Crossed Swords
American Message Reaches South Uist

Last April, six-year-old Ryan Hunter, of Inverness, was visiting his grandmother on the island of South Uist. As he played upon the shore, he spotted a bottle with a note inside: "My name is Tim. You have found a message from Penfield, Rhode Island, USA...launched April 13, 2005."

With the help of his Dad, Ryan emailed the school as the note instructed. Now the Penfield Grade Schoolers and Ryan's Drakies Primary School in Inverness are buddies with mail and photos.

Clockwork Oranges changes color

When Glasgow's subway system was modernized in the 70's, the trains were painted the

trendy color of orange. The subway was immediately dubbed the "Clockwork Orange' - a hip name with the transit system, right in step with the times. However, time has turned the hip into 'lost hope' and the transit system is returning to it's original carmine (a chocolate red) and cream, which was used when the underground first began operating in 1896.

Scotland's First Golf Course for Kids

Golfing is very big in Scotland. Now the Scottish Government wants to make it even better. The goal of the project is to introduce every nine year old and up to the game by 2009. More info: www.goswing.org

Root Name

Burnett - a variant of the Germanic personal name Beoron - heard which means Bear-hard. It was popular in Normandy and brought to Scotland in the Conquest. The Scottish pronunciation stresses the first syllable. Roger Burnard was a Borderland owner about 1200. Alexander Burnard or Burnet, was a retainer of Robert the Bruce and was rewarded with land grants in the Forest of Drum, and barony of Kincardine. Later, Alexander Burnett was archbishop of Saint Andrew in 1690. Gilbert Burnet was bishop of Salisbury in 1689 for service to William and Mary.

There are several landed families: Burnett of Burnett wears clan tartan Burnett; Burnett western is allied to the Campbells and wears their clan tartan. Burnett (e) of Leys wears

its own clan tartan of Burnett (e) of Leys.

Appalachian Saint Andrew's Society Pipe Band

We meet each Saturday for practice and instruction 10:00 AM to Noon, Saint Clare's Episcopal Church, end of Memory Gardens drive, Blairsville, GA. Free Instruction is open to all ages, male and female. For more information call Jay Craig at 706-835-9071.

The Band's next performance will be in Dahlonega, 2 December 2006 for their annual Christmas parade. The band will be the featured performer. All are welcome; the parade begins at 5:00PM.

Preserve me from the enemy that has something to gain, and from the friend that has something to lose.