Are You Ready to Enlist?

[creagdhubh]

I could not agree with you more--------in an ideal world. The problem (problems actually) that I have come across more than once here is that "our" English English is not the same as "North American" English--for example-- and not only that, how "we" might say(phrase) something that is quite acceptable over here, is not over there and vice versa. Then we have the problem that not everyone reads every post in a thread and can jump in on a particular post without understanding what context a particular post has been written, that is actually quite harmless within the context of the whole thread. When we add in genuine misunderstandings into the equation then on the whole I think we all do pretty well in the circumstances. Then we have differing histories, cultures, backgrounds, educations, etc., to consider------------

Much of the credit for the smooth running of this website must be given to the intellegent aplications of judgement of our moderators here who let conversations and some topics go further than perhaps they might, in an effort to continue an interesting thread. Also, I think credit should be given to all here, that we on the whole allow ourselves to dis-agree without being dis-agreeable. Perfect? No. Can we do better? I would like to think so, but considering everything it would be hard to.

Well said, Jock. Again, I'm out of "ayes," so a big plus one!

[creagdhubh]

I don't accept such a clearly drawn division of politics and history and in many instances I simply view them as different tenses of the same chain of events. I have yet to meet a history scholar who felt they had gained any understanding of history without a obtaining a knowledge of politics in the same process. Write an essay for a history professor and they will be uninterested in your perfect recollection of dates but more about how you interpret the political situation that surrounded them.

Not everything that is discussed here in the context of colourful history remains fully buried in the past - loyalty to the traditions of the military, the nobility and the crown is a good example, as any citizen of Glasgow could tell you. Many of these events of the past have an ongoing effect today and in my opinion, that will inevitably lead to discussions of a "political" nature. That shouldn't mean, however, that we should not be able to express opinion on such subjects as long as we do it respectfully and politely.

As for the members of this forum, I think you're a great bunch of polite, articulate and intelligent people and I want to read more, not less, of what you have to say. I will also express my appreciation of the moderators and my faith in their discretion.

I couldn't agree more...extremely well put and your diction is spot on! I especially liked what you said in the middle paragraph in regards to "the context of colourful history remains fully buried in the past..."

Cheers,

[BoldHighlander]

The Atholl Highlanders are looking for a few good men...

http://www.perthshireadvertiser.co.u...ngX6mc.twitter

I have had the privilege of seeing Europe's last remaining private army at the Atholl Gathering at Blair Castle in Perthshire. Truly a sight to behold. I'd absolutely love to wear the uniform, but you can only become an Atholl Highlander by invitation and I'm sure being a native born Scot is a requirement as well. The Atholl Highlanders are a rather exclusive and elite (bodyguard) unit with a rich history. They're a purely ceremonial regiment today.

Wonderful photos Kyle!

I wonder *if* I can enlist since my 14th great-grandfather (through my Innes/Haynes/Stewart linage) was John Stewart, 1st Earl of Atholl (c. 1440 – 19 September 1512)?

[TheOfficialBren]

I am uncertain if I, a lowly Californian lad recently embarking on a journey to discover his roots, am qualified to reply to this thread but here I go.

The Great Rabble is generally, dispite our affectionate moniker, one of the most polite and gentlemanly (in the positive sense--NOT the snarky sense) groups that I have had the privilege of which to be a part.

Do we often butt heads? Absolutely! Sometimes we have some pretty heated debates...BUT...we always fined our footing and don't resort to mud-slinging.

With that said, do historical events from centuries still affect us today? ABSOLUTELY they do. I cite the common law and court system enacted by Henry II as a prime example of 'ancient' history that has carried down through the many, many years. However there are occasions where the politics of the past do not affect today's world (ask anyone in the MODERN-day (emphasis on modern) Middle East if the Hittite Empire affects their daily lives to this day. You will probably get a resounding, "no, it does not." on the other hand, Hammurabi's codex of law was a foundation for Western philosophical thought that carried through to the Greeks, the Romans, the Itallian Rennaissance, and the Modern World (sometimes subtly, sometimes with full-realisation).

It is not so black-and-white an issue and it is, furthermore, academically obtuse to examine many historical events through a 21st century lens.

We do live in an era where redefining history seems to be a common trend in today's academics. Is that bad? It depends. If we look at, for example, the Bayeaux Tapastry, we see an image that many of our forebears likely overlooked--the image of a mother and child escaping from their burning home during a raid. This image is so easily identifiable as modern-thinkers. Undoubtedly previous generations were more concerned with viewing that same piece of art with the focus on William and Harold Godwinsson.

As we re-examine the past we must do so with trepidation and objectivity.

The !edieval world was brutal, tough, and harsh---but it was a necessary stepping stone that laid the foundations of Modern civilisation. Were atrocities committed? Without a doubt, but none were truly blameless (some of my ancestors certainly weren't). This seems to be true of Highland Clan history as much as anywhere else in the world, in all civilisations from the dawn of time.

Today, however, we are blessed beyone belief that we, as Modern peoples, are putting away much of those devisive things and focussing on building a better world. We should be proud of that. Would some of our ancestors have issue with that? Maybe. Perhaps. Very possibly. But we do not dwell in the past. We study it, learn from it, and hope to heaven that we can be builders WITH mankind instead of destroyers OF mankind.

That is our legacy for the future and THAT is far nobler than any bloodshed of the past. We are taking babysteps but they are the growing pains of a truly New World...and that is beautiful, my friends.

Peace and prosperity to all of you.

Slàinte!

[WillowEstate]

That is our legacy for the future and THAT is far nobler than any bloodshed of the past. We are taking babysteps but they are the growing pains of a truly New World...and that is beautiful, my friends.

Well said, sir!

It's important that we remember our military past - I don't know anyone who isn't deeply moved when the poppy petals fall in the Remembrance ceremony in London - and it's right that we remember, with gratitude, the sacrifice of those who "gave their today for our tomorrow". Our greatest respect is, as you say, to learn from our past and use that knowledge to build a better future.

[Orionson]

I have read every thread of this very interesting post from start to finish and I am enjoying it thoroughly on many levels.

My comment may be a bit "off piste" - but, am I the only one who sees a strong resemblance between the marching Atholl Highlander in the second rank in the centre of the 6th photo from the top and our own Jock Scot?

Humm, I wonder?

Cheers, all!

The Atholl Highlanders are looking for a few good men...

http://www.perthshireadvertiser.co.u...ngX6mc.twitter

I have had the privilege of seeing Europe's last remaining private army at the Atholl Gathering at Blair Castle in Perthshire. Truly a sight to behold. I'd absolutely love to wear the uniform, but you can only become an Atholl Highlander by invitation and I'm sure being a native born Scot is a requirement as well. The Atholl Highlanders are a rather exclusive and elite (bodyguard) unit with a rich history. They're a purely ceremonial regiment today.





















Kind regards,

[Jock Scot]

No, not me Guv. Honest!

[Father Bill]

Just wondering if you had a "part time" job.

[jetstar63]

Hey, some of those men are too old to fight.

[Jock Scot]

Hey, some of those men are too old to fight.

I suspect that as most of them know one end of a rifle from the other rather better than most of us, that it might be unwise to make too much of their age! Besides, they are a tad younger than their artillery!