CLAN-KEITH-L Archives

From: "John A Hansen" <>
Subject: [Clan KEITH] Scottish History Events
Date: Sat, 23 Feb 2002 20:21:40 -0800

Dear All:

A few interesting tidbits from Scottish History and
the source of the "Thin Red Line" ( which I didn't know)

John


Military Leader's Mansion For Sale
A derelict historic mansion in a Glasgow park is to be sold by the city
council and is likely to be converted into flats. The Linn Park Mansion is
near the White Cart River in an important wildlife site. The building has
been home to a colony of bats, a protected species, and Scottish Natural
Heritage, the environmental agency, will have to be consulted. The mansion
was built for Sir Colin Campbell, a Glasgow born military leader who became
famous for commanding the Highland Brigade in Crimea at the Battle of Alma
and inspired the story of the "thin red line" which held back the Russian
cavalry at Balaclava. He was later involved in quashing the Indian Mutiny
in 1857. He is buried at Westminster abbey.

Legal Action Threatened After Castle Demolished
The owner of Lanrick Castle - also known as Castle MacGregor - has been
told that he could be prosecuted for demolishing the 200-year-old castle
last Saturday without the proper consent and despite being warned against
the action. Alistair Dickson, whose family have owned the castle for over
100 years, claims that the baronial-style house was in a dangerous state
following recent storms. He demolished it to save lives, having seen
children playing there, despite warning notices that it was dangerous. The
category-B listed building has been on a Historic Scotland "at-risk"
register since the mid-1990s. Lanrick was built around 1790 for the
MacGregors of Doune but was reconstructed and refurbished by the Jardine
family (joint founders of the Jardine Mathieson Company of Hong Kong)
around 1840. It has lain empty for over 50 years and was gutted by fire
nine years ago which destroyed the roof.

Jewellery Found at Kisimul Castle
An object, thought to be a 12th century secular circular filigree gold item
from a purse or lace cuff, has been unearthed during archaeological
excavations at Kisimul Castle, Castlebay, Barra in the Western Isles.
Kisimul is the best preserved castle in the Outer Hebrides. Two years ago
it was leased to Historic Scotland for 1000 years - for the annual rent of
one pound plus a bottle of whisky. The castle may date back to 1030 AD,
though much of the present castle dates from the 15th century. The
hereditary seat of the MacNeils of Barra, the clan left the castle in the
18th century after a disastrous fire. But the 45th clan chief carried out a
major restoration between 1956 and 1970, helped by world-wide clan members.

Community Efforts to Save Fort Augustus Abbey
Efforts by a TV presenter to develop Fort Augustus Abbey as a tourist
attraction has run into difficulties because of the high cost of repairs to
the buildings. The abbey was originally a fort built at the southern end of
Loch Ness after the 1715 Jacobite Uprising but was given to the Benedictine
order in 1867. But now the local community is backing plans to create a new
charitable building preservation trust - which would be eligible for grants
from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland and other trusts. The
property has extensive gardens, a harbour on Loch Ness and 22 acres of
grounds.


By Permission from Scottie;

Rampant Scotland - the largest directory of Scottish links!
http://www.RampantScotland.com

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