Written by tanja-sdb on January 25, 2018
Robert Burns – Scottish Diaspora Icon
Research StorySt Andrew’s Day undoubtedly was one of the main celebrations in the annual events calendar of the Scots abroad. On equal footing stood, however, the celebration of Burns Night in honour of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns. Burns societies and clubs were formed all around the world to organise events, and it was their activities
Written by tanja-sdb on November 30, 2017
The Global Saint: St Andrew’s Day Celebrations around the World
Research Story‘No saint in the calendar’, observed a reporter in the Hong Kong Daily Press in 1886, ‘receives the hearty and regular devotion paid to St Andrew by his flock in all parts of the world.’ And indeed, next to Burns Night, St Andrew’s Day has long since been the key holiday in the annual events
Written by tanja-sdb on November 26, 2013
Out now: The Scottish Diaspora
Announcement . NewsThe Scottish Diaspora (Edinburgh, 2013, with Andrew Hinson and Graeme Morton). Did you know that Scotland was one of Europe’s main population exporters in the age of mass migration? Or that the Scottish Honours System was introduced as far afield as New Zealand? This comprehensive introductory history of the Scottish diaspora covers the period c.1700
Written by tanja-sdb on October 16, 2013
Celebrating Robert Fergusson: A New Zealand Connection
Research StoryScottish poet Robert Fergusson died on 16 October 1774. At times described as the lesser brother of Robert Burns, Fergusson too left his mark in the Scottish diaspora. Let’s look at the story of New Zealand Burns enthusiast James Craigie in a bit more detail to see what role Fergusson played for him. Born at
Written by tanja-sdb on September 19, 2013
Sir Walter Scott: A Writer with Global Appeal
Research StoryWhen novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott died at his home, Abbotsford House near Melrose, in late September 1832, the press in Scotland was full of praise for, as the Caledonian Mercury put it, ‘this illustrious writer’ and ‘great luminary of letters’. Though not normally described as Scotland’s national bard – this being a title
Written by tanja-sdb on September 4, 2013
The Scots in Australia
Research StoryThanks to a Visiting Fellowship at the Humanities Research Centre, Australian National University (Canberra), and a grant by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, I got to spend the last two months in Australia, giving me time for some further explorations of the Scots who settled there for my next book, as well as for
Written by tanja-sdb on February 26, 2013
Sir Harry Lauder and the Scottish Diaspora
Research StoryOn 26 February 1950 Sir Harry Lauder, the famous Scottish entertainer Winston Churchill once referred to as ‘Scotland’s greatest ever ambassador’, died in Strathaven, Lanarkshire. Lauder’s story is a remarkable, and one that directly connects him to the Scottish Diaspora. Born near Edinburgh on 4 August 1870, Lauder’s mother moved the family to Arbroath after
Written by tanja-sdb on August 29, 2012
The Scottish Diaspora and the Story of St Kilda
Research StoryOn 29 August 1930 the remaining residents of St Kilda were evacuated from the island on economic grounds at the islanders’ own request as the population had dwindled from 73 in 1920 to only 37 in 1928. There is, however, a much longer history of departures from the island, and one directly connected to the
Written by tanja-sdb on July 20, 2012
Burns Centenary Celebrations: Honouring the Poet’s Death in the Scottish Diaspora
Research StoryBurns, and the commemorations in his name, entrenched what might suitably be described as a memory community, and one effective in maintaining links globally. The Burns centenary celebrations held in 1896, honouring the poet’s death on 21 July, serve as a useful case study. Managed by various committees in connection with the Dumfries Burns Club