IN BRIEF

As usual there is no significance in either the order or the number of lines devoted to these items. Some are only of passing interest; others, I appreciate, merit further reporting. Comment on any would be welcome...and published in No.19.

The 1996 Mod, at the time of writing, is in full song at Blairgowrie, an area much associated with our name.

The 1996 Cowal Gathering fielding 149 pipe band was an unforgettable experience. Pat, please note, international highland dancing was dominated by Canadians - especially from Ontario! We travelled there in style on the P.S.Waverley.

Dudhope Plaque not yet mounted and may be sited just within glass front entrance, fully visible from outside. Various considerations, not least - shame to admit - protection from vandalism; hence inside location.

Kilneuair Kirk initial reaction of structural engineer, SW entrance confirmed dangerously unstable and first-aid repairs will probably be made this year before permanent consolidation. Leaning late medieval North wall not thought to be in such imminent danger but is also to have first-aid.

Vote as you pray was the title of the talk on Neddy Scrymgeour and the Scottish Prohibition Party given to Dundee Members Group of the National Trust for Scotland.

John Scrimger, Musical director of Perth Theatre, in a published interview, reveals himself to be a sybaritic gourmet! His greater claim to fame - one time youngest (at 17) Church Organist in Perthshire, at Scone West Church.

Murray Scrimgeour of Strathgarry Fann, Killicrankie, gave a talk (on farming) to Pitlochry Probus Club. Chairman on that occasion - Sandy Mathieson- a schooldays acquaintance of this Murray!.

Tay Bridge route of water main for North Fife users was subject of much press corrspondence involving John Scrimgeour, Strathern Road, Dundee.

Robert Burns' bicentenary clebrations included a visit by senior delegates to his grandparents' gravestones enclosure at Glenbervie, Kincardineshire.Ceremony, included wreath laying, was attended by Jean Scrimgeour of Drumlithie who had unveiled a suitable plaque when the enclosure was built some years ago.

Lord Provost Tom McDonald memorial lecture inaugural evening theme w as the Auld Alliance. Claude Andrew Glaster will be interested to learn of Dundee's linking with Orleans.

Charity Childline, Arbroath Branch, raised a four figure sum through a sports raffle and running in The London Marathon. Top performer in the group....Ian Scrimger.

Jennifer Scrimger, again of Arbroath, when stung by a marauding bee gained Police praise for keeping control of her car. In dense traffic the consequences could have been horrific.

" A Double Scotch is about the size of a small Scotch before the war, and a single Scotch is nothing more than a dirty glass." Lord Dundee.

Tealing Scrimgeours, part of the main Kirkton line, have through marriage a present day descendant in HSS Fothringham of Grantully from whom a contribution about his forbears is promised for a future edition. An early Clan Association Member we welcome his recent return to our number.

Voices From The Past are recognised easily in a tape produced by Editor Jack, of our 1971 Gathering on Loch Awe side. The similarity of Alexander's voice to his late father's is uncanny. The late Sir Iain Moncreiff's talk recalls memories too. His championing of our highland origins and associations, more than anything, legitimised our claims to Clan status and our own tartan. To borrow - contact Murray.

Jan Scrimgeour, photographed in February's snowstorm commuting the simplest, quickest way on skis. She lives in Roundyhill, Kirriemuir.

Marie Scrimgeour, if still in Edinburgh, please contact us! Council is still keen to involve younger members, hence this plea.

Edith Frances Scrimgeour's son, Member of Council, Betty's husband Ron, allowed me to borrow his father's illustrated hand written diaries. This was a privilege. War-time experiences, harrowing Far East Prisoner of War Years and a distinguished electrical engineering career in Glasgow and Tyneside; he was in the T.A. for30 years. Many of his sketches are superb too.

Another plea for the author of the "Letter From ?" See Skirmisher No.17, page 12.

Early Western Canadian Scrimgeours are mentioned by Jack herein in his NEWS FROM CANADA. At our 25th Anniversary Dinner, Kenneth Pritchard's memorable speech included references to brothers John and Alec Scrimgeour (my father!) in B.C. and Strome (Alberta) respectively in the early 1900's. Contact John's son, Dr. Ian Scrimgeour, (Member) now at Thunder Bay.

Tay Valley Family History Society featured under Jack's Genealogy Notes, is most interesting 'news' brought to Scotland, about Scotland via Canada. My contention that our Overseas Members' enthusiasm, in the long term, will be the eventual strength of our Clan Association is being confirmed!

Additional Overseas Benefit, via Australia this time, resulting from Skirmisher No.17 letter from the late (blind) J.T.S Scrimgeour- farmer. Fascinating correspondence with James Scrimgeour of Southampton, too difficult to summarise, but culminating in his "Letters to his Sister" ....See Dudhope Memorabilia..

Cricket Umpire impartiality was once ensured, I am told, by a Scot - Arnold Scrimgeour - for a confrontation between England and Wales. Apocryphal?

Scots Worthies is the title of a large old volume given to us by Dale Greig, Printer of The Skirmisher since the death of Walter Ross. Amongst dozens of prominent Scots Churchmen, is John Scrimgeour, the Chaplain to King James VI when he brought his Queen from Denmark in 1590.

The 700th Anniversary of Wallace's granting of the lands of Dudhope to Sir Alexander Scrymgeour falls on the 29th March 1998. Should we, perhaps, postpone formal unveiling of the commemorative plaque 'til that day?

Tayside Youth 1996, Young Fiddlers Rally in the Bonar Hall, Dundee, next door to The Scrymgeour Building - see our "new leaflet" - was a great evening. Not only was your UK Editor's grand-daughter playing but, for having the 'Lucky Programme', he won a bottle of Usquebah.