1

The Heart of the Travellers Magazine

30TH JANUARY, 2016 VOLUME 2, NUMBER 1

Pages Content:

Editorial & Contact Details page 2

News: Song from the Heart Jeff Jeffrey Rolf Campbell page 3

News: Article 12 in Scotland page 4

Two Country Poem: Sally Evans page 6

The McCallum Family: Anne Galliard page 8

Celtic Connections: Jess Smith page 15

Song from the Heart

Hear My Song

Apologies for the lateness of the magazine, but there is a very good reason

for it: we were waiting on a debut. We are absolutely thrilled to share this

news with you – the Tinkers’ Heart has its own song!

Poet, Rolf Campbell; and musician, Jeff Jeffrey, have created a

beautiful, haunting song in honour of this sacred place.

Rolf Campbell said: “I know it's been a long wait, but after the final

recording session in Paisley last Sunday, Jeff Jeffrey managed to complete the

mix, and master on 'Tinker's Heart'. Only just heard it for the first time last

evening. Stunning!”

Continued on P. 3

2

Memories: Edith Townsley page 16

Well-kent Places: Gavin Mcgregor page 17

Well-kent Faces: Jade Smith page 18

Wee Nancy: Jess Smith page 19

Out of the Blue Comes Gold: Anne Hamilton page 20

Addled Academia: Jess Smith page 22

Hamish – the Film Page 22

Adam Christie and Brian Wyllie: Timeless Traditions in Stone

Fiona McAllister page 25

Editorial

Welcome to the third edition of The Heart of the Travellers’ Magazine. It’s

been another very busy few months and – as always – things are in motion

behind the scenes that will be revealed in the fullness of time.

The Tinkers’ Heart has its own song, thanks to Jeff Jeffrey and Rolf Campbell.

Please do give this magical song a listen and let us know what you think of it.

Article 12 continues their sterling work and we’re delighted to be able to

share two pieces of fabulous news from them.

HOTT committee had a meeting in Arbroath to discuss our next steps as a

project and we’ll have some news to share about this in the next edition.

Once again, a massive THANK YOU to all who contributed and donated their

work to HOTT. We can’t produce this magazine without your valued input.

So, a warm welcome to all. Pull up a seat and enjoy our third edition.

Fiona McAllister

Editor

Contact Us:

Submissions and letters are welcome for the next edition. Please email them

in word document form by April 15th, 2016 to:

Email:

admin@heartofthetravellers.scot / hostmagazine1@gmail.com

Website:

www.heartofthetravellers.scot

mailto:admin@heartofthetravellers.scotmailto:hostmagazine1@gmail.comhttp://www.heartofthetravellers.scot/

3

Only just heard it for the first time last evening. Stunning!

Continued from front page

Jeff added: “It’s been fun working on this project - and a challenge too. After

reading through Rolf's original poem I had to come up with a suitable melody

- which took me well out of my "rock" zone -, but having been involved with

many genres of music over the years, it put me in good stead for capturing

the essence of the subject.”

Jeff Jeffrey

Rolf Campbell

"For over 50 years, my heart, along

with many others, has belonged to

Scotland; but the last eight months

or so, have shown me that

Scotland’s 'Heart' really belongs to

us. One entity, forever

inseparable...The beat goes on..."

The song has its first live performance at

the Artizan Gallery, Dumbarton on

February 11th. It will also be performed at

the Coach house, Cairndow, at Easter.

And you can hear it on our website by

clicking the link below:

Tinkers' Heart Song

http://www.heartofthetravellers.scot/

4

The growing

concerns of Article

12 in Scotland, and

various other local

and national

organisations,

surrounding the

press coverage of

the

Gypsy/Traveller

community by a

North East

publication, the

Press and Journal.

News from Article 12 in Scotland

Article 12 Young Gypsy/Travellers’ Lives Project, have news of two really

important matters that deserve a very wide audience. The first is a newly-

published report – Discrimination and On-Line Media.

“This comparative report details the findings of our annual media audits

[focused on the on-line media in Scotland] from 2011 – 2014. Additionally, in

reaction to the growing concerns of Article 12 in Scotland, and various other

local and national organisations, surrounding the press coverage of the

Gypsy/Traveller community by a North East publication, the Press and

Journal.

Article 12 in Scotland commissioned an independent researcher, Lizzie

Alderdice, to analyse its coverage of the Gypsy/Traveller community over four

random years; giving us an insight into the historical reporting style of this

publication. A summary of the findings can be found at annex 3 of the report,

detailed findings are available on request from beth@article12.org “

The full report here: Article 12 in Scotland On-Line Media Audit 2011- 2014

The second, much happier piece of news is that Article 12 has produced

resources for teachers to use in school about Travellers and their culture.

TILL DOOMSDAY IN THE AFTERNOON

Tammi, L and Cadger, B [2016] Article 12 in Scotland.

“We've had a few requests in about when our Gypsy/Traveller resource

for the curriculum in Scottish schools will be launched. It is coming very soon

folks - electronic copies will be available in the next few days and hard copies

[because they are beautiful to look at - thanks to Ritchie at Kinghorn Creative]

mailto:beth@article12.orghttp://www.article12.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Consolidated_Media_Audit_Report_2016.pdf

5

Set out in two parts, the resource is designed to enable practitioners to raise awareness and understanding of the culture and traditions of the Gypsy/Traveller community and work with students to identify and seek solutions to the key ‘flash points’ [or conflicts] that often occur between Gypsy/Travellers and the ‘settled’ community.

along with a copy on USB [which is also quite natty] will be available the

beginning of March. If you would like a hard copy 'hot off the presses' please

email your address to: lynne@article12.org

A little information about the resource:

Set out in two parts, the resource is designed to enable practitioners to

raise awareness and understanding of the culture and traditions of the

Gypsy/Traveller community and work with students to identify and seek

solutions to the key ‘flash points’ [or conflicts] that often occur between

Gypsy/Travellers and the ‘settled’ community.

Part one offers the practitioner a window into the centuries old culture

and traditions of the Gypsy/Traveller community thus enabling them to work

to dispel persistent common myths and stereotypes. Part two offers a series

of activities to develop or enhance young people’s knowledge and

understanding of Gypsy/Travellers in Scotland. The activities and outcomes

are complementary to a number of Experiences and Outcomes of the

Curriculum for Excellence, specifically, but not exclusively, Social Studies and

Health and Wellbeing.

Meantime, here is a wee preview of the cover pages to whet your

appetite.

mailto:lynne@article12.org

6

The mountain hares turned white, in winters long ago.

Two Country Poems Sally Evans

In All That Snow

I’d stride and breathe up there

but now my boots are worn,

up, up in all that snow

and if my boots were new,

now my feet are torn,

now my bones are worn.

Up, up in all that snow,

up in the breezy air

above the murmuring trees,

but now my eyes are worn,

my car is off the road,

and if my car was new

I could not drive up there

by motorways and trails

as once I used to do,

up, up in all that snow,

the mountain hares turned white,

in winters long ago.

With boots and wheels I’d go.

So many moons have passed

but still my mind is sharp

and if my mind was slow,

I’d still be there in dreams

up, up in all that snow.

7

I watch it all the same

The Flood

The river seen from my room

laps round a distant tree

as it races on through the gloom

turning its light from me.

It laps round a distant tree

where the swans and cygnets nest,

turning its light from me.

It knows no pause nor rest.

Where swans and cygnets nest

it counts me out of the game.

It knows no pause nor rest

but I watch it all the same.

It counts me out of the game

as it races through the gloom

but I watch it all the same,

the river seen from my room.

8

Normally these poor people do not appear in many records, they could not afford grave markers and they are often forgotten.

The McCallum Family By the 1860s Kilmun was a relatively prosperous village, with many of the

houses occupied by middle class weekenders or people employed locally.

Some families, however, did not enjoy such secure or comfortable lives.

Normally these poor people do not appear in many records, they could not

afford grave markers and they are often forgotten. The outrage of the

community at the treatment of one such family, which resulted in a legal case

with a local estate owner, gives a glimpse of what life was like for the

McCallum family.

Danna

This cottage would have been much more luxurious that the home of the McCallum family, who lived in tents

Twenty years earlier in 1841, William McCallum, an old soldier from Argyll

who then earned money as a spoon maker, was living with his family on the

tidal island of Danna near Tayvallich in Knapdale. His wife, Margaret, was Irish

and somewhat infirm. With them lived William’s sister, Christian. His children

were Janet, aged 16, George age 14, Susan age 12, Margaret age 10 and

George aged 9; the youngest was Elizabeth who was 6 years old. A 60 year old

was also included in the household record, giving her name as Ann Steel

9

There was no money for a gravestone.

McCallum from Ireland, but the relationship is unknown.

Only three years later William died, and Margaret decided to move with

her two sons and daughter Susan to Sandbank, hoping to earn a better living.

One of her sons married, but his wife died and he was left to support their

baby son The family stuck together and looked after their mother on the

proceeds of fishing. There is no record of the family in the 1851 census, other

than a household in Achnamara in Knapdale, where the youngest daughter

Elizabeth aged 17 was living with her sister Janet and Ann, or Nancy Steel.

This appears to have been the person living with the family ten years

previously and by then may have been Elizabeth’s mother-in-law. Elizabeth

gave her occupation as “Wandering Tinker”

More hardship visited the family when cholera was in the area a few years

later, and both John and George died within a few hours of one another. They

were buried on the same day at Kilmun. There was no money for a

gravestone.

10

The perilous situation was chosen because the area of land between high and low watermark was thought to belong to no-one.

The oldest sister of the family, Janet, was a determined woman who

shouldered the responsibility of earning money to support her elderly mother

her sisters and her young orphaned nephew by fishing. The resourceful Janet

found a ruinous hut available across the loch on the shore at Kilmun. There

they lived until a few months later the hut collapsed. Janet threw all her

efforts into building a new hut on the shore, and was actually below high

water mark, and this was their home until a very high tide washed it away. An

unnamed but benevolent local lady came to Janet’s rescue and helped

provide the materials for a better hut on the same spot. The perilous

situation was chosen because the area of land between high and low

watermark was thought to belong to no-one.

The youngest of the family, Elizabeth, then married a fisherman, William

Craig, and Janet was left to care for her young children as well as continuing

with the fishing. The housewives of Kilmun were happy to buy Janet’s fresh

fish and found it a great convenience. The community admired the hard work

and obvious commitment of Janet. She was regarded as a caring, industrious,

honest and admirable person who was part of the community.

11

At the time of the 1861 census we find the family recorded at “Tinker’s

Hut, Kilmun” with Margaret as head of the household age 84, Janet, Susan

and Elizabeth all shown as unmarried (although Elizabeth gives her name as

Craig) and working as fishers. The family included four of Margaret’s

grandchildren, William McCallum age 12, Margaret Small age 9, Robert

Morrison age 11 and Margaret Craig, age 3.

At the age of 86 Margaret McCallum died and was buried beside her two

sons. After living in Kilmun for some years Janet and her charges must have

felt a degree of security despite having to live in an extremely frugal way. The

many hardships and problems however, were not at an end.

12

A Sad Narrative

Dunoon Courier & Argus 20/7/1867

13

14

Janet and John, giving their ages respectively as 86 and 71, were still together in their tents at Gairletter Point

After the legal problems, the next sighting of the McCallum family is in the

1871 census. Janet and her extended family were still in the area – this time

noted as living on Blairmore Road – and sleeping on the road. Ten years later

the family were living a little way along the shore of Loch Long, at Garletter

sic Point, and were living in tents. A new member of the group had appeared

– John Graham, a Greenock man. Janet gave her age as 68. By 1891 the

family had dispersed, but Janet and John, giving their ages respectively as 86

and 71 were still together in their tents at Gairletter Point, Janet giving her

occupation as fisherwoman, and being Head of the Household.

The ages quoted are inconsistent and may be mistakes by the enumerator

but perhaps Janet was misleading the clerk!

Anne Galliard

15

Adam McNaughton’s beautiful song was lifted to the rafters by the audience

Jess Smith at Celtic Connections

Got a phone call early January, ‘Hi Jess would you consider sharing stage with

me at the Tron on 15th?’ It was an old friend who I hadn’t seen for years. Sam

Lee was a regular visitor on the Traditional music scene usually with the

Traveller Stanley Robertson, one of Scotland’s finest ballad singers and

fantastic storytellers; a lovely man, nephew of the late great Jeannie

Robertson but sadly no longer with us.

Sam’s theme for the festival was Gypsy/Traveller songs. He’d always had a

fascination and deep respect for the culture and as he was coming to

Scotland, he thought I’d like to be there. I had no hesitation and jumped at

the chance. It was an amazing night! The Tron was sold out. Alongside Sam,

featured his band of gifted musicians and singers. I was unaccompanied. My

choice of songs prompted Sam to do a duet with me of a lovely old song- I

aince loo-d a Lad/lass. The audience that also featured quite a large group of

Travellers was brilliant.

We did an encore of two more songs. Someone called out for Yellow on

the Broom, one of my favourites. Adam McNaughton’s beautiful song was

lifted to the rafters by the audience, which just goes to show, that our culture

is very much a living vibrant thread within the living story of Scotland’s

people.

16

I'll just close my eyes let my memories take flight.

Memories

Living on this caravan site on the long dreary winter’s night, I close my eyes

and let my memories take flight back to when I stayed in beautiful campsites

beside my family and good dear friends.

Many a long night at the outside fire we'd spend, telling stories, dancing

and singing - we never wanted that long night to end. The kettle on, always

hot tea for plenty and some roasted tatties if your belly was empty. After the

happy songs and dancing were done, it was time for the stories. The scary

ones; so the darker and longer hours of the night all added suspense and

thrills to the fright …

But on these sites there's none of that. No outside fire. No tea. No craic.

No stories. No songs. No shimmering light. No people come out on the long

winter nights. No good comes out when living on sites; so I'll just close my

eyes let my memories take flight.

Edith Townsley

Yesterday’s

Memories are

Tomorrow’s

Treasures

17

when everyone stayed on what is now the Perth bypass

Well-Kent Places

Before the Perth Travellers’ site was built, when everyone stayed on what is

now the Perth bypass, everyone would all get their water from here.

Hundreds of Travellers used it. It's called Spout Wells or older Travellers

called it the Monks’ Well. It's in Hunting Tower in Perth. I took the photo -

Travellers have been using-the well for years. I used it many times myself.

Gavin Mcgregor

Youtube link - click: Perth Travellers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh8qyQddYCA&feature=share

18

Oh to be a fly on the wall, earwigging this conversation!

Well-Kent Faces

Hamish Henderson and Duncan Williamson in conversation.

(Photograph: Jade Smith.)

Meanwhile, in Buckie…

Not what I expected to see when nipping out for fish!

(Photograph: Fiona McAllister)

19

she had a twin and they were always together

Wee Nancy

This tiny lady visited Blairgowrie in Perthshire around 1930-50 and we are

told that at one time she had a twin and they were always together. Whoever

they were, we haven’t been able to discover, but older locals remember that

each carried small suitcases in which they kept all their worldly goods.

It’s challenging looking at her face without wanting to give her a name.

We call her wee Nancy. Her sister, who no one can shed any light on, we call

Nancy two.

Jess Smith

20

I often saw my basket being worked on

Out of the Blue comes … Gold!

The story of my baskets began last June as we set off on our journey to Islay

on holiday. While waiting for the ferry at Kennacraig, we fell into

conversation with fellow travellers, but these turned out to be travellers with

a capital T, (or Scotland’s Tinkers). During our conversation it transpired that

they were basket weavers. Over the last five years since becoming interested

and immersed in the Culture, I have built up my ‘Traveller Collection’, (a

replica Bedford bus, a horn spoon and a super array of books, CDs and

photos) not to mention many very dear friends. Here was an opportunity to

add an authentic basket. I was thrilled to bits when the gentleman said he

would make me one. I couldn’t believe it.

We were on Islay for a week, and as we passed the Strand where they

were camping, I often saw my basket being worked on. On one occasion, the

weaver was standing in the Uisg a t-Suidh burn fishing. In actual fact he was

only passing the time as he waited for the bundle of willow wands to soften

so that they could be peeled and shaped. (Sadly, he didn’t manage to catch

his tea!)

21

his mother had planted the willows before the war

On the appointed day, excitement and anticipation mounting, I went to

collect my treasure, and what treasure awaited me-----not one, but two

baskets AND a spoon carved out of Atlantic driftwood elm. He had indeed

weaved and worked his magic! I was thrilled and the story which followed

added even more fascination and depth. His brother-in-law had been at

school in Bridgend and his mother had planted the willows before the war,

more history to make my baskets even more special. Here were Travellers

carrying on a tradition that their forebears had done for generations.

Jess has a moving quote in the Prologue to her first book, Jessie’s Journey.

She says, “Although regarded by many as Scotland’s outcasts, travelling

people are as true to her soil as the roots of the heather. I proudly cleave to

these roots and preserve her culture and traditions”.

How can folk say that the Travelling Culture is dead? It’s very much alive,

albeit in a different form, and very evident when you meet folk like Jess and

those lovely Travellers I met that June day at Kennacraig.

My baskets are never far from me - a constant reminder of the friends I’ve

met along the way and who’ve enriched my life beyond my wildest dreams.

Anne Hamilton

22

to state 'Keeping Alive the Oral Traditions' (title) was down to two individuals, well, it is laughable

Addled Academia

I have just read a wee magazine stating that in Scotland there are only two

Sheanachaidhean (Clan bard, oral historian) left in the land! One represents

Clan Gregor the other Macleans. It’s rubbish like this that totally wrecks the

true history of Clans and the Gaelic language for our future generations.

Spewing forth as usual from the mouths of Academia, the authors have

produced a fine 'historical account' of certain clan tales, and to be honest, if

they had stuck to this they'd have won me over but to state 'Keeping Alive the

Oral Traditions' (title) was down to two individuals, well, it is laughable.

Perhaps they might want to visit Maggi who lives in a small homemade

abode at the foot of Balquhidder and hear the history of MacAlpine's seed,

(Gregor) or maybe sit with Eassie Stewart in the north and hear her tell of

auld Ailidh Dall and Ossian, and maybe Alex John Williamson, from Alness,

who not only know the history of their people but speak another Gaelic,

much older than the one written (BeurIa Reagaird).

I too might consider myself a Seanachie because my ancestors were

MacArthur, MacAllister, MacDonald, McNeill and Mackay (Clans) and as I

have kept as much of their story on the tongue as I can, in writing books and

constant lectures, I think I have gained that right. I know several more who

could recite their history as good as any other.

23

blamed the almost drowning of his Danish wife Margaret on a Tinker’s curse

In 1913 the then Duke of Argyll was asked if he could trace the clan

seed. In answer he said that he could but he could not speak of the Caird they

were much older. The Cairdsmen (craftsmen) were travelling people, they

took the history from place to place and every chieftain had his own Caird

Bard. Burns knew of them and of all their levels of importance as did Walter

Scott.

King James sixth is mentioned in the article, his fear of clan storytellers is

well known which led to the Statues of Iona, and the banishment of the

keepers of oral history ('Vagabond, baird, jugglers and such like). The King

was obsessed with a fear of Gypsies, he loathed them, blamed the almost

drowning of his Danish wife Margaret on a Tinker’s curse. Began his 'witch-

hunting' and slaughtered an unknown number. Did he fear that he was a

bastard child of Boswell (the kindly tenants of Robert the Bruce)?

The stories related by Traveller Seanachie's of this dire history were

shared only by them and to them. To go beyond the ears of these people

could result in the 'others' hearing and exposing the hunted.

Some people write stories and books about witchcraft never realising

how much horror and terror this caused to innocent people.

Before penning this 'article' I would have asked around to see just how the

'Oral traditions' applies more to the Travelling folk than it does to two actors,

who, just because they know a chunk of history, wear a ton of plaid, grow

beards, can lay claim to the title of Seanachie, and without even a mention,

delete an entire culture.

Mind you I'm hearing a lot of this 'diminishing' of the 'oldest culture'

recently. All I can suggest is don't try it, it won't work, we are not just skeletal

remains in some old deserted graveyard. We are part of the sinews of Auld

Scotia herself.

24

Don't try it, it won't work, we are not just skeletal remains in some old deserted graveyard. We are part of the sinews of Auld Scotia herself.

Hamish Henderson went among the Travelling people to find the roots of

the Oral Tradition. There are people who have not heeded his 'respect' for

the culture and are systematically watering it down until they hope there is

nothing left. Well, in any other country where the wandering people took

root, one could imagine a 'stand beside' culture but not in Scotland (Ireland

can speak for herself), we have been here forever. Certain levels of Academia

know this to be fact yet prefer to hobble around like a three-legged donkey

with the main leg of its culture missing. It is heading for failure. A question-

'why was Sheila Stewart invited to sing to the late Pope John Paul at

Bellahouston Park' if she was not representing the Scottish Culture?

Jess Smith

Hamish – The Film A new documentary on the life and work of Hamish Henderson will be

premiered on February 23rd at the Glasgow Film Theatre.

More details: Hamish

https://tickets.glasgowfilm.org/en-GB/shows/hamish%20%28n-c%2015+%29/events

25

many people have stood in awe when looking at the work he left behind and wondered who he was that made such a thing of intricate beauty

Adam Christie & Brian Wyllie: Timeless Traditions

in Stone

Stonemasons have always been held in high regard for their skill in working

and sculpting in stone. From ancient megalithic circles to the medieval artists

who adorned cathedrals and castles, their craftsmanship continues to inspire

and amaze through the centuries. The names of most of these masons are

lost to history – if they were ever known. Many sculptures have small

identifying marks on them – the mason’s mark. This is how we can follow the

work of an individual, even if his actual name is lost to history. Sometimes a

mark is not even necessary as the work they left to posterity is so stunning; it

is recognisable as a specific piece of mason’s art. No-one knows the name of

the murdered boy who carved the Apprentice Pillar in Roslyn Chapel, but

many people have stood in awe when looking at the work he left behind and

wondered who he was that made such a thing of intricate beauty.

The Apprentice Pillar, Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh.

(Photograph: Fiona McAllister)

Even in later years, when both the name and the work of artists in stone

remained, both have been in danger of being overlooked because the

sculptures have not gained the recognition they deserved. It is often said that

an artist is only truly famous after they are dead and this is certainly true in

the case of Adam Christie.

26

He entered Sunnyside Hospital in Montrose, Angus and he remained there for the rest of his life – 50 years.

Who Was Adam Christie?

Adam Christie was a Shetlander, from Cunningsburgh. He was born in

1868 and he died in 1950. Christie lost his mother when he was but a seven

year-old bairn and this affected him deeply. The family could not afford a

gravestone for his mother and this bothered him very much until he was able

to rectify this in later life by carving a memorial stone for her.

At the age of 32, Christie became ill with a depression so severe, it

required him to undergo inpatient treatment. He entered Sunnyside Hospital

in Montrose, Angus and he remained there for the rest of his life – 50 years.

Christie was artistic and he found ways to express this during his time at

the hospital. He painted using left-over paint from hospital maintenance

works, he made violins from odd bits of wood he found – and he sculpted

from reclaimed stone. Everything he made he made by hand, from the

reclaimed materials that were available to him.

When Christie sculpted, he used a nail, and old file and a broken piece of

glass to finish his works. He was not interested in money or fame and he

often gave away his carvings when they were complete. Indeed, the gardens

of Sunnyside hospital had many examples of his work, mostly the stone heads

that Christie liked.

Two examples of Christie's carvings, now slightly weathered. (Photographs: Brian Wyllie)

27

Christie was a gentle – and a remarkably gifted – soul.

He happened to come across some examples of a present-day Angus sculptor, Brian Wyllie, purely by chance.

By all accounts, Christie was a gentle – and a remarkably gifted – soul. He

fascinated Dr. Kenneth Keddie, who wrote a biography about Adam Christie

in the mid-eighties. Christie’s work became more widely-known and

appreciated in both Angus and Shetland. Plaques were unveiled to his

memory and in 2014 Historic Scotland awarded a memorial plaque to Christie

at his grave in Sleepyhillock Cemetery, Montrose.

All this recognition was well-deserved. However, the one thing Adam

Christie did not have was a memorial stone of his own on his grave.

Howe o’ the Mearns Heritage Association

Dave Ramsay, a local historian and project director of the Howe o’ the

Mearns Heritage Association, had already honoured Christie in song and

verse. He wanted the Heritage Association to erect a Christie-style stone on

Adam Christie’s grave, but he initially thought this would be very difficult to

achieve, given Christie’s individual, hand-crafted work.

However, timing is everything and he happened to come across some

examples of a present-day Angus sculptor, Brian Wyllie, purely by chance.

Ramsay walked passed a house where some of Brian’s work was being

showcased in the window by a friend.

Ramsay met with Brian Wyllie and was surprised to discover than not only

did Wyllie know who Adam Christie was but that he had also already made

stone carvings for Dr Keddie; who displayed them in his garden. Further to

this, Ramsay discovered that, just like Christie, Wyllie carved his work by hand

using traditional methods.

Who is Brian Wyllie?

Brian Wyllie is forty-seven years old and from Arbroath. Through his work

as a stonemason, he discovered his own artistic abilities and, just as Christie

had done before him, he used reclaimed stone and materials available to

hand to develop his skill and his art. Like Christie, Wyllie works the stone by

hand; no machines are used in his work.

28

Like Christie, Wyllie works the stone by hand; no machines are used in his work.

Brian Wyllie working on one of his hand-carved Pictish stones

A completed Celtic Spiral carving.

(Photos: Fiona McAllister)

29

Wyllie spent around 60 hours on this piece.

Wyllie developed his skill and he now trades as Brian Wyllie Highlind's Stone

Craft and sells his work through various shops in Angus. He also gives

demonstrations of his work and runs workshops where he talks about stones,

carvings and he encourages his audience to have a go at stone carving

themselves.

The Adam Christie Memorial Stone

Ramsay commissioned Wyllie to carve the memorial stone for Adam Christie’s

grave, in the style of one of Christie’s stone heads. (The process of carving

this was the subject of the end article in the previous edition of HOTT

Magazine.) Wyllie spent around 60 hours on this piece.

(Photograph: Sandy Bennett)

The sculpture was unveiled on January 25th, by Dave Ramsay, Brian

Wyllie, Aberdeenshire Deputy Provost Allison Grant and Angus Deputy

Provost Alex King and some descendants of Adam Christie from Shetland, as

reported in the Courier, 26th January, 2016. A beautifully-haunting piece:

Slow Air to Adam was then played over his grave by Beth Wyllie, which can

30

A lovely fiddler had composed some music for the event and, as she started to play, a gentle breeze began to blow, as if carrying the sound all the way Shetland.

be viewed via the Courier link:

Courier article: ‘Outsider’ artist Adam Christie’s profile set in stone

One of those in attendance at the ceremony, Sharon Midwinter Bennett,

said:

“The stone was unveiled in a lovely, simple ceremony. Dave told us all a

little about Adam Christie and the stark announcement of his death in the

local paper. There is a memorial tree, a rowan, a plaque and Brian's sculpture.

The memorial faces towards Shetland (Cunningsburgh) and there is a twin

plaque in Cunningsburgh facing Montrose.”

“A lovely fiddler had composed some music for the event and, as she

started to play, a gentle breeze began to blow, as if carrying the sound all the

way Shetland. As she finished a skein of geese flew over honking their

appreciation. Not too unusual in Montrose but magical all the same. “

(Photograph: Sandy Bennett)

http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/local/angus-the-mearns/outsider-artist-adam-christie-s-profile-set-in-stone-1.921520

31

There is a memorial tree, a rowan, a plaque and Brian's sculpture. The memorial faces towards Shetland (Cunningsburgh) and there is a twin plaque in Cunningsburgh facing Montrose.

(Photographs: Sandy Bennett)

32

Two men whose births are almost 100 years apart: both geniuses at working in stone.

Brian Wyllie’s memorial carving now sits on Adam Christie’s grave in

Sleepyhillock Cemetery and celebrates the life and work of the gentle

Shetlander. A stone head carved in the 21st century by one remarkable man;

noting the grave of another remarkable man born in the 19th century. Two

men whose births are almost 100 years apart: both geniuses at working in

stone.

Fiona McAllister

Further Info:

Brian Wyllie: Brian Wyllie Highlind Stone Craft Scotsman Article on Memorial Stone Adam Christie Biography: The Gentle Shetlander, Kenneth Keddie (1984) Howe o’ the Mearns Heritage Association: Mearns' Heritage

https://www.facebook.com/Brian-Wyllie-Highlinds-Stone-Craft-346131988799242/?fref=tshttp://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/culture/art/tribute-to-sculptor-who-spent-50-years-in-angus-mental-asylum-1-4011682http://mearnsheritage.co.uk/about-dave-ramsay/