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GAELIC USA
A few months ago, we submitted a proposal to the University of North Carolina,
Chapel Hill
(UNC) to create a visiting lectureship in Scottish
Gaelic Studies
during the 2018-2019 academic year.
We have recently learned that UNC has formally and
officially approved our proposal. Classes will start in the fall of 2018, if we
can raise the money to pay the lecturer’s salary and related costs to UNC. The
amount is $75,000, which we must raise by April 2018. No other university has a
similar initiative and we can’t afford this one time offer to fail.
We are asking you the Scottish-American community to help
make the lectureship at UNC a reality by: Sharing information about Gaelic USA
and the UNC lectureship in Scottish
Gaelic Studies
with your members; Becoming an Institutional Member of Gaelic
USA; Contributing to
support the UNC lectureship with an online donation or sending
us the names and contact
information for any individual, corporation or organization that you think
could help us
Sincerely,
Dr. Charles MacQuarrie
President, Gaelic USA
https://gaelicusa.org/contact/#!form/Contact
____________________________________________
WEE BOX
WeeBox is a charitable
company which helps support Scottish children living in poverty. It is
a Scottish
subscription box delivered to your door every month for a fee. Inspired by all
that Scotland has to offer, WeeBox brings that magic of home to
those living abroad.
Items within the box are carefully
chosen every month to make the subscriber feel proud, surprised and even,
perhaps, amused.
Every WeeBox subscriber can feel
good knowing that not only do they receive a beautiful, hand-selected box each
month but that they are also helping Scottish children through the WeeBox partnership
with Save The Children, a Scottish charity.
Subscribe now @ www.WeeBox.co.uk ***********************
Dear Scottish American Society,
I am writing today on behalf of the Carnegie Trust for the
Universities of Scotland. The Carnegie Trust was created in 1901 by the Scots
American Millionaire Andrew Carnegie to help the “deserving and qualified youth
of that country” to attended university.
Since the trust was created we have funded thousands of
students through university, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. We
are currently trying to measure the impact of Andrew Carnegie’s funding and
understand how his endowment changed the social landscape of Scotland.
We have index cards showing the name of recipients, course
details and amount awarded but would love to be able to find out personal
stories related to these. We have reasons to believe that many of these former
recipients migrated. We are therefore hoping that if you have a newsletter,
social media channels or section on your website for news, there could be an
opportunity for a bulletin asking for people to contact us who think they, or a
family member may have been awarded a grant from us?
Best Wishes
Diane Stewart
Grants Assistant
Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland
Andrew Carnegie House
Pittencrieff Street
Dunfermline
KY12 8AW
Phone: 01383 724 990
Fax: 01383 749 799
Website: www.carnegie-trust.org
Charity number: SC015600 ______________________________________________
ABBOT HOUSE
I am part of the senior management
team at a small medieval heritage centre in
the heart of Scotland's ancient capital, Dunfermline. We are the oldest dwelling
in Dunfermline, right beside Dunfermline Abbey, and we display the
interpretation of medieval life, welcome school groups and tour parties, have a
medieval walled garden, shop, cafe, and our own medieval brewery. We host
weddings and traditional Scottish events such as Burns' Suppers and
ceilidhs.
We are currently under threat of closure, due to limited
funds, and have
decided to reach out to friends across the world for crowd funding. I am writing
to you, as the Chair of the Scottish American Society, to ask you kindly to
spread the word that we require donations to help us in our fight for
survival.
Donations can be made via the crowd funding site spacehive:
https://www.spacehive.com/abbothouse
More details on Abbot House and our campaign to rescue it
can be found on our
Facebook page or here:
http://www.abbothouse.co.uk/
http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/dunfermline/articles/2015/01/15/5214505000-or-abbot-house-closes/
Charlotte Johnson
Operations Supervisor
Abbot
House Heritage Centre Trust
Maygate
Dunfermline
KY12 7NE
01383
733266
www.abbothouse.co.uk
Registered
as a company by Guarantee SC130114
Scottish
Charity No: SC 018318 ***********************************
Dear Fellow Scot,
I do hope all is well and apologies for a message out of the blue. My
name is Rory Stewart - I'm a writer, and an MP - and am helping to
organise the construction of a giant 'cairn of friendship' for
communities on both sides of English-Scottish border. We are
gathering
thousands of people from across the British Isles to come together
and
each place a stone in as a sign of love, respect, and commitment to
Scotland and its place in the Union. Here is a video giving a flavour
wondered whether you may be able to let your members know about our
endeavour.
If they would like to support the project they can either 'donate a
physically post in a stone if it has sentimental value or
significance
and we will place it on the cairn for them - the address can be found
We are also encouraging people to send in photos of themselves
holding
a rock to show support for the project and the union. So far we have
had photos from as far afield as Texas and Crete. If any of your
members would like to do this they should send them in to
Thank you for taking an interest, I know how very busy you are.
Best Wishes,
Rory Stewart MP. *******************************
ABBOTSFORD
TRUST The
Abbotsford
Trust is supported by American Fund for Charities, a US 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization EIN 52-2109597. Donations to the American Fund for Charities from
US taxpayers are tax deductible to the extent allowed by US law. The Abbotsford
Trust has been reviewed by the American Fund for Charities and the board of the
American Fund has determined that The Abbotsford Trust is a suitable
organization to receive grants from a US public
charity.
So if you are
a US taxpayer and want to support The Abbotsford Trust, please print the
Donation Form that can be found on their website, www.americanfund.info, and send it with
your check or credit card details to American Fund for Charities, 1000 N. West
St. Suite 1200, Wilmington, DE 19801. USA. You will be issued with the receipt
you require for income tax purposes.
We can also
accept direct donations from anywhere in the world.
The cost of
sponsoring a shield is 500 GBP for one year. We are offering American donors
the opportunity to sponsor one of these shields for $830 for one
year.
As ever, if
you or any of your members have any questions about Abbotsford, or this
programme, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Kind Regards
and Best Wishes
Tania
Tania
Murray
Development
Assistant
The
Abbotsford Trust
Melrose
Roxburghshire
TD6
9BQ **********************************
********************************** Niel
Gow’s oak on the bank of the River Tay near Dunkeld in
Perthshire is Scotland’s first entry to the European Tree of the Year contest.
According to local legend this ancient oak, also known as the fiddle tree, is
the one under which Gow wrote many of his fiddle tunes, which are still played
today at ceilidhs and concerts around the world. I’m writing to you as an
organisation or individual with an
interest in Scotland’s heritage to ask if you would be able to support the entry
by encouraging people to vote in support of the entry before the end of
February. Scotland is competing against nine other countries in Europe
and public voting is open until the end of February. At this early stage we are
trailing in 6th place, but we are gradually gathering support and with your help
I hope that we can secure a good result. Votes can be registered at www.treeoftheyear.org
If you are able to support the campaign in any way, through
social media, on your website or in an email or notice to your members or other
organisations that have similar interests, this would be a big boost to the
campaign and help Scotland’s chances. Tree of the Year is an annual
contest to find Europe’s best
loved trees. It aims to raise awareness of the cultural and natural value of
ancient trees by finding and promoting examples with amazing stories to tell.
Scotland is famous worldwide for many things, but two that
stand out are its amazing natural wonders and the traditional music that forms a
large part of our culture. Niel Gow’s oak bridges these two worlds. I hope you
can support our campaign and if you need any further information please do not
hesitate to contact me. Rory Syme [email protected]
CLAN URQUHART - CASTLE CRAIG PROJECT
Clan Urquhart Foundation Castle Craig Project donations should be sent to Clan Urquhart Foundation, Inc., 345 South Rose
Blvd, Akron, OH 44313.
*************************
Castle Craig History
Castle Craig, the historic ruins of a tower house and its enclosure on the Cromarty Firth, is the oldest remaining castle
on the north shore of the Black Isle. Its position on a cliff-top spur over looking the Firth provides commanding views of
the mountains of Ross-shire and surrounding farm lands. Originally known as Craighouse, it marked the western boundary of
the Sheriffdom of Cromarty when the Urquharts of Cromarty held the Sheriffdom during the late Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries.
Castle Craig came into Urquhart possession in 1561 when the Bishop of Ross granted ownership of the lands of Craig, with
its towerhouse, to Thomas Urquhart, second son of Alexander Urquhart of Cromarty (1507 - 1564), 8th Chief of Clan Urquhart.
After Thomas Urquhart of Craighouse died in 1571, ownership passed to his younger brothers, the last of whom was John Urquhart,
Tutor of Cromarty. The Tutor's ownership of the Castle was confirmed in a royal charter of 1595, shortly after he became guardian
to his great-nephew, Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty (1586 - 1642), 11th Chief of Clan Urquhart. The 11th Urquhart Chief was
father of the renowned Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty (1611 - 1660), 12th Chief of Clan Urquhart -- ardent Royalist,
author and translator of Rabelais.
Following the Tutor of Cromarty's death in 1631, Castle Craig passed to a succession of Urquhart lairds in the 17th and
early 18th Centuries. It eventually came into possession of the Shaw-Mackenzie owners of Newhall, the adjoining Black Isle
estate originally established by the Urquharts. In 1960, Major C. J. Shaw-Mackenzie of Newhall, who by this time had been
recognized as Shaw of Tordarroch, Chief of Clan Shaw, gifted Castle Craig to Wilkins Fisk Urquhart, 26th Chief of Clan Urquhart.
Recently, the Black Isle Charitable Corporation for Castle Craig's Preservation and Restoration was formed to promote interest
in the Castle and raise funds for its preservation and restoration, thereby preserving this important Black Isle historic
landmark for future generations. [see above for US donation information - for UK information, please check the Clan
Urquhart web site]
**********************
CASTLE ROY TRUST
The Castle Roy Trust is dedicated to preserving the 'oldest masonry fortification' in Scotland. It was in the original
Comyn 'fiefdom' until they fell foul of the 'Bruces.’ The Trust had 'battled' Historic Scotland for some 14 years, before
they eventually gave us their full support. In that time we raised some £25,000 to carry out various emergency repairs and
produce a schedule for complete repairs.
With Historic Scotland's blessing we have now raised £320,000 in the last 2 years. This will put us well on the way to
completing the bulk of the repairs. However we still need to raise around £100,000. There are other funding agencies we can
turn to but the Trust has committed itself to raise £50,000 in the next 2 years to support the Governments match funding initiatives.
To raise this sum we have decided to sell square yards of the Castle. This is not a new idea but almost unique in its concept
in a number of ways. There are many who sell a square inch, others who sell a square foot, but we believe that a square yard
id the smallest that can be identified and stood upon when you can really say this part of my Heritage belongs to me.
The other important factor is that the money does not go in to some landowners pocket, but to the Trust for the restoration
and then the Upkeep of the Castle. Of course postage, packaging certificates the model castle all have to be paid for but
all the rest goes towards Castle Roy.
Please have a look at our Square Yard Sale on line, http://castleroy.org.uk/ Alas! there are glitches and we are really too late this year to get it out for Christmas 2012. We‘re
also having trouble with an on-line discount scheme for Societies who might want to buy 'in bulk.' For the time being it is
something that will have to be done as a refund scheme.
Richard Eccles
Chairman Castle Roy (Charitable) Trust
Abernethy Bunkhouses in the Cairngorms,
Croftbank, Nethy Bridge PH25 3DS
***************************************
The Ui Church, Aignish, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides,
Scotland.
http://www.uichurch.co.uk
Columba or Columcille lived during the 6th Century AD and was the greatest of the Celtic saints,
it’s generally accepted that Catan, one of his followers, established a cell on the site at Uidh, on the Isle of Lewis,
hence the name given to the Church.
What remains today is the 14th-century church once one of the most important
late medieval churches in the Western Isles and although roofless since the 19th century, is one of the best preserved.
Just as important is the cemetery in which it is situated, final resting place to generations of villagers, lost relations
and family to the thousands who left for distant shores.
Ui Church was a burial place for the Macleod’s of Lewis and contains
some fine grave-slabs, including one with the effigy of a Hebridean chieftain - probably Roderick Macleod, seventh of Lewis
- who died around 1498; another commemorates his daughter, Margaret MacKinnon, who died in 1503, but what other secrets are waiting to be discovered and
by who? We have recently restored eight grave slabs, Celtic in design, stunningly
beautiful, but there are lots more in need of attention.
There’s
so much we still have to learn about our past and the history of our islands. Visitors arrive, often Grandchildren and Great
Grandchildren, of islanders, they ask 'Did you know?' or 'Have you heard of?' with hope in their heart to find family
left, or searching for a connection, just to touch that which was lost to so many.
Help us leave a legacy for future
generations, no matter where in the world they reside, so they might trace their past back through our efforts in preserving
their history for the future.
Please visit our website, find out more, maybe get involved, help with our cause.
******************************************
SCOTTISH STEM CELL RESEARCH
Support Scotland
& Help to Save & Improve People’s Lives for generations to Come
The Scottish
Stem Cell Research Fund has been set up by the UK Stem Cell Foundation (a registered charity) to raise money for Scotland’s
world-leading researchers, who are on the cusp of finding cures and new treatments for dreadful conditions such as MS, diabetes,
heart problems, spinal cord damage, corneal blindness and arthritis. We have managed to raise funding to enable these cell
therapy research projects to go through proof of concept, but they now need to go through clinical trials, which are expensive.
Can you help us? We are dependent on private contributions to help fund this work in Scotland. Would you help us fundraise
or consider making a donation?
We have the opportunity
to make a major difference to the lives of millions of people not just now, but for generations to come. Scotland is home
to some of the world’s leading researchers and clinicians, who are developing break-through cell therapies. They have
the potential to turn them into treatments that will benefit us all and, at the same time, strengthen Scotland’s position
as a front runner in this exciting area of research.
For more information, please contact
Maureen Munro at [email protected] or log on to www.ukscf.org/research/SSCRF.htm Thank you for your help.
Note: The
UK Stem Cell Foundation is a registered charity with the number 1110009. You can find details registered on the UK’s
official charity regulator Charity Commission website www.charity-commission.gov.uk/
**********************************************
Aberlour Child Care Trust
36 Park Terrace
Stirling, Scotland
FK8 2JR
www.aberlour.org.uk
Aberlour is the largest, solely Scottish, children’s charity and we provide
help to over 6000 of Scotland’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families each year.
We have continually adapted to meet the needs of those children facing the most overwhelming of obstacles. Giving children
the best possible start in life is at the heart of everything we do.
Aberlour has developed specialist services such
as:
The only refuge offering a safe haven for young runaways. 9,000 of Scotland’s children and young people will run
away every year, many from abuse and neglect at home
Residential care services for young people of all ages. The aftercare at our Sycamore Service allows young people who would
normally leave care at 16 more time and support to enable them to fulfil their ambition of going on to further education or
training
Support to children whose lives are affected by parental alcohol and drug use. Our drug and alcohol dependency rehabilitation
services let children and their mums remain together during the entire rehabilitation process
Residential care and respite services for children with the most complex needs and severe disabilities.
Support for young people who are not in education or employment. We work with over 150 young people in Dumfries and Galloway
to help them access education and work experience
Information, training and leisure activities for young people living in areas with high levels of social deprivation, crime,
drug/alcohol dependency and recognised violent gang culture, through our Youthpoint service in Glasgow
Centres to promote positive parenting, early years learning and social skills within vulnerable and disadvantaged families
Training and education for childcare professionals to build a competent and confident workforce for today, and the future
***************************************
Request on behalf of St Andrew’s Hospice
In celebration of 25 years of caring for the people of Lanarkshire Scotland and also in recognition
of our patron Saint Andrew, I would like to appeal to our expatriate associations to consider supporting St Andrew’s
Hospice (Lanarkshire) during this very difficult economic period. I have attached a copy of our Newsletter which
gives a very clear insight into the work and needs of the hospice, which I hope will encourage your deliberations.
The assurance is that any donation which you may consider making will be used solely for patient care for those
suffering from cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
Should you decide to support this wonderful cause please make cheques payable as follows :- St Andrew’s
Hospice (Lanarkshire) and send to the address below. Should you wish to support our appeal by any other method of payment
please contact the writer.
I would like to wish you and your association every success in the coming years and thank you for taking the
time to consider our request.
Regards,
Bob
Bob Reid
Fundraising Manager
St Andrew's Hospice
Henderson Street
Airdrie
Scotland
ML6 6DJ
Tel: 01236 772012
Fax: 01236 748748
Web: www.st-andrews-hospice.com **********************************************
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THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTECTION
OF RURAL SCOTLAND
Background
Formed in 1926, the Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland (APRS) works to protect Scotland's world renowned
landscape and the amenity of the countryside. It is Scotland's longest established independent environmental organisation,
and a forerunner of the National Trust for Scotland. It has been raising awareness of Scotland's unique landscapes for
over 80 years.
As an independent charity, we welcome as members all who share what we care about - Scotland's varied scenery and rural
environment which is a priceless asset for the health, prosperity and well-being of present and future generations. We strive
to be an authoritative voice which makes good things happen in rural Scotland and combats threats to damage it.
APRS is a voluntary organisation which relies heavily upon a part-time Director, a part-time Administrator and
volunteers to do its work. With a small office in Edinburgh it has members throughout Scotland and beyond. It is
funded by membership subscriptions, donations and grants from charitable foundations.
John Mayhew, Director
The Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland
Gladstone's Land (3rd Floor)
483
Lawnmarket
Edinburgh
EH1 2NT
Scottish Charity Number SC016139
A scottish Charitable Company limited by guarantee
Reg'd No. 154563
Telephone: Tel : 0131 225 7012
Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland
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BAGPIPES WANTED
I'm seeking charitable donations of pipes and other musical instruments in playable condition.
These donations will benefit students at Wyoming Catholic College, the State of Wyoming's only four-year liberal arts
college now entering its fourth academic year. Many of our students have an intense interest in traditional Celtic music,
and are doing remarkable things with a couple of battered guitars, a few pennywhistles, and a drum; however, because we are
such a new institution we lack discretionary funds to purchase other instruments for them. If you have playable pipes
gathering dust and would like to send them to a good home where they will help introduce young people to Scottish music performance,
please contact me, Dr. Nancy E. Llewellyn, at [email protected]. You can count on receiving our eternal gratitude plus a letter you can use for tax-deduction purposes. Thank
you! --
Nancy E. Llewellyn, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Latin
Wyoming Catholic College [Visit our website:
www.wyomingcatholiccollege.com]
P.O. Box 750
Lander, WY 82520
Office: (307) 332-2130 x11
Cell: (307) 349-0464
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