed the fishing, but meeting you two put the icing on the cake. It wus fair rare an' awfy guid. Tight lines forever, and lang may yer lum reek! ___________________________ Jack.Moira.Gibb.Florida.Feb.2.gif

Beauty of Scotland

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:05:48 GMT
The Beauty of Scotland in its many forms

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE - YES OR NO?

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:04:22 GMT
One of the main features we're going to introduce this year will be discussion about the question of Scotland's Independence - that is, complete autonomy to run our own affairs, and separation from the United Kingdom. It's a very emotive and thorny issue, and feelings run high on all sides. As Publishers, we have no view on the subject, so please do not ask us to comment personally. We will be asking each of the main parties to give a statement of its up-to-date position on this, and will also feature any news from around Scotland which is relevant to the theme. Again, if you have any personal feelings on this that you would like to tell us about - please do; and if you permit - we will make your view known on the site. Please! Dinna be feart tae gie us a wee hail (don't be frightened to contact us); efter a', we're a' jist Jock Tamson's Bairns.

SCOTTISH FOSSIL OLDEST EVER...

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 21:40:30 GMT
Scientists from Yale University & The National Museum of Scotland have decided that a fossil found near the Scottish town of Stonehaven is the remains of the oldest creature known to have lived on land. The fossil, of an air-breathing millipede less than half-an-inch long, is reckoned to be 428 MILLION YEARS OLD. This, say the experts, is the earliest evidence of a creature whose normal habitat was dry land, rather than the sea. It was discovered by MIKE NEWMAN, an AMATEUR fossil hunter and, to recognise his achievement, the new species has been named PNEUMODESMUS NEWMANI. "Scotland has the best Palaeozoic - pre-Triassic, pre-dinosaur - sites in the world", said Mr Newman."There are more sites in the small country of Scotland than the whole of the US and Russia put together."

Your suggestions for find-it-in-scotland

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 16:47:43 GMT
Send find-it-in-scotland your ideas and suggestions to improve our site.

COMMONWEALTH GAMES FOR GLASGOW

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:21:36 GMT
Well done Glasgow! The dear green place has won the right to stage the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In a message to the City, the Queen said: "I send my warm congratulations to everyone involved in Glasgow's successful bid to hold the 2014 Commonwealth Games - the third time that a Scottish city has been chosen as a venue for the games. "My good wishes go to you all and to the people of Glasgow as you celebrate this impressive achievement." We will keep you updated via the newsletter (did I mention it's FREE) on progress towards the big event.

The find-it-in-scotland Blog

STOP PRESS - EXCITING NEWS!...

Scot to Scot connections for lost friends and family.

SCOTTISH ASSOCIATIONS WEBSITE LINKS

New Zealand-Scottish website links

Scottish Myths, Legends and Tales

Wee Bits of Scottish interest

SCOTS INVENTIONS , SCOTTISH FIRSTS, NEW IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS...

NEW PAGE NEW PAGE NEW PAGE

THE BEAVERS ARE BACK...(SOON)

UPDATE OCTOBER 25TH 2008

The Hill O' Many Stanes

UPDATE OCTOBER 9TH 2008....

Free Newsletter

The Scots Language

SCOTTISH ASSOCIATIONS WEBSITE LINKS

UPDATE 14TH AUGUST...

Scottish Names

THE ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW 2008

...Longniddry Stick Makers

..."Original Smokies From Arbroath"

"WHARE'ER YE GO..."

JEWISH TARTAN IS OFFICIAL AND REGISTERED...

"So ye want tae be a Piper, then..."

"THE GREATEST CLAN GATHERING EVER..."

CORRECTION

...IT'S A SMALL WORLD...

Beauty of Scotland

SCOTTISH INDEPENDENCE - YES OR NO?

SCOTTISH FOSSIL OLDEST EVER...

Your suggestions for find-it-in-scotland

COMMONWEALTH GAMES FOR GLASGOW