Leslie is a tartan.
All the heritage stuff is pulled out for the tourist including stories.. Scotland's history is so much more.Industry adventure poverty..education..artI medicine. I like using resources like factory records to find out facts.I wrote something once which I will post regarding the use of sentiment.Even my beloved music can be guilty of playing on the maudlin side.
MA

In this poem the circular letter is a mention of how crofters(farm workers) were sent news to vacate their homes in the Highland Clearances.They were burned out by landlords.This was a political move...Sheep replaced the people.Hence so many immigrants..Art shows these people and folk music in particular Cape Breton music refers to it.
The cooked porridge refers to farm workers living in a group in a place called a bothy.Its a tongue in cheek poem about a facet of Scotland..............
................................................

My name is not Fiona ©

Fife, Scotland
2004

I am a woman from Edinburgh
I have no plaid
I have no pibroch
My name is not Fiona

My home does not look
Like a shortbread tin
I do not keep cooked porridge
In a table drawer

I do not have the monarch
Of the glen
Above my fireplace
I have no chimney anyway

Had I been born earlier
I may have gutted fish
Picked blue flax
Up to my knees in water

I would not have worn tartan
I am a lowlander

No one in my family
can play the bagpipes.

I adore the landscape of Scotland
and weep for those who were
pushed from their own back door
by a circular letter

Ah Gavin Maxwell.
Yes Phil is doing well apart from always missing his brother.
He has an MBE now.Also great post at Glasgow School of Music.
Kindred spirit Mij

Did you see me post on More Scottish Talent..Bruce Davies
Mountain ash.

Loving wild life..I do.We have a TV programme Spring and Autumn watch.Several presenters stay in a place of interest and we see them each night live.
I had a pheasant who came for food..he would run over the field next to my garden when I called.In the deep snow he was comical.He roosted in a fir tree in my garden.His plumage was beautiful.
Yes you should visit Maxwells croft.
Speak soon I hope.
MA

If you are as passionate as I think then do try to get Phil's "Scotland Music" I could not stop thinking about it.A six part series..He travells all over Scotland and Canada and US. The people he met..the place were magical.At the core was a contented musician who shared. I have some on a hard drive..but dont know how to make a disc..I will keep looking to see if I can send some of the programe.
MA