'IILMMIMMMMIIIIIIIIIIMII tlllllllllllllllll!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIII!lllllllllllllllllll[IIUinillllll!lllillinir'lllllllllllll!llllllllllll

TRANS A CTIONS

THE GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS

VOLUME XVIII.

1891-92.

MiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiMiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiMiJMiiiiiiiiiiiMMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

TRANSACTIONS

THE GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS.

VOLUME XVIII.

1891-92.

TRANSACTIONS

GAELIC SOCIETY

n*

OF INVERNESS.

VOLUME XVIII.

1891-92.

\ I

Claim nan (iaiblual an dnailUan a (£h.eiU.

PRINTED FOR THE GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS,

AT THE " NORTHERN CHRONICLE " OFFICE ;

AND SOLD BY JOHN NOBLE, WILLIAM MACKAY, AND A. & W. MACKENZIE, BOOKSELLERS, INVERNESS.

1894.

GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS.

OFFICE-BEARERS FOR 1891 OFFICE-BEARERS FOR 1892

CHIEF.

J. Douglas Fletcher of Rose- haugh.

CHIEFTAINS.

Bailie Alex. Mackenzie. Alexander Macbain, M.A. Councillor Wm. Gunn.

HON. SECRETARY.

William Mackay, Solicitor.

SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

Duncan Mackintosh, Bank of Scotland.

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

Duncan Campbell. Colin Chisholm. John Macdonald. D. H. Chisholm. Alexander M. Ross.

LIBRARIAN.

William Eraser.

PIPER. Pipe-Major Ronald Mackenzie.

BARD. Neil Macleod, Edinburgh

CHIEF.

Sir Kenneth S. Mackenzie, Bart. of Gairloch.

CHIEFTAINS.

Rev. Dr Norman Macleod. John L. Robertson. Duncan Campbell.

HON. SECRETARY.

William Mackay, Solicitor.

SECRETARY AND TREASURER.

Duncan Mackintosh, Bank of Scotland.

MEMBERS OF COUNCIL.

Alex. Macbain, M.A. A. M. Ross. Wm. Macdonald. Ex-Bailie Alex. Mackenzie. John Mackenzie.

LIBRARIAN.

William Fraser.

PIPER. Pipe-Major Ronald Mackenzie,

BARD. Neil Macleod, Edinburgh.

COMUNN GAELIC INBHIR-NIS.

CO-SHUIDHBACHADH.

1. 'S e ainm a' Chomuinn " COMUNN GAILIG INBHIR-NIS."

*

2. 'S e tha an run a' Chomuinn : Na buill a dheanamh iomlan 's a' Ghailig ; cinneas Canaine, Bardachd agus Ciuil na Gaidhealtachd ; Bardachd, Seanachas, Sgeulachd, Leabhraicheaii agus Sgriobhanna 's a' chaiiain sin a thearnadh o dhearmad ; Leabhar-lann a chur suas ami am baile Inbhir-Nis de leabhraichibh agus sgriobhannaibh ann an canain sam bith a bhuineas do Chaileachd, lonnsachadh, Eachdraidheachd agus Sheanachasaibh nan Gaidheal no do thairbhe na Gaidhealtachd ; coir agus cliu nan Gaidheal a dhion ; agus na Gaidheil a shoirbheachadh a ghna ge b'e ait' am bi iad.

3. 'S iad a bhitheas 'nam buill, cuideachd a tha gabhail suim do runtaibh a' Chomuinn ; a^us so mar gheibh iad a staigh : Tairgidh aon bhall an t-iarradair, daingnichidh ball eile an tairgse, agus, aig an ath choinneimh, ma roghnaicheas a' mhor-chuid le crannchur, nithear ball dhith-se no dheth-san cho luath 's a phaidhear an comh-thoirt; cuirear crainn le ponair dhubh agus gheal, ach, gu so bhi dligheach, feumadh tri buill dheug an crann a chur. Feudaidh an Comunn Urram Cheannardan a thoirt do urrad 'us seachd daoine cliuiteach.

4. Paidhidh Ball Urramach, 'sa' bhliadhna . £0 10 6 Ball Cumanta * . . . .050 Foghlainte . . . . .010 Agus ni Ball-beatha aon chomh-thoirt de . 770

5. 'S a' cheud-mhios, gach bliadhna, roghnaichear, le crainn, Co-chomhairle a riaghlas gnothuichean a' Chomuinn, 's e sin aon

GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS.

CONSTITUTION.

1. The Society shall be called the " GAELIC SOCIETY OF INVERNESS."

2. The objects of the Society are the perfecting of the Mem- bers in the use of the Gaelic language ; the cultivation of the language, poetry, and music of the Scottish Highlands ; the res- cuing from oblivion of Celtic Poetry, traditions, legends, books, and manuscripts ; the establishing in Inverness of a library, to consist of books and manuscripts, in whatever language, bearing upon the genius, the literature, the history, the antiquities, and the material interests of the Highlands and Highland people ; the vindication of the rights and character of the Gaelic people ; and, generally, the furtherance of their interests whether at home or abroad.

3. The Society shall consist of persons who take a lively in- terest in its objects. Admission to be as follows : The candidate shall be proposed 'by one member, seconded by another, balloted for at the next meeting, and, if he or she have a majority of votes and have paid the subscription, be declared a member. The ballot shall be taken with black beans and white ; and no election shall be valid unless thirteen members vote. The Society has power to elect distinguished men as Honorary Chieftains to the number of seven.

4. The Annual Subscription shall be, for

Honorary Members . ... . <£0 10 6

Ordinary Members . . . ..050

Apprentices . . . . . .010

A Life Member shall make one payment of . 770

5. The management of the affairs of the Society shall be en- trusted to a Council, chosen annually, by ballot, in the month of

Vlll. CO-SHUIDHEACHADH.

Cheann, tri [ar-chinn, Cleireach Urramach, Hiiuaire,. lonmhasair, agus coig l)iiill eile feumaidh iad uile Gailig a thuigsinn 's a ohruidhinn ; agus ni coigear dhiubh coinneamh.

6. Cumar coiinieainhan a' Chomuinn gach seachduin o thois- each an Deicheamh mios gu deireadh Mhairt, agus gach ceithir- la-deug o thoiseach Ghiblein gu deireadh an Naothamh-mios. 'S i a' Ghailig a labhrar gach .oidhche mu'n seach aig a' chuid a's lugha.

7. Cuiridh a' (Jho-chomhairle la air loth anus an t-Seachdamh- mios air-son Coinneamh Bhliadhnail aig an cuniar Co-dheuchaiuii agus air an toirear duaisean air-son Piobaireachd 'us ciuil Ghaidh- ealach eile ; anus an fheasgar bithidh cojheuchainn air Leughadh agus aithris Bardachd agus Rosg nuadh agus taghta ; an deigh sin cumar Cuirni chuidheachdail aig am faigh nitho Gaidhealach rogh- ainn 'sail uirghioll, ach gun roinn a dhiultadh dhaibh-san nach tuig Gailig. Giulainear cosdas na co-dheuchainne le trusadh sonraichte a dheannamh agus cuideachadh iarraidh o 'n t-sluagh.

8. Cha deanar atharrachadh sam bith air coimh-dhealbhadh a' Chomuinn gun aontachadh dha thrian de na'm bheil de luchd- bruidhinn Gailig air a' chlar-ainm. Ma 's miann atharrachadh a dheanamh is eiginn sin a chur an ceill do gach ball, mios, aig a' chuid a's lugha, roirnh'n choinneimh a dh'fheudas an t-atharrachadh a dheanamh Feudaidh ball nach bi a lathair roghnachadh le lamh-aithne.

9. Taghaidh an (1omunn Bard, Piobaire, agus Fear-leabhar- lann.

Ullaichear gach Paipear agus Leughadh, agus giulainear gach Deasboireachd le run fosgailte, duineil, durachdach air-son na firinn, agus cuirear gach ni air aghaidh ami an spiorad caomh, glan, agus a reir riaghailtean dearbhta.

CONSTITUTION. IX..

January, to consist of a Chief, three Chieftains, an Honorary Secretary, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and five other Members of the Society, all of whom shall understand and speak Gaelic ; five to form a quorum.

6. The Society shall hold its meetings weekly from the beginning of October to the end of March, and fortnightly from the beginning of April to the end of September. The business shall be carried on in Gaelic on every alternate night at least.

7. There shall be an Annual Meeting in the month of July, the day to be named by the Committee for the time being, when Competitions for Prizes shall take place in Pipe and other High- land Music. In the evening there shall be Competitions in Read- ing and Reciting Gaelic Poetry and Prose, both original and select. After which there will be a Social Meeting, at which Gaelic sub- jects shall have the preference, but not to such an extent as entirely to preclude participation by persons who do not under- stand Gaelic. The expenses of the competitions shall be defrayed out of a special fund, to which the general public shall be invited to siibscribe.

8. It is a fundamental rule of the Society that no part of the Constitution shall be altered without the assent of two- thirds of the Gaelic-speaking Members on the roll ; but if any alterations be required, due notice of the same must be given to each member, at least one month before the meeting takes place at which the alteration is proposed to be made. Absent Members may vote by mandates.

9. The Society shall elect a Bard, a Piper, and a Librarian.

All Papers and Lectures shall be prepared, and all Discussions, carried on, with an honest, earnest, and manful desire for truth ; and all proceedings shall be conducted in a pure and gentle spirit^ and according to the usually recognised rules.

INTRODUCTION.

THIS, the 18th Volume of the Society's Transactions contains the work of one year and a half from Midsummer 1891 till the mid- session of 1893 (1st March, 1893). The departure from the rule of publishing an annual volume is temporary : the Society's yearly volumes were getting so far in arrear of the sessions they repre- sented that the Publishing Committee decided to compress the work of three years into two volumes ; more especially as a favour- able opportunity presented itself in the unusual number of papers of a general character with which they had to deal, and which could be either omitted or condensed. As a consequence, our Volume XIX. will represent the period from 1st March, 1893, to •end of session 1893-1894 ; and it is expected that it will be in the hands of the members by the New- Year time. Oar volumes will t>e then abreast of our sessions. It is right to add that we owe the two maps, which form the only extra feature of the volume, to the courtesy and skill of Mr James Fraser, C.E., Inverness.

Since the preface, of our last volume was penned, the Society has lost through death two or three of its most prominent members and contributors. Sheriff Nicolson, most genial and kindliest of men, died on the 13th January, 1893, at the age of 66. His " Gaelic Proverbs and Phrases" forms one of the most valuable contributions ever made to the " Proverbial " philosophy of the world ; but, in spite of this and his patriotic Highland poetry, it is felt that he has left nothing commensurate either with his undoubted genius or with the personal impression he left on his contemporaries. Two months later saw the death of Mi- Hector Maclean, folklorist and anthropologist. Mr Maclean was J. F. Campbell's right hand man in the collection and publi- cation of the " Popular Tales of the West Highlands," a work of

Xll. INTRODUCTION.

European fame. He was a constant contributor to our own Transactions there is a paper of his in this volume as well as to other learned societies, notably the " Journal of the Anthropo- logical Institute." No better monument could be raised to his memory by the Islay or any other Association than a collected edition of his various and important papers, scattered through periodicals, newspapers, and transactions of learned societies. Rev. A. D. Mackenzie, late of Kilmorack, died this year ; he wag. a Gaelic scholar of the first order, even venturing into the dangerous quagmires of Gaelic philology.

Great activity has been shown in Highland and Gaelic literary work during the last eighteen months^and four or five important publications have appeared. Of Gaelic books published, we have first to mention Rev. Mr Macrury's Eachdraidh Beatha Chriosd, a racily written account of the life of Christ. New and much fuller editions of earlier works have been given us in our Bard's (Neil M'Leod's) Clarsach cm Doire and in Dain Iain Ghobha (" Morrison's Poems") ; the former has several additional poems, and some well told tales are appended. The latter work, of which this is the first volume, has a laudatory biography by the editor, Mr George Henderson, M.A. The Comunn Gaidhealach have issued a first book of " Scottish Gaelic as a Specific Subject," intended for the Scotch Code. All the fore-mentioned works came from Mr Archibald Sinclair's "Celtic Press" in Glasgow, and reflect the highest credit on his patriotism and printing. The second and last volume of Dr Cameron's Reliquiae Celticw has just been publishod, and is a much more valuable and varied work than the first. It contains the famous Fernaig MS. (see our Vol. XL, pp. 311-339), the Red Book of Clanranald, and the Edinburgh Turner MS. XIV., a collection of Gaelic poetry all for the first time printed. The Book of Clanranald is important both as history and as Gaelic, for it represents the learned dialect of the Scottish Gael in the 17th century. The rest of the work contains lectures, translations, and philology : altogether an indispensable work for the Gaelic scholar. Mr Macpherson's " Glimpses of Church and Social Life in the North" mainly

INTRODUCTION. Xlll.

confined to the history and traditions of Badenoch-^-has received deservedly high praise from the press of the United Kingdom. Mr Mackay's " Urquhart and Glenmoriston" has been justly styled a model parish history ; the vast mass of facts, general and local, bearing on the Parish have been well digested into a very readable volume. It remains to add that Mr Mackenzie has published a second edition of his "History of the Mackenzies/' re-written, revised, and much enlarged by genealogical and historical facts. The gentlemen who are editors or authors of the last four important volumes referred to are active and valued members of our Society. We regret to record the demise of the Highland Monthly, which attempted to do for the Highlands and for Gaelic what the other monthlies do for the general country. The Celtic Monthly is flourishing greatly, and has increased its size and literary weight.

The most important event in general Celtic literature is the appearance of Dr Whitley Stokes's Celtic Etymology, unfortunately written in the German language, and styled Urkeltischer Sprach- schaltz. It is an extremely able work, and its new etymologies are always striking, and often daring. Standish H. O'Grady's Silva Gadelica is a collection of mediaeval Gaelic (Irish) stories, mostly about the Feinn ; no Gaelic student must overlook it. Father Hogan's edition of the "Battle of Ros-na-Ree" contains text, translation, and vocabulary, with other important etymological facts, of an Early Irish tale about Conchobar Mac Nessa. Dr Hyde's " Connaught Songs," with translations, is a work that has been received with deserved favour, and the same may be said of Larminie's " West Irish Folk-Tales and Romances." Dr Joyce has published the first volume of an excellent " History of Ireland," coming down to the 17th century ; and we are glad to see that a new edition, with additions, has appeared of his " Celtic Romances" (D. Nutt). In Germany and France much Celtic philological work and textual criticism have appeared, the leading writer being Professor Zimmer. He has also published a work to clear up the difficulties of early British history, entitled Neunius Vindicatus, where Neunius is more or less rehabilitated into the position of an

XIV. INTRODUCTION. '

honest historian and a real personage. The Revue Celtique still flourishes, and we are glad to say the same of the Gaelic Journal, edited by Professor O'Growney, Maynooth.

In regard to general Highland matters, there is little fresh to record. The Clan Societies still flourish vigorously, Glasgow being the head centre. Some of them do good work ; they help clans- men newly arrived in town, and some of them offer bursaries for educational purposes. The Clan Macdonald Society has, we understand, even unlertaken a Clan History, which has been entrusted to the literary care of Rev. Messrs Macdonald of Kil- tarlity and Killearnan. We should like to see more literary work like this undertaken editions of claj^ bards, collected works of a member of a clan (as those of Mrs Mackellar and Mr H. Maclean), &c. The Government Grants to the County Councils have been in most cavses generously applied to Technical and Secondary Education, and the prospects of Higher Instruction in the High- lands are much brighter than ever.

INVERNESS, June, 1894.

CONTENTS.

PACK.

Office-bearers for 1891 and 1892 . . . v.

Constitution ......... vi.

Introduction .... . . . . xi.

Nineteenth Annual Assembly 1

The Apparitions and Ghosts of the Isle of Skye Mr

Norman Matheson ....... 8

Minor Highland Families, No. 5 The Frasers of Foyers :

" Sliochd Huistean Frangach" Mr Charles Fraser-

Mackintosh, M.P 17

Annual Dinner Speeches by Mr J. Douglas Fletcher of

Rosehaugh, Mr John L. Robertson, Provost Ross, and

Mr William Mackay . . . . . . . 32

Some Highland Fishermen's Fancies Mr A. Poison, Dun-

beath 42

The Iberians Mr Hector Maclean, Islay . . . . 47 Stray Notes in Gaelic Rev. John Macrury, Snizort . . 59 General Monk's Campaign in the Highlands in 1654 Mr

William Mackay, Solicitor ... . . . 70

The Dialect of Badenoch Mr Alex. Macbain, M.A. . . 79 -The Gaelic Incantations and Charms of the Hebrides Mr

W. Mackenzie . 97

Sutherland Place Names Reay and Kildonan Mr John

Mackay, J.P., Hereford 183

On some Clan Chattan MS. Genealogies and Histories Mr

A. Mackintosh Shaw, London ..... 208 The Early History, Legends, and Traditions of Strathardle

Mr Charles Fergusson, Fairburn .... 229 Twentieth Annual Assembly . . . . . . 255

Xvi. CONTENTS.

PAGK.

Ptolemy's Geography of Scotland Mr Alex. Macbain, M.A. 267 The Macintyres of Glennoe— Rev. A. Maclean Sinclair . 289 Annual Dinner Speeches by Rev. Dr Norman Macleod, Mr William Mackay, Mr John L. Robertson, and Mr

Duncan Campbell 295

Minor Highland Families, No. 6 The Frasers of Guisachan, styled " MacHuistean" Mr Charles Fraser-Mackintosh

of Drummond, M.P 309

Sutherland Place Names Loth and Clyne Mr Johir

Mackay, J.P., Hereford 325

Gaelic Songs of Perthshire and their Composers, Paper

No. 2— Mr Paul Cameron, Blair- A thole . . 340

Honorary Chieftains .363

Life Members . . .363

Honorary Members . , 364

Ordinary Members . . .365

Deceased Members . . . . . . . .374

List of Books in the Society's Library .... 375

TRANSACTIONS

ANNUAL ASSEMBLY.

THE Nineteenth Annual Assembly of the Society was held in the Music Hall 011 9th July, 1891. As in former years, the plat- form was decorated in a most artistic way, tartans, shields, clay- mores, dirks, deers' heads, and other emblems of Highland sport and chivalry being effectively employed. A background of greenery set off the display with excellent effect. On this occasion the platform was occupied by Mr W. S. Roddie's special choir, who sustained with much credit a prominent place in the evening's programme. Provost Ross, who wore the Highland costume, occupied the chair, taking the place of the absent Chief, Mr Fletcher of Rosehaugh. He was supported by Bailie Alex. Mackenzie; Mr Colin Chisholm, Namur Cottage, Inverness ; Rev. Father Bisset, Strathcrrick ; Captain Chisholm, Glassburn ; Mr Steele, Bank of Scotland ; Mr James Barron, editor, Inverness Courier ; Mr Wm. Mackay, solicitor, Inverness ; Mr Alex. Mackenzie, Balli- feary ; Mr Alex. Macbain, M.A., Inverness ; ex-Bailie Stuart ; Brigade-Surgeon Grant, Inverness ; Mr G. J. Campbell, solicitor ; Captain Grant, Northern Bengal Mounted Infantry ; and Mr Dun. Mackintosh, secretary of the Society. A telegram was read from Mr Douglas Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Chieftain of the Society, in the following terms : "Your Chief sends his hearty greetings to the members and friends of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, and regrets extremely his unavoidable absence, and hopes that you will have a very pleasant gathering."

While the company was assembling, the Society's piper, Pipe- Major Ronald Mackenzie, played a selection of Highland airs in the entrance lobby. Shortly after eight o'clock the proceedings com- menced by the Secretary intimating apologies for absence from the following gentlemen among many others : Mr Douglas Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Chief of the Society ; The Mackintosh ; Sir Kenneth

1

2 Gaelic Society of Inverness.

Mackenzie of Gairloch ; Mr Duncan Forbes of Culloden ; Mr Baillie of Dochfour; Mr Fraser-Mackintosh, M.P.; Mr L. Macdonald of Skaebost ; Professor Mackinnon ; Professor Blackie ; Mr Mac- kenzie of Farr ; Colonel Murray, Inverness ; Major Jackson of Swordale ; Dr Norman Macleod ; Dr Stewart, Nether-Lochaber ; Mr Paul Cameron, Blair-Athole ; Mr Peter Burgess ; Mr A. Mac- pherson, solicitor, Kingussie ; &c., &c.

The Chairman, in his opening remarks, said he regretted the absence of Mr Fletcher of Rosehaugh, Chief of the Society, who would, in due course, have filled the chair. Mr Fletcher, he said, had written expressing his warm interest in the Society, and prov- ing his sincerity by enclosing a cheque for £25. Mr Fletcher, at the same time, suggested that something might be done by the Society in the way of putting upon permanent record the lives and works of the Gaelic writers of the presenfccentury. It appeared to him (the Provost) that there was ample scope for their enthusiastic literary friends to give an account of these, and their works would be a practical history of the Gaelic literature of their times. Unfortunately Gaelic publications and literature did not always pay publisher or author. For example, an excellent series of Gaelic folk-lore and folk- tales was being published in London, by Mr David Nutt, the authors being two well-known Gaelic scholars, Revs. Mr Machines and Mr Macdougall, and they were certainly equal in importance and interest to Campbell's West Highland Tales, yet the publishers had only sold 120 copies of the second volume, although it had been out for a year. That was not as it should be. Such donations as Mr Fletcher's would come in very conveniently, and might help to stimulate both author and buyer. The Provost then congratulated the Society on its twentieth anniversary, and said that next year it would attain its majority. He was sure they wished the kindred Society that was being got up in Oban all success, and they hoped that it may be able to show as good a record at the end of twenty years as the Gaelic Society of Inverness had done. The volumes issued by their Society were most valuable and interesting, and excited the sur- prise and admiration of their south-country neighbours ; in fact, so far as he knew, as the outcome of a provincial Society, they were second to none. If time permitted, he could mention many instances in which he had occasion to refer for information their leading men, both in Church and in State, to the volumes of the Gaelic Society and to the Field Club Transactions, and they had expressed their delight and surprise at the work done. Possibly they might have their musical and poetical department on a more

Annual Assembly. 3

practical footing, and have regular competitions on the occasion of the annual gathering, but it was quite an open question, whether by multiplying their aims and objects federating with other Societies, taking up home-made cloths and other native industries, .and such like arrangements they should not injure the standing which the Society had gained as a fountain of literary and scholastic matter. He was not one who would like to see their local Society merged into a larger or even into a national one. He believed their chief interest and claim to help was that they were local and were doing local work, in respect that they dealt exclusively with Highland lore. It would be well if that were so recognised in their museums and like institutions. They could best deal with local matter, and deal with it more exhaustively than strangers could. In that way there would be a double interest for visitors, who could see what was in their native Highlands.

A most interesting and thoroughly Highland musical pro- gramme was gone through, and great credit is due to Mr Roddie's select choir for their excellent rendering of the different songs. One of the musical gems of the evening, " Mackintosh's Lament," was sung by Miss Kate Fraser, with humming accompaniment by the choir. This was the first time Cumha Mhic-an-Toisich has been sung in Inverness to this artful arrangement of the music.

At the end of the first part of the programme, the Rev. Mr Macgregor, Farr (now of Kilmore, Argyleshire), delivered a Gaelic .address as follows :—

A Phrobhaist Inbhirnis, agus uaislean gu leir, Tha mi gie chinnteach nach ruig mi a leas maitheanas iarraidh air son .seasamh a mach a labhairt ribhse ami an cainnt mo mhathar. Theagamh gum bheil dream 'nur measg aig am bheil a Bheurla .ni's deise, no feudaidh e bhi gum bheil iad an so aig nach eil facal idir 'nan ceann ach cainnt nan Sasunnach. Gheibh sinn a Bheurla •daonnan, ach an uair is aill leinn labhairt a mach o'n chridhe, is eiginn do m' leithid-se dol air ar n-ais gus iia briathran a bha air .an labhairt air feadh Albainn guleir, anns na laithean 's an tug'ur n-aithrichean dubhlan do gach namhaid, co dhiubh thigeadh iad a .Sasunn 'san airde Deas, no a Lochlunn 's an airde 'n Ear. Uime sin thugaibh eisdeachd dhomh car nine bhig, gus an innis mi mo sgeul. Anns a cheud dol a rnach tha again ri mor bhuidheachas a thoirt do'n Chomunn Gaidhealach, air son a chuireadh a thug iad dhomh, air son tighinn 'nur rneasg aig an am so. Cha b'e so a cheud uair a chuir iad fios orm, ged nach do cheadaich gnoth- uichean eile learn a bhi a lathair gus a nis. Ged is e so mo cheud

4: Gaelic Society of Inverness.

shealladh do'n Chomunn, tha dochas agam air barrachd eolais a chur orra. Bha e riamh 'na thoil inntinn dhomh sgriob a thoirt do phriomh bhaile na h-airde Tuaith, far am bheil daoine co fialaidh, 's co cairdeil, 's co cneasda 's nach iarainn cuideachd a b'fhearr re mo laithean, ged a bu bheo mi gu aois na h-iolaire no aois a chrainn daraich. B'e sin a bha a m'bheachd, 's mi a togail orm a crioch mu thuath Chataoibh, aig teis meadhoin an t-Samh- raidh aluinn, le run a bhi 'nur measg air an fheasgar so. Air dhomh a bhi air mo tharruinn air cul an eich iaruinn, le luathas. na gaoithe, bha mi a' toirt oidhirp air briathran a chur an ordugh air son labhairt ribh an nochd, 's cha robh mi ach goirid gus am fhaic a mi nach b' urrainn dhomh cearb a dheanadh nuair a sheasainn air beulthaobh muinntir mo dhuthcha. 'Nuair a bhiodh ur n''aithrichean o shean a' dol air cheilidh air feadh tighean nan coimhearsnach, cha bhiodh dith cainnte t5rra. Eadar naigheachdan na duthcha, agus orain nam Bard, agus toimhseachain 's ceisdean cruaidhe bhiodh gu leoir aca ri radh, 's tha mi gun teagamh nach teirgeadh aobhar cridhealais dhuinne ged a shuidheamaid an so gu da uair dheug do'n oidhche, no gu moch am maireach. Cha 'n eil fhios c'uin a sguireamaid do labhairt na'n rachamaid gn sgeul a dheanamh air boidhchead na duthcha 'san d'fhuair sinn ar breth 's ar arach. Shiubhail mise neart do'n chuan, 's chan fhaca mi fathast aon tir a chuirinn an coimeas ri mo thir fein. Chi sinn amis a Ghaidhealtachd na h-uile ni a chuireas sgiamh air an talamh, agus na h-uile, ni air am bu mhiann leis na Baird a bhi ar deanamh rainn. Seallaibh air na beaimtan, air Nibheis 's air Cruachan, 's air Laoirnein, 's air moran eile. Tha iad sin nan seasamh mar fhianuisean air gach gniomh mor a thachair mu'n cuairt orra o na chaidh an saoghal a chruthachadh. Nach ciatach an sealladh a ta iad a' cur air an tir 1 Is mor 's is laidir 's is daingean iad, a seasamh mar a sheas na Gaidhil iad fein a shean, gu dian agus gu misneachail an aghaidh gach namhaid. Rach- amaid a sios gu ruig an Srath, agas ciod a chithear leinn ? Tha againn an sin na h-aimhnichean mora, 's na sruthanna beaga, nan dian ruith o mheasg an fhraoich, gu ruig an comhnard, agus o'n chomhnard gn ruig an cuan. Is boidheach na tuiltean uisge, 's iad nan ruith 's nan leuin 's nan cabhaig, mar gum biodh iad a ruith reise a dh' ionnsuidh na tragha. Seadh agus is boidhea.ch na coilltean gorm' a ta a fas air na bruaichean. Chi mi an giubhas agus an darach, 's an calltuinu, 's an seileach ag eiridh a suas gu boidlieach 's gu lurach. Cuiridh iad sin maise air ar beul gach uair a thogas sinn a suas ar suilean a chum nam beann. Cha bheag an dreach a chnireas am fraoch

Annual Assembly. 5

air na sleibhteaii an uair a thig e fo bhlath mu Lunastal, 'sa bhios am monadh mur gum biodh e a lasadh le teine. Thugamaid suil a dh'ionnsuidh na h airde an far. Chi sinn an sin na h-eilcineau. Chi sinii Muile nam Mor bheann, agus I Chaluim Chille, far an deachaidh an Soisgeul a theagasg air a cheud tarruinn ami an Albainn. Chi sinn Eilein a Cheo, no Eilein nan Sgiath, an t Eilein Sgiathanach, agus a ris an t-Eilein Fada, agus Eilein an fhra^ich an Leothas, a sineadh fad air falbh a dh'ionnsuidh an airde Tuaith. Tha'n cuan a' briseadh mun cuairt orra, mur chuan do ghloinn air a mheasgadh le teine, ni's dealraich na uile sheudan na talmhainn so air an caradh mu thimchioll crun na Ban-righinn Mur eil gu leoir agaibh fathast thugaibh suil air na criochan a ta ri fhaicinn fa chomhair nan eilein. Sin far am bheil na lochanna a ruith a stigh aig bun nam beann, far am bheil na machraichean faoilidh anns am bi na treudan ag ionaltradh fa ur dhealt a cheitein mu'n eirich a ghrian. Agus am fear nach faic co finealta 's a ta na nithean sin gu leir, 'se their mi nach eil-suil 'na cheann no tuigse na chridhe. Sin agaibh ma ta, an duthaich anns an. bheil againn ur tamh. Co as a thainig sinn fein, agus co d'am buin sinn 1 Tha eachdraidh nan Gaidheal a' dol gu ruig linntean fad' o shean, agus tha cunntas againn air ar sinnsirean mun deachaidh bunaitean na Roimh a leagail, agus mun robh duine beo a' gabhail tamh 's an fhearann Bhreatunnach. 'S coltach gum b' ann o mheadhon na h-Asia chaidh an saoghal gu leir a Lonadh le sluagh. Feudar a bhi cinnteach gun robh na Gaidhil am measg a cheud f headhainn a chaidh a mach, 'nuair a bha an sluagh a fas lionmhor, agus an tir a fas ro chumhann. Ghabh iad an turus a dh'ionnsuidh na h-airde '11 lar sior dol air an aghaidh gus am faighead iad aite taimh a bhiodh freagrach, agus mu dheireadh thug iad a mach criochan na h-airde 'n lar do'n Roinn Eorpa. As a sin, thainig iad 'nan curaichean thairis air a Chaolas Shasunnaich, agus dh'aitich iad Breatuun gu leir. Air dhaibh an sin a bhi air an roinn nan tri earaunan, chaidh cuid do Uels, agus cuid do Eirinn, thainig cuid eile do cheann Tuaith Albainn, agus b'iad sin na nor shinnsirean o'n tainig shine. Seadh, agus is iomadh cogadh mor a bha aca riamh ri chur, air son greim a chumail air tir nam beann. Is e facal suaicheantais nan Leodach, " Cum an greim a gheibh thu," agus tha mi an duil gum bn mhath a f hreagaireadh e do na Gaidhil uile. Thainig naimhdean nan aghaidh an toiseach as an Roimh. Bha iompaireachd na Roimh a' tagradh coir air an t saoghal gu leir, ach feuch an tug na Romanaich buaidh air luchd aiteachaidh nan gleann. Cha tug, s cha mho thug na Sasunnaich no na Lochlunnaich, ged a bu trie a thug iad an oidhirp. Tha iomadh earn ri fhaicinn air feadh na

6 Gaelic Society of Inverness.

Gaidhealtachd, a ta a' comharrachadh nan aitean far an do thuit colainnean nan namhaid cein sin, do bhrigh 's nach leigcadh ur n-aithrichtean leo sealbh a ghabhail. Cha deachaidh na Gaidhill riamh fathast a chur fo smachd coigrich, 's tha mi an dochas nach teid gu brath. Ach coma co dhiubh. Chan eil an sin ach seann naigheachdaii a bhuineas do na laithcan a dh'fhalbh* Cha'n ionann cor na Gaid- healtachd an diugh 's mar a bha i 'nuair a bhiodh na fineachan a' dol a niach gu cath fo bhratach nan Ceanna-cinnidh. Tha na Gaidhil air sgoileadh gu uile chriochan na talmhainn, 's tha iad air tighinu gu ard inbhe anus gach aite far an deachaidh iad. Faicibh an Domhnullach a bha na phriomh uachdaran air an fhearaun Bhreatunnach ann an America. Sin far an robh oganach Catach, a chuir moran urraim air an aite as an^Tthainig e. Cha'n 'eil ach goirid o na thainig a chrioch air, 's b' fhearr gun robh tuille ann coltach ris. 'S mor am beud gum bheil co beag suim air a ghab- hail do nithean Gaidhealach 'n ar measg. Tha moran 'n ar rneasg a' deanamh di-chuimhne air gnathaichean air n-aithrichean, 's chan eil mi cinnteach idir gur ann ni's fearr a ta iad a' deanamh. A reir coltais tha daoine ann a ta co proiseil 's gum bheil iad a deanamh tair air a Ghaidhlig mar chainnt shuaraich neo-fhasanda. Seadh, tha gu leoir ann air feadh na Gaidhealtachd aig am bheil gu leoir do Ghaidhlig, agus a ta a'cumail a mach nach eil facal dhi nan ceann. Tha iad g'am brath f ein gun taing. 'S iomadh uair a rinn mi gaire a' cluinntinn fear no te ag radh, 's Bheurla, " Chan eil Gaidhlig agam." Nam biodh iad ag innseadh na firinn 's e theireadh iad, " Cha'n aithne dhomh a Ghaidhlig,'; do bhrigh 's gur e sin an car a bhios na Sasunnaich a' cur air a chainnt aca fein. A nis, am feadh 's a tha daoine oho aineolach ri so, tha e feumail gun rachadh ni eiginn a dheanamh a chum 's nach rachadh di chuimhne gu leir a dheanadh air cainnt na h-airde Tuath. 'S e so is crioch araidh do'n Chomunn Ghaidhealach aig Inbhirnis. Is freagarrach gum biodh priomh bhaile na Gaidhealtachd air thoiseach 'sa ghniomh. Rinn muinntir Inbhirnis aon rud a bha glic, 'nuair a thug iad gairm do'n Ollamh Macleoid gu tighinn an aite an Domhnullaich. Cha'n e na h-uile fear a lionas boineid an Domhnullaich, ach mu tha fear idir ann, 's e sin Tormoid, Gaidheal mor, laidir, foghainteach ; saoghal 's slainte gum robh aige re morain laithean. Gu ma fada beo e, 's ceo as a thigh. 'S am dhomh sgur. Moran taing dhuibh air son co foighidneach 's a dh'isd sibh riiim. Gabhaibh air 'ur n-aghaidh a mhuinntir a Chomuinn Ghaidhealaich. Cumaibh cuimhne air na Baird, 's air a phiob mhoir, 's air na ceilidhean, 's air a chamanachd, agus seasaibh guallainn ri guallainn a dh-aindeoin co theireadh e.

Annual Assembly. 7

At the close the Chairman moved a vote of thanks to Mr Roddie and his choir, whom he complimented highly upon their performance, also the Rev. Mr Macgregor for his excellent Gaelic address.

Mr Mackay, solicitor, proposed a vote of thanks to Provost Ross for presiding, and the singing of " Auld Lang Syne" termi- nated one of the most enjoyable and successful assemblies that the Society have ever had.

The pianoforte accompaniments were tastefully supplied by Miss C. Fraser, Church Street, and the proceedings were appropri- ately diversified by an excellent selection of pipe music from the Society's piper, Pipe-Major Ronald Mackenzie, assisted by Pipe- Major Ferguson, of the Highland Rifle Volunteers.

The following poem was written by Mr Neil Macleod, Edin- burgh, bard to the Society, for the occasion :

COINNEAMH BLIADHNAIL COMUNN GAELIG INBHIRNIS.

Failt' air clann nan Gaidheal cliutach,

'Tha cruinn an nochd 'n an comunn muirneach,

A sheasamh canan aosd' ar duthcha,

A sheinn ar baird ; 'S a h-eachdraidh bhuan nach teid a mhuchadh

'An gloir nan dan.

Cho fad 's a shiubhleas uillt troimh ghleanntan,

'S a sheideas gaothan ris na beanntan,

Bidh cainnt 'us ceol nan gaisgeach greannmhor

A dion ar tir ; A' taisbeanadh an cliu gun ghanntar

Bho linn gu linn.

A' cliainnt a labhradh le ar sinnsir, 'S dh' fhag iad againne mar dhileab, Tha sibhs' an nochd gu duineil dileas,

Mar 'bu choir dhuibh ; 'G a nearteachadh 'n 'ur Baile rioghail

Le deadh eolas.

'S i 'labhair Oisean, Fionn, 'us Diarmad, 'S a dhuisgeadh spiorad treun 'n an iarmad, A sheasadh daingean mar an t-iarunn,,

Ri uchd an namh ; 'S an talla chiuil gu baintidh siochail,

Le iochd is baigh.

Gaelic Society of Inverness.

Altrumaibh le beus gun truailleadh,

Gacli ni 'tha maiseach agus nasal,

Le spiorad rioghail mar 'hu dual dhuibh*

Bho bhur sinnsir ; 'S caiunt bhur mathar cumaibh snas i,

Gun a diobradh.

Cuimtmichibh an stoc bho 'n d' fhas sibh, 'S air an eachdraidh bhuan a dh' fhag iad, Air an gniomharan neo-bhasmhor,

'S air an euchdan ; A cheannaich saorsa tir nan ardbheann

Le 'n cuid chreuchdan.

18th NOVEMBER, 1891.

A largely attended meeting was held on this date, being the tirst meeting for Session 1891-92. After the nomination of a num- ber of gentlemen for membership, and the arranging of some business in connection with the annual dinner, Mr Alex. Macbain, M.A., read a paper contributed by Mr Matheson, teacher, Easdale, entitled " The apparitions and ghosts of the Isle of Skye." Mr Matheson's paper was as follows :

THE GHOSTS AND APPARITIONS OF THE ISLE OF SKYE.

Considering the number of able writers and accomplished critics among the members of the Gaelic Society of Inverness, it is with feelings very nearly akin to timidity that I approach my subject, that of the Ghosts of Skye feelings arising not from any fear of the ghosts themselves, though it is a subject well calcu- lated to excite fear, but from an inward consciousness of many shortcomings hindering the paper from being more worthy of the occasion, and making it worthy of a place among the records of the Society, and ensuring for it that patient hearing and unsparing criticism so beneficial to both writers and readers. I will, how- ever, do my best for the sake of old Skye, and

Air son na tim a bh'ann bho shean Air son na tim bho chian 0'.

Apparitions of the Isle of Skye. 0

But even then I fear it will fall far short of a real Skye Old Ceilidh, where many a time and oft patriarchal crofters of the old school considered it their chief delight

Around their fire an evening group to draw, And tell of all they heard and all they saw.

I shall not attempt anything ir the shape of a learned or scholarly treatment of the subject, but will confine myself to giving specimens of such ghost stories as I remember in the homely style in which they are related in Skye by people often without a particle of education, but whose memories are regular treasure-houses of old world stories and legends, and which they can, as a rule, deliver with good effect, and with the utmost con- fidence in the correctness of their version. I feel sure that the members of your Society remember many similar stories, and 1 would suggest that they supplement this paper by relating, Ceilidh-wise, each man a story after the reading of this paper.

I at first thought of making it embrace all phases of super- stition in Skye, but I find the subject so inexhaustible that I must confine myself to one phase of it, namely, the ghosts and appar- itions, and even that phase 1 find capable of sub-division into various branches, for, on examining the subject, I find there are gentle, ethereal, inoffensive ghosts, goody-goody ghosts, always bent on some mission of love, charity, or justice There are ghosts under some inexorable spell of distress that visit the scenes of their former state of mortality in search of some Christian mortal with a courage that can stand the test of interviewing and being interviewed by a ghost.

" Speak till and hear what it confest, And send a wandering soul to rest."

There are malevolent ghosts, retributive and violent, with a will and power to inflict the most convincing cudgelling if the occasion demands it ; and there are various and innumerable apparitions of the devil in bodily form, cloven-footed, saucer-eyed, and nostrils breathing fire ; a pugnacious pair of horns, and what a length of tail behind, and then its hue ! Whoever saw so fine a blue, or green, or black, white, for not more varying are the ever changing hues of the chameleon, than are the different versions of the appearance of Old Nick in old Skye. Now he appears driving a carriage and six black horses through the air ; now as a black parson preaching mock sermons to an assembly of witches, or he assumes the role of dominie and gives his witch pupils uncanny lessons on some dread-

10 Gaelic Society of /nuerness.

ful mystifications of the Black Art, or he appears as a well-dressed gentleman in black, a decrepit old man, a labourer, or fisherman, but an accident always betrays his cloven hoof, which always dis- tinguishes him in whatever guise he appears, and then he vanishes iu flames of fire. Sometimes, when he wants to frighten the lieges, he is accompanied by infernal and hideous howling and with the noise of clanking of irons, as if all the ship cables in existence were dangling at his heels. As a finely dressed gentle- man he is said to have joined a party playing at cards in Uig Inn late one Saturday night. The party continued playing well on into Sunday morning, when- one of the cards happening to drop on to the floor, the party who lifted it was horrified to find he was. playing with the cloven-footed gentleman ; and on raising the alarm his satanic majesty disappeared ^through the roof amidst flames of fire. How is it the devil always ascends out of sight, seeing his satanic majesty is supposed to live "down, down, below ?" A Skye clergyman of these long ago olden times, the famous Rev. Mr Espol of Snizort and Scorribreck, the latter place then under crofters this rev. gentleman, who was as famous for his feats of strength as he was for his preaching, once had a ser- vant girl who entered into compact with the devil for certain girlish considerations, by which all her desires were to be realised. The bargain was that the gentleman in black, for as such he always appeared to her, was to claim her as his own at the end of a year and a clay. True to his word on the appointed day he pre- sented himself at the minister's manse to claim the girl. The girl, in her perplexity, sought counsel of the minister, and told him the whole story, while the gentleman in black was kept waiting in another room in which was a lighted candle, but he urged that his time was precious and that the