Latest news with #Picts
STV News
02-07-2025
- General
- STV News
Worshippers rally to save historic church from sale
A Highland community is rallying to save a church on what is believed to be Scotland's longest continuous Christian worship site. Worshippers at Loch Insh Old Kirk near Kingussie in the Highlands hope to purchase the building and preserve its religious heritage after the Church of Scotland announced it was to be sold in 2023. The church is situated on a historically significant Christian site, with roots dating back to the sixth century. The grounds have been linked to Columba's missionary monks, who played a vital role in spreading Christianity throughout Scotland. Members of the tiny lochside church's congregation attended a special event at Kincraig to celebrate its long history and debate its possible future. STV News Merryn Glover Appleby Merryn Glover Appleby of the Loch Insh Old Kirk Community Group told STV News: 'The understanding is that it was probably originally established as a cell by one of Columba's early missionary monks. 'So, you're looking back to the seventh, if not even the sixth century – and they would have come down here and begun to share the faith which spread very quickly across the Picts at the time. 'People are acutely feeling a loss. For many folks, it's because this has been part of their family's story for a long time. 'Babies have been brought here for christenings, people have had their weddings here and they've laid loved ones to rest, so it means a lot. There's a lot of strong emotional roots, sometimes going back generations.' The strength of faith was demonstrated by a big turnout to discuss options for the future on Sunday, June 29. STV News Locals attended an event to discuss the future of the church The present building is believed to have been erected in 1792, with later renovations in 1912 and 1963. With no running water and a roof in need of repair, much could hinge on a structural survey and meeting the price. Local conservation architect Alan Marshall said: 'It's in quite good condition for its age which means you can always find bits and pieces you want to do. 'The roof is one exception – which I feel is 'nail sick'. 'A lot of the old iron rusting nails are still in place and it's quite obvious that slates slip out, but they've been doing a very good job of keeping it waterproof.' A new charity created by the congregation has until the end of 2026 to meet the Church of Scotland's deadline for selling, leasing or otherwise disposing of the property. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The National
25-06-2025
- General
- The National
17 historic Scottish locations as seen in the first OS maps
When the Ordnance Survey created its first six-inch to the mile maps, its surveyors travelled the country to collect place-names and their spellings. They would use existing publications and local people as sources. It took them almost 40 years to gather all the information. The result was arguably the first comprehensive gazetteer of Scotland. The Ordnance Survey name books detail just about every geographical feature from Out Stack, the most northly part of Shetland, to the Mull of Galloway, the most southerly part of Scotland. READ MORE: The 13 Scottish words added to the Oxford English Dictionary – see full list The books offer a snapshot in time, capturing the country as it was in Victorian times. The Wallace Monument in Stirling was only at its foundation course at the time of being surveyed in 1861-1862. A range of entries for different locations around Scotland: Standing Stones of Stenness (OS1/23/21/6) – Orkney. Surveyor cites local people and two books about Orkney as sources. 'It can only be supposed as probable that religious zeal impelled the half savage islanders to unite their strength in raising these huge masses of stones as enclosed places of sacrifice, but at best this is only a surmise.' Borg Pict's Tower (OS1/33/20/239) – Reay, Sutherland. Described as a large circular structure likely built by Picts; includes a sketch showing the scale of the massive stones. It begins: "This name applies to the remains of an ancient building which very probably - belonged to the Picts, from the construction of the building. It is of a circular shape and measures about 70 feet in diameter. It is composed of very large stones so large indeed that it would be thought impossible for any number of men to raise them to such a height without the aid of machinery." Bronze Spearhead (OS1/7/12/164) – Watten, Caithness. Entry includes a sketch of a bronze spearhead said to be found at this site. Ardross Castle (OS1/28/2/8) – Ross-shire. In recent years this building has became famous as the location of The Traitors TV reality game show. The entry describes it as "an elegant modern building". Castle Street (OS1/17/33/125) – Inverness. Formerly known as "Doomesdale Street" due to it being the route to the gallows. Sculptured Stone (OS1/1/10/42) – Bourtie Parish. Entry includes a sketch of a Pictish symbol stone repurposed into part of a church wall. Entry reads: "In the south wall of the church near the roof on the east side, there is built a curiously carved stone, it is about 30 inches long by about 12 broad. It was discovered in its present position about 10 years ago by a man who was employed in the grave yard lettering tombstones." Sculptured stones (OS1/1/70/25) – Carden, Logie Elphinstone. Entry includes a sketch: "These stones, three in number, are now built into the wall on the east side of the turnpike road where the north approach to the house of Logie Elphinstone leaves it; two on the South and one on the west side of the lodge. They were found on the moor of Carden and placed where they now are, but Sir J.D.H. Elphinstone thinks of removing to some place nearer his residence. The sculpturing on two of them is pretty perfect, the third is a little defaced." Maiden Stone (OS1/1/13/58) – Chapel of Garioch. Entry includes a sketch of a Pictish stone cross slab with two possible local legends mentioned about its past neither of which was a happy tale for the eponymous Maiden. Dunnottar Castle (OS1/19/6/51) – Aberdeenshire. Contains a long descriptive entry from the Statistical Account highlighting the castle's significance. Balmoral Castle (OS1/1/19/118) – Braemar and Crathie. The entry is long and concludes: "'Property of Queen Victoria'. Glenfinnan Monument (OS1/17/9/99) Entry describes the monument to Prince Charles Edward Stuart at the site where he is said to have first raised his colours on arrival in Scotland in pursuit of the throne. It quotes the metal plaque: "On this spot where Prince Charles Edward Stuart first raised his standard On XIX day of August MDCCXLV. When he made the daring and romantic attempt to recover a throne lost by the imprudence of his ancestors." Wallace Monument (OS1/8/6/27) – Stirling. Describes early stages of construction in 1861, highlighting its national importance and intended 220ft height. Entry reads: "The proposal for rearing on the Abbey Craig a monument in honour of National Patriot, Sir William Wallace, was inaugurated at a great national meeting, held in the Kings Park, Stirling, on the 24th June, 1856. The first stone was laid on the 24th June, 1861. The monument is to be erected solely by public subscription. As yet only the foundation course is laid. It is to be two hundred and twenty feet in height, and will combine strength with elegance of design." Dragon's Hole (OS1/25/41/19) – Kinnoull Hill, Perth. Entry in full: "A Hole or Cave in the Rocks in the face of Kinnoull Hill, Supposed by some Antiquarians to be designated so on account of its being the residence of a dragon or large Serpent. The entrance to the cave can be seen from the Dundee Road at Lairwell. It is difficult of access, and appears to have been no larger than it is at present, it will contain about 12 persons. This cave has been known by its present name as early as the sixth Century. Prior to the year 1580 this cave was greatly resorted to in the month of May by the young men and women of Perth. On the 2nd May 1580, the Kirk Session of Perth passed an Act prohibiting all persons proceeding to the Dragon Hole superstitiously under a penalty of twenty shillings to the poor to be paid by every person found guilty. Also, that they shall make their public repentance upon a Sabbath-day in the presence of the people." Edinburgh Castle (OS1/11/105/6) Long entry covering the site's history and the etymology of "Edinburgh"; other related pages available. Kelvingrove House (OS1/21/29/46) – Glasgow. Referred to as 'a fine old mansion of about 120 years.' Gretna Green (OS1/10/22/37) – Dumfries and Galloway. Famous for runaway marriages, the entry notes the decline of these after legal changes in 1837. Lamberton Toll Barr (OS1/5/34/26) – Near Berwick. Known as the "Gretna Green of the East,' with up to 300 marriages performed annually at this border tollhouse. The entry describes a rectangular building two storeys high, in good repair, with an outhouse attached; it is situated about 3 1/2 miles from Berwick on the high road to [Eyemouth?] and is the property of the trustees. This building is on the boundary of England and Scotland and is notorious for being the Gretna Green of the East as 300 marriages take place here [annually?]. The books date from between 1845 and 1880. They contain around 300,000 place entries and include everything from famous castles to small local landmarks. The Ordnance Survey name books were also the first systematic attempt at recording Gaelic place-names. Archivist Jessica Evershed said: 'The Ordnance Survey used the name books to inform the spelling of places on their first edition six-inch maps of Scotland. They could be considered the first comprehensive gazetteer of places in Scotland. READ MORE: Former Scottish Tory MP joins Reform UK after taking job at Donald Trump golf resort 'These records will be fascinating to local and family historians, hoping to understand the evolution of the Scottish landscape and of the places their ancestors worked and lived. They can offer explanations of the origins of place-names from local people, including stories of how place-names came about. Sadly, some of these stories are now forgotten with the passage of time. 'You can search for a favourite historic building or landmark and compare the historical entry with how it looks today.' Click here to see more records on the Scotland's People website.
New York Post
23-06-2025
- General
- New York Post
Ancient Roman shoes after discovered after being buried for 2,000 years
Volunteers were baffled recently when they unearthed not one but two ancient shoes at a historic British site. The discoveries were made at Magna, an Ancient Roman fort in Northumberland, in late May. The Roman Army Museum, located near the fort in Brampton, made the announcement. Photographs show volunteers holding the remarkably preserved leather shoes, which have maintained their form despite being buried for 2,000 years. A volunteer named Jo found the first shoe, which 'seems to have all of its sole layers intact,' the organization said. The shoe's heel area is still attached to it; its outer sole still contains hobnails. Officials said the find sheds light on how these shoes were crafted. 'This gives us a really good look at how Roman shoes were made: Multiple layers of leather were used to form the sole, held together with thongs [leather strips], stitching and hobnails,' the Roman Army Museum said. 5 Photographs show volunteers holding the remarkably preserved leather shoes. Roman Army Museum 'These also reinforced the outer surface for walking and are found on many styles of shoe.' Officials were unable to determine the size of the shoe, as a toe area was missing, but they said it 'would have been a large shoe when complete.' The volunteer beamed about the find, telling officials that it 'really puts you in touch' with the Romans who lived at the fort. 5 The shoe's heel area is still attached to it; its outer sole still contains hobnails. Roman Army Museum 'It's always exciting to find anything that hasn't been touched for 2,000 years, but a shoe is such a personal item,' said Jo, the volunteer. Before long, another piece of footwear was found. The second shoe was roughly equal to a U.S. men's size 14, which impressed the volunteers. 5 Officials were unable to determine the size of the shoe, as a toe area was missing. Roman Army Museum The find 'immediately drew impressed gasps' from volunteers and staff archaeologists, according to the museum. 'Although in this case [it was] only one of the several sole layers, the sheer size of the shoe and guesses about who could have worn it dominated the conversation,' the organization said. 'Measuring in at 32cm long, the equivalent of U.K. men's size 12-14 in modern footwear, could this one be the largest in the Vindolanda Trust collection? We certainly look forward to finding out!' 5 The find 'immediately drew impressed gasps' from volunteers and staff archaeologists, according to the museum. Roman Army Museum Volunteers also recently dug up pottery fragments, tent pegs and other rarities, but the shoes stole the show. Magna is situated near Hadrian's Wall, a Roman wall designed to protect the northern border of the Britannia from the Picts. 5 The second shoe was roughly equal to a U.S. men's size 14, which impressed the volunteers. Roman Army Museum The fort was established around 80 A.D., predating Hadrian's Wall by a few decades. Last month, a nearby fort made international headlines when a couple found an ancient depiction of a Roman goddess during another volunteer dig. Fox News Digital reached out to Vindolanda Trust for additional information.
The Herald Scotland
21-06-2025
- Science
- The Herald Scotland
First kings of Poland may have had roots in Scotland
The origins of the Piasts is unclear, however, and has been debated by scientists for decades. A scarcity of sources means there are significant gaps in the historical record, with theories of their beginnings including them having been local Slavic chieftains, exiles from Moravia in the modern day Czech Republic, or Viking warriors. Read More: Now though, advanced DNA testing carried out by Professor Marek Figlerowicz from Poznań University of Technology has suggested the Piasts could, in fact, be related to the Picts of ancient Scotland. Working alongside the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences, scientists analysed the skeletal remains found in more than a dozen crypts from the Piast era, including from Płock Cathedral, where remains dated from 1100 to 1495. Analysis was carried out on 30 males and 33 females, with the former all sharing a rare halogroup on the Y-chromosome which today is found primarily in Britain. One of the closest comparisons genetically was a Pictish man buried in eastern Scotland in the Fifth or Sixth Century. Professor Figlerowicz said at a conference in Poznań: "There is no doubt we are dealing with genuine Piasts." Mieszko I's warriors (Image: SebbeKG/Wikimedia) The results clearly show that the first Polish kings did not have local origins, though it's unclear when their ancestors arrived in the land. Professor Figlerowicz believes strategic alliances through marriage could be the answer, pointing to Świętosława, sister of Bolesław the Brave, who married kings of Denmark and Sweden and became the mother of rulers of England, Denmark, and Norway. Bolesław I was the first king of Poland, the son of Mieszko I, the founder of the unified nation. However, some scientists have urged caution in the Pictish interpretation. Dr Dariusz Błaszczyk of the University of Warsaw's Institute of Archaeology has questioned the Poznań team's identification of the haplogroup (R1b-S747) which he suggested may in fact be the result of a contamination or sequencing error. The possible link between the Picts and the Piasts is far from the only historical tie between the two countries, however. Bonnie Prince Charlie, leader of the Jacobite uprising, was half-Polish as his mother, Maria Clementina Sobieska, was born in Silesia. She was the granddaughter of Jan Sobieski III, who was king of Poland from 1674 until 1696. From the 16th to 18th Century, thousands of Scots merchants travelled to Poland to trade and, in many cases, settle. Thomas A Fischer described Poland as "the America of those days", while writing in 1632 William Lithgow called it "a Mother and Nurse, for the youth and younglings of Scotland, who are yearly sent hither in great numbers". The latter stated that there were 30,000 Scottish families in Poland at the time, with most coming from the east coast, in particular Aberdeen and Dundee. With a strong demand for foreign goods, Scots travelled the countryside on foot selling things like needles, knives, brooches, and woollen goods. They were not universally welcomed, accused of undercutting local merchants and failing to obey the laws of the land, with King Sigismund III declaring: "that among others there is here a large number of the Scottish nation, most of whom we are informed live licentiously, recognising neither judges nor jurisdiction nor any laws nor any superior, whence it comes that impunity being so complete, that they not only offend seriously against the laws of the Realm, but also cause great loss to our customs and revenue". Read more: A 1564 decree taxed Scots on the same level of Jews and Gypsies, who were second class subjects, and two years later another law made it illegal for Scots to roam the country when carrying out their business. The effects of this mass immigration can be seen today: in the Kashubian dialect of north-central Poland the traditional word for a commercial traveller is 'szot' (Scot), and there is a village in the Kuyavia-Pomerania region called Szkocja (Scotland). Gdansk has districts called Nowe Szkoty (New Scotland) and Stare Szkoty (Old Scotland) and many Polish second names are transliterations of Scots surnames: Czochran (Cochrane), Machlejd (MacLeod), Szynkler (Sinclair). One of the survivors of the 1944 Warsaw rising was Wanda Machlejd, who served as a runner for the resistance. She was the was the great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great- great granddaughter of a mercenary soldier from Skye who travelled to fight in the Thirty Years War. The Rising ultimately collapsed and Wanda was sent to a prison camp, which was liberated by a Scottish division of the British army. She was moved to a camp for displaced persons and tracked down by intelligence officer Stuart Macleod, who organised for her to be brought to Dunvegan Castle on Skye to recover before returning to Poland. Most Polish soldiers based in the UK during the Second World War were based in Scotland, with a flight training unit for Polish pilots operating from Grangemouth and a military staff college established near Peebles. As of June 2021 there were approximately 62,000 Polish nationals living in Scotland, the most common non-British nationality. Other than English and Scots, Polish is the language most spoken at home in Scotland. Many cities have Polish societies and Polish shops, with the town of Duns in Berwickshire twinned with Zagan in the west of Poland.
The Herald Scotland
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Picts and pork netting combine in 'unique' dress design
The Glasgow-based firm approached Heriot-Watt to commission a dress made from its meat netting, one of its most popular products sold across the UK and Europe. Also known as 'butcher's netting,' the synthetic material is used to keep the shape of roasts, pork loin, turkey breasts, beef roasts and other cuts of meat while they cook. Verna was one of six students to submit designs for the commission, but it was her incorporation of the culture of ancient Scotland and creativity that earned her the nod. The Picts lived in northern and eastern Scotland and, although they largely disappeared from historical records in the 9th century, their culture and symbolism continues to influence art and language. Verna Lai stitched together more than 60 metres of synthetic material to create her outfit. (Image: Heriot-Watt University) Verna said that working with a brand-new material required her to bring together everything that she has been learning over the course of her degree so far. 'It was a huge challenge but you never really learn if you don't challenge yourself. 'My outfit has a lot of Scottish cultural inspiration. I was looking at Pictish monograms, which are unique to Scotland, and was able to include them in my design using meat netting tubes. 'This impressed the company who wanted the heritage link but also seemed to like the techniques I would need to use in order to deliver the design.' She used roughly 60 metres of meat netting and a combination of hand and machine stitching to create the tank top, skirt, and cape. Verna's creation made an immediate splash internationally, serving as the showcase piece for Scobie and Junor in Frankfurt, Germany at the meat packaging industry's largest global trade fair. It took Verna only three weeks from design to completion, and she said she came away feeling proud of what was a daunting task. 'It was an incredible relief to hand over the ensemble once it was finished. 'After a couple of days, I started to feel really proud of what I had achieved in such a short space of time and to overcome so many challenges. 'I remember, for example, when I realised how difficult it was going to be using meat netting as a material, and for some of the outfit, I would need to hand stitch, taking up so much time when I also had to juggle my studies. 'I just cried. 'But then you see the garments come together and what I created pretty much was what I planned from the start. 'That's always the goal when you start to create something.' The design impressed Scobie and Junor representatives, who made it the centrepiece of their showcase at a global trade fair. (Image: Heriot-Watt University) Dr Daying Yang, Verna's supervisor and Assistant Professor in Fashion and Fashion Technology at the SOTD, said Verna demonstrated 'exceptional creativity, resilience, and technical skill, transforming an unconventional material into a fashion piece that is both cohesive and rich in cultural reference. 'Verna approached every challenge with determination and clarity of vision, applying the techniques she has learned with ingenuity and purpose. 'Her ability to reimagine a functional product like meat netting into meaningful and visually striking garments is a powerful example of what we aim to nurture at the School of Textiles and Design. 'I'm incredibly proud of what she has achieved.' Scobie and Junor marketing executive Simon Moorhouse said that Verna's design was exactly what the company was looking for when they commissioned a piece. 'This collaboration with Heriot-Watt University has been a brilliant opportunity to support emerging talent while reimagining our products in a completely new light. 'Seeing our meat netting transformed into a striking fashion piece has been both inspiring and thought-provoking. It's a testament to the creativity of the next generation of designers and a reminder that innovation often comes from the most unexpected places.' Following its international debut in Germany, Verna's dress will be displayed at the main entrance of Scobie and Junor's headquarters in Kilbride.
